Before Plantagenet - Chapter 198
January 1122 - Bordeaux, Kingdom of Aquitaine
“Whether true or not, they are destructive rumors, my king,” Adhemar said.
“They are
not true,” Marguerite insisted.
Geoffrey stroked his chin as he leaned back in his chair.
Another complication, he mused.
He had been sitting in his chamber with the queen, when her brother and his chancellor Adhemar had interrupted with this news from Flanders.
Duke Arnulf had accused Geoffrey of funding pirates and brigands who were harassing merchants in and around the duchy. There was no truth to it - Geoffrey was far more content to sit back and watch how the power struggle between Arnulf, Duke Alphonse and King Henri played out, while intervening if it turned in a way he did not like.
That struggle had already begun to play out between the two primary participants - Alphonse and Henri, after the duke had attacked the monarch, claiming himself the rightful king of the Franks.
However, Arnulf held claim as well through his great-grandfather Boudewijn, who had technically lost his war against Philippe… but never conceded having died first.
In either case, Geoffrey suspected these rumors were, as they usual, planted by enemies outside of Aquitaine who sought to weaken him further.
Though… the last time this happened in Valois, it was his own chancellor who had caused the issue.
“I take it
you are not funding these pirates, Adhemar?” Geoffrey asked.
Adhemar frowned. “No, my king. I am as surprised as you.”
“Then this should not be difficult to handle,” Geoffrey said. “We will reassure Arnulf with our honesty. We have nothing to hide. Prepare yourself for a trip to the northeast, brother.”
“That will not be necessary,” Adhemar said. “Arnulf sends word his chancellor is en route. He wishes to meet with you directly over this matter.”
“But Arnulf does not come himself? Or sends my sister Ermengarde?” Geoffrey asked.
“He says between the pirates, and the armies about in Valois and the realm of the Franks, it is unwise,” Adhemar replied.
It was rather insulting that Arnulf would demand his chancellor meet with him, but not come himself to afford Geoffrey the same luxury. But he would deal with that when the man arrived.
“I wish preparations to be made on this,” Geoffrey said. “For when they do reach here. See what you can learn of these pirates, and which lord is behind it.”
“It will be done, my king,” Adhemar said as he bowed. “Sister.”
The chancellor left, leaving Geoffrey and Marguerite alone, at which point the queen looked at her husband square. “Did you need to accuse him?”
“He nearly destroyed our relationship with Valois,” Geoffrey said. “I could have sent him back to Gascony in disgrace. He got off lightly.”
“Humiliation at every turn is a steeper punishment,” Marguerite warned. “Not that you do, but if you forgive him… it is best to truly do so and not make a half-hearted attempt.”
“I see,” Geoffrey said as he crossed his arms. “You have sympathy for your brother.”
“No, I have sympathy for anyone in that position,” Marguerite said. “Seeing as it was my life for a time.”
Geoffrey sighed and took a sip of his drink. The barb that he had been rather nasty to Marguerite for years after claiming he was willing to move past her affair with Aubry… it was true. And it remained not one of his prouder moments.
So much so, that he did not wish to discuss it further. Instead he brought the conversation to something he knew his wife wanted to talk about.
“My brother,” Geoffrey said. “Foulquesson. You said Beatritz has sent word he is possibly seriously ill?”
“That he suffers from something,” Marguerite said. “He is seen less in court and is growing rather irritable these days in private.”
“Hasn’t he always been?” the king asked.
Geoffrey look at Marguerite for a smile or at least a smirk. There was none from the queen.
“I am concerned for Beatritz,” was her response instead. “Your brother’s temper runs hot in the best of times. If he does suffer from an illness…”
The queen’s voice trailed off, though nothing more was required. Geoffrey knew full well of Foulquesson’s temper - the rage which had once seen him take the hand off a Prince of the Franks.
Of course, that was not something that Geoffrey concerned himself with too much - so long as his half-brother made no missteps toward him, he was willing to let him be.
Marguerite felt differently though, given it was her daughter that may risk drawing the Duke of Brittany’s ire. And Geoffrey felt her gaze upon him as he took another drink, and after a pause to look away from her, he replied: “You wish for me to do something.”
