And of course, this tale can be read from the beginning at "Schwan" in the sidebar at the right.
8 New Plans
The Duke and Archbishop were alone in the Duke's private rooms.
"And how are things going for you?" the Archbishop asked, helping himself to more wine.
The Duke looked at him without expression. He loathed the Corpulent Cleric who had imposed on him time and time again. But he owed him. The Archbishop was the one who had arranged for the Duke's wife to enter the convent when she had become inconvenient.
"Well enough, I suppose."
"I understand that young Rathard was not a success at Waterton."
When Duke Richard didn't answer, he went on.
"But you have Fredrik here now."
The Archbishop took on a conciliatory tone.
"It would be difficult to resist the charms of such beauties as Juliet and Marianne. The only problem I can forsee is choosing between them."
"In your case that might be true, but this is Fredrik."
"I know what you're trying to do. But if things don't work out, you could try another route."
"What are you talking about?"
"Don't tell me you haven't thought about it."
The Archbishop stepped closer and lowered his voice.
"If by some chance this young King Fredrik is able to resist the many charms of Lady Juliet or Marianne, perhaps he could be persuaded by other means."
Despite his dislike of the Archbishop, Duke Richard was listening.
"It is surprising to me that this young King was naive enough to put himself within your power."
"You mean hold him hostage?"
"Let's just say that you could provide time for him to, perhaps... grow fonder of the girls; and change his mind."
The Duke was quiet. In truth, this had occurred to him. But he had dismissed the idea. Now the Archbishop had revived it.
"The wedding would take place here, of course," the Archbishop added. "Sometimes it's best to act boldly."
It was clear to the Duke how this man had reached his position.
✠
When Rolf left Fredrik's room, Anna was watching unseen from a shadowed corner. She waited a bit, and then went to the door, knocking softly. After speaking with Rolf, she had decided to risk approaching Fredrik personally.
The Door was opened by the young King himself. But he was not alone. She could see a monk standing near the window. She had not counted on this. She curtsied deeply.
"Please, Your Majesty, may I speak with you."
Fredrik stepped back, letting her enter. He closed the door behind her. Anna was a bit intimidated being face to face with the King. He was taller then she expected, and wore a serious expression. She glanced over at Friar John and waited for the king to speak first.
As Fredrik looked at her he realized that she was the same woman that he had seen staring at him, in the kitchen earlier. His expression softened.
"What do you wish to tell me?" he asked.
Anna looked questioningly at the monk.
"It's alright. Anything you wish to say to me, can be said before Friar John."
"Please sir," she began, "Elise is like a daughter to me. Please do not toy with her."
Anna began to cry. Fredrik could see Friar John watching from his place by the window.
"Don't... " Fredrik began.
But there was no stopping her now.
He began again,
"She told me she came here when her mother died, and..." But she interrupted him.
"She was young. She doesn't remember it all."
"Tell me, please. I don't wish to hurt her."
"When her father died... " Anna began, “…(he had come here to take service with the Duke's Men at Arms) …her mother found work at an inn in the town."
Now Anna met his eyes and continued. The monk stepped closer to listen.
"She and Elise lived there, at the inn."
"Elise told me that. And then, her mother died."
"No, that's not how it happened. One day, Duke Richard saw her mother at the inn. She was a very beautiful woman. He wanted to bring her here- for himself. She wanted no part of it. But the Duke is not to be refused, as I well know."
Here she looked down, and was quiet until Fredrik spoke.
"And?"
"Well… he compelled her to come. But it took the light and life out of her. She died soon after."
Then after another long pause, she continued the story.
"Elise was left alone. I cared for her."
"So, what do you want with me?" Fredrik asked.
Anna fell on her knees and took hold of his tunic.
"Please let her be! Don't do this to her. She thinks she loves you. She doesn't even know who you are."
Anna turned toward Friar John.
"Tell him. It's not right to use her like that."
"What is your name?" Fredrik asked pulling her to her feet.
"Anna, Your Majesty," she said still looking down.
Fredrik turned her face up toward his own.
"Anna, I have every intention of making Elise my queen."
"But..."
"In fact, I was just discussing this with Friar John. He, of course, thinks I'm mad,” he said with a smile.
"But, you can't..."
"Are you telling me what I can't do?" Fredrik asked sternly.
"No... No, Your Majesty," Anna said, looking away again.
"But Anna," he said raising her face to his once more, "I don't want her to know what I am, not yet. I want her to love me, not a King."
"But you are a King," Friar John reminded him.
Fredrik and Anna had both forgotten he was there for the moment.
"Yes," said Fredrik slowly. "And she must know that too. But not yet."
No comments:
Post a Comment