Princess and the Pea — Ch.3 Birds of the Same Feather 28 June , 2009
Posted by Athos in The Princess and the Pea.3 comments
Andre was wringing dry the towel after wiping Oscar’s face and hair, when Bernard showed the doctor into the room.
Andre’s face brightened immediately, “Great that you could come!”
“Victor!” Andre extended his hands to the doctor, who took hold of them warmly.
“Long time no see! I stayed in Paris last fall, but you were away in Normandy then. Seems that we always miss each other!” The doctor exclaimed.
Andre nodded in quiet dignity, “We can catch up with each other at the bar downstairs later.” Turning around to gesture towards the bed, “I have someone here who urgently needs your help.”
Andre turned to Bernard, “You had a long night. Go to your room and have some rest. I won’t need you till this evening.”
“Thank you, sire!” and off he went.
Victor moved closer to look at Oscar, and started to unbutton his overcoat, “What happened to him?”
“According to his companion, they were driving a carriage in the thunderstorm. Thunder struck, the horses were shocked and he was thrown off board.” Andre’s eyebrows knitted.
“Andre!” Victor gasped all of a sudden, when he saw the binding cloth showing under Oscar’s wet shirt.
“That’s why I asked Bernard to leave.” Andre responded calmly.
Then he produced a silver necklace from his inner pocket, and held the finely crafted pendant under the rays of the morning sun.
Victor gasped again at the sight of a tiny gold dagger hugged by a lion with magestic sapphire eyes.
“How did you come across her?” Victor inquired gently, while checking for any injuries Oscar might have sustained.
Andre turned his head in silent response, “I just picked her up on my way here last night. Her mistress wouldn’t want any mud in the carriage.”
“Can she stay with you? For I need to rush to Calais the day after.” Andre pleaded.
Victor went silently to open the door to check if they were being eavesdropped, before bolting it shut.
“Andre, do you know what you said just now? I don’t own a big castle where I can hide a woman away without generating any gossips.
Besides, we do not know if she stole this from the Jarjeyes or not…” Vincent was downright worried.
“But my instinct told me she’s the Count’s daughter.” Andre tried to reassure him.
“Since you asked, do I really have a choice?” Victor sighed, ” I’ll take her as my patient. As far as I can tell, apart from badly bruised shoulders, she didn’t sustained any major injuries. But I’m more worried about her fever.”
Andre handed a few gold coins to Vincent, “If this is not enough, I’ll repay you when I return. I hope I can talk to her before I leave.”
“Don’t worry about money. Remember I’m doing this for you! But we need to move her to my place as soon as possible. She needs a bath, which can only be done by my sister.”
“Could you go downstairs to arrange for a carriage? My horses are exhausted.”
“Sure.” And off went the doctor.
It was late afternoon already, and Andre was walking back and forth in the guest room in Victor’s home.
“Wat….er…..wat..er” Oscar moaned.
Andre quickly poured a cup of water, and tried to get her lean against his chest. As he put the cup against her lips, Oscar opened her eyes slightly.
“Hey, open your mouth.” Andre patted her jaw lightly.
After a few sips, Oscar gradully opened her eyes. Startled, she tried to free herself from Andre’s embrace. But the sharp pains from her shoulders impeded her.
Looking gently into her eyes, Andre joked, “Hey, I would want to drop you on the floor ever since I entered this room! You’ve been sleeping in my arms since you fell off the carriage.”
Oscar was bewildered, and thought, “Who is he? How come he looks so much like ‘him’ ?”
To err on the safe side, she said instead, “Thanks for your help. But where am I? And where’s my mistress?”
So Andre explained to her briefly what happened, as he laid her back down.
“In that case, could you bring me back to them?” Oscar asked.
“Why such urgency? You’re merely a coachman. You can get a few days rest if you stayed here.” Andre tried to test her.
Sensing the suspicion from the strikingly handsome man in front of her, Oscar touched her neck to search for the necklace. It was gone!
“But I’m also the security guard. I won’t get paid if I falied to perform my duties.” Oscar tried to hide her fear by speaking as calmly as possible.
Andre raised his eyebrow, but kept looking out the window, where he saw Victor’s sister returning with a basket of food.
