It had been five days since Lola had delivered a healthy baby boy, and all had been peaceful. Daniel, the baby, had only cried when he was hungry or needed changing, and Francis absolutely adored him. He knew Mary was anxiously waiting for his return, but neither Lola nor Daniel was ready for such a journey. Lola wasn't strong enough and neither of them wanted to risk Daniel getting sick. Plus, Francis still had some questions for Lola.
"Hello Francis," she smiles at him when he sat down next to her while she was nursing Daniel.
"Hello Lola. Can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Why didn't you tell me that your baby was mine?"
She sighed. "I suppose I knew that was coming."
"I'm not angry, just curious."
"I didn't tell you at first because I wasn't planning on having the baby."
"What do you mean?"
"I told Kenna that I was pregnant first. She had guessed that you and I had made love an I...just couldn't keep the secret to myself anymore. She congratulated me at first, and said that being a mistress was a great title to have. I told her I didn't want to be a mistress; I just wanted a normal life. Then she told me a servant had gotten pregnant and didn't want the baby...so there were ways to get rid of it. I found the woman and went to her, but before she could...kill the baby, Mary found me and I told her everything," Lola sniffled and wiped her eyes.
Francis got angry. "Did Mary tell you to keep it from me?"
"No, I told her to keep it a secret. You had just gotten back from your marriage trip and were so happy...I didn't want to ruin that. I still don't want to ruin that. I don't want to come between you and Mary...and that's why I didn't tell you. I apologize for keeping the secret."
"Don't apologize. I understand."
"Thank you."
"Don't worry; this won't come between Mary and I. She wasn't happy about it, but I don't expect her to be."
"I'm glad. I didn't expect her to be happy about it either."
"But I promise that I will take care of you. Both of you. You will always have a place in Court and at the castle."
"Thank you, Francis."
"No need to thank me. I will always take care of my child, and his mother."
"We both appreciate it."
Francis kissed his son's head. "Of course. I will make sure he has a future; don't worry."
The two parents exchanged a look and then looked at their son. In that moment, everything was perfect.