Читать онлайн книгу "Revelation by Elohim. The Mystery of Diana de’Poitier"

Revelation by Elohim. The Mystery of Diana de’Poitier
Claude Angie


Diane de Poitiers is marrying a man 40 years her senior. Soon her husband dies. «Rejoice!» – exclaimed the witch at the sight of the born girl. She will rule everyone! She rises to the top of the world! But a secret conspiracy threatens her life and the life of the king! In mortal combat, the enemy is defeated, but it costs her everything! Abandoned by everyone, on the brink of death, she reveals a secret. A terrible prediction is coming true! But is this the end?





Revelation byВ Elohim

The Mystery of Diana de’Poitier



Claude Angie



© Claude Angie, 2021



ISBNВ 978-5-0053-9881-9

Создано в интеллектуальной издательской системе Ridero





ChapterВ 1

В В В В Wedding




Wedding


The wind drove the leaves along the dusty road, it was aВ beautiful sunnyВ day.

The noise of the bells carried its ringing throughout the entire area with dozens of ringing bells, breaking the usual silence of this small village of Saint Vollier, so common in France these times. A multitude of barefoot boys ran in a small, noisy flock to the village church, kicking up the dust in a column. The people were going to a big event for this small village, the wedding of noble gentlemen. A beautiful spring day shone in these parts. The dauphine breathed the scent of wild forest grasses and flowers. Lush vegetation, blossoming and waking up in spring, mixing with the smell of clean transparent streams running down from the mountains, like the veins of this place and the breeze coming from transparent lakes. Yes, it was Dauphiné, Diana’s home. Today was her wedding day. Diana was barely 15 years old.

She stood in a wedding dress that sparkled with white. Her veil wrapped around her entire appearance, like a cloud. Her face seemed to glow with sparkling marble of incredibly white color. The stronger was the contrast of her black hair, like a raven’s wing. The very white skin of her face filled with even greater pallor that day.

The bride stood by the window, pale and pensive. There was everything: a wedding dress, a white cloud of a veil, a delicate bouquet of white flowers, only her face did not shine with a joyful smile. Diane de Poitiers was the only daughter of Jean de Saint Valier. It was an ancient, proud, but, alas, impoverished family. Diana’s mother was from a very noble family. Her family was much older than even the family of the Valois kings. In the veins of Diana flowed the blood of the once former kings of France, the Miroving dynasty. Diana always remembered this, despite the fact that everyone around had forgotten about it. Her father was a noblest soul man and nobleman Jean de Poitiers, Senor de Saint Valier. He was a thin gray-haired man with brooding eyes filled with depth. He looked at his daughter. She smiled back at him affectionately. He knew that Louis de Brese was a good match for his daughter. A very noble, great seneschal of Normandy and the chief jagermeister of France was one of the wealthy and dignitaries of the state, close to the king himself. He married his beautiful daughter, although he was 40 years older than Diana. He, her father will be calm about her future.

Are you ready my dear? He asked, kissing his daughter on the forehead and looking atВ her.

She silently nodded back, smiling at the corners ofВ her lips, and took hisВ arm.

He slowly led her toВ the exit. There was aВ noisy crowd inВ and around the church when their carriage pulled up and they got out. The father took her, his treasure, toВ the altar toВ give it toВ the groom, where he was already waiting for her. If such, that is, he could be called aВ groom. Far from being aВ young age ofВ men who was supposed toВ become her husband. Outwardly, nature has not endowed him with even aВ small bit ofВ beauty. He was simply ugly, thin and tall. He carried himself haughtily and arrogantly, erect toВ his full height and throwing his chin up, pursing his thin lips inВ arrogance. But, this position did not help inВ any way toВ hide his sparse hair on his head, carefully combed toВ one side.

They were some kind ofВ incomprehensible dirty shade mixed with gray hair. The thin, dry face was deeply wrinkled.

The lower thin lip is arrogantly compressed and from that it seemed to be not there at all, she disdainfully rose up. Colorless, like a fish’s eyes, they were cold. He looked at the bride and his lips barely moved, trying to portray a semblance of a smile. His whole appearance resembled a large swollen ball, full of his own significance and arrogance.

He, Louis de Brese de Molvrier, is one ofВ the most noble, wealthy and influential people inВ the state. Having spent his entire life as aВ bachelor inВ travel and entertainment, byВ the age ofВ 56В he decided that he needed an heir toВ his high rank, position and family. He had been choosing aВ wife for aВ year already. But, no one was worthy ofВ him. He was sure ofВ this and found flaws inВ all applicants. But, once he accidentally saw Diana at one ofВ the receptions, he was struck byВ her incredible beauty. Like aВ forest fairy, she did not leave his head. But, no, do not think, he did not fall inВ love. For such aВ person, love had rather aВ different meaning and form. Except for love for himself, he probably did not feel any other. And since Diana was just aВ beauty and sparkled like the moon inВ the night sky, blinding everyone around that evening. De Brese decided that, perhaps, he would descend toВ her from Olympus ofВ his greatness. And she will not find aВ better groom, just as for him she will be the best passion. Her poor, though noble family made him snort contemptuously. Diana was not interested inВ his greatness ofВ the past family at all. But, nevertheless, he decided that aВ lady like her noble, but not so rich, should be happy with his proposal and such aВ groom. And so, with these thoughts, he went toВ aВ meeting with her father, declaring his intention toВ marry Diana. And now everything is decided the wedding will take place inВ aВ small church, inВ an equally small village.

And he, as aВ tight-fisted or simply greedy person, will not have toВ endure too much costs and losses. Having done all the calculations, he was once again very pleased with himself and his choice.

Candles were burning inВ the church, flickering and jumping like fireflies, smelled ofВ incense. Diana stood straight, like aВ marble statue. She was calm. Her face reflected the flickering ofВ the candles, like glints ofВ light on white marble. She knew her father did it for her good. They were far from rich, and their estate had completely fallen into disrepair. Their house was often attended byВ the same as her father, noble nobles with empty pockets. Their honor and nobility were as great as their pockets were empty. They spoke noble speeches with gloomy faces, for which they, undoubtedly, could be put behind bars, or even completely deprived ofВ their heads. They talked about the situation ofВ nobles like them. About exorbitant taxes and fees and not justice ofВ the government and its imminent collapse. And then her father would go somewhere and return gloomy and silent.

She loved her father with the tender love ofВ her daughter and knew that their ancient family had won their title and name only byВ their courage, valor and honor. Many centuries ago, her distant ancestors fought alongside the kings. But, as often happens, they were forgotten. And, as you know, unfortunately, inВ this world for enrichment, nobility is not the most faithful ally. From them turned up their noses those who have got riches far from their nobility and honor. They also could not boast ofВ the antiquity ofВ their kind, but only the width ofВ their pockets. And now people like her father were out ofВ the court.




Winter, winter


She looked at the ugly old man, and revulsion pierced her heart. He looked at her with his fishy, cold eyes and she said yes. Now he is her husband. AВ thought flashed through my head, and like aВ wounded bird plunged into darkness.

They were sitting at aВ beautifully set silver table. The morning was lovely. The birds chirped happily and aВ fragrant breeze blew from the open window. She looked down at the omelet, trying toВ pretend she was eating. Thoughts swirled inВ aВ string ofВ tangled chains, wedding night memories, burning her brain. Cold, dry and rough hands on his skin, and such aВ disgusting smell ofВ his body. Somewhere there, inВ the depths ofВ her soul, something broke and fell into aВ bottomless abyss, black and cold, the same as this night. The memory stabbed with almost physical pain inВ her temple, as if aВ shot echoed somewhere inside her heart. She tightened her grip on the fork. And then, long-term use ofВ aВ sponge and water. She rubbed herself so hard, trying toВ wash off his touch that her skin turned red. Well, then. Oh, nightmare! His presence is near and his smell is so unpleasant. Her whole being was filled with disgust for him, for her father, for the whole world! So she lay on the edge ofВ the bed until day touched the window. His voice brought her out ofВ the cold memory like aВ slap inВ the face. She shuddered involuntarily.

My dear. He said.

Do you like breakfast?

IВ see you are not eating anything.

So what good are you weakening. But, an exhausted woman, he continued, cannot bear healthy children.

Children? Horror gripped her inВ aВ cold grip, and it became difficult for her toВ breathe.

Children! His children! The very thought that inside her womb there would be aВ particle ofВ him, this person, led her toВ indescribable horror. Her stomach ached and she thought she was going toВ vomit.

But keeping her composure, she looked at him coldly and answered.

That she doesn’t have such a hearty breakfast in her habits and promised that at lunchtime she would definitely be hungry and eat everything.

IВ hope, IВ hope. He answered.

Breakfast was finally finished.

She never ate aВ bite.

He got up and said that he was going on aВ horse ride toВ go around the estate. She replied that she was tired and would stay at home. He went toВ the exit and already at the door suddenly turned and said.

My dear.

How lucky you are! You are now Madame de Brese!

Even yesterday, you could not imagine and hope for such aВ great success inВ your life! He said toВ her, curling his thin lips into aВ semblance ofВ aВ smile, and left.

And she remained standing humiliated and insulted toВ the depths ofВ her soul byВ his words. Only her eyes for aВ moment flashed with aВ yellow fire and somewhere far away, inВ the very depths, lit up with burning hatred for the retreating figure ofВ the Comte de Molvrier.

She clenched her little fists so tightly that her nails dug into her skin and drops ofВ blood oozed from the wounds. And the heart seemed toВ sink into emptiness and stopped beating forever.



Winter, winter!

Everything outside the window dressed inВ white clothes and ruined the already not very good roads. AВ year has passed since her marriage. The count had been absent for over aВ month. Going toВ Paris on business. But what the count was doing, everyone knew, perhaps. Despite his almost incredible parsimony, the count was an avid gambler. It is not known how such incompatible qualities as incredible stinginess and aВ gambler were intertwined inВ him.

He forced his young wife, who was already pregnant, toВ walk inВ indecently patched petticoats for his meager outfits. Diana only had aВ few decent dresses. Fortunately or unfortunately for her, Diana almost never appeared. Upon learning ofВ her pregnancy, she fell into deep melancholy, secretly hoping for aВ miscarriage. The pregnancy was difficult. She was even paler than usual and had dark circles under her eyes. The contractions began unexpectedly. She felt pain, bending over, groaned. She understood what had begun. The servant who was with her came running toВ her call. The maid screamed, waving her arms.

Oh, you’re giving birth, madam! Oh oh! She repeated.

The maid helped her toВ theВ bed.

They sent for an experienced midwife who took on more than one birth. Enough time passed, and the Countess gave birth.

Everything turned out well, she gave birth toВ aВ girl.

Madam, it’s a girl. The midwife said. She wanted to bring the baby to her mother.

Take it away, came the dull voice ofВ the Countess. Take it away, Diana repeated, hoarsely.

Get her away from me, she repeated. Not wanting toВ look at the child. The old woman was taken aback. Diana, white as death itself, with blue lips, repeated breathlessly.

Take it away! IВ toldВ you!

But what about, madam? The beginning was an old woman. The Countess sat up inВ bed, pale with tangled hair, her eyes widening. She looked at the child with full eyes, it seemed ofВ some kind ofВ horror.

Take her away! She repeated it firmly, turning away from her daughter.

Find aВ wet nurse, let them bring aВ woman here. Do you understand me?! She gave the order toВ the maid holding the crying child. His scream cut her toВ pieces like aВ knife, but she did not look inВ his direction.

Come on already! She cried out, unable toВ bear this agony any longer.

Leave me alone. Finally, she said softly, as if her last strength had left her. The old woman and the maid did not move, not yet recovering from her words.

Go ahead! She screamed at them, pulling them out ofВ their stupor. Finally, they left, taking the child with them.

AВ week passed, she was sitting byВ the large fireplace, wrapped inВ aВ large woolen blanket, and her eyes fixed on the window. She looked at the coldness ofВ nature, the frosty patterns ofВ the world. She has not seen her daughter since her birth. IВ only asked the servant how aВ child was and whether she was healthy. The nurse was quickly found, it was aВ pink-cheeked, healthy woman. The Countess ordered the servant who entered the room toВ be called.

After aВ while aВ woman waddled into the room with aВ brisk gait. She stopped next toВ the Countess. Diana looked from the window toВ the woman and asked her inВ aВ quiet, calm voice.

How is my daughter?

Madam, very good. The woman answered.

Eats forВ two.

Smiling innocently, she said.

My tomboy is barely enough.

But, IВ have more than enough milk. She hastened toВ assure the Countess. Afraid that she might think that she has little milk and will look for aВ replacement forВ her.

Would you like toВ take aВ look at her? Timidly, she added, looking down.

The Countess sighed wearily.

No, not now, later. She added, thoughtfully.

You can go now. She finished the conversation. Moving again my gaze to the cold landscapes outside the window. The woman waddled to the exit. Suddenly, as if remembering something, Diana called the woman’s name.

Margarita.

The woman turned around.

Thanks, Diana added quietly, and smiled wearily at the nurse. And she answered her with aВ bright, open, sincere and happy smile. Which only aВ loving mother who remembered her childВ has.

What are you talking about, madam. Yes, not at all. She answered good-naturedly and left the room.

Poitier stared at the cold outside the window again, her gaze fixed.

Cold, she thought.

God! So cold! She said barely audibly. Feeling cold inside with all my being.

IВ have aВ daughter. Even more quietly, she spoke her thoughts aloud. Not noticing that she is talking toВ herself.

But why is it so cold?! AВ thought flashed.

She saw her daughter aВ month later. They brought her aВ rosy-cheeked girl, already rounded inВ the milk ofВ aВ country woman. She looked at the child, but the cold did not disappear, only her heart pricked, as if it had been pierced with aВ thin needle. The girl smiled at her mother, the countess smiled back at her. The baby looked at her as if she knew that she was her mother. Looking at her with interest, and now and then, touching her with his little hands. After holding the baby inВ her arms for some time, Diana gave the baby toВ the nurse. Strange, but the girl suddenly burst into tears, finding herself inВ the arms ofВ the nurse, as if she knew exactly who her mother was. Diana felt the pain ofВ the needle inВ her heart again. And then, again, the cold filled her entire being. So the second meeting ofВ mother and daughter took place.

The count returned from Paris.

He was extremely annoyed and dissatisfied.

Why do IВ need girls?! He repeated.

They’re useless!

IВ need an heir!

Do you hear, Madam?!

As if she was the fault ofВ the daughter being born instead ofВ her son. Diana raised her eyes, cold and dark as night.

Well, pray toВ the Lord! Monsieur!

He might hear you! She rapped out coldly.

He looked at her and snorted inВ displeasure, continuing toВ mutter something, nervously left the room.

The girl was named Louise.

She was three years old when her sister, who was named Françoise, was born.

Like the eldest daughter, the Countess gave her toВ the nurse. The count was simply furious. He vomited and thrashed, telling Diana rather rudely.

You give birth toВ some girls!

You seem toВ do it for my evil! He blamedВ her.

IВ need an heir! He shouted.

No good fromВ you!

You are useless!

Poitiers turned pale, she was tormented byВ only one desire that he would finally shutВ up!

Be silent forever!

She wanted toВ killВ him!

OhВ yes!

She looked at him and thought how wonderful it would be toВ never hear him again!

She even imagined how best toВ doВ it.

Poison or knife?!

Which is better?

But, Poitiers was incredibly God-fearing and aВ believer and her thoughts were just thoughts, and perhaps this was the only thing that stopped her from taking such aВ step.

And she just answered coldly.

You seem toВ be praying badly for an heir, monsieur! She parried evil.

Their life flowed monotonously and monotonously, the count very often went to Paris. As he spoke on business. Poitiers, it was completely indifferent where he was. He was on the road more often than on his estate. Diana was only glad of this. Years passed. Winter changed imperceptibly to summer. Poitiers saw her grown-up daughters often. The eldest was nine, and the youngest was only six. Both girls were surprisingly very similar to their father. They weren’t very pretty. They had the same delicate features, the same colorless eyes and a thin nose. They took all the facial features from the count. They had almost nothing from Poitiers. They were surprisingly different from their mother, that those who stood next to them could be mistaken for strangers.

Summer shone with colors, the world passed its usual circle. The trees were blooming again, filling the world with the scent ofВ rain mixed with the scent ofВ flowers.

Once, one such beautiful morning, when the girls were walking with the nanny inВ the garden, and Diana was standing on the large front staircase ofВ the mansion. Her eldest daughter came up toВ her and asked.

Mom, she said.

Can IВ ask you something?

Yes, ofВ course, honey. Diana answered.

Mommy, don’t you love us at all? Me and Françoise? The Countess was taken aback by such a question.

The child’s question was incredibly simple. But, she shuddered and froze in place from the surprise of the question. She looked at this not very pretty girl, at her own daughter. And her heart sank so hard in her chest that it seemed to her that she would now cry out in pain. It was as if a cold, bony hand had grabbed him, and, closing his fingers, decided to crush him. Her breath caught and it became difficult for her to breathe, and her eyes were moist, filled with tears. But, they just froze in her eyes, leaving somewhere deep in her soul.

She knelt down next toВ the child, hugged and hugged her daughter toВ her, and answered quietly.

OfВ course, IВ love you! Her voice was trembling.

OfВ course IВ loveВ you!

How can IВ not love you?! My dear!

You are my children!

How can IВ not love you?!

How can this possibly be?! She spoke toВ the girl, stroking her hair.

It just can’t be!

Remember this honey, okay! She whispered softly, kissing the girl on the forehead.

The little arms ofВ the girl put their arms around her neck, and the child happily hugged her mother. Poitiers hugged her daughter tenderly.

Do you really love us, Mom? The girl said naively, hugging her mother.

OfВ course! OfВ course dear! Poitiers whispered, trying not toВ burst into tears and tenderly hugging her daughter.

Poitier got up from her knees and stroked the child’s hair.

Now go my dear.

Look, Françoise and the nanny are waiting for you. She said softly.

The girl smiled, the pure smile ofВ aВ child, and answered.

Okay,В Mom.

Françoise and I love you very much too!

Her little baby, as clean as an angel’s face, became serious.

We love you very much! She added and ran away toВ the nanny and sister.

Diana waved her hand and turned away, tears streaming down her cheeks, tearing her heart. She had cried for the first time in those years of her unhappy marriage. But, tears flowed from her eyes, not because her daughters might think that their own mother does not love them. She cried because she understood. That she didn’t love them all this time, didn’t love her own children! Like her heart was a piece of ice, nothing more. And only today she realized that this ice had collapsed, causing her incredible pain. She realized it was just now. She still loves them! She cried, realizing what a monster such a woman must be, who did not love her own children! She cried, because only now she realized that it was not so! She went inside the mansion. The realization of all this tore her apart from the inside. She ran so quickly up the steps to her bedroom, as if a pack of dogs from hell were chasing after her, and, collapsing on the bed, burst into sobs, choking with tears and trembling all over. From the very depths of her soul, a sound like a howl escaped. It burst from the very depths of her being, from the most hidden part of her soul.




