The setting for this particular story is somewhere in the 1500s, while Henry VIII is still king of England, and in turn, King Francis I is still king of France. So it takes place around the early to mid 1500s in France since both kings died in 1547. If you want me to pinpoint an exact date, I'd say anywhere from 1519-1530.

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"The Lady"

As she turned her head, the sun shone on her fair hair. The light reflected off so magnificently. King François watched her and thought: She is like the goddess Aphrodite. Without fear, he decided to approach this lovely maiden. As he made his way through the garden, the Lady Jacqueline looked up.

“My Lady Jacqueline, my heart is yours for you have stolen it this very day. You are more beautiful than any woman in the world, and your intelligence and with is well known.”

“Your Grace is too kind. I thank you for your compliment. I did not mean to take your eart. You should have back it back, for you must use it elsewhere.” She looked up at him and smiled.

“No my lady, keep my heart,” he said, kissing her hand. With that, François turned, and strode away to the castle.

She watched him go and thought of his handsome face, tall stature, and how kind and chivalrous he was. He’s a fine man, she thought, but I won’t be his mistress.

---

In his apartments, François was pacing back and forth. How she teases me. She is so fair and as beautiful as a rose. I must have her. But what if she doesn’t feel the same? What if she doesn’t want me as I do her? Nonsense, she would be lucky to have me. But if she doesn’t? I must speak with her again.

“My lord? Are you feeling all right?” It was Jean Pontier, one of the king’s closest friends. “Can I get you anything? Some ale perhaps? Or music for entertainment?”

“No, thank you, Jean. I am quite all right. It’s nothing, really. I have been dazzled by a goddess.”

“Ah, so you have been to see the Lady Jacqueline today. How does she faire? Well I hope.”

“Yes, well indeed. She teases me, jests with me. I believe Cupid’s arrow has struck my heart at last. She is so witty, and has a quick tongue. A response is always ready with her. How am I to keep pace? Her grace and beauty overwhelm me. I am lost in love,” François said with a desolate smile.

“Oh François,” Jean said with a laugh, “you have said similar words about every beautiful maiden you have seen. It is your nature.”
“Yes, but this is different. She has my heart, but I do not have hears. She has a token from me, yet I lack one from her. This love plagues me. I must speak with her at once.”

“Write a letter, Your Grace. It will touch her.”

“No. I want to speak with her myself. I want to see the expressions of her face. I want to see her beautiful eyes and the expressions displayed within them.”

“Then, my lord, it will have to wait until later. Now you must make yourself ready for dinner.”

“Very well. Tu as raison. Thank you Jean, I am very grateful for your friendship. Now go, you must also prepare for dinner.”

“It is my pleasure, Your Grace. I shall see you at dinner then.” He bowed and made his way to the door, walking backwards. As he left, he heard the king call for his attendants.

“Allez vit! Monsieur, dinner shall be served soon and I do not wish to be late. You must make haste.”

“Of course, Your Majesty, we shall.”

Jean smiled to himself. He knew the nature of the king. He knew his friend well. He thought this woman would be no different than the last. But, perhaps, the king was truly in love.

---

The dining hall was lit and all of the nobility were enjoying themselves. King François was talking merrily with his companions, but he was also a little distracted. The entire time he was keeping an eye on the Lady Jacqueline. He watched her as she brought the fork to her mouth and her lips parted beautifully. He watched the color burst into her cheeks when she laughed. She is truly the most beautiful creature I have ever beheld, he thought to himself. Suddenly the king stood up.

“I favor a dance, and for this dance, I shall choose the Lady Jacqueline as my partner.” He made his way towards her, followed by his gentlemen. The king gently took her hand in his own and lifted it to his lips, kissing her hand lightly, “My lady, I would be much pleased if you would honor me with a dance.”

“Of course my lord, but it is you who honor me,” she told him in reply, swift as any coutier.

They proceeded to the middle of the dining hall and were surrounded by the king’s gentlemen, who had chosen their partners after the king. They danced as gracefully, almost as if their feet were not touching the dance floor, and François was all smiles.

“My lady, why do you blush?” he asked.

”Oh Your Majesty, it is because I am too excited. I never dreamed that I would
ever dance with the king.”

“And why not? Any man who does not notice you is mad.”

“You flatter me, Your Grace. And if I am right, you also make me blush more.”

“Lady, it only increases your beauty. ‘Tis a feature only you possess.”

“Thank you, my lord. And how does the dance please you?”

“Oh, it pleases me well. But it is you who pleases me more than the dance. I enjoy your company, Jacqueline. I thank you for being so kind to me.”

“But Your Majesty, you are the most noble man in this country. I could never be as kind as you. The whole world knows of your chivalry,” she said in response.

François smiled. “Yes, that is true, but I feel like a common man when I am with you, not a king. You illuminate everything you come by; it is part of your charm.”

Jacqueline looked down. The words he says come out of him so easily. He is a poet in his own right, she thought. She looked up at him and saw he was watching her. His eyes twinkled with happiness, but there was something behind them. It can’t be love? He doesn’t love me! He’s had so many mistresses before and been happy, but I have never seen him look like this.

“I have a book I would like to give to you. I know you like to read and I think you would enjoy it. I shall send it over tomorrow morning,” he offered.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I am sure I will love it.”

---

Alright, this is unfinished I think. I don't know if that's a good ending. It's a little ambiguous, but I suppose in some cases that's arlight. So I have no idea if this will be added to. I'm really busy right now, so if I do add to it, it won't be sometime in the near future. It may be done though, again, I'm not sure about this particular piece.

Right, now for some translations:

Tu as raison -- You are right
Allez vit -- Go quickly/Hurry up

The bowing and backing away from the king done by Jean was customary during that time period, as well as for centuries before and following. It was a sign of respect because they were simply not allowed to turn their back on their king. If that was done, it was a great offense. Feel free to ask any other questions about the story, setting, or any references I made if I did. I'm not sure. I'll always answer them.