Читать книгу Revelation by Elohim. The Mystery of Diana de’Poitier - Claude Angie - Страница 10

Bells were ringing all over Paris and all over France. France was in mourning. Crown Prince Francis died of a serious lung disease. Henry was heartbroken. He truly loved his brother. He stood silently by the window. She came up behind him.

Heinrich, you couldn’t help him.

I’m really sorry Francis is gone. She said.

He turned a miserable face full of grief and loss to her.

I’m sorry, she repeated, and hugged him.

He rested his head on her shoulder and was silent, as he once did in childhood. Then when they first met, and he was still a child. On the day when their very children, Heinrich, along with his still healthy brother, were sent into captivity.

She stroked his thick, black hair. So they stood silently, without uttering a word.

How strange at times the interweaving of fate or the fate itself. Many years ago, the little prince, the second son of the king, everyone simply forgot to even greet, sending him prisoner. After all, he should not have become king. But who among mortals can know what should be? And who’s indomitable strength and the hand from above, writes and decides the fate of people? Inevitable fate or fate itself! And the power that kings have is just an illusion! Because there is only one true power! This is his power and will! And his name is the creator or god! What fate has he prepared for each of us?! What turn will lead us to death or victory?!

Henry was not supposed to become the heir to the throne, but he did!

And everything changed. If earlier he could wander alone and he was not particularly noticed, except of course the ladies. That heir to the throne, now everyone was interested. Now he could not fail to be noticed. The courtiers literally watched him at every bush, trying to gain favor. They followed him in a round dance. He complained to Diana that they would not leave him alone for a minute. Henry’s new position did not please him at all, it weighed him down. And the freedom so adored by him was irretrievably lost. He was not at all happy about becoming king. Heinrich had been preparing himself for a military career all his life, which meant campaigns and battles. Where everything is decided only by your own courage and valor. Now he realized that everything had turned upside down. He will never make a military career, as he is the future king of France, and this saddened him. He was still annoyed.

Lying flatterers! He spoke while talking to Diana.

They walk around like a pack of jackals. Looking out for something or begging.

You can’t imagine Diana!

This afternoon, out of anger, I said something nonsense, hoping that at least someone would argue with me.

What do you think?!

They unanimously agreed with the nonsense I said!

How can this be?! He finished, annoyed.

He looked at her completely unhappy and added.

Diana, this is awful! You have no idea.

Diana was reclining on silk pillows on a small Roman-style sofa. She waved her hand to Heinrich, who nervously paced the room, inviting him to sit down next to her.

Heinrich dear.

Don’t think so much about them, really.

As if you don’t know the courtiers.

You are in a really bad mood for this.

Give it up, forget it.

He sighed bitterly.

How not to think if they are everywhere!

Heinrich, please don’t worries like that.

You break my heart! Diana answered.

Let them bow and chat like parrots.

Don’t notice them. She said, and, getting up from the couch, went up to him.

Heinrich sat down in a nearby chair. She settled in his lap, dangling her legs and hugging his neck.

Well, would you like me to tell you a funny story? She sang.

To stop being sad.

He breathed in even more bitterly than before, looked at her and smiled.

Yes, really, I won’t think about it. He said, trying to hide the sadness in his voice.

Then listen to the story. She said, poking her nose lightly with her finger, as if tickling. Trying to cheer him up.

He smiled at her but remained sad.

Long live the king

Everything was quiet and stood still, like time had stopped. And this day could be the same as many others. If the peace and quiet of this day had not been disturbed, like the explosion of a volcano, the voice of the herald. At first it was quiet, and then it began to grow, like an avalanche descending, gaining strength. And then, finally, the rumble of people thundered, reaching a point at the very top, like a thousand voices of a huge hive.

The king is dead!

And then, there was a pause, and the air exploded with an explosion of voices.

Long live the king!

So Francis 1 was dead. Diana and Heinrich stood at the open window. She heard a hum, and words. The king is dead! Turning her head, she looked at Heinrich and whispered along with the rumble of the crowd.

