Post by Nicolette Deveraux on Jan 17, 2018 7:46:55 GMT -5
Upon returning to consciousness after collapsing at the feast, Nicolette opened her eyes. The first face she saw was Carlotta's, bearing the signs of a pitched battle. Her mind slowly processed that information, finally realizing that her dearest friend sought to protect and defend her against Benoit's treachery. Like a valiant soldier on the front line, she'd taken wounds in that endeavor, some of which promised to be permanent. Yet it did not surprise her that Carlotta was that first sight on reviving.
Struggling through the fog that clogged her mind and slowed her thoughts, she wondered at her lack of surprise. Instinctively, Nicolette had known she was there, expected Carlotta to be there. Cursing her weak, heavy limbs and the lingering impact of the poison that nearly stole her life, she fumbled to reach for Carlotta's hand. The eyes conveyed what the lips could not - she was beyond grateful for Carlotta's unflagging loyalty and friendship.
Now some days later, she was able to sit up, to speak and think with greater clarity, aware that the full extent of the poison was not yet realized. Only time would reveal just how much damage was wrought. If her present weakness was any indication, Nicolette feared the worst. With that fear came awareness, both of physical and political situations. She was no longer Crown Princess and Regent. The letter sent down from the city apprised her that she was recognized as the Duchess of Faucheux pending the fulfillment of some provisos. That news only brought further weight to her thoughts and the need to render decisions regarding the three women whom she looked upon as friends, companions, and support.
The two younger women, Clara and Jessamine, should return to their families. Both were of an age to marry in support of their Houses. They should not be compelled to moulder away in Desrochers. It was not fair to them, though she was grateful for their service. Naturally, Nicolette would see them rewarded, but changes in circumstance required releasing them to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Then there was Carlotta. Her precious, golden light, who had been with her from the start. The first to enter service to the Crown Princess, nearly ten years ago. Had it been then long? Nicolette smiled to herself, thinking that it felt like yesterday and all of her life at the same time. Carlotta was more than a lady in waiting to her. She was best friend, conscience, companion, tireless helpmeet, the sister of her heart. In good times and bad, Carlotta had always been there. Nicolette could hardly imagine life without her... but that was precisely the situation in which she found herself: facing life without Carlotta.
It was no more fair to ask her to stay than it was to ask it of the other women, she reminded herself, not to mention that Carlotta's family was hardly likely to permit her to stay. No doubt they'd delayed any number of marriages on her behalf due to her placement in the royal household and the cachet such a position brought. Now that no longer existed; indulgence only extended so far.
The thought of losing Carlotta was a fresh wound on an already shattered heart. She'd lost father, sisters, cousins to Benoit's treachery. Losing her dearest friend as well was almost more than Nicolette could bear. Closing her eyes on the ache of heart, she waited for Carlotta to come in so that she could do what she believed was the right thing.
As the saying went, if it were done, t'were well it were done quickly.
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Carlotta Deliambre