Seventh Psalm [Broadcast Mind]

[takemysword]

[He is your brother and he is the rightful King of France. It burns in your veins which each heartbeat. It makes your breath catch in your throat. The man you've loved for so long. The man who got a child on you. The man who you are going to marry because of that unborn child.

Were going to marry. Because now you've told him you can no longer

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[bedsidemanners]

[This is one of the rare times he really almost doesn't want to respond. It confirms too much, exposes too much. She had been tricked-- she had been killed after all.]

[he's glancing down at first, uncertain]

... I'm sorry, Lia.

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[takemysword]

[And she's staring at him, then looks away a bit. He knows all of this, but there are others who do not.]

It was not your fault...you have nothing to be sorry for.

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[bedsidemanners]

I didn't want it to be true.

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[takemysword]

I always knew it was true. But I did not want to believe it either.

[Pause. But she manages a smile again.]

There are worse ways to die.

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[bedsidemanners]

... I suppose so, but... that doesn't necessarily make it easier.

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[takemysword]

I did not want Maximilien to take the path he was set on.

He does, doesn't he?

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[bedsidemanners]

[he could lie, or put her off, tell her it was unimportant]

[but that wouldn't do any good, and anyone with more than the most basic idea of European history could tell her anyway, all it would take would be the right line of questioning. He sighs a little before looking at her on the screen.]

Yes.

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[takemysword]

[She purses her lips, and looks like she might cry. But then her jaw sets and her expression is more resolute.]

Then we do what the Psalms said. I am a shield for the Royal Family. And he brings them down. For me.

[And one hand is sliding over her middle.]

I find it strikingly unfair I die for something I did not even want.

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[bedsidemanners]

[he sees that, biting his lip and swallowing. He's almost amazed she's holding up so well at something frankly worse than horrible. Shattering.]

I'm sorry to be the one to tell you. Listen, if there's anything I can do..

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[takemysword]

I would have found out eventually. Better to hear it on these terms.

No. I...can not think of anything. Are we still on for tonight?

[Another smile, then.]

He brought France crashing down for love of me. I suppose that is something.

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[bedsidemanners]

Yes, but are you sure?

[a nod, though he doesn't answer verbally. Love like that is foreign to him.]

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[takemysword]

Sure of what?

I will not break and spend all night crying, it you are worried about that.

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[bedsidemanners]

I didn't think you would.

[he still looks a little hesitant, but he smiles anyway] All right.

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[takemysword]

I want you to tell me. What happened to him.

[She looks resolute in this because she wants to know. She knows what ultimately had to happen...but nothing more.]

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[bedsidemanners]

[he's fairly positive he hasn't been this unsure of himself in a long time, fingers fumbling for a cigarette on his table, though he doesn't bother lighting up.]

He... he led a very bloody revolution. The monarchy was disposed of entirely. In the end, the people turned on him and he was executed.

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[takemysword]

Auguste? [Her first thought is for the dauphin. But he would not be a child, would he? No, he would have at least been grown when he was killed. Not that, she supposes, it makes it any better.

She is quiet for a moment, but she does not cry. One hand fondles her rosary.]

How was he executed? How did he die?