Middle+Ages+Letter

Dear Richard,

I am delighted to inform you that things are going pleasingly at the castle. I am proudly defending your lands again John. As you may know, your brother is currently plotting with your former ally Phillip of France to take your position. However, you should not be troubled. After my sixteen years of confinement at various castles due to the failed revolt of you and your brothers, I am eager to look after your lands.

If you remember, it was your father, Henry Plantagenet II, who betrayed me first. He was the one who had an affair with Rosamond. But, I shouldn’t have been surprised. My husband before him, Louis VII, was not much better. Our marriage had been arranged, but I was a great influence for him. Being only a year younger, I had a considerable influence with his rule. At first, Louis was deeply impressed with my beauty and intelligence, but when he suspected I was having an affair with Raymond of Poitiers, disputes came up. A fight broke out between Louis and Raymond, and Louis decided to press on to Jerusalem rather than defend Antioch during the Second Crusade. Of course, I demanded that our marriage was annulled. Luckily, I met Henry, and you were born.

I have been in contact with Marie de Champagne, my daughter with Louis, and she is well. I have also been writing to your three sisters, and your one brother. Of course, I am not speaking with John, that traitor. I hope you are having success on the Third Crusade, and I continue to rule as regent. Once you return, I plan to retire to the abbey for a time. Continue your great work, Lion-Hearted.

Your mother,

Eleanor of Aquitaine