Arrival in Versailles

For the most part the princess accepted Angelique into her inner circle. Angelique was given over to seamstresses who measured her and designed her an entirely new wardrobe. However she was given options and she included in them the pocket for the sword on many of the dresses. There were also coats, both of wool and of furs, some of which were rare and expensive. There were also boudoir clothes. Nightgowns and lacey, lingerie to set the King’s loins on fire. She was terribly sexy in most of them and they made her even feel sexy being in them.

The travel to Versailles was a yearly occasion and she had over a dozen bags and parcels and she was afforded her own attendants, two women, Desaree, a southerner that was tall and lithe, with long, blonde hair and blue eyes and Vivien, about her height with jet black hair down to her waist with green and pale skin. Side by side Vivien and Angelique could almost be sisters but Vivien was a bit thinner, slighter in the bosom and not quite as pretty in the face. That and Angelique found out that Vivien was a bit too friendly at times, eager to please her mistress.

One of her dogs had died along the way. It had jumped out of the coach and was ran over by the next in the line. The King had the servant that was keeping them flogged and then dismissed but the dog was still gone. D’artagnan, Trevare and their group moved about the long train of wagons, carts and horses but she barely saw them and could not really look anyway. The King sat across from her in the coach however Louisa, he asked Angelique to call her that as well now, was in the second coach with her attendants. The King seemed busy with his lap desk and he did not say much to Angelique for much of the trip but when it became to dark for him to read he stuff it away and sat it beside him.

“Well, you are quite beautiful Angelique, is that dress new?” he asked but he seemed...preoccupied, worried about something, she could tell that much. He hadn’t been when he got in the coach. He kissed her hand and smiled often at her as he read. Something was in that lapdesk and it was why his mood had darkened, that much she knew for certain.

Angelique was heartbroken over the loss of one of her dogs. They were like her children and when she learned what had happened she did nothing to stop the king from having the handler flogged. She forced herself not to cry, though it was apparent to anyone that she was extremely upset.

Despite how upset she was she had a job to do and so she got back into their coach and said nothing more about it. The trip was long and it was very warm so Angelique kept her fan out and when she wasn't using it it remained in her lap. She noticed that the king was preoccupied for most of the day with something on his lapdesk. She was very curious as to what it was and she could tell it was troubling him. When it became too dark and he had to put it away she looked over at him. She then got up and moved over to him and boldly sat in his lap. She kissed him gently and then looked at him.

"What troubles you so?"

The King kissed her back and smiled brightly as he looked up at her. His eyes were a light brown and they looked at her already adoringly. He did like what he saw when he looked at her she knew. He mouthed something when she asked him what was wrong but she could not make out what he said in the dimming light. “Always there are people who want something from me I can not give my darling,” he said sweetly but with a hint of weariness. “Your distractions are most welcome my dear,” he added and lightly touched the tip of her nose with a finger. “There are those of the clergy that do tend to test my patience...but let's not talk of such things, I’d much rather pay attention to you,” he said as he gestured for her to bring her ear to him. He whispered into her ear, “Would it be terrible if you did something here and now to distract me further?” he asked with a mischievous grin. They were in a coach and alone and they were not due to stop for another hour and a half.

As coaches go this one was by far the fanciest she had ever been in. The seats were well padded and there were windows and curtains and gilt along the walls and ceiling. The heat was withering to a degree but he was no less warm than she if not more in that coat.

Lorelei could see him mouth something but couldn't make it out. She continued to smile and lightly ran her fingers along his jawline. She wanted to question him more, but she did not. When he gestured for her to bring her ear to him she did and she smiled flirtatiously at him. She then whispered into his ear, "And how would you have me distract you?".

She saw immediately an annoyed twinge of his left eyebrow at her response, she had not used his title or even his name, but it was gone as soon as it came. “Nevermind,” he said and he leaned forward and rested his head up against her torso. It was obvious to him that she wasn’t really ready for acts of intimacy so he decided not to press her for one now. She could see he was tired and aggravated. “I’m so sorry about your dog,” he mumbled up against her chest. “I could tell they are important to you, I will have my best trainer watch them from now on at the Kennels. All you will have to do is call for them and they will be brought to you whenever you desire,” he told her though his voice was almost pouty now as he put his arms around her waist.

