Lady Therese De Beauharnais, Duchess of Roche

2 December, Year 32 of King Frederick V of Monrique's reign

Roche Manor, Roche

Monrique

"Your Grace, Captain Everard has arrived."

I had been braiding my hair in front of the looking-glass in my chambers. I paused mid-way now, when I noticed the maid standing on the threshold, and nodded at her through the reflection.

"Thank you, Arcene. Is my sister aware of his arrival?"

"Nay, Your Grace," she replied, "Lady Clarisse has accompanied the Cook to the market."

I swiftly tied a string at the end of my braid. "Good," I stood up, and turned to face her, "and when she returns, I would appreciate it if you do not inform her of his arrival - at least until I ask you to."

"Aye, Your Grace," she curtsied, and waited for me to walk out of my chambers.

We made our way down the stairs, as quietly as we could, towards the receiving chambers. When we reached, Arcene bobbed another curtsey in front of me, and hurried away without another word.

I took a deep breath, and knocked on the doors once, softly, before pushing them open. Captain Robert Everard, who had been standing by the fireplace, turned around to smile weakly at me, before bowing.

"Your Grace."

I closed the doors behind me, and strode towards him. "Oh, there is no need for that, Robert. We are family," I returned his smile and gestured to the several chairs near the fireplace, "please, sit down."

Nevertheless, Robert waited until I sat down, before sitting opposite me. "I am so sorry I could not come home earlier," his eyes were laden with grief, "I have been trying since the moment Clara wrote to me about Papa, but I was only granted block leave yesterday. I could not even come to his funeral to see him one last time." His voice was choked.

"It is all right, Robert. He is with the Lord now," I said softly, "far and away from all mortal suffering."

"I am sure he is. He was a good man," he told me quietly, "how are you and Clara doing?"

"We are well," I assured him, tugging a stray curl behind my ears, "but we have seen better days."

He nodded. "I know," his shoulders tensed, as he looked at me, "these few days have been especially painful for you, have they not?"

I understood what he meant at once. "I suppose..." I swallowed, "I suppose Clara has already written to you about all the recent events." It took all I had to remain composed.

I was recovering, but very, very slowly.

"She did," he confirmed, before releasing a sharp breath, "I am sorry, Tess."

"Why?"

"Once again, I am too late to save you from what your mother had started," his fists clenched by his knees, "and you have to pay the price, like you always do." He hung his head.

I stiffened, a sense of foreboding creeping up my spine at his words. "Robert," I sought his gaze, "what is the matter?"

For an answer, he reached into his pocket, took out a scroll and handed it to me. "Read this," he sighed tiredly, "the King asked me to give it to you when he granted me my block leave."

Frowning, I unrolled the scroll. His Majesty had not even bothered to seal it.

To the new Duchess of Roche,

Congratulations on your recent coronation, and my sincere condolences on the passing of your father. I am certain he will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of many in our great nation.

I would have thought your father's demise would have instilled some sort of compassion in you, but clearly, I was mistaken. The fact that you had my dear cousin, Bertrand of Auvenge, executed in cold blood only serves to prove that you still remain the same heartless witch who tried to drive Nick and Jules apart for all of their lives..

I do not believe, even for a second, that he tried to dishonour you. In all the years I have known him, he has always been courteous to everyone he meets, and holds a healthy respect for women. You, on the other hand, have been nothing but a liar, a cheat and a troublemaker all these years.

Nevertheless, I must say, I am impressed. Despite everything you have done to them, you still have my son and his wife eating out of the palm of your hand. They have been spending these past few days defending you to me, to the Council - to everyone who will listen.

I, however, am no fool.

I do not know what you are scheming now, but know this: I will do everything in my power to stop it. In the meanwhile, you will be punished for having Bertrand tried and executed without my knowledge. You neither had the right, nor the authority to.

King Frederick V of Monrique

I calmly rolled the scroll back when I finished reading the acrid letter. "How long?"

Robert's forehead creased. "What do you mean?"

