Kitabı oku: «Revelation by Elohim. The Mystery of Diana de’Poitier», sayfa 6

Speaking. Sleep, I’ll be back soon.

And when he returned, and if he was still asleep, she would just as quietly climb under the covers to him.

Heinrich, was married to Catherine de Medici, but had never felt any feelings for to his wife. It was undoubtedly a marriage of convenience. The phenomenon is common, for persons of royal blood. Diana, of course, even at the beginning of their relationship, asked Henry about Catherine. To which, he answered her. That, his heart and his life belong to her only one and it will always be so. And she had to face it. As for Henry. It got to the point that Poitiers practically had to ask him to visit Catherine’s chambers. Diana did not see a rival in the ugly, unprepossessing Catherine.

Henry, Catherine was not interesting. But if, by the way, Catherine, who, by the way, due to the fact that Henry did not want to, simply, perform marital duty with her, does not have an heir and children. Because of this, a divorce could well have happened. And it is not yet known who could be the next contender for Henry’s wife. Therefore, Poitiers chose, as they say, the lesser of evils, that is, Catherine. Once again, when a conversation came with Heinrich that he needed heirs and he could not ignore Catherine. Henry fell into anger and longing about this. First, because he did not want this woman, who was his wife. Secondly, because the woman he loved simply sent him to bed with another. From what, he became completely unhappy. Going to see Catherine, he became nervous and angry. Swearing with swear words, like the last shoemaker in France.

I, the King of France! Heinrich spoke.

Should sleep and please, like the last whore in this kingdom, this woman!

Diana and you yourself are telling me that?! He spoke, offended.

Heinrich, dear. You know perfectly well it breaks my heart!

But we have no control over this!

You will always be married to someone else! You know.

You could never marry me. Sadly, answered Poitiers. Knowing exactly that it was just like that and could not be otherwise. Henry grew even sadder.

I, King Diana!

I, I can do anything! He grinned sadly.

Only, I can’t marry the one I love!

I, would prefer fate, any shoemaker in my country!

Because any shoemaker is freer than me! He finished bitterly.

Diana was silent, her eyes downcast. She didn’t know what to say. Realizing that both of them feel, at this moment, unwitting captives of circumstances that they are unable to change. But, nevertheless, Poitiers did not harbor hostility or did not lead to Catherine. Poitiers even felt sorry for Catherine as a woman. She understood that she, too, was the same hostage of circumstances. That she lived with a man who did not love her. And Diana understood that there is no fate sadder for a woman than being for a husband, for someone who does not love you. So yes. She felt sorry for Catherine. Until, one moment! Which happened once and she realized how passionately Catherine hated her!

Once, Diana asked Catherine de Medici, who was reading a book.

What, are you reading?

What, Medici, answered.

I read the history of France and find undeniable evidence that in this country, harlots have always ruled the affairs of kings.

The hint was clear! She just called her a whore! Poitiers eyes lit up with yellow fire! But, having an iron endurance, which she demonstrated back in the war with de Tamp. Diana did not raise an eyebrow! A second later, she smiled good-naturedly and broadly at Catherine. Answered.

Interested in history?

Really, I wonder?

She’s got a lot of fun!

I, too, find it very interesting how the offspring of merchants suddenly put on a crown!

Read it.

I assure you, you won’t find many such stories!

She finished, still smiling graciously.

Ekaterina fidgeted on the couches. Realizing what was behind Poitiers, the last word remained. Diana said goodbye to Catherine.

I’ll leave you for an educational lesson. She said and walked away. Turning away from Catherine, her smile disappeared from her face, and her eyes darkened.

Ah, here you are!

There is plenty of poison in you! Diana thought to herself, moving away from Catherine.

Only, on me, it will hardly work!

Believe me! She chuckled. Moving away from Catherine.

Okay, I get it, she finished the thought.

We are enemies!

And no way, no other way! Catherine watched as the silhouette of Poitiers receding gracefully floated away. She stared after her with sincere hatred.

Whispered in Italian.

