This is for all the Lola/Narcisse lovers out there who, like me, can't find enough fanfictions to read. Hope you like this first chapter, I'll try to update as often as I can. Cheers people!

CHAPTER ONE

Lola didn't know why Mary had wished to speak with her. She dreaded the moment, believing that the time to face her wrath had eventually come. Lola knew that Mary had been hurt when she had learnt that her best friend and her husband had conceived a child together. It had not been on purpose, and Lola had certainly not wanted to cause her friend any pain. But in the heat of the moment, she and Francis had made a mistake and the result now lay peacefully in the nursery and was being protected by the King's guard. Lola felt her heart swell with pride at the thought of her son, of her beautiful Robert. Oh no, wait: his name was Jean-Philippe now. A horrible name if you asked Lola, but she hadn't had a say in the choosing of her own child's name. She had been saddened to learn that her choice had not even been considered by Francis and Lady Catherine. It was even a miracle that Mary had asked her opinion on who the godparents should be. However, to Lola, her son would always be Robert, her precious Robert whom she loved more than any other person on this planet.

When Lola reached the throne room, she heard many voices from behind the closed doors and her heart raced in her chest. Had Mary decided to punish her publicly for her act? Would she really be as angry as to execute her best friend and her husband's bastard son? Of course it didn't sound like something Mary would do, but she had changed so much the past few months and Lola didn't know what to expect. Tears welled up in her eyes as she pushed the heavy doors open and entered the throne room, which was filled with a dozen nobles, a few servants, her friends and the royal family. Lola felt like a strayed lamb surrounded by a pack of wolves. Everyone was watching her, some with pity and others coldly. But what scared Lola the most were the tears on Kenna and Greer's faces. Mary and Francis looked impassive, almost distant when their gazes met. Lola felt her heart tighten in her chest. This was the end.

Maybe it wasn't that bad, she thought to herself. Her reputation was ruined, no one would like to marry her, besides she wasn't even sure if she could get her dowry back. And yet, she couldn't bear the thought of never seeing her son again. She was grateful for the few minutes of tenderness they had shared the same morning. Only, she thought, if she had known that today would be her last day, she would have written a letter or asked someone like Kenna to tell him all about his mother when he grew up and not let anyone defame her name. But she hadn't even considered this option. Mary had never been the kind of person to enjoy punishments by death. And yet, maybe Lola had gone too far this time.

"Lola, I am pleased that you have been able to join us so soon", Francis fruity voice announced loudly, so that everyone in the room would clearly understand what he was saying, "There are a few matters my queen and I would like to discuss with you about your future here with us". Lola felt tears well up in her eyes, but she bravely swallowed them back. She wouldn't let anyone see how terrified she was. Mary's expression didn't change, she didn't show any feelings at all. Had their friendship really hit the ground? Kenna hid her face against Bash's chest and tried to hide her tears, while Greer encouragingly smiled at Lola, which didn't reassure her in the least.

"Why have I been brought here?", the young Lola asked, looking at the royal couple coldly, "Why make a show about my execution?" Then, she noticed Mary's face become blank and her eyes betrayed her incredulousness.

"Execution? No Lola, we… haven't decided to execute you, of course not, you are our friend… but there are other matters we have been forced to consider in order to protect France and its people." Lola's heart leapt in her chest at the announcement and she almost laughed at her foolishness. Of course Mary would never had gone this far. It was a great relief to know that their friendship hadn't got worse.

"Lola", Francis began, "the council, your queen and myself have decided to marry you off to a person of great power and importance. This alliance between you and this Lord will keep France out of trouble and will help you start a new life, far away from your past indiscretions. It is not only a good bargain for us, but also for you. Your reputation will be cleansed and… ", Lola wasn't listening anymore. She felt hatred build up in her heart. How had they dared? How could Mary have possibly approve of this terrible fate? Kenna looked apologetically at her, Greer exited the room. Lola wasn't sure how she should react. She couldn't stand the pitiful looks, the cold stares and the disapproving glances. She could hear a noble whisper to his wife: "… deserves better than a kitchen wench… our daughter would be a better fit" Lola ignored the comment and stood proudly in front of the royal couple, feigning interest in Francis' speech. Once she had been dismissed, she forgot to bow and left the room quickly, so she could freely let her tears flow in the corridor.

