Chapter 47
“What do you want me to do?� Jean-Claude asked, frowning.
“You will be Henry’s servant for a month. All charges will be dropped after that. Henry has agreed to it, you saw that with your own eyes.� He smiled. “You will find that I am a wise and fair man, as well as a good and loyal King. “
Auguste was trying very hard to keep a straight face.
Jean-Claude was still frowning.
There’s more to this, isn’t there?�
Unfortunately, there is. Do you want to learn to use a sword, Jean? We can teach you and you will learn with young men your own age. Laurent will teach you all that you have to know. You will also have the option to stay and join the Royal Guards if you wish.�
Jean-Claude stared at him. “You think that I would make a good Guardsman?�
“Yes, I do,� Francis said. “Danielle tells me that you do very well with a sword, at least someone without formal training.�
Jean looked at Danielle who smiled up at him.
“And what of my mother and father? What about Monique?�
Francis smiled. “They will be compensated, at least your father will. Your mother will just have to fend for herself.�
“What about her debt?�
“That,� Auguste answered will be discussed in the study when we leave here, that topic and certain others. Danielle deserves to hear the truth about her mother, Jean, and I intend to tell her everything.�
“Papa?� Danielle asked, “do you think that you are up to it?�
Auguste smiled. “It’s been a long time, Danielle, at least ten years. I think I should be able to. And if I do have trouble, you will understand, won’t you?� He looked at Henry and Danielle who nodded their heads.
“Good,� Auguste said. He turned to Jean-Claude. “And now, my boy, you have had ample time. What say you?�
Jean Claude smiled and looked at Auguste, then at the King. “I accept. When do I begin?�
Francis smiled. “Immediately or just as soon as Auguste is finished with his tale, in which case, you will begin tomorrow.�
Jean-Claude was getting excited. He didn’t deserve all this. “Where do I have to go?�
“Well,� Francis smiled, “for one thing, you will start here and then come to the castle.�
Jean-Claude frowned. “What are you telling me, Your Majesty? I am supposed to learn how to use a sword and join the Royal Guards?�
“Yes, it’s true. I did say that, but you are still a servant, Jean Claude and you will be for a month. So you will clean out the stables every day, the royal stables and this one in the morning, before you commence with your learning.