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⁷², WHO SHOULD CHOOSE


𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐄.
chapter seventy-two; Who Should Choose
You and the Monster were made for each other. "

  ELSPETH DECIDED THE following day she would evade any and all courtly duties. After spending a week free from it all, the idea of a stuffy gown and remaining indoors all day was deathly to Elspeth.

  So, she took her paper and blueprints, packed it all away, and laid it out on the lawn of the castle.

  She was in a plain dress, with a simple braid to keep her hair out of her face, and had ignored the ink on her fingers and chin from writing. She had been mistaken for castle staff at least three times, and had been apologized to profusely by each person that accused her of evading chores.

And it was here on the lawn, after three hours, that Elspeth finally had a breakthrough in the planning of the new estate.

"Lady Elspeth?"

The woman jolted, tipping over the pot of ink in the process, hardly sparing Louis a glance before diving to try and save her notes.

"I'm so sorry--"

"Hello Louis, it's no problem," Elspeth said quickly, grabbing the ink pot and her now dripping parchment, "My head was in the clouds-- hold this for me, will you?"

Louis breathed out a laugh, accepting the soaked parchment from Elspeth as she resituated a new sheet, dipping a quill in the low ink well before starting again.

"It's fresh enough that I recall what I'd planned out," Elspeth informed, grinning as she scratched her ideas onto the parchment, "It's quite lovely as well; I should become an architect in the future."

"You're building a home?" Louis questioned, taking a seat on the grass beside the woman.

"Yes, for Kenna and Sebastian," Elspeth informed matter-of-factly, "Part of me has wondered if Demetre allowed me this duty to keep me busy while he meets with Francis; it's quite the task."

"Is there anything I can do to help? Especially after causing you to restart your progress, I feel it's my duty to offer."

Elspeth pursed her lips, still writing down her ideas as she thought.

"Actually, yes," Elspeth said quickly, looking up at him and squinting in the bright sun, "A man's opinion would be useful here; I've told Kenna about this, but we've agreed to keep it from Sebastian until the home is built. He would never accept such a thing, but the estate will lay empty otherwise. . . so, Louis, if you were married, perhaps with children, would you rather a secondary study, or an art wing in your home?"

Louis let out another soft laugh, before pondering the idea for a moment.

"An art wing. One study is enough, and an art wing may be utilized by the entire family."

"Wonderful sentiment," She grinned, looking back to the paper.

"And soon enough, it may be a true one."

"Is that so? A woman caught your eye?"

"Something of the sort. Mary proposed a marriage of alliance."

"She did?" Elspeth furrowed her brows, looking back to Louis, "Between you and. . ?"

"The Princess Claude."

Elspeth stared at Louis for a long moment. Long enough to see that Louis didn't have that much interest in marrying Claude at all.

"Because it would show support for Protestants in France?"

"Supposedly."

"Hm," Elspeth said, grabbing the still-wet parchment from his hand, "And you'd be alright with that?"

Louis sighed, "You ask the difficult questions, Elspeth."

"They are the most important ones," Elspeth noted, "If the support for Protestantism is your main goal, then I think it's a wonderful idea. Marrying into the royal family would only further solidify your standing, and it would be a show to the people of France that Protestants and Catholics may live side by side in peace."

Louis watched Elspeth as she scrawled another line on the parchment quickly.

"But if you care more for love, I suppose it's the cruelest fate one could meet."

She looked back at him, folding her hands in her lap and offering him a half-hearted smile.

"Unless, of course, you can build a love."

  "Build a love?"

  "It is not always something to be found, to fall into," Elspeth said cautiously, "Sometimes, only sometimes. . . it is something one can grow into. Work towards."

  Louis looked at her for a long moment, before placing his hands on the grass behind him, leaning back and relaxing just slightly.

  "Have you ever thought about becoming an advisor? I think you'd do well with it."

  Elspeth chuckled, turning back to her papers.

