#thornolia chapter one

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Château de Clèrisseau: 23 Mai 1850, 14:15

Marquis de Clèrisseau: I'll be back in time to change for dinner, Auclair. I'll need to be if not to receive another lecture from-Roquefort?

Vicomte de Vignieu: Bonne journée, Valery.

Marquis de Clèrisseau: Bonne journée....that'll be all, Auclair.

Valet: Monsieur. [Leaves]

Marquis de Clèrisseau: Well this is certainly a surprise. What possibly brings you by? Surely it's too early to call on-

Vicomte de Vignieu: Oh, non...I actually came to speak with le Duc.

Marquis de Clèrisseau: [Sighs Dramatically] I suppose it was inevitable...

Vicomte de Vignieu: Pardon?

Marquis de Clèrisseau: Hmm? Oh, nothing. Just off in my own thoughts I suppose....lots to do, people to see...I'm sure you of all people can understand.

Vicomte de Vignieu: Has anyone bothered to mention how tiresome you can be?

Marquis de Clèrisseau: Perhaps...though I suppose hearing it once more from you couldn't hurt.

Vicomte de Vignieu: [Scoffs] I do not have time to verbally spar with you this afternoon, Valery. I was told le Duc would be in this afternoon?

Marquis de Clèrisseau: You were misinformed.

Vicomte de Vignieu: I sincerely doubt that.

Marquis de Clèrisseau: And just what, might I ask, has you so insistent to see him at this hour? He is a very busy man, after all.

Vicomte de Vignieu: If you must know, I've called on him to ask for Eleanor's hand.

Marquis de Clèrisseau: ...

Vicomte de Vignieu: I don't think I've ever seen you without words, Ernest. Cat got your tongue, perhaps?

Marquis de Clèrisseau: Have you truly thought this through, Albert?

Vicomte de Vignieu: I don't know what you're insin-

Marquis de Clèrisseau: Don't lie to me, Roquefort. It's clear as day to anyone with eyes. My sister is not a pawn for your jealous squabbles with-

Vicomte de Vignieu: I never said she was-

Marquis de Clèrisseau: And yet you stand here waiting to ask for her hand.

Vicomte de Vignieu: I do not need to explain myself to you.

Marquis de Clèrisseau: Non....because the answer is obvious. You need to-

Duc de Clèrisseau: Ah, Vicomte.

Duc de Clèrisseau: I do hope not to have kept you waiting.

Vicomte de Vignieu: Of course not, Monsieur. Bonne journée. Your delay allowed me the opportunity to catch up with Ernest, here. It has been quite a while since we've had the chance to connect.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Ah, oui, oui. All of you used to be so close back in the day...but I suppose I have kept you waiting long enough. Shall we?

Previous | Beginning | Next

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Le Jardin d'Avigneux: 23 Mai 1850, 13:30

Madame Adelaide: And Ernest truly helped ton frère escort you home?

Mademoiselle Violette: Oui, it was quite an affair! I was waiting for Oscar outside the post office and idly standing by when he rushed right into me! The tumble was quite severe, I was so unsteady on my feet and he helped Oscar assist me home. Truly, I am just as stunned as you are, though why he was rushing about the square I have no idea.

Madame Adelaide: It appears I owe Ernest more credit than I currently afford him. He does always seem to surprise me.

Mademoiselle Maybelline: And are you well recovered? When I last came to call Oscar mentioned you were still terribly unwell.

Mademoiselle Violette: I assure you I am quite well, though Oscar is still in quite a state. If it wasn't for la Douairière I wouldn't have been allowed out for our weekly stroll!

Madame Maybelline: He's always been the...overprotective type. Mine would have left me on the sidewalk to rot.

Mademoiselle Violette: [Scoffs] Honestly, Maybelline...In all honestly I'm surprised he hasn't started breathing fire down the necks of every suitor who comes to call. Though I believe him too busy these days to notice.

Mademoiselle Maybelline: And what news from you, Adelaide? I hear Gaston is looking more weary with each passing day as his impending nuptials loom closer...

Mademoiselle Violette: Is that true? And here I thought the big conversation would be about Eleanor turning down le Monseigneur's invitation to join him at le Prix de Thornolie.

Mademoiselle Maybelline: Quoi? Where did you hear that?