Long live the king! Sitting down in a deep curtsy, greeting the new king of France, as etiquette demanded.

Henry did not harbor warm feelings for Francis 1, so he accepted the loss calmly and only officially in sorrow. He never saw his father’s love for himself, who was always cold to him. Francis simply never noticed or loved Henry. Therefore, Henry did not pretend to be a fake sorrow. Perhaps, in my heart only feeling sad that I did not know my father’s love. The point was, and the courtiers whispered quietly about this, that Henry was not at all the son of Francis. The reason for this was such a clear dissimilarity of Henry, both with his brother and with the king. Heinrich was dark-skinned, black-eyed and black-haired. Francis, like his first son, was fair-haired and blue-eyed. This dissimilarity was too obvious. To which the queen mother referred to the similarity of Henry along her line with her ancestors. In her youth, the queen was known as a beauty never seen before, and who knows what desperate hero came to her chambers. But, these were only rumors and guesses, not confirmed by anything. And rumors remain just rumors. The very same Francis 1, these rumors did not bother much, since Henry was not the heir to the throne. With Henry, Francis 1 was always cold, and that coldness never melted.

Diana lifted her curtsy and looked at Henry. He was somewhere far away, as if not with her, peering into the distance thoughtfully. However, what is the interweaving of fate! And if Henry was not the son of Francis 1. Then, son of what hero or knight ascended the throne of France?! Diana thought, smiling. Whoever his father was, she was sure it couldn’t be Francis.

It was for sure a brave handsome man! She thought. He seemed to wake up and looked into her eyes, smiled back at her.

The coronation was magnificent. It seemed that all of Paris had gathered in the square near the church. Not only high society, but also common people from small to large. There were so many people in the church that, as they say, the apple had no place to fall. Henry stood in magnificent royal robes for the coronation of the French monarchs. Priests of the highest ranks stood next to him, holding on outstretched arms, on velvet cushions, the attributes of royal power to present to the king as a sign of the highest royal power bestowed on the king by God himself. Since the king is the undoubted God’s anointed, fulfilling his will on earth! The coronation ceremony has begun. The priest, reverently, slowly placed on Henry’s head the sign of royalty, a crown studded with precious stones of incredible size and equally beautiful purity. With the words: «Long live the anointed of God, fulfilling the will of God on earth, King of France, Henry II»! And as soon as the last word was uttered, there was such a rumble that it seemed that the walls of the church were shaking. Heinrich turned to face his subjects and his people. Everything seemed to tremble and vibrate from a thousand voices.

Long live the King of France!

Long live Henry II!

Diana stood at the front of the church. She looked at Heinrich. Her heart sank. He stood in the rays of light and greatness, as if towered and hovered above everyone around him. His face was calm and solemn. She looked at him, at the king of France, at her king! And a thought flashed through my head. Vicar of God on earth! The man touched by the hand of God! The entire courtyard present in the church sat down in deep curtsy, as did Diana. Saluting your king!

And so, by a strange dictum of fate, the gatekeeper. Yesterday, courtiers mocking and pouring mud at her. They circled in a hungry flock near the king’s mistress. Not reckless and short-sighted, and therefore so stupid, complained that they turned out to be such. That is, fools! In addition, to their misfortune, Poitiers had a surprisingly good memory! Those, whose prudence, as it turned out, became their undoubted salvation, were glad of their neutral side in the war of the ladies. An example of the fact that Poitiers has a good memory and, as it turned out, unfortunately for many, a vindictive disposition, was one episode. Once, one of the ladies, from among the non-judicious and not in the recent past, allowed herself ridicule and taunts towards Madame de Brese. I tried to make up for the error and soften the corners as they say. This lady came up and tried to talk to Diana. In the hope that Poitiers does not remember her evil tongue. Diana, who was in the flattering crowd surrounding her for a long time and talking with one of the courtiers. Lazily, she turned to the unfortunate cold look full of contempt and arrogance, like an annoying fly. She held them over the lady from top to bottom, as if with two daggers. The stupid lady tried to tell her something. But, Poitiers silently turned away from her, as if she was not at all. Telling the courtiers with whom she spoke.