Angelique was surprised at his reaction. Clearly he had misinterpreted her flirtation with disinterest. She could see the disappointment in his eyes and knew she needed to fix this and quickly. She was grateful to him for ensuring the safety and happiness of her dogs and she knew this was a good opening. She began to kiss his jawline and up to his ear.

"Thank you Your Majesty. I shall have to thank you properly."

She began to gently suck on his earlobe as she ran one hand slowly down his front. She teased him by jumping over his crotch and to his right leg. She then ran her hand back up his leg and ever so slowly up his thigh. She could tell he was already enjoying this so she moved her hand up to his belt which she began to undo. She was now kissing, sucking, and licking his neck as she expertly freed him from his constraints. Curious, she glanced down at him and was clearly pleased with what she saw. She gently took him into her hand and began to run her hand up and down the length.

"Does this please you Louis?" She whispered into his ear.

He was confused at first then when he felt her breath in his ear, it tickled him ever so slightly, he relaxed and laid back. Her touches were...exciting. Almost tickling, her hands was gentle and seemed to know exactly where to touch him to get him started. he let her release what he knew she sought and reached down to hold back the cover flap of his britches as she took him into her hand. His cock wasn’t as big as Trevare’s not many were she wagered nor as long as Armand’s but it was of a nice, decent size, something she could definitely work with. He nodded as he bit his first finger to contain the pleasure he felt. “Oh yes Angelique, I do,” he said half groaning from how she touched him. That and he sighed also as if this was exactly what he really needed but did not want to ask for.

She smiled at his response and knew he was greatly enjoying what she was doing. She decided to only use her hand since this was their first time. Also the road was a little bumpy and it would be difficult to do anything else. She varied the pressure and the speed. All the while she continued to kiss his neck and jawline. It didn't take long. Thankfully she didn't get any on her, although as he was softening she swiped her thumb across the top and while he was watching she put her thumb in her mouth and sucked it off.

As it grew darker, the coaches lanterns were lit. he drew her to the window, they were getting close now and this is what she saw…

“Lights, seemingly thousands of them lit up the palace campus. Pools of water and fountains were clearly seen by the lights, the water was a deep blue and the fountains spewed water high into the the air. The hedges, plants and trees were trimmed smartly along with the grass that looked the perfect shade of green. The palace itself was several floors high and massive in size, its buildings made of a beige stone with white pillars, large windows and a dark, steepled roof. In the distance she could make out all the people that worked there. Servants, maids and others stood in a long line 3 deep as the coaches made their way toward them.

“We only left so late so I could show you this Angelique...I have always loved the lights,” he added as he held her close as she looked out at the wondrous sight, the Palace of Versailles. He explained to her that normally she would not exit with him but he decided to break with protocol and have her with him. She was handed down from the coach by a smartly dressed footman all in rid with a white wig similar to that she has seen before. He bowed to her and to the King who had soldiers salute him when he moved away from the coach. They wasted little time and they moved quickly into the main entrance of the palace.

As he beckoned her she moved closer to the window with him and looked out. She actually gasped at what she saw. She had heard about the beauty of Versailles, but nothing could have prepared her for the sight before her.

"It's the most beautiful sight I have ever seen," she told him sincerely. "Thank you for making my first time seeing it do special."

As they pulled up she smoothed out her dress. She actually felt a little nervous. As the door was opened she accepted the hand of the footman and carefully stepped down. She looked around and glanced back at D'Artagnan and Trevare before walking inside with the king.