"When is the army coming for me, Robert?" I asked quietly, "how long do I have before I am arrested?"

"As of now, the King has not issued any orders for your arrest," his frown deepened, as he pondered, "but..."

"But?"

"I am not going to lie to you. His Majesty is grieving for Bertrand - and he is very, very angry. He, the Crown Prince and Ma'am have been having arguing everyday about your part in his execution," he put it bluntly, "the only thing that is preventing His Majesty from having you arrested right now is Ma'am's insistence. She is currently carrying the heir of Monrique, and the King does not wish to do anything to upset her at this critical time."

I bit my lip. Oh, Jules -

"But," he sighed, "Ma'am is due to deliver her child any day now. It is my opinion - as well as of several other Captains in the army - that His Majesty will order your arrest when she goes into labour, so that neither she nor her husband can stop him."

I nodded, taking a deep breath. "I suppose I will have to go to Bordeux before the army comes to Roche, then," I smiled faintly, "thank you for telling me. I already expected this, but now I feel a little more prepared for what is to come."

Robert's countenance was utterly solemn. "What can I do for you?" he asked me quietly, "you need only say the word. If it is in my power, it will be done immediately. If it is not, I will take a little longer - but it will be done, I can promise you that."

"You have done enough for me in this lifetime, Robert, and I will remain forever grateful to you for it," I assured him, before my voice hardened, "but from hereinforth, I will do whatever that needs to be done."

I will fight my own battles.

At that moment, I heard the front gates open, creaking loudly in the process, and Clara's cheerful voice floated through the small opening in the window. Robert and I turned towards the window together, and watched her as she strolled towards the courtyard, chatting animatedly with the Cook.

It was then that I remembered.

"Oh, I wish to speak to you about another important matter before Clara reaches home," I sat upright, clasping my hands by my waist, "and I need you to be honest with me about it. Can you?"

His forehead creased. "Of course I will."

"Do you intend to marry my sister someday?" I held his gaze.

"I - " he paused, before he cleared his throat, "well, that was the last subject I expected you to broach, considering everything that has happened in the past few days."

"It is because of everything that happened the past few days that I am asking you this, Robert," I broke into a sad smile, "the world can truly use more love and happiness."

His gaze softened in understanding.

"In any case, you have been courting Clara for two years now," I shrugged, "and you know Papa has always considered you his own son, and given you both his blessing. There is nothing in the way of your happiness."

"I know."

"Hmm, Mama may pose a problem," I acknowledged it, musing, "but I would not be too worried if I were you. Assuming Miss Gloria and her team at the madhouse have followed my advice, she will be too intoxicated to do anything. Even if she does manage to cause any trouble...I will try my best to take care of it, I promise."

"I just want you and Clara to be wholly and completely happy," I meant every word, "you deserve to be. You do love my sister, do you not?" I wanted to check.

His gaze was clear. "More than anything."

"Good," I leaned against my chair, "so when are you - "

Before I could finish, the doors to the receiving chamber flung open.

"Robert!"

Robert broke into a wide grin and rose to his feet, just when a pink whirlwind that was Clara blew past me, and flung herself into his arms. She burrowed her face in the crook of his neck, as he lifted her slightly off the ground, holding her against him.

"I have missed you so much," she mumbled, "by God, I am so happy to see you again."

In the meanwhile, I turned around to frown at the sheepish maid hesitating on the threshold. "Arcene," I frowned at her, "did I not tell you not to inform her of his arrival until I say so?"

"Lady Clarisse noticed his boots by the front door, Your Grace," she explained meekly, "I could not stop her from rushing here. I am sorry."

I crossed my arms. "Well, there is nothing you can do about it now," I sighed, "you may return to your chores."

She bobbed a curtsey, and scampered away. When I turned to face the happy couple once more, they were still locked in each other's arms. Their lips were glued together in a loud, passionate kiss, and in that moment, they truly sounded like they were eating each other's faces.

There was only so much sickening happiness I could stomach watching.