Little prisoners


Paris, Paris!

How many minds and hearts are thrown at your feet!

How many hearts have you broken!

With its mysterious, heady beauty!

Like aВ fatal beauty, heady, dangerous, beautiful and mysterious. Calling like an oasis inВ the desert

Insidious and capricious, inВ its contradiction.

Calling and repulsive, like aВ temptress woman. Heart ofВ the world, with the soul ofВ aВ woman playing with the hearts and lives ofВ her admirers!

So close and earthly, but always so distant, like aВ star beckoning inВ theВ sky!



King ofВ France Francis 1В lost the war toВ the Spanish monarch. France lost toВ Spain. Francis, having experienced the bitterness ofВ defeat, being himself twice wounded, was captured. But, negotiations were underway toВ release the king. Francis signed the Madrid Treaty that dismembered France. But, the king was not going toВ fulfill his obligations. Except for one thing, toВ give your sons hostage. Dauphin Francis and his brother Henry the Duke ofВ Orleans. And so, on March 17, the French court, knightly at that time, did not lead the secular, riotous life adopted later. Quite modestly, he gathered inВ the castle, on the banks ofВ the Bidasson River, where the ceremony ofВ handing over the princes, hostages ofВ Spain, was toВ take place. They were toВ be exchanged for the monarch ofВ the state.

This morning the court gathered just toВ escort the princes into exile, into captivity. It was aВ foggy, gray morning and the de Brese couple were also present at this farewell departure ofВ the little princes. The entire courtyard gathered inВ the semi-dark hall ofВ the castle, awaiting the appearance ofВ the princes.

And so they arrived. Announced: В«His Highness Dauphin Francis Duke ofВ BretonВ»! В«His brother, Prince Heinrich, Duke ofВ OrleansВ»! The entire court fell silent, awaiting the arrival ofВ the princes. The door finally opened and two boys entered the hall. The princes were still quite children. The heir toВ the throne, Francis, was eight years old, and his brother Henry was barely seven years old. The heir toВ the throne was aВ blond child with beautiful white curls ofВ hair. The eyes, which, already now, were filled with their own significance. His chin was lifted up proudly.

The entire court bowed toВ the future king. He responded with aВ slight nod ofВ his head. His expensive robes with ruffles and bows sparkled with jewels. The feather on the hat bounced upward from his confident step. He paused importantly inВ the middle ofВ the room.

All the nobles began toВ approach the prince inВ turn, welcoming and wishing aВ successful sailing and aВ speedy return. The boy nodded back dryly and with dignity. His brother, little Heinrich, was still aВ child. The two brothers were incredibly even strikingly different from each other, like day and night. And this was undoubtedly the most correct comparison.

Heinrich was aВ swarthy, black-haired, thin boy with thin legs and protruding knees and large eyes, incredibly black, like aВ dark lake. He was dressed relatively simply inВ comparison with his brother. Poitiers greeted the heir toВ the French crown, like the others, and stepped aside toВ make way for the others. Her husband found aВ group ofВ men and talked about something with them, leaving Diana alone. She stood and looked at this blond child, but already almost the king and understood that these unfortunate children were going toВ distant Spain as captives and might not return. And suddenly she noticed little Heinrich. He stood aside quietly and alone. His face was frowned. He tried toВ be brave, but fear was clearly visible inВ his eyes. Her heart sank. She realized that Heinrich was simply forgotten. After all, he is only the second son ofВ the king. Nobody came up and greeted him. No one wished him aВ good sail. Nobody cheered, hoping for aВ quick return. She felt so sorry for the unfortunate child that inВ this outburst ofВ compassion she went toВ him through the crowd. She came up toВ him, squatting inВ aВ curtsy and greeted him. The child shuddered and looked at her inВ dismay. But, after aВ minute, he made aВ serious face and nodded importantly inВ response toВ her greeting. And suddenly she was seized with such compassion and pity for this abandoned, forgotten child that tears welled up inВ her eyes. And forgetting about all decency, she knelt down and hugged the boy toВ her, huggingВ him.

You’re scared, I know. She said softly to him, holding his shoulders. It seemed that the boy was about to cry. But, he held back his tears, and only slightly sobbed, looking at her. She continued.

Don’t be afraid! Nothing will happen to you! I promise you!

You must be strong! Do you hearВ me?

IВ will pray forВ you!

Know that there is aВ heart here inВ France that prays for you and your return.

The boy stopped sniffing and calmed down. Hope and faith in her words lit up in the children’s eyes. It seems that his fear has really disappeared. She got up from her knees and again crouched down in a curtsy away from him. The boy became serious again.



The princes were seated inВ the boat, and she slowly began toВ disappear into the fog, carrying them into the unknown. Diana and the entire courtyard stood on the shore. She raised her hand and waved goodbye toВ them.В Male




Freedom


Black clouds are hanging over the de Brese estate. A cold, gray morning slipped from the sky like a drizzling rain. Making the world around us dull gray. The priest continued to speak over the cold, black burial hole in the de Brese family crypt. Finally, he finished his speech. The black hole with the body of the count was covered with a gravestone with a grinding noise. As if it had been swallowed by the toothless mouth of a monster. Diana stood over her husband’s grave. She was dressed in black mourning clothes and from this her already white face seemed almost unnaturally white. She gazed silently at the grave. The smell of the damp earth of the crypt, mixed with the smell of musty and dead body, hit my nose. It was the smell of death. Her daughters stood by. People pushed the stone, hiding the body of the count forever. The farewell of the living to the dead was over. She and her daughters returned to her mansion. The count’s funeral was completely exhausted by her constant visits and condolences. She was so tired that she collapsed into a chair by the fireplace. Her gaze involuntarily settled on the door. And suddenly, she understood. He will never go through this door again! Her husband is dead! And now she is a widow. She thought.

And then another thought rushed into her head.

No! She is not aВ widow! She is free! Free! From eternal humiliation. From his presence. From the smell ofВ it inВ my bed. From his eternal discontent. She is free! The thought burned through the brain.

Free! As if reveling inВ the thought, she thought.

And the heart suddenly shuddered with joy for many years for the first time and unexpectedly for herself, revived. Her eyes suddenly flashed with fire, sparkled and lit up with life. As if she had been dead until that day. She abruptly got up from the chair inВ which she was sitting and almost ran toВ the window, throwing it wide open with aВ sharp movement. Fresh air burst into the room, outside the window was the same gloomy weather, it was damp, and it was drizzling with rain. She smelled the smell ofВ rain mixed with the smell ofВ wet earth and breathed inВ this life-giving scent deeply, closing her eyes inВ pleasure. She whispered delightedly, as if she had seen this world for the first time.

What aВ delightfulВ day!

AВ smile lit up her face for aВ long time. Another thought came, replacing delight.

I’ll put up a monument! From a big, heavy stone! She smiled wider. Not noticing that he is speaking out loud.

I’ll erect a monument for you, Monsieur de Brese!

And IВ hope its weight will crush your bones inВ your crypt!

She almost cried out and her eyebrows came together menacingly on the bridge ofВ her nose. And aВ picture from the past appeared before her eyes. As if it was only yesterday, and his voice is cutting, like aВ knife through her heart, with every word the count said.

How lucky you are, dear. You are now Countess de Brese. Her eyes flashed with fire. Excited byВ the memory, she continued toВ speak aloud.

I’ll put up a monument for you!

ToВ make sure that if you want toВ get out ofВ there, he will block your way! She finished contemptuously.

It will be very big! She added. Having finished his involuntary speech, and not noticing that he is speaking aloud toВ himself. Sighing with even greater pleasure deeply the scent ofВ aВ chillyВ day.

The monument was surprisingly very large and heavy, it was hardly erected. When the workers finished with the installation, she let them go and was left alone at the count’s grave.

She spoke quietly, her appeal was toВ the count. As if the deceased count could hearВ her.

Hope you like your monument?

IВ hope monsieur! She added with aВ furrowed brow and sparkling eyes inВ aВ barely audible, trembling voice.

IВ hope he crushes you inВ your crypt! If you suddenly intend toВ get out ofВ there, then this block will close yourВ way!

A nervous shiver went through her, and her breathing became ragged with hatred for him. She began to breathe heavily, her lips tightened and turned blue. And the fists clenched and dug their nails into the meat. And suddenly, in a fit of deep hatred for him. She couldn’t help herself and spat on his grave.

That’s all you deserve from me! She cried out, straightening up. As if she finally got up from her knees over the years. And exhaling with relief, she added calmly and contemptuously.

This is all you deserve from the unworthy ofВ you, Monsieur de Brise!

Hope you get devoured byВ worms!

She shot her gaze like aВ dagger at the monument. As if checking once again at the end, whether it is so strong and great. And making sure that this is so, proudly throwing her chin up, she turned sharply and walked firmly away. She never looked back.

Now sorting out her affairs, Poitiers realized that her husband had left her and her children nothing! He not only left them no funds, but also left exorbitant debts! Having laid the same and their estate. Everything was lost to them in gambling. The amounts of the debt were large and if it is not paid, then she and her children may simply lose everything. Including the estate. She was sitting in the office on the table and on the floor there were invoices, debt papers and papers on the estate pledged for debts. She couldn’t believe it. She sat silently resting her head on her hand. Things were nowhere worse.

What should sheВ do?!

Where will she go after losing her estate?!

Where will her childrenВ be?!

What will happen toВ them?!

Despite the cold toВ her daughters, she still loved them. Always trying toВ take care ofВ them, give them proper education and upbringing.

And most ofВ all she was worried about the fact that having lost the estate, the girls will not be able toВ sanctify aВ good marriage party.

God! Who will need them?! Poitiers thought inВ despair.

Who will marry them?! If the world learns about their almost complete bankruptcy!

Besides, the poor things weren’t pretty anyway.

Among other problems with the estate, dark clouds soon thickened over her beloved father. He was accused ofВ conspiracy and, along with other conspirators, was imprisoned. He could face execution. But, the full accusation had not yet been brought forward, which means there was hope.

She sat gloomy and lonely inВ the office, once again looking at the papers. As if desperately hoping toВ find aВ way out, hoping for aВ miracle.

What should IВ do?! Oh my God! She escaped desperately. The situation seemed hopeless. She was completely desperate. Putting her head inВ her hands, she sat there without moving and staring at one point. How long she sat like that, she did not know, but suddenly she shuddered. She was seized with anger at herself for her weakness and inaction.

Something needs toВ be done!

We must go toВ Paris! Suddenly she spoke out loud, talking toВ herself.

ToВ Paris, toВ the king!

No one else can help me, only the king! She finished resolutely.

But, the question arose. How? And then, she remembered. She decided toВ seek help from aВ lady. She remembered that this lady was aВ noble, but long impoverished family and therefore was attached toВ the retinue ofВ one incredibly wealthy and noble 60-year-old widow. With aВ high rank and an equally large pocket. Who with all her might tried toВ rejuvenate and spent aВ lot ofВ money on outfits, blush and jewelry. And she gathered around her aВ lot ofВ noblewomen inВ her retinue, thereby showing everyone her high position. They, for aВ certain fee, showed her their admiration and did not skimp on flattering praise. The widow loved toВ be inВ society and at court. Poitiers immediately wrote aВ letter toВ her friend asking her toВ recommend her for aВ place inВ the retinue. The answer came quickly. The answer was: В«That Poitiers may soon arrive and will undoubtedly be the adornment ofВ the retinue and the widow will gladly accept her.В» Then there were other secular news and courtesies. The letter ended with the fact that she would be eagerly awaited. Leaving orders at the estate, Poitiers left after aВ few days and was accepted for her new place for weeks.

The widow turned out to be a plump little 60-year-old woman with overly rosy cheeks, the reason for which was the widow’s very great passion for blush and an equally great predominance of powder.

Why her face was white as aВ sheet. InВ all her strange appearance and image, she resembled an owl hung with jewels. She had aВ special passion and love for them, hanging herself with them so wastefully that she resembled aВ Christmas tree.

Once, having stayed with one of the ladies of the widow’s retinue in the old lady’s room, the girls saw a beautiful necklace with diamonds on the dressing table of an elderly lady. The stones were of amazing beauty and purity. Sunlight fell on the beautiful stones, and they sparkled with thousands of lights. The girl who was with Poitiers gasped with delight! She said with admiration, addressing Diana.

My God! Darling, look what aВ delightful beauty! God! What shine!

They cost aВ fortune!

She did not take her admiring eyes off the stones. Poitiers looked at the stones, sparkling inВ the sun, and suddenly the wrinkled neck ofВ the widow, turning into an equally wrinkled face, and diamonds hanging from that old withered neck appeared inВ front ofВ her eyes. And the diamonds suddenly faded inВ her eyes and went out. She simply answered.

My dear, their brilliance does not disturb my heart.

She smiled at the girl, who raised her eyebrows inВ surprise.

You are definitely aВ strange woman! She answered. Not believing Diana.

God! Do you really care! She said, puzzled.

Poitier just smiled back atВ her.

And now, finally, what happened to her came to the widow’s estate. They are leaving for Paris!



ChapterВ 2

Paris

Paris

The era changes the era and the court no longer lead the puritanical life that it had before. The current courtyard was different. Fun and carelessness reigned everywhere. Morals have also become different. Husbands easily got mistresses, and wives were not inferior toВ them inВ this either. Carelessness was everywhere inВ dress, manners, poetry and paintings.

So the Countess de Brese was leaving for Paris. Hoping toВ meet the king. And, since the king was known as aВ lover ofВ women and did not miss simply not one pretty, new lady who appeared at the court. That meeting with him was not so difficult.

So, she’s on her way to Paris. She is still young and beautiful, and she knew for sure that she was not going to Paris, but to the king. Because only the king could help her rescue her father from prison and pardon her from imminent execution, as well as save her from almost complete bankruptcy. She got into the carriage and they started. She sighed with sadness, thinking how far and possibly for a long time she would leave her beloved Dauphine.



And now, finally! He appeared before her eyes! Conqueror ofВ hearts, eternal heartthrob, Paris!

Their carriage was driving along the stone, wide pavement. It was noisy and crowded around. The carriages, passers-by, everything seemed to be intertwined and mixed. Richly dressed ladies and gentlemen. Scurrying in different directions Parisian tomboy boys. Various small shops and elegant, richly decorated, expensive shops. And, also, all kinds of eateries and bakeries. From which the smell of freshly baked bread hung in the air. The girls from the noble widow’s retinue stuck their lovely heads out of the carriage windows with delight and delight, absorbing the Parisian bustle. Some young and handsome officer in military uniform, riding a gallant stallion, smiled at them and blew a kiss. The ladies smiled coquettishly. Poitiers raised an eyebrow and leaned back into the carriage.

However! What audacity! She thought, but one corner ofВ her lips treacherously crept up. And she imperceptibly smiled only at them. Noticing toВ myself, however, that the officer, nevertheless, is very handsome.

They stayed at the Parisian home ofВ aВ godly widow. The admission toВ the court was supposed toВ take place the next day. They will go toВ the royal palace, which was the funniest and most beautiful place inВ all ofВ France.

The next day has come and here the king’s palace opened before her amazed gaze. The palace was surrounded by a beautiful garden, it smelled fragrant and bloomed with thousands of flowers, rustled and sparkled in the sun with rainbows from beautiful fountains, rustled with many voices, cheerfully laughing flirtatious ladies and their gentlemen amused. Everything mixed into a single music along with the singing of birds. The garden around the palace was full of beautifully dressed people. The festive, main entrance to the residence was framed by gilded gates, like a gateway to heaven itself on earth. Graceful carriages, drawn by magnificent horses, drove up one after another. Poitiers lowered her little foot to the ground and climbed down from the carriage. Unexpectedly for her, she suddenly smiled, so beautiful was the picture that appeared before her. Everything sparkled and shone in the sun with incredible colors. Her gaze rested on the fragile, as it seemed structure, the royal palace. And she was so delighted with his beauty that she froze for a moment. The palace was so graceful that it seemed to be made not of stone, but of an air cloud. He seemed to be hovering over a beautiful garden. He was so airy and graceful. The ladies from the retinue surrounded the widow and, in a noisy flock of chirping birds, went along the path to the park of the palace. Expressing your delight with noisy sighs and cheerful laughter. The park was full of beautiful ladies dressed in the latest fashion. Flashing with jewels and smiles, they were laughing merrily at something. What their equally well-dressed gentlemen told them stormily. And over all this, careless fun reigned. Seeing this entire splendor. Diana suddenly realized that her outfit from her meager wardrobe had long gone out of fashion. It was her widow’s dress, the only new black dress. It was too puritanical and constrained, and the neckline was not as deep as the current fashionistas wore. And her whole appearance was too constrained in comparison with the current fashion. The headdress turned out to be also modest, in comparison with the headdresses of the court ladies decorated with stones and beautiful feathers. Poitiers involuntarily became sad from these thoughts and her attire darker than the night. She seemed to fall out in such sad attire from this cheerful society full of fun, carelessness and laughter. In addition, in her own Dauphin, she did not wear headdresses at all. But, in Paris, it would be considered bad form, and she would undoubtedly be called for her eyes, a redneck. Therefore, she put on a headdress. But, he terribly interfered with her and did not want to stay on her head at all. She had to correct him every now and then so that he would not fly off her head. Upset by the fact that she does not fit into today’s society. Her sadness was replaced by anger. She furrowed her brows in anger at herself and at her momentary weakness. She forgot why she came here?! Intoxicated with the fun here! A picture of her beloved father in a damp dungeon appeared before her eyes, and she frowned even more, stamping her foot in her hearts!

What do IВ care about these stupid feathers, lace and outfits! She thought evil.

After all, IВ can always refer toВ my position as aВ widow.

And a widow shouldn’t flaunt her discharged clothes! She thought.

Further, whatever it was, she continued her thoughts and frowned even more.

IВ will still procure aВ pardon from the king for my father and forgiveness ofВ my debts for the estate.

Will IВ wear those stupid feathers? Angry, she thought.

Or in this black widow’s dress.

I don’t care!

And she really stamped her foot heavily, exhaling and snorting contemptuously, like aВ horse coming first toВ the finish line. Throwing her chin up proudly, her walked slowly and confidently toВ the other ladies.

Not today, then tomorrow. She thought.

IВ will definitely meet the king!

He was not very tall, dressed inВ aВ suit ofВ bows and ruffles, studded with jewelry. Protruding abdomen and crooked legs. And aВ smile that did not seem toВ disappear from his face, especially if there are beautiful ladies nearby! An old widow saw the king from afar. He was surrounded byВ aВ large retinue, which consisted mostly ofВ pretty ladies. The noble widow, bustling and jumping up, hurried toВ the king. Waddling on her small and clumsy legs, clattering rings and other jewelry, which, as always, she was wearing inВ excess. Her ladies followed her. Approaching the king, she stopped and sat awkwardly inВ aВ deep curtsy toВ greet the king. Her ladies followed her example. The king smiled warmly and asked.

