It seemed to Bertrand that he had just laid his head on the pillow when he was awakened by a noise in the yard. Slowly getting up, he went to the window. His eyes were filled with business-like confusion. "What the heck?" He slammed his fist on the windowsill.You will break the window like this, - a cheerful voice was heard from the door.My king! Bertrand turned around sharply. - What does it mean?I decided to visit the poor thing, - the King went into the room and stopped next to Bertrand, looking at the servants scurrying around in the yard.Do you want to jeopardize your crown, your kingdom for the sake of? ..Shh, - the King put his finger to his lips. - This woman, nevertheless, bore me heirs. And one of them is declared the future king.And his brother? Bertrand turned to Heinrich and carefully looked into his eyes.And what happened to him?Both of your sons were born out of your marriage. And, for that matter, Cesar has more rights to the crown after you. Although, hi

Katherine was gone for a short time. Returning with her eyes wet by no means from tears, she fell on her knees in front of the table, where the maids were bustling about, and, piously folding her hands, she muttered prayers so that everyone could hear her. Someone, coming to their senses, sent for the priest. Katerina ran a clean handkerchief over the duchess's cheeks and torn lips. Then she rubbed her forehead and, pretending to want to say goodbye to her for the last time, leaned low towards him. The handkerchief disappeared into the folds of her dress. As if by magic, small scissors appeared in her hands. And she imperceptibly cut off a strand of hair from the head of the deceased. Then, just as deftly blocking her manipulations of her grieving body, she tucked the scissors and curl into her sleeve. Then, wiping non-existent tears, she pulled away and turned to those around her, again folding her hands in prayer, showing everyone that she had nothing in them. She again, so tha

The man in the feathered hat jumped up.Your Eminence!Sit down, Franz. - The interlocutor waved his hand imperiously, pointing to a chair. Franz obeyed in shock, pulling off his hat. - And in the royal family, if you dig, you can find a rotten branch. Or do you think I'm holier than the Pope? - An ironic smile sanctified the fox's face, small sharp teeth, sunken cheeks, black small shiny eyes and a thin hooked nose, rounded down, from which the face acquired an ominous expression.No, but... Rumors about Bishop Orly...The dog barks, the wind wears, - his interlocutor interrupted rudely. Do you know my real last name?Isn't Guillaume Bezet your real name?Not really. Meringue is a small estate in three or four wooden houses and a piece of land where you can plant potatoes. Yes, this is my estate. But I am also the son of Catherine le Mouy, and I am your Marquis's second cousin.Why are you telling me this? Franz asked in surprise.For you to help me. You and I are doing the

How can I serve His Eminence? - The proud landing of the head of the newly-minted general was slightly spoiled by the rustic expression of his face. However, Bertrand de Gault was not deceived by this external simplicity, which misled people who did not know the leader of the English revolution well.What are you, - smiled Bertrand de Go, bowing. - It is his Eminence who is interested in how he can be useful to you. Oliver Cromwell got up from behind a wide dark wood table where he was sorting through papers.Sir, - he said, approaching Bertrand. - Why evasions? He smiled and began filling a long, thin pipe with tobacco. - The cardinal wants to know if General Oliver will go to war for Brittany and La Rochelle? Does it interest him? He blew out a puff of blue smoke.You are perceptive, General, - Bertrand de Go bowed again. - The fact is that now the minister's chair under the cardinal is slightly shaky - the Fronde* demands his resignation. Imagine what could happen in Franc

When Katerina opened the door, on the threshold she saw a thin girl in a simple maid dress, who was shaking off raindrops.Who are you? Katerina asked, raising the candle to get a better look at the stranger.You may not know me, madam. But once you helped my mother get rid of the father who did not give us life. Now her mother owns a grocery store, her life is prosperous, and she is about to get married. And I serve with Madame Beaupertuis.It's great that you're doing well. But you uttered the name La Voisin and came to me. I don't understand…Madam, this is a very serious matter. You can't talk about him in five minutes at the door. And yes, it's raining outside.Fine. Come in. She let the girl inside, looked around the dark street and closed the door. Then, going forward, she shone the light on the girl who was rising behind her.Cloak you can throw here - She pointed to a simple stool at the door. - And sit down by the fire. I want to hear why you came, not how you sne