“I think it would behoove you to find out if there is something troubling him,” Marguerite replied. “If his temper grows shorter, he is a threat to not just Beatritz, but also his other brothers and the prince.”
“It has taken time,” Geoffrey said. “But he knows his place.”
“That is what you think,” Marguerite said. “But Beatritz believes he is seriously ill. And that can change a man… as you are aware.”
Another barb, and one Geoffrey did not wish to accept. But he had little choice, given his own actions over the past year.
He did not feel himself in his strongest form these days, especially after his near-disaster with Bella in the months before.
Thankfully, his guess that Bella would not dare reveal his advances for fear of her own status proved accurate thus far. Or if she had, they were not believed as the whispers that surrounded his old affair with Agnes had not grown any louder.
But it was a reminder of what he lacked - whether it was illness or age, Geoffrey feared he was past his peak and would forever be unable to reclaim the ability he once had showed.
“If I spy on my brother, I risk angering him, and for what?” Geoffrey asked.
“For concern over our daug… I mean concern over your wife’s wishes,” Marguerite said. “If it bothers you so much, I can take the request to Thomas of Limousin myself.”
“You have spoken to me,” Geoffrey said. “If I do nothing to stop you, then I give my tacit approval whether or not you are the one who asks my spymaster.”
“I know you have,” Marguerite said. “But no one else need learn of it. If the spying is discovered, I will take full responsibility. Let your brother hate me.”
“Let him hate you,” Geoffrey said as he shook his head. “And when you are regent for our son, what then?”
Marguerite frowned as her eyes drifted to the table. Geoffrey sighed.
“I will ask Thomas to investigate,” Geoffrey said. “Will that sate you?”
“Thank you,” Marguerite said. “It does mean a great deal to me.”
Geoffrey believed it did, though Marguerite was rarely very good at showing it. Her coldness remained and had arguably become worse over the last year as it became clear Geoffrey’s health might soon decline.
He had heard she had returned to periods of isolation, where she had been heard crying - a poor sign for a regent. She had not failed in her duties - it was not as if she refused to hold court or missed council meetings.
Yet Geoffrey remained concerned. What if she withdrew further? Alias and Agnes could handle much of the burden, yet would she in a mindset to listen?
“I have some good news,” Marguerite said as she interrupted his thoughts. “I received word from my sister in Charolais. She has birthed a son for your cousin. They even name him for you, young Geoffrey of House de Semur, God willing, future count of Charolais.”
That news caused Geoffrey to raise his cup in cheer. Mascarose, the queen’s youngest sister, had visited her husband Herve quite a few times during the campaign. One of those times had proved fruitful, with the then-baroness becoming pregnant. And now as a countess, she had provided yet more good news for the newly raised count.
“Fine news, indeed,” Geoffrey said. “I must prepare a gift for them.”
“Some wine from here,” Marguerite said. “A sword specially made for my nephew. I would say some armor, but I would assume you already gave that to Herve already? Along with a new horse?”
Geoffrey was silent. She had guessed correctly.
“Do not look so surprised, husband,” Marguerite said. “I have been watching you for years. I would have to be a fool not to learn your habits by now.”
“Do you have a problem with them?” he asked.
“They are predictable,” Marguerite said. “But they work. I think well of them.”
Geoffrey eyed her, a small smirk breaking through his attempt at stoicism. “You seek to prove me your capability as regent.”
“Somewhat,” Marguerite replied. “But more than that, I wish to prove it to myself.”
Of that, Geoffrey could approve. His concerns would not be allayed by one simple statement - in fact, that she had doubts at all worried him. But that she was making the effort to overcome it… it filled him with hope.
Geoffrey stood up and offered his hand to her. Her brow arched, she took it and joined him.
“What do you intend, husband?” she asked.
“It has been too long since I have enjoyed you,” he said. “My own problems have blinded me to my responsibilities as a husband.”
Marguerite blushed, but took his hand. It had been a while for them. In fact it had been a while for Geoffrey period… his illness had left him unwilling to expose himself to anyone. It was the longest period of chastity since the early days of his marriage, before he left Anjou, when he was too angry with Marguerite to lay with her, and had not indulged himself in pleasures with others.
