Versailles – The Montmorency Wing, Morning
Marie stood before the mirror, her hands trembling as she adjusted the lace at her collar. The letter's words echoed in her mind: The Bishop arrives in two days. Tell no one.
She had burned the note, but its warning lingered. She had to be ready.
Léonie entered, carrying a tray of tea. "You didn't sleep," she observed.
Marie managed a faint smile. "Too much on my mind."
Léonie hesitated. "The court is buzzing. They say the Bishop of Amiens is coming to question someone about blasphemy."
Marie's heart pounded. "Do they know who?"
Léonie shook her head. "No names. But whispers point to someone close to the Duke."
Marie nodded, her resolve hardening. "Thank you, Léonie. That will be all."
Left alone, Marie stared at her reflection. She had come so far, but the past threatened to drag her back. She couldn't let that happen.
---
Versailles – The Queen's Private Chambers
Montmorency stood before the Queen, his expression grave.
"Your Majesty, I have reason to believe that the Duchess d'Artois is orchestrating a plot against Marie Delacour, using the Church as her weapon."
The Queen's eyes narrowed. "What evidence do you have?"
"A forged letter sent to the Bishop of Amiens, accusing Marie of desecration. It's a lie, but a dangerous one."
The Queen sighed. "The Church's involvement complicates matters."
Montmorency stepped closer. "Then allow me to formalize Marie's position. Make her my ward. It will grant her noble protection and place her beyond the Church's reach."
The Queen considered this. "Very well. But be cautious. The court is watching."
---
Versailles – The Chapel, Afternoon
Marie knelt in the chapel, seeking solace. The stained glass cast colorful patterns on the floor, but her thoughts were dark.
A shadow fell over her. She looked up to see Montmorency.
"I spoke with the Queen," he said. "You're to become my ward."
Marie's eyes widened. "What does that mean?"
"It means you're under my protection. The Church cannot touch you without going through me."
She stood, her voice trembling. "Thank you."
He reached out, gently taking her hand. "We'll face this together."
---
Versailles – The Duchess's Chambers
Geneviève d'Artois paced, her fury barely contained.
"Montmorency has made her his ward," she spat. "The Queen agreed."
Madeleine, her maid, looked uneasy. "What will you do?"
Geneviève's eyes gleamed. "If the Church can't reach her, perhaps the court can. Rumors can be as deadly as any decree."
---
Versailles – The Montmorency Wing, Evening
Marie sat by the window, watching the sun set. Montmorency entered, carrying a parchment.
"It's official," he said, handing it to her. "You're now my ward."
She read the document, her hands shaking. "This changes everything."
He nodded. "Yes. But it also paints a target on our backs."
She looked up at him. "I'm not afraid."
He smiled. "Neither am I."
---
Versailles – The Council Chambers
Montmorency addressed the assembled nobles.
"Let it be known that any accusations against Marie Delacour are unfounded. She is under my protection, and any attempts to harm her will be considered an attack on my house."
Murmurs filled the room. The message was clear.
---
Versailles – The Duchess's Chambers
Geneviève slammed her hand on the table. "He's daring me to act."
Madeleine whispered, "Perhaps it's time to let this go."
Geneviève's eyes blazed. "Never. If I can't destroy her through the Church, I'll do it through scandal."
---
Versailles – The Montmorency Wing, Night
Marie and Montmorency sat by the fire.
"Do you regret this?" she asked.
He shook his head. "Not for a moment."
She leaned against him. "Then neither do I."
They sat in silence, the flames dancing before them, united against the storm to come.
---