Today as I was avidly reading my book, Notorious Royal Marriages, I came to the story concerning the marriage of Henri II of France and Catherine de Medici. And man oh man, what a story! I found myself unable to stifle my laughter at some of its ridiculousness and also unable to hold back my surprised facial expressions (as I often have trouble doing). I often think of how terrible it would have been to be a Queen, the wife to a King. Having to be on your best behavior, a loyal wife at all times, while your husband is busy whoring around in the public eye. Although, I'm sure queens did their share of whoring from time to time, it seemed to be a common practice for a king. Anyway, this is one of those stories that just make you feel so sad for the lady. I mean, yeah, she was probably a little crazy, and sure, she wasn't the most attractive damsel around, but you have to sympathize with her one way or the other. For goodness sake, she bore the man ten children within twelve years! And he most likely wanted to keep her pregnant so as not to have to sleep with her! What a life to which some of these women were sentenced. And just imagine being completely attracted to your husband, thinking yourself so lucky, when his least desire is to ever make love to you. I'm not sure how much liberty the author took with the facts of this story. It might just be how her writing includes subtle sarcasm and pokes a little fun at the situations, but my, what a sad tale. And that, my friends, is my royally historic rant for the day.
laurenthevampireslayer signing off.
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