“With those injuries of yours?” Andre chuckled, “You can’t even guard yourself. Besides, aren’t you afraid of being recognized?”
“Since you already found out I’m a woman, I only hope it’s not you who bathed and changed me.” Oscar responded with quiet dignity.
Tired of the guessing game, Andre went for the kill, “I believe alot of men out there would not mind doing that. That’s one of the surest way of becoming Count Jarjeyes’s son-in-law.”
“You’ve got my necklace, right?” Oscar asked feebly, as the fever was making her rather dizzy.
Andre pulled the necklace out from his inner pocket slowly, and dangled in front of her, “I discovered this while helping you out of your mud-soaked coat.”
“Who are you? What do you want from me? You don’t look like you are in need of money.” Oscar struggled to keep her eyes opened, but failed.
The exhaustion from the journey, together with her injuries, worn her out.
Andre turned around immediately upon hearing the last sentence, only to see that Oscar had fallen back asleep.
“What a tough woman. You’re lucky it’s me. How can a normal man could resist taking you as his woman after holding you in his arms for several hours.” Andre thought, as he carassed her soft golden hair.
A soft knock on the door caught Andre’s attention.
Entered Cecile, Victor’s sister. She curtsied to Andre, who bowed in return.
“How is she doing? I could have come earlier, but my mother insisted I stay while the seamstress was fitting the evening gown on her.”
“That’s alright. She’s still having a fever. I’ve got to leave. Don’t let her leave this place until I come back. Tie her down if necessary.”
“Who is she? You seem dead serious!” Cecile pressed her dainty hand on her lips.
“Ever heard of the ‘Ice Rose’?”
“Count Jarjeyes’ youngest ‘son’? Cecile darted a glance at Oscar. “My God. I can’t imagine what would happen if a beauty like her appeared at the ball!”
Noding in agreement, Andre said, “Please keep her safe and sound while I am away. See you on Sunday.” He then put on his cloak and left.
Oscar was stroking the fire in the living room when Victor returned.
Victor was immediately entranced by the sight. Dressed in a white linen shirt and long trousers, her whole person was imparted a burnished tone by the warm firelight, which was in stark contrast to her sapphire blue eyes.
“Doctor, could you tell me why am I held hostage here? It’s been 5 days since I woke up.” Oscar words brought him back to reality.
“As I’ve said before, the situation is quite complicated here. My friend Andre saved you and brought you here. He asked me with utmost earnestness to take care of you till he returns.”
“Sir, while I owe you and your friend for saving my life, I am a free person. May I know what is the reason behind this?”
“It is for your safety.” Victor then handed a sealed note to Oscar, whose eyes widened upon seeing the seal. She turned around to open the note. In her father’s own handwriting, the note said, “Stay with Victor. He knows Rohan.”
“Do you have any proof of your identity?” Oscar asked.
Victor undid his collar and took off his gold necklace to show Oscar the pendant.
Oscar looked at it in disbelief, “Why aren’t you living at your father’s castle?”
As he put the necklace back into hiding, Victor laughed, “To make a long story short, I defied his wish to join the military. So he kicked me out.”
“Then who’s Cecile?”
“My sister. She’s very smart and tight-lipped. Actually I taught her fencing and shooting when my father was away in the battles.(*) It’s a secret between me and her.” Victor winked at Oscar, who was still perplexed.
“Then why didn’t you reveal your real identity earlier?”
“I wasn’t sure of your identity until this morning. Besides, because of the ball, there are spies everywhere.”
“But I still do not understand why you have to keep me here. If I were away for too long, the people who travelled with me will suspect something’s gone wrong.”
“Don’t worry, Andre sent them a message that said you’ve got some bones broken. By the way, are you suspicious of the maid?”
Oscar raised her right eyebrow, “Seems that you know more than I do. Are you one of my father’s agents?”
“Yes. Now I know why Andre wants to keep you here.”
“Why? Who is he?”
“My best friend. And someone who has the ability to …” Victor stopped, for he heard the faint galloping of a horse approaching.
(*) This story is set in France in 17th century, during the Thirty-Years War.
