Chapter 298: I Am Sleeping Here
Tabitha received the message from Stephen shortly after nightfall. She listened at the door, nodded once. Tabitha stepped back into the bedchamber. "My lady."
Livia looked up from the book she was reading in bed. "What is it?"
"His Majesty would like you in his chambers tonight."
"Who brought the message?"
"Stephen."
"Tell him I said I am asleep." Livia lifted the book again, as if the conversation had ended.
"How can you say anything if you are asleep?"
"Exactly," Livia said simply.
"Is this a lovers’ spat?" Tabitha asked with a groan.
Livia lifted one brow over the edge of her book. "Why? Is that so bad?"
"It is a great deal of work for servants."
"Well then, cut down on the work." Livia settled herself deeper into her pillows. "I am sleeping here, in my own chamber. Unless he commands it, of course," Livia added.
Tabitha sighed. "Very well," she said grudgingly. "I shall tell Master Stephen."
"Thank you."
Tabitha muttered something beneath her breath then left the bedchamber. Tabitha closed the door behind her as she approached Stephen.
"Well?" Stephen asked.
"My lady says to inform His Majesty that she is asleep."
Stephen nodded. "I shall deliver her words." He bowed lightly and turned away.
As he walked back through the palace corridors, he allowed himself the smallest private smile. This was going to be an interesting night.
He reached Henry’s privy chambers. Henry sat at a table, surrounded by papers Geoffrey had handed him before they left Chancery Lane. Early reports about French routes. A list of council matters written in Geoffrey’s hand.
The king was already in his sleepwear. A cup of wine sat untouched near his elbow.
"Your Majesty," Stephen said.
Henry looked up immediately. "Where is she?"
Stephen bowed his head. "She says to inform you that she is asleep."
Henry stared at him. "Asleep?"
"Yes, sire."
"In those exact words?"
"Yes, sire."
Henry’s mouth twitched. Then he looked down at Geoffrey’s papers again, though Stephen doubted he saw a single word. "Well, Stephen. It seems your future queen is angry with her king."
"It appears so, Your Majesty."
Henry tapped one finger against the table. He was quiet for five whole seconds.
Then he said, "Go back. Tell her I said please."
Stephen blinked. "Sire?"
Henry lifted an eyebrow. "What?"
Stephen bowed slightly. "Nothing, Your Majesty."
Henry narrowed his eyes. "Does the journey feel extremely long?"
"It is just..." Stephen began.
Henry looked up from the papers.
Stephen suddenly found himself reluctant to complete the sentence.
Henry lifted a brow. "Yes?"
"She might say no again."
"Well then, make sure she does not."
"Of course, Your Majesty," Stephen said.
Stephen turned and left the privy chamber, beginning at last to understand Tabitha’s earlier groan. A lovers’ quarrel was a logistical crisis. It involved one innocent man being sent back and forth like a royal shuttlecock. He was beginning to wonder how many trips such as this he was going to make tonight. He couldn’t wait for Livia to move into the queen’s chambers, at least that was closer to the king’s. he wouldnt have to go back and forth so often.
He crossed the passageways again, his footsteps brisk but resigned. When he reached Livia’s apartments, Tabitha answered. She stood there with her arms crossed.
"Learning yet?" she asked.
Stephen gave a weary bow of his head. "In the most annoying way possible, Mrs Crowe."
"What is the message?"
"The same message," Stephen said, "but with a please. And could you add one more please from me? I would like to get an early night."
Tabitha looked almost sympathetic then. "I shall try,"
Stephen exhaled. "God reward you."
Tabitha stepped back into the bedchamber. Livia lay exactly where she had been, though the book had risen higher in front of her face.
"No," Livia said before Tabitha opened her mouth.
"My lady."
"No."
"You have not heard the message."
"Is it from the king?"
"Yes."
"Then no."
Tabitha folded her arms. "My lady, for Stephen’s sake."
Livia closed her book. "No."
Then she set it aside, turned properly into the bed, and pulled the covers over herself. She arranged them up to her shoulder, settled her head on the pillow, and closed her eyes.
"Now I am actually asleep," she said.
The girl had committed fully. Tabitha would have admired the performance more if she were not standing in the middle of it.
With a sigh deep enough to carry generations of exhaustion, Tabitha returned to the outer door. Stephen looked hopeful.
"My lady is actually asleep this time," Tabitha said.
He looked up towards the ceiling. "Jesus," he groaned, "help me."
"Take comfort, Master Stephen. Once they are married, it will surely become worse."
Stephen bowed his head in defeat and made the journey back. By now, the corridors seemed longer out of spite. Even the guards had begun to watch him with faint curiosity.
When Stephen returned to Henry’s chamber, the king looked up before he spoke.
"Well?"
Stephen bowed. "My lady says she is actually asleep this time."
Slowly, Henry smiled.
"Of course she is," Henry said. He pushed back his chair and got to his feet. "Make your arrangements, Stephen. I shall sleep in my intended’s bed tonight." He reached for his robe, and simply walked towards the door. There was an ease to him. The king did not look as though the kingdom had its hands around his throat.
Stephen followed far enough to see him safely into the corridor, then signalled quietly for the necessary attendants. If His Majesty intended to change beds, the palace would change with him. Guards would shift.
Henry walked through Whitehall with purpose. The guards outside Livia’s apartments straightened at once when they saw him. One moved to announce him, but Henry lifted a hand, and the man fell silent. He opened the door.
When Tabitha saw His Majesty standing there, she sighed in relief. At last, the king had decided to cut the back-and-forth short. Sensible of him. If he had sent Stephen one more time, Tabitha might have had to invite the poor man for tea.
"Your Majesty," she said.
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