Chapter 19: Fidelity and Infidelity
Paris, January 1313
King's Palace
Anna was becoming increasingly troubled by rumors and gossip of scandal. To this point she had dismissed these as lies, but increasingly she had seen hints herself. Just yesterday a man entered Princess Blanche's chambers, followed by giggling and ... other sounds. Blanche's ladies had all been dismissed for the day. And today Anna had seen much the same with Princess Marguerite. Her own mistress, Jeanne, was innocent of any such activity, she was certain. But on the other hand, Jeanne had to know what was going on, and she did nothing to stop it.
15 March 1313
King's Palace
"You may enter the royal audience chamber now."
Anna walked through the great doors to meet the King, though how she succeeded in this with such trembling, she did not know. She did her best to obey protocol, offering Philip her best courtsey and deference.
"Rise, maid, and speak."
"Yes, Your Majesty. I -- I come to you -- I come because I fear that you do not know of some indiscrete behavior in the palace."
Philip's face sparked with interest at that. "Pray continue."
"Sire, it is not my mistress -- she is innocent, I swear to you -- but the other princesses, men come and men go ..."
Philip's eyes blazed with anger. "Young maid, you have done well. Continue on your way."
Anna could not get out fast enough. "Yes, Your Majesty." She returned to Princess Jeanne and asked, and was granted, permission to go to Notre Dame to pray.
Notre Dame
Jean and his Templar brothers were caught in limbo. The Order had been officially disbanded by Pope Clement nearly a year ago. Former Templars throughout Europe had been either released from service or allowed into other orders. Even in France, most Templars had already faced justice in one way or another. The exceptions were the four most senior Knights, including Jacques de Molay himself. King Philip had not yet announced a final judgement upon them, and did not appear to be in any hurry to do so.
What Jean did not know was that Molay had refused to give an account before any but the Pope himself. Clement reacted to this with his usual blend of evasion and procrastination. Molay's opportunity would come later, but for now Jean waited vainly for news in Paris. He was able to stay with Claude indefinitely, though he hesitated to stay long in this dread city.
On this day, Jean ate his breakfast with Claude; then, as he often did, he went to Notre Dame to pray before the saints. He moved slowly from alcove to alcove, losing himself in prayer and meditation.
"Is it? It is you! Monsieur Jean!"
Jean turned around to see a lovely young maiden looking at him. To his astonishment, it was -- "Anna? Bernhard's daughter?"
"Yes! Oh, Jean, I am so happy to see you again at last!"
"How are you here in Paris, Anna?"
She began to tell him, but was so animated that those around them began to stare.
"With respect, my Lady, perhaps we should meet again tomorrow at a different place."
Though she resisted at first, he persuaded her to meet him at midmorning the next day, in the marketplace.
King's Palace
Anna rushed back to the palace. Henri, seeing her in such excitement, asked her what had happened. To his amazement, she told him Jean was in Paris, that she had just seen him!
"That is wonderful news, my Lady! You must let me see him first, so that I can tell him about his brother."
Anna had no choice but to agree.
Henri returned to the barracks and gave orders to three of his men. Oh, wouldn't Nogaret be surprised when he returned with Jean tomorrow!
King Philip's Chambers
"Enguerrand, you heard what the young girl said. Is it true?"
"It ... may be, Sire. There are rumors ..."
"Why was I not told of this long before?"
"Your Majesty, we had no evidence, only rumor or even gossip."
"Put a stop to it. Go, take a guard force, and find out the truth from the princesses."
"Yes, Your Majesty, at once."
By the end of the day, Enguerrand had completed his investigation. It was all true, even the worst rumors, they were true.
16 March 1313
The Marketplace
Jean waited for Anna, with both Claude and Rafael stationed inconspicuously nearby. Henri and his three men approached the crowd. He looked to one guard for direction; Albert pointed to Jean. Henri motioned to his men and they quickly took up their positions. Henri then boldly walked up to Jean.
"Good day, Monsieur, you are expecting someone?"
"Perhaps so, Sir," Jean answered stiffly.
"As it happens, mon Templar Jean," Henri hissed, "so am I!"
Jean turned pale but quickly regained his wits. Claude and Rafael would not fight unless signaled. Jean turned to see the extent of his opposition, then grimly accepted the verdict: his men were too few.
Just then, a strong company of King's men arrived. I'm glad I didn't order Claude and Rafael to fight, Jean thought. At least now they can escape unknown to the enemy.
"Make way! Stop there!" shouted the new Captain, Stephan. He led his men right up to Henri and Jean. "By order of the King, you are under arrest!"
Is this how you were taken, Brother Jacques?
Suddenly Jean saw that Henri's triumphant smile was replaced by outrage. Incredibly, Stephan's sword was pointed not at Jean, but at Henri.
"Men, take this adulterer away. Guards," he said, calling to Henri's men, "return with me." Then, facing the crowd, he ordered all to return to their daily work.
As the King's men departed, Jean stood open-mouthed in stupefaction. Finally Claude took him by the arm and led him away.
. Its going very nice as it is. It is certainly not too long. I do not wish for this part to be over it was merely out of curiosity I asked 
