Chapter 4: Scheme

Kenna woke up with great difficulty that morning, she had a god-awful headache. She hated the light of the sun and all she wanted was to just go back to bed. Also, she remembered everything - her almost hook-up with the Prince and being naked in front of her husband. She was in a mess, a terrible one, she couldn't believe that she let Tamara put those herbs on her cup again.

The first time she took it, it was at Imereti Palace. Having being very tired because of her "sister's son" who barely slept these nights and not the mention she was depressed too, each time she looked at her baby she could see Bash's features.

So, Tamara put this herb on her cup during a private feast with some nobles. Dimitri was at court too, apparently his sister needed him. That night when she went to his bedroom, Kenna wasn't exactly herself and they ended up having sex. The next day, she couldn't bear to look at him after what they've done. Noticing her awkwardness, he came to her to have a talk, and they shared a kiss. It was then did he began to court her, discretely of course, to spare themselves from the Queen's wrath.

They had talked about it yesterday, Bash and her. Kenna admitted that Dimitri and her had sex a lot of time, and somehow she thought she could love him. But with each time she saw her son, Kenna could only think of her husband remaining back at French court with Mary, Francis and her friends. In truth, Kenna missed her old life and everyone she left, so the herbs, one way or another, have distracted her from the pain.

Someone knocked on the door and she wondered who could it be. Kenna opened it and Mary and the others came into her room.

"You're a mess!" Greer noticed

They brought some tea that they placed on the table. Kenna looked at them with tired eyes from her pounding headache. It was like she was sleepwalking.

"Anastasia and Henry are now engaged, in case you didn't know." Mary said coldly.

She had missed that too, such a horrible Queen she will become. Mary would have never done such a thing. Kenna decided that she would follow Mary's Queenly example, to be perfect just like her - it was something that she thought was rather easy. However, she was Kenna, not Mary, and she's was far from perfect. She was once the King's mistress, and now she was married to a bastard, had a brief relationship with a traitor and even hooked up with a Prince. Not to mention that she even resorted to drugs to escape from her depression.

Kenna jumped to the bed and hid herself under the blankets, ashamed.

"Kenna, you need to take back control over your life." Mary lectured her. "You will be a Queen someday and you will have responsibilities. Your mother-in-law was outraged yesterday when you didn't come for the announcement."

"Well yes, I'm sure she was. But I will listen to you, Mary. What happened yesterday will never happened again."

"Like sneaking up the party with the Prince?"

Of course Mary knew, Kenna hadn't been discreet and she wouldn't be surprised if Queen Elene was aware too.

"Yes, like this thing."

"Good. So you won't bothered if Lola were to marry him?"

Wait what? Since when did Lola wanted to marry the Prince? It's true that Narcisse was banished from the castle and he had betrayed her, but still.

"Not at all."

Actually yes. Kenna was not the girl to share, especially with Lola, it seemed that the blue-eyed-girl really loved the leftovers of their friends.

Now, she was ashamed to feel that. Lola was her friend, not a whore and it was really mean to her to think such a thing, and moreover she didn't love the Prince, he was just a friend who she sometimes had carnal relations with. Feeling apologetic, she embraced Lola.

"I'm happy for you."

"Well, If everything it's alright I will organize a meeting between both of you." Mary announced sky-high." "And Kenna, I know you have been avoiding the subject since you're home, but we need to talk about your annulment."

The annulment - a small paper which can broke her marriage with her husband forever, the husband who she was forced to marry with, the same one she has learned to love, she still loved, but the same husband who didn't gave a chance to explain herself, the one who has abandoned her and her baby.

"Are you sure about that Kenna, I don't think it's a good idea, especially for your son." Lola said carefully

"You weren't married to your father's child, either."

Mary became uncomfortable.

"It's not the same..."

"Yes it is, it's exactly the same, I will be the wife of an other man, boy, never mind, who isn't my child's father."

"My point Kenna," Lola continued with softness. "Is if you and Bash are divorced and you marry an other man, you will live somewhere else, far from Bash."

She's right, once again she'll separated Bash from his own son. She couldn't do that to him, not when they have tried to be kind to each other.

"I think it's enough for my head."

Greer gave her a cup of tea accompanied with a smile.

"I don't think I'm a good example for my child., Until now, I still make one mistake after the other. I'm a horrible mother, do you realise I took drugs and almost have sex with a Prince again!" Kenna reminded her sternly, frowning. She turned to Lola, "Thank you, Lola for stopping me last night."

