Author's Note: So, this is my first attempt at this story, well not really first but yeah. Anyway, I have made up some of the details like my character, and some of Spain's history. But, I hope you enjoy this story.

Chapter 1

A New Life

Spring of 1557

The pager rushed into the throne room, with news that will change everything. Catherine de Medici and King Henry look at the man, wanting an explanation for the pagers sudden arrival.

"Alexander Solomon is here to speak to you, it is urgent and he insist on seeing you." The young pager told the two monarchs. He spoke confidently and loudly, something he hadn't done before, especially not to the king. Catherine and Henry exchanged looks before Henry clicked his finger in the boy's face and gestures for him to let the man in.

The royal nobleman stepped out of his carriage, where he was greeted by the young pager . Alexander walked into the castle and towards the throne room with half a dozen men following after him.

"Alexander, it is so good to see you again." Catherine exclaimed as soon as the man walked in. Henry and Catherine stood up and walked towards the man, with Henry shaking his hand politely.

"It is," Alexander agreed, he tutted loudly as he began walking around the room slowly, "now we have business to discuss."

"And what would that be?" Henry asked, sounding quite hopeful for something good. As the man wasn't such good news, it was difficult to predict what he would want.

"My young niece, Adeline de Castillé, needs to wed a man. And, Francis is the man she needs to wed." Alexander told the pair. He stopped and looked at the two, Catherine looked uneasy as so did Henry. Francis was already engaged, but rejecting this would cost them a lot.

"But Francis is engaged, he cannot just end this engagement. Catherine spoke up, rather confidently. Alexander let out a quiet laugh, making the couple uneasy again.

"That is correct, he cannot. But, you can," Alexander told them, he walked towards them and put his hands behind his back, "you see, we can promise you a good, strong alliance with Spain and England, when Mary dies, not to mention, Spain is the most powerful country in the world, why would you say no?"

Henry exchanged looks with Catherine, wanting to say no to the insane, but promising offer. But before he could even speak up, Catherine spoke up, "that does seem very promising."

"Well, we accept. If we get what you promised, then we accept." Henry answered for his and Catherine, who nodded and smiled at Alexander.

"Good, I thought you might accept. The princess will be arriving to French court in a day or two." Alexander told the pair before leaving, the half a dozen men followed close behind, leaving the two to ponder the decision they made.

"I would be ashamed, but, their offer is a good one, we must speak to Francis at once." Henry told Catherine loudly, not yelling but just loudly. Catherine walked back and say on her throne, and began rubbing her head.

"Oh, what have we done?" Catherine whispered to herself. She lifted her head to see that Henry had already left the room, not knowing where he went, Catherine assumed as much.

Spanish Court…

Adeline walked up to her mother, clearly out of frustration as her walk said it all. Adeline had a way of getting her emotions out in the most unbelievable ways, as she did with her walk. Adeline slammed her fist on the table near her mother, who was writing a letter to someone.

"What is this?" Adeline yelled, throwing the letter she had in her hands at her mother, she took a step back away from her mother and crossed her arms.

"It is a letter," Mary told her daughter before examining the letter herself, "from French court."

"Yes, from French court! Why are they saying I have to leave tomorrow?" Adeline asked her mother, who had now thrown the letter into the fire.

"Because you are going to wed the Dauphin of France, and you are leaving tomorrow." Mary sighed before carrying on with the letter, Adeline walked near her mother and took the letter off the table before scrunching it up and throwing it in the fire.

"Mother, I am young and I really do not want to wed Francis, or anyone for that matter." Adeline argued back in disbelief, and as far as she knew, Francis was engaged to Mary Queen of Scots, so how could she possibly marry him?

"Exactly! You are the eldest and legitimate child of Philip. Besides, I head Francis is a very handsome man, and he has blonde hair, just how you like it." Adeline sighed out of frustration and walked out of her mother's chambers.

Adeline made her was back to her chambers to walk in on her servants packing her stuff, Adeline stood at the doorway, staring in disbelief.

Adeline's POV

I wanted to get out of this carriage, it was so stuffy and warm that I couldn't even breath properly. We had been riding for almost two days now, and I was still angry at my mother's decision to send me away to France, we didn't even discuss why. I unfortunately, had to go with my aunt, Celine, in case I got any ideas on the way to French court. I do not know what ideas, but I was getting a feeling of what they may have thought I would do. That wasn't the only thing that angered me, it was the fact that mother and father made these arrangements behind my back, as if I had no say in my own marriage.

