chapter 31
Meanwhile, nobles and clergy approached the King, unhappy with the idea of following a woman leading an army. "This is an affront to our tradition and values," said a nobleman with disdain. "A woman leading an army? That will never work!" grumbled another.
Jeanne, hearing these cruel words, remained firm and strong. "I understand that this may seem unusual to some of you, but I have sworn to protect France and fight against the English," she said determinedly. "I am no different from any other soldier, and I have the confidence and support of the King to lead the troops."
The King, sensing the tension in the air, intervened. "Jeanne is a heroine and a strong leader, and I believe she can lead our troops to victory," he said firmly. "We need her courage and determination now more than ever."
With the King's words, the nobles and clergy fell silent, unsure of how to argue against the King's support. Jeanne thanked the King for his confidence and promised to lead the army with courage and honor.
"Jeanne, I believe in you, but before you can lead our army, you will need to undergo some tests to prove your abilities and courage," said the King, aware of the criticisms of the nobles and clergy.
Jeanne nodded, grateful for the opportunity to prove herself. "I will do whatever it takes to defend France," she said determinedly.
As she left the meeting place, Jeanne could feel the disapproving looks of the nobles and clergy upon her. However, she remained firm and proud, knowing that she was fighting for a cause greater than her personal opinions.
Rémy looked at the throne room for a moment, as if reflecting on something. "Jeanne, I do not trust those nobles and clergy you just met. They do not want you to lead our troops and will do everything to overthrow you," he said with concern.
Jeanne looked at Rémy with a firm gaze. "I know they do not support me, but I have the King by my side," she said confidently. "I will do whatever it takes to protect France and lead our troops with honor."
Hours passed and the long-awaited moment of the test finally arrived. Jeanne was nervous but confident in her abilities. She approached the table where the bishops were sitting, ready to evaluate her. One of the bishops then asked:
"Before we begin, I would like to ask you a question, young Jeanne. Are you a virgin?"
Upon hearing the question, Jeanne was surprised and quickly looked at Rémy, who was a bit uncomfortable with the situation. She took a deep breath and answered firmly:
"Yes, I am a virgin."
The bishops exchanged looks and seemed a little taken aback by the answer. Then one of them tried to justify the question:
"So, Jeanne, the reason we asked is that, according to tradition, virginity is a sign of purity and devotion to God. But don't worry, this information will not influence your evaluation."
Jeanne maintained her firm posture and replied:
"I understand, sir. But I want to make it clear that my devotion to God is not linked to my virginity. I am a faithful and dedicated servant, regardless of my marital status."
The bishop seemed surprised by the young woman's bold response but did not insist on the subject and began the test. Jeanne demonstrated her skills with mastery and surprised everyone with her courage and determination. In the end, the bishops had no choice but to admit that she had passed the test with flying colors. Jeanne then withdrew, feeling relieved and proud of herself.
After the test, Jeanne and Rémy meet in a more private place. Rémy, still embarrassed by the question about Jeanne's virginity, tries to break the tense mood:
"Jeanne, thank goodness we didn't do anything that night we spent together, right?" says Rémy, trying to smile.
However, his words have an unexpected effect on Jeanne. She panics and starts screaming Rémy's name, drawing the attention of the people around her.
"Rémy! But what are you saying?" asks Jeanne, with a trembling voice. "You don't understand, I'm a virgin! How could it be different?"
Rémy is surprised by Jeanne's reaction and tries to calm her down:
"Relax, Jeanne! I just meant that if we had done something, it could have compromised your reputation and your chances of passing the test. But I know you're a virgin, I believe you."
Rémy's words calm Jeanne a little, but she is still shaken by the situation. She realizes that the question about her virginity was not just a formality, but a way of testing her morality and integrity.
Jeanne takes a deep breath and looks at Rémy with gratitude:
"Thank you, Rémy. You've always been by my side, even when things seemed impossible. I wouldn't have been able to pass the test without you."
Rémy smiled gently at Jeanne, his words carrying a reassuring confidence. "Nonsense," he said, "you would have done it even if I wasn't there." His voice was calm but firm, and Jeanne felt enveloped by a sense of security and comfort.
"You don't need me to do anything," he continued, "you can do everything on your own." His expression was sincere, and she could feel his belief in her abilities. It was as if he was encouraging her to move forward, to believe in herself.
Jeanne returned the smile, feeling her cheeks flush. It was hard not to be enveloped by the aura of confidence and support that Rémy exuded. She knew she could count on Rémy, always ready to help, but also capable of giving her space to grow and develop.
It was comforting to know that she could count on him, but it was also liberating to realize that she was capable of accomplishing things on her own. Jeanne felt invigorated, ready to face any challenge that came her way, with or without Rémy's presence.
Rémy looked at Jeanne, his eyes full of tenderness and affection. "But remember, you still don't need me, I'll be by your side," he said, his voice soft and comforting. His hand caressed Jeanne's hair, making her feel protected and loved.
