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Post by Annette nó Fronsac on Jul 9, 2008 15:07:46 GMT -5
"It's only midday, dear heart," I said, stroking his brow. "Oh my love, my love, stay with me, I'm here, I'll take care of you..."
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Post by Grègoire de Fronsac (D) on Jul 9, 2008 15:18:52 GMT -5
"Annette." I said weakly, my heart began to race, quicker then I thought possible. "Annette." My voice was harsh and my breathing became quick.
"I love you." I moaned in pain. "I'm so sorr...." I exhaled.
Gregoire's lifeless body lay there, eyes still open.
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Post by Annette nó Fronsac on Jul 9, 2008 15:25:39 GMT -5
I gasped sharply. "Gregoire?" Nothing. "Gregoire?" Tears spring unbidden from my eyes as I moved to lie across his lifeless body. "Oh, oh my love, my love!" Weeping, I gently moved to close his eyes. He looked so peaceful, like he was sleeping. Memories of our time together flashed before my eyes and I let out a loud, keening wail.
I don't know how long I cried over his body. Presently, the chirurgeon came to examine the body. "Gregoire thought he'd been poisoned," I said between sobs. "Doctor, do you think..."
"I think I may have to agree with your late consort," said the chirurgeon. "Madam, I am so sorry for your loss. But you must remember in your grief to care for yourself; you carry the Fronsac heir." He put a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Make preparations for his burial. I am so sorry."
He saw himself out.
After a while, I left the room. "Watch over his grace's body," I said. "The hearse will be here soon."
Weeping silently, I went to Gregoire's study, clutching the letter to Prince Delaunay in my hand. Locking the door behind me, I unearthed the coffer from under the floor and opened it to find Gregoire's will:
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Post by Annette nó Fronsac on Jul 9, 2008 15:52:27 GMT -5
This being the last will and testament of Gregoire de Fronsac, Duc de Fronsac of Eisande, in the Kingdom of Terre D'Ange. This being the fifteenth day of April, in the year ____, in the City of Elua, L'Agnace, Terre D'Ange:
Whereas my holdings include: lands in the City of Elua, including house and all its contents, lands in Eisande, including manor and all buildings on said land, and contents therein, lands in Siovale formerly belonging to my father, and gold in the bank in the city of Elua.
Whereas this day I declare that all of my possessions, belongings, buildings, lands and monies shall be bequeathed to my heir, child of Annette no Fronsac, formerly Annette no Eglantine.
Except: The adept Annette no Fronsac nee Eglantine shall receive the sum of 8,000 gold a year. For the first eighteen years of our child's life, she shall receive the sum of of 15,000 gold to pay for the keeping of herself and our child. Upon our child's eighteenth natal, she shall continue to receive 8,000 gold a year.
Except: Upon our child's sixteenth natal, he or she will recieve 8,000 gold a year for personal use, until the age of eighteen, when he or she shall formally inherit everything.
Whereas: I declare Annette no Fronsac manager of all my estates and monies until such a time that our child formally inherits.
Signed this day, the fifteenth of April,
Gregoire no Fronsac
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Post by Annette nó Fronsac on Jul 9, 2008 19:55:13 GMT -5
I read the will twice, making sure I understood it. Replacing it in the coffer with the letter for Prince Delaunay, I put it back under the floor and left, locking the door. The hearse had arrived to take Gregoire's body to the mausoleum, where it would lie in state until he was buried. I posted guards at the door, with instructions to let no one in or out without informing me. Prince Delaunay was in Kriti, I would wait until he returned.
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