  "A woman not of royal blood in politics may cause a larger uproar than the religious strife," She breathed, shaking her head, "But if you ever wish for advice, I'll be here, Louis. We are friends, after all."

  Louis smiled, nodding.

  They sat there like that for a while. Quietly. In peace. It was strange, perhaps. Two nobles, known for being a bit wild, being so calm alongside one another.

  And then all at once it was disturbed by a single calling on Elspeth.


  "I retract my previous statement," Catherine said, standing as Elspeth approached, "I need you for a moment."

  "What's wrong?"

  "I cannot shackle my daughter under the watchful eyes at court, so I resort to asking favors," Catherine admitted, "A chaperone."

  "But I wouldn't be a proper--"

  "I know," Catherine sighed, grabbing Elspeth's arm, "But if you can keep an eye on her, perhaps influence her ideas at social gatherings. . . there may be hope, yet."

  Elspeth raised a concerned brow but allowed Catherine to lead her down the twisting corridors of the castle.

  And as they arrived to Claude's chambers, they were made aware the princess already had a visitor.

  "Claude, in this moment, the very future of France rests in your hands."

  "Oh, then we are in dire, dire circumstances."

  Mary sighed as Catherine spoke, Claude clearly sharing in this annoyance as well.

  Elspeth, however, remained quietly as Mary and Catherine argued over Claude's hypothetical engagement to Louis.

  She stood by, eyes flitting between the two, until they both turned to her in search of solidarity.

  "Why is she even here?" Claude said quickly, standing from her seat, "A lower noblewoman, not even French— shouldn't you be busy? Letting my mother fawn all over your wedding to the Monster of France?"

  Elspeth frowned just slightly, clasping her hands together at her waist.

  "Claude—!"

  "I don't think either of you should be forcing a marriage on the Princess," Elspeth said evenly, shocking Catherine into silence, "Women are not things to be married off to the highest bidder at the most convenient of times. I have never supported forcing a marriage, I've no clue why either of you thought my mind might be swayed."

  "Elspeth, you must see why—" Mary started.

  "I see why," Elspeth said, raising a brow, "Tensions are high. Marrying Claude to a prominent Protestant figure would say a great deal. It would give them footing. I don't disagree that something must be done, Mary; I've chatted with Louis on the matter and shared these same opinions with him, of course, that was before I knew Claude's opinion of it all. And if Claude truly does not wish to marry Louis, I couldn't possibly agree with forcing the issue. The same goes for Catherine's wishes."

  "Elspeth," Catherine tried to warn, eyeing an increasingly eager Claude.

  "It is the truth!" Elspeth defended, "I've no interest in lying! If a woman does not wish to marry, then she shouldn't! I understand your side as well; wishing for the Valois line to remain strong, for your daughter to see the world not just France— and yet, it is my belief, until the end of my days, that a woman should choose who, when, or even if she is to marry!"

  "Oh, I quite like her," Claude giggled.

  Elspeth raised a brow, settling her attention on Claude finally.
  
  "I am the highest station one can be without royal blood running through me. Discounting me because of your own personal dilemmas makes you no better than the people who spread rumors and falsities about all of us."

  Claude set her jaw, eyes flitting away from Elspeth briefly.

  "But I do believe you deserve the freedom to deny or accept engagements at your own will," Elspeth sighed, "I cannot support either of you. And I'm sorry."

  "The truth us, if the king wants this marriage to happen, it will happen," Mary said quickly.

  "Tell the king, my brother, that I am not a brood mare to be bartered and sold. By any of you."

  Claude stormed off quickly, without a second glance, leaving three women in her chambers.

  And Elspeth Liens gave Mary and Catherine an awkward smile, before excusing herself as well.

  Demetre was still busy, so the Langlois wing was rather quiet. He'd sent word via Hugo that he was to be indisposed for a while; a plan he, Sebastian, and Francis had all hatched up.

  It made her stomach churn, but Elspeth knew this was something Demetre had to put to rest before they could move forward.

  So, she took up residence in his study and continued with her ink-stained fingers and the plans of the Estate.

