Reconcilliation (Part II)

*he sits next her as he is bid*


What is it dearest?

I ... I don't know how to say this, truly.

*more than a little concern creases his features. He takes her hand and offers a reassureing smile*

You can tell me anything

If I sleep with Richard all of our problems go away. He will take his money, settle down with his bride and leave you alone.

To me it is well worth it ...

No .... absolutely not! How can you even concider it!

And despite what you think he will not leave .... no I forboid it.

Because I love you. I will whore myself to my rapist if it means he will stop hurting you. Please, Nicholas, see sense!

No you will not! Not to him, not to anyone. You are a Queen, not a whore. We shall find another way.

And I wuldst endure his torment for the rest of my days before I wuldst see you become his whore!

What other way is there Nicholas? Can't you see it? He will torture us, if I don't give in. No-one will know. I will make love to him, he will leave, you and I shall be married.


*Turns on the charm that is the wonder of Christendom and adopts a perfect "I'm so gorgeous, give me what I want" face*. Please Nicky, let me end this.

I will know!


No, you can not do this *crosses his arms over his chest. He looks aways from her so as not to be swayed by her charm*

*Smiles at Nicholas and touches his shoulder lightly* Please, Nicholas. You will not know. I will not tell you when. Think of our lives without him, Nicholas.

How can you ask this of me?


No, I wudst not have the woman I love, my Queen, to be a whore. Especially not on my account.

Than what do you suggest? Acting out of paralyzed fear for the rest of our days? Serving the needs of that madman? What am I supposed to do?

We send him away ... to Elizabeth's court. She wuldst meet her ambassador. And while he is gone, marry me.

Than he can release what he knows in England, where I am thought to be a scarlet woman! Brilliant idea Nicholas, it shows your usual amount of political clout!

*Nicholas sighs*

Marie please do not insult my intelligence .... again. I was not raised to rule as you were, but I am trying to be what you wudlst have me be.

I realize he could do that but why would he? Think about what he wants, he wants me to suffer yes but it has gone beyond that now. He has gotten a taste of power. If he ruins you and your reputation then it will tarnish this realm, make it unstable ... that would not be in his best interest. He has already risked that and he knows it.

If he goes to Elizabeth's court he will be on his best behavior and try his best to impress her and earn her trust. Which he already knows will not be easy.

It is of course your decision my love but as he is ambassador to England, it is only a matter of time before Elizabeth will wish to receive him at her court. What excuse wilst you give for not sending him?

How would tarnishing my reputation destroy my realm? I have beheaded almost all of mine nobles, I am nearly untouchable and rule with an iron hand. I would not detain him if he wishes to go, I am merely saying that if I give him what he wants, we will both be better off.

I ... I can not bare the thought. I can not let you do this.

Why? Is it because you think you own me? Would you let me do this if it was someone besides Richard?

Marie I do not own you, nor would I want to. I love you, I wish to be your partner not your master.

And the only person I want you to make love to is me.

Fine then, we send him to England, and then what? The problem is not solved, merely postponed!

Then, you marry me. And we figure out what to do to be rid of him for good.


If that is what you still want?

Yes, of course I do. I'm offended you even suggest I wouldn't be. But if I marry you, without telling him, he will be enraged.

*Marie begins shaking with terror*. God, I don't even want to think what he'll do to me. We're trapped like rats.

I didst not mean to offend you *raises her hand to his lips and kisses it gently* I was only asking.

Then let him be enraged, I will protect you Marie. I know I did not before ... *lowers his head in shame* but I promise, I wilst not let him harm you again.

Have you ever thought about ... just killing him?

I almost did ..... after he hurt you. Perhaps I should have. He threatened to expose me but I think it was pity that stayed my hand, not his threats. He is the only family I have left ... save for you. I did not think I cared but you convinced me to give him a chance ... but that was before all this.

If he comes any where near you again I will kill him *he says through clenched teeth*