Mademoiselle Violette: La Douairière, of course.

Mademoiselle Maybelline: Goodness. Is this true?

Mademoiselle Maybelline: Adelaide?

Mademoiselle Violette: Madame?

Madame Adelaide: Quoi?

Mademoiselle Violette: Are you alright?

Madame Adelaide: Oh...pardonnez-moi. I...I thought I saw...

Mademoiselle Violette: What did you see?

Madame Adelaide: I...It doesn't matter...

Mademoiselle Maybelline: Must you always keep us in sus-

Madame Adelaide: Violette...do you think ton frère will still allow you to attend the Prix de Thornolie?

Mademoiselle Violette: Oh...I...Well, if he even tries to refuse, all I have to do is write to la Douairière.

Madame Adelaide: And quite right, too.

Mademoiselle Violette: Are...are you sure you're alright?

Madame Adelaide: Of course, I am. Don't be ridiculous.

Mademoiselle Maybelline: Adelaide, you still have yet to answer my questions. Gaston certainly...

Previous | Beginning | Next

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Palais de Thornolie, Salle du Trône: 22 May 1850, 15:30

[Murmured Chatter as Everyone Leaves the Room]

Le Roi Gaspard: I'm not certain any of us imagined you would clean up so well.

Comte de Montavin: [Dark Chuckle] Not sure I had a choice, Oncle.

Le Roi Gaspard: En effet. Arabella is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Let us hope for your sake your bride is not the same.

Comte de Montavin: Hmm....

Le Roi Gaspard: These things are never easy, Gaston.

Comte de Montavin: You mean having your hands tied behind your back?

Le Roi Gaspard: Given your proclivities I would be suprised if this was the first time.

Comte de Montavin: [Chuckles] I wasn't aware you knew.

Le Roi Gaspard: Ton père has always kept me informed of your whereabouts, neveu. You should hardly be surprised.

Comte de Montavin: [Sighs] I suppose not.

Le Roi Gaspard: You have grown into an honourable man, Gaston. This may not be what you intended for your life, but-

Comte de Montavin: And how would you know?

Le Roi Gaspard: You are not the only one in this room who was forced into a marriage they didn't want.

Comte de Montavin: [Shocked] You and-

Le Roi Gaspard: Oui. The last person on this Earth I ever expected to be bonded to was ta tante. But forces beyond my control made sure I had no say in the matter. I was bombarded with a wedding, a wife, and a new path in life all in one evening.

Comte de Montavin: I...I don't understand. Who would have the ability to force you into marriage?

Le Roi Gaspard: Someone long since passed...

Comte de Montavin: Qui?

Le Roi Gaspard: ...It's not important. What is important is despite what is being burdened on your shoulders is not more than you can carry. Between ton père, ta tante, and myself, you have been raised to overcome these challenges. Marriage is a fickle business, Gaston, but you have the knowledge and intelligence to manage those turbulent waters with ease.

Comte de Montavin: Did you truly just relate my impending marriage to my naval experience?

Le Roi Gaspard: [Chuckles] Merely making sure you're paying attention. Now come along, we mustn't keep ta tante waiting. I fear you've already endured her rath long enough, and I'm not sure I want to join you in your boots.

Previous | Beginning | Next

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Thornolia: 22 May 1850, 10:45

Previous | Beginning | Next

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Palais Théâtre de Thornolie: 11 May 1850, 20:30    

La Fille du Régiment: Chacun le sait

[Click the Link for Music!]

Previous | Beginning | Next

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Salon d’Épitoise, Palais de Thornolie: 19 May 1850, 16:00

Duchesse de Clèrisseau: [Mutters] I can see what you mean....

La Reine Arabella: I cannot fathom what could have transpired between them after the opera...she looks so crestfallen...

Duchesse de Clèrisseau: Oliver seems so as well...Her behaviour has been truly worrying, Arabella. Especially-

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Your Maman is staring at me...

Madame Adelaide: I think she's concerned...did you truly reject Oliver's invitation?

Mademoiselle Eleanor: As I wrote to him, I-

Madame Adelaide: Don't attempt to lie to me, Eleanor. I know you. Why did you really reject him?

Duc de Clèrisseau: Do you truly have to look so annoyed?

Le Roi Gaspard: [Scoffs] You of all people should not be asking me that.