  "You know," Hugo said gently, "There is a sketch of the former Estate somewhere in these files."

"Is there?" Elspeth questioned, glancing up at him, "Would Demetre like if it were the same, you think?"

"You know him best, Elspeth."

She rolled her eyes as the man turned to one of the shelves, carefully flicking through papers and books.

"But you've known him longer," She countered, standing, "Long enough to know if a replica of his childhood estate would give him peace or cause him harm."

Hugo didn't respond, which made Elspeth groan loudly.

"It is your choice, Elspeth, you have been placed in charge of planning and construction."

"Yes, but I'm asking for your opinion."

Hugo glanced at her briefly, before returning to the shelves.

"Hugo, we are in the privacy of this wing, not even Demetre could hear and throw a fit about you not acting proper."

Hugo didn't respond again, so Elspeth resorted to sinking back into the large chair and pouting like a child.

After a few moments Hugo retrieved a stack of papers, turning to the woman with a grin on his face.

"Buried deep, but here they are," He informed, placing them in front of the woman, "Layout, plans, materials; and a sketch of the home."

Elspeth refused to look at the packet.

"Elspeth. . ."

"I only want to know your thoughts," She said softly, "I wish I knew him the way he knows me. Knowing what he would think or feel or do before he even does. But I do not. And in a situation as careful as this one, I only don't want to worsen his memories of it all."

Elspeth heard shuffling before she felt a gentle tap on her wrist. She glanced up, finding Hugo looking far more fatherly than he had in a long while. He sat on the edge of the desk, peering down at her with softly knitted brows and eyes that read her so quickly she couldn't comprehend it.

"You know the Lord Langlois, my dear. You're questioning yourself because you care about him. Because you love him," Hugo said quietly, "You and I both know what he would or would not wish for."

Elspeth glanced at the packet, the top piece of parchment holding the sketch of the home.

It was exactly how Demetre described it. Only grander. More intimidating, somehow.

She carefully ran a finger across the drawing, as if she could reach into the past and save it. Save him.

"He would want it to be new. For them. For him. For you."

Hugo glanced down at her words. Unable to both see her and feel the weight of the truth.

"You didn't show me this so I would alter my plans," Elspeth said quietly, "You showed me this so I would paint it."

She glanced up at him, Hugo's eyes met hers after only a moment.

"Because I haven't touched a canvas since Hans died," Elspeth breathed out the realizations as they hit her, "Because having a painting of his childhood home would remind him it wasn't always a dark memory. Because the largest acts of love are things that heal both parties."

Hugo reached out, patting her hand gently.

"My dear, I'd not have said it quite as poetically, but yes," He nodded, "I think building a new home, giving life to that place that has been so soaked with death, will help him. Help us all. . . But I also think remembering what it was, what it had been for so long before, is just as important. And I think the only thing that will make you paint again is him."

She looked back at the parchment.

The only thing that will make you paint again is him.

Demetre was the only one that kept her breathing after Hans died. He was the only one who found her when Sebastian was set to be recognized and thrown on the throne. He was the only one who reminded her who she was when she agreed to be a mistress. He was the only one who seemed to realize how much the Count's attack on the castle had affected her.

Demetre Langlois had been the only thing that had saved Elspeth Liens many, many times.

It would make sense that this time would be no different.

"Alright," She said quietly, "But I want to surprise him with it. He can't know until it's complete."

"Of course, Elspeth."

Hugo gave her a smile, but Elspeth felt her stomach churn with nerves.

What if she couldn't remember how to paint? Before, it had been like breathing. Not even a thought, just movement. Just an act of exhaling her emotions and thoughts onto a canvas. What if she had lost that? The skill, the ease? What if it made her more nervous than it relaxed her?

But before Elspeth Liens could fall further into a spiral of thoughts, the study door swung open abruptly.

  "What are you doing?"

  Elspeth knew the sneering voice was Claude before glancing up from her parchment.

"My lady, I apologize—"

And she knew the frantic one was Alex.