"Well," I cleared my throat softly, "I suppose this is a good time as any to excuse myself."

With that, I was about to walk out of the room as well, when I heard Robert's breathless voice. "Tess, hold."

I paused, turning around. He was disentangling himself from a disoriented Clara, his cheeks bright red, as he looked past her at me.

His eyes were set in determination. "Close the door behind you, please," he requested, "and stand next to Clara."

Mystified, I did as I was told, raising an eyebrow at my sister. For an answer, she merely gave me a shrug, as if telling me that she, too, had no clue what was going on.

Robert cleared his throat, requesting our attention, before he knelt on one knee.

I fought a smile. Clara's ocean blue eyes grew huge, when she realised what he was about to say.

"I have never been good with words, ma cherie," he admitted to her, "you know how very much I love you. You are my favourite person in the whole world. Next to my parents, of course. And my bloodhound, Louie - "

"Aye, Robert, I get the idea," Clara chuckled weakly.

"You have always accepted me and loved me for who I am, and I love that about you. These two years with you have been nothing short of fulfilling, and I want to spend many more with you," he smiled gently, "I hope to make you as happy as you make me, for as long as we both shall live." He placed a kiss over her hand.

Her eyes swum with tears. "You already do, Robert."

He gave her another smile, before he turned around to search through his satchel on his seat, no doubt for the ring.

"You simply happen to have the ring with you?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Well, you were asking me earlier when I intended to propose," he chuckled sheepishly, as he continued to search, "mayhap I forgot to tell you that I was already intending to do so...today?"

"You asked him to propose to me?" my sister gaped at me.

"He was taking too long. I thought he needed a nudge," I shrugged, suppressing a smile, "in any case, as you can see, I had no need to. He had come to that decision on his own."

Clara gave me a side-hug, blissful.

Just then, Robert produced two, small boxes and opened them. One held a glittering diamond ring, while the other held a small, simple sapphire ring, which he proceeded to hold out towards Clara and me respectively.

It was now my turn to be surprised. "Robert?"

"Aye, Tess," he was amused, "I must admit, I had made a lot of assumptions about you based on the rumours flying around about you, based on other people's opinions of you. I was convinced that you were exactly as spiteful, vengeful, cold and heartless as many said you were."

I cracked a wry smile. "I imagine I did not make that too difficult for you to believe."

He merely rolled his eyes at that. "It was only after I fell in love with Clara, and met you more often, that I realised how terribly wrong I was," he conceded, "certainly, you have done many terrible things, like all of us do at one point in our lives or the other, but your heart is true. With time, I grew to love you, and protect you like I would my own sister."

"So Clara, and Tess," he grinned, "would you both do me the honour of becoming a part of my family?"

The joyful tears in Clara's eyes overflowed down her cheeks, as she nodded at him. She then promptly buried her head on my shoulder, hugging me tightly. In the meanwhile, I broke into a genuine beam, utterly and completely touched by his thoughtful gesture.

"Robert, I think I speak for the both of us," I pressed a kiss to my sister's forehead, "when I say yes."

***

5 December, Year 32 of King Frederick V of Monrique's reign

Roche Manor, Roche

Monrique

We were all gathered in the courtyard, in front of a carriage.

"Sister-mine, promise me you will come back safe and sound," Clara held onto my hands, "back to us, back home to Roche."

I smiled sadly. "You know I can promise no such thing."

She bit her lip, glancing to the older man beside me with desperation. "Lord Timothée - "

"I cannot promise that either, my dear. I am sorry," he shook his head, "what I can promise you, however, is that I will take care of your sister to the best of my ability while we are at Bordeux."

"That will have to do now, I suppose," she sighed, as she leaned forward to hug us both, "stay safe, take care, and all the best. I hope everything goes well for you, as well as for Lady Madeleine."

"Thank you, Clara," I patted her back, before drawing away to look at her and Robert.

