Author's Note: All right, here is chapter twelve. This story about to get a little dark and twisty. I have to admit I struggled with this chapter, I went through many rewrites. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
This is the second time Hercule has watched the young Queen as she bathed, stroking himself. He pictures Mary taking him in her hot mouth. Just the thought her mouth around him makes stroke himself faster until he finds his release. Hercule wonders if the young King has taken his wife in the ass, he doubts it. Many find such thing a taboo, but not Hercule he believes taking a woman in such a way asserts dominance. As it is the man owns the woman, it clear Francis never learned that. Francis gives Mary too much freedom that will change once Hercule is the Lord Magistrate. The young Queen will learn how to obey her master. It may take some time but he will break her.
In a village about twenty miles from the castle, a group of villagers are gathered around looking at four men hanging upside down on crosses, blood running down their face. These men four are responsible for the Protestant lead attack. Men, Francis ordered not to be hanged until the Catholic prisoners were found. Bash and his two men, Leith and Gabriel are making their way through the village on their way back to Court after a failed attempt to find the escaped prisoners. The three men stop their horses as they approach the scene. Many of the villagers shoot the King's Deputy and his men evil looks. Leith as a holy shit facial express, he looks at Gabriel then he looks Bash. Bash is staring at the men, he knows this not his brother's doing. Bash kicks the side of horse and speeds off. Gabriel and Leith exchange looks then follow Bash towards the castle.
Lord Devereux is pacing, Hercule had promised him everything would work about however, thing are happing quite the opposite. He is on the verge of losing everything, maybe he should just cut is loss and tell the King the truth. Tell King Francis that Lord DuBois was behind escape of the prisoners. That way he would keep his land and be known has the hero of France. The King would forever be in his debt. Yes, that what he going to do, Lord Devereux leaves his Chateau, making his way to his horse.
"Going somewhere Theodor?" A man asks.
"I can't do this. I am not prepared to lose everything. This wasn't a part of plan." Lord Devereux has reached his breaking point.
"Sacrifices must be made in order to have a stronger France. Whatever you lose, Hercule will restore in ten folds."
"You're not the one whose lands and titles are at risk."
"I can't allow you to ruin Lord DuBois' plans." The man plunges his sword into Lord Devereux stomach. Lord Devereux looks at the man then slumps to the ground "Forgive me Theodor, this is all for the greater good." The man walks away from Lord Devereux leaving him to bleed out.
Francis is sitting on his throne staring into space, when he woke up this morning his whole body was aching. A sign that his illness is getting worse, he would be fool to believe he has six months left. Francis knows this, his option to get Mary pregnant is running thin. He needs a new plan.
Francis' head is fuzzy, he can see his brother approach him along with Gabriel and Leith. Francis can see his brother lips moving but can't hear what he is saying. Bash's words sound like static in his ear and his vision is somewhat blurry. The King blinks his eyes three time and Bash's face comes back into focus. Francis can't make out what his Deputy is saying but he can tell by his brother's facial expression that situation is crucial. Bash stops talking and looks at his King, he can see that color as left Francis' face. His brother looks like hell, Bash wonders if Leith and Gabriel notices something off with the King. If they do, they are making it apparent not say anything. Bash tells the two men he needs a moment alone with the King. Leith and Gabriel nod before leaving the brothers alone, Bash approaches Francis. Francis blinks a few more times as Bash call out his name. The King bring his hand to his ear and rubs it in hopes fix his hearing, he winces in pain
"Francis." The young King hears Sebastian state sharply. Finally Francis can hear clearly though the pain in his ear remains.
"Bash." Francis girts out in pain.
"Damn it Francis, this is maddens. Let being me in a physician." Bash voice is harsh, Francis maybe be King but Sebastian is still his older brother. He should hold some type of authority over him, on the other hand Bash knows he doesn't.
Francis looks at Bash, he knows Bash's request is more of a demand. Is brother really attempting to pull some type rank as over him just because he is his older brother? A rank he used to let Bash use when they were growing up. That all changed when Francis was ten and Bash was sixteen. That was first time their father caught Francis obeying brother all because Bash told him he overruled him because he was his older brother. While Henry favored Bash he wouldn't allow his bastard son to think he held any authority over the future King of France. That was the first time Henry made Bash get on one knee and bow down deeply before his brother. Henry made Bash stay like that as he lectured Francis. Henry told the Francis that Bash held no power or authority over him because Bash was a bastard and he would always be nothing. Henry then went on to tell Francis that Bash is only at here at the King's favor. It was then Henry asked Francis if Bash had fallen out of the King's favor. Francis remembers how his brother head shot up faster than speed of light their eyes meet then Bash quickly dropped his head. That was Francis' "first rule" of course he told their father he hadn't. The last thing Francis wanted was for Bash to banish into exile. That day Henry told him a Kings never takes orders from anyone especially their bastard brothers.
