Captive mistress. English-language novels. Elaine Neksli

father. And this shame is known to all the inhabitants of the area. Flush with yourself and with your family is a stain.

      Antonia agreed to get rid of the child, fearing the wrath of parents. But with abortion, something was broken, and the midwife told Your mother that she will never be able to have children. Sorrow did not give Antonia the rest. But shortly before the wedding, the Baron learned that his bride was pregnant from the poor boys and had shamed the family. The man refused to marry the girl, the parents chased her out of the house. Your mother wandered in the mountains and lived with poor people, ate one dry bread, wheat porridge and water. Soon the city was attacked by the Tartars and was taken prisoner by Antony. In the slave market it was bought by a slaver, and gave as a gift to Your father – the Duke of Eduardo de Frase. Antonia served in his house for several years, and after the death of Madame Juliette, the Duke gave You to her. It was a real fortune. But Antonia is not worthy of happiness woman. I knew that she adopted You, and so wondered how You feel about it. Unfortunately, You didn’t know anything about the past of his foster mother…

      Chapter 3

      Arabella was sitting in a deep daze. She couldn’t believe heard! As Antonia dared to get rid of the baby, which he wore under the heart?! These burning like fire, words do not reach the consciousness of Arabella. Of course, the truth was too bitter to accept it.

      – You’re lying! – desperately cried the girl.

      Louis jumped up from the chair, came up to Arabella: – Calm down, please, "the man tried to take the Frenchwoman’s hand, but the Duke’s daughter resolutely moved aside: – No,… You’re lying! My mother could not do that!

      – Remember, Arabella, Your mother is Juliet – Louis gently stroked her cheek: «I understand Your pain. But You must not close your lovely eyes to the truth, – the monarch moved away from her and uttered, "Leave the house, leave Bern. I want You to become the lady of the court, lived in the Palace. I beg You, do it for me, for my respect for You.

      His voice sounded neither like an order of the king, but as a human please. Such a proposal shocked the young woman, but of course, she was forced to refuse: «No, I can’t, my house is not here. Excuse Me, Your Majesty…

      «Arabella, please, agree.

      – This is out of the question, sire. I grew up in other traditions and laws. All sixteen years of my life, I didn’t see anything apart from his village. I don’t know how to dance at balls, flirt with men with dignity wear precious jewelry, to put on expensive dresses, sheathed in gold and silver, do not know how to apply makeup on face, to have maids. I can’t learn to live in this lavish Royal residence. My life is there, in Bern, together with the foster mother, "sighed the Frenchwoman.

      The king looked at her with tenderness and timidity: «Oh, God, this touching creation hides a strong character, common sense and unstoppable willpower. She is like an angel, innocent creature with heavenly eyes, silky hair and with a timid smile. Oh, God, do not deprive me of this lovely vision. Even if it would stop beating my heart, but my eyes looking to Arabella, never goes out,» thought the ruler of France.

      – Arabella – gently he said: – You like the rays of the sun, illuminated my heart. Your light will also light up this Palace, and the heat will warm up the ice wall. For Pete’s sake, stay, agree to become a court lady.

      Charming beauty could no longer resist the order of the son of Maria de Medici and Henry IV. Still Arabella agreed.

      The maid took Mademoiselle de Frase in a spacious room on the second floor. It was luxurious, comfortable quarters, containing a large bed, crisp white sheets and covered from prying eyes silk, airy four-poster bed and several pieces of furniture. Near the window there was a fireplace of Medieval times, painted with exquisite drawings. On a small table mahogany rested a platter of juicy, exotic fruit. The walls are made of pure marble, ceiling – gypsum… Arabella sighed dreamily. If she hadn’t lost her parents, everything would be different…

      Suddenly the girl noticed a huge chest with gold buckles:

      – What’s in it? curiosity asked the French have a brittle, gray-eyed maid Jesse.

      The maid, with downcast eyes, replied: – the Books of king Henry IV. After the death of her husband, Marie de Medici ordered to collect all his most precious belongings in this trunk. These were the books, still remembered in its pages a tender touch of his Majesty’s… For many years Louis XIII did not allow anyone to touch the chest, but today his order, he gave it to You, Mademoiselle, "the Duke’s daughter said nothing, but deep down she felt surprise, and also fear.

      At sunset, a dinner, the girl was going to sleep. Jessie lit a night lamp and asked politely: «Mademoiselle, can I help You to undress?

      – No, thank you. I myself. You’ve already come, the day was hard, good rest, refused Arabella, removing hair with gold studs. The young maid wished him good night, quietly withdrew to his tiny room.

      In the morning Arabella threw up. In the room «was» unbearable heat. The girl opened the window. Fresh air wave rolled across the room. Court lady wanted to change the bed, but suddenly saw a bouquet of white roses, standing in a Golden vase on the table. But Arabella did not attach any importance to this. She thought that yesterday because of fatigue are simply not noticed the flowers.

      Early morning in the French quarters came the maid Jesse. The young maid looked tired and exhausted. Always burning gleam in his eyes went out, like stars at dawn: «Good morning, Madam.

      – Good… What’s wrong with you? You’re so pale.

      – Nothing, my lady. It’s all good. You liked the bouquet of white roses, presented today at dawn our monarch?

      Arabella by surprise, dropped a Golden comb. A young woman and could not think that the flowers from Louis. It turns out, Jessie is jealous of her Louis. Still, after the sovereign – first the handsome of France and the most eligible bachelor. But despite this, Arabella suddenly felt the pinching of his pride and honor.

      – The king has presented? – the girl’s voice wavered when she saw the affirmative opinion of a servant.

      Quickly got up from the chair, Arabella instantly rushed to the king’s chamber. On the threshold of the irate lady was stopped by two high guards: – Wait, Mademoiselle, his Majesty the king opacified. Please come back at noon, then the monarch will receive You.

      – No, I need to talk to him immediately! I’m not going to wait until the king deigned to give me an audience! Miss, otherwise heads will roll! – exclaimed the dear daughter of the Duke.

      – My lady, wait! You can’t… the guards wanted to stop the Arabella, but she was able to slip into the bedchamber.

      Bursting, the young woman saw the king. He stood in one night gown, with a conical cap on his head and in his Slippers. The expression on the face of the monarch was far from friendly. Gray eyes narrowed, as fiery arrows flying in the far, misty distance. Watching the master, it seemed that he’s about to reveal his sharp sword whose blade glittered in the sun, as rays of clear light spring foliage, and will destroy anyone who stands in his majestic way.

      Frowning, the king spoke his thin lips: «Arabella! What are You doing?! Who let You in here without my permission?!

      Is what are You doing?!

      – What’s the matter, dear lady? – anger of Louis gave way to some corny, cheesy softness.

      Arabella threw it on the carved table a bouquet of roses, convulsively compressed in its cold hand: – What is it?

      Louis walked over to the young woman and, taking her hand, gently murmured: – You do not like the donated roses?

      Arabella de Frase tore one fragile white petal and held it to her left breast: – not the Problem, sire. Just… everyone in the Palace were whispering behind my back.