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Janaina Medeiros
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YOU ARE THE REASON
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Lint Roller? I Barely Know Her
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Misplaced Lens Cap
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@dukeofberry
“I am very tired. But bless these children for surviving such an awful welcoming to this world. They’re so loved and adored.”
"Louise, a congratulations are in order. May God bless my nephews with long prosperous lives. They've already proven to be so strong. It excites me to see what great things they will do in the years to come."
❝ No you do not understand! ❞ as screams and heavy footsteps of those trying to run to safety, Joséphine hurriedly down the steps, being careful not to stumble in her heavy dress as she clung to the young boy in her arms. ❝ I need to know where he is. ❞ her guard effortlessly tried to push her down the corridor as they searched for a safe room, ❝ I will not go without him. Take Leo if you must. ❞
Henri had been playing cards with few of the noblemen when he heard the sounds of women screaming. His hand slowly sat down the royal flush in curiosity. Suddenly a guard burst through the door to inform the men around the table of the events that were taking place outside of the chamber door. While the others began to dispurse in pursuit of the King, Henri found himself running the halls in search of his wife and son. Ahead he could see one of the Lady's that his wife found company in. Breathlessly he asked the woman of her where abouts but all she did was cry hysterically and motion down the corridor. His heart sank, fearing the worst. Without hesistation, the man sprinted toward the direction in which the woman had pointed him in. As he rounded the corner, he heard the sound of his wife's voice followed by the visual of her clutching their son in her arms. His eyes shut to thank God for their safety as he exhaled a sigh of relief. "--Josephine!" he called out to her, making long strides to reunite with his family. His hands found either side of her face while his eyes inspected her. "Are you hurt? Did they harm you?" his tone was nearly cracking at the thought.
“You see, that is where you must be wrong. I never lose.”
"I believe you mean to say you've never lost. Fear not, dear, that is about to change."
“You didn’t miss anything of any importance. Anything worth knowing is public knowledge to all of France and released through statement by the King himself. All the rest is useless gossip.“ Henri’s eyebrow twitches upward in curiosity. "Trading life at court for pastures and horses, were you? –What brings you back after all this time?”
‘’I’m sorry —’’ she said apologetically, returning her attention to the person seated next to her. ‘’— you were saying ?’’
"--I was only inquiring about your well-being, Lady Nathalie. It has been some time since I've seen you around court. Have I mistakenly turned a blind eye to you?" the Duc asked while offering a slight smile.
She had been reading by candlelight for almost an hour or so after making sure that Leo was comfortably asleep in his bed. But her enticed attention upon her book was pulled away by the sudden sound of her husband’s voice, causing a heart warming smile to grace her lips. Joséphine rose from her seat by the window and crossed the room to help Henri discard the damp clothing from his shoulders. ❝ You’re back late. ❞ her statement was more of an encouragement for him to continue, her expression growing worried.
Henri was hanging his coat when his wife came into view. A warm expression came over him-- one that only his family could coax out of him. His chest contracted, rising and falling as he let out a heavy exhale. "For good reason," he assured her as he leaned forward and placed welcoming kiss to her cheek. "I have just come from the King's chambers after requesting an audience with him. There was something I had been meaning to discuss with him-- with you for quite some time. With the war among us, I felt it right to put forth an offer that I do hope the King will not refuse." Henri's gaze drifted toward the flame on the nearby candle before it found Josephine once more. "I have proposed that the King allow me to work closely with the General. If he sees it fit, I will become whatever asset France needs against the Dutch. I ask for you blessing in this decision."
The day had been long. It must have been long after supper time when Henri came trudging through the door. A thick blanket of snow covering he began to peel the wet layers off. He had just come from the King's chambers where they spoke privately on a matter that was deemed near and dear to the Duke's heart. "My love," Henri called out. "Come at once, I must speak with you."
