Chapter 29: I Had A Peaceful Nap
Sophie escorted Princess Madeleine through the corridors and out onto a private terrace overlooking the palace gardens.
King Henry was already seated at an elegantly arranged table set for tea. A silver teapot steamed gently, accompanied by delicate pastries and sugared fruits. Several maids stood discreetly nearby, while the king’s food taster maintained a respectful distance.
The princess arrived wearing a sumptuous purple velvet gown. The gown was fashioned in the contemporary French style, with a square neckline that was daring, revealing the upper curve of her décolletage.
Madeleine executed a graceful curtsy. As she did, Henry’s gaze followed the movement, and the cut of her gown afforded him a striking view of her breasts.
"Your Highness," she greeted.
When Madeleine lifted her head, Henry looked upon her face for the first time without the veil that had previously obscured it. Her features were refined and expressive, her eyes bright.
Henry found himself reassessing his earlier reservations. Maybe this wasn’t a bad idea after all. "Princess Madeleine, I hope you are well rested."
"Yes, Your Highness," Madeleine replied with a graceful smile. "I had a peaceful nap. How was the baptism?"
"It went well," Henry answered. "A solemn and joyful occasion. The Archbishop conducted the ceremony and named him Thomas Fitzroy. It is a shame you could not be there."
"Yes," Madeleine said softly. "I would have liked to witness such an important moment in your life."
Henry gestured toward the seat opposite him. "Sit."
"Thank you," she replied, lowering herself elegantly into the chair. Sophie stepped back with the other attendants as the palace maids approached, pouring steaming tea into delicate porcelain cups. The king’s taster discreetly sampled the brew before giving a subtle nod of approval, after which the servants withdrew to a respectful distance, leaving the pair in relative privacy.
Henry lifted his cup, studying Madeleine over its rim. "So," he began, "marrying the King of England—that must seem like a daunting task."
Madeleine met his gaze steadily. "Your Highness, I have been navigating court politics since I learned to talk. It is second nature to me."
He set his cup down. "Politics?" he echoed, arching an eyebrow. "Who said anything about politics?"
Madeleine paused, momentarily taken aback. She had anticipated a discussion centered on alliances, treaties, and the strategic implications of their union. Instead, the king’s question suggested a different perspective—one that was unexpectedly personal.
"Then what did you mean?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Marriage," he said thoughtfully, "is often reduced to a matter of diplomacy in royal circles. Yet beyond the treaties and expectations, there remains the question of companionship—of whether two individuals, bound by duty, can find understanding and perhaps even trust."
Madeleine considered his words, her fingers tracing the delicate rim of her teacup.
"England requires a queen, yes, but I also seek someone who can stand beside me—not merely as a symbol of alliance, but as a confidante and equal." Henry added.
"Affection and trust are luxuries seldom afforded to those in our positions."
"So is that merely what marriage is to you? Just politics?" Henry asked, his gaze steady.
"Your Highness," she began, "I was not told you were seeking a love match. I was informed that this marriage was necessary to secure trust between France and England, ensuring that our nations may trade without fear of sabotage or political unrest."
"Of course, you’re right," he conceded. "But I did not exactly say I was looking for a wife either."
"Love is overrated," she said. "I can sit here and pretend to be quite smitten with you, my lord, and you would not know if I were lying. I come to you with an open heart and open intentions, even if those intentions are rooted in duty rather than sentiment."
Henry was impressed by her candor. Her honesty was both refreshing and disarming. "I respect that," he replied sincerely.
"Is that what you seek?" Madeleine asked, tilting her head slightly. "A love match?"
He understood all too well that love, while desirable, was rarely the foundation upon which royal marriages were built. "Like you said," he finally responded, "love is overrated."
"Then perhaps," she said softly, "we are well suited to one another, Your Highness—two individuals united by understanding. Although, for someone who wants a love match, you do have quite the number of mistresses," Madeleine added.
"Let’s just say," he replied, leaning back in his chair, "I’m insatiable."
The conversation continued long into the evening, flowing with surprising ease. They spoke of their respective childhoods, the customs of their courts. Madeleine proved to be intelligent, composed, and remarkably perceptive. She possessed the poise of a seasoned diplomat and the discipline of someone raised to rule.
Yet, as the hours passed, Henry became increasingly aware of an undeniable truth. Madeleine would make a wonderful queen—graceful, strategic, and unwavering in her sense of duty. However, she would likely be a cold wife.
Still, the needs of the realm outweighed personal desires. England required stability. England required a queen. And above all, England required the trade treaty with France that this union promised to secure.
*****
Two weeks had passed, and still there was no word from Henry. Livia stood by the window of her private room, gazing down at the street below. The month was nearly over, and with each passing day her anxiety grew. She feared that she had failed to make a lasting impression on Henry.
Her mind replayed their brief encounter countless times. Had she misinterpreted his intentions? Perhaps he had simply sought a fleeting distraction, and now that curiosity had been satisfied, he had no reason to return.
Nicholas Beaumont, too, was beginning to show signs of impatience. He had grown increasingly irritable. Livia could sense the change in his demeanor. The lucrative arrangement he had expected seemed to be slipping through his fingers.
Jane noticed Livia’s unease and approached her gently. "You’ve been staring out that window for the better part of an hour," she said. "Waiting for someone?"
Livia offered a faint, uncertain smile. "Perhaps," she admitted. "Or perhaps I’m simply hoping."