Madam, where have you been? I haven’t seen you for a long time? He said. And without waiting for her answer, he began to examine the widow’s retinue with interest. He passed appraising, almost like a cat’s gaze at the sight of sour cream at the ladies from the suite. And each of them, smiling, lowered her eyes, flirtatiously exposing her charms and squatting in an elegant curtsy. And so, his gaze fell on Poitiers. He already wanted to pass them on to the remaining ladies. But, Poitiers did not lower her eyes and did not rush to squat in a curtsy, keeping a pause. She glared at the king’s eyes like invisible pincers. He was surprised at such, almost insolence, and slightly raised an eyebrow. Her eyes, dark as lakes, grabbed him, not letting go. A minute passed, or just a moment, but the king did not take his eyes off her. And suddenly a slight smile lit up her face, illuminating her face with a beautiful light. And as if remembering, she slowly lowered her eyes, and gracefully sat down in a curtsy. Skillfully exposing her white, thin neck. Transforming into a seductive chest shape, this, unfortunately for the king, was hidden behind the fabric of the dress. And only his imagination completed this picture. Diana raised her eyes, waving her black, like fluttering butterflies, eyelashes. And, as if bashfully, she glanced again at the king. Hidden fire flashed in her eyes. She wanted to put them down again, but the king had already stepped towards her to meet!

Stand up, my dear, he said. Looking at her with interest. He held out his hand toВ her, and she rose from her curtsy.

What’s your name? The sweetest creature.

This is Madame de Brese. An old widow intervened. Proud that her lady aroused such interest from the king.

This is my new lady, your majesty. She continued.

The poor thing was recently widowed. Added an old lady.

Ah, said the king.

What sadness, madam.

Now it’s clear why you’re in black.

He smiled with satisfaction. He was not at all saddened byВ the news ofВ the deceased husband ofВ aВ beautiful lady, byВ no means, on the contrary. He again looked at her not deep cleavage and white neck. Already anticipating and seeing these delights inВ my bed. She lowered her eyes again, feigning embarrassment. But, at all, not embarrassed inВ the depths ofВ the soul. She went toВ the king and here she is! Her cold head, at times, did not know embarrassment. Diana was aВ whole person. And she knew exactly why she was here and what for! Everything else was great game! And Poitiers performed this role superbly! Excellent reading inВ the souls ofВ people. She always had this talent, almost mystical, toВ see through everyone. So now, she saw right through the king and made aВ challenge toВ him. This monarch, spoiled byВ female attention, was so oversaturated with beauties inВ his own bed that simply beauty was not enough for him. Even the beauty ofВ such aВ beauty as Poitiers. She made aВ kind ofВ challenge toВ the king. Remaining toВ stand, as if equal toВ him, and not bowing toВ the king at the first minute. And he undoubtedly noticed it. He undoubtedly saw the challenge inВ her burning eyes. And it was aВ risk! The king could be annoyed byВ this behavior. And, kings, as you know, not only pardon, but also execute! She could fall into no mercy, and lose her last hope for the salvation ofВ her father and the salvation ofВ her estate. But, Poitiers took aВ chance! And she won! She saw it inВ his eyes right now! The king was captivated byВ her beauty and courage, he was simply fascinated byВ her. Walking his eyes over her body, as if exposing her, he remained very pleased with his assessment.

After kissing her hand for a meaningful long time. Showing her and everyone present his interest. Diana met his eyes again, completing her result, bewitching the king. Fire flashed in her eyes again. As if lights were dancing in them, and pleasant goosebumps ran over Francis’s skin, promising a quick meeting. Having said goodbye to her, the old widow and her ladies, he withdrew, surrounded by his retinue.

Confusion lay in the royal chambers. The king stood naked, erect, importantly, on his crooked legs and looked out the window. Poitiers has been the king’s favorite for some time.

Ah, what aВ day!

What aВ wonderful day! He was chanting, almost jumping up and down with good spirits.

She looked at him. And she felt funny.

Here he is, the king! The man who ruled all ofВ France! AВ little funny, not tall with aВ round bulging tummy on crooked little legs. He looked like aВ lazy house cat. Yes! Diana thought. This is the king! She smiled.

Who would have thought!

The most powerful man inВ the country! Freeing her father and writing off her debts!

Returning her estate toВ her, this cost him absolutely nothing. He looked more like Santa Claus, always cheerful and carefree like Francis. So Poitiers thought as she looked at theВ king

And inВ the morning there is aВ thick wallet on the table. He sat next toВ me and waved his leg contentedly.

Darling, this is aВ trinket for you. Dresses and pebbles, which women you are very fond of, as far as IВ know. He said good-naturedly. And after kissing her, singing something under his breath, he went out with his cheerful, almost jumping, gait. Her face, always so white, was covered inВ purple paint. She stared silently at the purse like an ugly snake. He left her this money on the table, like the last slut inВ France!

The color on my face changed toВ pallor. He also hinted toВ her that her dress was too dark for her new status as aВ favorite. Her heart sank with resentment and hurt pride.

Well, okay, your majesty! Thought Poitiers.

IВ will take your advice and your money.

Offended by his words, hinting at her inappropriate outfit for the king’s favorite, she went for a new outfit. And she acquired all the best and most expensive that she found in Paris. However, she did not abandon her idea of a widow. And she acquired a dress of dark blue color, the color of a gloomy fierce sea or a sea storm. And for the dress, the finest headdress, in the latest fashion, with beautiful stones and feathers. Also gloves and shoes that were in the same color as the dress. Wearing all this, she proudly threw her chin up, looking at her reflection in the mirror. A woman so gorgeous was looking at her from there that she caught her breath.

AВ white, thin neck, deep seductive neckline, seductively emphasized aВ beautiful rounded and lush breast. Sloping marble shoulders, an incredibly thin corset waist. The fluffy hem ofВ the dress fell down from the waist, like aВ beautiful, sparkling waterfall ofВ flounces and ruffles. The long hem ofВ her dress enveloped her figure, as if the waves ofВ aВ stormy sea were enveloping aВ beautiful statue. She gasped at her own reflection.

Having experienced an almost awe-inspiring bliss from the realization of one’s own beauty! She put on a headdress and gloves, and her image was completely complete. The headpiece was studded with beautiful stones and blue iridescent feathers, and the look was completed with beautiful sapphire earrings that made her white face even whiter, as if it were made of beautiful marble.

Her eyes sparkled like stars inВ the sky. Once again, looking at herself inВ the mirror, she proudly threw her head up. She was great and she knewВ it!

Yes, Your Majesty, IВ followed your advice!

And she had toВ admit that she was even grateful toВ him for itВ now!



The war between the two ladies



But, their relationship was not long. Francis was very careless, and Poitiers was too cold, he thought. And if at first, he liked it. Then, inВ the end, not being aВ man ofВ deep thoughts and feelings, this cold beauty ofВ Poitiers simply bored him. Being aВ lover ofВ women, he quickly cooled down towards Poitiers.

One day, while walking with her through the avenues ofВ the palace, he toldВ her.

My dear, how beautiful youВ are.

You are undoubtedly aВ fragrant, blossoming rose.

But, IВ picked such aВ beautiful, unopenedВ bud!

That IВ am incredibly captivated byВ his scent.

IВ hope you will forgive me for such weakness and rightly you will not be angry. He finished smiling, pleased with his poetic comparisons and with himself.

After kissing her hand, he walked away. He was still humming toВ himself, out ofВ habit. She, ofВ course, understood everything! With these words, the king told her that he had found aВ new lady, whom he was carried away once again. He undoubtedly offended Poitiers very much, calling her inВ aВ poetic form older than his new passion, comparing it with aВ blossoming rose, and aВ new passion with aВ bud. Saying at the same time that his new passion is younger than Poitiers.

IВ wonder who is this bud ofВ yours? Your majesty. Snorting contemptuously, Poitiers thought.

The bud was Madame de Tamp. Poitier, knowing who it was, curled her lips, pursed them and snorted contemptuously like aВ thoroughbred horse.

So you think I’m old?! Your majesty. Poitiers thought as she watched the retreating king.

And I’m not talking about you at all, your majesty!

Disgusting, bow-legged old man! She added.

Squinting evil eyes, pursing and curling his lips even tighter. Feeling how everything inside her boils, with anger. Thinking ofВ aВ king who was far from young and much older than Poitiers herself. If the gaze could kill, then the retreating figure ofВ the king would fall dead!

She snorted with even greater relish, narrowing her eyes, and they flashed with unkind fire.

The bud was aВ young and rather attractive Mademoiselle de Tempe. She was really good, as Diana pointed out. Seeing this beautiful, blond girl. Her corset seemed toВ be tightened so tightly that she was probably carrying snuff with her, Poitier thought toВ herself. Afraid, at any moment she would faint from lack ofВ air. Diana thought with aВ chuckle.

De Tamp was as white as only blondes. With a thin, as if transparent, with a pink tint and a slight blush of youth itself, the skin. They disliked their friend’s arcs at first sight.

But, the war, which was dubbed В«The War ofВ the Two Ladies,В» started de Tamp, who was 10В years younger than Poitiers. And so her adherents began toВ talk about the faded beauty ofВ Poitiers. Even poets and artists took part inВ this strife.

Diana was called aВ witch at court. Because, despite her years, she was surprisingly good. And even the younger maidens next toВ her looked very faded. They said about her that she knows the secret ofВ some ointments and remedies. Especially infuriated byВ these rumors the Duchess de Tamp, who considers herself the first beauty. The fruit ofВ this hatred became silly rhymes, pamphlets inВ which poets from her camp ridiculed Diane de Poitiers. Calling her: В«Toothless and hairless, an old horse and aВ mushroom, which owes its appearance only toВ cosmetics.В» On the instructions ofВ de Tamp, more than one disgusting pamphlet offending Diana was written.

The pamphlets wrote: В«Women cannot be reborn. Because those whom time has chosen toВ use, along with time, go out ofВ use. Painted bait does not attract game. And even if you bought everything aВ woman needs. IВ would not have achieved what IВ wanted from aВ lover, because for love you have toВ be alive! And you are dead! This, undoubtedly, was completely untrue, and not as it could not harm Diana.

Because she looked no older than de Tamp herself, even though she was much older in years. Moreover, Poitiers could not be called a painted doll, since she used very little cosmetics. All this, of course, was a lie! Because Diana was undoubtedly beautiful. And these pamphlets only angered Poitiers terribly. She had no intention of forgetting or forgiving de Tamp. She swore to herself, to avenge the filth for the dirty trick! Poitier’s answer was not long in coming. Poets, in the Poitiers camp, and there were very few of them. They wrote response pamphlets to de Tamp «About too tightly tightened de Tamp’s corset and too out of proportion to the head. Its imperfect skull resembles an elongated egg. «The entire courtyard was divided into two camps. So the artist Primaticchio, all the time painted the Duchess de Tamp. His paintings were adornments of the royal gallery. And Benvenuto Cellini chose the beautiful Diana as a model. So, the war of poets and artists has begun! Which was full of barbs and comparisons, cleverly hidden in poetry, but so clearly hinting at this or that lady. War of two beauties!




Prince


Diana, having lost the king’s favor. She was practically alone in the circle of not many supporters. Whereas de Tempe, being the king’s favorite. She had the disposition of most of the courtiers. Her supporters caught her every word. Admiring her talents and beauty. Throwing in the direction of Poitiers malicious taunts and derision. But, Poitiers passing by the crowd of courtiers and hearing nasty things say in her back, did not even raise an eyebrow. They spoke deliberately so loudly that she could hear. Openly taunting her.

And then one morning Diana was walking in the garden. Not in a very good mood. The headdress on her head, as always, interfered with her. He didn’t want to stay on her head. Diana, in turn, simply could not stand them. This morning she was very annoyed, and the headdress disturbed her especially. Poitiers corrected him endlessly. She tugged at him somehow awkwardly; trying to correct him again and accidentally tore him up. The beads and precious stones sewn to it came off and rolled down into the grass like a hail.

Oh damn it! She swore inwardly.

She didn’t have the funds for new gems right now. Therefore, looking around like a thief and not noticing anyone nearby, she sank down to the grass, crouching down. And-oh-horror! She took off her glove and began to look for precious stones in the grass, collecting them. Hoping to later give them back to the seamstress, carried away by this occupation. Suddenly I heard a voice behind my back. The voice belonged to a man.

Have you lost something, madam? He asked.

She froze inВ horror.

Oh my god! She was scared.

She climbs with her hand inВ the grass, and there is no glove on her hand!

It was all the height ofВ indecency!

Unworthy behavior ofВ aВ lady ofВ her position!

And now they’ll definitely call her a redneck!

And the vile de Tamp will write another vile pamphlet. This is undoubtedly! Diana thought about all this, frightened. She slowly and not boldly turned her head to the voice, remaining to sit over the flower bed. And she saw a handsome young man towering over her. He was a little dark and dark-haired. He looked at her with attentive eyes, black as night. He was dressed relatively simply, and she breathed a sigh of relief. Perhaps this young man came with someone’s retinue. Accompany some noble and wealthy courtier. So with de Tamp, he may not know. He smiled sweetly at her when he saw her frightened and confused look. She answered him awkwardly with an embarrassed smile.

He repeated the question.

Madam, have you lost something?

Oh, she replied, naively.

Pebbles fell off my headdress.

IВ tugged at it awkwardly and they fell into the grass. She finished naively, smiling wider atВ him.

Can IВ help you? He simply answered. And without waiting for her answer, he sat down next toВ her, began toВ diligently collect pebbles, swarming inВ the grass.

Seems like everything. He said, handing her all the pebbles he had collected.

She held out her little dirt-stained pen. Businesslike before this, brushing off his soiled hand on his other hand. He silently watched her actions. Seeing this, his eyebrows went up slowly. She smiled at him even wider and took the pebbles, busily putting them inВ aВ bag and putting on gloves, as if nothing had happened.

Oh! Thank God! Poitiers thought. It turned out toВ be this sweet young man, and not someone else. And nobody will know anything!

What are you doing here? She began the conversation with aВ question, so as not toВ be silly not toВ be silent.

IВ write poetry. Simple, he replied.

Poems? Poitiers was surprised, looking at the young man with interest and more closely.

What about you? He answered, question toВ question.

I haven’t seen you here before.

However, IВ only recently returned, he added.

You must have appeared inВ my absence.

She looked at him with interest.

So you’ve been at court long enough? Here in Paris? She asked the following question.

Well, you could say long enough. Smiling, he answered.

Oh yes, and how do you find it here? She asked.

He put on aВ sour expression, smiling. The answer is simple.

Pretty boring.

She laughed loudly.

You’re joking right!

You’re bored in the funniest place in all of France!

He gave her aВ big smile, enjoying her amusement.

So you write poetry? She continued.

Yes, he replied. Suddenly becoming serious.

Would you like toВ read it toВ you? He asked suddenly.

Yes, ofВ course, Poitiers answered with interest.

He read the verse. It was about aВ butterfly and aВ rose. Diana listened intently toВ him. He finished reading.

Well, how do you like it? He asked. You like?

Yes, she answered honestly. You definitely have aВ good syllable.

But IВ think they seem toВ be missing something. Something IВ think is important. She added, thoughtfully.

What then? He asked with interest.

She continued just as thoughtfully, looking into the distance.

You see a flower and a butterfly, its gentle flutter. But, you don’t look further, deeper. To the very depth.

AВ month will pass and the rose will wither. And this butterfly will also die, its time is short. She spoke, still thoughtfully. Moving your gaze toВ the beautiful rose. She was silent, for aВ moment, and as if breathing air with aВ slight smile, she added.

But, the next year will come and the rose will be reborn and bloom. And the butterfly will also flutter over the rose. She finished speaking. IВ looked him straight inВ the eyes; they were the depth ofВ the ocean. IВ would say this:

В«Two roses will lie at the foot ofВ the marble.

Butterflies will fly up toВ them carelessly.



Is it too early for us toВ despair?

We will be foreverВ»!

She finished smiling. Her eyes seemed toВ sparkle with genuine joy. The young man looked at her with his black, pensive eyes and was silent. He was very serious. Finally, he spoke. Slowly not taking his eyes offВ her.

Yes, you’re right. I think I understand. Something was really missing.

She suddenly remembered that she had toВ go aВ long time ago. Find the old widow, inВ whose retinue she was still aВ member. She completely forgot about her, carried away byВ aВ conversation with aВ youngВ man.

Forgive me, but IВ need toВ leave you. She toldВ him.

I’ll show you. The young man answered.

She said she seemed to be lost and could not find the old widow she was a member of. She said the lady’s name and he laughed.

Ah, this is that old owl-like lady who loves jewelry so much. He said smiling.

She laughed heartily, amused.

So you noticed the similarities too. She sang inВ her beautiful voice, continuing toВ laugh. And this is exactly what Poitiers called the old widow.

Yes, he replied, laughing inВ turn. Getting infected with her laughter andВ fun.

IВ think IВ saw her. Come, IВ will take you, if you will, and he gallantly offered her his hand.

And they walked slowly down the alley, talking about poetry. Diana suddenly saw the hated Mademoiselle de Tamp. Diana stopped and her brows slowly drew together on the bridge ofВ her nose. He also stopped, looking inВ the direction ofВ Poitiers, that is, at de Tamp. She turned her head and looked at him and suddenly asked.

Don’t you find this lady very beautiful?

He looked at her and answered calmly.

It seems toВ me that her corset is too tight and she will even faint, so she probably abuses blush so as not toВ give out the pallor ofВ her face.

There is nothing interesting inВ this lady for me. He replied, looking at Diana smiling.

IВ think the fairest lady ofВ all the fairest is standing next toВ me right now. He smiled at her again.

She looked at him suspiciously. Trying toВ look into his very soul, into his eyes black as night, suspecting him ofВ flattery. But, he looked at her with an honest and open look. He really seemed toВ say what he thought.

Oh, what a nice young man he is! Thoughts jumped in Poitiers’ head, joyfully.

She was ready toВ kiss him on both cheeks. She smiled at him sincerely. He reached out again and offered his hand toВ her. They continued on their way down the alley, when inВ the distance she recognized the silhouette ofВ the old widow. They headed towards her, where she stood surrounded byВ her ladies. Poitiers suddenly remembered.

Oh my god! We didn’t even introduce ourselves. And she smiled at him apologetically.

Diana. Diana de Brese.

Yes, IВ know. He answered with aВ smile.

Heinrich, madam, at your service.

You know?! She was surprised.