Come on gentlemen. It seems to have smelled of something rotten here, and I can hear the vile buzzing of flies. Having said this, she walked slowly away. Continuing the conversation, surrounded by the same flattering crowd. Leaving the unfortunate woman in a stupid and humiliated position, completely alone. So those fool who hoped for her bad memory. They realized that her memory, it is true, serves her, to their chagrin. And she’s certainly not going to forget anything. They forever lost the location of the king’s favorite, and hence the location of the king himself. Since everyone knew Heinrich’s affection for Diana. Henry simply gave Diana her enemies. Just laughing at their fate. Knowing that his precious Diana, like a fury, has an extremely vengeful nature. That she will not forget and will not forgive them for their insults.

Her enemies paid dearly for their caustic remarks. They were forever deprived of the king’s favor. Some preferred to retire from the court, as they say, out of harm’s way. Realizing that Poitiers can be extremely vindictive, and deals with enemies without the slightest regret in his heart.

As for the so hateful for Poitiers, de Tamp. She was still in the palace.

A month had passed and De Tamp was waiting for Poitiers to attack like an angry tigress.

She had been expecting an attack from Poitiers from the very first day that Henry was crowned and he became king. But, to her surprise, Poitiers did not show any interest in her.

De Tamp was embarrassed by this strange phenomenon, but in the end decided that Poitiers, reveling in her sudden ascent, forgot about her. De Tamp, however, after the unexpected death of Francis, was immediately forgotten and abandoned by everyone and was left alone. She tried not to catch the eye of Poitiers. Hoping that Diana had completely forgotten about her. And she was already beginning to believe that the storm had passed. As unexpectedly, one sunny, beautiful morning there was a knock on her door. Her servant brought her a gift given by someone. She was very surprised. The painting turned out to be a gift. It was accompanied by a small, elegant letter. Taking it in her hands, de Tamp felt a delicate aroma emanating from him and recognized the small seal, at the house of de Brese, she immediately went cold. With shaking hands, she opened the letter.

It was written in beautiful, clear and graceful handwriting: «To my dearest friend, Mademoiselle de Tamp. With tender love, please accept this gift. In honor that your dearest friend remembers you. «Signed, Countess de Brese.

Unpleasant chills creped down de Tampa’s body. This did not bode well for her. She walked over to the painting and angrily ripped off the fabric in which it was wrapped. A boring and rather tasteless, even ugly still life appeared before her eyes. She grimaced in disgust, but before she knew it, Poitiers fluttered into her room without knocking. De Tamp was taken aback, staring stupidly at the hated Poitiers. But, Poitiers did not stop, quickly walked to her meeting, opening her arms and smiling cheerfully.

Oh my dear friend! Diana sang to her voices. And she came close to de Tamp, hugged her and kissed her on both cheeks, which became paler than the whitest wall.

Poitiers hugged de Tamp so tightly that she was afraid that Poitiers might come to strangle her. But, at some point, Diana still released her, from the steel embrace. With a cheerful cry, she rushed to the picture.

Oh my god! My dear! Poitiers spoke in her sweet voice, as if in a chant. Stretching out every word as if enjoying.

Do you like my gift?

Isn’t he wonderful?

She seemed to be looking at the ugly picture with pleasure.

You know. As soon as I saw this miracle. I immediately remembered about you. Poitiers continued with enthusiasm.

This beautiful painting reminded me of you, my dear!

Poitiers did not take her eyes off the nightmarish still life. Reverently bringing her hands together in front, as if praying, she said.

I thought it might not suit you and your taste.

Diana continued, turning sharply and looking at de Tamp. Her eyes rested on de Tamp, white as a wall. But Poitiers did not calm down, clearly enjoying herself. Quickly, like a cat toss, she walked over to de Tamp and grabbed her hand. From what she had a nervous tic.

Don’t you like it? Frightened and feigned, asked Poitiers.

Oh my god! Don’t blame me!

You know, I’m not as expert in painting as you are. Poitiers continued her torture without allowing de Tamp to answer. Diana continued cheerfully.

