Margaret of Valois

-Princess of France- -Daughter of the Late King Francis I and Queen Claude-  -Youngest sister of King Henry of France- -Age: 21-

[charlesixdevalois-blog]

It must leave you with a bitter-sweet feeling, I assume? Children are a blessing, regardless.

[theprincessofvalois]

I suppose that is the word for it. Before I know it, he’ll be a man with his own kingdom to rule.

[leonardodeste-blog]

   His lips tugged up, slightly, upon hearing her speak. “It isn’t. Not at all. Contact, of any kind, is common to be sought out. And natural.” At least to him it wasn’t, but he hadn’t grown up like most people of this court had, and he surely seemed to posses some different ideas, being an artist and a free mind. “Ah, he had a keen eye, no?” He asked in a playful tone, looking at her. “No wonder he did succeed his purpose, I am certain, but perhaps even made their wives jealous.” The maestro teased her in a good manner. As the conversation moved on, he was surprised to hear the words she spoke. Most found him to be insane (as, his own father for instance), and it was beyond pleasant to hear someone speak in such manner. “How…rare to find someone who would think like that…you are a wonder, if I dare say so.”

   Leonardo took a step closer and watched her features, admiring her features, as an artist that would observe his perfect finished work. “If I may; I would like to paint your portrait one day. If you would allow me.” Of course, he would make a few drawings before getting to actually painting her portrait and present a finished product.

[theprincessofvalois]

“And yet things that are perfectly natural are shunned at times. Shame, isn’t it?” Talking of her late husband always left a bad taste in her mouth and a twisting in her gut. Slowly, her memories were becoming just that. Memories. Instead of hauntings of her paths that once made her bitter. “Phillip was... Yes, perhaps he did. One might never know. I never bothered to ask after they were finished. Beauty used to manipulate others is no longer beauty, in my opinion.” She blinked for a moment, as his words rang through her ears. A wonder, he had said. He wanted to paint her portrait. She had complimented in her life, many times. But it was few and far between that she was complimented for her mind and her beauty all at once. “Oh... I suppose, yes.” She said, once she overcame her shock. “May I ask why you wish to paint my portrait? Do you simply need a model for something commissioned?”

[josephcoteditlefrise-deactivate]

Joseph sighed, he did not mean to come off rude towards the Princess. “Apologizes, your highness about my tone.” He offered her a small smile.It had been a very long day and the King’s behavior was only getting worst. “You should not go out there alone. The storm is getting stronger.”  If Margret’s dog was smart, it would find shelter near the castle. “Where was the last time you saw your dog?” The Lord Commander questioned.

[theprincessofvalois]

“No need for apologies. You and the knights are quite busy, I understand that.” She nodded her head at him in understanding, turning her eyes to the window that displayed the growing storm outside. “A little rain never harmed someone. He was in the grounds next to the shore. Next thing I know, he’s dashing off for a children’s ball that went astray. That was the last that I saw of him.”

[nicholas-richerd]

There are other means of getting you, guards and testers aside. Regardless, if anything arises suspicion, please do let me know, Your Highness.

[theprincessofvalois]

Of course. It’s for this reason that I want to learn to use a sword. To protect myself.

[charlesixdevalois-blog]

That is wonderful to hear. And I trust your son is well also?

[theprincessofvalois]

Oh yes certainly! He’s walking now! He’s so fast, it’s becoming difficult to keep up with him.

[thecastleghost]

“Perhaps I had my reasons.” Clarissa said with a light shrug of her shoulders. “And technically, we are related and I did not wish for you to die like that. Or for your son to lose you so soon.” The girl in the dirty dress said in her raspy voice said. “And you are too beautiful to die.”

[theprincessofvalois]

“Related? How in the world are we related?” Margaret frowned at the girl in confusion, feeling frustration bubble in her person. “Death doesn’t know beauty.”

[leonardodeste-blog]

  “That is because they do not wish to insult you, I presume. Regardless, I did not mean to offend you, I was simply stating the fact. Leaving out, of course, the fact that people treat you differently given your rank.” The man spoke in a casual tone, looking around the place and observing it. The architecture was worth studying, with incredibly good work put in it. It fascinated him. “Self seving? Not at all. As if you do not know you are beautiful…I think, it is the outmost honor to be able to inspire art. Poetry or a painting that isn’t a mere portrait of you, but captures your essence. Your–” He stopped and turned to look at her. “Pardon me, I do not mean to bore you.”

