"I'm not pregnant," Mary said as she and Francis were having a private breakfast together.
"It's alright, Mary," said Francis, "we'll keep trying."
"We've been trying... nearly every night for over a year."
"Yes... bu—"
"After breakfast, I'm going to be examined by Nostradamus... to see if I can have children."
"Oh, Mary. There is no need to do that. We are still young. We will have children."
"We might not. I want to know sooner rather than later whether or not I can have children. I'd rather know now than waste my child bearing years waiting and praying for a child."
"You're not with child right now, but you could have one in a year."
"Francis... I've already made up my mind... I am doing this. You are welcome to join me," said Mary as she squeezed his hand, "I'd love the company."
"Alright, Mary," said Francis, "I'll go with you. I might as well have Nostradamus examine me while I am there... just to be safe."
Mary took Francis's hand and kissed it. "Thank you, darling. I am glad that you are doing this with me."
Francis didn't say anything and nodded his head.
A few hours later...
"King Francis, Queen Mary," said Nostradamus after he finished examining them, "I have good news and bad news."
"Oh my..." Mary's hand went to her throat.
"Tell us the good news first", said Francis.
Nostradamus looked towards Mary. "You are a very healthy young woman. I saw nothing that could that could prevent you from having children."
"Thank God," said Mary as she crossed herself. She did her best to hold back her tears of joy.
"What is the bad news ?" asked Francis.
"Remember that illness you had when you were ten?" asked Nostradamus.
"Yes. I was ill for three months. Mother thought I would die... I can't believe I survived that."
"I'm glad you did," Mary said with a smile.
"Well... you survived that illness, and are stronger for it, but you did not come out of it unscathed"
"What do you mean by that?"
"King Francis... You will never father a child of your own..." Nostradamus said with a solemn look on his face.
Francis's jaw dropped... he couldn't believe it. Mary's tears of joy turned into tears of sadness; she began to weep.
"I'm so sorry, your grace," said Nostradamus.
"It's not your fault..." said Francis.
Nostradamus nodded his head. "I will take my leave now ."
Francis nodded his head in approval. Nostradamus got out of his chair, then bowed to Mary and Francis before walking out the door.
Francis went over to Mary and hugged her.
"We will get through this," said Francis," we always get through things like this."
Mary said nothing and continued to cry.
That night, Mary went to bed earlier than usual. She was particularly tired this night. Francis came into the room to joined her in bed. After a little while, he began to kiss her cheek and neck.
"Not tonight, Francis," said Mary, "I'm not in the mood."
"Are you sure?"
"I am sure..."
"Can we cuddle at least?"
Mary smiled a little. "Yes we can."
Francis moved towards Mary an wrapped his arms around her.
"I love you, Mary."
"I love you too, Francis."
She went to sleep some time later, but not before thinking about future of her country.
'Who will be my successor?' Mary thought before she went to sleep.