Lola merely threw her a wan smile, "You didn't say that last night, quite the contrary, you even mentioned how frustrated you were."

The girls snorted discretely and Kenna wanted to hide herself or go away. "I know, I also remember my future-ex husband undressing me."

"Wait, what?" Mary asked a little surprise.

"We didn't having sex, he just tried to help me…" Kenna hid her face in her hands, embarrassed and frustrated at that recount. "Oh, I was a mess..."

Someone knocked on the door and Mary commanded him to come.

"Your majesty, the Prince requested for an audience with Lady Kenna."

Kenna ducked, it was not the good moment for her former lover. Mary turned to look at her, asking if with an expression that asked if she wanted to see him. With a sigh, Kenna nodded, The prince was also her friend and future family, she couldn't possibly avoid him forever.

"Let him in." Mary said.

The Prince Dimitri of Abkhazie came into the room, looking rather astonished to see the other Ladies and the Queen of France, perhaps he was expecting to see Kenna alone.

"Your majesty, Lady Kenna and...?"

"Lady Lola and Lady Greer," Mary presented her other friends since Kenna wasn't capable of saying anything to him at the moment.

"It's a pleasure," he said landing a small peck on each of their hands. "Queen Mary, may I talk to Lady Kenna, in private?"

It was a very audacious move. But Mary seemed to approve. "Yes, my Ladies and I will leave you to speak in private.."

Mary and the other got up, but before they left she could see Mary glancing at her, as thought to mentally say 'don't make another mistake.'

Now, Kenna was left alone with the Prince and immediately he came very close to her, too close actually. He put a hand on her leg and tried to kiss her neck but Kenna rejected him.

"I don't understand, what changed? You were very keen yesterday night."

"It was wrong Dimitri, we can't do that again."

He stared at her, puzzled. "But why, Kenna? We have always had such a good time before, in my bedroom. I know you loved it, you screamed my name each night we're having sex."

"Because, It's disrespectful to your nephew. Also, I'm still married, and your sister already hates me!"

"But I care about you, I thought you knew that."

Wait what? The Prince cared about he? Impossible. Dimitri was selfish, and slept with every married woman or unmarried woman at court. In fact, he loved charming and bedding them, it's exactly what happened with her after all.

"You didn't care about anyone but yourself. You're just wanted to have sex with me, again!"

"That's not true Kenna!" he protested. "And I thought I will be your lover once you will marry my nephew!"

"Are you crazy! I could be beheaded!"

She didn't understand why they even talked about that. Their relationship was just a moment, which was now over, forever.

"I don't want you to be hurt, Kenna."

He stroke her cheek, his hand was so smooth and sweet. Kenna relished in his touch, she really need some kindness in her life. That's why she hadn't rejected him when he kissed her on the lips. Actually, Kenna imagined Bash lips, the one she missed for one year - Bash's touch, his hand on her body.

"Lady Kenna, I'm so..." she recognized Nina her child's nanny, she was trying to say something.

"Kenna, our son is..."

She heard Bash's voice. Oh god, Bash - he wasn't the one she was kissing, Bash saw her kissing another man!. She pushed Dimitri away and looked at the intruder with shame and hot flesh.

"I'm sorry I didn't know you have company."

He was a little angry she could hear at his tone.

"Who are you, and did you say 'our son'?" The Prince asked with lack of understanding.

She looked at them both, Nina was left. She was between the two men who has shared her life.

"I'm her husband Prince Dimitri and the father of her son." Bash answered outraged.

Now, Kenna wanted to kill herself. Dimitri wasn't exactly aware she had a baby, he thought Alexander, like everyone in Imereti, excepting Georges, was her sister's son.

"You have a son?"

Kenna ducked, she didn't want to tell him the truth.

"I can see that she lied to you too." Bash added.

"Kenna please say something!"

She glared daggers at Bash, furious at him. It was almost as if he was out to ruin her future. "He's right, he's my husband, and the father of Alexander, my son."

Dimitri didn't looked at her and left. Kenna didn't pursue him, it was useless, she knew how this would work out - he will tell his sister she was a mother so she couldn't marry the King of Imereti and be ruined.

"Are you happy?" She turned her side to her husband angrily the moment Dimitri left.

He was looking at her, with shame. Did he feel sorry? No, he had never been sorry. He had never let her explain. And all Kenna wanted was to explain her feelings to him.

"You know why I've tried to deceive you Bash?"

She could see his sadness about this event, but she didn't care, just like him, she just wanted to explain herself.

