𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕻𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖈𝖊𝖘𝖘 𝕺𝖋 𝕰𝖓𝖌𝖑𝖆𝖓𝖉 | 𝕱𝖗𝖆𝖓𝖈𝖎𝖘 𝖁𝖆𝖑𝖔𝖎𝖘

VIII | 𝕿𝖜𝖔 𝕴𝖘 𝕬 𝕮𝖗𝖔𝖜𝖉

Royal Court Of France

"Your highness, we will be arriving at the French Court shortly" "Ok, thank you, Martin. It was a lovely journey. Smoothest one I've ever been on" I hollered to Martin, a French coachman who picked me up from the docks, that was driving the carriage "Yes, Miss, it is very nice to get through an entire journey without rebels attack the carriage" Martin called "How bad do they get here?" I question. It's happened a few times back home in England when I was aboard, but most of the time, once the attackers saw that I was in the carriage they backed off. I don't entirely know what, but it's become evident that I am more liked by the people over my parents. It's not that the people dislike my parents, but it just seems like I give my country some sort of peace and clarity that they don't. Which I guess is a good thing, considering I will one day be queen "Depends. Sometimes it's just a few hungry, homeless men who are looking for food and money, although they learn soon that trying to steal from the royals will get them nowhere" "And other times?"!8 turned to the open window that separates us. He still had his back to me, considering he was driving the moving carriage "Let's just say that those are the ones you don't want to come in contact with" Martin spoke as the carriage came to a halt "I see" "Here we are, Princess Josette" "Thank you. Your company was wonderful" I smiled as I clutched my dress getting ready to stand up "Likewise" Martin finally turned to me and smiled "Her Royal Highness, Princess Josette Of England" A loud voice spoke as the drapes of the carriage were opened. My eyes met the large crowds of purple who had gathered for my arrival. I stepped out of the carriage, seeing my three ladies run up to me. They stopped themselves before curtseying "Ladies, how was your journey?" I asked "Wonderful, your highness" As much as I may try to get these girls to quit using formalities, it will never stop "Yours?" "Pleasant" I smiled. Horns sounded as the French royal family was introduced "His Royal Highness, King Henry II" The familiar man, who is basically the whole reason of why I am here, walked out. Another woman stood beside who was most definitely not Catherine "That can't be Catherine" Jade spoke behind me "It's not" I spoke, continuing to look straight ahead "Who is it, Princess?" Jade questioned "Diana De Portiers. The King's mistress" "So, the rumors are true?" Serena asked, speaking up for the first time since I've seen her here "Unlike her, we will have no trouble finding husbands here" Kamille whispered "Kamille" I chuckled, trying to remain serious and scoot her for the comment, but honestly, she speaks the truth, so I could not "Who is that?" Serena smirked at the pretty familiar looking boy who walked towards the king "He is gorgeous" "Sebastian" I spoke, making quick eye contact with the boy "Oh, the king's bastard son?" Kamille asked and I nodded "I've only met him a few times before. They weren't very king meetings, so I really only know of him" "I hear the king favors him" Serena spoke beside me as another horn sounded "Her Majesty, Queen Catherine!" In all of her beauty and grace she strides her way up and front of her 'family', looking ever
so-confident. The final horns blew and I knew exactly what that meant. Francis began walking down the strip of concrete in my direction. Again, that ridiculous smile spread across my face. The one that only Francis could cause. I was brought out of my thought when another horn shoulder "Who else hasn't been introd-" "Her Majesty, Mary Queen Of Scots" "Mary Queen of what?!" I asked out loud through gritted teeth, not speaking to anyone in particular "Scots" And there she was. The girl who I used to call my best friend "Mary" I sharply spoke, standing up a bit taller "Josette" She spoke doing the same "Ladies" Francis nervously spoke, noticing the tension, once he made his way over to us "Mary, I will show you in. Josie knows her way around" Francis crossed him arm in Mary's "Francis" I started, but couldn't find the words to keep going "Josie, I will see you later" He spoke, his eyes not leaving mine. I looked down, trying not to show my emotions "Josie" He walked over to me, untangling his arm from Mary's. His hands cupped my cheeks as he stared down to me "I will see you later. I promise" I have him a small smile as he kissed the tip of my nose "Ok" "Ok" He smiled before turning back to Mary and guiding her inside. Leaving me standing all alone at the end of the pathway. I stood tall in confidence as I guided myself towards the royal family. The people standing around chorused many "Welcome, your highness" I simply nodded in the direction that I heard that be spoken as I continued my way towards Catherine and Henry "Josette, so very good to see you again" Henry spoke as he and Catherine smiled "You as well" I smiled "Princess, this is my son, Sebastian" The King pointed to the gorgeous brunette that stood beside him "I'm sure the two of you have met before, but it's been a while" "Very nice to see you again, Sebastian. I do indeed remember seeing as a child" I spoke to the boy "Me, as well. Very nice to see you, you highness" Sebastian bowed before me, reaching to give my hand a light kiss "And this is Diane" The king introduced "Pleasure to meet you" I smiled as Diane returned the gesture and curtsied before me "Henry, Catherine, do you mind if we have a word?" I spoke "Oh, of course" Catherine smiled, pulling myself and Henry away "What's wrong, dear?" "When we made this deal, I know you both said that it was possible that Mary would have to come to the French Court until things with the alliance  blow over, but you managed to leave out the face that she would be arriving at the same time as me" "Yes, well" Henry started, but seemed to not be able to find words to complete his thought "We, well, uh" "Loss of words?" I smirked, furrowing my eyebrows "Catherine De Medici and Henry II of France are at a loss for words? I've been told that I was a heart stopper, but I didn't think I could stop the two of you" "Look, Josette, Mary is just going to stay here until she can find a suitable man. But until that happens, she is France's guest. And as France's future king, Francis has no choice, but to treat her with pure kindness. So, don't let jealousy over Come you" "I would not let jealousy over come me anyway" I crossed my arms sassily "Josette, as strong as you may be; you are still a teenage girl. You can not honestly try to persuade me into thinking that you could never become jealous" Catherine smiled, grabbing my hands "Whatever, Catherine" I murmured, looking to the ground "Now, if you plan on being the future Queen of France you better stand up tall and regain your confidence before we enter that castle. I will not have you sulking around in my castle under any circumstances. You are too strong for sulking" Catherine spoke again "Now stand up tall" She pushed my shoulders back, causing my posture to straighten "And smile" She finisher brushing a small piece of hair out of my face "Thank you" I whispered to Catherine as she squeezed my hand "Sometimes even future queens need a little bit of confidence boosting"