In the garden ,Louis watched her as she skipped carefree as a butterfly from one flower to the next, singing a charming little song as she went. Her notebook scattered carelessly on the floor as she gambolled in the sunshine.
It would be a shame to disturb her. She’s having so much fun, it makes me feel young again just to watch her.
She turned and spotted him, dropping instantly into a graceful curtsey. “Oh sire, forgive me. I did not know you were there-“
He smiled kindly at her, noticing the becoming flush on her plump youthful cheeks, the pout of her little red rosebud of a mouth. Oh, how he longed to plunder it, like a fruit so ripe and untouched to be corrupted by that first succellent bite. “Please Mademoiselle de Scorailles, there’s no need to apologise. I was so enjoying watching you playing and singing in the sunshine that I’m sorry you stopped. You gladdened my heart.”
“I did?-“ she gave him an artless smile, her blue eyes sparkling. “Oh Sire, you’ve made me so happy-“
“Angelique-“ he mumured in a voice full of longing, wrapping his arms around her trim little form and drawing her close to him.
She gave him a look through her long fluttering golden lashes full of innocently flirtateous promise.
“I love it when you say my name like that, Sire-“ she sighed, her voice a husky murmur.
“My sweet angel, take pity on me. Make me happy by granting me a kiss.”
“But , my Lord –“ she stammered, enjoying the courtly game she found herself in. “You are a King, the greatest in the world. You have everything your heart would desire. How can a humble girl like I make you happy?”
“You could make me oh so happy! If you only knew-” he sighed starting to lay tender exploring kisses on her exposed nape and throat as he held her round the waist. Her helpless sighs of longing excited him further, making him want her with an intensity he hadn’t felt in years. How delectable she was!
“Angelique , forget about my throne and all my power. If I was a man , a simple man who asked you to love him for who he was , could you do that? Could you find it in your tender heart to love me?”
She looked up at him shyly, eyes darkened with lust. “-Sire, I think I already do...”
Overcome by his desires , his hand impatiently undid the red bows at her bodice, yearning to access the firm youthful flesh on show.
“Sire, you mustn’t-“ she sighed gaining control of herself at last.
He stopped, perplexed by her change. “-What, why not?”
“It’s too sudden, too soon. I’m overwhelmed by my emotions-“ she looked up at him, eyes full of promise. “Please, this isn’t a no, but I need time....give me the chance to say yes!"

As soon as he had gone, she hugged herself with excitement and glee. He wanted her, he really did! Thank God, she hadn’t given in to him straight away. Only a complete idiot would do that. What kind of a hold would she have if she did, as deliciously tempting as it was when he was so ardent? No, Angelique knew she wanted more.
I won’t be satisfied until I am the maitress en titre. When I am the greatest woman in the land. Look at how everyone treats Athenais. Better than the poor forgotten Queen! I might not be the most intelligent girl in the land but I am no-one’s fool!