"Because you've never trusted me Bash. I felt unsafe whenever I was with you, you were always running each time we're fighting. You know, I couldn't have told you the truth about Antoine, I could have lie to you instead, invent a story, but I didn't, I was always honest with you. Because I loved you, but even with my honesty, you're rejected me and left me alone. So when I learned I was pregnant and I thought it was Renaude's child, I saw no other way. Because I was scared you'll reject me an other time! I didn't do that because I didn't love you, quite the opposite actually, when I was with him, I wanted you, but you were with your woman in the forest and I was alone! General Renaude has offered me something you never can, safety and future. Sometimes, I regret saving your life instead of his. But I choose yours because I loved you, and I will do it again. I... still love you. I've never stop loving you, but when I saw Alexander, I saw you, the man who abandoned me. I wasn't enough for you, Bash. You would just try to find a way to get rid of me, and since you were always be good with anyone you've been waiting until I made the mistake, and I did, it was the most horrible thing I've ever done to you and..."

"Kenna..."

"Let me finish! I want something you've promised to me before."

"What do you want?" Bash asked, worry and care prominent in his tone.

"I don't want this life anymore, I don't want you. I want an annulment of our marriage."

Kenna was crying by the time she finished, it was the most difficult thing she has done. She loved the man who was standing in front of her, deeply, but their love was destruction. They were so different and didn't want the same thing.

"I've talked to Mary and she told me she will help me if it's that something I want."

"Do you want it?" He asked with his sad blue eyes.

"Yes."

Now she was sure, she didn't want to return to her marriage with Bash.

"And for our son?"

Alexander was the offspring of their love, their son, a little human who had their features, especially Bash's. He was everything to Kenna, and she could see that Bash started to love him.

"I love him, and I know you have learned to too, but I can't prevent you from seeing him, he is your son afterall. I will leave to Imereti, I know it'd will be very difficult for you but you come and visit him if you like, or maybe, since you told the Prince about Alexander there's a chance that I won't marry George and will stay in the castle as Mary's Lady. If that is the case, it'd be fairly simple for you. But not for me, Bash. I need to find someone who'll make me happy, and I won't be able to if I see you everyday."

Bashed stayed quiet, and Kenna didn't know what else to do. She didn't want to hurt him any more than she did, and neither did she want her child to have a distant relationship with his father.

"I think this marriage has prevented me from being happy, because perhaps all this while I have been thinking – if I was still married with you, maybe I'd have a chance to win you back, to have a second chance with you."

"But we haven't tried, Kenna!"

She was shocked, she thought Bash wasn't interested in having a relationship with her anymore. She thought back to Lola, Greer and Mary's words stating that Bash's love was just something to reassure her. They were wrong apparently, Bash didn't want to give up on their marriage, not yet.

"Do... you... still love me?" Her question was hesitant, Bash wasn't that kind of man who spoke freely about his feelings.

"Do you want to be a Queen and have an affair with the Prince?"

He was this kind of man, the one who answered a question by asking another question.

"Right, I'll check on Alexander." She finished with disappointment. Kenna didn't look at him, she no longer had any strength to do that; She couldn't bear to look at the man she loved.

Lola, Mary and Greer were having a picnic on the garden. They were waiting for Kenna, she was supposed to join them. It was a lovely day, the sun was rising, and there was no cloud on the blue sky. Lola was serving some champagne. They decided to toast for Greer good news. The girl has bought a new place very near to the castle but bigger tant she own especially for her family.

"Sorry, I'm late, I brought with me the Princess."

Mary smiled at Princess Tamara and greeted her like a Queen, the two other girls sat on the plaid. Lola gave her some cup and Greer announced with joy. "To my future home and my children"

They laughed and hugged.

"I can see Kenna, your friends are already mothers, and I know you have your sister's baby to care, but do you want children, perhaps with my brother, a heir of the crown?"

Apparently, the Princess wasn't aware for Kenna's baby too, Lola thought. Kenna seemed to be very uncomfortable lying to her friend, but she had no other choice.

"Yeah, well, I'm not a motherly type actually, and I just took Alexander because it's the only thing I could do for my, sister..."

"Well, to Greer, and her future estate"

They clinged their glasses to Greer good fortune.

"And you Queen Mary, have you tried to find another husband?"

Mary lost her voice, it was very awkward to think about other man since she had lost Francis two months ago."My mourning has not come to an end yet. But I know for my country, I need to find another alliance soon."

"And my uncle, I'm sure my mother will be pleased with this alliance, unless it will bother you Kenna."

