Chapter 20
Nicole was able to get the court physician and they managed to get the King to his quarters.
But where were Francis and Marie?
They hadn’t come home at all, not even after it got dark.
“Nicole,� Louis said, taking her hand in his. “Promise me something.�
“Anything, Your Majesty.�
“Make up with Auguste, Nicole. He loves you more than you know.�
“How can I do that when he is nowhere around here?� she asked.
“I explained that he has family somewhere,� Louis said. “I have a feeling I know exactly where they live.�
He looked at her puzzled face. “There is a manor, not all that far from your parents. It was used as a summer residence and the de Barbarac’s used to spend their winters in Paris.�
“Is that the one closest to the castle?� Nicole asked.
“Yes, Nicole, that’s the one.� Louis started to cough and sputter.
“I don’t know how much longer I can keep talking to you this way, Nicole,� he said before he closed his eyes. “I feel I am getting weaker by the minute,�
“You will be alright, Your Majesty,� Nicole said, patting his arm. “Just go to sleep for now. We will be right here for you when you wake up.�
Louis smiled and closed his eyes. “Thank you, Nicole, for everything,� he whispered.