Disgusting whore! But, in her eyes, there was something else, a different feeling, which caused Poitiers in her. This feeling was deep envy, one woman for another. She understood that she would never be like Poitiers. Graceful, dazzling beauty! And so, Catherine, surreptitiously, tried to copy and imitate, Poitiers.

Oh, yes, Ekaterina, everyone saw differently. What she was, and who she really was, but still, secretly in the depths of her soul. She was seen as a calm, humble queen. But how wrong they were! Even Diana did not immediately see who she really is, Catherine de Medici. Even though I saw people, almost through and through. Only now, she realized that Catherine is full of poison and is not at all an innocent lamb. At some point, Diana thought that, perhaps, Henry’s divorce from an Italian woman and marriage to a new passion. Not such a bad idea. But, then, she decided that she was still Italian, not a threat to her, and even less a rival. Plus, now she knows for sure that this snake has poisonous teeth! And this means that you have to keep your friends close! And the enemies are even closer! In order to know and predict all their insidious plans for many steps ahead! And she decided that she would be very close to Catherine! Having come to this conclusion. Diana, she didn’t bother anymore! And, despite the fact that the crown was on the head of one. The real queen was another!

Medici, at first I thought that she could do something against the favorite. And, she ordered to make a hole in the ceiling of Poitiers’ quarters. In the hope of seeing what can be used against the favorite and ridiculed or humiliated her. Or, perhaps, to harm her or something unpleasant. I decided to spy on her and the king. A very spicy scene appeared to the Medici’s eyes. Half-naked lovers comfortably settled on a luxurious bed. Diane de Poitiers looked great!

The lovers had a great time together, doing such madness in bed that the Medici could not have imagined! From which, she first blushed and then turned white. What she saw shocked and upset. The attitude of the king to her became very clear to her. She returned to her room. Her face was still purple from what she saw. She sank into a chair, whispering.

Nasty French whore!

And again, covered with paint, remembering what he saw.

She told everything to one of her close ladies.

She said.

Alas! I regretted seeing what I shouldn’t have!

And, it hurt me.

Catherine realized that Henry was lost to her forever. Never again did she use the hole in the ceiling of the hated Poitiers’ chambers.

Later, she wrote to her daughter: «I welcomed you, Madame de Poitiers, for the king forced me to do this. And at the same time, I always made her feel that I was doing this, to my greatest regret, because never a wife who loves her husband loved his whore! Otherwise, I cannot name it. As if, the persons of our position, it was not painful to pronounce such words. «The Queen even made plans. In order to poison the hated favorite, but the anger of the king in this case. And he would be such that Catherine was even scared to imagine. Stopped her. In general, the Medici’s hatred of Poitiers was overwhelming.

Meanwhile, Poitiers was talked about at court and beyond.

She is more than a queen!

Henry soon learned that the Medici was watching him and Diana. He did nothing against it and did not even punish the lady who accompanied the Medici. Although he knew that the Duchess de Montpensier acted as the queen’s confidant in this episode, and she blabbed about the incident to other maids of honor. Such a contemptuous inaction was perceived at court as a very cruel revenge on the queen.

But, one enemy for Poitiers at court was not enough. Returned after a long absence, one of the king’s close relatives. The person is influential and very rich. He disliked Poitiers at first sight. When Heinrich introduced Poitiers to him, he burned her with an arrogant look, looking down at her and considering her unworthy, neither of his origin, much less of a king. He accepted this acquaintance rather dryly and coldly. Heinrich did not have sympathy for his relative, but was kind to him. Because, otherwise I simply could not. The royal blood that flowed in both veins tightly bound them with invisible ties of kinship. Making him an inviolable person in the state. Which he undoubtedly knew. Allowing yourself liberties that no one else could. Once, at a feast in a drunken stupor. He called Poitiers, an upstart! Not particularly high-born. What was completely wrong.

