# IX: The Story of the Navarrese explained — Chivalry

> Chapter companion for Chivalry by James Branch Cabell.

## What happens

This chapter recounts the tale of Jehane of Navarre, her forced marriage to Duke Jehan of Brittany, her enduring love for Antoine Riczi, and her eventual imprisonment by King Henry on charges of witchcraft. It also follows the Vicomte de Montbrison's quest for vengeance and his subsequent political maneuvering.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Domnei (Lady-Service)

The central theme of the chapter is Jehane's enduring love for Antoine Riczi, which persists through her forced marriage and later political power. Her devotion is framed as a form of lady-service, where love is a constant, guiding force.

### Sacrifice and Suffering

Jehane sacrifices her power and freedom for love, while Riczi endures years of separation and humiliation. The chapter emphasizes the suffering inherent in their devotion.

### Power and Queenship

Jehane's role as queen is explored through her political influence, her imprisonment, and her willingness to surrender power for love. The chapter contrasts her royal status with her vulnerability.

### Illusion vs. Reality

The chapter contrasts the tinsel splendors of court life with the harsh realities of imprisonment and lost love. Jehane's golden chains symbolize the illusion of power.

## Character check-ins

### Queen Jehane

Jehane of Navarre, now Queen of England, is accused of witchcraft and imprisoned by her stepson King Henry. She reflects on her past love for Antoine Riczi and the sacrifices she made.

### Antoine Riczi

Young Antoine Riczi, Jehane's constant lover, is recalled in the narrative of their youthful love and separation. He later becomes the Vicomte de Montbrison's heir.

### Vicomte de Montbrison

The Vicomte, uncle to Antoine Riczi, seeks vengeance against Queen Jehane for the wrongs done to his nephew. He later switches allegiance to King Henry and uses his eloquence to rally support.

### King Henry

King Henry, Jehane's stepson, orders her imprisonment on charges of witchcraft and seizes her lands and properties.

### Messire Peyre de Lesnerac

De Lesnerac is sent to escort Princess Jehane to Brittany for her marriage to Duke Jehan.

### Duke Jehan

Duke Jehan of Brittany marries the young Jehane, adoring her but unable to win her love.

### Princess Jehane

The young Jehane, before becoming queen, is forced into marriage with Duke Jehan while pining for Antoine Riczi.

## Key lines

> I am held as a prisoner for all that my chains are of gold.

Although I am not in irons, I am still a captive, surrounded by wealth.

_Jehane laments her luxurious but constrained life._

> Friend, I have no choice. I must wed with this de Montfort. I think I shall die presently.

I am forced to marry de Montfort, and I feel as though I will not survive it.

_Young Jehane expresses her despair at her arranged marriage._

> To surrender absolute dominion over half Europe is a sacrifice. Assure me that it is a sacrifice, Antoine!

Giving up my power over half of Europe is a great loss. Tell me it matters, Antoine.

_Jehane seeks validation for her choice to abandon her throne for love._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chivalry_se/chapters/ix-the-story-of-the-navarrese
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chivalry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/chivalry_se/chapters