"It's alright, Alex," Elspeth sighed, glancing up, "Please ensure no one else enters the wing. I'm not expecting visitors today."

"I'm sorry—"

"You're forgiven," Elspeth said calmly, giving him a soft smile as she nodded.

Claude watched the interaction with judgmental eyes. But when Alex dipped out of the room, shutting the door behind himself, her eyes were glued to Elspeth Liens.

  "I'm planning for a home," Elspeth said, lacing her fingers together atop the desk, "What are you doing?"
 
  Claude briefly looked offended, before narrowing her eyes and inspecting Elspeth.

  Elspeth sat just as she was, allowing Claude to inspect her.

  "I'm terribly bored," Claude admitted with a sigh, taking a seat in one of the armchairs across from Elspeth, "My mother's hellbent on sending me off again, so it's been nearly impossible to escape her preening fingers."

  Elspeth let out a soft laugh, looking back to her papers.

  "And what is that for?" Claude questioned, her snide voice back again, "You laugh as though I've said something foolish."

  "It's not what you've said," Elspeth admitted, "It's just who you are."

  Claude scoffed, tilting her chin up, away from Elspeth.

  "You act as though you are still searching for worth," Elspeth continued, unbundling the packet and sorting through the plans, "Quite like Sebastian. Though, I suppose you were born with more than him. An inheritance to wealth and luxury."

  "I am not like—"

  "No, you are not," Elspeth laughed again, "No, Sebastian means well. He just goes about it wrong sometimes. He searches for worth in saving others. You search for worth in placing yourself above them."

  Claude said nothing this time.

  "You are not better than I am," Elspeth said, "Just as I am no better than you are. Focusing on something as trivial as that. . . well it's a waste of a life. You want to feel better than others because you feel as though you are lacking something."

  Elspeth finally looked away from her drawing, only to find Claude staring at her. At face value, she looked offended and angry, her face all screwed up in distaste. But at a closer look, Elspeth could tell Claude really was listening.

  "You came here for a reason," Elspeth continued, "And it was not in search of a fight about who pulls more favor at court. It was because I, a woman you dislike, have been the only one to fight for your freedom."

"And how do you know that?"

"Because you'd much rather be with anyone else right now," Elspeth said, tilting her head to the side, "And yet, you are with me. Someone you have deemed beneath you."

Claude crossed her arms in defiance, but it did not seem to affect Elspeth Liens.

"You defied the queen and my mother."

"If offering my honest opinion is defiance, that is all I do, Claude," Elspeth sighed, "I stand up for what I believe in. For freedom, for honesty, for fairness."

"Such childish ideas."

"Are they?"

Claude seemed to falter at the soft tone Elspeth had taken. It was as if the princess fought against the idea of Elspeth. The idea of someone trying to accept her. Trying to offer her honesty and support, simply because it wasn't blind praise.

"Is it childish that I think you should choose when, if, and who you marry? Is it childish that I think a woman should have the ability to hold her own accounts at a bank, or her own career? That she should not be owned by any man, whether it be her father, husband, or brother? Is it childish that I want equality for every person, regardless of the way they worship their God? That I defy unjust rulers and their choices to the furthest extent I can?"

"I can see why Bash liked you. But I cannot understand the attraction of my mother or the Monster."

"His name is Demetre. You may address him as that, or Lord Langlois."

"I'll address him however I please, I am--"

"Not in this wing."

Claude looked truly shocked.

"This castle is--"

"You have entered House Langlois property. I care little for the rules of the court beyond it whilst you are here. You will address him by his name or his proper title, or you will not address him at all."

Elspeth half expected Claude to get angry. To pitch a fit and shout about how she was the princess and Elspeth was only a lady-- somehow, the hint of a smile was worse.

"You're quite taken with each other," Claude sighed, leaning back, "You know, I knew Demetre when we were both children. My father often kept him busy, but I saw him still."

"How lucky of you."