Diane de Poitiers was from a very ancient, noble family and was always proud and remembered about it. But this rascal was not interested. He wanted to humiliate her. Diana learned about his statements about her later. And as always, it happens in such cases. It is worth saying something once, in one place of the state, as it will be heard on the other side of the country, passing it on from mouth to mouth. So, oh, his unflattering statements about her, everyone learned. The same feeling of hatred that she felt for her late husband, she now felt in relation to him. He also spoke about her in a humiliating manner. Hatred flared up in her again, directed at a relative of Heinrich. He reminded her that the time of her marriage, full of humiliation, for her allegedly not high position. It was believed by people like her husband and this hated, arrogant, scoundrel. Which, she hated, even more, because he reminded her of this. A relative of the king seems to have been imbued with the same hatred for her. Do not forget to pour mud on it wherever I have been. Poitiers, told Henry about it. Oh, the vile speeches that his relative conducts in relation to her. Heinrich sighed. Shaking his head. Knowing your relative.

Diana dear.

Never mind his drunken chatter.

He always had a dirty tongue.

I’ll talk to him and let him know that he doesn’t dare to speak out about you in a similar tone.

He has always been obnoxious.

But, and after the conversation of Henry, the king himself! It seemed to this scoundrel that everything was overwhelming. He did not stop slandering. Henry, seeing that Diana, nevertheless, takes everything to heart. He spoke.

Damn!

Maybe I should pierce him with my sword!

Believe me, I would, with pleasure!

But, damn it, we are kin!

It would be great, Heinrich! Diana answered.

And you know, my dear, let’s make you a duchess! He chuckled.

Let’s see what then, he says!

She roused herself happily.

Heinrich, will you grant me the title of Duchess?! Poitiers was delighted.

He shrugged.

Who, if not kings, bestow titles? My dear, Diana. He smiled at her.

Ah, me, king! If, you have not forgotten.

She laughed.

No, I haven’t forgotten!

You, my beloved king!

So the king continued.

Resolved!

You will be the Duchess!

Then, my precious relative, there will be no reason to spoil your mood!

Jumping up for joy, Poitiers literally fluttered into his lap, hugging Heinrich by the neck.

God!

Will you do it?!

He smiled.

Of course, my dear.

See, you are smiling again!

Your smile is worth a kingdom!

She blissfully narrowed her eyes, imagining a face, a bastard! When, he learns that the king, raised her to a higher level! She burst out laughing!

Why are you laughing? My dear. The king asked her, smiling.

She exhaled with even greater bliss.

I see the twisted face of your relative!

When he finds out the news.

Heinrich raised an eyebrow and grinned.

Yes, I think he’ll be furious, now Henry himself laughed.

She kissed him on both cheeks for a hundred times!

Heinrich, I adore you! You know!

He laughed.

Yes, my dear.

Oh, how, I adore you! He answered and pulled her closer to him.

So, they laughed and rejoiced, mocking the arrogance and arrogance of a relative of Henry. Which, apparently, forgot that Henry, the king!

King, bestowed upon Diana the title of Duchess of Valantinois. The royal relative, as Henry said, was furious at Poitiers’ ascension from countess to duchess. He hated her even more.

Chenonceau

As for the Medici, there is definitely the ascension of Poitiers on the pyramid of the nobility upwards. She accepted, blushing with anger. But, the Medici’s hatred for the Duchess now reached an epic when Henry presented Poitiers with one of the most magnificent castles in all of Europe. Chenonceau Castle on the Cher River.

Light, country residence was located not far from the city of Tours. It was located near the eponymous village of Chenonceau in the French part of Indre and Laura. The castle was built on the site of an old Renaissance fortress. In the surrounding area, magnificent gardens have been arranged. The castle was confiscated from the family of the royal treasurer Thomas Boyer for debts by King Francis 1 and made part of his property, and now it has been inherited by Henry.

Decorative windows on the roof gave the building a special elegance. On one side of Chenonceau, there was a magnificent view of the park. On the other hand, to the enchanting expanses of the Cher River. The castle was just fabulously beautiful! Also, because of its location. Only the queen should own it! The courtiers spoke. Catherine hoped that Henry would present her with this gift. When he gave it to Diana. The Medici almost had a blow. And it became completely clear to everyone. Who is the real queen!

And here Chenonceau appeared before Diana in all his glory. The castle was located by the river, as if hovering over it. It amazed with the abundance of rooms and corridors with splendor and rich decoration inside.

Diana gasped!