Upon entering the palace Angelique would look up and see a very tall ceiling. Chandeliers hung down and the crystal and gold they were made from glittered and bathed the entry hall in a bright, golden light. The walls were all painted murals framed with elaborate golden gilt. The murals were heavenly scenes and of people reaching for the sun or the moon or each other. The floors were black and white marble in a blocked pattern and the hall was very wide she noticed, 4 or 5 men could stand abreast with their arms out to span the space. Vases, tapestries, paintings and sculptures lined the walls and appeared here and there on a table or in a corner. More wealth than she had ever seen and they had just moved inside. True she had gem and jewelry as well as other things stashed away but none of that was like this. Designed and placed just so. The King went on to teach her some of the palace’s history, who made what, who designed what and when this piece or that piece was made. He did the best he could to answer her questions and he enjoyed her company as much as he enjoyed her amazement and her beauty. She was shown into a sitting room down the hall and around the corner and she was joined by the princess though the King had to depart. The princess had not been keen on the idea of her...appointment but she had missed Angelique and they had become fast friends once more. The bar, was a massive, gilded thing with liquors of all types in crystal bottles of different shapes and styles but the princess took the liberty of having the servant stationed there pour them a drink she had never heard before. It had a distinct green color and it was poured from an odd sort of decanter with tiny spickets all around it. Cubes of sugar stood on small shelves below the spigots and when the knobs were turned, the green liquid poured down onto the cubes and into the small glasses. She gave one to Angelique, it smelled like annis and tasted sweet with a peculiar root taste that she could not place. It was tasty though.

“So, here we are, I just know you will like it here!” She said almost excitedly. But she did move closer to her and lowered her voice. ‘So, now that you are with pa pa, I will assume Trevare is a free man?” She said just above a whisper. She licked her lips almost hungrily when she thought of what she would have him to do her. “Janine and I plan on having him together. I don’t think he’d have her otherwise but I doubt he will refuse me. Janine and I have a bet, I highly doubt she’ll be able to get her pretty little mouth around…” A bell rang in the hall and she paused, it was confirmation that their rooms were now ready. Servants dressed in white with white wigs appeared to escort them up stairs.

They passed the second floor completely and were taken up the large, marble staircase to the third floor that looked just as fine as the first. The princess went off to her rooms, they looked large like everything else here but she was bidden to move on to her rooms. The double doors stood open and her front room was larger than anything she had ever seen. Again the ceilings were tall with chandeliers and gilt and finery. The color choices were more subtle ofcourse, it was a ladies room but it just seemed to go on and on. The thing that caught her eye though was the view. At the back of the main room was a huge window. Beyond was the rear of the palace grounds and all the lights were lit there and in the small town beyond. It was a spectacular view one that might take her breath away. Her bedroom was as massive as her front room if not larger. The bed was so large it was embarrassing with sheer silk plumed around it to keep the dust off. There was a window here too with another grand view of the grounds no less wonderful than the first. Her bags were on the floor in front of a wall of mirrored closets and two maids stood there silently awaiting her instruction to unpack them and put them where she wished.

“Uh, mylady?” one of the servants said meekly. When she looked at him he held out a silvered tray. On it was a white envelope, somewhat plain with her name on it, written in a fluid hand. As she turned it over there was a seal of a flower pressed into the white wax. Not just any flower, a Gardinia and it appeared that it had not been tampered with. The servant left her there as she opened and read the note that was inside.

My dearest Angelique,

I know this might be dangerous for you to receive this now
but I find that I am missing you more now than I ever have.

We are closing in on a few places where ‘you know who’ might be kept
but it will be difficult without bloodshed on both sides but my brothers
And i are resolute as you must be.

I can’t imagine what you are going through right now but know that
wherever you go and whatever you do a part of me is there with you.

If you are sad or need to escape for a little while, think of our
nights together, think of my love for you and think of me.

~A

ooc: Armand, having been a Musketeer, has been here many times before. he had only needed to send it to a friend to get it delivered. many at the palace still remember and like him.

OOC-Sorry, I was at the movies with a friend. We saw the new Star Trek movie. It was awesome.

IC-Everything about the palace overwhelmed Lorelei. It was bigger than anything she had ever seen and the materials used and the fine pieces of art and crystal were worth far beyond anything she could imagine. She tried to keep herself from gaping as she looked around and managed to maintain a generally interested look. As she was taken up to her rooms she couldn't help but think about the princess and what she had said about Trevare. She remembered what he had told her, but the princess seemed dead set on having him. She would not blame him if anything happened. However, she hoped that she would not have to hear about it. She was shown to her rooms which were bigger than ten of the apartment she shared with Armand put together. Everything was of the finest material and she was almost afraid to touch anything. The thing though that captured her attention the most was the view. It was of the palace grounds and she could only imagine what it would look like in the daylight.