Kenna glared daggers at her, Tamara was the kind of person who really love scandal. "What? No, it won't!"

"Actually, I don't plan to marry with your uncle, Scotland is a big threat to the English and their Queen, and I'd need a powerful ally, like France. Forgive me, but I don't think your brother realm will be enough."

"Yeah, I understand, but my mother is so desperate to marry him to a suitable bride."

Kenna understood why, the Queen thought he will never be unfaithful to his wife so when he was married, he will stop having sex with her.

"Yeah, I know, she also told me yesterday when we had a talk. That's why, Lady Lola will be a perfect match, she's unmarried."

Speaking of the devil, Prince Dimitri was coming to them. He didn't look at Kenna and just smiled politely to the others.

"Oh uncle, we were just speaking of you!" said the youngest girl

"Really? And what did you say about me, I hope it's nothing awkward."

"Prince Dimitri," Mary said with a charming smile. "I know your sister was seeking a future bride for you, and I can offer you one of my Ladies, Lady Lola."

The Prince turned his look to Kenna. Still spiteful over what happened, he got close to Lola and kissed her hand. "It will be my pleasure!"

"Well, Ladies Princess, I think we just have to let them meet."

The Queen of France, the Princess of Imereti, the future Queen of Imereti and Greer left her with her new future fiancé.

"So Lady Lola, tell me more about you."

Mary was back to the castle with Kenna, Greer and Tamara at her side. They were about to head into the throne room when Bash approached them. "Your majesty, we've found some information about the other night."

Mary was intrigued, she remembered the man who spied on the crown. "Please, speak."

Bash was looking at Kenna and the Princess on the same time. "The man was a mercenary, he was send by Elizabeth herself."

"Yes, but why he was here?"

"He had the mission to kill each member of the Royal family of Imereti, even it's King and his future Queen."

Kenna was white as sheet and looked very panicked. Mary hasn't expected that, why would Elizabeth want to kill the King of Imereti? Was frightened by the new alliance between the two countries? It was insane, why would a country like Imereti be a threat towards a powerful country like England?

"Fine, I want two guards watching each chamber of the Royal family. I don't think my cousin will send just one man to accomplish the job, try to know if there are others."

Mary turned her side to the other girls. "Kenna, Tamara, you need to be careful and stay in the castle one way or another."

"My mother!" Tamara panicked "She's outside the castle! She left with Anastasia this morning, they went to buy dresses!"

Mary need to bring them back safely. It was her duty as Queen of France, she would protect her allies no matter what. "Bash, bring them back!"

The deputy nodded and went quickly to save the Queen mother and the little Princess.

"Greer, find Lola and the Prince. Kenna, Princess Tamara find the King!"

Mary headed for the throne room. Catherine was there sitting on the couch with some Ladies of her flying squad. The Queen mother turned to look at her when she spotted her. "Mary, what a delightful pleasure."

"Please, leave us!" she commanded to the other ladies.

Catherine got up, astonished, she was staring at her with concern. "Did something happen?"

Mary was biting her nails, she didn't know what to do. "Elizabeth want to kill the Royal family of Imereti."

She wasn't sure if it was a good thing to tell such a news to her mother-in-law, who was, once upon a time, the one who had plotted against her with the English Queen. But now, she trusted Catherine, and she knew Catherine would be her ally now, because of two things she care about, her realm, and her children.

"Why she would do that?"

Catherine stared at her and explained very seriously. "It's simple Mary, you've always been a threat to her. Because of your bloodline, and now that Francis is dead and you don't have an heir for the crown of France and Scotland, your position is shaky, you're a weak Queen."

"But how is the Realm of Imereti a threat to her?"

"Their military aspect," Catherine explained. "Their vessels are very powerful and they could very well destroy England with them."

Catherine was right, according to the King of Imereti, their vessels were the most powerful of the European continent - they could destroy armies. It was needless to say that the Queen of England tried to get rid of them to protect her country and secure her position. If Imereti destroyed England, Mary would be their next Queen.

"We need to protect them!"

"They need to leave Mary, it's the only solution, I can help, I know some people who can help them travel safely and with discretion. I will send them a letter, after that we need to organize their leaving. And as you already know, your Lady and her son will leave too, and never come back to the castle."

Mary knew deep down this day will come, saying goodbyes to her Lady, friend, sister-in-law, Kenna, she just wasn't expecting it will be so soon. She couldn't bear to lose another friend, it had been so difficult for her when they weren't around.

"Do it. And thank you Catherine."