Night at the River (Charles II of Spain and Marie Louise Fanart)
Authors note: A story based on fact
After a long, tedious day, the sunset and evening finally arrived. Despite the strict etiquette of the court, Marie Louise was filled with excitement. She knew that this night would be the most enjoyable she had experienced. It took all her self-control to keep from grinning the entire time. They just needed to survive dinner first. To her surprise, her husband managed to conceal his excitement more easily than she did. However, as dinner progressed, his enthusiasm began to grow as well. The two royals stifled giggles, covering them up with coughs. Slowly, oh so slowly, she lifted her food to her mouth, reminding herself, "Don't spill anything, Marie Louise. Don't ruin your plan for tonight."
It was difficult for her to contain her emotions! Her thoughts were interrupted by a choking sound. "Everything all right, Majesty?" someone uncomfortably asked Carlos, clearing their throat. Carlos nodded, covering his mouth with a napkin. Marie Louise noticed his bright red cheeks. He, too, was growing restless with each passing minute, trying to suppress his spontaneous laughter with fake coughs. Everyone at the table delivered a strange gaze at the royal couple, who appeared either exceptionally careless that evening or were in the early stages of an illness, coughing, choking, and covering their mouths as if nauseous. Secretly, everyone checked their food when Their Majesties weren’t looking, but none detected anything unusual.
Suddenly, Marie Louise felt something nudge her foot; it took her a moment to realize it was Carlos. He gestured toward the door, and she understood immediately. Both of them stood up abruptly, startling everyone in the room. They mumbled an apology, claiming they weren’t feeling well, before hurriedly going to Carlos's chambers, trying to avoid being seen. Once they closed the doors behind them, they burst into laughter. "That was so close!" Carlos giggled, and Marie Louise, still catching her breath, could only nod in agreement.
After calming down a bit, Marie Louise took Carlos's hands in hers and squeezed them excitedly. "This is going to be so thrilling! Three lone figures traveling incognito to a lake in the middle of the night! It’ll be a true adventure!"
Carlos's grin faltered as he looked at her, puzzled. "Three? Aren’t the two of us going to the lake tonight?"
Realizing her mistake, Marie Louise sheepishly lifted her eyes and said, "Oh, I asked the Marquise de Villars to join us. I thought it would be nice if she came along."
"Yes… sure," Carlos replied, slightly taken aback.
Carlos did not have the night he had planned. Although he was happy for his wife, part of him longed to spend a quiet evening alone with her by the river. The next day, he recounted the events of the previous night to his mother. Seeing her son's desperation, Mariana suggested that she distract the Marquise de Villars so that Carlos and Marie Louise could spend the night together. Carlos approved of his mother's plan, and that evening, they set it into motion. Mariana asked the Marquise de Villars if they could discuss some important matters together while Carlos and Marie Louise went to the river once again.
He gently placed his hand on Marie Louise’s chest before leaning to kiss her. She smiled at his touch, a soft giggle escaping her lips. With playful laughter, they ran through the fields, chasing each other until they reached the river. Under the moon’s silver glow, they waded into the cool water, swimming and exploring. Later, they lay side by side on the riverbank, gazing at the endless sky.
Marie Louise turned to him, her eyes shimmering in the starlight. “Have you made a wish yet?”
Carlos smiled, never breaking his gaze from hers. “My wish has already come true. What more could I ask for?”
A blush crept across Marie Louise’s cheeks at his words, and her heart fluttered. She giggled, resting her hand on his chest. “It’s getting cold. I need your warmth.”
Carlos chuckled, pulling her close. “It is rather chilly. Hold on to me.” He shifted over her and pressed a tender kiss to her lips. Wrapped in each other’s arms, they let the stars witness their love.