"Tell your King why you are here, Sebastian." Francis says firmly.
Bash looks at Francis giving him the look he gets before a fight. Francis shoots him a warning look, daring his brother to do something. Bash wants to punch him the face, but he doesn't. Bash takes a deep breath to compose himself.
"The Protestants have been killed and each strung up on an inverted cross." Bash inform him.
"What, how did that happened?" Francis orders.
"I'm not sure. I'm going to question the guards on duty."
"I want the person responsible found and they will be punished by death. I will not have a civil war break out because of this. If the guards refuse to answer use the torturers."
Bash nods and goes to leave.
"Bash, wait."
Francis hates how allows his father's words to control him. Bash looks at Francis, he can tell by the look in his eyes that his brother is sorry. It's clear the illness is fucking with Francis' common sense. Bash bows to Francis then leaves the Throne Room.
Hercule enters his chambers and smiles when see Adelie. She is one of his many spies, he gave her a special task of keeping an eye on the Queen's pot chambers.
"Well?" Hercule asks.
Adelie smiles, "The Queen is with child."
Anger fills Hercule's eyes, no this is the last thing he wants. His little defiant Queen will have to pay for this. A baby will destroy his plans, no this will not do.
"Do not inform anyone of this do you hear me?"
"'My Lord?" Adelie is confused this is great news all have France and Scotland have been waiting to hear news of an heir.
"It is very important that you keep this to yourself. If you don't, you family will suffer. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Yes, My Lord." Adelie stutters.
"Good, you are dismissed."
Adelie curtsy and quickly leaves the room.
"Damn it, damn it all to hell!" Hercule knocks over a table in his chambers. The lack of a pregnancy was only he held over Mary. It is the only thing he can use to keep her line. That girl just can't help herself she loves to make things complicated for him, doesn't she? Hercule takes a breath, he can handle this all he needs to do is get rid of the baby.
Mary is sitting with Lola who is holding Jean her lap they are watching as Charles and Henry play in yard enjoying the crisp autumn air.
"I made sure the kitchen made extra apple tarts." Lola says.
Mary smiles and grabs an apple tart. "I have been having a hankering for theses for the last couple of weeks. Last night, I actually made Francis go the kitchen in the middle of the night to retrieve some."
Lola looks at Mary, her friend is having cravings coupled with her outburst yesterday. Lola breaks into a smile. "Mary, I think you might be pregnant."
"What? No, I can't be. Can I?"
"Cravings, mood swings." Lola grins, "We can have your pot chambers tested."
"All right, let's not say anything to Francis I don't want get his hopes up."
Lola nods and Mary smiles there is a good chance she is carrying the next King of France and Scotland.
Hercule is in Catherine's chamber going through her so called medicine cabinet. Hercule knows Catherine has mastered the art of poison, Hercule, himself, knows a little about poison. Enough that he feels confident to identify an herb or tonic that can help aid him in this mission. Hercule picks up a small bag and sniffs it, he smiles. This just what he needs now he just past her testers. Hercule hears Catherine's voice in the hallway. He quickly put the bag in his pocket and close the medicine cabinet and slips through passageway. Catherine enters her chambers, she looks around the room. She feels as if someone has been in her chambers.
Timothy one of the guards who was in charge of watching the Protestant prisoners is tied to the rack.
"Who gave you the other the hang the prisoner?" Bash questions.
"The order came from the King." Timothy replies.
"We both know that is a lie, so I will ask again who gave the order."
Timothy doesn't respond, Bash looks at the torturers and motion for them to stretch him. Timothy moans in pain.
"That's enough." Bash tells the torturers, "Are you ready to tell me who gave you the order."
Timothy doesn't say anything. "Very well." Bash says, "More." He orders.
The torturers crank the gears on the rack, Timothy screams. Bash signals for the torturers stop.
"Last chance, tell me who gave the order or I will let them dismember you."
Timothy is breathing hard, sweat is dripping from his body he's not sure how much more he can take. Timothy looks at Bash who is about the signal the tortures.
"Wait." Timothy pants, "It was Lord Devereux. He gave me and the other guards are duty fifty gold pieces to kill and string up the Protestants. He told me if anyone asks to say it was the King's order."
Bash enters the Throne Room, Francis is glassy eyed. Bash wonders how much pain his brother is in as he approaches the Throne.
"Brother." Bash states.
Francis blinks and looks at Bash, "What did you find?"
"Lord Devereux paid the guards kill Protestants and have them stung up." Sebastian informs Francis.
"Devereux, I should have known he was be behind this."
Lord Vaughn walks swiftly into the Throne Room.
