Chapter 7, a king is executed

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The rebels unanimously believed that the king should be subjected to a fair trial to determine his guilt. Therefore, Charles I was tried at Westminster Abbey in London after his capture—ironically, Westminster Abbey is also the place where English kings were crowned after the Reformation. Charles I did not recognize the legitimacy of this court; he refused to defend himself and did not acknowledge any charges against him. However, ultimately, fifty-nine out of the one hundred thirty-five members of the special court signed the order issued by the rebel leader Cromwell, deciding to execute the king—whom they referred to as a tyrant, traitor, murderer, and enemy of the state.

However, Louis could only remain silent, for he knew that the rumors were instigated by the Queen Mother, that is, from his mother Anne. Some individuals were striving to facilitate his marriage to Henriette, while Queen Mother Anne and Cardinal Mazarin merely wished to retain the position of France and Navarre as their most powerful bargaining chips. Indeed, France has many enemies, but there are also many who hope to become its allies.

However, Louis's tenderness still provided her with comfort, but unfortunately, with Queen Anne and Mazarin present, her Henriette could not become the Queen of France

She is destined to be disappointed

He knew he should control himself with the rationality of an adult, yet he could not help but feel a surge of irritation. The youthful blood of a ten-year-old always surged within him, prompting him to do many things that he himself found difficult to understand. It was akin to the uncontrollable anger he felt due to the wizard's disdain—while their talents were commendable, bringing them before the king was merely another form of mob.

However, some say that Princess Henriette is a person of inherently cruel nature, and she does not even weep for her own father

Bishop Mazarin only lifted the curtain in front of the window slightly, as he watched his little king, Louis, standing in the courtyard, gazing at Queen Mary of England leaving with regret. His heart was filled with both comfort and bitterness, along with a hint of fear

However, to say that they truly seek nothing from secular power, the king absolutely does not believe it

Do you think he was instigated by someone?" Mazarin said: "No, Your Majesty, I can only say that I thought it was impossible for there to be a natural ruler... but I seem to have been mistaken

At this point, the messenger could not help but burst into tears, and Queen Marie fainted once again. However, she still insisted on finding a way to entertain and repay this loyal individual. This was not easy for them—they had escaped from Paris in great haste, empty-handed. In order to maintain the dignity befitting the king, Queen Anne had already begun secretly pawning her jewelry and fine garments, leaving her unable to attend to her husband's sister and niece.

To make Louis say that there is no malice more pure than this. Henriette is only 4 years old, a child who would only cry if pushed off a chair, and she has never seen her father since her birth; her only impressions come from oral accounts or a small portrait on a pendant. Moreover, can a child of such an age truly understand what death means? Unless she has lived another life before. Moreover, can a child of such an age truly understand what death means? Unless she has lived another life before

On January 30, 1649, this respected yet unfortunate king was led to the guillotine, reportedly unperturbed, smiling, and even reciting a poem, referring to himself as a martyr for the people

Upon hearing the news that her husband, her king, had been publicly executed by a group of shameless traitors, Queen Mary immediately fainted. However, she soon regained consciousness with the help of smelling salts and strong liquor. She inquired in detail about all the news concerning Charles I. The messenger later reported that the queen held a handkerchief to wipe her tears in one hand and a cross in the other. While continuously praying for her husband, she also expressed her pride in him, for Charles I did not show weakness before those thugs, thus preserving the honor of his position as King of Scotland, England, and Ireland.

Yet he could not help but press Bishop Mazaran about this matter. During his flight at night, when he encountered the werewolf, he felt for the first time how close death was to him. The king in reality was completely different from the king in books; he could be ignored by his subjects, deceived by his attendants, hunted down and even executed by his people. Now, he had to face dark creatures that should only exist in nightmares. He desperately needed something to reassure him, yet he was ruthlessly mocked, and fate was not kind to him.

However, Louis did not leave empty-handed; at the very least, he learned that Mazarin's bottom line was even lower than he had imagined, and that the wizards might be more arrogant and shortsighted than he had thought

Louis believed that Mazarin would no longer allow him to continue his association with Marie Mancini, but what he did not expect was that Mazarin not only tacitly approved of their interactions but also intentionally encouraged them to go out together. At first, Louis did not understand his intentions, but later he encountered Queen Mary of England—clearly, the bishop's leniency was merely a choice of the lesser of two evils. He was concerned that the young Louis might be incited or persuaded by Queen Mary.

Are you accusing Louis

No, what I mean is that he has already become proficient in using what he can master, and he is also very clear about what he wants

"Please tell me," Queen Anne could not help but ask, "What is it that concerns you so? Is it my child, is it Louis, Mr. Bishop?"

Queen Marie is indeed pitiable, Louis holds immense sympathy for her, as well as for Princess Henriette, his cousin, but he does not believe he can help her in any way. He is still far from power, and even if he could, why not command Duke de Condé to reclaim Paris for him and eliminate the mob, thus sparing everyone from suffering together in Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois

Without any intentions, they would not have formed a marital alliance with Mazarin. Consider the age of Marie; 1642 was precisely the year Mazarin entered the College of Cardinals. They must have made their decision when Mazarin was recommended to Louis XIII by Richelieu. After all, following the fall from power of Marie de' Medici, the only Italian in the court closest to power was Jules Mazarin. They not only facilitated the marriage alliance but also sent Marie Mancini to be by Mazarin's side, serving as the Queen Mother's maid, with their intentions being transparently clear.