Chapter one: Return
Francis died six weeks ago. Mary was devastated, she wore black everyday for her mourning. Francis was the man of her life, her true love, her soul mate.
Her ladies,Lola and Greer tried to help her, but Mary refused to show her weakness and so she seemed happy when they were around.
Moreover it was very difficult for her to be with Lola who was the mother of Francis' only child, Jean-Phillippe , this was Lola who gave him a son, not her.
The only person Mary has accepted these months was Sebastian. Bash was the only one who can understand her pain, because he felt the same, not only he has lost his brother but also his wife who left the castle one year ago.
Kenna was gone to gave birth to her baby, the one she has conceived by the dead-traitor General Renaude.
Mary hasn't tell Bash about the letter which was on her desk. She has received it three days ago, just after he left the castle for duty call.
Kenna has written she will return to French Court, because she has some business to discuss with Mary. She has also mentioned that she will not be alone and the King of Imereti will accompany didn't know how Kenna has met the King.
She also learned that Kenna will return with her child and mentioned in her letter that she called him her sister's baby. Mary thought it's ridiculous because Kenna hasn't got any sisters, only a younger brother Robert.
She left her bedchamber and joined the throne room where Catherine de Medici the regent and the Dauphin soon to be King Charles were waiting for the King of Imereti and Lady Kenna arrival.
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Bash was back to the castle, he was gone for three days now, Mary had sent him to an important task, he has to checked on the roads which cross the castle to Ste Seraphina Abbey.
His time away from the castle was beneficial because he needed some time alone, away from French court. He has spent a difficult year, his wife betrayed him, then he was involved with supernatural business and months later lost his brother Francis.
He has supported Mary in her grief, but the loss was also painful for him, even if he tried to be the most stronger he can for his sister-in-law.
Once upon a time, Bash had a wife and a brother. He remembered Kenna's word when she said he hasn't any friends, and now he understood what she meant, because she was right.
"Riding again? So soon after your injury?"
" I've healed quickly. It brings me peace, being out in the woods."
" You mean, being alone. I know that this has been hard on you, too, our separation, but to see you flee an entire castle just to avoid being around me..."
" You needn't worry."
"But I do. I don't want to see you suffer on my account."
"I'm fine, really. Recovering in all ways."
" Well, then, why are you spending all of your days in the woods?"
"There's a friend that I've been passing time with... fishing, hunting."
"But you don't have any friends. You have people you're bound to... your brother, me..."
Kenna and Francis was the only people Bash was bond with, he had Mary of course, but it wasn't the same, he was here for her support not the contrary.
There was Lola too, they got close after Francis' death, accusing of murders. They spent a lot of time together, supporting each other for their loss. Lola was closed to Francis too, they shared a son together. But also, Catherine has banished from court Lord Narcisse, Lola's husband, after she has discovered her implication with Henry's death, they didn't have enough proof to executing him, but enough for banishment.
Lola asked for an annulment and also learned his schemes to marry her. The poor girl ended broken heart. That's why Bash and her got close, they were both broken soul.
One night they shared a bed, and they decided to become lovers. But Bash ended things, because it felt wrong and it seemed Lola was agree.
Lola was actually the only fried he had now.
"Bash you promise Francis" she said one day "Maybe it's time to find her and bring her back."
"I don't know if I'm ready, she wound me, she broke my heart" he answered to Lola.
"Kenna is a very impulsive girl, and sometimes she can be selfish, but she loves you, she always have".
"Has she written to you?"
Lola sighed
"No, not a word. Maybe it's too risky, I don't know."
Months have passed, and neither Mary, nor Lola, nor Greer have received news from the Lady. Bash tried to forget her, he worked as king's deputy more and more everyday, with the help of Nostradamus who was back to the castle months ago.
After Francis' death Catherine became the regent and help Charles to be the next King of France. They both agreed for Mary to stay at French court until she find a new marriage who will make a good alliance. Charles has also requested Bash to continue his job as King deputy.
