47

The baron arrived at the Wawel Castle on the morning of the fourteenth of June and, without having time to rest, was summoned to the king. Without even greeting François, whom he had not seen for two months, Heinrich handed him a letter:

- Here, uncle.

Romagnach picked up the paper and read:

"My lord, my son. The king, your brother, has died. So many of my children have already died, and now a new misfortune has come. I pray the Lord to send me death so that I don’t have to go through this anymore. I have never experienced more pain, and comfort me only your arrival is possible. France and I are waiting for you. I need to see you in good health, because if I happen to lose you too, I will order you to bury me alive with you.

Do not delay your departure from Poland and do not let them delay you, because you are needed here. I am dying of longing for you, only your presence can console me and make me forget about my loss. Loving you like no one else in the world, your mother Ekaterina."