I had already managed to listen to Celine's lectures many times, and I still hadn't learnt much. Apart from the fact that I will have to act like a lady, which I had no intentions of doing. But, I liked pushing my aunt's boundaries and getting her mad, like I tend to forget their names, and for a moment I did forget their names.

"Adeline, you will behave yourself, understand?" Aunt looked at me, I sighed and nodded. But, no, I didn't understand.

"Oh yes, I understand. Oh and who am I marrying again?" I teased, I saw aunt getting angrier by the minute, but that was what made the whole thing better. "I do not remember. Oh, that reminds me, did the servants get Custard's favorite food?"

"Custard?" Celine asked, clearly forgetting the aggravating conversation we just had about my future husband's name, but Custard was more of importance to me.

"Yes, my horse. And she prefers to have her pink saddle, not the plain ones. Oh, and she likes her fur to be brushed, daily and I mean-" My aunt shushed me loudly. I forgot, she couldn't care less about my beautiful baby.

"Adeline," my aunt looked out of the window, "we're almost here. Quickly, come sit beside me, I will have to brush your hair."

I obeyed and sat beside her, she took her hair brush and began brushing my hair, actually she seemed like she was trying to rip my hair out. I tutted every time she pulled my hair too hard, which made her slap my hand, like that would help.

The hair fixing show was cut short when the carriage stopped, Celine shooed me to sit on the other side, before the carriage door was opened by one of the guards. I stepped out of the carriage, completely ignoring the guard's hand, and walking a bit further for my aunt to get out. And as I thought, Celine rushed out and ran to her husband, Alexander, the idiot who made this marriage happen.

I walked over to the royal family and stood next to my aunt, who was still speaking to her husband, and asking the most absurd questions I have ever heard, "oh, dear, did they feed you right?" I stared at my aunt in disbelief, did she really just say that?

"Adeline de Castillé, it is a pleasure to see you again." King Henry greeted me warmly, I smiled at him as he shook my hand. I could have sworn you are meant to kiss a ladies' hand, and not shake it. Henry didn't look his age, he looked much more younger than I anticipated him to look; he may have had no hair, but that didn't always tell someone's age.

"Yes, it is, you have changed so much." Catherine spoke up. And, yes, I have changed after almost ten years, what did she expect? For me to come back as a child, or something.

"Well, I think it has almost been ten years." I laughed, but the two kept their emotions together and just stood there, making me uncomfortable.

"Adeline, do not be rude." Celine slapped my hand. I gave her a pleading look, why was she embarrassing me?

"What? You're the one who called their food disgusting."

We walked into the castle, which made me wonder where my ladies were, and where my future husband was. I wonder whether he is as good looking as everyone says he is, it all feels over exaggerated. The way everyone describes his face, and how people describe his personality makes me thinks he's Prince Charming, which I doubt he is. I was more worried about my ladies, and where they were. Maybe their trip got delayed.

"Ahh, my son, Francis. You finally decided to see your new fiancée." Henry spoke up, as he was in front of me, and some other people were, I couldn't really see how Francis looked. I quickly fixed my dress up before nudging my aunt.

"Where are my ladies?" I asked, she looked at me before letting out a small laugh. Celine and Alexander both walked off, hand in hand. Those self absorbent dogs, just walking off and leaving me.

"Well, Francis. Here is your new fiancée." Catherine said, sounding joyful. The group of people stepped aside to reveal my future husband, and… He did look like Prince Charming. He had beautiful blond hair, and magnificent, bright blue eyes, that twinkled in the sun. I smiled at him, as so did he.

Before I knew it, everyone was gone and it was just us two. I felt even more nervous now, "Adeline, it is my honor to meet you again." Francis smiled as he took my hand and kissed it, gently. He was very handsome, that even I was lost for words, and with all the rumors going around Europe about him being a sick and weakly Prince, I was quite relieved they were all rumors.

"No, no, the pleasure is all mine." I drifted off quietly, he laughed and held out his hand, I hesitated at first but eventually put my hand on his. We began walking, I don't know where, but I did not care anymore.

The two of us walked hand in hand, his hand were soft and warm, unlike mine, which were cold as hell. He told me about the celebratory feast his mother was throwing to announce our arrival, I was killing myself inside because of the whole feast thing as I was completely exhausted, but I felt as if it was my duty to attend, as a good guest of the French court would.