God! Henry!

He’s great!

He smiled at her and answered simply.

I knew you would like it.

She walked around as many rooms as she could and looked out the window at the river. She said enthusiastically.

Heinrich, you know!

The bridge is missing here!

He smiled at her. Seeing how happy she is, he said.

You can build at least a hundred of them, Diana!

If you are missing a bridge.

Order it and they will build it for you!

She clapped her hands like a child with joy. The picture of the bridge that she would like to complete was brightly in front of her eyes.

It will be magnificent, Heinrich!

You will see!

Indeed, Poitiers completed a beautiful arched bridge across the river, which gave the impression that the building was floating on water. It was this missing part of the complete picture that appeared before her eyes that made the castle just a magical palace on the water! And she enveloped the castle in a romantic atmosphere.

Also Poitiers on the other side of the castle decided to decorate the territory with parks. The park of the Château de Chenonceau and the orchard (one of the most beautiful gardens in France) were redesigned

Chenonceau impressed with painted ceilings, tiled floors and an art gallery. Expensive tapestries, marble fireplaces and all the incredible luxury and beauty. Chenonceau became their favorite place, where they, together with Henry, arrived as much of the time as possible that the king could afford to be away from Paris.

Diana stood naked with her back to Henry next to the open door, on a large balcony terrace overlooking their bedroom.

It was a lovely night. The full moon shone in the sky with its silver light. The night revealed all its beauty.

Smells and songs of the night filled the world, the warble of a cricket, mingling with the distant cries of an owl and the divine singing of a nightingale.

The night has filled the world with its mysterious beauty.

A river rustled somewhere in the distance.

The scent of a climbing rose that strewn the castle walls, interspersed with the wet scent of water, made my head spin.

Moonlight illuminated her figure, staining her white skin with a slightly bluish silver light. This gave the impression that he seemed to come from the most standing naked Poitiers. Enveloping her figure in a silver cloud and mixing with a waterfall of black hair, still slightly wet from Henry’s stormy embraces, falling down. Which, like a black waterfall, scattered over white skin, like a black river on white sand? She froze in place, fixing her gaze somewhere into the distance. As if looking beyond one of her guided horizon.

She stared into the distance, frozen in place, like a silver statue. Heinrich called her by name. She woke up as if she had returned from her fabulous country. She turned her head slightly towards him and looked at him with a slight smile. He was simply bewitched by this picture!

His heart skipped a beat.

He lay naked on a bearskin, one of his trophies, which lay on the floor by the fireplace and was still lit at night as the nights were still chilly. The fire was dying out in the fireplace, reflecting on his slightly dark skin in gold. He spoke as if spellbound, not taking his eyes off her.

Admit it, Diana. Heinrich said.

Are you the immortal moon goddess Artemis?

Tell me Diana. Where do you hide your crescent tiara?

Admit it; did you come down from Olympus?

See how we mortals live here?

I promise to keep your secret!

What are you among mortals! He continued.

Looking at her hair whipping up in magical waves from the warm wind suddenly flowing from the open window. His heart sank and beat so hard that he thought he would suffocate and it would jump out of his chest. She turned to him, smiling tenderly, answered.

Don’t say that to Henry.

Goddesses are jealous, you know.

Artemis will hear you speak and be angry with me. She sang in her own voice.

I’m just a woman.

She added, walking into his arms.

He held out his arms to her, wanting her to quickly be in his arms.

Diana. He said. Hugging her and hugging her.

Admit it, though.

Where did you hide your crescent tiara?

He added, barely audible, gasping for breath from his own heartbeat. Hearing its pounding in the ears and how hard it beats. Feeling enveloping, as if invisible covered her light, sweet scent. For some time it seemed to him that his head was spinning and he, taking off from the ground, was hovering somewhere in zero gravity among a billion stars. Somewhere far from the sinful land. Her scent enveloped him completely, like a million small silk ribbons, caressing his skin. This gave him goosebumps. Running all over the body with hot streams and pounding in the head and temples with his own heart. He completely forgot about everything in the world, except for her and her smell. Her hair fell in black streams over his strong shoulders and it seemed to him that a crescent moon flashed in them. This world floated away and became hazy. And he seemed to be in another world, unknown and beautiful, from which he did not want to return! She hugged him, wrapping her white arms around his neck. And he realized that he was in captivity, from which he did not want to free himself! That he would never live again without this sweet captivity!