But, I didn’t have time to say anything else, as they almost approached the standing ladies. He did not have time to fully introduce himself. They were interrupted by an old widow who saw them and quickly walked towards them. She was already next to them, out of breath. She stopped next to them, froze for a moment in place and, as if recollecting herself, sat down in a deep curtsy, greeting Diana’s companion. Her ladies followed her example. Poitiers was taken aback by surprise. After all, only kings and all the offspring of royal blood are greeted with a deep curtsy. Heinrich smiled at the ladies with his sweet smile and answered them with a bow of his head, greeting them.

Madam, what aВ pleasure toВ see you here again. He turned toВ the old lady.

IВ have brought your seemingly lost lady toВ you.

Ah, thanks! I didn’t think Madame de Brese was lost. The old widow answered.

Always at your service, madam. Heinrich answered.

With your permission, IВ have toВ leave you now. Heinrich said toВ the widow.

Saying goodbye toВ her and the ladies nodding his head gallantly. He looked at Diana, smiling at her. He kissed her hand goodbye, barely touching her thin skin with his lips.

I hope we’ll see you soon. And let’s talk again about poetry. I’ll look forward to it, he told her.

She smiled back at him in utter confusion. Still not understanding the old widow’s behavior, and surprised by her venerable curtsy. He said a couple more pleasantries to the old widow, turned around and walked slowly away, leaving. Diana stood, still not understanding what had happened. She was completely confused and asked, finally, coming out of her stupor, from a lady standing next to her.

Explain toВ me if you please. Who owned all these curtsies, and inВ whose honor are they?

Who isВ he?

God! Expensive! The lady answered.

Do you know who was seeing you off?!

This is Prince Henry de Valois, Duke ofВ Orleans!

She sang dreamily.

Ah! How can you, however, get lost!

And then, pouting her lips, she sighed enviously, looking after the retreating prince.

How IВ wish they could find me that way too! The lady sighed.

Obviously upset that she wasn’t lost.

Prince! Poitiers thought inВ horror.

Remembering how she climbed with her bare hand without aВ glove inВ the grass.

What aВ horror!

She turned pale. Some time ago, she was sure that she was lucky. That this shame of her was seen by this sweet young man, and not by someone else. But, already now she was ready to burst into tears. Because he turned out to be a prince! It couldn’t have been worse. She almost sobbed out loud, trying not to cry. She looked completely dejected and even unhappy. It was so strange to see, so clearly not joyful her face, the lady, with envy, looked in her direction.

Henry, Duke ofВ Orleans! She thought.

And suddenly another picture from the past came to mind. Little frightened, black-eyed boy. She looked at the figure of the retreating Heinrich. She froze, remembering how she hugged a small, forgotten child. She suddenly felt sad. How many years have passed! He became a handsome young man. How many years! She thought, remembering her no longer young age, which the king reminded her of. Vile de Tamp, too, did not let her forget about it. But, now she felt it especially acutely, remembering the boy and seeing today a beautiful young man, whom he had become. Heinrich became a handsome young man. He was young and well built. He was recently by the sea and was sunburned and dark-skinned, like a corsair sailing the seas. He had a thick shock of black hair and the same attentive, serious and incredibly black eyes as in childhood, as deep as the darkest night. Henry and his brother Francis returned from captivity four years later. Children in captivity were not merciful. Heinrich endured this test with courage. His brother turned out to be weaker, and got a lung disease in captivity, returned to his homeland extremely painful. Henry, being the second son of the king and not being heir to the throne, later went into the army, hoping to make a brilliant military career. He liked it. He often disappeared in the barracks among the soldiers than at court in the company of elegant courtiers. Not really loving and favoring balls and fun in the palace. Preferring to all this, hunting. This was his main addiction, as well as fights in tournaments. By nature, a rather calm young man, on a hunt and in a duel, he seemed to become a different person. No one could compare with him in fights. Opponents flew out of the saddle at the first blow, his hand was heavy. His impact was legendary. Once the blow was so strong that not only the rider fell, but also his horse. Also on the hunt, no one could compare with him in dexterity and accuracy. The booty has always belonged to him. He chased the poor beast like a hurricane, sweeping away everything in its path. Because of that, the young prince was a secret and obvious dream of many women’s hearts. And the ladies did not bother to lust for a prince, despite the fact that Henry was married.

He was married to Catherine Maria Romula di Lorenzo de Medici. The Medici family actually ruled Florence. Originally bankers, they came to great wealth and power by funding European monarchs. Catherine’s father Lorenzo II Medici, Duke of Urbino, was not originally a Duke of Urbino and became so thanks to his uncle Giovanni Medici, Pope Leo 10. Thus, despite the ducal title, Catherine was of a relatively low birth. However, her mother, Madeleine de La Tour, Countess of Auvergne, belonged to one of the most famous and ancient French aristocratic families. This greatly influenced the future marriage of Catherine.

The death ofВ Pope Leo 10В led toВ aВ break inВ the power ofВ the Medici family on the holy throne, until inВ 1523В Cardinal Giulio di Medici became Pope ClementВ 7.

InВ 1527, the Medici inВ Florence was overthrown and Catherine became aВ hostage. The Pope had toВ recognize and crown Charles 5В ofВ Habsburg, Emperor ofВ the Holy Roman Empire. InВ exchange for his help inВ the return ofВ Florence and the release ofВ the young duchess. InВ October 1529, the troops ofВ Charles 5В laid siege toВ Florence. During the siege, calls and threats appeared toВ kill Catherine and hang her on the city gates or send her toВ aВ brothel toВ dishonor her. Although the city resisted the siege, on August 12, 1530, famine and plague forced Florence toВ surrender. Clement met Catherine inВ Rome with tears inВ his eyes. It was then that he started looking for aВ groom for her. Considering many options, but inВ 1531В the French king Francis 1В proposed the candidacy ofВ his second son, Henry. Clement jumped at the chance right away. The young Duke ofВ Orleans was the most profitable party for his niece Catherine.

At the age ofВ 14, Catherine became the bride ofВ the French prince Heinrich de Valois. Her dowry amounted toВ 130,000В ducats and vast estates including Pisa, Livorno and Parma.

Catherine was not beautiful. She looked like aВ discarded fish on the seashore with the same bulging colorless eyes, as if she had aВ suffocating disease. AВ large mouth with thin, colorless lips and an incomprehensible light shade ofВ hair inВ small curls. Some even claimed that she was an exact copy ofВ Pope Leo 10. At aВ young age, being like aВ holy father is byВ no means aВ compliment.



AВ wedding held inВ Marseilles on October 28, 1533. Became aВ big event marked byВ extravagance and giving out gifts. Europe has not seen such aВ congregation ofВ the highest clergy for aВ long time. The ceremony was attended byВ Pope Clement himself, accompanied byВ many cardinals. After the wedding, 34В days ofВ continuous feasts and balls followed. At the wedding feast, Italian chefs introduced the French court toВ aВ new dessert made ofВ fruit and ice; this was the first ice cream.

But, Pope Clement 7 died unexpectedly. Paul 3, who replaced him, terminated the alliance with France and refused to pay Catherine’s dowry. Catherine’s political value suddenly vanished. Having thus worsened her position in a foreign country. King Francis 1 complained: «The girl came to me completely naked.» Catherine, who was born into a merchant family in Florence, where her parents were not so preoccupied in order to give their offspring a versatile education, was very difficult in the refined French court. She was an ignoramus who did not know how to construct phrases gracefully and made many mistakes in her letters. Not able to be graceful in such a refined society. Behind her eyes they called her a merchant



Several days passed. Poitiers did not meet Henry. De Tamp did not write new pamphlets, which indicated that Henry kept her little secret. And she breathed a sigh of relief. The thought of him was undoubtedly pleasant to her. He’s still incredibly sweet. Poitiers thought. Walking with the ladies and the old widow along the alleys of the palace park. Arriving in this frame of mind, she noticed a figure approaching in the distance, recognizing her as Henry.The ladies noticed him too. It was evident in the way they perked up as they chirped and tweaked their hairstyles. Poitiers noticed the ladies’ animation. She seemed to be pricked by something sharp and unpleasant somewhere inside. She snorted to herself at the ladies. Throwing a prickly gaze full of needles at them. The ladies pretended not to notice. But, nevertheless, they quieted down. Heinrich approached, smiling at them all with his sweet, amiable smile. It seemed to her that a little more and the ladies would begin to dance in curtsies, they bowed so earnestly. She sat down in an elegant curtsy. After greeting him. He fixed his gaze on her and smiled at her affably. Turned to an old widow. With a few niceties to the old lady. Why she became even more like an owl.

Diana involuntarily smiled at this.

Let me steal your lady, madam. He finished his tirade ofВ courtesies toВ the widow.

IВ promise toВ return her toВ you soon. He assured the old lady.

Unless madam doesn’t mind. He turned already to Poitiers.

She smiled at him and of course she didn’t mind!

They walked away under the envious glances of the ladies. They walked in the park, enjoying the scent of roses, birdsong and each other’s company.

He wrote new verses and read them. This time the poems were about the rose and its beauty and fragrance. She, ofВ course, realized that he dedicated his poems toВ her. Comparing it toВ aВ wonderful flower. He finished reading and looked at her carefully.

Asked.

Do you like it? He was clearly worried.

Hiding his worries, but he barely succeeded.

She smiled at him, noticing his concern.

Answered.

They are beautiful.

Do you think they might be missing something too? He asked at last.

She smiled at him, scolding herself inВ her hearts for the fact that the last time her statements about his poems might have hurt Henry.

No, no. They are great! There is nothing toВ add toВ them, she said.

After aВ minute she added.

IВ can only add, she said quietly.

That the rose blooms and fragrant, delighting everyone with its beauty only under the rays ofВ the loving sun that caresses it. She finished.

And their eyes met like two bottomless oceans.

Yes, you are right, Heinrich replied worriedly.

And added. What do you think?

Will the rose bloom under the rays ofВ the lovingВ sun?

She smiled at him. Feeling that her cheeks are reddening treacherously.

IВ think so. She answered very quietly. As if afraid that he would still hear her words.



They met every day in the alleys of the park, wandered and chatted about everything in the world. Listening to beautiful music written by nature itself. Singing birds and the sound of the wind playing with the foliage of the trees. And strangely enough, they both noticed all these metamorphoses of nature, which every single day plays its magnificent plays under people’s noses. But, for many, they seem to be invisible. But, not for Diana and Heinrich. They noticed everything. And everyone was genuinely happy. Realizing that he met someone who could see the world the same as he saw it himself. Once passing by a small fountain hidden among the bushes, which have long been abandoned. The fountain depicted a deer defeated in a hunt, with a dog hanging over its prey. The water in the fountain was cloudy and completely green. Diana, enchanted by the colors of this picture, looked into the water surface. After becoming silent, as if bewitched and peering into the depths of the whirlpool, she suddenly said.

You know, this is the most beautiful fountain inВ this garden!

Someone seems toВ be living inВ the depths ofВ its waters. She suddenly perked up. Turning from the fountain toВ Heinrich.

He raised an eyebrow and laughed cheerfully.

Who do you think lives there? He asked cheerfully.

Well, I don’t know. Pouting her lips, Poitiers said. Obviously pretending to be offended that he does not believe her. She answered with childlike spontaneity.

Maybe aВ mermaid or some kind ofВ spirit. She was inspired, fantasizing.

He continued toВ laugh. Touched byВ her fantasies. She pouted her lips even harder, offended byВ his skepticism. He stopped laughing and raised his hands toВ feign surrender.

You know, I didn’t notice him at all before. He said. Glancing again at the green smooth surface of the fountain, and whispering in her ear.

There really is someone living there! Her eyes lit up inВ the hope that her words were true.

And that’s it, he finished.

Definitely frogs!

He laughed again, hoping toВ see her cute pouting lips again. She looked at him resentfully, almost childishly. IВ repeated it seriously.

Heinrich, right! There, nevertheless, someone lives.

He was still laughing while admiringВ her.

Diana dear! If you like. That, there will live everyone whom you wish toВ settle there!

Whether it’s a mermaid or your beloved Mademoiselle de Tamp!

She might pass for aВ ghost! He said.

He was already having fun and laughing heartily. Hearing about the prospect ofВ de Tamp living inВ aВ green swamp. Diana could not resist and laughed merrily with Heinrich. This idea was very toВ her liking.

Heinrich, really, how cute you are. She said laughing and kissing him on the cheek. He stopped laughing. He looked at her silently, with eyes full ofВ adoration and added.

Well, since you like deer, IВ invite you toВ hunt. He said.




Hunting


Hunting?! Diana was surprised.

She was not aВ fan ofВ the kind ofВ hunting that was done at court. When an unfortunate animal is driven into aВ trap from all sides and simply deprived ofВ its opportunity toВ escape. She thought it was aВ disgusting, unfair murder!

Whether it was, when she went hunting with her father aВ long time ago. Nobody drove the beast. The hunter and the beast were equal. And the one who turns out toВ be better was decided only byВ who turns out toВ be more cunning, more agile, well, or faster. If the beast, then he will not be caught, if the hunter, then the prey will be his. This is the only hunt she respected.

Such aВ hunter earned her respect. And Heinrich was just such aВ hunter. He did not recognize any other hunt. He needed aВ fair fight! InВ such aВ hunt, the beast and the hunter were on equal terms. The hunters themselves could be injured byВ the beast, or they could evenВ die.

Diana remembered that she did not have aВ suitable horse for hunting and told Henry aboutВ it.

Sheer trifle, said Heinrich, taking her hand.

Come on, honey.

He walked, with his brisk step, dragging her along and heading towards the stables.

Approaching the royal stables, he paused and waved his hand theatrically toВ indicate the horses inВ the stalls.

Choose whichever one you like, he said.

Hunt tomorrow morning. IВ leave you while you make your choice.

Take your time, he added.

And kissing her hand, he departed, with the same quick, confident gait.

She entered the stable accompanied byВ the old groom. And her heart sank with delight. Never before had she seen so many magnificent, purebred beauties ofВ various stripes and breeds. Her heart was beating with joy so that she heard his pounding inВ her ears. She walked along the stall. But, the horses were one better than the other. She walked around, as if spellbound and could not make aВ choice. Suddenly she stopped, seeing aВ smoky handsome man. The stallion was with thin, long legs and aВ thin, outlined graceful head, with aВ powerful and at the same time graceful chest. He pricked up his pointed ears at the sight ofВ Diana and widened his nostrils, frowning unkindly. Arrogantly, as if looking down at her, snorting disdainfully. Like telling her toВ get away. She gasped at his beauty. She turned, like aВ small child, at the sight ofВ the desired toy toВ the old groom.



Saddle this one! She exclaimed, almost clapping her hands inВ delight.

The old man served inВ the royal stable as aВ groom for many years, almost all his life. And as often happens with old faithful servants, he could afford what other servants could not even imagine. For example, protest this lady. He furrowed his brows inВ displeasure.

No way. The old man answered not quite.

Poitier furrowed her eyebrows. Trying toВ make her look as strict as possible and giving herself aВ special menacingness, she stamped her foot.

Didn’t you hear what you were ordered?! Or are you deaf?!

His Highness the Prince has ordered you toВ saddle any horse IВ please!

I tell you saddle this one! And don’t argue with me! Diana was indignant.

But it seems that the old servant ofВ the royal stable did not want toВ surrender without aВ fight.

I tell you madam, you can’t saddle this. He sighed, trying to get rid of her like an annoying fly.

This time, her eyebrows moved even more on the bridge ofВ her nose. The old man, seeing that the lady was not going toВ retreat, sighed.

It is impossible, madam, because this is aВ stallion ofВ His Highness Prince Henry. He only hunts on it and drives. The old man tried the lastВ try.

Okay, IВ understand. Irritated, Poitiers added. Trying toВ pretend not toВ lose this battle toВ the malevolent old groom.

Okay, then I’ll pick another horse to hunt, she didn’t quit.

Now saddle this one. IВ want toВ ride itВ now

But the old man was clearly not going toВ surrender.

Not as bad as it gets, madam.

He is not accustomed toВ the female saddle.

With malice and undisguised malice, he added as if he had already won this difficult battle. She shot him with narrowed eyes like arrows and added with even greater malice inВ her voice.

And you saddle man! Gloomy, she sang.

What are you talking about, madam! The old man was taken aback.

This isВ how!

Would you like toВ ride like aВ man?!

Not decent, after all, God have mercy on you, madam! As if he didn’t believe her, the unfortunate groom cried out.

Yes, and you will die, you madam, by God! It’s a gray devil, not a stallion! Only his Highness the Prince is dealing with him! After all, this devil does not admit anyone else.

You will die, and then IВ will answer. The old man lamented. Trying with the last bit ofВ strength toВ reason with Poitiers.

Saddle up! Told you! Poitiers screamed, losing her temper and making aВ formidable face.

Rejoicing inВ my soul that such aВ difficult battle with the groom will end inВ her favor. The old man finally gave up and went toВ get the saddle.

And where did you come from on my head. The old man muttered under his breath, putting the saddle on the handsome grayВ man.

KillВ you!

Oh, kill yourself!

AnswerВ me.

The groom whined.

The stallion was, indeed, too big and powerful for a woman, but Poitiers did not stop it.She sat down in the men’s saddle and took the reins in her hands. The stallion nervously walked from side to side, rustling with displeasure and menacingly flaring his nostrils, exhaling air like a fire-breathing dragon. He reared up from such an unheard-of impudence of a stranger. He reared up once more, trying to get rid of her. But, by the way, Poitiers was an excellent rider and he did not succeed. Then he rushed forward like a bullet through the fields adjacent to the stables. The stallion simply carried it. She did not control him at all, and he did not obey her at all, no matter how hard she tried to pull on the reins.

He was strong, and seemed not toВ feel it, or rather did not want toВ obey her. Diana tried toВ stop him, but he did not obey her. She grabbed the horse with her legs, pressing against him and grabbing his scruff, trying toВ stay on the galloping horse. She realized that her idea was stupid. But, it was too late toВ think about it. All she could do now was try not toВ break her neck. Hoping that soon he will run over and stop himself. Scolding himself inВ their hearts for not listening toВ the oldВ man.

Finally, breathing freedom and aВ quick run, the smoky one calmed down and stopped. Diana congratulated herself on being still alive and not breaking her neck. She patted the animal on the neck, and he shook his head, snorting contentedly. Surprised, it seems that she is still here.

Well, finally!

That’s great! She spoke to the stallion. Stroking his smooth neck.

You almost killed me bastard!