He guessed Marguerite did not know the nature of his illness, or he doubted she would lay with him. And took great care to keep himself somewhat clothed during, as to prevent her from noticing anything amiss.
But it was a release a long time coming and most sweet, for both husband and wife, for once.
….
Yet Geoffrey’s moment of joy of “knowing” his wife once more was short-lived.
It was a fact he lamented a few weeks later, as he sat in his chambers, alone, awaiting the arrival of Adhemar to discuss the arrival of Arnulf’s chancellor to Bordeaux the day before.
A few days after is coupling with Marguerite, a rash appeared on Geoffrey’s neck. It was low, near his clavicle but given his illness, the physician was summoned right away.
Leonard’s examination left the physician shaking his head.
“It progresses,” he told the king. “Slowly, but surely.”
Geoffrey hoped otherwise. Perhaps for a miracle. Or a misdiagnosis. But it was a reminder he was getting worse.
“How much time do I have?” Geoffrey demanded. “You must have some idea by now.”
“I do not,” Leonard admitted. “I might have thought it would have been worse. You have fared well thus far, but… I fear your health will not last forever.”
A near useless prognostication. Even if he were not ill, Geoffrey could have come to that conclusion. He did not fear death so much as what would befall his family afterward. He needed to prepare. And part of that preparation was knowing how much time he had. A year versus five or 10 years made a great deal of difference.
After that day, he tried to cover his neck, but no matter his efforts, a part of the redness and rash seemed to come through. He could not take his eyes off it for long, or keep his hands from tugging at his clothes, or feeling the area, though the numbness made it a rather pointless endeavor.
And though he was uncertain anyone could see the rash, or could make out anything from it, Geoffrey had decided there was no way he could meet Arnulf’s chancellor in person, as had been requested.
And so it would fall to others, as Adhemar learn upon being admitted to Geoffrey’s chambers.
Adhemar lowered his head. “Pardons, my liege… brother… but the Count of Yperen wished to meet directly with you. Given the nature of the accusations...”
“I am aware of the nature of the accusations,” Geoffrey said. “But if Arnulf thought them so serious… he could have come himself. Or, as I said, sent my sister, Ermengarde. I’m certain she would not have minded a stop over to see her brother in Brittany.”
Geoffrey cleared his throat. “In any case, he sends his chancellor, then I will send mine. It is what is fair.”
Adhemar nodded. “As you wish, my liege.”
The Duke of Gascony turned to be on his way, but Geoffrey stopped him. “Alias. He will be alongside you during.”
Adhemar turned back. “Is that necessary? I am certain Alias is busy enough with his duties as your steward. I am more than capable of handling such talks.”
“I am aware,” Geoffrey said. “And I wish Alias to be present regardless.”
Adhemar nodded once more. “As you wish, my liege.”
As the chancellor left him, Geoffrey knew he had displeased Adhemar. Given that he and Alias had never gotten along, Adhemar would view it as an insult. And in many ways, it was.
But Geoffrey could not worry about Adhemar’s feelings. He did not fully trust the man, and wanted someone he did in on that meeting.
The duke’s actions in Valois, plotting against Alphonse for Anne’s benefit, had soured Geoffrey further on him. He had reprimanded Adhemar, but not punished him beyond that to this point. This would be the first thing that truly stung, and it was only fair, given Alias had helped clean up the mess Adhemar had made. Though it was… as Marguerite had warned him against.
But the situation just made Geoffrey even more concerned over his future. Between his illness, his lack of trust in Adhemar, and his concerns over Marguerite, her best efforts at alleviating them or no, Geoffrey knew he needed a stronger ally in his corner.
And if he could not rely on outsiders as he’d like, he’d turn to blood.
It was Agnes who was next to enter Geoffrey’s chambers, sometime after Adhemar. She carried herself with her usual confidence and dignity, even if her role in kingdom had been somewhat diminished.
It was not a total abandonment - she still worked alongside Alias. But she and Marguerite remained cold toward one another, with Marguerite leaning much more on Adhemar. That was something Geoffrey disliked, even if it was understandable - while the queen and duke were not close in age or relationship, they were blood.