You know, I can’t wait. When it’s a miracle. She waved her hand lazily in the direction of the ugly picture. Without taking his eyes off his victim. Like a huge python. She continued.

She will add to your wonderful art gallery on your estate.

De Tamp thought she was about to faint. Diana smiled at her pretend to be naive, still not taking her eyes off her.De Tamp was dizzy. She felt uneasy. Poitiers’ dark brown eyes, in the rays of sunlight beating through the window, suddenly lit up for a moment with yellow lights and became like the eyes of a giant cat watching a mouse, which it holds by its tail. The next minute, going to bite off that head. De Tamp shuddered, trying to stagger away from Poitiers, but the next moment she grabbed her hand again, squeezing her wrist tightly. She smiled sweetly at her. De Tamp had no strength left to pull them out. She twisted her leg and tried not to fall at Poitiers’ feet. Diana smiled, staring at de Tamp with the almost predatory, carnivorous gaze of the hungry cat.

She continued in a chant.

You know what?!

You will leave tonight!

And tomorrow. My wonderful gift. And also, your paintings, which I ordered to be removed in the royal gallery. These were exactly the pictures that de Tamp painted when she was a favorite and adorned the royal gallery. Diana took them off a long time ago, out of sight. She continued.

They will decorate your gallery in your mansion along with my present!

It will be, perhaps, the most worthy and best decoration! She finished almost solemnly, still devouring her victim with her eyes and enjoying her agony. De Tamp weakly tried to escape with the last of her strength. In despair, realizing that Poitiers expels her. She blurted out.

What about His Majesty the King?!

I must inform the king of my departure! Weak, de Tamp said. Trying not to faint. Diana finally released her victim from her tenacious paws, interrupted her.

Ah, my dear. You have nothing to worry about.

I have already discussed everything with His Majesty the King.

He, believe me, is just delighted with my gift!

She blissfully turned her gaze to the ugly painting. She added slowly, in a chant, as if she were singing a song

Oh, how she suits you!

Then she started, as if remembering something.

Oh my god! Honey, it’s time for me to run! She hurried to add.

So tonight.

Don’t forget!

De Tamp tried to say something else, but Diana interrupted her.

And don’t argue, honey! All is decided! Fun, Diana added.

You are leaving tonight!

I, alas, will not come to see you off.

Business, you know.

And tomorrow you will have my present at your estate! She said, and after a pause, finished firmly in the affirmative.

Yes! As if to herself. Still looking in awe at his gift.

And without waiting for an answer, she swam to the exit, rustling her skirts. She had already left, but the edge of her skirt was still slowly creeping into the doorway after her.

Like the tail of a huge snake! A thought flashed across de Tampa’s mind. And she collapsed exhausted on the couch that was next to her. Screaming out hopelessly and trembling all over.

Snake!!!

Damn snake!!! And she burst into tears.

De Tamp was expelled from Paris and removed from the court forever. What happened to Poet’s gift, a painting, is unknown to anyone except de Tamp herself.

In the evening, having collected all her things, she went to her carriage. Lifting her head to the palace, she suddenly saw Poitiers standing at the window, she was watching her. Stumbling at the foot of the carriage and nearly falling, de Tamp hurried to hide in the shadow of the carriage. Poitiers looked at the carriage leaving, she smiled!

Heinrich showered his Diana with priceless gifts. To the most enviable crown jewels, he added a huge diamond confiscated from the defeated favorite of the deceased king, the Duchess de Tampa. Diana also got all the castles of the Duchess, as well as the Parisian mansion of her hated rival. Not content with expelling the duchess, Poitiers purged de Tampa’s other supporters. So Pierre Lizet lost his post as prime minister. And Olivier, the chancellor’s office. At the same time, supporters of Poitiers began to receive top government positions. As soon as Henry became king, he remembered his old friends and commanded to entrust Montmorency with the highest state office. Diana did not mind this decision. Since she was supporting the constable. He didn’t give her any fear.