Duc de Clèrisseau: [Sighs] You're never going to let this go, are you?

Le Roi Gaspard: Perhaps when you finally decide to tell me the full story.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Gaspard-

Marquis de Clèrisseau: Are you even going to speak with her?

Monseigneur Oliver: She's made it clear she doesn't wish to spend her time with me.

Marquis de Clèrisseau: I'm not sure it's that simple, Oliver.

Monseigneur Oliver: Quoi?

Steward: Monsieur le Comte de Connier, Majestés.

Le Roi Gaspard: Morel? This is certainly a surprise.

Comte de Connier: Je vous prie de m'excuser. I do not wish to intrude on your personal time, but I'm afraid the matter is rather urgent.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Morel...You're not suggesting-

Comte de Connier: I'm afraid the time is finally upon us.

Le Roi Gaspard: You're absolutely certain?

Comte de Connier: My man followed a person of interest carrying a lettter heading to the docks a few days ago.

Marquis de Clèrisseau: What is so-

Duc de Clèrisseau: Silence, Ernest.

Le Roi Gaspard: Did he make it aboard the ship?

Comte de Connier: My man attempted to stop him, but was unsuccessful.

Monseigneur Oliver: I don't follow. What is so important about stopping a man with a letter?

Madame Adelaide: Surely someone carrying something as simple as a letter is harmless, is it not?

La Reine Arabella: Hush. Monsieur, was your man successful in uncovering any further information?

Comte de Connier: Not at present, Madame. If my suspicions are correct, the time we feared is fast approaching.

Le Roi Gaspard: Messier, please escort le Duc et le Comte to my study. It seems we have much to discuss.

Steward: Oui, Majesté.

Monseigneur Oliver: I'm coming with you.

Le Roi Gaspard: Non.

Monseigneur Oliver: Have I not be forced to spend hours on end with you in order to be prepared for my role as the future Monsieur le Roi? Surely I should be involved if-

Le Roi Gaspard: That may be true, Oliver, but today is not that day. Madames et mademoiselles, pardonnez-moi. [Leaves]

[Heavy Silence]

La Reine Arabella: [Stands] Oliver-

[Oliver Storms Off]

Previous | Beginning | Next

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Nephew of Madame la Reine to be Married

A surprise announcement came from la famille royale this morning when it was announced le Comte de Montavin is set to marry Mademoiselle Giselle Roux, daughter to the Comte et Comtesse de Gregny.

Nephew to Madame la Reine, le Comte de Montavin is the son to le Marquis and the late Marquise de Montavin. His mother was the elder sister of our Madame la Reine, lost in childbirth, and it is known le Comte was raised not only by his father, but by Madame la Reine as well. While we have not paid much attention to the other matches happening throughout the season, particularly when the interest to follow the exploits of our young Monseigneur are at the forefront of our minds, we cannot help but congratulate le Comte and his future bride.

The announcement further detailed the marriage is to take place on the twenty-seventh of May, a mere five days away! We are certain Madame la Reine has her hands full, not only with the last preparations for the Prix de Thornolie, but for her nephew's upcoming nuptials.

Though, before we can turn our attentions to the wedding, it is best to focus instead on the Prix de Thornolie. Excitement for the event is high, particularly among the lower classes who will have the chance to attend the royal festivities. This will be the first event of the new season which puts la famille royale in such close quarters with the rest of the Thornolian people, something we are told Madame la Reine was adamant about when putting together this première saison. A small procession to the event will be lead by carriages holding la famille royale, followed by the leading noble families of Thornolia. The races will begin shortly after, and all winners will be presented their awards by Monseiur le Roi et Monseigneur L'Épin.

Of course, we must wonder who will be on the arm of our Monseigeur. Will it once more be Mademoiselle Valery, or is he still pursuing other options? Only time will tell.

Previous | Beginning | Next

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Manoir de Liroux, 18 May, 1850, 12:30 PM

Mademoiselle Aurora: Oh, Maman what do you think? I believe Eloise has finally perfected my hair.

Duchesse de Liroux: Postitively regal. We shall have her recreate this for the Prix de Thornolie.

Mademoiselle Aurora: En effet. Oh, I do wonder what Monsieur de Rousseau will think of it.

