His
Red Eminence
Armand-Jean
du Plessis de Richelieu
by
Laurel A. Rockefeller
Genre:
Historical Fiction
Priest.
Lover. Statesman.
From
the author of the best-selling “Legendary Women of World History”
series ...
Cardinal
Armand-Jean du Plessis, duc de Richelieu is one of the most famous --
or infamous politicians of all time. Made a villain in the popular
Dumas novel, "The Three Musketeers," the real man was a
dedicated public servant loyal to king and country. A man of logic
and reason, he transformed how we think about nations and
nationality. He secularized wars between countries, patronized the
arts for the sake of the public good, founded the first newspaper in
France, and created France as the modern country we know
today.
Filled
with period music, dance, and plenty of romance, "His Red
Eminence" transports you back to the court of King Louis XIII in
all its vibrant and living color.
Includes
eight period songs, plus prayers, a detailed timeline, and extensive
bibliography so you can keep learning.
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“The king calls into His Presence, Armand-Jean du Plessis de Richelieu, bishop of Luçon,” summoned the herald.
Obediently, Richelieu emerged from the crowded courtiers and bowed in front of the king, “Your Majesty! How may I be of service?”
King Louis stood up from his throne, “There is someone here to see you.” Motioning, a monk appeared and kneeled before the king, “I believe you know my guest, François-Joseph le Clerc du Tremblay?”
Armand smiled, “Père Joseph! Salut! Comment ça va, mon ami?”
Père Joseph embraced him, “Ça va bien, Armand! It is good to see you!”
“What brings you to court?”
“A special mission from Pope Gregory XV.”
“Oh?”
King Louis stepped towards Richelieu and patted him on the back, “You’ve been awarded a very special honour in gratitude for your service to my crown.”
Père Joseph placed the scarlet biretta of a prince of the church on Armand’s head, “By order of Pope Gregory XV on the fifth of September in the year of our Lord sixteen twenty-two, you are named to the college of cardinals.”
King Louis half-giggled with pride, “Congratulations Cardinal Richelieu.”
“A mighty gift indeed and a great honor, especially coming from both of you,” bowed Cardinal Richelieu as he struggled to keep his composure.
“The pope has more gifts for you which I’ve sent to your apartment, though perhaps the king has better accommodations to offer you that are better suited for a prince of the church?” suggested Père Joseph.
“That is an excellent idea, Père Joseph!” agreed King Louis.
“Most kind of you. Too kind. Please, Your Majesty may I retire from Your Presence? I am suddenly feeling indisposed and would prefer to suffer my illness in private if I may?” begged Cardinal Richelieu.
“You conceal it well, Your Eminence. But perhaps your Anne might know of something to help you feel better? Please tell me you brought her to Paris? For a woman she is the most excellent physician!” prattled the king.
“She will be most glad to hear you speak so favourably of her,” bowed Cardinal Richelieu as he quickly backed away from the royal presence. Feeling weak in his knees and terrified of the biretta on his head, Armand raced through the Louvre. Crossing the street to Notre Dame de Paris, he lit a candle and tried to pray. Sensing him from a far, Anne walked up behind him and knelt beside him. Armand began to weep. Anne caressed him comfortingly. Overcome with terror and foreboding, he clung to her, kissing her wildly until his deeper instincts took hold. Weeping, he lowered her to the floor, his hands and body set in motion by his blinding terror, love, and sorrow, the sounds of his sobs mingling with those her body and his made in response to his lovemaking. Armand’s body started to glow softly and uncontrollably with warmth and power. Anne held him close to her as his entire body trembled and he poured himself into her, half-screaming.
Anne brushed away his tears as she felt his completion and with it the waves of both physical and spiritual energy she knew would come of it, “C’est accompli, Mon Eminence.”
Cardinal Richelieu met her eyes, his gaze blinded by his tears, “Je ne comprends pas.”
Anne kissed him, “God has blessed you, Your Eminence.” Aware of their surroundings, Anne broke his embrace and sat up, “Come! This is no place for a priest, let alone a cardinal to be found like this. If someone were to see us like this …”
Armand took a deep breath, awestruck at her composure when he himself was still caught up in the emotions that drove his recklessness, “...agreed! You are so good to me. Yielding always to what I want and need and never complaining. I don’t deserve you.”
Anne found her feet, “No you don’t—but you have me anyway. Will you walk me home, Eminence?”
Armand found his feet and put back on his head the biretta awarded to him, “Yes, of course.” Walking calming through the church together, they both breathed with relief as the doors closed behind them and they headed for home.
Born,
raised, and educated in Lincoln, Nebraska USA Laurel A. Rockefeller
is author of over twenty books published and self-published since
August, 2012 and in languages ranging from Welsh to Spanish to
Chinese and everything in between. A dedicated scholar and
biographical historian, Ms. Rockefeller is passionate about education
and improving history literacy worldwide.
With
her lyrical writing style, Laurel's books are as beautiful to read as
they are informative.
In
her spare time, Laurel enjoys spending time with her cockatiels,
attending living history activities, travelling to historic places in
both the United States and United Kingdom, and watching classic
motion pictures and classic television series.
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