But Agnes still did as Geoffrey asked, as she had when he dispatched her to check on Essa in Toulouse. That had not gone as he would have liked, as Essa seemed intent on doing what she wished, but Geoffrey did not fault Agnes for that - Essa was always going to be difficult due to her strong-willed nature. For now, he was content to have his sister as an insight into what the Duchess planned.
But it was becoming clear he needed more than that from Agnes. She and Alias could provide him peace of mind, but that could only happen if they were entrenched. And Geoffrey got the sense Agnes was looking for a way out - though he believed he found a way to avoid that.
Still, that did not mean she could not be pointed in her criticism.
“Geoffrey, are you really leaving your friendship with Arnulf in the hands of Adhemar and Alias?” Agnes asked without so much of a greeting.
“They may not like each other but neither ever wants failure,” Geoffrey said. “And Arnulf will not abandon our friendship. He likely still wishes for an alliance. This is probably a ploy to get me to commit greater support with the warring between Alphonse and Henri.”
“If you are certain,” Agnes said.
She did not seem convinced but Geoffrey did not summon her for that. He did have one bit of business he wished before he got to that however.
“How do things fare with your… protege?” Geoffrey asked Agnes.
“She is hardly my protege,” Agnes replied. “Her actions are far more yours than mine. Attacking blood for titles? Opportunistically seizing counties to expand one’s power?”
That Geoffrey could not deny. There was something familiar in the method of Essa’s expansion. It was incredible a woman of such beauty could prove such a viper.
And yet, the prettiest of flowers are often poisonous.
“Alias’ connections in Toulouse inform me the nobility are not pleased over her attempt to seize Narbonne,” Geoffrey said. “They grumble, but have yet to act. I suspect they are growing fearful of her.”
“Connections? His wife, you mean?” Agnes asked as she sipped her drink.
Geoffrey shrugged. Alias had remarried a few months prior - this time to the 30-year-old sister of the child count whose seat was in danger of being usurped by Essa.
“She is not alone in her concern, even if she is a biased source,” Geoffrey noted.
“And what does that concern mean to you?” Agnes asked.
“I am uncertain,” Geoffrey admitted. “Have I misjudged her? Is she a threat to my son?”
Agnes stroked her chin. “She… desires respect. She desires power. If your son can promise her that… I think he will have a most loyal ally.”
“And what of her son?” Geoffrey wondered. “This babe, Simon. Perhaps she will think him worthy of being a king in his own right.”
“A possibility,” Agnes admitted. “But her child is a babe. Much younger than your son… and younger even than your youngest, Alias. I would hope, should it come to it, the prince has well-established himself in your stead by that time.”
“I would hope so as well,” Geoffrey said. “But if he is not?”
“Then it may not matter who lines up against him,” Agnes said.
“No, it will not,” Geoffrey said. He closed his eyes and sighed. His doubts… his fears… would not be silenced. His time grew shorter and young Geoffrey was simply not ready.
It was not the fault of anyone. How could a boy of nine be ready to take control of a kingdom? Geoffrey knew he certainly would not have been at that age, even if he had ascended in Aquitaine young. And yet the prince might need to do so soon. Perhaps not in the next few months. But what would the next year bring? Or two?
Geoffrey felt a hand over his gloved one. It was Agnes, obviously seeking to soothe his distress. She was too good to him. She always had been.
“I have need of you,” Geoffrey said. “No… he needs you.”
“Who?” Agnes asked.
“My son,” Geoffrey said. “Your wisdom. Your guidance. Your experience. He needs all of it. For I need it, and I have been ruling for over 25 years now.”
Agnes chuckled. “You flatter me, Geoffrey. But I am an old woman. Who is to say I will even be alive when he comes to the throne.”
“Perhaps you will not be,” Geoffrey said. “But if you are, I need you to stand beside him as you have me. I know I have said this before, but it was not idle talk.”
“Why did you strip me of the regency then?” Agnes asked. “My position is weaker as a result.”
“Because Marguerite is his mother,” Geoffrey said. “And she will have say. Better this way, so that she does fall completely under her brother’s influence. I know you will not fall in with Guilhem or Foulquesson.”
“But I still am at risk,” Agnes said. “I murdered her father, Geoffrey. She will not forgive easily, nor should she. If she wishes me disposed, what am I to do? I cannot easily escape her wrath.”