Diana had an amazing habit. Get up early in the morning, at dawn. When the day, together with the birds, only wakes up and the first rays of the sun color the sky. She got up and felt an unreasonable joy. Her soul was filled with peace and tranquility, perhaps comparable to bliss. At this early hour, when the whole world had not yet woken up completely and the air was especially clean, and the singing of birds filled everything around. Diana went to the stable, where a horse was already being saddled for her, and rode on horseback for about an hour. Enjoying this amazing creation of God and nature, dawn, as well as fast driving and a feeling of complete, absolute freedom. Choking on the wind and driving fast. Then, she would come back and take a cool bath to cool down her body, which was heated up by the fast ride. The coolness of the water was very pleasant to her. Her body calmed down and she felt reborn. And then, she went and went to bed, for a few more hours. This ritual became a part of her life. And not a day passed without her meeting the sun. Sometimes she said so.

Hello sun! As if greeted a luminary.

Waking up, after a couple of hours of sleep, she ate breakfast lightly and felt a surge of strength, as if the luminary itself charged her with its light. So her day began. Heinrich sometimes went with her at dawn. But, when he didn’t join her. She quietly crawled out of bed so as not to wake him up, but he always heard her exactly. Then she kissed him gently.

Speaking. Sleep, I’ll be back soon.

And when he returned, and if he was still asleep, she would just as quietly climb under the covers to him.

Heinrich, was married to Catherine de Medici, but had never felt any feelings for to his wife. It was undoubtedly a marriage of convenience. The phenomenon is common, for persons of royal blood. Diana, of course, even at the beginning of their relationship, asked Henry about Catherine. To which, he answered her. That, his heart and his life belong to her only one and it will always be so. And she had to face it. As for Henry. It got to the point that Poitiers practically had to ask him to visit Catherine’s chambers. Diana did not see a rival in the ugly, unprepossessing Catherine.

Henry, Catherine was not interesting. But if, by the way, Catherine, who, by the way, due to the fact that Henry did not want to, simply, perform marital duty with her, does not have an heir and children. Because of this, a divorce could well have happened. And it is not yet known who could be the next contender for Henry’s wife. Therefore, Poitiers chose, as they say, the lesser of evils, that is, Catherine. Once again, when a conversation came with Heinrich that he needed heirs and he could not ignore Catherine. Henry fell into anger and longing about this. First, because he did not want this woman, who was his wife. Secondly, because the woman he loved simply sent him to bed with another. From what, he became completely unhappy. Going to see Catherine, he became nervous and angry. Swearing with swear words, like the last shoemaker in France.

I, the King of France! Heinrich spoke.

Should sleep and please, like the last whore in this kingdom, this woman!

Diana and you yourself are telling me that?! He spoke, offended.

Heinrich, dear. You know perfectly well it breaks my heart!

But we have no control over this!

You will always be married to someone else! You know.

You could never marry me. Sadly, answered Poitiers. Knowing exactly that it was just like that and could not be otherwise. Henry grew even sadder.

I, King Diana!

I, I can do anything! He grinned sadly.

Only, I can’t marry the one I love!

I, would prefer fate, any shoemaker in my country!

Because any shoemaker is freer than me! He finished bitterly.

Diana was silent, her eyes downcast. She didn’t know what to say. Realizing that both of them feel, at this moment, unwitting captives of circumstances that they are unable to change. But, nevertheless, Poitiers did not harbor hostility or did not lead to Catherine. Poitiers even felt sorry for Catherine as a woman. She understood that she, too, was the same hostage of circumstances. That she lived with a man who did not love her. And Diana understood that there is no fate sadder for a woman than being for a husband, for someone who does not love you. So yes. She felt sorry for Catherine. Until, one moment! Which happened once and she realized how passionately Catherine hated her!

Once, Diana asked Catherine de Medici, who was reading a book.

What, are you reading?

What, Medici, answered.

I read the history of France and find undeniable evidence that in this country, harlots have always ruled the affairs of kings.