Bash was about to go inside the castle when Nostradamus came to him.
"Sebastian, my friend it's good to see you. How was your journey?"
"Very calm, actually, the road are safe, Mary might be able to go to the Abbey"
"That's a good new"
"Bash, Bash!"
It was Lola's voice, she was running, she seemed worried.
"Lady Lola, what's going on?" Bash asked formely
"A Royal carriage has arrived this morning, with King Georges II of Imereti"
"What does a small realm like Imereti want with France?"
"It's not all... there is something more..."
"Lola?"
"Kenna is back."
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Mary greeted the King Georges II with grace Charles by her side, Catherine was with them but unusually stayed quiet.
"Queen Mary, Queen Catherine, King Charles."
"It is an honor King Georges" Mary said with a smile
"I know it is a very difficult period for you after the loss of your husband, son and brother, my sincerest condolences."
"Thank you, I sent my servants to prepare your future chamber, how long will you stay?"
"I don't know yet, it depends on the time we need to conclude our new alliance"
"So you're here, to make an alliance with us" Catherine interrupted.
"Yes"
"And what will your realm bring to France?"
"Catherine!" Mary said offended.
"What? I just tried to understand"
King Georges seemed discomforted, but he continued.
"You are absolutely right, my realm is a very small nation and I am a young King.
"I heard about the boat, apparently Imereti has a strongest navy, almost powerful as Spain." Charles talked for the first time.
"It's true. It's our advantage. That's why Lady Kenna said that it will be a great alliance for both of our country."
"I hear you." Charles answered convincing
"Kenna said?" Catherine added "And since when Kenna said is become important"
"Catherine!" Mary interact
"Kenna will be my future wife, Queen Catherine" The young King answer
"Nonsense!" Catherine cried
"Enough Catherine!"
"Your wife" she ignored the other Queen "She's not pure, a young King like you needs a virgin wife."
"Yes, I know she is married that's one of the reason we are here"
"Are you here to obtain her annulment with my half-brother Bash?" Charles asked a little bit annoyed with this conversation. He surely preferred the military aspect.
"She finally will have a king"
"Catherine, it's enough, Charles and I will speak with the King, alone"
"Fine."
The Queen mother walked away. Mary smiled at the King.
"I apologize for this, my step-mother is quite a character"
"I understand"
"You said Kenna, my former Lady want an annulment"
He nodded politely.
"Alright. Has she told you something you need to know?"
Mary seemed uncomfortable, and Charles had no clue about the subject.
"I know about the baby. She told me everything."
"Can we trust you? Only some of the royal member and my ladies know the true story."
"You can trust me. The child will remain her sister's child."
"Alright" Charles interrupted the conversation between the two other royals. "Maybe we can find an arrangement for our future alliance. Will you agree for a marriage?"
"I brought my little sister Princess Anastasia with me."
"Maybe we can conclude an engagement between her and Henry, the youngest Prince." Mary offered
"Sure. If your royal Highness is agree of course" Georges II turned his side to the Dauphin
"I accept, and I'm sure my mother will not see inconvenient"
"Perfect then. I'll send a servant to lead you to your bedchamber."
"Thank you for your time Queen Mary, King Charles"
"My pleasure King Georges"
The little King left the room. Mary sighed. And turned her head to Charles.
"I will tell my mother if you want."
"Thank you. I will write a letter to the Queen mother of Imereti to invite her to a party for the engagement.
Charles left the room. Mary sat on Francis' former desk and wrote the letter.
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Kenna put her baby in his crib. He was awake but nonetheless calm. He had five month and half and was in good health. When she gave birth Kenna was afraid for her baby, the nurse said it will be very dangerous to did it two months earlier. The moment she took him on her arms, she knew she was wrong all along, and finally her departure to French court was useless.