Duchesse de Liroux: And why would you bother yourself with his opinions?

Mademoiselle Aurora: He sent me a letter a few days ago asking to escort me, and I accepted.

Duchesse de Liroux: How dare you. What gives you the right to accept him when you are set to accompany the Monseigneur?

Mademoiselle Aurora: Quoi?

Duchesse de Liroux: You need not worry yourself. You were invited by Madame la Reine herself, and you will not insult this family by rejecting her. I will not hear another word about it, and you will send word to le Marquis and reject him.

Mademoiselle Aurora: Maman, non! I gave him my word days ago! I cannot reject him now!

Duchesse de Liroux: Ça suffit! You will write to him and reject his advances, and you will finally focus on hooking the Monseigneur!

Mademoiselle Aurora: I refuse! Why must you continue to push the matter when the Monseigneur's mind is already made up? Le Marquis is more than suitable, and a match any normal maman would be glad to have for their daughter!

Duchesse de Liroux: My reasons are none of your concern. You will do as I say and accompany the Monseigneur. End of discussion.

Mademoiselle Aurora: Non.

Duchesse de Liroux: Excusez-moi?

Mademoiselle Aurora: I will not be used by you or Papa for some slight you refuse to explain or let go of. I will not accompany the Mon-

[Emilie smacks Aurora]

Duchesse de Liroux: You will not disobey me! Write to le Marquis. Reject his request. Or you can be certain I will do it for you. And you will not like the method at which I go about it.

Previous | Beginning | Next

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Chateau de Clèrisseau: 19 May 1850, 14:45

Duchesse de Clèrisseau: Ernest! Eleanor! The carriage is waiting! We mustn't be late!

Mademoiselle Eleanor: I'm just here, Maman.

Duchesse de Clèrisseau: Oh, Mignonne. You look lovely.

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Merci, Maman.

Marquis de Clèrisseau: Remind me again why we've all been summoned to tea? I can think of at least a dozen other things I'd rather be doing to-

Duchesse de Clèrisseau: Stop huffing about, Ernest. The reasons as to why Madame la Reine chooses to invite us to tea do not concern you. You should be honoured, regardless. Now, if we lounge around for any longer we will be late, and you will have your father to deal with when we arrive. Let us be off.

[Charlotte, Ernest, and Eleanor Start to Leave]

Footmen: Pardonnez-moi, Mademoiselle. A letter has just arrived for you.

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Oh...merci...

"Mlle Valery,

I would hate to have to remind you of the consequences should you make the wrong decisions.

We are always watching, ma chérie."

Marquis de Clèrisseau: Eleanor! I know this tea has something to do with you, and if Maman has to tell us again how-Eleanor?

Marquis de Clèrisseau: Eleanor....what's happened? Who's written-

Mademoiselle Eleanor: [Starts and Puts the Letter Away] Oh...ce n'est rien. We should go. Maman does not like to be kept waiting.

Marquis de Clèrisseau: [Grabs Eleanor] Nellie-

Mademoiselle Eleanor: [Hisses] Unhand me. [Pulls out of his Grip and Leaves]

Previous | Beginning | Next

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Les Jardins Privés, Palais de Thornolie: 19 May 1850, 16:15

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Oliver!

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Oliver, arrêtez vous!

Monseigneur Oliver: Go back inside, Eleanor.

Mademoiselle Eleanor: I will do no such thing.

Monseigneur Oliver: Did you hear him? Treating me as if I was just some school boy who hadn't finished his lessons? He's the one who's been preparing me to succeed him, forcing me to sit with him for hours on end, and now when there is something of a real threat he tells me to stand aside? Why is there so much mystery?! I will not stand for it!

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Do you think perhaps this may have something to do with the arguments you and Addy overheard weeks ago?

Monseigneur Oliver: Where did you hear that?

Mademoiselle Eleanor: You wrote to me. I remember everything you tell me.

Monseigneur Oliver: [Scoffs] I'm not sure why you bother to remember anything when it comes to me. Did you not reject me?

Mademoiselle Eleanor: My rejection of your invitation has nothing to do with how I feel about you and you know it!

Monseigneur Oliver: Do I? Were you not the one who said you could overcome your reservations while we watched the opera? And where are we now?

Mademoiselle Eleanor: ...