The hint was clear! She just called her a whore! Poitiers eyes lit up with yellow fire! But, having an iron endurance, which she demonstrated back in the war with de Tamp. Diana did not raise an eyebrow! A second later, she smiled good-naturedly and broadly at Catherine. Answered.

Interested in history?

Really, I wonder?

She’s got a lot of fun!

I, too, find it very interesting how the offspring of merchants suddenly put on a crown!

Read it.

I assure you, you won’t find many such stories!

She finished, still smiling graciously.

Ekaterina fidgeted on the couches. Realizing what was behind Poitiers, the last word remained. Diana said goodbye to Catherine.

I’ll leave you for an educational lesson. She said and walked away. Turning away from Catherine, her smile disappeared from her face, and her eyes darkened.

Ah, here you are!

There is plenty of poison in you! Diana thought to herself, moving away from Catherine.

Only, on me, it will hardly work!

Believe me! She chuckled. Moving away from Catherine.

Okay, I get it, she finished the thought.

We are enemies!

And no way, no other way! Catherine watched as the silhouette of Poitiers receding gracefully floated away. She stared after her with sincere hatred.

Whispered in Italian.

Disgusting whore! But, in her eyes, there was something else, a different feeling, which caused Poitiers in her. This feeling was deep envy, one woman for another. She understood that she would never be like Poitiers. Graceful, dazzling beauty! And so, Catherine, surreptitiously, tried to copy and imitate, Poitiers.

Oh, yes, Ekaterina, everyone saw differently. What she was, and who she really was, but still, secretly in the depths of her soul. She was seen as a calm, humble queen. But how wrong they were! Even Diana did not immediately see who she really is, Catherine de Medici. Even though I saw people, almost through and through. Only now, she realized that Catherine is full of poison and is not at all an innocent lamb. At some point, Diana thought that, perhaps, Henry’s divorce from an Italian woman and marriage to a new passion. Not such a bad idea. But, then, she decided that she was still Italian, not a threat to her, and even less a rival. Plus, now she knows for sure that this snake has poisonous teeth! And this means that you have to keep your friends close! And the enemies are even closer! In order to know and predict all their insidious plans for many steps ahead! And she decided that she would be very close to Catherine! Having come to this conclusion. Diana, she didn’t bother anymore! And, despite the fact that the crown was on the head of one. The real queen was another!

Medici, at first I thought that she could do something against the favorite. And, she ordered to make a hole in the ceiling of Poitiers’ quarters. In the hope of seeing what can be used against the favorite and ridiculed or humiliated her. Or, perhaps, to harm her or something unpleasant. I decided to spy on her and the king. A very spicy scene appeared to the Medici’s eyes. Half-naked lovers comfortably settled on a luxurious bed. Diane de Poitiers looked great!

The lovers had a great time together, doing such madness in bed that the Medici could not have imagined! From which, she first blushed and then turned white. What she saw shocked and upset. The attitude of the king to her became very clear to her. She returned to her room. Her face was still purple from what she saw. She sank into a chair, whispering.

Nasty French whore!

And again, covered with paint, remembering what he saw.

She told everything to one of her close ladies.

She said.

Alas! I regretted seeing what I shouldn’t have!

And, it hurt me.

Catherine realized that Henry was lost to her forever. Never again did she use the hole in the ceiling of the hated Poitiers’ chambers.

Later, she wrote to her daughter: «I welcomed you, Madame de Poitiers, for the king forced me to do this. And at the same time, I always made her feel that I was doing this, to my greatest regret, because never a wife who loves her husband loved his whore! Otherwise, I cannot name it. As if, the persons of our position, it was not painful to pronounce such words. «The Queen even made plans. In order to poison the hated favorite, but the anger of the king in this case. And he would be such that Catherine was even scared to imagine. Stopped her. In general, the Medici’s hatred of Poitiers was overwhelming.

Meanwhile, Poitiers was talked about at court and beyond.

She is more than a queen!

Henry soon learned that the Medici was watching him and Diana. He did nothing against it and did not even punish the lady who accompanied the Medici. Although he knew that the Duchess de Montpensier acted as the queen’s confidant in this episode, and she blabbed about the incident to other maids of honor. Such a contemptuous inaction was perceived at court as a very cruel revenge on the queen.