That he never wanted anything more than to be captivated by her hair, her scent and her white tender body, now pressing against him. Feeling her tender and hot kiss on his lips, he pressed her closer to him. As if afraid that this obsession will disappear and melt away. He pulled her closer to him, kissing her soft, sweet lips like honey.

Meeting

Once, while in Paris in the palace. Diana, as always comfortably sitting on his lap, dangled her legs, enjoying their carelessness.

Honey, I have to go, said Heinrich.

But she didn’t want to let him go.

But Heinrich, don’t go!

You’re the king!

And you can do whatever you want! Capriciously pouting, said Poitier.

That’s because I’m a king. My dear Diana. I have to go.

Well, where are you going?! She continued not to let go of King Poitiers.

To which he replied that he had a meeting scheduled for this time and he was already late thanks to her, which he hated to do.

What kind of meeting?! She snorted, moody.

Which meeting is dearer to you than me?! She pouted her lips again.

My dear Diana. The meeting I need to go to.

And believe me, I really don’t feel like doing this.

And I’d rather stay with you. But, unfortunately, I still have to go.

But if you don’t feel like Heinrich, you don’t have to go! She continued.

Raising her index finger into the sky and busily uttering it, like a very important thing. Why he laughed and answered.

Madam. Will you finally rise? Or should I put you on your own feet? The king continued laughing.

Poitiers shook her head, not going to get up from his knees and also continuing to swing her legs. He sighed.

Do you think I enjoy listening to the boring speeches of courtiers?

But, it’s my duty, madam. Added by the king. Mimicking her gesture by lifting her index finger up and making an important expression befitting a king. This time Poitiers laughed. She put her arms around his neck.

Well, don’t go! She was capricious. Shaking his head like a dummy what did it mean? Well, say no, and don’t go. While making unhappy eyes.

He laughed.

Well, maybe you can go?

Look at how torment this is! The king laughed at his joke.

Here I go! Poitiers said, jumping off his knees. Frowning menacingly and stretching her hand forward, she shook her index finger at someone unknown.

And I will disperse all these bores!

So that these idiots don’t distract you from more important things anymore! She spoke importantly. By the more important thing, meaning that they do not get in the way of enjoying each other. The king was already enjoying himself heartily.

From important matters?! Heinrich said laughing.

That is, so that no one distracts me from you?!

My dear, Henry laughed.

Go ahead and scold them for this! He had fun with all his heart.

Of course! She answered, almost seriously.

Here I go!

Well, go on! Are you here?! Heinrich answered.

He was already laughing, getting so excited that it seemed like he was going to cry with laughter.

My dear, I give you my word.

You will escape from them in 5 minutes! Heinrich added, having fun.

Well, I’ll go! Frowning, she continued.

Well, go already! He continued laughing. The king was already so amused that, dangling his legs to the side of the chair, in which he no longer sat, but almost lay, he chatted with them, having fun with all his heart.

Will you give me your royal seal? Diana said, making a naive angelic face. This time, he already laughed so that tears still gushed from his eyes. He barely calmed down from his fit of tearful laughter, answered her laughing.

God! Diana!

You want to kill me with laughter?!

Of course I won’t give you my seal! He laughed.

What good, you start spanking it, right and left indiscriminately.

And what good, make a commotion and confusion in the state! He laughed.

She pouted. As if she really thought that the king would give her his seal, and now she was offended by him for not doing so. Why he had a fit of laughter again.

Come on madam, are you going? He said, having fun, Heinrich.

Yes, I’m coming! You’re Majesty!

Harmful, she added, making a face at him and showing a sharp little tongue. Like a little girl with bad manners. The king pointed to the door as if speaking.

Come on, go madam!

Throwing her chin up, she turned and walked confidently out of the room. He called after her.

Tell me I sent you.

He was still laughing.

See you in 5 minutes! He added.