She was exhausted and wanted nothing more than a long bath and some sleep. She asked a servant to draw a bath for her and as she walked away another one appeared with a silvered tray. Upon the tray was an envelope. She picked it up and turned it over. When she did she had to keep herself from gasping for there in the wax seal was a flower...a Gardenia. She smiled knowing exactly who it was from. She carefully opened the note and read it. As she did a few tears came to her eyes. She missed Armand and could only pray that he was safe. She carefully refolded the note and even though she knew she should burn it she put it instead in one of the drawers in her side table. She then went and took her bath and an hour later she got into bed. Her mind was overwhelmed and she suddenly felt alone and a little scared. However, she remembered what Armand's note had said and it gave her comfort and she was finally able to drift off to sleep.

The morning when she rang her bell a maid brought in her breakfast. Eggs, toasted bread, porridge with honey, berries and a succulent sliced ham. There was tea and tart juice to drink. With her breakfast her ladies came in, Vivian all smiles and ready to get to work to make Angelique beautiful, the other woman moved to open up her closets so that when she was done eating she could make her selections on what to wear. She was bathed, dressed powdered, perfumed and her hair was done up today, a few locks down on the sides. It was a long, tedious ordeal and it took A lot longer than she thought. When she stepped out of her rooms she spied Trevare moving down the hall away from her. He was in his dark leathers with his thick rapier at his side. From this angle his pants appeared a bit to tight on his backside. When she turned her gaze she saw smiles on the ladies faces and they moved with her down the stairs.

"The King is in meetings all day today my lady, shall I have the Kennel master fetch your dogs for you?" Vivian asked. "They are practicing archery on the field and also uh," the other woman stammered. "Hawking today as well," Vivian finished.

It was due to be a lovely day and the beauty of the morning on the grounds did not disappoint. They were absolutely beautiful. Flowers bloomed everywhere and tree blossoms in pink and white were wonderfully plump.

Ooc-seeing it tomorrow at 4:15

Lorelei was so tired that she slept through the night without waking. When she finally did wake it was well into the morning. She ate breakfast in bed (which she definitely could have gotten used to!) and then was ushered into the bath. While she was being dressed she stood by the window so she could look out over the grounds. It was just as beautiful as she had imagined it would be.

After being dressed for what felt like two hours she was finally ready, only to be told that the king would be in meetings all day. She sighed a little, but agreed to have her dogs retrieved. As they walked down the hallway she spied Trevare moving down the hallway in front of them. It was certainly difficult for her to pull her eyes away from his backside. Just looking at him from this angle made her want him badly. However, she kept her composure and walked downstairs and outside. A few minutes later she heard the sounds of her dogs and she looked over to see them running towards her. She smiled and laughed and hugged them. It made her sad to know that one was gone, but at least she had two left. With her dogs in tow she walked the grounds. She found the gardens and was content to just walk through them for a while.

The dogs were indeed pleased to see Lorelei, their tongues lolled and their tails wagged when they saw her. The gardens were fragrant and also quite lovely. Bees moved from blossom to blossom and the fountains sprayed water into the air. She was left alone for the most part, the other people there paid her no mind however she did see the princess righting her dress as she came from a hedge row. A young, blonde man she didn't know tried to fix his hair as became through soon after. There were also guards. And that is when she felt that she was being watched.

D'artagnan had paused near her but he was not facing her. He bent down to presumably fix his boot. "Well, is he or isn't he?" He asked and she noted the impatience in his voice. When she told him that she had no opportunity he seemed even more agitated with her. "Every day we do not know people die Angelique...get it done," he nearly barked. She could tell that he didn't like any of this at all. He had given her to Armand at their wedding and hai entire world had been turned upside down by everything. He looked around but no one paid them any attention. He stood but only examined the nearby fountain as he waited for her response.

