Le+Livre+des+Faits+et+bonnes+Moeurs+du+Sage+Roi+Charles+Part+IV

The Louvre castle, Paris, France

Sometime between 1392 and 1402

I step out of the carriage and take in the massive structure of the louvre. It's a huge stronghold, like a larger version of my house, only with soaring towers, and a keep. In fact the only similarities it has to my house are the flying buttresses, really there is very little in common. It is like a church, with soaring high ceilings, only pointier and angrier. I enter the palace and am escorted through the halls and gardens by two guards. When we reach the Duke's chambers they depart and I knock on the door. He opens the door and I see him, Phillip the Bold of Burgundy, and I wonder what he has to say to me. "Bonjour Madame Pizan," he smiles in a way that makes me nervous. "Bonjour your highness," I curtsy and do not smile back. "Please follow me," he says and sets off down the hall. I follow him and we come out into a beautiful garden where a table is set. He sits down and I do so too. "So Madame Pizan," he begins,"I hear you have taken up writing." "Yes your highness," I reply. "I have been shown some of your work by my courtiers and I must say that I am impressed," he tells me," Your writing is sincere and thoughtful, and I think the style is perfect for what I have in mind." "What is it that you have in mind your highness?" I ask. "Well as you know, His majesty King Charles V, has been dead for quite some time now," He tells me, as if I don't know, "and I was wondering, if you would be interested in writing his biography?" I stare at him for a few seconds processing this. "You are saying that you would like me to write a biography of Charles V?" I say, "Your highness, I would be honoured, his majesty employed my father and husband, but I do not have enough information." "Ah and that's where I can help you," he responds, "Would you care to dine with me?" "Of course your highness," I smile politely. We eat a large lunch with many fatty meats dripping with rich sauces that we eat with our hands, and then a dessert of cheese, wine, sugar and marzipan. The meal ends and he stands up. "Follow me Madame Pizan," and with that he walks off, not bothering to look behind and see if I'm following. I do of course.