Chapter 10
After two weeks, another letter arrived from King Henry. He and Diane had decided to extend their month long honeymoon by two more weeks. Henry said he had received a message from Rome that stated their decision on Bash's legitimization could be expected in around two months time. A Protestant rebellion in a nearby Italian province had put the legitimization on hold for now. King Henry did not seem worried. He seemed to think the legitimization was almost assured, especially since his and Diane's wedding.
Mary was disappointed in the change in King Henry's plans. While the ruse with Francis and Lola was still working perfectly, she was growing tired of play acting. She was exhausted everyday it seemed, though she figured that was to be expected considering her recent night time activities. Hours she used to spend sleeping were now usually spent in Bash's arms, exploring his body. They had spent every night together since the wedding and though she was tired, she would never give up their nights together. It was the only time they could truly be husband and wife with little fear of being found out.
Besides Lola and the guard who were at the wedding, Mary had only told Greer and two other Scottish guards that she and Bash had actually been successful in their plan to wed. Mary was unsure that she could trust Kenna to keep their secret. King Henry's prolonged absence had turned Kenna into a bitter and moody woman, and Mary did not put it past her to act out of spite. She knew Kenna had already betrayed her trust once, and was not convinced she wouldn't do so again.
A week later, Mary was sure she had caught some vile sickness. She had only been able to keep broth and water down, and her condition had everyone worried. Nostradamus, who had been away from the castle for a few days, gathering herbs and such, was summoned back to see to the queen's care.
As soon as the seer returned to the castle, Mary was brought to the infirmary. She was feeling well enough now to walk under her own strength, but Greer and Bash insisted on accompanying her anyway. Mary was too tired to argue, so she let them escort her.
Nostradamus spent several minutes examining Mary.
"You do not seem to be feverish, Your Grace."
"No, she hasn't been," Greer replied. "Not that any of us have seen."
Nostradamus continued to examine the queen silently, his face unreadable behind his unruly beard.
"Have you been very tired lately? Even before the sickness presented itself?"
"Yes," Mary nodded, hopeful that his guess meant he knew what was wrong.
"You never mentioned it," Bash said in an admonishing tone.
"I just thought I was not getting enough sleep."
Nostradamus nodded. "Your Grace, could I speak to you privately?"
"Nostradamus, please, whatever your diagnosis is, just tell me. I do not have any secrets from Greer or Sebastian."
"Very well." He cleared his throat before he continued. "Your Grace, you are not ill in the strictest sense. You are with child."
Stunned silence filled the room at his words. Mary was the first to recover her voice and speak.
"Are...are you sure?" She asked.
"Reasonably sure, yes. Your symptoms fit. A midwife would be able to erase any doubt."
Mary shook her head. "No, I believe you. In my heart I know it is true, and we cannot send for a midwife. Not yet."
The seer nodded. "This is to be kept a secret, then? If you wish to avoid scandal, Your Grace, you will have to marry in a month, two at the most, before you begin to show."
Bash stepped forward and took Mary's hand, "We are already married. We have been keeping it a secret until my father returns."
For once the seer seemed utterly shocked. "I see; and who knows of your union?"
"My ladies, Lola and Greer, and three of my Scottish guards."
"The Lady Kenna does not know?" Nostradamus asked, knowing he himself had sensed the girl might be untrustworthy.
"She does not," Mary confirmed. "I confess I do not trust her of late."
Nostradamus nodded in understanding. "Very well, I will keep your secret. I will bring you something for the sickness later today. Take it before you sleep every night."
Mary thanked the seer and accepted Bash's help as she rose from the cot.
Greer stood by the door, still in shock from Nostradamus's news. She hoped they could keep this hidden until the king returned. This was a dangerous secret. Greer knew that if Francis were to find out, he would try to use it to ruin Mary, but Francis was not the person Greer was most worried about. Hiding something like this from Kenna would be nearly impossible. She was sure to notice when Mary went several weeks without having her courses. Greer could only hope the king would return before Kenna became too suspicious.
"Greer," Mary said, breaking the silence as they walked down the hall. "Can you find Lola and ask her to meet us in my chambers. If she is with Kenna, do not bother. I do not want Kenna to become suspicious."
Greer nodded and took her leave.
As soon as she was out of sight, Sebastian picked Mary up and whirled her around.
"Bash! Put me down!" Mary was shocked, but couldn't help the laughter that bubbled from her throat.
"I'm sorry, my love, but I cannot contain my joy in this."
Mary touched his cheek with her palm. "I understand, and I am full to bursting with joy over this news, but we must be careful."
She looked up and down the hallway as she spoke, trying to emphasize her point. "There are ears and eyes everywhere."
Bash chuckled, "Well, let us get to your chambers where there are far fewer eyes and ears."
They continued to Mary's chambers to wait for Greer and Lola. Mary knew they had to plan carefully how to conceal this news from the court.
Francis stood just down the hall from where the couple embraced. He had witnessed Bash spinning Mary around with a joyous look on his face, and promptly hid himself. He overheard their conversation, but could not discern what it meant. Surely there had not been news from the Vatican yet. That was not expected for some weeks still. Whatever held so much joy for his brother and the queen could not bode well for him. He had to discover what this news was.
Mary and Bash had entered her chambers mere moments before Greer and Lola arrived.
"Mary, what did Nostradamus say? Are you gravely ill? Greer wouldn't tell me a thing. She said I should hear it from you."
Mary was touched by her friend's concern and took her hand to calm her. "Lola, I asked you and Greer here because Bash and I are going to need your help."
"Of course, Mary."
Mary took Bash's hand in hers and released Lola's hand. She placed her free hand on her still flat stomach and smiled.
"Lola, I am with child."
Lola gasped, "So soon? Goodness!" She laughed and covered her mouth. "Oh, Mary! This does complicate things."
Mary nodded slightly and began speaking. "No one outside of this room, besides Nostradamus, can know of this. We must keep this from Kenna and Francis particularly. Bash, I think you should write to your father and ask that he come home sooner than he planned. The less time we have to hide this the better. It is time we informed the king that he has a new daughter-in-law and his first grandchild on the way."
They all nodded at Mary's instructions. "As for my sickness, we can say it was something I ate, some food that disagreed with me."
Mary sat on a chair near the fireplace. "If you don't mind, I would like to rest. This news has taken quite a bit out of me."
"Of course," Lola said bobbing a curtsy. Greer followed, but Bash stayed behind.
"Are you happy, Mary? About our child."
Mary reached up to stroke Bash's cheek. "Of course I am, but I am worried as well. It would be safer if this had happened a little further down the road, after we had told your father of our marriage, but we can't change what has happened. I just want your father here so we can tell him and everyone else."
"I will protect you Mary; you and our child."
Francis had noticed Lola and Greer leaving Mary's chambers. A few minutes later, he saw Bash depart as well. What could they be planning? He had to find out. He could not lose everything. He had been born to be the next King of France, and he would be.