She patted him again, giving him the pre-cooked sugar cube. The stallion snorted, but did not refuse the delicacy, and, snorting more favorably, allowed her toВ remain on horseback. It took some time, she enjoyed the ride. The stallion calmed down, as if having tested her for strength with his frantic run, no longer tried toВ throw her off. He instantly understood her every touch and all her commands. AВ light touch ofВ the foot was enough, it was enough, it was easy toВ pull on the reins and he immediately understood everything, not trying toВ obey anymore. He seemed toВ like Poitiers inВ the end, and he snorted contentedly when she stroked his neck. It was undoubtedly aВ magnificent and intelligent animal. She was so carried away byВ the ride that she did not notice how Heinrich appeared from somewhere, riding aВ red stallion. Undoubtedly, just as gorgeous, but still inferior inВ everything, smoky. Heinrich soon caught up with her. Its smoky scent smelled its master and neighed happily, welcoming him. Heinrich rode up close toВ her.

Diana dear. Heinrich smiled.

You seem toВ have taken my stallion, he said.

She put on an innocent smile.

I really couldn’t resist.

IВ hope you will forgive me? She said. Making an innocent face and portraying aВ cute angel.

You ride in a men’s saddle, too. He added, grinning.

This is not terribly decent.

Don’t you know?

His eyes flashed mischievously and his smile widened.

Looking at him conspiratorially, she continues toВ portray the same innocent simplicity. She answered inВ aВ whisper.

But, you won’t tell anyone, will you?

He was still smiling. Delno shook his head.

I, no. My dear, Diana. I won’t tell anyone.

IВ assure you you can rely onВ me.

But as you can imagine, my dear Diana. He continued.

Smoky, you can’t hunt, alas.

I would give it to you, don’t hesitate.

But I’m afraid. The whole yard will hardly accept your ride in a man’s saddle with delight.

So, alas, madam.

You will need toВ choose another horse.

She pouted.

Heinrich is it my fault that the most magnificent stallion inВ the entire stable is yours.

He laughed heartily. Adding already seriously.

It was not reprehensible, you could be injured.

She smiled at him again with the smile ofВ an angel.

Let’s go, my dear Diana.

IВ know which horse is right forВ you.

He said, guiding his horse towards the stables inВ the distance.

She followed him. Arriving at the stables, Heinrich deftly jumped off the saddle and held out his hand toВ her. She, too, gracefully jumped off the horse.

Heinrich led her toВ the stall where the mare stood, which Heinrich, as he put it, looked afterВ her.

It was aВ red, not tall horse, which would be more suitable for quiet riding, children. Diana went out. The mare was unremarkable. Her legs were not at all as graceful, long and thin as those ofВ her more purebred, thoroughbred chicks. Seeing her upset. Heinrich hastened toВ praise the animal.

Oh my dear! This is an absolutely wonderful horse! BelieveВ me.

She is accustomed toВ the female saddle.

And the most important thing.

She has aВ great, calm disposition.

You will see. You will be delighted.

Diana was about toВ burst into tears ofВ resentment.

Oh yes, monsieur!

She has aВ calm disposition like aВ cow.

Only she noticed. Heinrich pretended not toВ hear her. She was completely upset. Like an offended child. She cast an envious glance at the smoky stallion stuck its muzzle out ofВ the stall. The stallion snorted contemptuously. As if he were saying that she had made aВ bad choice. She sighed resignedly, looking at Heinrich reproachfully. Heinrich, without letting her say another word. As if afraid that if she spoke, she would convince him. Somewhere, quickly rushed. Trying not toВ look into her now, such unhappy eyes. Knowing that he could not resist her. IВ decided toВ retire. InВ order not toВ change your mind. The old man informed him that Madame had left on his smoky stallion. Henry, knowing the nature ofВ his horse, cursed everything inВ the world, allowing Madame de Poitiers toВ choose aВ horse on herВ own.

His heart fell somewhere inВ the abyss from fear that something could happen toВ her. Therefore, now, he was no longer going toВ make such aВ mistake. Having chosen, for Diana, the most humble horse that he could find inВ the stable. He said that he was not waiting for the pedestrian business and said goodbye toВ her, kissing her hand.

TellingВ her.

See you tomorrow, my dear, Diana.

Quickly, he walked away without changing his mind.



Early the next morning. The courtiers gathered toВ hunt. The men were inВ aВ state ofВ some kind ofВ nervous excitement, the women were full ofВ their magnificent riding costumes, adorned with jewelry and gilded embroidery.

Diana sat on her ginger mare. She was dressed inВ aВ riding suit, the color ofВ aВ gorgeous dark green pool or aВ deep lake inВ the woods. The riding suit was made ofВ fine velvet.

The top of the suit was embroidered with fine emeralds and gold thread. The image was complemented by a wonderful headdress with magnificent feathers to match the suit and gloves of the same color. In the ears sparkled beautiful earrings with the purest emeralds, complementing the whole image. The hair was beautifully collected in a hairdo and only a few black curls fell on the sides, from which the emeralds on Poitiers’ earrings sparkled even more. Poitiers, like a fabulous forest nymph, sparkled in the sun, the color of green forest lakes. She was still sulking at Heinrich for the stupid horse that he slipped into her. The mare had a really calm disposition, as Heinrich put it. So Poitiers is a horse that always reached for the juicy leaves of every bush they passed by, definitely resembled a cow. Diana saw Heinrich. It was as if he had been replaced! He radiated nervous energy. I could not at all resist in one place. He spoke loudly and joked with other men. Tossing like a whirlwind between them on his magnificent stallion from side to side and swinging in different directions with his arms, like wings, and swinging his legs, as if he was going to run somewhere. His stallion was just as excited. He whinnied nervously, flaring his nostrils, and with impatience now and then, rearing up. Both of them, as if they could not wait for the wild pursuit of the unfortunate prey. The ladies now and then threw their meaningful glances at him. He was dressed in a magnificent hunting suit that was hardly embroidered in gold, which was strange for his rank as a prince. Heinrich preferred to dress more like a soldier than like a prince, and he hated all these ruffles and embroidery. His hunting boots gleamed with purity and gilded spurs. And his whole appearance was rather formidable. His stallion was adorned with an elegant blanket and sparkled in the sun, not yielding to the owner. But, the eyes sparkled most of all in both!

Heinrich was just great! And more like aВ corsair on his handsome, smoky horse breathing fire. Poitiers was amazed at such aВ striking change inВ him! After all, Henry was usually aВ rather calm young man. And he was so strikingly different now! He looked like some incredibly charming robber who thundered with his, as it turned out, aВ rather loud voice. Since he usually spoke calmly and quietly. Diana could not even imagine that his voice could thunder like thunder, shaking everything around! And flashing eyes like lightning. He saw her inВ the crowd and smiled at her, greeting her and blowing aВ kiss toВ her, ignoring the surrounding crowd, embarrassing her with this. Arousing the envious glances ofВ many ladies. Diana lifted her chin arrogantly up, pretending not toВ notice the women looking at her enviously. Delano snorted as if an annoying fly were flying over her. The sound ofВ aВ bugle rang out. The dogs howled happily when they recognized the hunt signal! Heinrich jerked off first, as if there was aВ miracle spring inВ his stallion. All the others rushed after him. Horses, people and dogs all mixed up inВ aВ noisy crowd, hounds and people urging their horses on. Diana was inВ the last ranks, among the laggards. Her calm, as Heinrich put it, aВ mare. It seemed that she did not know at all what aВ gallop was and was not going toВ learn it even now. Finally, she lagged behind and completely from the whole crowd, chipping all her legs on the sides ofВ the stubborn animal. Poitiers, at the end, exhausted, urging her red horse on, gave up completely. She finally realized that this case was useless. The horse was not going toВ run! Behind some kind ofВ crowd. She lowered the reins, realizing that she would no longer catch up with anyone. She gave the mare freedom, and she wasted no time inВ vain, reached for the first bush that came, began toВ lazily chew the leaves. Poitiers sighed.

You are not aВ horse! She spoke.

You’re just a cow!

What aВ fool put you inВ the stable!

You really belong inВ the barn! She scolded her redhead.

But, the animal seemed completely indifferent toВ such accusations.

Horses are running! If you didn’t know. Diana continued.

But, redhead, as if accepting that she is aВ cow. She reached for aВ portion ofВ the leaves again, lazily chewing on the treat.

Ah, Diana sighed. Hearing the sound ofВ the hunt receding. The noise ofВ the bugle, the barking ofВ dogs and the neighing ofВ horses became quieter and quieter. She realized that she could not catch up with them, sighed again, looking around. Everywhere there was the scent ofВ the forest, the buzzing ofВ all kinds ofВ bugs and bumblebees, the chirping ofВ forest birds inВ different ways. AВ squirrel flashed inВ the branches ofВ aВ tree, sitting on aВ trunk and with curiosity began toВ examine the uninvited guests. She lowered the reins, giving free rein toВ her mare toВ go wherever she pleases, and delighting admiring the surrounding beauty, enjoying the fresh air. Her redhead walked forward, feeling freedom.

Poitiers didn’t care to guide her.

She wandered this way through the forest for aВ while. Her horse went out into aВ small meadow covered with greenery and flowers. The mare stopped and began gnawing at the nearest bush.

Suddenly Diana heard a dull thud and the crunch of breaking branches on the other side of the forest. A moment later, a huge boar suddenly jumped out from there. The monster was huge with bloodshot eyes and large yellow fangs. A piece of a broken dart was stuck in his side, the beast was wounded. Poitiers, as if hypnotized, could not take her eyes off the monster, frozen in place. Her horse stopped chewing, staring blankly at the boar. Perhaps, if Diana had gotten a more agile animal, and not this red mare, then most likely she would have given dry. But, unfortunately, her mare turned out to be thinking for a long time. Diana herself froze in place, doing nothing. So they stood her and her horse. Foolishly staring at the huge boar opposite, and not the one, not the other, did not think to run. The boar froze only for a moment, seeing them, but in the next instant, with a belligerent wheeze and pressing his fangs closer to the ground, he was about to rush at both. But, he was prevented by a terrible crash and crash in the bushes nearby. The boar turned sharply at the noise. The noise finally brought Diana out of her mortal stupor. Heinrich flew out to the edge of the forest all the way, on his smoky one. Smoky was covered in foam and leaves. Smokey’s eyes burned with red fire, his nostrils widened, he snorted menacingly. Heinrich, like his stallion, was also covered in leaves. His eyes, like those of his horse, burned with the same fire.

It all happened so quickly that she didn’t have time to recover. Heinrich jumped out of the saddle at full gallop, jumping straight onto the back of the monster. A dagger blade flashed in the sunlight. And both of them, Heinrich and the boar, rolled head over heels over the leaves and the ground in a deadly ball. The boar roared terribly, and a moment later, issuing a monstrous howl, the monster trembled and froze. Heinrich was not visible, he was under the boar. They both did not move. Diana finally woke up completely. Her heart sank and beat so desperately that it became difficult to breathe.

God! He is dead! AВ nightmarish thought flashed through.

She quickly jumped from the saddle down toВ the ground.

Her redhead also woke up, and smelling the smell ofВ blood inВ horror, she whinnied, rearing up and rushing as fast as she could. Poitiers ran toВ the boar trying toВ make out Heinrich. Her heart was pounding wildly, tap dancing inВ her chest. Heinrich was crushed byВ the carcass ofВ aВ wild boar. But, here he began toВ stir and, throwing aside the carcass ofВ the boar, which he was crushed by, lay down next toВ the boar, leaning his elbows on its carcass, as if on the back ofВ aВ chair. She watched his actions, dumbfounded.

AndВ he!

He was smiling!

All stained with the blood ofВ aВ defeated animal, mixed with foliage and earth. He smiled at her. Anger seizedВ her.

Are you crazy?! She cried out, unable toВ contain herself.

Do you always attack wild animals with your bare hands?!

You really hoped toВ strangle him?!

The monster almost killed you! She finished, annoyed.

He laughed loudly and abruptly, catching a breath that still hadn’t come back to normal after a deadly hug with a boar.

Are you madam? He parried, cheerfully.

Always stay inВ place like aВ statue? And do not try toВ escape when you see aВ wounded, and IВ want toВ note, an extremely dangerous wild boar.

Or did you intend toВ greet him kindly? He finished, clearly enjoying their conversation.

And continuing toВ smile contentedly, he looked at her confused look. He continued almost seriously, but with the same note ofВ sarcasm.

IВ guess IВ should have waited for him toВ chargeВ you?

She was taken aback. Not finding what toВ answer him. Indeed, it was true; it was incredibly stupid that she did not rush away from this monster as soon as she noticed him. And if Heinrich had not appeared so on time. The boar would no doubt rush at her. Not finding anything toВ say toВ him, she just flapped her eyelashes. She looked so confused that he could not resist and laughed heartily. And then she noticed that his leg was bleeding.

Oh my God! She screamed.

You are injured!

She sat down beside him toВ help and, trying toВ examine his wound, eyes full ofВ sympathy, compassion and fear.

Nonsense, he waved itВ off.

Scratch. Diana, you shouldn’t be so worried. He smiled sweetly at her.

Everything heals very quickly onВ me.

You need toВ be bandaged! You will lose aВ lot ofВ blood! Poitiers did not agree withВ him.

She already wanted toВ put her words into action. Suddenly there was aВ noise and crackling nearby inВ the bush. And inВ the next instant, riders ofВ aВ man and aВ woman, as well as their dogs, flew into the clearing. Seeing the defeated boar, and next toВ him the wounded Henry, the men rushed toВ the prince inВ aВ hurry toВ help. InВ the next instant, they tightened and bandaged his wound. Women sitting side byВ side on their horses and groaned. Continuing toВ cast loving glances towards the prince.

Ah! Poor thing!

He looks badly injured! They whispered.

The whole crowd pushed Poitiers aside. She watched inВ silence. The men made something like aВ stretcher for Henry. They lamented about how close they were toВ the boar, and aВ little more and the prey would be inВ their hands. Talking about how Heinrich beat everyone up again and took the loot. Heinrich reassured them. Saying that they might be lucky next time they hunt. But, clearly not going toВ give inВ toВ anyone next time. And suddenly, he said loudly, looking for Diana with his eyes among the crowd.

No gentlemen!

I wouldn’t have been able to catch him myself if it weren’t for Madame de Poitiers!

She’s a great hunter!

The beast runs towardsВ it!

Saying this. He looked at her slyly and mischievously, smiling broadly at her. All heads turned towards her. Looking with curiosity. As if toВ say. Is that really true?! She shot him an angry look and answered coldly.

Complete nonsense.

IВ ended up here byВ accident.

But, Henry was completely amused, despite his wound, continued.

Gentlemen, don’t believe her!

Madame de Poitiers is just beingВ shy!

She pursed her lips, casting an almost angry look inВ his direction. Hoping that he will finally calm down. He winked at her cheerfully, continuing toВ arrive inВ good spirits.

What nonsense is he talking! Diana thought irritably, turning away from him inВ order toВ end this conversation. And so, this whole honest company. Horses, people, dogs, the carcass ofВ aВ wild boar, prey, undoubtedly, Heinrich and he himself, leading, like aВ Caesar, all this noisy company, moved through the forest, heading back toВ the palace. He was carried byВ men, like aВ Roman emperor on an improvised stretcher, since he himself could not ride on horseback because ofВ aВ wound on his leg, which was ripped apart, like aВ sharp blade byВ boar fangs almost toВ the very thigh.

He was pale from blood loss, but he didn’t seem to care at all. He was having fun and joking. The men laughed loudly at his jokes, and the ladies giggled coquettishly. He himself swung his arms in different directions, as well as his one leg, since his other leg was not able to tap the first. Poitiers gave way to the horse, as her mare had fled somewhere. She rode a little further away from him. Heinrich now and then turned his head, looking for her in the crowd, and when he found, he smiled good-naturedly at her.

In the evening, all this society gathered for a feast on the occasion of a successful hunt. And, in spite of his wounded leg, Heinrich rejoiced heartily. His prey, already well-done, was greeted with noisy and stormy exclamations, praising the hunter for courage and dexterity. The courtiers were noisy and merry. When enough wine had been drunk, they began to play a sweet and reckless game, blind man’s buff. They put on a black silk bandage over their eyes and circled.

And the one who had his eyes closed with aВ blindfold had toВ catch with his eyes closed one ofВ the fleeing. If it was an attractive lady, then there were many willing gentlemen toВ fall into her hands.

If it was an attractive man, then the lady who liked him should not have bothered toВ fall into his arms, pretending that she was trying toВ run away.

And for some reason many ofВ the ladies ran so badly that they very quickly found themselves inВ the clutches ofВ the players. The bottom line was that no one really ran away from anyone, but sooner found himself inВ the arms ofВ the one who turned out toВ be nice toВ him. AВ kiss was considered aВ win, but one kiss, as aВ rule, did not end anything. Heinrich was sitting at the table, watching the game. Putting his wounded leg on aВ small velvet stool. Poitiers remained inВ the same place, not participating inВ the fun. He looked atВ her.

Not playing? He asked.

No, she answered, bored.

What not? Heinrich continued.

You might have someВ fun.

The corners ofВ her lips floated up like the wings ofВ aВ butterfly.

I don’t see a decent player there. She answered, still smiling.

He laughed.

Yes, but IВ think aВ lot ofВ people would love toВ fall into your wonderful hands. He continued their dialogue.

She raised her eyebrows. She looked at him intently and carefully and answered.

You seem to be worried that you can’t play? She sang.

Oh, IВ think you would have caught aВ dozen ofВ the nicest ladies at aВ time.

Those who didn’t get caught would obviously be upset. She finished, purring the words sarcastically like a big cat. Smiling at him with just the corner of her lips.

He smiled back atВ her.

How angry you are, though! He answered with aВ grin.

Ah, my dear Diana.

What do IВ care about these pet cats. He smiled at her with aВ grin.

Either you! Another thing!

Try toВ eat someone for lunch or dinner.

Unfortunate victims! He added.

And do not suspect that the prey. He sighed.

And the bigger the game, the better for you. He continued.

Obviously hinting at the king and her relationship withВ him.

Poitiers said nothing, slowly rose from the table. Letting him know that he was leaving and grimaced picturesquely, replied.

I’m not hungry today.

Heinrich laughed, shaking his head.

So they’re lucky! He said, waving lazily at the running, cheerful crowd.

Where are you going? He asked.

She bowed toВ him inВ pictures.

OfВ course, sleep, your highness! She purred and swam like aВ swan toВ the exit.

He called afterВ her.

Will you leave aВ sick, almost dying person?!

This is not merciful, Diana! He added.

She turned around, laughing cheerfully.

You are the least like aВ sick and dying person! She answered cheerfully.

Good night, your highness. She said, already moving away.

Good night, Heinrich replied with aВ sigh. Saddened that she had left.

Poitiers were allocated rooms inВ the palace, there she went, where she hoped toВ take aВ break from such an eventfulВ day.




Miracle broth


But, she was not allowed toВ sleep. There was aВ knock on the door. AВ small letter was handed over toВ her. The letter was from Henry. He wrote: В«that he seems toВ have become worse, and he is thrown into aВ fever, and it seems that he is dying at all. And his last wish is toВ see her. В«She read the message and laughed heartily.

