Chapter 3

Disclaimer: I do not own any of Reign's characters

"You've been killing Claude?" repeated Francis, pacing. "Why? And, why are you telling me?"

Catherine poured a glass of wine. "She killed your twin sisters. They came to me. They were haunting me. They wanted vengeance. They were going to hurt her, unless I gave them vengeance. I tried sending her away but she wouldn't go. I didn't know what to do."

"You saw their ghosts?"

"Yes. I know you don't believe me, but I did. You must help me get her away."

"Why didn't I know about this? You said that they died of a fever or something."

"I had to protect her. She was only five!"

"So, you want her out of court because you fear they will take their revenge because you didn't kill her?"

She cupped Francis's face. "I must keep you all safe. She is one of my children."

"Ok, mother." He took her hands. "I will think about this. But, first there has been another attack on the Protestants."

"Do you think Narcisse is behind this?"

"No, I crushed him. He made me into a demon and now he is owned."

Catherine looked at her son, and suddenly saw how much he had aged. How much pain he was in. Good and evil were waging war within him.

"I'm sorry. Let me come with you. I will help you strategize."

"Mother, I don't think taking my mother into a meeting with nobles is going to be a good defense strategy."

"Ahh, but there are ways for a mother to listen. I was your father's brains for many years, my son." She slapped his cheek playfully. She left the room with her lady's in waiting in tow.

Francis sighed, calling his attendants back in to help him finish.

The meeting with his advisory council had gone poorly. They wanted to force the Protestants out of France. Anyone of them could be helping to mastermind the attacks on the Protestants. They were divided, however, one whether they should assert more independence from the Vatican or continue to bow. Frankly, he was not going to bow any longer to Papal hysterics. He stood in the room, looking down the table, replaying everything that everyone had said.

"You need a new council." His mother came out of the wall.

"Mother!"

"Every queen must have her hiding place in order to sustain her rule, her voice."

Speaking of queen, where was Mary? He would have to ask Lola or Kenna. Although it wasn't unusual for their paths not to cross lately. He had expected that she would at least check in with him after returning from the King of Navarre's estate though. Mary would have to wait though. France was bleeding. "How does one get a new council without offending every noble in court?"

"With persuasion, that's where I come in. Bring Narcisse onto your council. If you truly control him and he controls the nobles, then he will be good to have. Besides, always keep your enemies close. Laith is good to have. He's as loyal to you as anyone, and he represents the voices of the peasant. Use him my son. The people must be won as much as the nobles. You must garner favor with the public as much as incite fear. If they fear you too much, then they will hate you. You feared me but always loved me, didn't you? A ruler is a parent. Love and fear must balance." She looked about the room at each chair. "I have heard enough today. Let me sleep on it, and we will discuss this tomorrow. I will also think about Claude. I need your support in whatever I decide." She kissed his check and vanished as quickly as she entered.

Francis hoped Bash was having better luck than him. He headed toward the nursery. Lola and Kenna were inside having tea.

"He's being quite the naughty prince lately, your son," said Kenna. Greer was changing him, and he was wailing.

"He has a sore bottom and there has been so much chaos lately. I don't blame him for being upset." She swaddled him. "I put some of that goose grease on his bottom like you said to, Kenna."

Francis walked over to his son, and took him from Greer. He instantly settled.

"He wants his father, and he is content to throw a royal fit until he gets what he wants."

"That must be your father in him," said Greer to Lola.

Lola's face darkened for a second and he watched a knowing look pass between Kenna and Lola.

Kenna laughed, "Or, your mother," she said to Francis.

"Ahhh, yes. No one knows how to get what she wants quite like Catherine de Medicci."

"Have you seen, Mary?" asked Lola. "I thought she came back with Conde."

"She did. Bash saw them. He talked with Conde about going to calm the Protestants. Maybe, they went into town together. A royal and Protestant united front?"

"It's possible. But, there was another attack on the Protestants in a village. I will send the guard to fetch them." He spoke to the guard outside the door and kept rocking John.

Greer and Kenna got up. "We have a meeting with Catherine, remember?" they said to Lola.

"Right, I'll bring John with me in a minute." They had an urgent meeting with Catherine about what they weren't certain. Greer and Kenna left making guesses about what this covert meeting was about. Francis walked back inside. "Do you think you could rule the country and keep rocking your son?" she asked.

He laughed. "I could try. A bassinet in the throne room? He could be one of my advisors. His howling would shut them all up." They laughed. She took him from him, and he watched as his son snuggled into her. He kept his hand on him. "He is my son."

She looked up at him. "He is. I have to see your mother. Do you want to take him? He likes going outside." Francis thought about the things that he needed to do. Seeing the uncertainty in his eyes, Lola responded, "If you're busy-."

"No, I want to. I'm always busy."

She smiled. "Thank you. I have to go. I don't know what she wants, but she called this meeting with the three of us. Perhaps, a new dance? Or, an envoy of old men who need flirting. Lord knows." She kissed John's head. "I'll be back, my love."

Francis caught the scent of vanilla and rose on her, watching her leave. "Well, John, why don't I show you the grounds? I will take you to all my favorite spots."

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