"Is what you call getting justice for my son? Letting his murderers go free, killing Protestants then having then strung up in such a blasphemous way for all of France to see."
"Watch how you address the King France." Bash states firmly.
Francis grimes as he stands, this goes unnoticed by Lord Vaughn, but not by Bash.
"It's all right." Francis tells Bash, he looks at Lord Vaughn. "Sebastian is going to arrest the man who is behind this. I promised you, your son justice and you will have it."
Mary is pacing, Lola is on the floor playing with Jean.
"Mary will you sit down. Amara said the test will take a few minutes. Now come sit and play with your godson."
Mary sits next to Lola and Lola hands Jean to her. Mary takes a hold of Jean he and sits him on her lap. Jean looks up at Mary and she smiles at him, he as Francis' eyes. While Lola has blue eyes as well, Mary knows that Jean's eyes are the eyes of a Valois. Those eyes held a sweet nature, laced with protection and toughness. She sees it she whenever she looks at Francis and Bash.
"He has Francis' eyes." Mary says in admiration.
Lola looks at Jean, "I feel as if he going just like Francis and nothing like me."
Mary gives Lola a soft smile, "That's not true, he has your nose" Mary taps Jean's nose causing the baby the let out squeal. "He also has your ears. Which is a good thing, don't tell Francis, but his ears are uneven."
Lola laughs.
"However, I assume he already knows that's why he insist on keeping his hair long."
Lola continues to laugh and Mary smiles and keeps bouncing Jean. There is a knock on the door.
"Come in." Lola says.
The door open Amara crosses in and curtsy, "Lady Lola, Your Majesty."
Mary looks at looks at Amara silently asking for the result, Amara smiles, "You are with child."
Lola lets out a high pitched squeal and hugs Mary careful not to smash Jean in the process. Mary is smiling looks like those tonics worked after all.
Dead, Lord Devereux is dead. The Protestant have been killed and put on display in such a horrific manner and Catholic prisoners are free and the only man who would have provided the Crown with information is dead. Francis is sitting in his private work chambers contemplating this news he received from Bash. This blows any chance Francis has to keep his just rule. This rule was supposed to set the foundation of his and Mary's Reign and pave a way towards a tolerance France. Catherine enters the chambers.
"See what happens, when you don't listen to my council." Catherine says as she approaches Francis. "This could end badly Francis. The Protestant might revolt."
"I don't have time for a lecture, Mother." Francis brings his hand to head, the last thing he wants to do is talk to his mother.
"How long are you going to let Mary control you?" Catherine demands.
"Mary does not control me. She is my Queen and I share and value her opinions."
"She is manipulating you. How long do think its going take before Scotland falls to Protestantism. She only wants France to be tolerant so she doesn't lose her Crown. She doesn't care what happens to France."
"Mary and I both want France to be tolerant. I do not wish to rule as father did. Also in case you have forgotten I am the King Consort of Scotland and I will do whatever it takes to protect it."
"And what will happened if you lose your Throne! Francis, your duty is to France. Not Scotland." Catherine girts outs.
Francis stands ups his eyes glaring into Catherine.
"My duty is to my wife, Mary, Queen of Scots. I will always protect Scotland because they are one in the same. "
"You know the Vatican will never allow France to be tolerant. France can't not afford to lose the Vatican support, you know this."
"The Vatican also doesn't want see the fall of anymore Catholic rulers."
"You would really challenge the Vatican?"
"If it ever got to that point, yes."
The room begins to spin and Francis closes his eyes and lean forward planting his hand on the table to steady him. Catherine reaches out her hand and touches Francis' arm. "Francis-"
"This discussion is over." Francis bites out.
"Francis."
"Leave me!"
Catherine looks at Francis one last time then leaves the room.
Hercule opens his chamber door and sees Catherine sitting on his bed, Hercule looks at her something seems off.
"Catherine are you all right?" Hercule asks.
"No, I'm not. It's Francis, there something wrong with him and he's not telling me."
"It's not easy for King their rule crumples before them. He can, he will recover from this."
"No, there's something else and he won't tell me or Mary. I need you find out what's going on with him."
Hercule looks at Catherine, he had heard from his spies that King has trouble sleeping and of his lack of appetite. Hercule didn't think anything of as everyone has different ways of coping with stress, but the look on Catherine makes him believe there is something more to it. Is the King ill? He needs to know.
"Leave everything to me."
Hercule knew this mission wasn't going to easy. He had heard thing about Mary, Queen of Scots, coupled with the thing he remembers about her she was child. He knew she was going to his greatest obstacle and he made plans to handle her. An unwell King, now that's whole different monster one he is not prepared for. Yet, one he is willing to tackle. He just needs hear a confirmation from the King then he can draft a plan.