Monseigneur Oliver: [Deep Sigh] Nothing is going the way I imagined.

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Everything will be alright, Oliver. I swear it.

Monseigneur Oliver: Why did you reject me, Eleanor?

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Oliver....s'il vous plaît-

Monseigneur Oliver: I must know.

Mademoiselle Eleanor: I already told you-

Monseigneur Oliver: ...Something's happened...

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Quoi?

Monseigneur Oliver: You're frightened.

Mademoiselle Eleanor: I am not. You're being absurd.

Monseigneur Oliver: Ma dulcinée-

Mademoiselle Eleanor: I'm certain once votre père know more of what is happening he'll involve you.

Monseigneur Oliver: [Sighs] Eleanor...stop attempting to side-step my question.

Mademoiselle Eleanor: I'm merely worried for you, that's all.

Monseigneur Oliver: Worried for me? Eleanor-

[Eleanor cuts him off, rushing to hug him]

Previous | Beginning | Next

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Chateau de Clèrisseau: 15 May 1850, 18:15

Duc de Clèrisseau: If you stand out here any longer you’ll catch a chill, Mignonne. 

Mademoiselle Eleanor: I promise to come inside shortly, Papa. 

Duc de Clèrisseau: Is...are you alright, chérie?

Mademoiselle Eleanor: So many have asked me the very same question...and yet I have no answer. 

Duc de Clèrisseau: I do hope matters between you and Oliver are-

Mademoiselle Eleanor: [Sighs] Oliver is perfectly wonderful, Papa. A true mondamoiseau. It’s only...

Duc de Clèrisseau: Oui?

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Do you believe I am the right choice for him? 

Duc de Clèrisseau: Mignonne, why do you ask such a question? 

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Oliver...he has such responsibilities waiting for him, Papa. And I am not so oblivious to not see what the Chronicle write about me or what others whisper behind my back. I know there are those who find me ineligible...weak...it is hard not to agree with them when those voices speak louder with each passing day. What if Oliver were to propose? What if I were to accept? What if those people who say such things about me-

Duc de Clèrisseau: Eleanor, écoute-moi. Forget what others say or may say. You must never allow gossips to sway your judgement. And if you are still not swayed by these words, take it from someone who has watched the two of you your entire lives. From someone who truly knows you both so well. You are his right choice. Just as he is yours. A love like yours...well, I have not witnessed one like it in all my years, chérie. 

Mademoiselle Eleanor: But...what if there are people out there who would wish to actively separate us? Those who despise us? 

Duc de Clèrisseau: Mignonne...is someone threatening you? 

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Quoi? Oh...non, Papa...of course not. I...you know my mind wanders when I worry.

Duc de Clèrisseau: If someone is threatening you, you must tell me. I will not have someone threatening the life of my daughter. 

Mademoiselle Eleanor: I...I promise, Papa. 

Duc de Clèrisseau: [Sighs] In the end, Mignonne, the decision is yours. Oliver loves you. 

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Do you really believe so? 

Duc de Clèrisseau: One does not spend the last two decades watching the two of you and be oblivious to what is right in front of them. Even now when I pass him in the halls of le palais he makes a point to stop me and ask after you. You are the one he loves, Eleanor. His eyes are for you and you alone. 

Mademoiselle Eleanor: [Cries] Oh, Papa...I don’t know what to do. 

Duc de Clèrisseau: Shhh...shhh, Mignonne. I’ve got you. 

Previous | Beginning | Next

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Palais de Thornolie: 17 May 1850, 13:45

Le Roi Gaspard: Très bon, and there's still no update from Parlement?

Duc de Clèrisseau: They should be starting the voting process in the coming weeks.

La Reine Arabella: Ah! Henri!

Duc de Clèrisseau: Arabella, bonne journée.

La Reine Arabella: I'm so glad to have caught you. Perhaps you may be able to assist me in unearthing a rather curious situation.

Duc de Clèrisseau: I shall endeavour to do my best.

La Reine Arabella: Are you aware Eleanor has rejected Oliver's invitation to join him at the Prix de Thornolie?

Duc de Clèrisseau: [Sighs] Oui...I am aware.

La Reine Arabella: Do you not find it...rather odd? At the opera everything appeared quite settled between them.

