location: sasso corbaro courtyard featuring: @ferdinandlorraine
the afternoon party, held in one of the gardens outside the palace, was a nice respite from all the political discussions of late. perhaps their hostess, a minor swiss noble, had not thought it would be a problem to invite isabeau de valois and ferdinand of lorraine to the same event. certainly it might even appear polite, for the two were still betrothed to be married, even if neither of them were particularly looking forward to it. but being seated beside one another was too difficult, especially for a woman who recalled just how hard she had slapped the man when they’d last had any significant conversation.
she lifted a goblet of wine to her lips and it was only after the liquid was swallowed that the madame royale spoke. her tone was soft and gentle, much more so than he had seen before. “i would prefer it if we could at least find a way to coexist.” her lips pressed together. “i do not wish to wed a stranger, ferdinand.”