“And that is why you have been pestering me about your children,” Geoffrey said. “Wanting marriages for them… preferably away from Aquitaine.”
Agnes lowered her head. “I did not realize it was so bothersome.”
Geoffrey smirked and shook his head. “You have been rather persistent. But it is no bother. Of the stresses I deal with, they are the fewest. Especially since I think I have solutions to your liking.”
Agnes’ brow arched. “Oh? What unions have you found?”
“For your son, the Duchess of Albany is an 11-year-old child,” Geoffrey said. “They are very interested in the nephew of a king.”
“Of course they are,” Agnes said. “Those Scots are barbarians. They literally eat their own.”
“Our poor distant cousin aside,” Geoffrey said, “I think it a fine opportunity for young Louis. His sons would become dukes. And who knows what else may follow? The Dukes of Albany have been a powerful lot, relative to the rest of the Scots.”
Agnes nodded. “I agree, even if I have my reservations about the Scots.”
“Well then, what do you think of the Greeks to the east?” Geoffrey asked.
“The Romans?” Agnes replied.
“Agnes, please,” Geoffrey said. “They are less the descendants of Augustus than we are, regardless of their purple trappings.”
Now it was Agnes’ turn to smirk. “I am impressed you have not let your illness lower your sense of worth. But why do you mention them?”
“Their child Baselius is in need of a wife,” Geoffrey said. “Emissaries from his court have traveled across Europe, looking for a candidate who is of proper class.”
Agnes’s eyes widened. But she did not say a word.
“I have met with them,” Geoffrey said. “I actually met with them first while I was in Charolais. And they were quite interested in my daughter, Aines.”
Agnes’ eyes dropped. “I see. And you think Helie would make a good lady for her?”
“I think she would,” Geoffrey said. “But that will be hard, given that Helie will be Empress of the Greeks.”
Again Agnes’ eyes widened. “What?! But you said they wished for Aines!”
“I did,” Geoffrey said. “But I am uncertain I wish an obligation to be drawn into the affairs of the Greeks. Marrying my daughter would tie us strongly. Marrying my niece… a tie that is less binding. But one that might be called upon if needed.”
That was only somewhat true. The young Baselius was only a few years away from majority, while Aines was nearly a decade. The Greeks simply did not wish to wait if they did not have to - and with Helie they would not. They had interest in Aines, but likely would have pushed for more concessions to wait. So, Helie would do well enough.
And while his explanation to her might have been construed as an insult, Agnes did not seem to mind, as she had tears rolling down her cheeks. Then she practically lept from the chair to hug Geoffrey tightly.
“I never should have doubted you,” she said. “I could not… would not… have asked for such unions.”
“But you deserve them,” Geoffrey said. “They do as well. Because they are your children, Agnes.”
“I am grateful for them nonetheless,” Agnes said. “I thank you.”
“If you wish to truly thank me,” Geoffrey said. “Then aid my son. I know you are fearful of the future when I am gone. But I am just as fearful… for him. Marguerite is as unready as he is - she knows what she must do, but is unconvincing. She may come to rely on Adhemar… and he cannot be trusted. And without you, Alias will be pushed out… It is dangerous.”
“So you will have myself and Alias opposed to them,” Agnes said. “With your son caught in the middle?”
“No,” Geoffrey said. “Alias and Marguerite are not enemies, but Adhemar will work against him by using her. He will have a much harder time doing so with both of you. Marguerite will not like your presence, but Alias will protect you.”
“So I will protect him,” Agnes said. “And he will protect me? I do not think you have fully thought this through.”
“You have connections and friendships he does not,” Geoffrey said. “To Herve, for example. And to Essa, and to a degree, Foulquesson. Those alone will not secure you… but with them and Alias? Along with the security that comes from your children’s high placement.”
Agnes was silent for a moment, closing her eyes as if to reflect. When she opened them, she met Geoffrey’s gaze square and nodded.
“You have done me right by my children, Geoffrey,” Agnes said. “So, I promise you, as long as I live, I will stand by your son. I will treat him, as I have treated you, in every way.”
“In every way?” Geoffrey asked with brow raised.
Agnes smirked. “I do not think you need to worry about that, considering I grow older every day.”