Lorelei walked slowly through the gardens. She loved flowers and everything was in bloom right now. She suddenly heard something and looked over to see the princess coming out from behind a hedge row. She seemed to be fixing her dress. She then spotted the young man who presumably was the reason her dress needed fixing. She just sighed. That girl was far worse than any man she had ever known. She just couldn't keep her dress down.

Suddenly, she felt as if she were being watched. She glanced over her shoulder and spied D'Artagnan. At his question she told him that she had not yet had the opportunity and that only seemed to anger him. She sighed a little.

"Do you think I don't know how important this is? I am only doing this for that reason. If he finds out who I really am he will kill me. I understand the importance of what I am doing more than anyone. The king is in meetings all day. I won't see him until tonight," she snapped. She then walked away from him in anger.

A few women Hawked in the distance and there were games as well. An odd looking game with mallet and colored balls and wooden hoops. It looked like they were hitting the balls with the mallets through the hoops from one end of a sort of hoops course to the other where there was a wooden peg stuck into the ground. When she passed by the men and one woman who played paused to ask her if she wanted to play. They were young, some younger than she some just as old but their invitation seemed genuine. The men smiled brightly at her and introduced themselves, practically talking over one another in haste to hear her name. Even the young woman seemed pleased to meet her.

There were other games people played as well, and all looked fairly easy even in a dress as she was. Everyone she passed seemed friendly if not honestly so and they introduced themselves and seemed to be interested in what she had to say. She was new and that apparently was of interest to many who acted like they came here often. After an hour or so in the gardens however she did get quite thirsty.

Back toward the palace there was a massive area with wall-less white tents, benches, chairs and servants. A few people were there eating and drinking what looked like lemonade or water or juices of different kinds. There was plenty of places to sit and many of them were shady. She was offered finger sandwiches, petite cakes or pastries or candies of all sorts and colors. Fruits, candied, dried or whole. A few men smoked and many had come by her to introduce themselves. Some had women on their arms and some did not.

The people were from everywhere and as she listened and greeted them she found that many were actually interesting and kind. Hard not to be in such a place like this. Some were older and they were from England, Belgium, Austria, Germany and other places. One man, he was very tall and very dark was purportedly from the Congo. He spoke with a thick accent but his french was pretty good to her surprise.

The time flew by and before she knew it the patio area was filled with people talking, laughing and enjoying one another’s company. Some were drawn there by a beautiful woman, some by a new mind with new experiences and stories to tell. People loved to talk about themselves to her and if she acted as if they interested her they in turn appreciated her willing ear. The fact that she was a widow brought her many condolences and all absolutely loved her dogs who were more than happy to get pet and coddled by just about everyone. In the window she saw the King once and she noticed he had that same concerned look upon his face. While she delighted in the attention the food and the finery, he was not having such a grand time of it.

Angelique enjoyed spending the afternoon playing games and talking to everyone. She was surprised by how many people there were and from how many different places they were from. Everyone seemed genuinely nice and interested in her. She laughed and smiled, but D'Artagnan's words still echoed in her mind. After a while she felt eyes on her and she looked over and saw the king looking down at her from a window. She could see how stressed he looked.

After a few hours she headed inside to relax and then dress for dinner. She chose the gold dress tonight that showed off just enough of her cleavage without being obscene and her hair was redone. She spritzed on a little more perfume and then waited for the king to come so they could go to dinner together.

Unfortunately the King had not come for her a young man in a cream colored suit was announced by (The other woman, I forget her name!) She announced him as Baylen. He has long, very blonde hair tied at the bush by a gold bow then braided in one, large braid down his back. He was tall, thin with pale skin and he had large, gray eyes that held a youthful look to them. He bowed to her.

“Mylady Angelique, the King regrets that he will not be available to escort you to dinner. He has...given me that charge. That and whatever else you might require for the happenings after as well,” he said. He spoke excellent french but she knew he was not french, possibly Irish or Scottish? He had broad shoulders and a nice calf as well in his white knickers. She could tell he was a fighting man but young and very attractive. Her two attendants tried not to gawk but she saw that they had found it...difficult not to.