But, one enemy for Poitiers at court was not enough. Returned after a long absence, one of the king’s close relatives. The person is influential and very rich. He disliked Poitiers at first sight. When Heinrich introduced Poitiers to him, he burned her with an arrogant look, looking down at her and considering her unworthy, neither of his origin, much less of a king. He accepted this acquaintance rather dryly and coldly. Heinrich did not have sympathy for his relative, but was kind to him. Because, otherwise I simply could not. The royal blood that flowed in both veins tightly bound them with invisible ties of kinship. Making him an inviolable person in the state. Which he undoubtedly knew. Allowing yourself liberties that no one else could. Once, at a feast in a drunken stupor. He called Poitiers, an upstart! Not particularly high-born. What was completely wrong.

Diane de Poitiers was from a very ancient, noble family and was always proud and remembered about it. But this rascal was not interested. He wanted to humiliate her. Diana learned about his statements about her later. And as always, it happens in such cases. It is worth saying something once, in one place of the state, as it will be heard on the other side of the country, passing it on from mouth to mouth. So, oh, his unflattering statements about her, everyone learned. The same feeling of hatred that she felt for her late husband, she now felt in relation to him. He also spoke about her in a humiliating manner. Hatred flared up in her again, directed at a relative of Heinrich. He reminded her that the time of her marriage, full of humiliation, for her allegedly not high position. It was believed by people like her husband and this hated, arrogant, scoundrel. Which, she hated, even more, because he reminded her of this. A relative of the king seems to have been imbued with the same hatred for her. Do not forget to pour mud on it wherever I have been. Poitiers, told Henry about it. Oh, the vile speeches that his relative conducts in relation to her. Heinrich sighed. Shaking his head. Knowing your relative.

Diana dear.

Never mind his drunken chatter.

He always had a dirty tongue.

I’ll talk to him and let him know that he doesn’t dare to speak out about you in a similar tone.

He has always been obnoxious.

But, and after the conversation of Henry, the king himself! It seemed to this scoundrel that everything was overwhelming. He did not stop slandering. Henry, seeing that Diana, nevertheless, takes everything to heart. He spoke.

Damn!

Maybe I should pierce him with my sword!

Believe me, I would, with pleasure!

But, damn it, we are kin!

It would be great, Heinrich! Diana answered.

And you know, my dear, let’s make you a duchess! He chuckled.

Let’s see what then, he says!

She roused herself happily.

Heinrich, will you grant me the title of Duchess?! Poitiers was delighted.

He shrugged.

Who, if not kings, bestow titles? My dear, Diana. He smiled at her.

Ah, me, king! If, you have not forgotten.

She laughed.

No, I haven’t forgotten!

You, my beloved king!

So the king continued.

Resolved!

You will be the Duchess!

Then, my precious relative, there will be no reason to spoil your mood!

Jumping up for joy, Poitiers literally fluttered into his lap, hugging Heinrich by the neck.

God!

Will you do it?!

He smiled.

Of course, my dear.

See, you are smiling again!

Your smile is worth a kingdom!

She blissfully narrowed her eyes, imagining a face, a bastard! When, he learns that the king, raised her to a higher level! She burst out laughing!

Why are you laughing? My dear. The king asked her, smiling.

She exhaled with even greater bliss.

I see the twisted face of your relative!

When he finds out the news.

Heinrich raised an eyebrow and grinned.

Yes, I think he’ll be furious, now Henry himself laughed.

She kissed him on both cheeks for a hundred times!

Heinrich, I adore you! You know!

He laughed.

Yes, my dear.

Oh, how, I adore you! He answered and pulled her closer to him.

So, they laughed and rejoiced, mocking the arrogance and arrogance of a relative of Henry. Which, apparently, forgot that Henry, the king!

King, bestowed upon Diana the title of Duchess of Valantinois. The royal relative, as Henry said, was furious at Poitiers’ ascension from countess to duchess. He hated her even more.