She had found an isolated place in the eastern wing and was now leaning with her arms on the window sill, watching the servant's children play in the garden. She, too, had once hoped to see her son play with the children outside, mixing up with other children and not confining himself in a royal life, where there was no room for the common folk. One day, maybe, her son would have a younger sister or brother to play with. Because he would have a half-siblings sooner or later. It was just a matter of time before Lola's future husband would demand that she bear him children. Lola had tried to imagine this Lord. Maybe he was old and would soon die, leaving her a widow. Maybe he was still young and arrogant, thinking that the world belonged to him because he had a little bit of funds placed in a bank or because he possessed a few acres of land, everything Lola hated in a man. She considered her options for the future and realized that she would have preferred death to this fate. Mary had chosen her punishment wisely. Lola knew that her revenge had been sweet.

"Lola?" It was Kenna who had come to meet her. Lola didn't dare look at her, for fear to see pity in her beautiful eyes. She didn't need pity or compassionate words. She needed her son, she needed her freedom. She needed to know why exactly marrying her off would protect the realm.

"Lola I know that this situation must upset you… I understand… I've been through the same situation only weeks ago and now I found that I've fallen in love with Bash. Maybe the same will happen to you. Believe me, it has been a horrible decision, even for Mary, she fought for your freedom but Francis wouldn't let anything convince him…"

"I doubt she did, Kenna"

"Listen… I'm sure you would like to know the reason for this decision. Well… Lord Narcisse, your future husband, was the father of Edouard Narcisse…" Lola looked at Kenna incredulously.

"Edouard Narcisse? You mean the man Mary threw in a dungeon with people infected with the plague? You are actually telling me that I am to be married to this man, who probably only seeks to avenge his dead son…" Kenna nodded and Lola now began to understand why Mary and Francis had decided to choose this man in particular to be her future husband. "And he sought revenge, so to calm his ardours Mary suggested he take a young wife as compensation for his son's death? Has she got any idea what trouble she's putting me through? But of course, she has had her revenge now…"

Kenna shook her head and repressed a sob, "Please, Mary is your friend. She has a good heart, she would never voluntarily inflict this fate upon you… Lola" Kenna grabbed both her hands in hers, "Listen Lola, Lord Narcisse is a very influent man and… very dangerous. There are rumours among the servants, rumours about how he treated his past wives. Apparently, he forced himself upon his first wife too early after she had a miscarriage and she bled to death. His second wife died, too, soon after they married. Nobody knows what happened to the third wife… you're his fourth. And I'm so scared for you" There were tears in her eyes again and Lola felt terrified.

"Can't we do something to annul this bargain?"

"No", Kenna sobbed, "I fear that they have already agreed… Lola, women are of no importance to men. We are being traded like cattle… we hold no meaning in this world of men. And I fear that if you want to survive, you will have to bend to Lord Narcisse's will and hope that all goes well for you in your life" This was not how Lola had first imagined a marriage. She had always thought that she had the privilege to choose the man she once wished to marry (at least to some extend), but now, everything was being thrown upside down in her life. And she would have to accept it, like Kenna said. But she wouldn't… she was no puppet. She was no doll to be fashioned at one's will.

"Don't you worry Kenna, I will be an exemplary wife to Lord Narcisse… I only wish I could meet him before tomorrow."

"You will have the chance to this evening", Kenna wiped her tears and held Lola's hand in a friendly gesture, "Come I will help you choose your dress and do your hair. It's an important experience in a woman's life. You should show all how proud you are… and you should show them that you're not affected by anything, and that nothing brings you down!" And that was exactly what Lola had planned on doing.

Her dress fitted tightly to her body and her long auburn hair was flowing behind her back. Lola had insisted that she kept her hair loose, for she thought that her future husband should embrace her in her natural state. And if he didn't like her the way she was, maybe he would ask Francis to annul the contract. But of course, Lola didn't hope that this would happen. She and Kenna were walking towards the banquet hall arm in arm. No one spoke for a long time before Lola eventually decided to break the silence.

"I have chosen a person of trust for the ceremony tomorrow"

"Oh really… who?" Kenna looked at her feet and didn't dare speak too loudly. It seemed that she was more upset than Lola to see her married off.

