His Secret Slave to Scandalous Queen

Henry’s eyes narrowed. "I did not mean love her like that."

"I would hope not."

"And I did not banish Richard. I made him Duke of Kingsmere then ambassador extraordinary to the French court. How is royal appointment exile?"

"When it places a man across the sea from the woman he wished to marry."

For a moment, they stood together in silence.

"Any word from the Italians?"

"Not yet," Lionel said. "But there will be."

"And do you expect that answer before I return from France?"

"I believe it will arrive while you are away."

Henry nodded slowly. The music swelled, and Livia spun again, her head tipped back in laughter. This was what she wanted.

Choice, laughter, air. This was what freedom meant to her and he had been the asshole to take it away from her.

*****

The next morning, Bella arrived with gossip. She entered Livia’s apartments in a pale gown, her hair pinned, and her eyes bright.

"Oh, Livia," she announced, pressing one hand dramatically to her chest, "I bring the gravest of news."

Livia looked up from the window seat. She had been trying to read. Trying, because the same line had stared back at her for nearly ten minutes while her mind returned to the night before.

Marry me.

This, Livia decided, was exactly why books were safer. Bella swept into the room and sat.

Tabitha, who had been arranging folded linen near the chest, gave a small curtsy. "I shall bring tea." She departed, though not before giving Livia a look that both girls should behave.

Livia turned back to Bella. "If the news is so grave, why are you smiling?"

Bella touched her lips with two fingers, as if shocked to discover the evidence there. "Am I?"

"Yes."

"That is merely my resting face."

"Or perhaps some misfortune has befallen the princess."

Bella leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "Oh, the greatest misfortune."

Livia set her book aside. She knew, in part, what had happened. Henry had ordered Madeleine arrested.

Bella lowered her voice. "They say the princess is missing."

"My goodness." Livia placed a hand over her heart with such solemnity that Bella’s mouth twitched. "Has anyone checked the upper gallery?" Livia asked. "She may have been stabbed and left for dead."

Bella gasped. Then both women broke into quiet laughter. It was wrong. Livia knew it was wrong. The memory of Bella bleeding on that gallery should not have been turned into jest. Yet Bella laughed. Bella wiped beneath one eye. "That would be terrible."

"Indeed," Livia said.

"The official word is that she has taken ill and is remaining in her lodging."

Livia’s stomach tightened. "So people are guessing?"

"People know something. In Whitehall, that is often enough. Lionel was the last person seen with her," Bella added. "That much has travelled quickly."

"Does that put him in danger?"

"From gossip? Certainly. But Lord Ashcroft mostly doesn’t care about gossip unless it involves the king."

Livia looked towards the door, thinking of Lionel’s grave face when Henry issued his command.

Her life is my life.

The words had unsettled her then. They unsettled her still. .

Bella watched her carefully. "You are thinking of him."

Livia blinked. "Lionel?"

Bella gave her a look.

"Actually yes. He is loyal to the king, is he not?"

"The king would not keep him around otherwise. It is why the king’s circle is so small. He barely gives anyone access to him."

Livia’s smile faded into thought. "What is Her Grace saying about the princess?"

"I do not know." Bella leaned back. "I heard she went to see the king this morning. No one knows if he received her."

"Does she even like Madeleine?"

"God, no. The princess has been a thorn in Her Grace’s side since she arrived. Too proud, too difficult to fold." Bella continued, unaware that her words had found a door. "Her Grace only likes women she can control."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. If she cannot frighten you, use you, she becomes restless."

"Hmmm."

Bella tilted her head. "What is that?"

Livia looked back at her, calm returning to her face. "Nothing, you just gave me something to think about in the future."

Tabitha returned carrying a tray. The tray held a small pot of warm herbal infusion, cups, honey, thin cakes, and a dish of fruit. She placed it on the table before them, then arranged the cups.

Bella watched the pot.

Livia noticed at once. "Why are you looking at it like that?"

Bella’s gaze moved from the pot to Tabitha, then back to Livia. "Pardon me for being forward. Have you and the king been having relations?"

"No," Livia said quickly.

Bella’s brows rose.

Livia felt heat climb into her face. "Not in the way you mean. We have not done anything Bella. I swear." She looked between them. "Why?"

"Well," Bella said, settling back, "then there is nothing immediate to worry about."

"Lady Bella," Tabitha said quietly, "I assure you, I prepared this draught myself in the kitchens. I watched the water drawn, the herbs measured, and the pot sealed. Nothing could have made its way into it."

Livia turned slowly to Tabitha. "What are you two talking about?"

Bella sighed. "Her Grace has a habit that concerns the king’s women. It is known in Whitehall that certain draughts have been served to His Majesty’s mistresses over the years. The draughts are meant to prevent conception."

"How low can that woman go?"

"Quite," Bella said.

Tabitha folded her hands before her. "I promise you, such will not get to you."

Livia looked at the tray. The warm scent rising from the pot no longer felt soothing.

Bella’s face softened. "I do not say this to frighten you. I say it because if you ever are with the king fully, and if you ever mean to give him a child, you must be careful."

It stirred the memory of his voice on the river.

I think of what a child with you would look like.

Livia looked away before either woman could read too much on her face.

(powered by Mar King 3/3)