blimeyposts:
Thomas had never been to Paris before, had never visited France before, so he was uncertain about what to expect when he had received the summoning letter. It was an unusual thing, being asked for by foreign royalty. After all, he was the Earl of Suffolk; hardly a famous title rested on his shoulders. Walking through the wide corridors in the castle, draped in all their grandeur and importance, only served to add to his suspicion. He took in the decoration with a critical eye before slowly opening the wooden door to the main chamber, deeming it all too tacky and pretentious for his taste.
“As difficult as it can be to navigate French roads,” he quipped, before lowering himself into a gracious bow, his eyes moving to rest on the floorboards. “But no more than that.”
Louis gave a charming, albeit brief smile, as his dark brown eyes focussed on the man before him. He knew that they were both aware of the fact that neither of them were here to discuss the difficulty of journeys. Nonetheless, a platitudinous remark was an easy way to initiate a conversation that would take darker routes. His gaze then shifted uncomfortably, as though momentarily perturbed by what he was about to ask of the man. Though such a feeling did not linger, and then Louis cleared his throat before replying.
“I hope you become accustomed to such roads, as I hope we shall see each other more often,” he revealed. “It is no secret that the English King undervalues your service to his country. Or so that is my speculation, otherwise why has he not promoted you for all your hard work?” Then Louis began to take a turn around the room, his gaze fixed on Thomas at all times. “I would not be foolish enough to make such a mistake, should you work for me.”