The Princess and The Pea — Ch.2 Fateful Encounter 11 April , 2009
Posted by Athos in The Princess and the Pea.Tags: Rose of Versailles, Rose of Versailles Fan Fiction
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Seeing a tiny spot of light moving far down the road, Bernard slowed the carriage and turned to ask the passenger inside,
“Andre, I think someone ahead of us is asking for help. Should we stop?”
“It might be a trap. Got your dagger with you?” Andre was always cautious.
“Yes. I can use the whip too!” Bernard began to speed up again.
Andre unsheathed his sword to check.
When they got closer, they saw a coachman carefully waving a lantern, with a carriage behind him.
“What’s wrong?” Bernard asked as he brought his carriage to a halt.
“Thunder struck, horses were scared and threw my companion off board. He is still unconcious, but my mistress does not want to let him rest inside,
for he’s covered in mud. But I can’t leave him like this.” Alain turned around. With a jerk of his chin, pointed at Oscar, who was lying on the coachman’s bench.
“Moreover, we’re lost.”
“Who’s your mistress? Is she travelling alone?” inquired Bernard as he stepped closer to the carriage.
“Well, as gentlemen, you have to tell my mistress who you are first.’ Alain replied nonchalantly.
“My master is Andre Grandier, a squire from Versailles village. I am his assistant, Bernard Chatelet.
We’re heading to Town of Lille for some business.”
“My mistress is Lady Marie, Comte de Ward’s daughter. Jeanne is her lady-in-waiting. I’m Alain Soisson.”
Bernard went to knock on the carriage’s door. “Lady Marie, may I have the honour of seeing you in person?”
Jeanne opened the door to let Bernard in, “Monsieur, this is my mistress, Lady Marie.”
Benard bowed slightly, “My master would like to see if he could be of service to you. For he knows your horses need to rest, and one of your coachman has been injured.”
“Oh! Please help me thank your master for his kindness. I’m so scared, and completely at loss. I am supposed to go to Town of Lille to attend the Duke’s banquet for his son’s birthday, which is going to be held in a week’s time.” Marie replied meekly.
“What a coincidence! We are going there too!” Bernard exclaimed.
“Monsieur Alain! We can keep each other company on our way there!” Alain nodded in silent agreement.
In the meantime, Andre was in shock.
After he carried Oscar to his carriage and wiped off some of the mud on his face, he wondered, “How come he’s so light? Could he be…”
Andre turned to Alain, “Monsieur Alain, I think your companion needs a doctor. Where are you staying in Lille?”
“Sir, we’re going to stay at the duke’s castle.” Alain gave Andre the address, and brought Oscar’s luggage over to Andre’s carriage.
“Thank you sir. Please let me know if Oscar is okay or not. I may need to get a replacement for our return trip.”
The rain had gradually ceased by now, and a new moon was shining through the slits between thick clouds.
Bernard started his carriage, with Alain following behind along the muddy road.
Inside the carriage, Andre wrapped Oscar in a blanket.
But a bump on the road almost shook Oscar off the seat, so Andre decided to hold him in his arms instead.
“He’s really too light to be a coachman!” Andre said to himself as he closed his eyes to rest.
Images of a young girl with golden hair fencing with him years ago flashed across his mind.
“Andre! Gear up! Are you worried of losing to me?” The girl teased him.
“Of course not! I am only afraid my epee would scratch your pretty face!” Andre retorted, as he dodged her epee while preparing to charge his towards her shoulder.
“Who needs a pretty face? I’m going to be the bravest soldier when I grow up!” The girl protested.
…
As the carriages approached the town, the sun’s first rays was brightening up the horizon.
Strangely, Andre dozed off with the wounded coachman in his arms.
The Princess and the Pea — Ch.1 Stormy Night 19 August , 2008
Posted by Athos in The Princess and the Pea.Tags: Rose of Versailles Fan Fiction
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One stormy night, a carriage was speeding through curtains of heavy rain. While the two coachmen whipped the horses to keep up the speed, Lady Marie, who was 17, kept complaining to her maid she could not fall asleep because of the bumpy ride.
“Alain, are you sure we’re on the right track?” asked Oscar, the slim coachman with such refined features people would mistake him as a Greek god.
“Of course! I’ve travelled this road for a thousand times!” snorted Alain, the other coachman with short dark hair and fierce black eyes.