Suddenly, Rémy lightly pinched Jeanne's butt, making her jump in surprise and blush again. She looked at him, surprised and embarrassed, while he had already started walking away, with a mischievous smile on his face.
Rémy quickened his steps when he noticed Jeanne's intense gaze on his back. He made a gesture with his fingers, as if he had picked something up, and Jeanne blushed, timidly approaching to catch up with him.
"So, are you going to see the army today?" asked Rémy, with a curious smile forming on his lips. He spotted Jeanne approaching, with a flushed face, which caught his attention even more.
"Yes, I'm going to see them today," replied Jeanne, keeping her gaze low, but with a sparkle of excitement in her eyes. She was excited to witness the grandeur of the army in action.
"Do you want me to call your men to come too?" asked Rémy curiously to Jeanne, showing his willingness to help.
"No need," replied Jeanne firmly. "They will have the opportunity to get to know each other on the day we leave for Orleans tomorrow. I don't want to waste any more time, we need to act now." Her determined and resolute posture made it clear that she was focused on her mission, without any unnecessary distractions.
"Now things are really going to start," Rémy commented to himself as he watched Jeanne's excitement thinking about the people she would save. It was evident that she was eager to help France get rid of the English invaders and that she was willing to fight to the end to achieve this goal.
"I'm off, I'll meet you later," said Rémy, giving a mischievous smile as he pinched Jeanne's butt before leaving. She blushed a little with the joke, but didn't let it discourage her.
Rémy went to where he usually rested and lay down on the bed, trying to relax and forget about the worries of the day. But his thoughts were focused on Jeanne and her courage in the face of the imminent battle. He knew she was a born leader and would be able to inspire others to fight alongside her.
Hours passed and Rémy fell asleep, only waking up when Jeanne arrived, very excited and full of energy. "Looks like you enjoyed it," he said, noting her radiant expression as she took off her armor.
"Yes, I'm very excited," replied Jeanne, with a sparkle in her eyes. "This battle is the beginning of the liberation of France from the English and I am ready to fight with all my might." Her voice was firm and decisive, making it clear that she was determined to win the battle and save her country.
Observing the determination in Jeanne's eyes, Rémy got up from the bed and approached her, gently fixing her hair. As he did so, their eyes met and he noticed a flame of courage in her eyes that inspired him.
"You're brave, Jeanne," he said admiringly. "I have no doubt that you will lead this battle with honor and courage."
Jeanne smiled, grateful for Rémy's words. "Thank you, Rémy. I know I can count on you by my side in this battle."
Rémy smiled at Jeanne's words and, with a smooth movement, wrapped his strong arms around her waist and lifted her off the ground. Jeanne felt the pressure of Rémy's arms around her waist and her heart beat faster as she looked into his piercing blue eyes. Jeanne's cheeks blushed and she turned to face him. "I trust you," Rémy said confidently. "But I will also be there to help you if anything goes wrong." Jeanne smiled at him, grateful for the support. "I know you will be there. But this battle is mine and I need to lead it. You can help by holding the strongest and supporting the weakest, but I need to be on the front line." Rémy nodded with respect. "I understand. I will do what I can to help you win this war."
"I know you will, that's why I want you to do one thing for me," Jeanne said, a mixture of anxiety and determination visible on her face. She held Rémy's arms firmly, trying to contain the tremors that ran through her body. With tenderness, she moved her hands to his face, their eyes meeting in a moment of shared intimacy.
Rémy felt Jeanne's soft touch on his face and allowed himself to look into her eyes. "What's this? Wasn't it just about helping the weak, but holding the strong?" he asked, realizing the seriousness of the request.
"Yeah, but I want you to be careful. I don't care if you don't get hurt, but it's important that you stay alert during the fight," Jeanne warned, as she lovingly ran her hands over Rémy's face. She wanted to make sure he understood the gravity of the situation, but also wanted to convey to him that she cared about his safety.
"Don't worry, I won't get hurt. And even if I do, I have you to heal me, right?" Rémy replied, unconcerned about the possible injuries he could suffer in battle. His confidence was unshakable.
"Yes, but that's not the point here," Jeanne replied, grabbing Rémy's cheeks and pulling them tightly without causing any pain. He was surprised by Jeanne's sudden gesture.
Her blue eyes were like two crystal-clear pools that reflected the intensity of the desire burning inside Rémy. He couldn't resist and, embracing her with his strong arms, he sealed his lips to hers.
The kiss was fiery, passionate, and prolonged, as if time had stopped to make room for a moment of pure connection between the two lovers. She responded with the same intensity, completely surrendering to the moment.
Rémy effortlessly carried her in his arms, as if she weighed less than a feather, and took her to bed. He laid her down gently, gently stroking her hair as he looked into her eyes. "Nothing bad will happen, I guarantee it," he said with a voice hoarse with desire.
She felt safe and protected in his arms, knowing that there was no safer place than there. And, as she surrendered again to Rémy's hot and enveloping kiss, she knew that nothing else mattered at that moment except the passion and love they shared.
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