Claude
I was thinking about how it got here when I heard distant creaking.
"Is there someone here?" I hollered
The creaking seems to come from the stand up cover blinds so I made my way through it.
I was about to see what was in the other side of it when a I saw a hand leaning on the other side of the blinds
"Taste of love and sorrow, but don't drink the wine. Don't drink it." It was a female voice
But when I went to the other side of the blinds she was already gone. I pushed the wall behind the blinds and it opened.
"Claude? Are you here?" It was Elena
"Yes, I'm here." I answered
"Come, we're called to the main hall" Elena said going out, I followed her looking at the blinds before I closed the door.
There was a gathering at the main hall to pay respects to the departure of Bishop Helsinki, the one who hosted Queen Elisa's and King Peter's wedding yesterday.
I was busy talking to Count Vincent when a servant boy offered me a wine. "To Princess Claude" he raised his glass then left.
I suddenly remembered what the woman had said "Don't drink the wine." So I pretended I drank a sip
I excused myself to go into the hallway when I saw Francis, he saw me too as he made his way to me.
"I've been wanting to talk to you-"
"There's something I want to tell you...uh"
"When you came into my room yesterday, I-I shouldn't have said what I said. There are other ways of handling this." He continued
"Handling what? Me?" I raised my eyebrows up "You do realize that we're going to married someday, don't you?" It seemed that he needed to be reminded
"Believe me, I know." He said
"I know that you had a life before I got here." I told him
"It's not about that." He answered again
"Don't you think we owe this to each other, our families, our countries, to give this a chance?" I was persevered.
"It's not that simple." He said
"Not that simple?! What's not simple? We've been engaged since we were five! Its all arranged. " I was pissed "How awful must you find me to do this."
"No it's not you. You-you're beautiful and clever a-and unpredictable but it doesn't matter." I am upset but why do I find myself flattered?
"What matters is what's right for my country, France isn't as strong as you think, or care, which maybe you don't but I do. I'm going to be king someday, responsible for my people and right now, an alliance with Scotland can destroy France." It was low but pointed
"You don't want to marry me." I finally built it up. "You don't want this at all." He didn't answer.
"Things could change." He answered
"Well it's not your decision, its your father's" I replied with fury.
"Well you don't see him pushing a wedding either, don't you?" He really is pushing me away! "All engagements do is hold alliances. He's betting that we might need Scotland and I'm betting that we can get more support elsewhere. I know it isn't what you want to hear-
"But you won't love me." I replied
"Love is irrelevant to people like us. You know that." He said "All I'm asking you is to wait, to see how things go."
"To see how things go for France. I guess it is simple after all. But you aren't the only one with a country to think of." I said then finished the conversation.
I returned to my room to sleep to vent out when somebody pulled my mantle "Oh, Help me!!" He was going to rape me, there was fear all over my body.
"Your grace, please. Your grace!" He said while covering my mouth
"No, guards! Guards!!! Help!" I called out for help
"Forgive me your grace, forgive me. She said she would kill my family! She has eyes here. Be careful of her! Your grace, please!" He was begging, while the guards were pulling him outside.
The next morning
"How could this be? Where were the guards? Why didn't they stop him?" Elena said to Margaux.
"Well I hope that if the guards didn't Claude did, or else her virtue will be questioned, and when that happens, Scotland's chances here are over." Margaux replied
That was their conversation that I heard before I came inside.
"Claude! What happened? Are you okay?" Elena said, checking me out.
"He didn't- he didn't succeed." I told them
They let their breathe out as if they stopped it. "What really happened, Claude?" Elena said leading me to the couch
"I was sleeping when I felt someone pull my mantle. He was even surprised that I'd wake up, it's like he was expecting me not to." I explained thinking about what happened
"Don't worry, the man's going to be hanged any moment now." Margaux said assuring me, but I wasn't assured
"He said that she would kill his family if he didn't do it. I believe that he's just ordered to take my virtue, but why?" I was desperate for answer.
There was silence when someone stormed into the room, Francis. Elena and Margaux left immediately.
"Are you alright? He won't touch you again." Francis said, there was this concern in his eyes
"No, we have to stop them. I think he's innocent." I answered
"Excuse me your majesties but, Prince Francis, he's been hanged." A maid said then left
"What? No!" I was making my way outside but he blocked me
"Claude, the guy tried to rape you yet you still protect him?!" His voice was getting louder.
"He's now dead Francis! Please stop." I said finally breaking down but he catched me and as he held me in his arms, there was this familiar feeling that I never thought I could feel.
a/n:
HEY GUYS!! Please do comment! I'd like to know what you think about the heiress. Thank you lovelies for giving this book a chance ❤️
Anyways, here's the list of the cast if you'd want to know.
Claude as Adelaide Kane (yes she's the one in the cover, beautiful right?"
Francis as Toby Regbo (i know, hot)
And Sebastian as Torrance Coombs ( Elena's right, he's dashing)
Oh did I mention that these three are friends in real life? I love this trio, they're so cute ❤️