Oscar remained silent, and kept paying close attention to the geographical features that crossed his sight.
The further the carriage went, the more ill at ease was he. Given the speed at which they were travelling, they should have arrived at their destination two hours ago.
The horses were already showing signs of fatique, and there was no town nor village in sight. Should he stop the carriage to let the horses rest before continuing? Besides, they might be heading in the wrong direction…..
“Alain, let’s stop the carriage in the next clearing. The horses need a rest.” Oscar suggested.
“What? In the thunderstorm? I don’t want to be struck by lightning!” Alained answered while keeping his sight on the road.
“Listen! I think we’ve lost our way. Otherwise, we should have reached our destination two hours ago.”
Suddenly lightning stuck. Since it was so close, the horses were frightened and they suddenly jolted, throwing Oscar and Alain off board, before coming to a halt after galloping forward for another minute. Marie and her maid Jeanne, were bumped off their seats in the carriage. They screamed, then huddled together in the dark when things became quiet again.
“Oh my goodness, what happened?” Marie was shaken.
“Madamoiselle, the horses were scared by the thunder. It’s alright now.” Jeanne tried to sooth her.
Jeanne freed herself from Marie, opened the door and called out, “Alain! Alain! You hear me?”
“I am here! Jeeze I almost got killed by the horses! You gotta let them rest. Otherwise I am afraid they will die.”
Jeanne nodded in agreement, “But where is your new partner?” referring to Oscar, who was brought in by Marie’s father, Count de Wards, in the last minute as backup to Alain for the trip.
“Just now when thunder struck, we were tossed off our seats. I held onto the tether, thus dragged along in this mud till the carriage stops.
I don’t even know if he’s dead or not! He’s so thin and frail.” mused Alain.
Jeanne never liked Oscar, though he was always courteous towards her. Everytime he looked at her, she would feel the hair
on the nape of her neck rising literally. It was as if his saphire blue eyes could see through her thoughts and motives.
“You and madamoiselle stay here. I’ll go look for Oscar.” Alain then turn around to trace back the route taken by the horse prior to the struck of thunder.
As he walked, Alain kept yelling “Oscar!” from time to time, but there was no response. Suddenly, lightning stuck from afar, which lit up the sky briefly. Alain saw a body lying face up on the lawn about 100 yards away.
He walked as fast as he could towards it. It was really Oscar, soaking wet and covered in mud. Alain placed two fingers on his neck to check his pulse. As Oscar’s pulse turned out to be alright, Alain let out a sigh of relief.
“Hey! Wake up man! You’ll get pneumonia!” Alain shook Oscar’s shoulder, as opposed to kicking him on his hip as he usually did towards other folks. He did not noticed why he behaved as such until much later.
Since Oscar did not regain consciousness, Alain simply hauled him on his back and carried him towards the carriage.
(Fortunately Oscar was not a baby, otherwise he will probably end up with Shaken Baby Syndrome.)
Meanwhile, Jeanne was weighting her options. She was supposed to meet Nicolas and Rohan upon entering Town of Lille.
Now that they are stranded out here in the storm, she could not even send a message to them using her little turtle dove.
“What should we do? When can we continue our journey?” Marie was tugging Jeanne’s sleeve.
“Alain is away looking for Oscar. You must stay by my side no matter what, understand?” Jeanne squeezed her mistress’s shoulder to reassure herself.
“I hope they’ll come back safely. Otherwise how can we reach the Duke’s castle in time? I cannot miss the ball! I have practiced the art of formal conversation for so long. Father said I must look my best and dance the most lithe minuet to woo one of the princes.”
Jeanne rolled her eyes. What was the point of worrying about the ball if they got lost in the wilderness at night, not even sure if they could arrive at the Duke’s castle safely? They could be torn to pieces by wolves anytime before seeing the sunrise.
Soon, they heard a Alain’s shouting, “Open the door! Be quick!”
Jeanne was shocked at what she saw, “You’re not coming in! With all that mud!”
“God damn it! My arms are falling off my shoulders!” Alain yelled angrily.
At this moment, Alain saw a faint light approaching from afar. He placed Oscar on the front sit immediately, took the carriage’s lantern and began to move it up and down, in the hope of catching the other carriage’s attention.