Baylen noticed her disappointment and he made apologies for the King though he didn’t need to. He told her that he had been in meetings all day and he had heard shouting and even threats more than once from where he was. When she casually asked baylen during their walk down about all of that he told her what he knew. Dignitaries and businessmen from France had disagreements with those that had come from Belgium, Germany and even Italy. France has alot of debt and they all seem to want something more than money considering that they won’t be getting money. He said these things openly and without hesitation and she did not detect any kind of subversion in his voice. However she had a feeling that the King may not be available tonight for her to find out what she needed to. And in his place this man, Baylen, he gave her no title but he certainly was educated as a lord might be, was hers for the evening. That much though unsaid was clear.

The dining room was a bustle of activity, men and women stood behind their chairs and talked or waited silently for everyone to arrive. Men of all ages, some with mustaches and long hair and some with clean faces and short or balding hair, in suits of all colors, in uniforms of France and of distant lands were there. And also women of all ages in dresses that must have cost a small fortune as hers had stood with them. Servants, there must have been one for each chair stood around the room against the walls with their gloved hands behind their backs. The table setting was fancier than anything she had ever seen. Crystal goblets gilt in gold with golden tableware and bone china crockery that shone just as brightly as the crystal in the light of the massive gold and crystal chandeliers that hung down above it all. The floor was carpeted, a deep, dark red with a Fleur De Lis pattern in gold thread below her feet. Baylen had just brought her to her seat when several men in Foreign uniforms strolled out together, Some had red faces while others had hardly any expression at all. Most were older and fat however and then the bell rang just as she spotted Louisa who waved and smiled at her. The King stepped out of the main entrance of the dining room. His dark hair was well groomed, pulled back and tied with a black bow at the bush. She noticed his face and eyes first though. He looked...upset and weary. He sat down quickly, almost too quickly as it took a moment for servants to rush forward to pull chairs back so that the women could sit. Once sat the men were next and then small plates with a snail clamp were set down in front of them. Once everyone had their glasses filled and fresh, steamed snails added to their plates, dinner had began.

Not long after she had tried a snail, they were salty and cooked in garlic and herbs, quite tasty though not everyone seemed to like them. The wine was of a vintage she was not familiar. The grapes were not from France she knew, maybe Italy? She could not be sure. She also noticed the King’s eyes upon her. He smiled, pleased at her appearance but she saw how tired he was. And she saw real worry also in those dark eyes. His gaze only lasted a moment however as he was turned away by a rather rude man that sat to his right. Above the din of conversations that were going on at the same time she could not filter out everything and only heard bits and pieces.

“Ambassador….Dead and explanations,” or some such. He had a British accent she could tell. “That’s a very beautiful dress my dear,” a woman said next to her. When she turned to address her she saw an older woman in a dark violet dress with lots of lace. A whole LOT of lace and her hat was borderline obnoxious. “Henrietta Gadolphin, 2nd Duchess of Marlborough,” she heard Baylen in her ear. He was a respectful young man who spoke when he was spoken to unless she needed help like that he had just given her. In him she had invaluable information about everyone and could address those that addressed her in kind which seemed to please them greatly.

Angelique couldn't hide her disappointment when the door was opened and it wasn't the king standing there. She was beginning to wonder how much time she was going to be able to spend with him. She politely greeted the king's replacement, Baylen, who was rather nice to look at. She wasn't sure where he was from, but he spoke French very well and was very well mannered. As they walked down towards the dining hall she listened as he told her about happenings from the meetings that the king had been in. She knew that France was in quite a lot of debt, but hadn't realized just how serious things had gotten. She found Baylen easy to talk to and very well educated. It was almost intimidating to a degree.

