Masquerade Ball for Queen Claude's Birthday

The Captain of the guard nodded to Duchess Katherine and going over to Cassandra he noticed she was almost free and he at once tighten her cuffs really tight. He then nodded to Katherine and followed her to a carriage and we were taken down the road to the Bastille.

I smirked at Katherine. "You think these walls can hold me? I laughed but then my laugh was soon gone as I was lead into a cell and secured to the wall with chains. I gave out a shriek of fright when the Captain of the guard approached me and with another holding my face, an iron mask was put on me and I cried out as it was going on. "NOOOOOO!.

There was however nothing I could do and now I could see nothing as it had no eye holes. I was blindfolded. I could hear Katherine talking to the guard though and I was still able to speak to her not knowing where she was standing though, so moving my head around I spoke.
"You will pay for this you little whore!

She was very upset that she was chained and an iron mask was placed on her head.   I spoke briefly to the captain.  

Thank you captain for your assistance.  I am happy that you were able to see that she was about to come undone.  Where will the guards be placed.  She needs to watched closely.

Cassandra had the venom of a viper.  

Such vile words a "whore".  I will not hold that against you.  You are angry. Cassandra it is unfortunate that you put me in the position of imprisoning you here.  That is why you are being held here to make sure that you will not escape. No one has left the Bastille. You threatened me before the King and Queen of France.  Do you think that these chains can hold you.  I asked that you were quite secure.  You are after all a pirate and I would not want you to try to escape.  Before they start the torture is there anything you wish to say.

Inside my body I was fuming. I could not see Katherine at all due to the mask being placed over my head and I was just hoping that Robert would not let me down and that he would speak with the King and Queen of France in his disguise.

Katherine asked me a question but I said nothing and just went along with her game.
"All I can say to you Katherine is well played, I underestimated you, but that will not stop me from getting my revenge.

I looked at Cassandra.

Truly I feel the same way about you.   I will not underestimate you either.  I know that you are planning something I just do not know what.  I believe that if you had a chance you will take your revenge on me.  I will have to keep my eyes open and I do not trust lightly.

I turned away from Cassandra and I stood beside the captain.

 Captain you have done well and I thank you.  Guardsmen listen to me.  Keep your wits about you.  If she escapes I will that the man punished.  I will have the thumbs of your hands removed.  Is that understood

I look to the captain.

This is something I do not wish to do.  Believe me I would rather not do this but she is cunning and can be cruel.   To have her roaming around France waiting for her chance to have me killed.  Again I thank you for your assistance in this matter.

The Captain looked back at Katherine and was a little surprised at what Katherine said but he also understood.

"Understood Duchess, I will ensure that all my men comply to watching her very closely with regular changes. I myself will hold all of the keys. I say and then approach the Duchess and whisper in her ear so that Cassandra could not hear.

"Duchess, when we raided her ship and arrested all of the crew onboard, the one you mentioned a certain Robert Lock was not on the ship and was not anywhere, he is not in the dungeons. Should we be worried about him?

I look towards Katherine and tilted my head towards her to let her know that I wish to have words with her. With a small smile I let her know my pleasure towards her so that she knows I have nothing bad to say to her.

The captain spoke to me in a whisper.

Did you say that Robert Lock was nowhere to be found.  He is Cassandra's right hand man.   He will try to rescue her.  Yes I would say that he is someone to worry about him.

Queen Claude looked at me and signalled to me to come to her.  I walked over to her.  I curtsey.
Your Majesty how can I help you?

The Captain whispered back to Katherine.

"I am afraid that is correct Duchess, he was nowhere on the ship. If he is her right hand man, then we must be extra vigilant.

The letter that I sent to France for Katherine arrived. The servant handed her the letter.   Your Grace a letter has come for you.

Dear Katherine,

I hope that this letter finds you well.  I have missed you since you left while we were in Romania.   I hope that you will tell me about your adventures.  I am writing to tell you that the baby is born.  My little one.  I would like to introduce you your cousin Princess Elena Marie Svensson.  If you can I would like for you to come to Sweden to personally meet her.  I hope to see you soon Katherine.

With love,

Mary

That is really wonderful. I must send Aunt Mary a letter wishing her and King Gustav congratulations to the birth.

Dear Aunt Mary,

I am so happy to hear your wonderful news. Elena Marie is a beautiful name. I will try to send a gift to you for Elena. I am doing well. A lot of things happened but it is nothing if any concern. How are Gustav, Agnetha and Rebecca? I hope that Rebecca's marriage match to King Marius. He seems like a good man. I would love to come to see you all soon. I will talk to King Francis to get permission to come to Sweden. I will keep you informed. Give everyone my best and Aunt Mary I am glad that I met you and your husband and his sisters. I am happy that you are with a man that loves you.

All of my best

Katherine

I had come to see Katherine and as I approached her I noticed that she held a letter in her hand and she seemed very happy by it. I smiled towards her and then asked a question.

"I am guessing by the look on your face Katherine that the letter you have there is good news?

"Do share with us this potential good news you have."

That pleases me much.

"How long are we all to be merry together?"