Philippe’s face fell and so did the tears. He put his hand over his eyes and turned away.

The Montespan stepped from the fireplace, ready to leave. The Queen rose from her knees to accompany her. “Allow me to join you in prayer,” she said.

“I’m not praying,” said the Montespan.

“You should be.” Marie-Therese leaned uncomfortably close. “Believe me.”

“I’m confused by your tone, Your Majesty.”

“Be careful what you wish for, my dear. Those closest to the Sun have a tendency to be burned.”

Rohan, in his riding attire, checked himself in his mirror. His new jacket was finely tailored and his boots freshly polished. His feathered cap sat at the right angle on his head and his scarf was properly tied. As he reached for his gloves on the table, there came a scratching at the door.

“Come,” said Rohan.

The chambermaid Marie entered with a broom but she did not make a move to sweep.

“The room is dirtier than when I left it,” said Rohan.

“Where is my money?”

“You will receive payment in due course.”

Marie gripped the broom. “I want the money now.”

Rohan smiled then grabbed Marie by the throat. He slammed her into the wall and leaned so close he might have bitten her face off. His lip curled and his eyes flashed. “It is not yet clear to me what you did to earn it.”

Marie gasped and whimpered. Rohan licked her cheek, chuckled coldly, and then let go. As he strode out the door he called back, “Make sure you leave my rooms spotless.”

As valets and servants hurried in and out of the King’s bedchamber with bloody sheets, medical tools, and supplies, Colbert and Louvois cornered Fabien in the War Cabinet room, glancing around, on edge.

“She cannot possibly be treated in the King’s chamber,” said Colbert. “She must be moved immediately. What if the poison were to spread?”

“Poison?” The three men turned at the King’s voice as he entered the room. “Did you say poison?”

“Ah, it is not certain, Sire,” said Louvois.

“Colbert thinks otherwise?” said Louis.

“Conjecture, Sire,” said Colbert. “But the facts remain stark. There was an attempt on Her Highness’ life during her journey to England, it could be so again. Even if we do discover a poison how do we find the poisoner?”

“Eliminate the suspects,” said Fabien.

Colbert pursed his lips. “Eliminating suspects doesn’t mean the same to me as it does to you.”

“Either way,” said Fabien with a shrug, “it will have the desired results.”

“By which logic,” said the King, “we must also question all of whom were with her on the journey to England, either departing, in transit, or arriving.”

“Indeed, Sire,” said Fabien.

Louis spied Bontemps and left to speak to with him. The ministers’ conversation continued, more quietly.

“Are you seriously suggesting we interrogate all those people?” asked Colbert.