Kenna's POV
Calais had been conquered, and we had been told that Francis, Bash and the others would be arriving by the end of the week. Happiness had taken over me since I heard the news. It had been 3 months since Bash left and I was around seven months pregnant. It was hard to walk around with such a heavy responsibility, so I tried to spend as much time as possible indoors, with Mary, Greer and Lola, who had recently given birth, to a daughter.
The air had been tense since the arrival of Lola's daughter, Alana. It's like the little child had sucked in everyone's air and left us looking at each other, unable to speak or make suggestions. At least Mary was also carrying a child, which made it easier for her to get over Lola and her daughter. But something about Mary scared me. With me, she was still the same, young girl I had befriended way back in Scotland. But apart from me she was different. I noticed it in the way she spoke to others, to her guards or to politically important characters of the French court. There was a lot of whispering and secretive eyes.
The way she looked at Lola also resembled the eyes I saw on her when she discussed something dark and secretive in corners with dangerous people. I even noticed Catherine look at Mary with more fear than usual. I was afraid Mary was simply on edge; that she'd attempt to harm Lola or Alana if they threatened her marriage and love to Francis. Lola also noticed this, so she either didn't participate in our outings or did not bring up the subject of Alana at all.
Alana was a sweet girl though. Thankfully, she was not light haired like her father, but she definitely had his eyes. If someone was to look at her quite carefully, trying to find a father other than Julian, Francis would be the first to come to mind. But Alana looked like her mother, which was great for Lola.
Greer, Mary and I had met up at court to discuss Bash and Francis' arrival, and more importantly Greer's upcoming wedding. She had made sure to prolong the planning period as much as possible, but Lord Castleroy had finally set a date in the upcoming month. Deep inside, it was obvious that Greer wanted Leith to return to her, for her to choose him over his family and wealth and be with him for the rest of her life. But she knew it wasn't possible. Wealth was something she could give up on, but her family, not so much.
"I'm a girl from a wealthy, well sort of wealthy, family whose only task in life is to wed and have children. Why is my life so complicated then?" Greer asked as she exhaled in desperation
Mary sat up and bit her finger "I believe the wealthier and more powerful you get, the harder your life becomes" she suggested
"That explains why Aylee ended up dying." I said out loud, even though I meant to think it only "I mean, she was very wealthy Mary, wealthier than you were, and she died. Death is as complicated as it gets, isn't it?"
"But is death really that complicated?" Greer asked as she braided her hair
"Would you like to die?" I asked her as I folded my arms, awaiting an answer
"No, well, I don't know, I mean I don't want to die but it's not something I am expecting to evade. It'll happen when it happens, but I'd prefer it not happening too early" Greer answered
"There you go. Complicated" I stated. Mary rolled her eyes and went up to her desk, removing her rings and placing them there instead "Swollen fingers?" I asked as I recognised what she was going through
"I'm around three months off, I'm basically not showing, but my hands and feet are swelling and it's really irritating" she explained
"Yeah, well I know what you mean. Been there, done that" I confirmed "The first months were probably the worst" I said as I continued thinking "Yes, yes they were definitely the worst"
"Well thankfully it's coming to an end" Mary replied as she placed her hand on her barely seen stomach "The nausea was terrible"
"You were somewhat lucky Francis didn't get to see you vomiting all over town like Bash did with me. It's not enough that you are disgusted by yourself, you get to show how disgusting you are to the most important person in your life" I explained
"Don't say that. It's really lonely. I'd like him to be here and hold my hand, support me, you know?" Mary replied "I just want him to be here already"
"I guess I'm the luckiest then Kenna" Greer spoke up suddenly "The most important person in my life will never see me pregnant or holding my child" she said, Leith on her mind
"Greer don't be that way I beg of you" I said as I stood up, trying to keep the drama away from our conversation. I knew it was selfish of me, but I was happy that Bash was coming and wasn't in a mood to destroy that happiness over Greer's terrible fate of marrying an extremely rich man who would give everything to make her happy "So, your wedding, let's discuss that"
"I'm sorry girls; I think I'll be moving to my chambers. I'm not in the mood to discuss that now" she said as she walked to the door with gloomy eyes
"Greer come on don't be alone. Please, we just want you to be fine" Mary said as she stood up as well, trying to stop the blonde lady-in-waiting from leaving
But Greer didn't agree to stay. Instead she gave us a departing smile and went back to her room. As the date came nearer we could see her lose more weight, become more pale and soulless. We were losing our friend, but unfortunately everyone had enough issues to deal with and couldn't help her as we wanted to.