Hercule is leaning against the door frame of the library. Francis is sitting on the window seat. His back is to the wall and his head is tilted to the side resting on the window. The young King is asleep, Hercule watches the teenager as he sleeps he's surprised the King would pick such a public place to find rest. The last couple days have been hell for Francis, the Catholic prisoners gone, the protestant killed and put on display. Putting the King is tough spot as he can no longer follow through on his just rule.
"Mary." Francis mumbles in his sleep.
Hercule shakes his head as hear the King mutter his wife's name. That girl has the King wrapped around her finger, it's quite pathetic if you ask Hercule. Hercule makes his way into the library closing the door softly behind him not wanting wait Francis just yet. Hercule looks through books shelve before removing a one of book from the shelf. Hercule makes his way to couch and sits, he glances at Francis.
"I'm not sure what you are hiding, but will find out soon enough." Hercule turns his attention to his book and waits for the King to wake.
A whole hour, that's long Hercule waited for Francis to wake. Hercule watches as Francis as brings his head to bridge of his nose he lets out a groan.
"Francis?"
Francis turns his head and looks at Hercule, "Hercule, what are you doing here?"
"Your mother is concerned about you. She asked me to speak with you. I hope you don't mind, I decide to play look out. I didn't think you would want all of Court know the King has taken a rest in library."
"Thank you. I appreciate that."
"I know, you don't trust me. Also I know you can't trust many here at Court. Your older brother and your wife are they only two people you can truly trust. I'm sure some things are best left between brothers."
Francis looks at Hercule does he know something.
"Since the age he's six he's been your protector. I'm sure he carries many of your burdens. That's a lot to ask of man who will soon have his own family to care for, don't you agree?"
"My brother is very high spirited, he can handle any challenges in front of him."
"Oh, I don't doubt that. Sebastian is more capable I'm just saying you need more than him to cast your burdens on."
"I see, my mother sent you hereto gain my favor."
"Yes, she did. I will lie to you about that, but I didn't come here because of Catherine. I came here because of your father. He wanted me look after his family."
"Hercule, I appreciate what you have done for my mother. You have lifted her spirits but-"
"I understand your hesitance, I am not here to do your mother bidding. I am only here because she is concerned and you need more than Bash as confidant."
What did you think of my rule?"
The boy is testing him, very well Hercule knows the game and he who to play. When comes to dealing with royals, it all about knowing how to play chess.
"It was honorable. It is a shame you were unable to carry it out."
Francis looks at Hercule, there is something about him Francis can't put his finger on. Maybe it because his father was never a father to him. Francis was expecting Hercule to condemn his decision to rule justly, like his would have. Tell him was going to ruining everything Henry had work towards a stable France. A stability that might shatter under Francis. However, he didn't Hercule called is rule honorable not to many Catholic nobles would dare say that.
"You are quite the opposite of your father, he ruled with an iron fist. He was feared by many."
"I don't wish to be feared just respected."
"And you will be in time. As I hope I gain your trust in time as well."
Francis gets off the window seat and looks at Hercule. "How would you tell a grieving father his child will never receive justice?"
"Your break it to him gently then you apologize without actually apologizing. It will make you look strong."
Francis and Lord Vaughn are standing in Francis' private work chambers. Francis looks at Lord Vaughn.
"Lord Vaughn, I am filled with deep regret. This was never my intention, if there was any way to rectify this situation I would."
Lord Vaughn looks Francis, "So, that's it. You're not going to even try to find my son's killers."
"Believe me when I say we have searched. There is nothing more I can do. The circumstance is out of my control."
"The circumstance is out of your control! My son is dead! Do I not deserve some type of satisfaction?" Lord Vaughn roars.
"My heart is heavy. If there was any more I could do, I would." Francis feels horrible if he could turn back time and fix the mistakes made he would do it in a heartbeat.
"You promised me justice for my son and I will have it."
With that, Lord Vaughn leaves the room.
Mary is sitting on the couch when Francis enters their chambers.
"Bash told me what happened. I feel responsible Francis. I never should have threatened Lord Devereux." Mary tell him.
"You are not to blame for this." Francis sits next to her on couch.
"I have some news that can shed some light on such a dim day."
"Mary, there's no news you can give me that can rectify this situation." Francis stand up and kisses Mary on the forehead. "I'm going retire to my old chambers for the evening."
Mary watches as Francis leaves the room, Mary places her and hand on her stomach. Tomorrow, she will tell him tomorrow everything will be better then.
Hercule takes bite out of a pear, one of his spies told him about what Lord Vaughn say to King Francis about getting justice for his son. Giving Hercule an idea as to how he can get rid of Lord Vaughn and gain Francis' trust in one fell swoop.
