Philippe stood alone, trying to stem his anger and regain his composure, and then, as the King’s brother, ordered the guard to let him enter. As he crossed through the outer chamber he could hear Louis in an anteroom, speaking to Henriette.

“…he’ll endeavor to include the treaty in his favor. You must remain firm. Unless he agrees to join us as an ally, the agreement is worthless. If you return without his signature, your mission will have been a failure.”

Philippe stormed into the anteroom. Louis turned to stare at his brother. Colbert and Louvois, standing beside the King, gave Philippe a hard stare.

“What do you want of my wife?” asked Philippe.

“I’m sending her to negotiate a treaty.”

“I don’t understand.”

“It is so often that way with you. I’m sending her abroad as my ambassador.”

“Where?”

“I won’t tell you,” said Louis. He motioned to Colbert and Louvois and they quickly left the room.

“Henriette,” said Philippe, “is this true? How can you let him do this to you?”

Henriette calmly replied, “Do what?”

“Use you!”

“Is that what irks you, dear brother?” asked Louis. “Or is it that she has been given a role which you, yourself, might have coveted?”

Philippe raised his fist. “What irks me is that you would take away all that is or should be mine!”

The royal brothers locked gazes, eye to eye, royal wolves circling each other mentally, knowing each other all too well. Then Louis said, “Before I forget, your friend Chevalier has just been released from prison. You will find him in your rooms.”

Philippe’s fist lowered and he drew a sharp breath.

“But if he betrays me again, he will be hanged in public. I’m counting on you to ensure he does not.”

Philippe returned to his apartments, his heart pounding. He found Chevalier seated at a mirror, dressed in frilly blue and white, his hair cleaned, combed, and in place, dabbing powder over a fading bruise beneath his eye.

“Darling!” Chevalier hopped up, smiling broadly, his arms outstretched for an embrace.

Philippe stepped back and shook his head.

Chevalier stopped. “I…I thought my return would please you!”

“You betrayed your King. And me.”

“May I explain myself?”

“No.”

Chevalier’s lips pursed. “In that case, I shall go find myself something to eat. Preferably devoid of maggots.”

Philippe sighed. “No, wait. Stay.”

“Ah,” said Chevalier. He leaned in for a kiss but Philippe turned his head away.

“If you betray him again,” Philippe said, “the King will have you hanged in public.”

“Rest assured I’ve learned my lesson.” Chevalier folded his hands and offered a small, teasing grin. “And the thought of being hanged…in public!”

Philippe went to the sideboard and lifted the wine decanter. “I would not let that happen.”

“Thank you, my love!”