I felt a kick which made me giggle in joy. Mary turned her attention back to me and gave me a warm grin.
"May I?" she asked as she extended her hand toward my big baby bump.
"Of course you may!" I exclaimed. She placed her hand and waited patiently. We both felt the next kick and started giggling together. "You will have these too" I said as I placed my hand on hers "There's nothing better than your baby letting you know he's alright in there"
She smiled and bit her lip "And if it's a girl?" she asked me as she backed away
"Well if it's a girl I will still love her as much as I would love my son, I just feel that it's a boy you know" I explained
"Have you picked a name yet?" she asked just when the door opened and a maid came in with a glass of milk on a tray "About time" Mary snapped as she took the glass, showing a hint of the dark side I feared again.
I looked at her without a word as she took a sip of her milk. She placed the milk aside and looked at me
"I had been craving milk since this morning, and I told her to bring it before we even came here!" she complained "So, why are you so silent. Haven't you picked a name yet?"
I brought myself back together and cleared my throat "Yes, well, I know Bash's grandmother, who he absolutely adored, and I'm actually wearing her ring as a wedding ring as well, she was called-"
"Jeanne de Batarnay? He always spoke of her" Mary interrupted "He didn't get to see her much but he definitely did love her"
I looked at her in anger. I hated being reminded that Bash was once madly in love with her and spent day and night talking to her, among other things. I wanted to believe I was the one he opened up to, the only one.
"Yes, well, if it's a girl that's the name we'll choos" I continued, acting as if everything was fine "If it's a boy I'm really not sure, it's harder to decide for some reason"
There was another kick, and another. The baby was kicking more often than usual. I took a deep breath and tried to act fine. I guess as the pregnancy developed the baby would become more active.
"You will greet Sebastian at court with the rest of us right?" Mary asked. She took the glass of milk and finished it this time
"No, actually we had decided with Bash that I'd greet him in our home. I don't want to have a confrontation with Henry really" I explained
"I see, well take one of the royal carriages then. I'm assuming there will be guards at your home?"
"Bash handpicked the best with Francis. The house should be as safe as possible" I reassured her
Bash' POV
"Days Francis, in day we'll get to be home again" I exclaimed as I sat by my brother on the forest grounds, enjoying a drink en route to France
"I miss Mary; I hope our child is alright. And yours of course" he said with an excited grin "They were god's gifts to us weren't day?"
"Who? The wives or the children?" I asked as we both fell into laughter
"Oh Bash, we'll celebrate these great news that came one after another in joy at court once we arrive" he exclaimed "it'll be a long night"
I cleared my throat and put the drink aside, remembering what we had discussed with Kenna "Actually I'll be heading straight home. I'll be celebrating with Kenna"
Before Francis could reply, another voice intervened.
"Nonsense, you were one of the bravest soldiers out there Sebastian. You'll be at court, by our sides during the whole celebration son" father ordered.
He put an arm over each of our shoulders and held us together. I flinched at his touch, unable to feel the same paternal love I felt from him before he attacked my wife.
"But your majesty there is no necessity of me being there. You won't feel the difference." I tried to persuade him
"I said no, that is all. Once we arrive we'll send for your wife to come back to court. That is it" he said and walked away, leaving me behind with a cluster of answers stocked within me.