@duchessofberry
The Duke pursed his lips momentarily. “I am very happy in my position, your Majesty. You have showered me with good fortune for many years now and I have no right to offer complaint. –However, for quite some time I have been very interested in warfare. It’s a passion of mine, if you will.” Henri clasped his hands together behind his back. “I was hoping your Majesty would see me fit to have a hand in this war. Perhaps, I could lend some of my time to the General. If it pleases you, of course.”
“ Is this what required my attention so urgently? “
"--Majesty," the Duke nodded "Forgive me for requesting an audience at this hour. I was only hoping to speak with you on a personal matter."
“Very good,” he admitted with a grin. “I can certainly see why you enjoy it so much.” His gaze momentarily dropped. “I also came to inform you of my wife’s pregnancy.”
Henri's head tilted slightly to the side, features in a momentary state of awe before he rushed forward to pull is brother into an embrace. "Louise is with child so soon? My brother, how lucky are you. May God bless you with many more!" He took a step back, "Shall we drink to the news or will your wife miss you? I would not wish to have Louise angry with me so soon after your union."
"Nonsense," Henri interrupted after he realized it was his brother. "My wellbeing is of no concern to you. We should be celebrating your union. Tell me, how does it feel to be a married man?"
Gracefully, she took his hand, her fingers gently squeezing his in a silent greeting as she almost blushed even now at his words. They were young adults when they began to fall for one another, and although she had heard many men compliment her beauty, there was no other who could bring a response in her such as Henri did. He was her weakness, that much was true, and she foolishly allowed him to be so. ❝ Then is it the King I should thank for allowing me to see my husband, or should it be you for being such a loyal and honest servant to the crown? ❞ Joséphine smiled proudly, she had always hoped for more, even when her title had been raised to duchess, she still wished for Henri to become close with the King in more matters than just his work. ❝ You always know which words shall make me happiest. ❞ she spoke warmly before leaning towards to pick Leo up from the ground, her free hand moving to brush the snow from his clothing. ❝ Nonsense, you have truly lost your place, Leo feels rather grand sitting up there, don’t you? ❞ she turned her attention to the boy in her arms, chuckling as she glanced down upon his rosy cheeks and innocent eyes. She turned, beginning to walk through the snow before placing Leo down once more to allow him to play before they had to return inside. ❝ Exciting, isn’t it? ❞ Joséphine mused, ❝ the joining of the D’Auvergne’s and the Lorraine’s, the cousins to the King. Our name should be rising within court. ❞ she smiled, hoping this would only bring further prosperity to the house of D’Auvergne.
His eyebrow twitched upward in her direction as a playful smirk graced his lips. “I believe all of your praise should be awarded to me and me alone. The King gets so many already, I’m sure yours will not be missed.” Henri adored the way that Josephine supported him. Never did she find him at fault for social climbing. Even when the time he should have been sharing with her and their son was at stake, still did she remain a gracious and loving wife. He had asked himself many times what had he done to deserve her? God must have seen a better man than Henri did in himself. His gaze followed her as she bent down to pick up their child. The image of Leo in her loving arms was humbling image. “Is that so?” he questioned, his gaze drifting to the boy. “Well sir, then I shall gladly find elsewhere to break my bread as long as you so shall promise to keep up with the debts that are to be owed. You do have a job, yes?” he teased before letting his hand find the small of Josephine’s back. As Leo sought out a place to play, Henri took small strides at her side. His attention was brought back to her as she spoke on Antonio’s wedding. He had not ever imagined in his wildest dreams that his brother would find such favor, but it pleased him. If one in the family rose, so did the rest. He felt no sense of envy toward his brother’s success. “Exciting indeed, my love, and rightfully so. I can only hope that with Antonio’s union, the King gives me more responsibility. I could not ask my brother to carry us any further than he already has. Whatever fortune we find in the future shall it be at my own doing.” There was a part of him that found it hard to accept a leg up. He knew it was naturally the way that things were, but it did not feel right. Henri was too proud a man not to find his own way and so that was what he intended to do.