On death!

Oh myВ God!

You need at least aВ dozen boars forВ you!

My dear Henry.

She sang. Talking toВ herself and laughed heartily. She stood for aВ moment inВ thought. And IВ decided toВ go toВ his chambers. The messenger waited outside the door for an answer.

Tell His Highness that I cannot refuse the patient’s request and will certainly visit him.

She thought and said.

An hour later.

Yes, she added, I’ll be with His Highness in an hour.

The Messenger bowed and disappeared into the hallways of the palace. An hour later she was at the door of Heinrich’s chambers. Knocking lightly on the door. It was opened by the same servant who brought the letter. She went into the room. The servant disappeared through the door, leaving them alone. She went into the room, where she found Heinrich writing another letter. The paper lay next to him on the bed.

What are you writing? She asked.

He lookedВ up.

I was going to write you the next message in case you don’t come.

What if I hadn’t come back then? Smiling, she asked.

Then, IВ would send you letters all night. He answered.

He put aside the paper on which he was writing the next message.

Well, this is no longer needed, you are already here.

She was standing next toВ hisВ bed.

So you’re dying? She said smiling.

He smiled back atВ her.

I’m feeling better, Henry replied.

How is your leg? Diana continued.

Oh, no big deal, he started, itВ was.

Then IВ caught myself.

Oh terribly bad! And he began toВ moan feignedly.

Oh! Such aВ pain! He said. Theatrically widening his eyes and making aВ grimace. Pretending torment. Fixing aВ painful gaze at the ceiling and holding out his hands toВ her.

Well, sit down next toВ me, otherwise IВ will definitely die! He continued this farce.

She sat down next toВ him on the edge ofВ his bed. She shook her head. She looked at him seriously and asked.

So, is your leg still?

Maybe you can answer?

He looked at her merrily, with his dark eyes, said.

IВ already said. And IВ wanted toВ repeat my theatrical monologue, which IВ said earlier.

But she stopped him. Throwing his eyebrows up. And waiting for an intelligible answer.

He looked at her. Realizing that his monologue is not accepted. And she expects seriousness from him. He just said.

It’s just nothing, my dear Diana.

You are right, there is nothing toВ worry about, and IВ assureВ you.

In less than a week. And I’ll be on my feet again. And he smiled. {{1 Week!

Oh myВ God!

Heinrich!

You’ve got a wound all over your leg!

What are you talking about!

Right, madam. You will see for yourself. InВ aВ week, IВ will be on my feet, as if nothing had happened. Believe me. He answered laughing.

That damn boar just scratched me a little, that’s all.

InВ fact, the boar inflicted aВ severe wound on Henry. They ripped like aВ razor skin and meat all over the leg, up toВ the thigh, and only miraculously without touching the arteries, which could threaten Henry with inevitable death! Henry bore this scar, left on that day byВ the monster for the rest ofВ his life. Poitiers said with aВ serious face.

I’ll bring you some broth tomorrow. He will put you on your feet and restore your strength. Not listening to his chatter about scratches and knowing that if she does not take care that Heinrich drinks the miracle broth, and then he himself will not do it for anything. Diana sincerely believed that a good broth is the best remedy for any ailment!

IВ will drink your broth on one condition.

If you yourself will spoon-feed me withВ it!

Raising his finger up, Heinrich spoke. Laughing and havingВ fun.

Otherwise, I won’t drink it for nothing! And he grimaced his face.

Hmm! Poitiers chuckled.

I’ll have to get you drunk with them.

And don’t even hesitate, I’ll definitely do it. Unless you are otherwise, do not intend to be treated!

She added briskly.

Suddenly, becoming serious she added.

Heinrich, IВ wanted toВ thank you. She said.

If you hadn’t shown up in time, out there in the woods. I don’t know what would have happened. She said. Unable to explain his stupor during a meeting with a wild boar in the forest. But, she did not have time to finish, as he pulled her to him and kissed her on the lips. She felt his hot and urgent kiss and responded to it.After a long and hot kiss, pulling a little away from him, she looked at him. His eyes burned with fire, in the faint candlelight. She looked away and said.

I think it’s time to go. Good night Henry.

She was about toВ get up off the edge ofВ the bed she was sitting on, but he stoppedВ her.

Wait, Diana. He held her hand.

Diana, tell me all the same.

Why did you stay where you were inВ the woods?

Instead ofВ running away.

It’s scary to imagine what could have happened to you!

If I hadn’t been there in time, he added.

I just can’t figure it out. Why didn’t you run away!

You were standing there on your ginger mare. So calm! It was like aВ beautiful stone statue and there was not even aВ drop ofВ fear inВ your eyes!

Aren’t you scared?

Oh, you, but about the boar!

She gasped, thinking ofВ the kiss.

Oh no. What are you, I just did not have time to get scared, and that’s all.

He smiled slightly.

Still, this monster would scare anyone. He said thoughtfully.

She has already got up from the edge ofВ the bed, on which she sat down next toВ Heinrich.

I just didn’t have time, that’s all. She answered. Smiling at him. I was about to leave the room. But, suddenly she turned and said.

Heinrich thanks again.

You probably saved my life!

Hope your leg will heal soon.

I’ll come tomorrow, she reminded him. And I’ll bring you some broth.

He made aВ funny face again.

No, Heinrich. You promised me toВ drink all the broth. He smiled atВ her.

OfВ course, my dear Diana.

I’ll even drink poison from your beautiful hands! He answered.

She smiled, shook her head and left, closing the door quietly behindВ her.

A week later, Henry was really on his feet. The wounds on it seem to have really healed miraculously. And Poitier’s miraculous broth helped! With whom, she mercilessly watered Henry, as promised.Tolya was about the hot kisses that followed the broth. Despite the bed rest prescribed by the doctors, Heinrich was already in the saddle a week later. The courtiers marveled at Henry’s speedy recovery. To which he replied to those around him that he got to his feet so quickly thanks to the miraculous treatment of Madame de Brese. And that her broth was definitely magical. And making a mysterious appearance, Henry told the next courtiers, «about the miracle broth.» Poitiers blushed red when she heard him speak. Not knowing what exactly he means. Really her broth or passionate kisses. Although, she was sure that it was the second rather than the first. The courtiers remained in conjectures and doubts about their relationship, and how close they were. Heinrich, seeing her rosy cheeks, smiled broadly at her. And she pretended not to hear what he was talking about. Pretending that she is engaged in a fascinating conversation with some lady. Seeing that she diligently pretends to be deaf. He repeated the phrase louder.

Miracle broth! IВ tell you. Addressing the interlocutor, he almost shouted, inВ his thunderous voice. Even aВ deaf person should have heard it! And then, unable toВ bear it, Diana threw an almost angry and prickly glance atВ him.

As if speaking toВ him. Yes, shut up, you! He made an innocent face and an even more innocent smile. And she replaced anger with mercy. And how could you be angry with him?! It was impossible toВ be angry with Henry! Poitiers tried toВ hide their relationship from all prying eyes. Heinrich, on the other hand, wanted toВ scream, literally, that they were together. And only knowing that it makes her angry. So far IВ talked about broth.

Thus began their life-long story! For which, as it turned out, life was too little! They ran at night along the dark corridors and narrow staircases of the palace, hiding from prying eyes. Sneaking into each other’s rooms, like thieves and making serious faces during the day. But, of course, the courtiers whispered, but could not catch them in any way. It seemed that both took pleasure in leading everyone around by the nose, laughing at the curious and playing cat and mouse with the courtiers. And when they were not seen, they shot fiery arrows of glances at each other. But, nevertheless, rumors spread, because everyone was curious. Is it really? Are they lovers? Finally, they decided to open up, and openly went to a place known throughout France, which only lovers could visit. They traveled to Castle Ecuenne, owned by Constable Montmorency. The mood in this castle was created by the famous erotic stained glass windows. These stained glass windows shocked even Rabelais with their content! They illustrated the love of Psyche, and hinted to Henry that his goddess could be human. Can flutter in his arms, like Psyche in Cupid’s arms.

This is how aВ love story famous inВ subsequent centuries began! Diana, who until then knew only the love ofВ her old husband, who suited her as aВ grandfather and an equally young and selfish king. Only byВ knowing the passion ofВ an ardent prince, who, byВ age, was suitable for her as aВ son. IВ realized that love can be not only the fulfillment ofВ aВ conjugal duty, but also aВ pleasure. Heinrich, inВ turn, did not look like aВ youth. On the contrary, he looked much older than his years inВ appearance, and inВ his mind was aВ mature man. Therefore, Poitiers forgot about the age difference.

Heinrich was all the more happy.

Embracing his goddess, whom he has always dreamed ofВ and dreamed of. From their first meeting, her image was inВ his heart. He also expressed his feelings inВ poetry. He regretted the loss ofВ time. The fear that held him back that his goddess would not condescend toВ him. That he will be faithful toВ her until his last breath, and that his heart will always belong toВ her alone! And when they absolutely happy returned toВ the palace. Everything became clear toВ everyone finally. They no longer hid their relationship, and everyone at court realized that they were lovers.




The Vicissitudes ofВ Fate


Bells were ringing all over Paris and all over France. France was inВ mourning. Crown Prince Francis died ofВ aВ serious lung disease. Henry was heartbroken. He truly loved his brother. He stood silently byВ the window. She came up behindВ him.

Heinrich, you couldn’t help him.

I’m really sorry Francis is gone. She said.

He turned aВ miserable face full ofВ grief and loss toВ her.

I’m sorry, she repeated, and hugged him.

He rested his head on her shoulder and was silent, as he once did inВ childhood. Then when they first met, and he was still aВ child. On the day when their very children, Heinrich, along with his still healthy brother, were sent into captivity.

She stroked his thick, black hair. So they stood silently, without uttering aВ word.

How strange at times the interweaving of fate or the fate itself. Many years ago, the little prince, the second son of the king, everyone simply forgot to even greet, sending him prisoner. After all, he should not have become king. But who among mortals can know what should be? And who’s indomitable strength and the hand from above, writes and decides the fate of people? Inevitable fate or fate itself! And the power that kings have is just an illusion! Because there is only one true power! This is his power and will! And his name is the creator or god! What fate has he prepared for each of us?! What turn will lead us to death or victory?!

Henry was not supposed toВ become the heir toВ the throne, but heВ did!

And everything changed. If earlier he could wander alone and he was not particularly noticed, except of course the ladies. That heir to the throne, now everyone was interested. Now he could not fail to be noticed. The courtiers literally watched him at every bush, trying to gain favor. They followed him in a round dance. He complained to Diana that they would not leave him alone for a minute. Henry’s new position did not please him at all, it weighed him down. And the freedom so adored by him was irretrievably lost. He was not at all happy about becoming king. Heinrich had been preparing himself for a military career all his life, which meant campaigns and battles. Where everything is decided only by your own courage and valor. Now he realized that everything had turned upside down. He will never make a military career, as he is the future king of France, and this saddened him. He was still annoyed.

Lying flatterers! He spoke while talking toВ Diana.

They walk around like aВ pack ofВ jackals. Looking out for something or begging.

You can’t imagine Diana!

This afternoon, out ofВ anger, IВ said something nonsense, hoping that at least someone would argue withВ me.

What do you think?!

They unanimously agreed with the nonsense IВ said!

How can this be?! He finished, annoyed.

He looked at her completely unhappy and added.

Diana, this is awful! You have no idea.

Diana was reclining on silk pillows on aВ small Roman-style sofa. She waved her hand toВ Heinrich, who nervously paced the room, inviting him toВ sit down next toВ her.

Heinrich dear.

Don’t think so much about them, really.

As if you don’t know the courtiers.

You are inВ aВ really bad mood for this.

Give it up, forgetВ it.

He sighed bitterly.

How not toВ think if they are everywhere!

Heinrich, please don’t worries like that.

You break my heart! Diana answered.

Let them bow and chat like parrots.

Don’t notice them. She said, and, getting up from the couch, went up to him.

Heinrich sat down inВ aВ nearby chair. She settled inВ his lap, dangling her legs and hugging his neck.

Well, would you like me toВ tell you aВ funny story? She sang.

ToВ stop beingВ sad.

He breathed inВ even more bitterly than before, looked at her and smiled.

Yes, really, I won’t think about it. He said, trying to hide the sadness in his voice.

Then listen toВ the story. She said, poking her nose lightly with her finger, as if tickling. Trying toВ cheer himВ up.

He smiled at her but remainedВ sad.



Long live theВ king



Everything was quiet and stood still, like time had stopped. And this day could be the same as many others. If the peace and quiet ofВ this day had not been disturbed, like the explosion ofВ aВ volcano, the voice ofВ the herald. At first it was quiet, and then it began toВ grow, like an avalanche descending, gaining strength. And then, finally, the rumble ofВ people thundered, reaching aВ point at the very top, like aВ thousand voices ofВ aВ huge hive.

The king is dead!

And then, there was aВ pause, and the air exploded with an explosion ofВ voices.

Long live the king!



So Francis 1В was dead. Diana and Heinrich stood at the open window. She heard aВ hum, and words. The king is dead! Turning her head, she looked at Heinrich and whispered along with the rumble ofВ the crowd.

Long live the king! Sitting down inВ aВ deep curtsy, greeting the new king ofВ France, as etiquette demanded.

Henry did not harbor warm feelings for Francis 1, so he accepted the loss calmly and only officially in sorrow. He never saw his father’s love for himself, who was always cold to him. Francis simply never noticed or loved Henry. Therefore, Henry did not pretend to be a fake sorrow. Perhaps, in my heart only feeling sad that I did not know my father’s love. The point was, and the courtiers whispered quietly about this, that Henry was not at all the son of Francis. The reason for this was such a clear dissimilarity of Henry, both with his brother and with the king. Heinrich was dark-skinned, black-eyed and black-haired. Francis, like his first son, was fair-haired and blue-eyed. This dissimilarity was too obvious. To which the queen mother referred to the similarity of Henry along her line with her ancestors. In her youth, the queen was known as a beauty never seen before, and who knows what desperate hero came to her chambers. But, these were only rumors and guesses, not confirmed by anything. And rumors remain just rumors. The very same Francis 1, these rumors did not bother much, since Henry was not the heir to the throne. With Henry, Francis 1 was always cold, and that coldness never melted.

Diana lifted her curtsy and looked at Henry. He was somewhere far away, as if not with her, peering into the distance thoughtfully. However, what is the interweaving of fate! And if Henry was not the son of Francis 1. Then, son of what hero or knight ascended the throne of France?! Diana thought, smiling. Whoever his father was, she was sure it couldn’t be Francis.

It was for sure aВ brave handsome man! She thought. He seemed toВ wake up and looked into her eyes, smiled back atВ her.



The coronation was magnificent. It seemed that all of Paris had gathered in the square near the church. Not only high society, but also common people from small to large. There were so many people in the church that, as they say, the apple had no place to fall. Henry stood in magnificent royal robes for the coronation of the French monarchs. Priests of the highest ranks stood next to him, holding on outstretched arms, on velvet cushions, the attributes of royal power to present to the king as a sign of the highest royal power bestowed on the king by God himself. Since the king is the undoubted God’s anointed, fulfilling his will on earth! The coronation ceremony has begun. The priest, reverently, slowly placed on Henry’s head the sign of royalty, a crown studded with precious stones of incredible size and equally beautiful purity. With the words: «Long live the anointed of God, fulfilling the will of God on earth, King of France, Henry II»! And as soon as the last word was uttered, there was such a rumble that it seemed that the walls of the church were shaking. Heinrich turned to face his subjects and his people. Everything seemed to tremble and vibrate from a thousand voices.

Long live the King ofВ France!

Long live HenryВ II!

Diana stood at the front ofВ the church. She looked at Heinrich. Her heart sank. He stood inВ the rays ofВ light and greatness, as if towered and hovered above everyone around him. His face was calm and solemn. She looked at him, at the king ofВ France, at her king! And aВ thought flashed through my head. Vicar ofВ God on earth! The man touched byВ the hand ofВ God! The entire courtyard present inВ the church sat down inВ deep curtsy, as did Diana. Saluting your king!



And so, by a strange dictum of fate, the gatekeeper. Yesterday, courtiers mocking and pouring mud at her. They circled in a hungry flock near the king’s mistress. Not reckless and short-sighted, and therefore so stupid, complained that they turned out to be such. That is, fools! In addition, to their misfortune, Poitiers had a surprisingly good memory! Those, whose prudence, as it turned out, became their undoubted salvation, were glad of their neutral side in the war of the ladies. An example of the fact that Poitiers has a good memory and, as it turned out, unfortunately for many, a vindictive disposition, was one episode. Once, one of the ladies, from among the non-judicious and not in the recent past, allowed herself ridicule and taunts towards Madame de Brese. I tried to make up for the error and soften the corners as they say. This lady came up and tried to talk to Diana. In the hope that Poitiers does not remember her evil tongue. Diana, who was in the flattering crowd surrounding her for a long time and talking with one of the courtiers. Lazily, she turned to the unfortunate cold look full of contempt and arrogance, like an annoying fly. She held them over the lady from top to bottom, as if with two daggers. The stupid lady tried to tell her something. But, Poitiers silently turned away from her, as if she was not at all. Telling the courtiers with whom she spoke.

Come on gentlemen. It seems to have smelled of something rotten here, and I can hear the vile buzzing of flies. Having said this, she walked slowly away. Continuing the conversation, surrounded by the same flattering crowd. Leaving the unfortunate woman in a stupid and humiliated position, completely alone. So those fool who hoped for her bad memory. They realized that her memory, it is true, serves her, to their chagrin. And she’s certainly not going to forget anything. They forever lost the location of the king’s favorite, and hence the location of the king himself. Since everyone knew Heinrich’s affection for Diana. Henry simply gave Diana her enemies. Just laughing at their fate. Knowing that his precious Diana, like a fury, has an extremely vengeful nature. That she will not forget and will not forgive them for their insults.

Her enemies paid dearly for their caustic remarks. They were forever deprived of the king’s favor. Some preferred to retire from the court, as they say, out of harm’s way. Realizing that Poitiers can be extremely vindictive, and deals with enemies without the slightest regret in his heart.



As for the so hateful for Poitiers, de Tamp. She was still inВ the palace.

AВ month had passed and De Tamp was waiting for Poitiers toВ attack like an angry tigress.

She had been expecting an attack from Poitiers from the very first day that Henry was crowned and he became king. But, toВ her surprise, Poitiers did not show any interest inВ her.