She gazed around the dining hall as he escorted her in. It was just as she had expected based on what she had seen from the rest of Versailles. All of the opulence was overwhelming, but it also made her somewhat angry to know that even though France was in serious financial trouble and most people were very poor that this kind of money was being spent. She said nothing, however, and smiled. Just as Baylen led her to her chair the men whom she assumed had been in meeting with the king emerged and were followed by the king. As he came in everyone, including herself, bowed. As the king sat down the servants rushed forward to help the women with their chairs. Angelique took her seat beside Baylen. She looked over at the king and couldn't help but notice again how tired and worried he looked. As he looked over at her she smiled a little at him, but the moment was brief as his attention was turned elsewhere. At that moment the woman sitting beside her complimented her on her dress. She turned and had to hide the look of shock on her face at the dress she was wearing. She managed a smile as Baylen whispered her name and title into her ear.

"Thank you Duchess. Yours is quite lovely as well."

She heard talk of general happenings in France and of different lands. One such was about the apparent attempt to remove the Protestant faith. That was small potatoes compared to their post-war debt. But there were whispers of gross and sanctioned misappropriation of France's taxes as well as unlawful seizure of lands that were given away to debt holders and investors. The Duchess herself was there to petition to get some of her land back that had been taken without notice. Her own grandson was killed when he tried to stop it.

The main course was veal in a white wine cream sauce with petite potatoes and French cut green beans with slivered almonds. Many there drank far too much but the King barely touched his food she noticed. The courses kept coming as well as the conversation and by desert, a chocolate cake soaked in Amaretto with whipped cream.

When the diners began to break up the King was first to leave the men would be led to the men's lounge where women were ofcourse not allowed. Baylen had sensed that she was not having such a good time and as he helped her out of her chair he whispered into her ear.

"I know where the King will be if you want to see him. It will not be with the others...come," he gestured and led her out of the dining room. He took her to the other wing, there were many offices and large rooms where they held their meetings. He paused in the hall by a set of rooms just ahead and to the right. "In there, he prefers to be alone I think, sometimes." He said. I will wait down the hall to escort you backs" he added and smiled suggestively. Baylen nodded a bow and stepped away to leave her to it.

The front room was a lounge more or less. There were long tables with maps strewn out on top of it. Writing and lines in red ink were drawn on the maps but it was in a language she did not speak, English? Or Spanish? She was not certain. But it looked like they were carving France like a a big side of beef. She did not understand much of it beyond that.

In the next room the King stood looking out onto the grounds. He did not turn around when he spoke. "I said I did Not!" He started then he turned and saw Angelique. "Oh..ah, please forgive me my dear, I did not know it was you," he said as he moved around his desk toward her. She caught that he closed a brown bound ledger as he moved.

He smiled but she saw that like before he was tired but he greeted her warmly with a soft kiss on her lips. "I hope you enjoyed the day, do not hold yourself back, you can do whatever you want here," he said now seeming less tired than before.

Angelique was hungry and the food was delicious, but she forced herself to eat daintily. The wine flowed freely and she drank more than she probably should. As she ate and drank she talked with those around her, but also listened to other conversations that were going on. She kept glancing over at the king, and occasionally he would look her way as well.

As the meal concluded she noticed that the king got up rather quickly and departed. Her instinct was to follow him, but she knew she could not. Baylen, however, seemed to sense what she wanted and led her out of the dining hall and down to another wing of the palace. He stopped and gestured to a certain room and informed her that he would be there. She gave Baylen a little smile and thanked him before making her way inside. There were two adjoined rooms. In the first room she found long tables were maps strewn about. She looked at him, but couldn't make out the language that was written on it. However, what she could see was that it was a map of France with long lines cut through it. She tried to memorize as much as she could before moving on to the next room. As she walked in she spotted the king standing with his back to her looking out a window. He seemed to hear her walk in because he started yelling until he turned and saw her. She was a little startled, but he immediately relaxed when he saw it was her. As he moved around his large desk she noticed him close a brown leather ledger. She smiled and kissed him back.

"I had a wonderful day. I met so many people who were all so nice to me."

She looked at him and into his eyes. She reached up and lightly caressed his cheek. She lowered her voice to a seductive whisper.

"You seem so troubled. Perhaps tonight you'll let me help you forgot some of those troubles for a while..."

OOC-How did you enjoy the movie?

Ooc:I don't see it until Sunday at 4:15 I'm so excited it got 86% on rotten tomatoes