Chapter 31
“I cannot be King,� Francis was repeating to himself over and over when Auguste walked through the door.
“What do you mean, Francis? Are you saying the he is…�
Francis looked up, his eyes full of tears. All he could do was nod his head.
Auguste looked down and shook his own head.
“I cannot be the King, Auguste,� he said, pacing up and down the room. “It’s much too soon. I have completed all the lessons. I just cannot do this. I am not ready.�
“Well,� Auguste told him, a little angrily, “you will have to be. There doesn’t seem to be anyone else right at this minute.�
He grabbed Francis as he was making his return trip across the room. Listen to me. You will be King, your coronation is tomorrow. Everyone will pay their respects this evening. He will be buried by morning, then the coronation.�
Francis looked at him. “I don’t know Auguste,� he whispered, shaking his head. “I just don’t know.�
“You are old enough to know, Francis,� Auguste said, clapping both hands onto each of his shoulders, “and certainly old enough to make the right decision.�
Francis looked at him. Auguste stared right back, although he loosened his grip just a little.
“Louis certainly thought that you were capable. He would never have given you the kingship if he was not sure.�
“It is time for you to grow up, Francis,� Auguste continued. “I am sorry to be so hard on you, but there you are.�
“You will be there, won’t you, my old friend?�
“Of course I will, Francis,� he said as he heard the clock strike six. “And so will Marie and her parents. They return tomorrow along with Nicole’s parents. This is what I have been told.�
“I will not be the same without you by my side,� Francis said.
“That is why you have Marie, Francis. She will be with you until one of you die.�
Francis smiled. He was beginning to feel better.
Auguste, however, was growing impatient. “Listen, I have something important that I must do tonight, then I will join you as soon as possible.“
Then Auguste ran out of the study as the future King of France looked on.