"Quite. But I never could catch his attention the way you have," Claude continued, "I wonder what it is. Perhaps he truly does love your. . . uplifting nature. Or he is as they say, and you are an easy key to grasping power in more than one country."

Elspeth could see this comment sunk under even Hugo's skin.

The guard shifted, his jaw tightening at Claude's words.

"You think?" Elspeth questioned, "He's marrying me for my family's Duchy?"

"Power, land, riches," Claude sighed, leaning back in her chair, "Perhaps it'll be the same story. Rebels, fires. . . a poor widowed man, the last of his line."

Elspeth Liens was not someone who often kept a cool temper. She tried, honestly, she did, but most of the time her emotions took over and she held little care for the consequences.

With Claude, she was trying her hardest to remind her heart that this was a girl who felt unwelcome in her own home. A girl who, perhaps, was jealous that her mother seemed to dote on a stranger while trying to cast her own child out. A girl who needed support more than she needed anger.

But the mere mention of the Langlois Estate fire set Elspeth Liens right over the edge.

"I hope you get everything you want, Claude," Elspeth said, leaning forward, over the desk, "I hope you get your freedom, and your jewels, and parties. I hope you win your mother's love and your brother's attention, and you are told you are better than any other woman in the world. I hope you get every shallow thing you've ever wanted. And I hope it is never enough for you."

The mask slipped and Elspeth saw Claude for what she truly was.

A wounded child left alone for far too long.

"You're excused," Elspeth said, waving a hand as she sank back into her seat.

Elspeth looked back down at her papers, attempting to steel her hands shaking in fury.

She heard no movement.

"You are excused."

"I am being forced into a marriage at every corner, my mother's too busy doting on you to share any fondness for me, and you would be so cruel?! It is your queen who is trying to wed me to this— to this man I've never met—!"

  "She is your queen as well, lest you forget," Elspeth said, glancing back up, "Louis is a wonderful man— you seem to have little care for my warnings, but I suggest you take care of your speech concerning him."

  "Wonderful, that's all I need, the daughter my mother never had supports this idea—"

  "Regardless of my feelings toward you, my belief stands. You should choose," Elspeth raised her voice slightly, looking up at Claude fully, "If you want pity, Claude look elsewhere. I would help you, but you seem stuck in your ways, and I've no interest assisting an impotent child that speaks illy of my fiancé and friends."

  "You and the Monster were made for each other."

"If you are not out of my sight within ten seconds, you will be removed by force and reminded that this wing is run and controlled solely by House Langlois. Not even your mother or Francis would dare argue with that sentiment."

Elspeth forced her eyes back on the paper, forced her anger to stay inside her chest, forced her tongue to stay still.

Because even though she had spoken harsher than she had wished to, Elspeth Liens knew very well she could become worse if pushed much more.

Thankfully, she heard shuffling, and the door open and shut, and she was left alone once more.

Elspeth breathed out, tossing the packet of paper onto the desk, burying her face in her hands.

"I was cruel."

"You scared even me, My Lady."

Elspeth parted her fingers, glancing at Hugo from behind them.

"But even cruelty is needed at times," Hugo said quietly, "To remind those who sit in ivory towers that they are not untouchable."

"I couldn't bear to hear her say those things about him."

"You shouldn't have to, dear."

Elspeth sighed, again, resting her head on the desk and shutting her eyes.

And then she felt a large, warm hand gently rest on the back of her shoulder, squeezing it just barely.

It did not matter what anyone else thought of Demetre. Not really. Because Elspeth knew the truth. And Hugo did. And all those that mattered did.

But how terrible it was, Elspeth thought, that Demetre could never be known as the kind man he was. That he would always be labeled a cruel-natured creature, a monster because he was too kind as a child, and then a king abandoned him in the woods.

Because the world had made him into a story, and forgotten he had only been a child.







( AUTHOR'S NOTE. )
long chapter for you babies <3
also please know the urge
to make Ellie instantly like Claude
was STRONG but she's been insta-friends
with so many people (because Ellie
is a saint) that I kinda thought
this road would be more interesting!!

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