“The King has asked to see you in his private chambers tonight. It would be wise not to disappoint him.”
“Then I shall not disappoint him.”
She enters into the King’s private chambers. He’s wearing only his long opaque gown ready for bed.
She looks at the King and notices he was already expecting her. She coughs. Tries to clear her throat and continues to have a coughing fit.
“Forgive me my King it’s Consumption but I am feeling a little bit better.”
The King looks at her and immediately rings for his assistant.
“Please remove this woman from my chambers.”
On her way out she smiles and feels much better.
But she was a smart girl and had to fake an illness to avoid bedding with the King! Clever Girl!
~ Natalie
Consumption was another word for Tuberculosis; back in the day.