[theprincessofvalois]

“Is it so insulting to look a woman in the eye? To hold a gaze, my crown and blood aside?” She let her eyes travel to one of the rings on her finger, finding it’s gold and gems were a good distraction from the blush that threatened to creep to her cheeks. “I’ve been told that I’m beautiful.  My husband- my late husband- he commissioned portraits of me to send to his rivals. To make them envious, he said. A bunch of prideful folly, if anyone were to ask me...” His words caused her to stop her own, There was a flicker among them, a spark she recognized but hadn’t seen in quite some time. Passion. His words were twisted with it, and it seemed Margaret was becoming swept in their web as well. “Forgive me, but was there a part of your words that were supposed to bore me? I’m afraid I may have missed it, because they’re doing quite the opposite.” 

[leonardodeste-blog]

  The maestro, as he was often referred to, couldn’t help but laugh. “A common woman?” He said, his tone hinting sarcasm. “You say that as if there is any other difference between you and common women other than your rank and the clothes you afford to wear. Superficiality. Beauty is beauty and we ought to admire and praise it.” Leonardo told her. “Well, then perhaps you should ask your library’s bookkeeper to present you with some of the works inspired by you.”

[theprincessofvalois]

She took a moment to narrow her eyes at the man. “Well, I apologize for stating the fact that most noblemen, or men in general, barely look me in the eye, let alone look at my entire person. Superficial or not, being a Princess has it’s downside.” Her statement was huffy and she should have felt less angered by the statement, but she couldn’t help but feel insulted. “Hm, perhaps. But reading poetry of one’s own beauty. A bit self serving, is it not?”

[fatherjeremyrichoux-deactivated]

Remember my confessional is always open.

[theprincessofvalois]

Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been... quite a long time since my last confession, and since then I have committed mortal sins. I... I wished death to my husband. I have held several people in my heart with hatred. And... I committed adulteress acts with a man who was not my husband. For these, and all other sins I have committed in my life, I am sorry.

[princessnamora]

[josephcoteditlefrise-deactivate]

“You do realize that I only take orders from King Francis and no one else.” The Lord Commander stated as he ran his hands through his hair. Just minuets ago while returning from the newly built stables, Joseph got caught in a down pour with strong winds.

[theprincessofvalois]

“I’m not asking much from you, Lord Commander Cote dit Le Frise. Just a few men to help me go out and search for my dog. She was a present from my brother, and she means a lot to me. If you won’t help me, then I’ll go by myself.”

[leonardodeste-blog]

   “How can I not know of Princess Margaret of France? Or are you not aware of the poems that have been written about you, praising your beauty?”

[theprincessofvalois]

“And yet your eyes roam the same as if I were a common woman. It is of no consequence to me, I’m simply curious. I inspire poetry? I’m afraid I haven’t read them.”

[leonardodeste-blog]

 “Pardon me..I forgot…Please. accept my condolences for your loss. King Henry was..loved by us all.”

[theprincessofvalois]

“So you do know who I am, then?”

[leonardodeste-blog]

  “For all the people that come and go, would you not expect the court to be more…lively?” Leonardo said, almost forgetting that perhaps not everyone was as much an open thinker like he was.

[theprincessofvalois]

“Ah.... lively. Well, I suppose I see your point. I’m sorry we can’t accommodate your lively spirit then. My brother would turn in his grave hearing such a thing.”

[leonardodeste-blog]

Leonardo turned to look at her this time, being quite indiscreet as he looked her up and down. “Well, I have. A decade ago.” He responded to her question with a faint nod of his head. “So you might understand my disappointment upon noticing few, if any, changes.”

[theprincessofvalois]

“I might, if a nation were like the seasons.” She said. Her eyebrow quirked up as she watched him appraise her, his eyes flowing up and down her person. She wondered if he was aware of her status. “I remember when I first returned. The only thing that had changed were the people. My mare also grew a bit temperamental with her age.”

[leonardodeste-blog]

   “Not much, but some.” He responded without so much as turning to look at her. “The only thing that has changed is that people have gotten older.” He then adds with a faint smirk.

[theprincessofvalois]

“Well, I’ve heard that happens when years pass.” She tilted her head at the man. “So you’ve visited French court, then?”

[charlesixdevalois-blog]

Pardon my indiscretion, your Highness, but are you sick?

[theprincessofvalois]

Oh no. Well... not now, at least. For the moment, I’m the picture of health.