She didn't tell Mary the truth, she was afraid about her judgment, but now as she has came back to French Court Mary will see. After all her baby boy had his father's eyes.
Someone knocked on the door and she told her servant to open it. Three girls came to the room, her beloved friends, Lola and Greer and her dearest Queen, Mary.
"Kenna!" Lola hugged her followed by Greer.
Mary greeted her with a smile and Kenna embraced her
"You're back" said Greer with pleasure."
"So as you." Kenna added "I'm happy for you."
"I know where my priorities are now, even if I miss my own business."
The women snorted.
"It's so good to have you back Kenna" Mary said while taking her hands.
"Can we see him?" Lola asked very excited
She nodded. Mary, Greer and Lola came in front of the crib and looked at the little angel inside. Mary was the first to look at her weirdly, then came Lola and finally Greer.
"Kenna, is it possible you've been mistaken about your departure?" Mary asked slowly
"Yes. But it changed nothing."
"You're wrong, it changed everything!" Mary pursued
"Did you tell Bash?" Lola asked
"No and I won't."
"Alright, maybe we can talk about this in somewhere private, right?" Mary offered when she saw the two servants listening to the girl conversation. "My apartment will be more appropriate."
They nodded in agreement.
When Kenna went into Mary's room all the memories of her moment here came back. They sat at the same place like they did when they talked about her future time in Norway and Sweden.
"So Kenna, I think Bash deserve to know the truth, he is his father."
"I know, but he won't believe me."
"I think he will, just talk to him, he will understand."
"I can't"
"Why?" Greer asked
"Because he hates me."
"I'm sure he doesn't" Mary tried to comfort her.
"Yes he does and he's right. I tricked him, I'm a horrible woman."
"No you're not" Greer added "You were just afraid, I don't know what I'll do if I was in the same situation."
"Probably something better than what I did."
"Kenna." Mary tried "He deserves the truth."
"No, I won't tell him! Because when I will have my annulment I'll leave and he'll never see me again, end of the problem. This baby will be an other obstacle just the way I was for him."
"Why do you have to leave?" Lola asked suddenly "You've just returned."
Kenna looked at Mary. She knew she was the only one who knew the reason of her presence. Lola and Greer had no clue.
"I will marry the King of Imereti."
Lola and Greer turned their side to Mary for an understanding, and their Queen nodded.
"I'm here to annul my wedding with Bash, that's why I'm here and that's why I won't tell Bash."
"You are selfish Kenna! A child needs his father" Mary said with anger.
They all seemed surprised, Mary was never been angry to Kenna. Maybe it' because she was hurt, in pain for Francis'death.
"Kenna think please you can't call your baby "your sister's son" forever"
"Yes I can, you're not my Queen anymore, you have nothing to say about this."
"Bash is my brother in law, and you are in my castle!" Mary said outraged
"Actually it's just because Catherine has allow you to stay that you're here!"
"Enough!" Lola stopped both of the girl "I don't want a war between two Queens, Catherine is largely enough."
Kenna turned took Mary's hand with an apologetic smile.
"You are right. I'm sorry Mary."
"Me too. " Mary said storking Kenna's hand
"But Kenna are you sure about this? It means... we will never see each other again." The Queen followed.
As usual Kenna became frank.
"Yes, I am. I can't stay in the past, not anymore. I made too many mistakes. This marriage is my redemption, a second chance actually. And I need your support, you are my friends."
They understood now, Kenna was a broken girl, just like them, she has lost too much.
She was a disgraced lady, her former lover the King used her as an object, he married her to his bastard son whom she learned to love. But like all married couple, they had marital problems, which increased with time, and end their marriage. After their separation, she tried to found someone else, and she did, se was almost sure about him. General Renaude was a good man, who cared for her, unfortunately, he betrayed France and was hanged for treason. And then she returned to Bash, she was afraid for her, for her reputation and for the child who was growing in her. She really loved Bash, but she saw no other way, she was so afraid he would rejected her, that she lied.