Duc de Clèrisseau: En effet...truth be told, Arabella, Eleanor has been acting peculiar ever since that night. She's withdrawn, jumpy, and any time a letter is handed to her in my presence she goes deathly pale. Charlotte and I are growing more concerned by the day. Something is clearly amiss.

La Reine Arabella: Oliver has been utterly beside himself since she sent word rejecting him...[sighs] but I suppose until we can uncover what is happening I will have to arrange for another to accompany him....Perhaps...Mademoiselle Aubert?

Le Roi Gaspard: Aubert? You cannot be serious, Arabella. You truly think it wise?

La Reine Arabella: You know as well as I Oliver must be seen making an effort, regardless if his heart has made its decision. Not to mention the Chronicle has spoken often enough regarding the two of them in recent weeks...

Duc de Clèrisseau: Perhaps...we can do something in the meantime? To reconcile whatever has happened between our two children?

Le Roi Gaspard: Honestly, is this truly necessary?

La Reine Arabella: Oui...a wonderful idea, Henri. I shall arrange for an afternoon tea in two days time. I'll go and make the arrangements now and have an invitation ready for you before you leave. We shall get to the bottom of this. I'm certain of it.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Merci, Madame.

La Reine Arabella: Oh, and Gaspard? Do try not to look so sour-faced. It's never suited you.

Previous | Beginning | Next

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Palais Théâtre de Thornolie: 11 May 1850, 22:30

La Fille du Régiment: C’en est donc fait

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Are you enjoying the opera? 

Monseigneur Oliver: [Smiles] Clearly not as much as you. 

Mademoiselle Eleanor: It was kind of your mother to allow us to sit in their seats after the interval.

Monseigneur Oliver: Oui.

Mademoiselle Eleanor: The music is truly exquisite...it really allows one to truly feel for Marie. 

Monseigneur Oliver: Oh? 

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Her life was drastically altered. Going from a vivandière to the niece of a marquise must be such a shock. From one way of life to another...leaving behind all those she loves...it is no wonder she is so miserable here.

Monseigneur Oliver: And...if you were put into such a position? 

Mademoiselle Eleanor: I...Je ne sais pas. But Marie does find happiness in the end, does she not? Reunited with Tonio and allowed to marry for love.

Monseigneur Oliver: En effet...

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Then...perhaps I could endure it. Especially if it meant I could marry for love.

Previous | Beginning | Next

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Salon Fréluire, Palais de Thornolie: 18 May 1850, 15:30

Monseigneur Oliver: Why did it have to be Mademoiselle Aubert?

La Reine Arabella: You must be seen actively pursuing a match. Eleanor has rejected your invitation, and because you cannot show up unaccompanied I had no choice but to make the invitation.

Monseigneur Oliver: [Scoffs] But Aubert? You could have issued an invitation to practically anyone else, Maman.

La Reine Arabella: Perhaps-

Monseigneur Oliver: You do realise she and I have already agreed not to pursue a match?

La Reine Arabella: That may be, but-Adelaide, is something the matter?

Madame Adelaide: I...I'm afraid not. I feel a bit unwell. Pardonnez-moi...[Leaves]

La Reine Arabella: Adelaide-

Monseigneur Oliver: Let her go. She's suffered an emotional week.

La Reine Arabella: What do you mean?

Monseigneur Oliver: I'm not at liberty to say.

La Reine Arabella: [Sighs] The two of you and your secrets...I'll go check on her. Meanwhile, do try and not to look so heartbroken. While I cannot do much regarding Eleanor's rejection at present, I have invited her and the rest of their family for tea tomorrow so that we may discover the root of the problem. So please try and be patient. [Leaves]

Le Roi Gaspard: She speaks wise words, Oliver.

Monseigneur Oliver: I've already made my decision.

Le Roi Gaspard: [Sighs] Your heart may have made a decision, but have you-

Monseigneur Oliver: The decision is made, both by heart and reason.

Le Roi Gaspard: Then explain it me. Why her?

Monseigneur Oliver: [Sighs] I've known Eleanor for almost my entire life, Papa. There is nothing about her I do not know, and that includes all the things she doesn't wish to put on display for anyone. She possesses the greatest strength of character, a keen mind...a true queen in every sense of the word. She is steadfast in her resolutions. She is gentle in her presentations. But...

