The parchment contained but three short clauses: King Janus left his kingdom to his wife Caterina, who was to reign, with their child, if there should be one; or alone, if the child should die.
He provided a Council of seven to assist her with the Government:
In case of her death and the death of the child, the kingdom should descend to each of the three other children of Janus, in the order named. The unwedded mother of these children was not mentioned and Caterina had never dreamed of their existence.
She stood trembling—her face slowly paling to a marble whiteness. "Mater Dolorosa!" she gasped, with a moan of pain, instantly repressed.
The Lady Beata put her arm around her to steady her; but Caterina drew herself away, standing upright.
"Call back the Chamberlain!" she cried, imperiously; and stood waiting—panting—until he entered the room.
Then she drew up her slight figure in defiance, her eyes flashing in her white, white face—her voice ringing scorn as she pointed to the document which had dropped from her hand.
"How should I believe this—this baseness of my husband—your King?" she cried. "Who hath dared to fashion it?"
"Beloved Sovereign Lady"—he answered her, and for very pity could say no more.
She turned from one to the other with an impatient, questioning, imperious gesture.