"I swear sometimes during the battle I felt the urge to forget the English and stab him instead" I snapped to Francis
"Sebastian, control yourself and keep your voice down. If someone heard you'd be arrested and sentenced to death for-"
"Treason, I know" I replied to Francis who looked genuinely worried "Kenna is very advanced in her pregnancy by now, I'm afraid father might harm her somehow in her fragile state"
Francis placed a hand on my shoulder and gave me a strengthening smile "Don't worry brother, I'll be there for your family and I will never let father do anything to you ever again"
I nodded and pulled my younger brother, the Dauphin, in for a thankful hug. The bloody horn was heard, so we stood up to get back on route.
Kenna's POV – One week later
I packed my things and sent them to the carriage beforehand. I took deep breaths trying to calm myself. My heart was beating fast because I was nervous due to Bash's arrival. I was also nervous because my child had been unexplainably active within me during the last few days.
I had already said goodbye to the girls, and no one had the time for second farewells. The court was busy preparing for the royal arrival. The throne room was getting cleaned rapidly, ladies were preparing dresses to wear during the celebration, the kitchen was busy preparing the perfect meal, and I was on my way down the stairs to my carriage.
As I stepped further away from the craziness of the court corridors and towards the gates I felt a sudden fatigue. The baby started moving inside me, pushing downwards. I leant on the wall and took a deep breath. I tried to stroke and calm it down.
"Lady Kenna? Lady Kenna are you alright?" The fortune teller and healer Nostradamus asked as he arrived in court and saw me leant against the wall.
"Yes, I'm trying to get to my carriage, but I'm heavily with child and it's getting pretty hard" I explained "Can you lend me a hand?"
He thought it through for a second, clearly hesitating "Lady Kenna, perhaps you should consider staying here tonight? I believe you do have chambers as well"
I looked at him in disbelief "I made a promise to my husband that I'll wait for him at home" I snapped, getting impatient as my insides continued to dance
"I understand, but surely your child's health is more important. You can join the celebration here and send for your husband instead."
"Fine, I'll wake up earlier than everyone else and leave then" I said, thinking it through "I probably should lay now"
"I'll escort you to your chambers my lady" he suggested, which I accepted due to the difficulty I had in walking
I arrived to my chamber and lay down immediately. My body gave in and I fell asleep in no time, forgetting to let anyone know of my change in plans, or that I had to be woken up…
I woke up with a sudden pain in my stomach. I sat upright inside the bed and took a deep breath. The lightning bolt like pain struck me again, which sent me howling in agony. I took deep breaths and called for the guards, but no one replied or came in. I hardly got off the bed and stood up.
Everything started to happen very quickly from then on. I first heard klaxons be played outside, so I hardly walked to the window. Everyone, literally the whole French court, was outside, waiting for the arrival of the royals. I had woken up late. Everyone thought I was at home. I started panicking and knocking on the window, but no one would hear. Then there was a splash, and I looked down to notice blood and water on the ground. My water had broken.
Bash' POV
We got off our horses and followed the king as he walked into the French court, his hands in the air, waving to his subjects. We had returned glorious and successful, which fulfilled his wishes. I looked around for Mary and the girls, hoping to get a word on Kenna and the baby until the carriage I sent upon arrival brought her here. The king arrived to the centre and began his speech, which gave us a chance to look around properly. I heard someone call out Francis' name. It had to be Mary, so I went in that direction.
Francis was already by her side, and they were kissing passionately. I looked around and noticed Greer stand by, looking relatively unhealthy.