“You are as beautiful as you were a decade ago,” Geoffrey said. “Two decades, even.”
“And you are the same flatterer as you were then,” Agnes said.
“Did I not mean it then?” Geoffrey asked.
Agnes smirked and then sighed. “So you did, so you did. But I ask… do you mean it now, as you did then?”
Geoffrey lowered his head. “Not like this. Not like this anymore. I am not… what I once was.”
“Neither am I,” Agnes noted. “Despite your claims otherwise.”
“Age… age is natural,” Geoffrey said. “And you do so with a grace befitting of your class. This is different.”
“It is,” Agnes admitted. “And so perhaps we must be different as well. Not as we once were… but still together.”
“I… do not understand,” Geoffrey admitted.
Agnes rose from her chair and walked to his bed, motioning him to follow. Then they both laid down, fully clothed still, and she wrapped her arms around him.
“You are lonely,” she said. “But what I said for your son is the same for you… I shall remain by your side, so long as I live. You can tell me everything… your fears, your hopes, your dreams… your nightmares. We have shared everything, Geoffrey, and that does not end now that you are ill.”
He did not know that he truly could… there were things that he was determined to keep to himself. His darkest fears… his worst nightmares, they were for his mind alone. Agnes should not share in his burden… he left her with enough to deal with when his time came.
But he was grateful nonetheless, for her words did have meaning. She had not abandoned him. She still cared for him. After everything… and as he crumbled.
He rested his head on her bosom, and closed his eyes, and, as she kissed him on the forehead, felt a small measure of peace once more.
….
Nearly a month later, Geoffrey sat in the strategy hall. He had not intended this meeting, but Adhemar had notified him of a matter of importance. The chancellor had requested a private meeting, and was surely surprised to see Agnes and Alias also present when he arrived.
“I am sorry,” Adhemar said upon reaching Geoffrey. “When the guards allowed me entry, I assumed you were not occupied, my liege.”
“I am not,” Geoffrey said. “They are here for you.”
Adhemar bit his lip but otherwise held his reactions in check. However Agnes stepped forward.
“It is because this deals with Arnulf, does it not?” Agnes asked. “My brother simply wishes me present because of our sister, the Duchess Ermengarde.”
“And Lord Alias?” Adhemar asked. “You are here because?”
“Because the king asked me to be,” Alias replied.
“Alias was with you during the meeting with Arnulf’s chancellor,” Geoffrey said. “He shares responsibility for whatever you wish to tell me.”
What Geoffrey suspected was Arnulf wished to renew talks for an alliance. Given the conflict between Henri and Alphonse had escalated, the Duke of Flanders probably wished for Geoffrey’s aid in taking advantage. And short of that, just clarification on where he stood on who he wished to rule the Kingdom of the Franks.
“It is good then, that he is here,” Adhemar said. “Arnulf did not find out explanation satisfactory. And he has declared the friendship pact between us… is no more.”
“What?” Geoffrey asked. He could scarcely believe his ears. Never did he believe Arnulf, who was surrounded by Alphonse, Henri and the Kaiser would dare end their friendship. It was no alliance… but it had the potential to be.
And yet…
“How?” Geoffrey demanded. “How did this happen?! I dispatched the two of you to deal with this!”
“The chancellor was displeased that you did not meet with him,” Alias admitted, “as I told you. But he seemed content with the outcome of the talks… and that we did not send pirates after them.”
“Then why has this happened?!” Geoffrey demanded.
“It is possible Arnulf himself looks for an excuse to do this,” Adhemar said.
“Why?!” Geoffrey again demanded. “He is not strong enough to think he can stand on his own.”
“Perhaps he does not find us strong allies,” Adhemar said. “His mistake of course… but…”
Adhemar’s voice trailed off. Geoffrey eyed him.
“What were you going to say?” Geoffrey asked.
“My lord, I think…I think your illness may play a role,” Adhemar said. “There is a belief, warranted or not, that leaders deal no longer with you, but with your son. And they do not know what to make of him.”
“My son does not yet rule!” Geoffrey said as he stood up. “I do!”
“But they do know how long,” Adhemar said. “Perhaps if we could do something to reassure them. You could travel to Flanders and meet with Arnulf. He may be angered but surely he would receive you well, especially at your sister’s insistence.”