"In the meanwhile, you had best take care of yourself, and dare not engage in any funny business while I am gone," I warned her playfully, looking between her and Robert, "Lady Hillary is going to be watching you like a hawk while she stays at Roche Manor with you both, and I would have you both know that little Tristan here has a flair for guard duty."

I gestured to Kat's mother, Lady Hillary, on my left. Her youngest child, the eight-year old Lord Tristan, narrowed his eyes in suspicion at Clara and Robert.

"I will be watching you as well," he promised.

For an answer, Clara raised an eyebrow at the child.

"I would not cross Tristan if I were you, my dear," Lord Timothée whispered to her rather loudly, "he is more observant than both his older siblings combined."

"We will see about that," she mused, not taking her gaze off Lord Tristan.

"I am flattered by the amount of trust you have in us, Tess," Robert muttered.

"'Tis just a precaution. I know how you young 'uns are like," I waggled a finger at him, "and I do not want to have to deal with a niece or a nephew so soon. You only proposed to us a few days ago, after all."

He laughed out loud.

Clara grew bright red, and swiftly began to shove me into the carriage. "You are so embarrassing, Sister-mine," she mumbled, "by God. Have a safe journey, and write to me whenever you can, all right?"

"I will try," I chuckled, "goodbye, Clara."

I waited in the carriage, while Lord Timothée bid farewell to his wife and son. He clapped Robert's back, and gave Clara another hug, before he climbed in next to me.

As the carriage began to roll out of the courtyard, we leaned out of the window, and waved at our families, until they became a distant dot.

***

"Who is it that wishes to enter?"

Sighing, I lifted my black veil to reveal my countenance to the two Corporals guarding the entrance of the dungeon cell.

"I am Lady Therese of Roche," I identified myself, "and I am a Lady Justice. I wish to speak to the Countess of Auvenge in private, if you please."

The Corporals' eyes flashed in recognition from the many times I had previously come to visit Lady Madeleine. "No longer in training?"

"No longer in training," I confirmed, "I passed my examinations a few weeks ago. You may verify with the Court of the Lady Justice, if you do not believe me."

They nodded curtly. "Have you brought with you any weapons, Your Honour?"

"Nay, I have not."

They promptly turned to open the door they were guarding, and pounded on it. "Oi!" they barked, "you have a visitor!"

For a long while, there was no answer. It was then that I heard the soft sounds of someone dragging themselves across the floor. A pale, thin hand, blotched black and blue, wrapped itself around the lower bars of the door.

I crouched down on the ground, horrified. What happened to her?

Her face too, was marred with bruises, gashes and healing scratches. Her blue eyes, dulled by weeks' worth of exhaustion and pain, blinked back at me, before flitting nervously to the guards standing behind me.

I turned around to glare at them. "How many times have we been through this, Corporals?" I scowled, "when I say I need to speak to the Countess in private, I truly do mean it."

Huffing, they backed away stationed themselves a few steps out of our earshot.

"Lady The-Therese."

Lady Madeleine's voice was barely audible. She tried to sit upright, but I inched closer to her, and held her gently by the shoulders before she could even try.

"Nay, 'tis all right," I whispered, "my Lady - "

She collapsed onto my lap, sobbing. "Thank God you have come. I was beginning to lose all hope," she whimpered, "I am so tired. Everywhere hurts. It has been hurting for so long."

I bit my lip. "What did they do to you?"

"A few Corporals here are rather vicious," her tears soaked the fabric of my gown, "they like to beat up the inmates when they are drunk, or sometimes simply for their own twisted amusement. It took me a while to learn that keeping silent helps a great deal."

I fingered her bruises. "This is abominable," my voice was ice cold, "you can be sure that I will have a word with their superiors about this. Lieutenant Raleigh has taken over the Crown Princess Consort's duties while she is on maternity leave, yes?"

She nodded, sniffing. "I think so."

"I will talk to him as soon as I can about this," I promised, before sighing, "I am sorry I took so long, my Lady."

"You are here now," she mumbled, "that is all that matters. Do you have any news?"