"We will support you Kenna, but please, think of it"
"Maybe Bash is your second chance" Greer said.
Kenna stood up
"I need to check on my son"
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She walked into the corridor. It was strange to be back at the castle. She missed it, her time here, with her friends, with some other ladies, with Bash.
She missed the festivities, of course they organized parties in Imereti, but it was more calm, more intimate.
She thought about her time there. Georges was a great King and a very good friend. But the first time they kissed, it was very uncomfortable for both of them, it's not that he was a bad kisser, actually he's a good one, but it's actually like kissing a brother. He has never bedded her. She has stayed by his side for the political, and sometimes for fun. They rode horses, or played croquet, even read books at the library. And sometimes she told him tales about her time in France, and her husband.
"I loved him deeply, and we were happy, but I screwed everything"
"I am sorry. Is he the father of Alexander? You can tell me the truth I won't judge you. I made some mistakes too."
"Yes he is. If only I was aware earlier."
"Because he wouldn't put a end at your marriage."
"I'm not sure. I don't know, maybe..."
Georges was a good listener, and he comforts her. They told each other their darkest secrets.
And one day he has confessed to her that he loved an other girl, she was thirteen, and was very beautiful, except she was a kitchen girl.
After his disclosure, Kenna couldn't stop to think about Greer and Leith, this fairytale was very scandalous at court, and it was very difficult times for Greer, and her reputation.
But a relationship between a King and a kitchen girl was worse. And when his mother was aware, none of them knew how, she has banished the kitchen girl, and wanted to marry her son with a Lady, and King Georges chose her, because she was the only one he could trust.
She opened the door to her former chamber, not the one that Bash and her used to share, her first chamber.
He was here. Bash. With her baby in his arms. He looked uncomfortable with Alexander.
"Bash, what are you doing here?" She asked a little bit surprised
"I'm sorry, he wouldn't stop crying, and no one was around so I tried to lull him"
Reluctantly, she smiled.
"Thank you."
She took her son back and put him into his crib. Then she turned back, to face her husband. They stayed quiet, just looked at each other.
"Kenna, he looks a lot like you, hope it will stay this way."
"Why do you say this?"she asked with little anger
"He is lucky to don't share feature with a traitor.
Kenna was upset, Bash was insulted her and her baby but also he didn't even recognized his own son.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it..."
"Actually he looks a lot like his father, but you don't see it don't you?"
Bash stayed quiet.
Then she remembered his anger against her before her departure, when he learned she was pregnant of another man's baby.
"You wanted me to believe the child was mine. Surely I would take you back."
"No I wanted it to be yours"
"To save you from ruin. To save you from having a traitor's child, a man who was hanged for trying to kill our king"
"Please Bash, don't abandoned me, I cannot have this child without you"
"If you had come to me in honesty, I might have considered it. But you lied to me and tried to trick me."
"Because I saw no other way! You know what it's like to be born a bastard, the shame and the scorn"
"Stop using this child only to save yourself. We are finished"
"Kenna?"
"Yes."
"Why did you come back? Are you not afraid, about your reputation?"
This words meant he was not going to call the baby his, it will never be his intention.
"He is my sister's baby, she was dead by giving birth"
"But you don't have any sisters"
"I know."
"You know we're still married."
"Yes, but I need an annulment that's why I'm here, to end our marriage, to be the next Queen of Imereti"
"I heard about this. Do you really want this, I mean Kenna, remember when Antoine tried to trick you just for revenge.!"
"Georges is nothing like Antoine, Bash."
"Does he know about your son or did you trick him too?"
She could hear his touché.
"I think none of this is your concern. Thank you Bash for lulling my son. But now I think you should go"
"Kenna, you can't fool him too, he is King."
"Please leave"
Then he left. She couldn't say him the truth. Mary was right he needed to know Alexander was his blood. But will he even believe her?