The warmth of Layla’s kiss lingers on Raoul’s lips. It was unexpected, as is everything else about Layla. This is why she is compelling. She reads him perfectly, whereas he always finds himself dumbfounded. Her unwavering faith in him echoes in his mind: I will wait…I will never give up…I will love you always… Raoul … Continue reading Chapter Thirteen-In the Family, by Mordaunt
Chapter Twelve-The Red Dress, by Corso
‘Messieurs, I am here to propose a solution.’ The men are standing bearing polite expressions, their eyes shifting to Lucien and Athos as the ones to acknowledge the Duchess and speak first. Both men hesitate, exchanging a considering glance, uncertain as to her inclusion in this meeting. In that interim, the Duchess d’ Aiguillon stands, … Continue reading Chapter Twelve-The Red Dress, by Corso
Chapter Eleven-Artful Retreat, by Mordaunt
I am your King, Monsieur! If he were still the man Captain d’ Artagnan recruited, impressionable and awestruck by the Musketeer legends, Fabien Marchal would have sought the counsel of Captain d’ Artagnan, whom he revered, and those he called his trusted friends: M. de Rohan, Layla Grimaud, and Raoul. But Fabien Marchal has outgrown … Continue reading Chapter Eleven-Artful Retreat, by Mordaunt
Chapter Ten -War Council, by Corso
Lucien opens the door quietly and pauses to let his eyes adjust to the dark. He carries boots in one hand, clothes under his arm. In the other hand he balances a basin of hot water. He crosses the room and sets the basin on a table, the boots and clothes near the wide settee. … Continue reading Chapter Ten -War Council, by Corso
Chapter Nine- Once More by the Moonlit Lake, by Mordaunt
“We are brothers,” her father says and except for the crackling fire in the fireplace, the room turns still. Even Rascal stops chirping in his cage. Her father’s voice lingers in the silence: Brothers… Mére… Younger brother… Older Brother… Your uncle… Cousins… Facing her and Raoul, and standing next to her father, are her mother, … Continue reading Chapter Nine- Once More by the Moonlit Lake, by Mordaunt
Chapter Eight-A Family Dinner, by Corso
‘They are all coming,’ Sophia sits on the very edge of the settee, reporting to Marie, ‘children too and even the young priest, Father Ignazio who travels with the Duc d’Herblay. Rayya and Bianca will play their harps and then they will join Yusuf on the oud. It should be quite pleasant.’ She beams at … Continue reading Chapter Eight-A Family Dinner, by Corso
Chapter Seven-King of France, by Mordaunt
It is not one of the windowless cells. Raoul wonders if this was Fabien’s idea of compassion, but the narrow, iron-barred slit in the wall allows Henri Bernard a glimpse of the open sky, where birds fly free, and of the river, where life continues unobstructed, so Raoul settles on cruelty. “This is the Marquis … Continue reading Chapter Seven-King of France, by Mordaunt
Chapter Six-Mirror of the Heart, by Corso
…Between the mirror and the heart is this single difference: the heart conceals secrets, while the mirror does not…Rumi At Royaumont Estate Sophia picks at the crumbs on her plate, the remains from her breakfast to stop herself from studying Marie too closely. Even with a casual gaze, she can see the pallor that accentuates … Continue reading Chapter Six-Mirror of the Heart, by Corso
Chapter Five-Love Unsought, Love Unaltered, by Mordaunt
Love sought is good, but given unsought, is better. Shakespeare, 1601 Twelfth Night, act 3, sc.1, l.154. Love is not love that alters when it alteration finds. Shakespeare, Sonnet 116 From the window of the salon she sees him galloping down the graveled path toward the house. Even at this distance Constance worries that his … Continue reading Chapter Five-Love Unsought, Love Unaltered, by Mordaunt
Chapter Four- Artful Diversions, by Mordaunt
From a young age he was taught to steer his way blindfolded through labyrinths. He has honed the skill at great cost, first navigating through the vagaries of court intrigue, a foreigner and the Dauphin’s favorite, then faced with the brutal realities of war, and later escaping the deadly labyrinths of Fez, and the treacherous … Continue reading Chapter Four- Artful Diversions, by Mordaunt
Twelve Years After 