Francis escorted me to my new chambers, and I already knew that these will be my temporary chambers until Francis and I wed, then we will have to share the same chambers, as I recall my mother telling me. We stopped near the door before I went in, "well, I will see you tonight." I smiled at Francis.

"Yes, you will. Shall I escort you to the feast myself, perhaps?" He asked me. I wanted to accept, but I couldn't, either way, I just wanted to take a nap and not think about the feast.

"No, thank you. Oh, but, do you know where my ladies are?" I asked, hopefully.

"I heard that they were to arrive shortly, their ride was delayed." Francis told me before walking away.

I sighed and opened the door to my new chambers, the maids and servants were unpacking my things and putting them where they belonged in an orderly fashion. One of the servant came up to me and did a small curtesy before speaking, "shall we help you find a dress for the feast, your Highness?"

"No, thank you." I dismissed the young woman, who did another small curtesy before leaving my chambers. I clicked my finger to get the servants attention, "you are all dismissed for today, thank you for your hard work."

The servant put the stuff they had in their hands down and left the room, I sighed and sat on my bed. It felt so nice and relaxing to be on a comfortable bed, as two days in a carriage for me felt like hell, and it was really hot outside so sleeping was almost impossible. I wanted to sleep, but I knew that now, after I had dismissed all of my servant, it was unlikely that someone will wake me up. So, I stood up and began picking out a dress out.

I took a white colored dress, covered with black and gold patterns. I put some errings on and my favorite necklace on, and I was done with getting dressed. I still hadn't put my make up on. I heard a knock on my door before one of my guards came in, "your ladies have arrived and are here to see you." I stood up quickly.

My four ladies; Maya, Esther, Antoinette and Renée, walked into my room. I was overwhelmed with joy, the five of us let go of out calm emotions before we ran into a group hug. We let go and looked at one another, it felt amazing to be close to the people I trusted the most here, Renée gave me a small box, which reminded me of the box she got as a child, it was like a jewelry box, but she usually stored the little things she had, not only jewelry.

"Oh Adeline, we need to fix your make up and hair, you are meant to impress your future husband today." Antoinette told me, she was the most fussiest woman when it came to fashion, she was a very beautiful, French woman after all.

Antoinette took my hand and dragged me to the chair, in which I was sitting in previously. Antoinette took my hair brush and began brushing my, quite messy hair. Esther walked towards us, "I do not understand how you always manage to point every flaw out, really Antoinette."

"Well, let the woman enjoy this, she clearly seems more concerned about the feast that Adeline is." Maya finally told us, making us let out a small laugh, and I couldn't agree more with her.

"Well, you are quite right." I told Maya. I felt relaxed when Antoinette was brushing my hair, as she didn't try to rip it off my head.

Renée was another beauty queen, she always put her make up on perfectly and didn't need others to put the make up on for her. Renée walked over to me and began putting my make up on, I closed my eyes and relaxed, I heard someone walk into my chambers, "would you like some wine, ladies?" A man asked, probably another servant. Antoinette and Renée moved away as I opened my eyes to see a handsome young man, but he was unfortunately, a servant.

"Oh, yes please." I laughed as I took the wine off the tray. We all clinked our glasses together and laughed, Maya looked at the young servant quickly before speaking up.

"So, what's your name?" She asked him, the man smiled.

"My name is Leith, your Majesty." He bowed quickly, we laughed at him before he left out chambers.

"Maya, don't tell me you're falling for a servant." Renée teased. We laughed once again.

My ladies left my chambers soon after our conversation, and is teasing Maya about her love for the servant, Leith. He wasn't too bad looking, but her status and reputation would be completely ruined.

I made my way outside, where the celebration was being held, as it was spring and the flowers were blooming, it was nice to spend time outside. I was greeted by many people I hadn't ever met before, but I smiled and shook their hands, like I was supposed to. Although, this whole being polite thing wasn't working for me, and I was completely out of it. I still hadn't seen Francis this night, but I felt a bit nervous to be around him, maybe I did like him, in a more intimate way.

I stood quietly next to Renée, who was already making her round with men, including the Duke of Italy. I looked around the garden, which was filled with people, music and most importantly, food and wine. There were some people already dancing together, but I just wished that there would be some lively music you can dance to with your friends, not your lover.