De Tamp was embarrassed byВ this strange phenomenon, but inВ the end decided that Poitiers, reveling inВ her sudden ascent, forgot about her. De Tamp, however, after the unexpected death ofВ Francis, was immediately forgotten and abandoned byВ everyone and was left alone. She tried not toВ catch the eye ofВ Poitiers. Hoping that Diana had completely forgotten about her. And she was already beginning toВ believe that the storm had passed. As unexpectedly, one sunny, beautiful morning there was aВ knock on her door. Her servant brought her aВ gift given byВ someone. She was very surprised. The painting turned out toВ be aВ gift. It was accompanied byВ aВ small, elegant letter. Taking it inВ her hands, de Tamp felt aВ delicate aroma emanating from him and recognized the small seal, at the house ofВ de Brese, she immediately went cold. With shaking hands, she opened the letter.

It was written inВ beautiful, clear and graceful handwriting: В«ToВ my dearest friend, Mademoiselle de Tamp. With tender love, please accept this gift. InВ honor that your dearest friend remembers you. В«Signed, Countess de Brese.

Unpleasant chills creped down de Tampa’s body. This did not bode well for her. She walked over to the painting and angrily ripped off the fabric in which it was wrapped. A boring and rather tasteless, even ugly still life appeared before her eyes. She grimaced in disgust, but before she knew it, Poitiers fluttered into her room without knocking. De Tamp was taken aback, staring stupidly at the hated Poitiers. But, Poitiers did not stop, quickly walked to her meeting, opening her arms and smiling cheerfully.

Oh my dear friend! Diana sang toВ her voices. And she came close toВ de Tamp, hugged her and kissed her on both cheeks, which became paler than the whitest wall.

Poitiers hugged de Tamp so tightly that she was afraid that Poitiers might come toВ strangle her. But, at some point, Diana still released her, from the steel embrace. With aВ cheerful cry, she rushed toВ the picture.

Oh my god! My dear! Poitiers spoke inВ her sweet voice, as if inВ aВ chant. Stretching out every word as if enjoying.

Do you like my gift?

Isn’t he wonderful?

She seemed toВ be looking at the ugly picture with pleasure.

You know. As soon as IВ saw this miracle. IВ immediately remembered about you. Poitiers continued with enthusiasm.

This beautiful painting reminded me ofВ you, my dear!

Poitiers did not take her eyes off the nightmarish still life. Reverently bringing her hands together inВ front, as if praying, she said.

IВ thought it might not suit you and your taste.

Diana continued, turning sharply and looking at de Tamp. Her eyes rested on de Tamp, white as aВ wall. But Poitiers did not calm down, clearly enjoying herself. Quickly, like aВ cat toss, she walked over toВ de Tamp and grabbed her hand. From what she had aВ nervousВ tic.

Don’t you like it? Frightened and feigned, asked Poitiers.

Oh my god! Don’t blame me!

You know, I’m not as expert in painting as you are. Poitiers continued her torture without allowing de Tamp to answer. Diana continued cheerfully.

You know, I can’t wait. When it’s a miracle. She waved her hand lazily in the direction of the ugly picture. Without taking his eyes off his victim. Like a huge python. She continued.

She will add toВ your wonderful art gallery on your estate.

De Tamp thought she was about to faint. Diana smiled at her pretend to be naive, still not taking her eyes off her.De Tamp was dizzy. She felt uneasy. Poitiers’ dark brown eyes, in the rays of sunlight beating through the window, suddenly lit up for a moment with yellow lights and became like the eyes of a giant cat watching a mouse, which it holds by its tail. The next minute, going to bite off that head. De Tamp shuddered, trying to stagger away from Poitiers, but the next moment she grabbed her hand again, squeezing her wrist tightly. She smiled sweetly at her. De Tamp had no strength left to pull them out. She twisted her leg and tried not to fall at Poitiers’ feet. Diana smiled, staring at de Tamp with the almost predatory, carnivorous gaze of the hungry cat.

She continued inВ aВ chant.

You know what?!

You will leave tonight!

And tomorrow. My wonderful gift. And also, your paintings, which IВ ordered toВ be removed inВ the royal gallery. These were exactly the pictures that de Tamp painted when she was aВ favorite and adorned the royal gallery. Diana took them off aВ long time ago, out ofВ sight. She continued.

They will decorate your gallery inВ your mansion along with my present!

It will be, perhaps, the most worthy and best decoration! She finished almost solemnly, still devouring her victim with her eyes and enjoying her agony. De Tamp weakly tried toВ escape with the last ofВ her strength. InВ despair, realizing that Poitiers expels her. She blurtedВ out.

What about His Majesty the King?!

IВ must inform the king ofВ my departure! Weak, de Tamp said. Trying not toВ faint. Diana finally released her victim from her tenacious paws, interruptedВ her.

Ah, my dear. You have nothing toВ worry about.

IВ have already discussed everything with His Majesty the King.

He, believe me, is just delighted with my gift!

She blissfully turned her gaze toВ the ugly painting. She added slowly, inВ aВ chant, as if she were singing aВ song

Oh, how she suitsВ you!

Then she started, as if remembering something.

Oh my god! Honey, it’s time for me to run! She hurried to add.

So tonight.

Don’t forget!

De Tamp tried toВ say something else, but Diana interruptedВ her.

And don’t argue, honey! All is decided! Fun, Diana added.

You are leaving tonight!

I, alas, will not come toВ see youВ off.

Business, you know.

And tomorrow you will have my present at your estate! She said, and after aВ pause, finished firmly inВ the affirmative.

Yes! As if toВ herself. Still looking inВ awe at his gift.

And without waiting for an answer, she swam toВ the exit, rustling her skirts. She had already left, but the edge ofВ her skirt was still slowly creeping into the doorway afterВ her.

Like the tail of a huge snake! A thought flashed across de Tampa’s mind. And she collapsed exhausted on the couch that was next to her. Screaming out hopelessly and trembling all over.

Snake!!!

Damn snake!!! And she burst into tears.

De Tamp was expelled from Paris and removed from the court forever. What happened to Poet’s gift, a painting, is unknown to anyone except de Tamp herself.

InВ the evening, having collected all her things, she went toВ her carriage. Lifting her head toВ the palace, she suddenly saw Poitiers standing at the window, she was watching her. Stumbling at the foot ofВ the carriage and nearly falling, de Tamp hurried toВ hide inВ the shadow ofВ the carriage. Poitiers looked at the carriage leaving, she smiled!

Heinrich showered his Diana with priceless gifts. To the most enviable crown jewels, he added a huge diamond confiscated from the defeated favorite of the deceased king, the Duchess de Tampa. Diana also got all the castles of the Duchess, as well as the Parisian mansion of her hated rival. Not content with expelling the duchess, Poitiers purged de Tampa’s other supporters. So Pierre Lizet lost his post as prime minister. And Olivier, the chancellor’s office. At the same time, supporters of Poitiers began to receive top government positions. As soon as Henry became king, he remembered his old friends and commanded to entrust Montmorency with the highest state office. Diana did not mind this decision. Since she was supporting the constable. He didn’t give her any fear.



Diana had an amazing habit. Get up early inВ the morning, at dawn. When the day, together with the birds, only wakes up and the first rays ofВ the sun color the sky. She got up and felt an unreasonable joy. Her soul was filled with peace and tranquility, perhaps comparable toВ bliss. At this early hour, when the whole world had not yet woken up completely and the air was especially clean, and the singing ofВ birds filled everything around. Diana went toВ the stable, where aВ horse was already being saddled for her, and rode on horseback for about an hour. Enjoying this amazing creation ofВ God and nature, dawn, as well as fast driving and aВ feeling ofВ complete, absolute freedom. Choking on the wind and driving fast. Then, she would come back and take aВ cool bath toВ cool down her body, which was heated up byВ the fast ride. The coolness ofВ the water was very pleasant toВ her. Her body calmed down and she felt reborn. And then, she went and went toВ bed, for aВ few more hours. This ritual became aВ part ofВ her life. And not aВ day passed without her meeting the sun. Sometimes she saidВ so.

Hello sun! As if greeted aВ luminary.

Waking up, after a couple of hours of sleep, she ate breakfast lightly and felt a surge of strength, as if the luminary itself charged her with its light. So her day began. Heinrich sometimes went with her at dawn. But, when he didn’t join her. She quietly crawled out of bed so as not to wake him up, but he always heard her exactly. Then she kissed him gently.

Speaking. Sleep, I’ll be back soon.

And when he returned, and if he was still asleep, she would just as quietly climb under the covers toВ him.



Heinrich, was married to Catherine de Medici, but had never felt any feelings for to his wife. It was undoubtedly a marriage of convenience. The phenomenon is common, for persons of royal blood. Diana, of course, even at the beginning of their relationship, asked Henry about Catherine. To which, he answered her. That, his heart and his life belong to her only one and it will always be so. And she had to face it. As for Henry. It got to the point that Poitiers practically had to ask him to visit Catherine’s chambers. Diana did not see a rival in the ugly, unprepossessing Catherine.

Henry, Catherine was not interesting. But if, by the way, Catherine, who, by the way, due to the fact that Henry did not want to, simply, perform marital duty with her, does not have an heir and children. Because of this, a divorce could well have happened. And it is not yet known who could be the next contender for Henry’s wife. Therefore, Poitiers chose, as they say, the lesser of evils, that is, Catherine. Once again, when a conversation came with Heinrich that he needed heirs and he could not ignore Catherine. Henry fell into anger and longing about this. First, because he did not want this woman, who was his wife. Secondly, because the woman he loved simply sent him to bed with another. From what, he became completely unhappy. Going to see Catherine, he became nervous and angry. Swearing with swear words, like the last shoemaker in France.

I, the King ofВ France! Heinrich spoke.

Should sleep and please, like the last whore inВ this kingdom, this woman!

Diana and you yourself are telling me that?! He spoke, offended.

Heinrich, dear. You know perfectly well it breaks my heart!

But we have no control over this!

You will always be married toВ someone else! You know.

You could never marry me. Sadly, answered Poitiers. Knowing exactly that it was just like that and could not be otherwise. Henry grew even sadder.

I, King Diana!

I, IВ can do anything! He grinned sadly.

Only, I can’t marry the one I love!

I, would prefer fate, any shoemaker inВ my country!

Because any shoemaker is freer than me! He finished bitterly.

Diana was silent, her eyes downcast. She didn’t know what to say. Realizing that both of them feel, at this moment, unwitting captives of circumstances that they are unable to change. But, nevertheless, Poitiers did not harbor hostility or did not lead to Catherine. Poitiers even felt sorry for Catherine as a woman. She understood that she, too, was the same hostage of circumstances. That she lived with a man who did not love her. And Diana understood that there is no fate sadder for a woman than being for a husband, for someone who does not love you. So yes. She felt sorry for Catherine. Until, one moment! Which happened once and she realized how passionately Catherine hated her!

Once, Diana asked Catherine de Medici, who was reading aВ book.

What, are you reading?

What, Medici, answered.

IВ read the history ofВ France and find undeniable evidence that inВ this country, harlots have always ruled the affairs ofВ kings.

The hint was clear! She just called her aВ whore! Poitiers eyes lit up with yellow fire! But, having an iron endurance, which she demonstrated back inВ the war with de Tamp. Diana did not raise an eyebrow! AВ second later, she smiled good-naturedly and broadly at Catherine. Answered.

Interested inВ history?

Really, IВ wonder?

She’s got a lot of fun!

I, too, find it very interesting how the offspring ofВ merchants suddenly put on aВ crown!

ReadВ it.

I assure you, you won’t find many such stories!

She finished, still smiling graciously.

Ekaterina fidgeted on the couches. Realizing what was behind Poitiers, the last word remained. Diana said goodbye toВ Catherine.

I’ll leave you for an educational lesson. She said and walked away. Turning away from Catherine, her smile disappeared from her face, and her eyes darkened.

Ah, here youВ are!

There is plenty ofВ poison inВ you! Diana thought toВ herself, moving away from Catherine.

Only, on me, it will hardly work!

Believe me! She chuckled. Moving away from Catherine.

Okay, IВ get it, she finished the thought.

We are enemies!

And no way, no other way! Catherine watched as the silhouette ofВ Poitiers receding gracefully floated away. She stared after her with sincere hatred.

Whispered inВ Italian.

Disgusting whore! But, inВ her eyes, there was something else, aВ different feeling, which caused Poitiers inВ her. This feeling was deep envy, one woman for another. She understood that she would never be like Poitiers. Graceful, dazzling beauty! And so, Catherine, surreptitiously, tried toВ copy and imitate, Poitiers.

Oh, yes, Ekaterina, everyone saw differently. What she was, and who she really was, but still, secretly in the depths of her soul. She was seen as a calm, humble queen. But how wrong they were! Even Diana did not immediately see who she really is, Catherine de Medici. Even though I saw people, almost through and through. Only now, she realized that Catherine is full of poison and is not at all an innocent lamb. At some point, Diana thought that, perhaps, Henry’s divorce from an Italian woman and marriage to a new passion. Not such a bad idea. But, then, she decided that she was still Italian, not a threat to her, and even less a rival. Plus, now she knows for sure that this snake has poisonous teeth! And this means that you have to keep your friends close! And the enemies are even closer! In order to know and predict all their insidious plans for many steps ahead! And she decided that she would be very close to Catherine! Having come to this conclusion. Diana, she didn’t bother anymore! And, despite the fact that the crown was on the head of one. The real queen was another!

Medici, at first I thought that she could do something against the favorite. And, she ordered to make a hole in the ceiling of Poitiers’ quarters. In the hope of seeing what can be used against the favorite and ridiculed or humiliated her. Or, perhaps, to harm her or something unpleasant. I decided to spy on her and the king. A very spicy scene appeared to the Medici’s eyes. Half-naked lovers comfortably settled on a luxurious bed. Diane de Poitiers looked great!

The lovers had aВ great time together, doing such madness inВ bed that the Medici could not have imagined! From which, she first blushed and then turned white. What she saw shocked and upset. The attitude ofВ the king toВ her became very clear toВ her. She returned toВ her room. Her face was still purple from what she saw. She sank into aВ chair, whispering.

Nasty French whore!

And again, covered with paint, remembering what heВ saw.

She told everything toВ one ofВ her close ladies.

She said.

Alas! I regretted seeing what I shouldn’t have!

And, it hurtВ me.

Catherine realized that Henry was lost to her forever. Never again did she use the hole in the ceiling of the hated Poitiers’ chambers.

Later, she wrote to her daughter: «I welcomed you, Madame de Poitiers, for the king forced me to do this. And at the same time, I always made her feel that I was doing this, to my greatest regret, because never a wife who loves her husband loved his whore! Otherwise, I cannot name it. As if, the persons of our position, it was not painful to pronounce such words. «The Queen even made plans. In order to poison the hated favorite, but the anger of the king in this case. And he would be such that Catherine was even scared to imagine. Stopped her. In general, the Medici’s hatred of Poitiers was overwhelming.

Meanwhile, Poitiers was talked about at court and beyond.

She is more than aВ queen!



Henry soon learned that the Medici was watching him and Diana. He did nothing against it and did not even punish the lady who accompanied the Medici. Although he knew that the Duchess de Montpensier acted as the queen’s confidant in this episode, and she blabbed about the incident to other maids of honor. Such a contemptuous inaction was perceived at court as a very cruel revenge on the queen.



But, one enemy for Poitiers at court was not enough. Returned after a long absence, one of the king’s close relatives. The person is influential and very rich. He disliked Poitiers at first sight. When Heinrich introduced Poitiers to him, he burned her with an arrogant look, looking down at her and considering her unworthy, neither of his origin, much less of a king. He accepted this acquaintance rather dryly and coldly. Heinrich did not have sympathy for his relative, but was kind to him. Because, otherwise I simply could not. The royal blood that flowed in both veins tightly bound them with invisible ties of kinship. Making him an inviolable person in the state. Which he undoubtedly knew. Allowing yourself liberties that no one else could. Once, at a feast in a drunken stupor. He called Poitiers, an upstart! Not particularly high-born. What was completely wrong.

Diane de Poitiers was from aВ very ancient, noble family and was always proud and remembered about it. But this rascal was not interested. He wanted toВ humiliate her. Diana learned about his statements about her later. And as always, it happens inВ such cases. It is worth saying something once, inВ one place ofВ the state, as it will be heard on the other side ofВ the country, passing it on from mouth toВ mouth. So, oh, his unflattering statements about her, everyone learned. The same feeling ofВ hatred that she felt for her late husband, she now felt inВ relation toВ him. He also spoke about her inВ aВ humiliating manner. Hatred flared up inВ her again, directed at aВ relative ofВ Heinrich. He reminded her that the time ofВ her marriage, full ofВ humiliation, for her allegedly not high position. It was believed byВ people like her husband and this hated, arrogant, scoundrel. Which, she hated, even more, because he reminded her ofВ this. AВ relative ofВ the king seems toВ have been imbued with the same hatred for her. Do not forget toВ pour mud on it wherever IВ have been. Poitiers, told Henry about it. Oh, the vile speeches that his relative conducts inВ relation toВ her. Heinrich sighed. Shaking his head. Knowing your relative.

Diana dear.

Never mind his drunken chatter.

He always had aВ dirty tongue.

I’ll talk to him and let him know that he doesn’t dare to speak out about you in a similar tone.

He has always been obnoxious.

But, and after the conversation ofВ Henry, the king himself! It seemed toВ this scoundrel that everything was overwhelming. He did not stop slandering. Henry, seeing that Diana, nevertheless, takes everything toВ heart. He spoke.

Damn!

Maybe IВ should pierce him with my sword!

Believe me, IВ would, with pleasure!

But, damn it, we areВ kin!

It would be great, Heinrich! Diana answered.

And you know, my dear, let’s make you a duchess! He chuckled.

Let’s see what then, he says!

She roused herself happily.

Heinrich, will you grant me the title ofВ Duchess?! Poitiers was delighted.

He shrugged.

Who, if not kings, bestow titles? My dear, Diana. He smiled atВ her.

Ah, me, king! If, you have not forgotten.

She laughed.

No, I haven’t forgotten!

You, my beloved king!

So the king continued.

Resolved!

You will be the Duchess!

Then, my precious relative, there will be no reason toВ spoil your mood!

Jumping up for joy, Poitiers literally fluttered into his lap, hugging Heinrich byВ the neck.

God!

Will you doВ it?!

He smiled.

OfВ course, my dear.

See, you are smiling again!

Your smile is worth aВ kingdom!

She blissfully narrowed her eyes, imagining aВ face, aВ bastard! When, he learns that the king, raised her toВ aВ higher level! She burst out laughing!

Why are you laughing? My dear. The king asked her, smiling.

She exhaled with even greater bliss.

IВ see the twisted face ofВ your relative!

When he finds out the news.

Heinrich raised an eyebrow and grinned.

Yes, I think he’ll be furious, now Henry himself laughed.

She kissed him on both cheeks for aВ hundred times!

Heinrich, IВ adore you! You know!

He laughed.

Yes, my dear.

Oh, how, IВ adore you! He answered and pulled her closer toВ him.

So, they laughed and rejoiced, mocking the arrogance and arrogance ofВ aВ relative ofВ Henry. Which, apparently, forgot that Henry, the king!

