Trying to write as much as I can. I don't like to do short chapters, but sometimes I don't have time for long ones so either I put it off till I write a longer one or I just lose some sleep. Either way here it is. I might have included the feast, but I need sleep and there was so much I wanted to add with the feast so I figured I would save that for later.
The next morning Kenna woke to find Bash pacing the room holding Alexander and talking to him. "Morning." She said sitting up in the bed. She grimaced a little and was reminded that she'd just had a baby the night before. Bash glanced over and smiled. "I figured I would let you sleep since he kept you up most of the night." Kenna covered her mouth as she yawned. "That was kind. How did you sleep?" Bash shrugged his shoulder. "I woke up a few times but went back to sleep almost right away." Alexander began to whimper, and Bash walked him over to Kenna. "He heard his mother and I think he realized he's hungry." Kenna smiled as she took Alexander from Bash and started to feed him. "I will inquire about a meal for you and have it brought up. I'm sure you will be receiving visitors most of the day. I have some business with Francis to attend to and it will most likely keep me busy for most of the morning." He gave her the news as he dressed and donned his sword belt and vest. "Well stay safe and we will be waiting for you." Kenna replied. He gave her a farewell kiss and bestowed Alexander with one as well. Kenna watched her husband leave and realized how much better her life had been since she'd chosen Bash.
Francis watched as Mary lay sleeping one hand under her chin and the other hanging off the bed and resting on the baby's cradle. He hated to leave, but this cousin of theirs must be proven safe enough to stay at court. He kissed both his beloved girls and then left their chambers headed towards the Great Hall. If things went well with the Prince of Conde he would have a feast welcoming him and then he could show off his wife and daughter once again. Bash and Kenna could even earn some favor with their attendance with their son. If the Kingdom knew that things were going well with the royal family it would hopefully create unity throughout France. They needed unity if England would cause them to go to war over the crown.
Bash met Francis at the doors to the Great Hall and they entered together. The Prince of Conde hadn't arrived yet, so Francis offered Bash a drink. "How are things?" he asked. Bash chuckled and took a sip of his drink. "Sleeping was intermittent, but the way Kenna looks after Alexander even after one night is well worth the loss of sleep. He's definitely changed us and he's barely a day old." Francis smiled knowingly. "It sure does give you a different perspective on life. Makes you want to be a better man." Bash nodded and set his glass down. "And fight to stay alive." Francis nodded in agreement. Then the doors opened and a paige announced Louis' arrival. He bowed to Francis and nodded his head in acknowledgement to Bash. They returned his greetings in kind and Francis offered him a glass. "Thank you." he poured some liquid into his glass and then turned back to the King and Bash. "Now that pleasantries have been exchanged I would like to inquire as to the reason for your visit." Francis began. Louis nodded to his footman and the man handed Francis some papers. "As I stated when I arrived myself and someone close to me has heard about your situation with England and wish to help. I have a few contacts in England who are quietly involved in English court. I only have a few men at my command, but I have experienced war and most of the men I commanded made it out alive. Most of all I come to get to know my cousins better and if that is a crime then I'm surely guilty." Bash was impressed with the way he held himself and the aire of confidence he had about him. He felt that once you got to know the fellow he might be quite the jester. There was a bit of hesitation Bash felt at his sudden appearance, but he would discuss that with Francis later.
Francis was relieved that this cousin was not seeking something from him other than friendship. He had enough nobles and such requesting things of him and he was glad someone was offering. He noticed Bash had relaxed a little and felt if he had any reservations about Louis he would tell him later. In truth one could never have enough allies especially at French court and it would be a great help to have eyes and ears reporting right from English court. And if worse came to worst another decent Captain would be helpful. "Well then Louis, Prince of Conde, since requesting friendship isn't a crime and we are intrigued at your connections to English court you will be a welcome guest of French court. In fact, there will be a banquet tonight where you can introduce yourself to a few other nobles. I'd like to see what your thoughts of them are." Louis nodded his head towards Francis and smiled good-naturedly. "I'm glad the King is favorable towards me and my men. We look forward to this feast on the eve. Shall I take my leave of you then? I have a few things to prepare if I am to give you news from my contacts and you have a feast to conduct." Francis inclined his head towards his cousin. "I shall see you tonight then cousin." Louis bowed and then turned on his heel and left the Great Hall with his footmen in tow.
