Chapter 32
Auguste ran down the hall. He had no idea where he was headed, all he knew was that he had to find Nicole. It had to be now, at this minute or else she would be lost to him forever. He had no idea why he felt that way.
“Nicole,� he called out running down the hallway.
“Auguste?� someone answered back.
Marie and Nicole popped their heads out the door of the new Princess’ sitting room. Nicole, a little confused, ran out to meet him.
“What are you doing here and why are you yelling my name like a madman in the middle of the castle hallway. You know better than that. The King has just died. Where is your….�
But she never finished the sentence as Auguste kissed her.
When they finally came up for air, Auguste looked into her eyes. She was smiling. They were so engrossed in each other that they did not see Francis and Marie standing in the hallway, in front of them.
“I love you, Nicole and I want you to marry me, now, tonight. It will be brief I assure you and we will come back here and we will pay our respects and we will…�
Nicole put her finger up to his lips. “You are babbling, Auguste,� she said, smiling.
“Of course, I will marry you, my intended.�
Auguste stared at her with a smile on his face. “You knew all along, didn’t you?�
Nicole frowned. “I’ve known for two days now,� she said, shaking her head. “I did not know that you knew.�
“I didn’t,� Auguste answered. “Not until last night.� He smiled. “All I thought about was you, Nicole. How we will share our lives and how many children we will have and what we will when I quit the Royal Guards and become a…�
“Quit the Guards?� Nicole said, “but that was your dream. Isn’t this what you always wanted? King Louis told me…�
King Louis told you what was best for him to say.� Auguste whispered. “I have no love at all for the army. I can become a farmer and we can raise chickens and pigs…�
“You are going nowhere right now except to the monastery to get married,� Francis piped up. “Now the two of you better get a move on and return here at once.