King, bestowed upon Diana the title of Duchess of Valantinois. The royal relative, as Henry said, was furious at Poitiers’ ascension from countess to duchess. He hated her even more.




Chenonceau


As for the Medici, there is definitely the ascension of Poitiers on the pyramid of the nobility upwards. She accepted, blushing with anger. But, the Medici’s hatred for the Duchess now reached an epic when Henry presented Poitiers with one of the most magnificent castles in all of Europe. Chenonceau Castle on the Cher River.

Light, country residence was located not far from the city ofВ Tours. It was located near the eponymous village ofВ Chenonceau inВ the French part ofВ Indre and Laura. The castle was built on the site ofВ an old Renaissance fortress. InВ the surrounding area, magnificent gardens have been arranged. The castle was confiscated from the family ofВ the royal treasurer Thomas Boyer for debts byВ King Francis 1В and made part ofВ his property, and now it has been inherited byВ Henry.

Decorative windows on the roof gave the building aВ special elegance. On one side ofВ Chenonceau, there was aВ magnificent view ofВ the park. On the other hand, toВ the enchanting expanses ofВ the Cher River. The castle was just fabulously beautiful! Also, because ofВ its location. Only the queen should own it! The courtiers spoke. Catherine hoped that Henry would present her with this gift. When he gave it toВ Diana. The Medici almost had aВ blow. And it became completely clear toВ everyone. Who is the real queen!

And here Chenonceau appeared before Diana inВ all his glory. The castle was located byВ the river, as if hovering over it. It amazed with the abundance ofВ rooms and corridors with splendor and rich decoration inside.

Diana gasped!

God! Henry!

He’s great!

He smiled at her and answered simply.

IВ knew you would likeВ it.

She walked around as many rooms as she could and looked out the window at the river. She said enthusiastically.

Heinrich, you know!

The bridge is missing here!

He smiled at her. Seeing how happy she is, he said.

You can build at least aВ hundred ofВ them, Diana!

If you are missing aВ bridge.

Order it and they will build it forВ you!

She clapped her hands like aВ child with joy. The picture ofВ the bridge that she would like toВ complete was brightly inВ front ofВ her eyes.

It will be magnificent, Heinrich!

You willВ see!

Indeed, Poitiers completed aВ beautiful arched bridge across the river, which gave the impression that the building was floating on water. It was this missing part ofВ the complete picture that appeared before her eyes that made the castle just aВ magical palace on the water! And she enveloped the castle inВ aВ romantic atmosphere.

Also Poitiers on the other side ofВ the castle decided toВ decorate the territory with parks. The park ofВ the ChГўteau de Chenonceau and the orchard (one ofВ the most beautiful gardens inВ France) were redesigned

Chenonceau impressed with painted ceilings, tiled floors and an art gallery. Expensive tapestries, marble fireplaces and all the incredible luxury and beauty. Chenonceau became their favorite place, where they, together with Henry, arrived as much ofВ the time as possible that the king could afford toВ be away from Paris.



Diana stood naked with her back toВ Henry next toВ the open door, on aВ large balcony terrace overlooking their bedroom.

It was aВ lovely night. The full moon shone inВ the sky with its silver light. The night revealed all its beauty.

Smells and songs ofВ the night filled the world, the warble ofВ aВ cricket, mingling with the distant cries ofВ an owl and the divine singing ofВ aВ nightingale.

The night has filled the world with its mysterious beauty.

AВ river rustled somewhere inВ the distance.

The scent ofВ aВ climbing rose that strewn the castle walls, interspersed with the wet scent ofВ water, made my head spin.

Moonlight illuminated her figure, staining her white skin with a slightly bluish silver light. This gave the impression that he seemed to come from the most standing naked Poitiers. Enveloping her figure in a silver cloud and mixing with a waterfall of black hair, still slightly wet from Henry’s stormy embraces, falling down. Which, like a black waterfall, scattered over white skin, like a black river on white sand? She froze in place, fixing her gaze somewhere into the distance. As if looking beyond one of her guided horizon.

She stared into the distance, frozen inВ place, like aВ silver statue. Heinrich called her byВ name. She woke up as if she had returned from her fabulous country. She turned her head slightly towards him and looked at him with aВ slight smile. He was simply bewitched byВ this picture!

His heart skipped aВ beat.

He lay naked on aВ bearskin, one ofВ his trophies, which lay on the floor byВ the fireplace and was still lit at night as the nights were still chilly. The fire was dying out inВ the fireplace, reflecting on his slightly dark skin inВ gold. He spoke as if spellbound, not taking his eyes offВ her.

Admit it, Diana. Heinrich said.

Are you the immortal moon goddess Artemis?

Tell me Diana. Where do you hide your crescent tiara?

Admit it; did you come down from Olympus?

See how we mortals live here?

IВ promise toВ keep your secret!

What are you among mortals! He continued.

Looking at her hair whipping up inВ magical waves from the warm wind suddenly flowing from the open window. His heart sank and beat so hard that he thought he would suffocate and it would jump out ofВ his chest. She turned toВ him, smiling tenderly, answered.

Don’t say that to Henry.

Goddesses are jealous, you know.

Artemis will hear you speak and be angry with me. She sang inВ her own voice.

I’m just a woman.

She added, walking into his arms.

He held out his arms toВ her, wanting her toВ quickly be inВ his arms.

Diana. He said. Hugging her and huggingВ her.

Admit it, though.

Where did you hide your crescent tiara?

He added, barely audible, gasping for breath from his own heartbeat. Hearing its pounding inВ the ears and how hard it beats. Feeling enveloping, as if invisible covered her light, sweet scent. For some time it seemed toВ him that his head was spinning and he, taking off from the ground, was hovering somewhere inВ zero gravity among aВ billion stars. Somewhere far from the sinful land. Her scent enveloped him completely, like aВ million small silk ribbons, caressing his skin. This gave him goosebumps. Running all over the body with hot streams and pounding inВ the head and temples with his own heart. He completely forgot about everything inВ the world, except for her and her smell. Her hair fell inВ black streams over his strong shoulders and it seemed toВ him that aВ crescent moon flashed inВ them. This world floated away and became hazy. And he seemed toВ be inВ another world, unknown and beautiful, from which he did not want toВ return! She hugged him, wrapping her white arms around his neck. And he realized that he was inВ captivity, from which he did not want toВ free himself! That he would never live again without this sweet captivity!

That he never wanted anything more than toВ be captivated byВ her hair, her scent and her white tender body, now pressing against him. Feeling her tender and hot kiss on his lips, he pressed her closer toВ him. As if afraid that this obsession will disappear and melt away. He pulled her closer toВ him, kissing her soft, sweet lips like honey.




Meeting


Once, while inВ Paris inВ the palace. Diana, as always comfortably sitting on his lap, dangled her legs, enjoying their carelessness.

Honey, IВ have toВ go, said Heinrich.

But she didn’t want to let him go.

But Heinrich, don’t go!

You’re the king!

And you can do whatever you want! Capriciously pouting, said Poitier.

That’s because I’m a king. My dear Diana. I have to go.

Well, where are you going?! She continued not toВ let go ofВ King Poitiers.

ToВ which he replied that he had aВ meeting scheduled for this time and he was already late thanks toВ her, which he hated toВ do.

What kind ofВ meeting?! She snorted, moody.

Which meeting is dearer toВ you than me?! She pouted her lips again.

My dear Diana. The meeting IВ need toВ goВ to.

And believe me, I really don’t feel like doing this.

And I’d rather stay with you. But, unfortunately, I still have to go.

But if you don’t feel like Heinrich, you don’t have to go! She continued.

Raising her index finger into the sky and busily uttering it, like aВ very important thing. Why he laughed and answered.

Madam. Will you finally rise? Or should IВ put you on your own feet? The king continued laughing.

Poitiers shook her head, not going toВ get up from his knees and also continuing toВ swing her legs. He sighed.

Do you think IВ enjoy listening toВ the boring speeches ofВ courtiers?

But, it’s my duty, madam. Added by the king. Mimicking her gesture by lifting her index finger up and making an important expression befitting a king. This time Poitiers laughed. She put her arms around his neck.

Well, don’t go! She was capricious. Shaking his head like a dummy what did it mean? Well, say no, and don’t go. While making unhappy eyes.

He laughed.

Well, maybe you canВ go?

Look at how torment this is! The king laughed at his joke.

Here IВ go! Poitiers said, jumping off his knees. Frowning menacingly and stretching her hand forward, she shook her index finger at someone unknown.

And IВ will disperse all these bores!

So that these idiots don’t distract you from more important things anymore! She spoke importantly. By the more important thing, meaning that they do not get in the way of enjoying each other. The king was already enjoying himself heartily.

From important matters?! Heinrich said laughing.

That is, so that no one distracts me from you?!

My dear, Henry laughed.

Go ahead and scold them for this! He had fun with all his heart.

OfВ course! She answered, almost seriously.

Here IВ go!

Well, go on! Are you here?! Heinrich answered.

He was already laughing, getting so excited that it seemed like he was going toВ cry with laughter.

My dear, IВ give you my word.

You will escape from them inВ 5В minutes! Heinrich added, havingВ fun.

Well, I’ll go! Frowning, she continued.

Well, go already! He continued laughing. The king was already so amused that, dangling his legs toВ the side ofВ the chair, inВ which he no longer sat, but almost lay, he chatted with them, having fun with all his heart.

Will you give me your royal seal? Diana said, making aВ naive angelic face. This time, he already laughed so that tears still gushed from his eyes. He barely calmed down from his fit ofВ tearful laughter, answered her laughing.

God! Diana!

You want toВ kill me with laughter?!

Of course I won’t give you my seal! He laughed.

What good, you start spanking it, right and left indiscriminately.

And what good, make aВ commotion and confusion inВ the state! He laughed.

She pouted. As if she really thought that the king would give her his seal, and now she was offended byВ him for not doing so. Why he had aВ fit ofВ laughter again.

Come on madam, are you going? He said, having fun, Heinrich.

Yes, I’m coming! You’re Majesty!

Harmful, she added, making aВ face at him and showing aВ sharp little tongue. Like aВ little girl with bad manners. The king pointed toВ the door as if speaking.

Come on, go madam!

Throwing her chin up, she turned and walked confidently out ofВ the room. He called afterВ her.

Tell me IВ sentВ you.

He was still laughing.

See you inВ 5В minutes! He added.

Poitiers entered the meeting room. The men were quietly talking to each other, when they saw her; they stared at her in surprise. She took a deep breath like a swimmer before diving into the abyss and heading towards the place of honor for the king. The looks of those present became even more surprised. She sat down gravely in the king’s place. Those present fell silent, watching her in surprise. She whispered to the advisor that she was sitting next to her. That today, by order of the king. The meeting will be chaired by her. He shook his head, professionally maintaining composure and announced this to everyone present in the hall. There was a booming whisper like a swarm of flies. Showing how they could not agree with this. Realizing that she must do something. Poitiers rose resolutely and importantly from her seat, or rather from the seat of the king. She raised her hand sharply, attracting their attention and spoke loudly and clearly.

Gentlemen, let’s start the meeting! Thus suppressing their hum.

And sat down in her seat again. The meeting began. It went on for two long hours! Fortunately, there was an adviser nearby who knew his business. She didn’t really understand what they were talking about and what exactly they were talking about. At the same time, pretending to be important, as if she understood every word. But the essence is still, she caught. They provided tax reporting on the use of royal lands.

It was about tax payments toВ the state treasury. The meeting was about this. InВ the reports, everything was described inВ detail, providing the final amount. At first, orally inВ reports, aВ detailed report was attached toВ this, on papers. Signature and seal, which the king should have put. Some ofВ the noblest and richest nobles from all over France took part inВ the reports. InВ general, the Minister ofВ Finance followed this all. It was more paper for bookkeepers, bookkeeping. ByВ the end ofВ the meeting, aВ large pile ofВ papers had gathered, which Diana did not understand at all. After everyone finished reading their reports. The meeting was over. What the same advisor announced. AВ pile ofВ papers lay inВ front ofВ her. She stood up saying. That all the papers will be handed over toВ the king. Having said goodbye toВ those present with aВ bow ofВ her head, she left the hall, heading toВ where she had left Henry. Carrying under his arm, an impressive pile ofВ papers. Refusing the help ofВ the adviser and the secretary, who wanted toВ bring the papers toВ the king? She found Henry bored.

What have you been doing there for so long?! He was surprised.

Seeing aВ pile ofВ papers inВ her hands, he said.

Get it over here, I’ll put my seal.

And he added indignantly.

And why are you carrying them yourself?!

Why are there, IВ wonder, the councilor and the secretary! He muttered angrily.

But she withdrew her hand with the papers.

What?! She was surprised.

Are you going toВ approve all this?!

Well, of course I’m going to approve that. Heinrich answered.

Let’s get it over with, Diana. He added, reaching out his hand again for the papers.

But you haven’t even checked them! She said, surprised.

He sighed and said.

My dear Diana. Do you know how many ofВ these papers IВ have toВ stamp?

I can’t check them all.

IВ have ministers for this.

Sometimes, yes. The royal lands are fully tested, audited.

But as IВ told you, my ministers are inВ charge.

She was surprised and answered.

But if they rob you?!

How do you know?

Heinrich smiled, grinning.

My dear. Yes, I’m even sure of that!

But I can’t keep track of everyone, unfortunately.

Plus, I don’t think they are writing off large amounts.

It is simply impossible toВ check everyone all the time.

Poitier responded toВ this.

Heinrich let me see it through toВ the end, since you let me start.

He looked at her inВ surprise.

So what are you going toВ do? He asked.

Check them out! She answered seriously.

He smiled.

Okay, check itВ out.

Okay, then this will take me aВ while. She said.

I’ll tell you about the results later.

Well, let it be your way, he agreed.

Just don’t wait too long with this.

These bores will torture me with their reports.

And aВ whole mountain ofВ papers will accumulate.

She smiled and simply said, okay.



So, Poitiers sat over the papers, leafing through them and nothing really, not understanding them. She thought aboutВ it.

How can IВ check and verify themВ all?

Who will help me figure thisВ out?

She went over inВ her head people who, inВ her opinion, are competent inВ such matters. When it seemed toВ dawn onВ her.

Cardinal!

She said out loud.

Yes, exactly! Cardinal!

Jumping up, she got up from the chair enthusiastically. Cardinal was known as an expert not only in paperwork and reports. But in general, he was an incredibly gifted person in many ways. He was known as an all-knowing man. She immediately, without a moment’s hesitation, wrote a letter to the cardinal. Requesting an appointment. By sending the message immediately. She received a rather quick reply that he would be glad to see her.




Cardinal


Poitiers entered the spacious, bright, and quite different from a monk’s cell, elegantly furnished cardinal’s reception room. Not keeping him waiting to meet her, a small, plump man with a round belly and short arms, a red-faced and chubby man ran out to meet her. And if it were not for his cardinal’s hat and clergy’s cassock, then you could easily take him, this shining smile, short man, for your kind uncle. He rushed to her, beaming with a smile.

Oh, what am IВ aВ humble monk, which ofВ course has nothing toВ do with the luxurious furnishings, owe your visit, madam?

You light up my humble cell!

Diana smiled, laughing inwardly at such a strikingly untrue comparison. The truth in all this, it was only that he really was a man of the church, the representative of the pope in France. That is, a person endowed with great power and, in fact, was the second person after the king. Since, not one important document was not finally approved, without the consent of God and the will of God on earth. That is, the sacred church, which means they are a cardinal. And in general, they said about the cardinal that a mouse would not slip past him, which was undoubtedly true. Because, with his blessing and under his leadership, there was a secret police, covered by the church itself. Whose spies were everywhere. And, of course, this organization was not public. However, this did not mean that she was not there. And how wrong you would be! By mistaking a cardinal for your simple kind uncle. The cardinal, as already mentioned, was the second most influential person in the kingdom after the king, with a razor-sharp mind. And also, undoubtedly, a person is far from simple, and who knows everything that is happening around. Thanks of course to my spies. The cardinal was one of the richest and most influential people in all of France. He was almost fabulously rich, but also fabulously stingy. This small man loved to eat well and was a real gourmet and connoisseur of good wine. He loved him, with a devoted and almost tender love. But don’t be fooled. He was not a drinker, not at all. He was a true gourmet and loved to enjoy its taste. His wine collection and his wine cellar were amazing. It was even, perhaps, much better than the royal wine cellaring. The cardinal sipped the wine with his plump lips, relished and sniffed, and only then, with pleasure, drank it, in small sips. His nose, so to speak for wine, was almost like a greyhound for game. Sniffing at the drink of the gods, as the cardinal lovingly called wine. He could tell you where it came from. Whether from the hills of Italy, from what region, or from the green hills of France and exactly from where. He really was a connoisseur of this wonderful drink and loved it like a woman. Since being a monk, he renounced female love, undoubtedly replacing it with a love of wine. He admired the bottle and the color of the contents and, in general, could talk about it endlessly. Poitiers, sat down on the chair offered to her by the cardinal. She began to tell why she had come. Looking into the sly eyes of the cardinal and smiling sweetly at him. She handed him a stack of papers. The cardinal sat down at the table, took the papers, and began to study them carefully. But, after a few minutes, he got up from the table. He smiled at her broadly and with good disposition, said.

Madam, there is nothing serious here.

So, accounting records ofВ estates and estates standing on the royal land and, accordingly, information about the taxes levied.

Any bookkeeper can decide.

And doesn’t that apply to the finance minister? He continued.

I don’t understand madam, why would you puzzle over this?

And, still smiling broadly, he continued.

And what is your question forВ me?

And how can IВ be ofВ service toВ you? He said, seemingly losing interest inВ the papers and inВ her. But at the same time, everything is the same, smiling professionally.

He started toВ speak, changing the subject ofВ the conversation.

Madam, tell me how is his majesty?

But, she interrupted him before he could finish, clearing her throat slightly.

But, you didn’t listen to the end. Said Poitiers sweetly. And she smiled at him as professionally as the cardinal himself.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting such pressure.

Ah, excuse me madam. Still surprised at her push, he replied.

Thinking all this toВ myself and all the same, without removing the smile from his face and showing nothing ofВ his thoughts. But for Poitiers, nevertheless, his thoughts did not go unnoticed. She read them, byВ the slight bewilderment ofВ the cardinal and his raised eyebrow. Poitiers was an incredibly insightful person and no mask could hide your true thoughts from her. But, she pretended that she had not noticed anything.




Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.


Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию (https://www.litres.ru/pages/biblio_book/?art=65705249) на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.



Если текст книги отсутствует, перейдите по ссылке

Возможные причины отсутствия книги:
1. Книга снята с продаж по просьбе правообладателя
2. Книга ещё не поступила в продажу и пока недоступна для чтения