"There you are, I have been looking for you everywhere." Francis exclaimed. As he literally came from behind me, I jumped up and sighed. He smiled and put his arm around my waist, which made me very uncomfortable.

"Well, you found me now." I sighed. We both began walking around the gardens, with wine in both of out hands.

"Adeline, may I ask, was a marriage something you wanted, especially since I remember you telling me in one of your letter that you sent me a year ago, that you were going to be an independent queen." Francis stopped us both and asked me. I looked around everywhere, but his eyes.

"Well, I did not know I was going to wed to you, since yesterday. So, no. I apologize if that wasn't the answer you wanted, I'm just not ready for that commitment." I managed to tell him, it felt nice to let out the truth to someone.

"I see. Well, I do understand how you must be feeling." Francis sighed before taking a sip from him wine glass, I felt as if that had offended him a bit.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. I usually get nervous around men and blurt out the most obnoxious things." I apologized while hitting myself on the head slightly, I looked back up to see that he was smiling again.

"You, nervous? From what I heard, you are very immature and not very lady like." Francis told me, smugly. From what he heard, of course my mother managed to warn him already.

"Wow, really? Well, you would be quite lucky if I was like that." I smiled, taking my description as a compliment.

"Well, I will have to be a bit more strict with you, my dear." Francis told me, I laughed at him before he took my hand, we both carried on walking around the garden again.

Our conversation was interrupted when Henry decided to give a speech about something, but he managed to change the whole subject to us as he announced our arrival to French court, and my engagement to Francis. With that, Francis looked at me and smiled, as so did I. The crowd of people began clapping for us, I felt an uneasiness in my stomach but I carried on smiling. It was then the fireworks were launched up into the dark sky, we just watched in amazement. It was magical in someway.

The king's bastard son, Sebastian, was the one person I had spent the rest of the evening speaking to. I hadn't realized how much we had in common, apart from the obvious free spirited thing, although I wasn't going to be so free spirited anymore. I had managed to rant on about my father's decision to send me to France, and it surprisingly didn't make him fall asleep, instead we just drank liquor as we spoke about my problems, I know, selfish, right? But, I was so caught up with myself, that I couldn't even listen to anyone else.

Francis had left Bash and I to our conversation, and I hadn't a clue where he went. It was quite late in the evening when everyone went inside, and I had left Bash to go to my ladies, well two of my ladies, Antoinette and Renée. My conversation with Bash must've made me forget that there were other people I had to speak to, as Henry asked why I didn't introduce myself, personally, to some of the nobles.

I decided to retire to my chambers after a small conversation with my ladies, it was quite late and I was tired. But, my mind was only focusing more on Francis and where he had went, was he angry? As I made my way down to my quarters, I saw Francis walking down the stairs, he had taken his cloak off and was only wearing his white shirt and his leather trousers he wore previously at the feast, he was almost underdressed and ready to sleep. The two of us looked at one another, but I decided to speak up, "where did you go, Francis?"

Francis turned around quickly, "I was tired, and felt no need to be at the feast any longer." He told me. I knew he was lying, he was mad because I was speaking to Bash.

"Were you mad because I was speaking to Bash?" I asked, walking towards him, "because if so, then you are being very unreasonable, nothing will ever happen between Bash and I."

I saw Francis's facial expression change a bit, he looked a bit upset, "can you be sure of that? Because I can't, he is older and taller than me, and some may say he's better looking than me."

"Francis, taller? Really? Do not give me that argument of his being a small bit taller than you," I assured him, "and he is a bastard, I can speak to him about a lot of things, he just… Understand me in a way others don't."

"I apologize, I may have overreacted. I just… Care about, I guess." He told me, sounding very unsure.

I smiled at him before hugging him, he felt so warm compared to me, as I had just come inside, and it felt great to be so close to him in general, "I will never leave you." I whispered in his ear, we let go and looked at one another, his eyes were he most magnificent color of blue I had ever seen, I felt at home when I was next to him.

"Shall I escort you to your room, you Grace?" He asked, passionately. He held his hand out as I accepted his offer and took his hand.

"Why, thank you, your Highness." I smiled before we began walking to my quarters.

After Francis had escorted me back to my room, I changed to get ready to go sleep. As I sat on my bed, I realized I hadn't ever kissed a man in my whole life, and I hadn't ever thought about it, even on this day when I got very close to Francis, even then I wasn't willing to kiss him. It reminded me that, if I wasn't ready to kiss a man, I was definitely not ready for a marriage.