"I do," I sat up straight, "I am happy to tell you that as of last week, 3621 people have signed the petition, including the Crown Princess Consort."

Her arms wrapped around my waist. "That is wonderful. Congratulations," she whispered, "will I be free soon?"

I remained silent. Truth be told, she should have been released by now. With Lord Bertrand dead, the Prosecution no longer existed. Her case no longer held up at Court.

Unfortunately, there were other forces at play.

She mistook my silence for resignation. "They keep postponing my trial, you know?" she was exhausted, "but they will not tell me why. I have heard too many rumours, some more bizarre than others, to even try and make sense of it anymore."

How much did she know? "What kind of rumours?"

"For one, I heard that the Queen is trying to negotiate my marriage," she gulped, "mayhap she and His Majesty are hoping that my case would not have to come to trial once I am safely married off to a nobleman, and can assume power as a Countess regnant by law."

This was indeed worrying, but not for the reason she thought. I had been hardly in Bordeux for a few hours, but I had already caught up to the current events. Indeed, the court was abuzz with the news.

"Nay, Countess. She is not trying to negotiate your marriage to a nobleman, but to the Emperor of the Longbournian Nations," I informed her sadly, "it is part of the Treaty of Amöneburg, which is an alliance being drawn up between Monrique and the Longbournian empire."

She sucked in a sharp breath. "What – "

"Word came from Amöneburg that Prince Richard has been found, and is staying at Amöneburg Palace," I explained, "your Tante, Queen Eleanor, did not hesitate to sail to Amöneburg to see her son...and of course, use the chance to negotiate a double wedding for the alliance. Princess Natalya's to Prince Richard, and the Emperor's to you."

"B-but I am a mere noblewoman – "

"You are also the daughter of the King's second cousin, and a young, unmarried one at that," I pointed out, "surely you know that you are an important political pawn. Royal blood, however dilute, runs in your veins."

She was becoming agitated. "If the negotiations succeed," she blubbered, "then I will have to give up all rights to Auvenge to become a Longbournian. I will never be a Countess in my own right."

"'Tis is why we are all working hard to submit the petition before the negotiations succeed, and have you released at the earliest opportunity," I squeezed her shoulders, "truth be told, you should have been released by now. There is no case against you. Unfortunately, I think – this is simply my hypothesis, nothing more – that our sovereigns have kept you imprisoned to try and barter your freedom with your consent to this marriage."

"What do you mean, I should have been released by now?" she pressed me, "why is there no case against me?"

"Because the man who filed the case – your father – is no more," I took a deep breath, "since there is no Prosecution, and no one has yet to take over his case for him, there is currently no case."

She stilled, looking up at me through her wet lashes. "I heard some rumours, but..." she whispered, "he is dead? In truth?"

I nodded. "He was tried and convicted by the Court of the Lady Justice in Roche for attempted rape," I informed her, "and he was executed on the evening of 30 November."

There was a moment of silence, as she digested this. "Attempted rape," she mused, as she closed her eyes and blew a tired breath through her lips, "by God."

"You do not seem very surprised," I noted.

"Well, my father had numerous affairs even while Mama lived," she admitted, her face contorting with disgust, "and some of his mistresses were mere girls, as young as eight or nine. I highly doubt those relationships were consensual, but he managed to hush them up, as always."

I could feel bile rise up my throat.

"But whoever the survivor was this time, her family must be very powerful," she was lost in her thoughts, "not many have the courage to stand against my father, let alone win the case. Who was it, my Lady?" She asked me, her voice full of sadness.

"Me," I confessed quietly.

"Pardon?" she froze, horrified.

"It is a long story, one that I will save for another day. Your father and I have quite a history between us," I shook my head, "and I suppose you are right. If not for who I am...I may have not won the case."

"Who are you?" she lifted her head to look at me.

"I am Therese De Beauharnais, Duchess of Roche," I answered her truthfully for the first time since we had met two months ago, "and a Lady Justice of Monrique."