"Lady Greer, how have you been as of late?" I asked as I gave her a little respective bow
"Thank you Sebastian. I have been fine, thankfully. If you're looking for Kenna she's at the house. She said you two had some sort of agreement" she replied
"Yes we did, we did but-"I began but I was interrupted by the Queen of Scots
"Why are you here then Bash? She's waiting for you!" she exclaimed
"Father forced him to come, Mary" Francis explained for me "He had no choice"
"I sent for her, I sent a carriage to bring her here. They should be here any moment" I told them. Just as I did I noticed the rider of the carriage come towards us "There they are"
But he was alone. Kenna was nowhere to be seen. When he reached our side I interrogated him, wanting to know the whereabouts of my wife
"She never even arrived at the house sir" he told me, throwing me into a state of worry and fear "The guards told me there was no sight of her"
Just then, there was a roar of applause from the crowd as the king finished his speech and disappeared among the crowd. I looked at the others in worry, panicking taking over me
Kenna's POV
I screamed in pain and slammed my fist on the wall. No one seemed to be inside the court. But I knew standing in my room wouldn't help me either, so I started crawling out. It was incredible, how the whole court simply left. I clenched my fist to swallow the pain, but it was growing and becoming more disastrous by the second. Not only was I dying from the aching, but I was also scared because it was far too soon to give birth.
I took a few steps and reached the main corridor. I had begun to lost hope, so I leant on the wall and slid to the ground. At a certain distance apart from me I noticed three figures walking in. Hopeful once again, I screamed for help at the top of my lungs. I shut my eyes and took deep breaths as the footsteps got quicker and louder, and I felt someone sit beside me.
"Kenna" the voice I never wanted to hear called out "Kenna what is happening to you?" he asked again
It was the king; it was the Henry out of all the people in the crowd, who had chosen to return to court with his two guards. I opened my eyes, tears flowing through them and shook my head
"You're not real, please don't be real" I begged as I cried in agony and fear "Please don't touch me"
"Kenna I'm not, are you giving birth?" he asked me as he looked at me carefully "Isn't it, you know, early?"
I nodded, pushing his hands off me "I beseech you Henry, I beseech you go find help, go find a midwife I beg you please" I panted and he nodded
"Go get one, you heard her, get one quick!" he ordered his guards. "Kenna, you need to direct me to your room, is that fine? Can you do that?" he asked
"I don't need your help, I just need a midwife" I snapped as another bolt of pain struck me, my eyes watering up again
"Kenna you will not give birth here, come, I'll take you to your chambers where you'll lie down while I go find Sebastian. I promise I won't do anything wrong"
I had no choice and he was right. I held his arm and we stood up, I pointed at the direction of my room and he, surprisingly, helped me there.
When he arrived to the side of the bed a sudden fear struck me. Flashbacks of him attacking me on his bed hit me. I pushed him off, nearly collapsing on the floor. He held me before I did and settled me on the bed, while I cried and tried to push him off.
"Kenna wait here, I'll be back with Sebastian and the guards with a midwife" he told me
"LEAVE" I shrieked. I didn't care if he was a king or not, I just wanted him gone and my husband by my side.
Bash's POV
"WHERE IS MY WIFE?" I screamed one last time in anger "I need to go to the house, what if she's taken again? What if she's lost? Or killed? It's all my fault" I said as I started pacing
"Goddamn it Bash grad yourself in your hands and stop panicking like a child" Francis snapped as he grabbed me from my collar
As we stared eye to eye our father arrived by our side, panting and in sweat
"Sebastian it's Kenna" he blurted "It's Kenna, she's"
I pushed Francis and walked onto the king instead. Francis tried to hold me back, unsuccessfully. "What did you do to her?" I demanded
"I didn't, I helped her, Bash. She's giving birth in your chambers" he said, throwing the news on us like a bucket of ice cold water.
The girls gasped, and I pushed everyone aside, running inside with all my strength and speed. I didn't know why or how, all I knew was that it was too soon.
As I ran through the corridors of the empty French court I heard it, echoing through the emptiness. I heard the screams of my wife, buried in pain.
Good day everyone, hope you enjoyed this chapter. I noticed a decrease in the latest chapters, I hope that doesn't mean you don't like the story anymore :D it would be very nice if you left a review, so do so if you can please :D Thank you for reading and for your favourites and follows, you're all awesome :-*