Le Roi Gaspard: Quoi?

Monseigneur Oliver: I need her to see it...

Le Roi Gaspard: Hmm...

Monseigneur Oliver: Papa?

Le Roi Gaspard: See that she does.

Monseigneur Oliver: Quoi?

Le Roi Gaspard: You've given me a great deal to think about. Thornolia will need all of those qualities, and more, in her next Madame la Reine in order to secure and maintain her future. Without someone as strong as the mademoiselle you described...you will not be able to face what lies ahead. Excusez-moi. [Leaves]

Monseigneur Oliver: What lies ahead? What do you mean? Papa?

Previous | Beginning | Next

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

L'Étalon d'Émeraude: 15 May 1850, 17:45

“Make sure you deliver this directly into his hands.”

“Oui, Monsieur.” 

“The ship leaves in three hours, and your passage has already been settled. If you are not on board, rest assured you will pay dearly for your incompetence.” 

“Of course, Monsieur....and...after I have delivered the message?”

“The missive requires an immediate response. You will return with one. Surely you can handle such a task.” 

“I will not return until I have a response in hand.”

“Très bien. Now leave.” 

“Monsieur.” [Leaves] 

“Let us no longer embrace the shadows... for it is time we found our light in this god-forsaken wasteland...”

Previous | Beginning | Next

[theroyalthornoliachronicles]

Le Cabinet du Roi, Palais de Thornolie: 19 May 1850, 16:30

Le Roi Gaspard: And you have every reason to believe the message was intended for a member of l'insurrection?

Comte de Connier: All signs point in that direction, Monsieur.

Duc de Clèrisseau: How can you be so certain?

Comte de Connier: My man has been following men of interests for years. Per the orders of Monsieur le Roi, of course. A few days ago one such person was spotted carrying a letter, making way toward the docks.

Le Roi Gaspard: Continue.

Comte de Connier: My man continued to follow him, and when he saw him preparing passage onto the ship he attempted to intervene, but the man caught on and took off. I am regretful to say we lost him.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Do we know where the ship was travelling to?

Comte de Connier: Sibna, which is known to be a transfer port for Thalia.

Le Roi Gaspard: Damn.

Duc de Clèrisseau: We must make preparations for your and your family's safety. If this letter is indeed meant for Les Insurgés, then someone has managed to fool us all and betray our loyalties.

Le Roi Gaspard: Henri, s'il vous plaît. We cannot start making contingency plans yet.

Comte de Connier: With all do respect, Monsieur, Henri may be right. It is best we make preparations. We cannot risk another event as dire as the one we left behind.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Think of Aug-

Le Roi Gaspard: There is no need to continue that thought. Not a day goes by where I do not think of him.

Duc de Clèrisseau: [Sighs] You know what this means, do you not? You must speak with your children.

Le Roi Gaspard: Non.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Honestly, Gaspard, we no longer have the time to spare their feelings! We are crossing into trouble waters! You cannot seriously be considering to gamble with your children's future, just as you cannot ask me to do the same, especially if your son's intentions with my daughter are realised!

Le Roi Gaspard: [Deep Sigh] Morel, what do you suggest?

Comte de Connier: I believe it would be wise to cancel all future engagements, Monsieur. It would not be wise to appear at such public events if there are those nearby preparing to strike.

Le Roi Gaspard: Arabella would never allow it.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Gaspard-

Comte de Connier: Then we heighten your security. I can invite Duc de Fleurieux et Marquis de Montavin to discuss the matter further.

Le Roi Gaspard: Très bien. Tell your man to continue his surveillance. Have him watch the docks for his return. If we can apprehend him before he's able to deliver the reply we can hopefully avoid any further distress.

Comte de Connier: Oui, Monsieur.

Duc de Clèrisseau: And Oliver? Adelaide?

Le Roi Gaspard: [Short Silence] We keep this from them...for the time being.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Gaspard-

Le Roi Gaspard: I will tell them, Henri. Adelaide can wait, but I will tell Oliver after the Masquerade. We've made him agree to announce his engagement then, so I do not want to deprive him of joy on such an occassion.

Duc de Clèrisseau: That seems rather uncharacterisc of you, I must say.

Le Roi Gaspard: I'm not as heartless as you all seem to believe, Henri.

Previous | Beginning | Next