"You, Kenna. If you would accompany me to the aisle?" Her face lit up for a second as their gazes met. Kenna took hold of Lola's hand and tenderly brushed her thumb over the back of her hand.

"Of course, Lola. I'm your friend, I would do anything for you…"

"You're the only friend I have left…" Lola admitted. Kenna's cheeks reddened and she remained quiet until both had reached the banquet hall. All the gazes were fixed on them as they entered the room. Lola looked around and was horrified by the looks of the nobles assembled here. One of them would be her future husband and they all looked older than the next. She tried to swallow the bile in her throat and look proud, like she had been told to. She would do this. She would do this to protect the realm. She would do this for her son, Robert. She would be strong to prove to everyone who had thought her weak that she was a strong woman one shouldn't play with.

"Lola, here you are we were already scared that you had run off", Francis joked. Lola didn't even manage a smile, her nervousness almost palpable. Mary stood next to her husband and didn't even look at her friend. Fine. Lola didn't need her anyway. She had Kenna and she was now certain that she would always have Kenna by her side, no matter what.

"Lord Narcisse", Francis called, sounding very important. Lola saw a man rise from the red velvet sofa, a tall man with dark hair and blue eyes. She felt her heart race in her chest as he walked towards where they were standing, a seductive grin on his lips. His stature was that of a noble man. His right hand rested on the pommel of his sword, as if he would have need to defend himself. When he stood in front of them, Lola smelled his cologne that enthralled her senses. He smelled musky, manly… he looked at her in interest and courteously bowed to her, which made her blush. Kenna held her hand tightly behind her back and then, her words echoed in Lola's mind. He's dangerous… there are rumours… he's dangerous… The devil, it is said, hides in the most unexpected places. Lola promised herself to be careful with that man.

"Lord Narcisse, this is Lady Lola, your future wife" Lola looked shyly away, not able to hold the penetrating glance of her husband-to-be. Lord Narcisse, whose grin infuriated Lola more than anything else, took her hand in his and placed a small kiss on the back of her hand.

"It is my great pleasure, Lady Lola" She withdrew her hand, maybe a little bit too quickly once he had let go. "I do understand that this must have come as a shock to you… and I also understand that you must have expected a younger man… someone your age maybe…"

"I suppose I shouldn't complain, Lord Narcisse" Lola flattered, her voice as sweet as honey. She wouldn't let him bring her out of her senses. She would keep a clear head all along.

"It is not as if you have had a choice…", his grin grew when Lola answered defiantly that she wouldn't be treated like cattle for trading, not even by her future husband. Francis shot her a deadly glance.

"Lord Narcisse, please apologize Lola's behaviour. She's still young…"

"Yes…", was the soft response, "Indeed she is very young and more witty and brave than most the women I have met at court" Lola allowed herself a small smile and she heard Kenna snicker behind her back. She could shamelessly affirm that she had won round one.

"Lord Narcisse is one of the most influent men France has ever seen", Francis explained to Lola, ignoring (or even not noticing) the subtle critic, "he is one of the largest depositary of the biggest French bank and owns most of the land here, thus he provides the court and villages with corn and grain. And I'm sure you'll find he has many more talents he doesn't speak of…" Lola reddened at the images those words brought to her mind. She wasn't sure what Francis had meant by this and she didn't want to know. "I'll leave you to Lord Narcisse and I would expect that you don't disappoint me, Lola" She nodded her approval and watched the royal couple and Kenna leave her. She felt more vulnerable than she had ever felt in her life.

"You have pretty hair", Lord Narcisse said, brushing a strand out of her soft round face. She didn't dare look at him and muttered a shy thank you. "I like women with long hair… it is a sign of nobility and high standing, did you know that?"

"No, my Lord, I didn't"

"Well now you do. The longer a woman's hair, the higher she stands in society. Let's say that after we are wed, you'll have a very good reason to keep them long."

"Indeed, my Lord. They are just really difficult to trim, it took me almost an hour to make them shine the way they do now…" She noticed his reluctant nod and shyly chuckled, "I'm sure you're not interested in the details of my hair…"

"No… just the hair", he answered slowly. "How about we share a drink and get to know each other better? After all, tomorrow at this time we'll be wed…" Lola had wished he wouldn't remind her of that fact.