Poitiers entered the meeting room. The men were quietly talking to each other, when they saw her; they stared at her in surprise. She took a deep breath like a swimmer before diving into the abyss and heading towards the place of honor for the king. The looks of those present became even more surprised. She sat down gravely in the king’s place. Those present fell silent, watching her in surprise. She whispered to the advisor that she was sitting next to her. That today, by order of the king. The meeting will be chaired by her. He shook his head, professionally maintaining composure and announced this to everyone present in the hall. There was a booming whisper like a swarm of flies. Showing how they could not agree with this. Realizing that she must do something. Poitiers rose resolutely and importantly from her seat, or rather from the seat of the king. She raised her hand sharply, attracting their attention and spoke loudly and clearly.

Gentlemen, let’s start the meeting! Thus suppressing their hum.

And sat down in her seat again. The meeting began. It went on for two long hours! Fortunately, there was an adviser nearby who knew his business. She didn’t really understand what they were talking about and what exactly they were talking about. At the same time, pretending to be important, as if she understood every word. But the essence is still, she caught. They provided tax reporting on the use of royal lands.

It was about tax payments to the state treasury. The meeting was about this. In the reports, everything was described in detail, providing the final amount. At first, orally in reports, a detailed report was attached to this, on papers. Signature and seal, which the king should have put. Some of the noblest and richest nobles from all over France took part in the reports. In general, the Minister of Finance followed this all. It was more paper for bookkeepers, bookkeeping. By the end of the meeting, a large pile of papers had gathered, which Diana did not understand at all. After everyone finished reading their reports. The meeting was over. What the same advisor announced. A pile of papers lay in front of her. She stood up saying. That all the papers will be handed over to the king. Having said goodbye to those present with a bow of her head, she left the hall, heading to where she had left Henry. Carrying under his arm, an impressive pile of papers. Refusing the help of the adviser and the secretary, who wanted to bring the papers to the king? She found Henry bored.

What have you been doing there for so long?! He was surprised.

Seeing a pile of papers in her hands, he said.

Get it over here, I’ll put my seal.

And he added indignantly.

And why are you carrying them yourself?!

Why are there, I wonder, the councilor and the secretary! He muttered angrily.

But she withdrew her hand with the papers.

What?! She was surprised.

Are you going to approve all this?!

Well, of course I’m going to approve that. Heinrich answered.

Let’s get it over with, Diana. He added, reaching out his hand again for the papers.

But you haven’t even checked them! She said, surprised.

He sighed and said.

My dear Diana. Do you know how many of these papers I have to stamp?

I can’t check them all.

I have ministers for this.

Sometimes, yes. The royal lands are fully tested, audited.

But as I told you, my ministers are in charge.

She was surprised and answered.

But if they rob you?!

How do you know?

Heinrich smiled, grinning.

My dear. Yes, I’m even sure of that!

But I can’t keep track of everyone, unfortunately.

Plus, I don’t think they are writing off large amounts.

It is simply impossible to check everyone all the time.

Poitier responded to this.

Heinrich let me see it through to the end, since you let me start.

He looked at her in surprise.

So what are you going to do? He asked.

Check them out! She answered seriously.

He smiled.

Okay, check it out.

Okay, then this will take me a while. She said.

I’ll tell you about the results later.

Well, let it be your way, he agreed.

Just don’t wait too long with this.

These bores will torture me with their reports.

And a whole mountain of papers will accumulate.

She smiled and simply said, okay.

So, Poitiers sat over the papers, leafing through them and nothing really, not understanding them. She thought about it.

How can I check and verify them all?

Who will help me figure this out?

She went over in her head people who, in her opinion, are competent in such matters. When it seemed to dawn on her.

Cardinal!

She said out loud.

Yes, exactly! Cardinal!

Jumping up, she got up from the chair enthusiastically. Cardinal was known as an expert not only in paperwork and reports. But in general, he was an incredibly gifted person in many ways. He was known as an all-knowing man. She immediately, without a moment’s hesitation, wrote a letter to the cardinal. Requesting an appointment. By sending the message immediately. She received a rather quick reply that he would be glad to see her.