Jacqueline frowned at the mark against her person, she lightly caressed it and dismissing Alice she turned for the door."Lord husband," She curtsied low and took his elbow.
He did not speak to her but looked at how they looked together. She looked the very essence of lost virgin. A light blue evening dress, her hair in a bun with a hat neatly placed on top. Jewels ordered by Dominic to be worn, it showed her high status and empathised the blue sparkle in her eye.
The bruise had been hidden with make up and Dominic was pleased. This is exactly what every man wanted in his bed or on his arm. Beauty, humbleness and submission to her husband. She kept her head down and looked at the ring on her finger.
Dominic had not picked it out, he would of picked a gold band, maybe with their initials. But her father us demanded this design as a condition, for whatever reason and his father had agreed. He wore a dark blue doublet and a black hose. Wearing his outdoor boots he did not bother to change into more leisurely footwear.
The evening meal prepared Francis had asked them to join him for a leisurely dinner. As they walked down the carpeted corridor, Dominic knew this dinner would not be leisurely. The candles illuminated the palace and the music could be heard from the corridor.
Dominic motioned for the servants to open the door and they walked together to the court room. The courtroom a large square room with Francis and the consort's throne at the end of the room. A straight red rug making a parting through the middle. The members of the court on the sides, laughing and conversing whilst waiting...
Francis' court room was packed, he had summoned them and all courtesans parted for a glimpse of the new couple.
The men at court had been watching, the women of the court judging and the children in bed with their nannies. Jacqueline sighed as they looked at her curtsying to the king and she knew he thought of her unworthy. She kept quiet and as they walked to the golden throne, five steps and then a curtsey.
Bending her head demurely and in anticipation of maybe, if that note was correct seeing William she smiled at the door opener before starting her bow with Dominic.
"Your Majesty," They bowed low In unison and the king biding them to rise looked at the couple.
"Countess your cheek is reddened," Francis said softly his glare on Dominic. His hand's clenched the golden ring the king wore was stabbing into his skin.
"It was nothing, your majesty, just me being clumsy forgive me for worrying you,"She curtsied low again.
He ignored her comment and acknowledging Dominic"Your wife looks beautiful no Dominic?" His voice held edge.
"Yes, my lord." He glanced at Jacqueline again.
"Hmm you seem to be observing your wife save that for later not now" The men in the room chuckled now, thinking it was a joke. When Francis had a serious undertone.
"Of course, my lord." He nodded and inviting them to sit they strode towards the dining room.
The members of the court that did not want to see the new couple were already seated. The room quiet but whispering with chatter, laughter and lies.
The newest group including the King entered the room, all the chairs rose.
The long elegant dining table heavily decorated with fruits, breads and wines. Servant at the sides armed with carving knives and the meat steaming the smell drifting into the entering parties noses.
"Please be seated!" Everyone sat down at Francis command and a grace was said and the food steadily served. Jacqueline observed her surroundings.
"Countess DeFleur," She glanced up, there was a man most likely in his twenties raven dark hair flowing freely behind him framing his smiling face. His clothes almost as free as his hair but all in black he bowed and she gave him her hand.
"I apologise for no introduction, my lady," He kissed her palm softly and looking into her eyes smiled again."Lord James Wilson, Duke of Ensfield."
"Your grace,"She curtsied, and he smiled at her. She didn't sit down though, head still bent down. She was talking to a duke and she was slightly afraid.
He looked so powerful, his golden ring glittered as the light hit it. His clothes were in better colours than William or Dominic and he wore red, showing closeness to the royal family. His red doublet along with his golden buttons and black pantaloons were highly fashionable, but Jacqueline saw no warmth.
A hat perched on his head and his head bowed so only she could see his face fully, as she was facing him she wondered who he was avoiding.
"Please be seated, my lady." She nodded and as he sat down she looked for Dominic, sitting right next to Francis they were both laughing and she looked down again at her food. The steak pie seemed less appetising as she watched everyone have fun apart from her.
"How is Dominic?" The Duke asked, he motioned for a cup of wine to be brought to him. The servant poured a large goblet before bowing and returning to the sides.
"My husband is well, your grace." She cut some of the steak and placed it in her mouth. Chewing slowly she did not want to elaborate on his question.
He looked at her"But are you?"
She nodded"Yes I have a husband, a protector and I'm in the presence of the man closest to God. What else could I want?" She said monotone.
"Happiness maybe?" He looked around the room avoiding peope's eyes. Keeping his head down he sighed, a frown on his face.
"I am happy." She did not know how much she could trust this man.
"It is an arranged marriage no ?" She nodded her head in response.
"Not all of them end happily I'm actually surprised he's even in your age group," She nodded again."He is one of my good friends madam, I wish the best."
"But still Dominic needs to man up and befriend his wife the least!" She was quiet but smiled at him and he smiled back.
"Who is that man?" She asked her newest friend.
There was a man his back towards them he was sitting at the end of the table reading a book, food being fed to him from servants since his hands were occupied."That is Mr Edward Thomas alchemist to his majesty and one of the most bizarre men I've ever met"
Jacqueline nodded and as his eyes looked up and caught hers he nodded in respect and with a frown continued reading."He doesn't like me,"
"He doesn't like anyone. He barely talks to Francis only when necessary he is harsh to his servants they have been whipped when he is displeased I have heard..."
He bent his head down, whispering into her ear.
"He rapes women for he says they have no use bit for sex and he would never marry one and he was brought here around twelve to serve his Majesty he has been given nothing worked for everything,"
"James,"James looked up, his father.
"Yes father, how may I serve you?"
"His majesty wishes to speak to you," Nodding James bowed and ran out the room, leaving Jacqueline alone and confused. The old man rubbed his forehead and patted Jacqueline on the shoulder before walking off.
Jacqueline chewed her food and continued eating. Tears burning in her eyes. Her husband had left her! He was sitting with the king whilst she was confused and tired from the journey.
A man walked towards Jacqueline and bowed."My lady." He winked and offered Jacqueline a flower.
Jacqueline smiled and took it, twirling and admitting it was very pretty."As it's owner." The man continued.
Jacqueline felt awful, he was so good looking and he smiled taking her hand to his lips."Fair maiden." He began, turning to his friends who raised a glass and drank.
"Sir, I a-"
He didn't want to hear and he kissed her hand his hand trailing her arm."I suggest you move." Dominic's cold voice rang behind them.
The man looked up and seeing Dominic nodded and scuttled away back to his friends."Shall we retire lady wife?"
She looked at Francis, begging with her eyes that he make a conversation so she wouldn't have to stay alone with this man any longer."Come wife," He motioned.
They got up and Francis smiled;"Good night, your majesty." Dominic bowed and with jealousy still raging he left as quick as he came.
Author's note: This book is #71 in Historical fiction, which is an achievement for me, I'm delighted. Thanks so much and please vote and comment to keep it up if you don't mind. Thanks a lot.