Mary took Merida back to the nursery after her morning feeding. She wanted to check in on Francis and then she needed to go about her court business for the day. She passed the hall leading from the Great Hall and saw two men walking in the other direction towards the guest chambers. She made a mental note to ask Francis later. She made sure Merida's nanny was there before she left the nursery. She headed towards Kenna's chambers to check on her friend. When she entered Kenna was pacing the room cuddling her son. "How's the new mother?" Kenna turned and smiled brightly. "Still a little sore and tired, but I feel wonderful. This little bundle had changed everything." Mary nodded. "May I hold him?" Kenna stopped walking and nodded. Mary walked over to her and carefully took Alexander into her arms. He scrunched his face but kept on sleeping. "He's going to be quite the looker when he's older." Kenna took the chance to relieve herself while Mary held him. "I'm sure he'll have his father's stubbornness as well as his good looks." She said from the corner of the room. Mary chuckled as she watched her nephew sleep.
Catherine looked out the window of her carriage at the rolling hills. She was glad to be back from her time at the chateau. After Henry's death and Diane's retreat to her chateau and with all the buzz after Francis and Mary's coronation and the birth of their child she needed a few months to herself. Now that Mary had proven capable of bearing children her chances at becoming regent slimmed to none. She sighed relieved she'd made it to the castle safely. She headed to her rooms as soon as she arrived. She'd instructed the driver and the gate keeper not to announce her arrival. With every passing day it seemed her importance waned till she cared not whether she was announced. When she entered the castle, she noticed that it was all abuzz, yet none of the royals were about. When she arrived in her rooms she sent for her maids and inquired about the happenings. "There's to be a feast tonight my Queen." Catherine paused. "A feast?" The maid nodded as she helped her change out of her traveling clothes. "Yes m'lady. To celebrate Lord Bash and Lady Kenna's new son and welcome the King and Queen's cousin the Prince of Conde." Catherine just nodded in reply keeping her reaction to herself. It seemed a few things had happened since she'd left. She took a deep breath and decided after she refreshed herself from her journey she would do some more inquiring.
Mary wanted to make sure Merida would be full and satisfied so she would be good to make her appearance at the feast. She wondered if Francis would be able to survive the entire length of the feast apart from her. She noticed his distraction during their meetings that afternoon and smiled. Merida squirmed in her arms and she looked down at her daughter. "Your father loves you as much as he loves me. I'm sure of it." she said softly. "Magdala, will you please pick out the finest dress for her? I want her to look like the princess she is tonight." She said to the nanny. Magdala nodded and began her search through Adi's wardrobe.
Bash had finished his task of making sure guards were alert and in their places for the feast. When he finished he retired to his chambers to freshen up for the feast and check on Kenna. He found her just finishing Alexander's feeding as her maids prepared a dress. He frowned as he took his outer garments off. "Are you sure you're up to going to the feast?" Kenna nodded and covered herself back up. She lay a sleeping Alexander in his cradle and walked over to Bash. "If I get to feeling too drained I will come back to my chambers I promise. It's the first time I can attend a party without looking like an oversized pet pony." Bash chuckled and rubbed her arms then placed a kiss on her lips. "You looked much prettier than that." he said. She raised an eyebrow. "If you say so." They both kept going back and forth as each got ready for the feast.
Meanwhile Francis had found Mary in their chambers starting to get ready for the feast. He walked up to her and dismissing the maids he slid his hands around her waist and kissed the exposed skin at her neck. She placed her hands on his hands. "Francis the feast is in two hours and I want to be there first to check on the banquet hall." He kept kissing her neck crossing from one shoulder to the other. "I just came from there and everything's fine." she started to protest again when he turned her around and claimed her lips in his. He knew she gave in when she melted against him and wrapped her arms around his neck. He trailed kisses down her face and on her collarbone his hands gripping her waist keeping her against him. He maneuvered her towards their bed and kept her busy for the next hour just kissing and caressing each other. He didn't trust himself to stay long at the feast if he was hungry for his wife. If her reaction was any indication she was realizing how hungry for him she was. He'd maintained some control and after the hour passed they both helped each other get ready for the feast.