That would not be advisable, Geoffrey thought,
as my illness becomes more apparent.
“No,” Geoffrey said. “I will not go and meet him. He is the Duke of Flanders and I am the King of Aquitaine! He should be grateful for my assistance, or my son’s.”
Geoffrey returned to his chair and brought his hand over his mouth as he thought for a moment. Then he returned his gaze to Adhemar.
“
You will fix this,” he told him. “You will go Flanders. And you will speak to him.”
“And if he does not wish to speak with me?” Adhemar asked.
“A good point,” Geoffrey said. “I shall not send you alone.”
“Lord Alias, again?” Adhemar asked.
“No, Lady Agnes,” Geoffrey said.
“Me?” Agnes asked.
“I suspect Ermengarde will be happy to see her elder sister,” Geoffrey said. “All of our sisters think highly of you. Perhaps you can sway her, and in turn, Arnulf, to see reason.”
“I will make my best effort,” Agnes said. “But I have my doubts.”
“Do your best,” Geoffrey said. “In any case, Adhemar, make your preparations. You as well Agnes. You both will leave as soon as you are ready.”
They nodded and departed, leaving Geoffrey and Alias alone. The king turned his gaze to his friend.
“What happened? Did you two squabble?” he asked.
“I do not know what went wrong,” Alias admitted. “Adhemar is as he always is, pompous, full of himself… but that usually works. Perhaps his reputation has been damaged over the incident with Alphonse.”
Geoffrey shook his head. Though he did not trust Adhemar, he did believe he was better than Alonso, the previous chancellor. There were things he still wished to add to the kingdom - namely Navarra. And Adhemar was his best hope for that.
But the situation was growing troubling.
“I am uneasy,” Geoffrey admitted. “My disease does grow worse and I fear Adhemar is right. And it is not just those outside who see the weakness… those internally as well.”
“Essa,” Alias said.
“Yes, but Agnes watches her,” Geoffrey said. “No matter who sits in Toulouse will be a problem - and with Essa, she has reason to remain loyal. Others though…”
“We could make an example of someone,” Alias said. “To show your strength and remind who rules in Aquitaine.”
Geoffrey eyed Alias. “You wish for me to get rid of Adhemar.”
“He is a troublemaker you do not trust,” Alias said. “One with charisma as well. A danger for certain.”
“But he has done nothing wrong to me,” Geoffrey said. “There is a fine line between proving I still rule and acting the tyrant. No… we need someone who has done something wrong. Someone who has acted against me and my house… but one few will be saddened to miss.”
Alias stroked his goatee. “Well there is… the Count of Maine. He still plots to seize Anjou for himself.”
Geoffrey nodded leaving the Count of Perigord wide-eyed. “You will move against him?!”
“I have had enough of his insolence. I will not stand for it any longer,” Geoffrey replied. “I have been welcoming. I have warned him. But he is too foolish to see the forest for the trees. And so he shall…”
Geoffrey closed his eyes. “He shall pay the price.”
“What do you want done?” Alias asked.
“I want him hauled to Bordeaux, where he will answer for his crimes,” Geoffrey said. “And then… he shall not leave.”
“We shall end him?” Alias asked. “Take his head?"
“No,” Geoffrey said forcefully. “I will not murder my son, even if he is made to suffer to aid my other children. But he will remain under our watch. He will see few… and not even his wife, for I do not know if she whispers these plots into his ear.”
“For how long?” Alias asked.
“For as long as it takes,” Geoffrey said. “To end this threat to the prince… from him… and others.”
Geoffrey stood from his throne and took a deep breath. “Go. Head to Maine at the head of levy assembled from Anjou, Tours and Vendome. Then offer to escort him back to Bordeaux, where he will remain for the foreseeable future.”
“What if he resists?” Alias asked.
“Then inform him we will take his lands,” Geoffrey said. “And his birthright. For it is against his vassal oaths to refuse a summon of the king… especially when he is found to have acted against him.”
And with that, Geoffrey began the slow walk from the strategy hall to his chambers. These days… these last few weeks, had been too long. Too stressful. He could use a rest.
But he knew the only true rest he would receive would leave his son and all he’d worked for in grave danger.
