His Secret Slave to Scandalous Queen

Chapter 232: Henry Will Believe You

"Elodie arrived from France as Madeleine’s maid after the first one hanged herself," Bella continued. "She must have brought those shoes with her."

Livia turned towards the door, eyes wide. "You have to tell the king."

Bella gave a short, bitter laugh. "Tell him what? That I recognised a pair of shoes? I recognised a pair of shoes. That is all anyone will hear."

Livia faced her fully. "Henry will believe you. He told me once that he had considered the same possibility...He thought Madeleine might have been involved, but Lionel could find nothing to connect her to the attack."

"Because there is nothing," Bella said. "Nothing anyone can hold up before a court." She crossed the chamber, arms wrapped around herself.

"Why did the princess’s former maid hang herself?"

"No one knows," Bella said.

"No one ever asked?"

"Of course people asked. They said that she had been unable to adjust to England. That she missed France."

Livia’s gaze sharpened. "Was it before or after your son died?"

Bella turned. Her eyes locked on Livia’s, the colour draining slowly from her face. "Immediately after. The next day i think."

The word seemed to open a hidden door. Livia’s mind began arranging the pieces with frightening speed.

"Do you see where I am going with this?" she asked.

Bella pressed one hand against the back of a chair. "Livia... what are you saying? If she did murder my son, the king’s son, it is an act of war."

Livia released a heavy breath. "What do we do? Remain silent?"

Bella’s hands trembled where they gripped the back of the chair. "She is leaving already. She must leave England after what happened today. Does it truly matter now?"

"Yes," Livia said softly. "If she tried to kill you, it matters. If she murdered your son, it matters even more. I know this is painful," Livia stepped closer. "But do not bury it. Let the king decide what must be done."

"The king is already in trouble because of today."

"Then perhaps he should know the alliance was rotten before he touched it."

Bella looked toward the door. She had spent months being dismissed as a grieving woman chasing shadows.

"Whatever you need to do," Livia said, "do it now, before Madeleine leaves England and takes every answer with her."

Bella swallowed. "Come with me," she whispered. "Please. Do not make me do this alone."

Livia reached for her hand at once. "Of course."

*****

Lord Chancellor Geoffrey Langford was red in the face. Not with anger. Good heavens, no. His colour came from desperation, panic, and the strain of trying to hold an entire kingdom together.

Everyone who knew anything about the king and Livia understood exactly why the wedding had collapsed.

Henry looked calmer than Geoffrey.

"Sire," Geoffrey began carefully, "I believe there is still room to recover the matter. I believe we can still mend this. We can still smooth matters with the royal family."

"This matter will not proceed, Geoffrey," Henry said.

Lord Chancellor Geoffrey Langford closed his eyes for the length of one discreet prayer. "The French king is outraged. He declares that he delivered his daughter to England untouched. He now demands satisfaction for her public humiliation."

Henry’s mouth curved. "Ah. That explains her eagerness for intimacy when she arrived. I confess I am wounded. Here I believed myself irresistible."

"My lord..."

"What? Am I not?"

Geoffrey drew in a breath. "we cannot simply mend what has been broken."

"Then tell me what remedy you propose, aside from placing me back at the altar."

Geoffrey hesitated.

Henry watched him. "You have no remedy."

Geoffrey’s cheeks puffed as he released a long, helpless breath. "Your Majesty, Princess Madeleine is the King of France’s only daughter."

"I truly ought to learn to keep my breeches fastened, should I not?"

Geoffrey looked pained. "Sire, I wish I could laugh. I fear the sound would turn into sobbing. My lord, an international incident such as this one..."

The guard posted outside the presence chamber entered just as Geoffrey appeared to be gathering enough courage to continue. He bowed deeply. "Your Majesty. Lady Bella and Miss Valenti request admittance. They say the matter is urgent and concerns the princess."

Henry lifted one hand in permission. The guard bowed again and withdrew. Moments later, Bella entered with Livia beside her.

Geoffrey immediately bowed. "Your Majesty, I shall wait outside."

"No," Bella said quickly. "I believe you should remain, my lord. What we have to say may concern the Crown as much as it concerns the princess."

Geoffrey looked to Henry. Henry gave a slight nod. The Lord Chancellor remained. Henry sat still in the great chair.

He kept his face calm. What could Madeleine possibly have done in the short time since he left her room?

Knowing the day’s pace, probably enough to start a second war.

"What has happened?" Henry asked.

Bella stepped forward. "My lord, the princess just left my chambers. When her maid restrained her, I saw something I recognised." She lifted her chin. "I believe I know for certain who attacked me."

Henry leaned forward slightly. "Tell me what you know..."

"I saw my attacker’s shoes that night," Bella said. "When I was stabbed. I did not see her face, but I saw her feet as she ran. Today, in my chambers, I saw Princess Madeleine’s maid wearing the same shoes."

Lord Chancellor Geoffrey drew breath. "Lady Bella, with respect, that does not—"

Henry lifted one hand and stepped down from the dais, his gaze fixed upon Bella. "Keep talking."

Bella swallowed. "That is everything, Your Majesty," she admitted. "It is only the shoes. But they were not common shoes," she continued quickly.

Henry studied her for another heartbeat then his expression closed. "You may go, ladies."

Bella curtsied immediately.

"What?" Livia caught her hand. "Bella?"

Bella shook her head quickly. She would not press it. The Lord Chancellor already doubted her, and Henry had enough ruin waiting upon his desk without her adding an accusation that might sound like madness.