Chapter 14

A/N: Sorry this chapter took so long! I still fully intend to finish the story but it's going to take longer than me posting every week. I'm working my butt off to pay for college so it's a lot harder to write! But, I have a feeling this chapter will make you all very happy! Thank you all for your support and for taking the time to read my fantasy for our lovely royal couple! Thanks again, and review! It will help me get the inspiration to write more!

Disclaimer: I still own nothing! If I did, this would be cannon!

Two days later, after relentless interrogation by Bash, Francis, and Leith, the men decided they got as much as information out of the prisoner as he knew. Following his execution, there was a lull in events. A semi-peaceful week came where the only problems were the dramatics of the people at French Court. Mary and Francis were able to enjoy themselves more than most Kings and Queens were able to in that free week. Catherine was subdued from some reason they chose not to dwell on, which kept her out of their hair and there was little drama between nobles and countries. Bash was still desperately trying to find the castle killer but he hadn't killed since before they captured one of Munro's men.

Mary couldn't help wonder how long they had of the tranquil days before something would happen and life would be chaotic again. She was just waiting for the other shoe to drop and someone, most likely Catherine, to freak out and cause mayhem. So, while she still could, she took every free moment she had to just relax. Whenever time permitted, she would coax Francis into joining her. The relaxing did wonders for Mary because she had been more fatigued than normal and was starting to feel sick.

It was one of the down moments that Mary had when she started to feel sick again. She had a queasy feeling and her stomach was turning. Mary scrunched her eyes shut and willed the feeling to go away like it did every other time. This time however, it didn't. Instead, Mary found herself rushing to the chamber pot to empty the contents of her stomach. Soon enough, nothing was left in her stomach and she was left curled up in the floor. She didn't have enough energy to move and was afraid that the sickness would come back.

"Mary?" Francis called out to the room.

All Mary could muster was a soft, "over here" from her spot on the floor.

"Oh darling," he cooed when he saw his wife curled up on the floor. Mary slowly struggled to sit up. She was trying to appear as the ever elegant Queen she was despite being pale and fragile looking. Francis quickly reacted to help her up. "Let's get you into bed." Francis lifted Mary, practically carrying her to bed. He pulled back the covers and tucked her in.

"I don't know what happened," Mary informed. "Sickness just suddenly came over me." Francis sat next to her as she spoke. He stroked her hair for comfort. Mary closed her eyes and relaxed into his soothing touch.

"I can get the physician for you. We can get you looked at and find out what happened."

She smiled at Francis. "I'm fine, I just need rest." Mary saw the worry that still shown in his eyes, she put her hand on his face and stroked the stubble on his face. "Put your worries aside and just come lay with me."

"Only if you promise to talk to the physician if this happens again."

"I promise, now come," Mary patted the bed next to her.

Francis reluctantly climbed over her in order to lay down. "Fine, you've convinced me." He gave her a peck on the cheek as he crossed over her, causing her to giggle. As soon as he was settled, Francis pulled Mary tightly into him. "Now you sleep while I hide here and avoid my Kingly duties."

Mary chuckled against his chest. "Excellent hiding spot, no one would think to find you in your own room," her muffled, sarcastic reply came.

"Well, let us pretend that I was good at the games we played when we were children and carry on with this one."

"Yes, I guess we shall. Besides, I'm too comfortable argue otherwise. You have already made me feel much better."

"Good," the couple stayed in silence for what could have been minutes or hours. "Have you been feeling unwell before today?" Francis suddenly asked.

Mary startled a little when he spoke. "Nothing too bad. Every once in a while I have felt a wave of nausea but it always passes quickly. This is the first time is has progressed to more than just a feeling. I am sure it's nothing, let us sleep and forget our troubles for a while."

Francis placed a gentle kiss on Mary's head in agreement. The two quickly feel into a light slumber, being in a constant state of tiredness made it easy for them to fall asleep.

Mary woke up by a knock on the door. Francis had already slipped out and the door opened to one of the servants. Mary was disoriented for a moment, but quickly became aware of where she was and who had just entered.

"I'm sorry your grace," one of her lady's maids spoke. "I didn't mean to disturb you but I was coming to change your sheets."

"Oh, yes, of course." Mary swiftly got out of bed and made to fix her hair.

The maid promptly started to change the sheets as soon as Mary was out of the way. "Excuse me, your grace, if I may ask you a personal question."

Mary looked at her maid confused but nodded for her to continue.

"It's just," she hesitated, "you have yet to receive your monthly course. I know they are not always regular but I was wondering if you had some way of keeping your course from the sheets."

Mary's mouth fell open. She thought back to when she had last received her courses and realized she was over a week late. Normally, the courses would arrive on time if not a day or two late, but never had they been delayed that long. Never except for once, the first time she had been pregnant. Mary stood in silence, not wanting to believe she could finally be pregnant again. "Um," she stuttered.

"Oh," the maid squeaked, quickly understanding, "I'm sorry your highness, I've over stepped my boundaries, I will just change your sheets."

"Um," Mary's hands came to cradle her stomach. "Please, do not say anything to anyone."

"Of course your highness, I will not say a word."

Mary nodded and hustled out of the room. She walked as quickly as she could without drawing any suspicion to herself. She couldn't believe she hadn't realized it before. She headed for the gardens, wanting fresh air to help organize her thoughts.

"Leith," Bash called out as he saw Leith across the hall. The two fast friends walked towards each other, meeting the other half way. "Have you found anything else out about our group of assassins?"

"I did some digging," Leith and Bash began to walk to keep from others listening into their conversation. "Apparently, Munro wanted to get rid of Queen Mary before she could produce an heir. That way, there will be no apparent heir to the thrown and the dispute over the next ruler would give him the perfect opportunity to take over."

"Makes sense," Bash commented. "That is the time any royal is most vulnerable, before they are officially King or Queen. Did you find anything about who these letters were sent to? There are still three out there."

"No, I couldn't track down someone who knew that information. But, at least we know that there are three other assassins that are going to be coming after our Queen."

"That is true, we will have to keep more guards with Mary at all times and make sure they can be trusted. It will help that it seems Francis is always reluctant to leave her side. We should tell Francis, I'm sure Mary will be with him but if not, he can pass along the information. What about our other problem?"

Leith stopped, a frustrated look adorned his features. "I have searched for any leads besides salt but have come up empty handed. There haven't even been any more killings to help us as awful as that sounds."

"I have found the same results with my investigations. I'm sure it would be just wishful thinking to assume he has stopped for good and we don't have to worry about it anymore."

Leith chuckled, "Come now Bash, when has life at court ever been that simple? Problems going away on their own? Ha."

Bash smiled and shook his head. "You are sadly correct. At least this break of murders gives us time to focus on Munro's assassins."

"Ah silver linings in death, what a treat."

"Well, for happier news, I hear congratulation is in order. We are to be kin."

Leith gave an embarrassed smile, "Thank you, I still can't believe I was once just a cook and now am marrying a princess."

"It must be hard to grasp but, one thing you'll learn about Francis and Mary is they don't care as much about social status as any other royal or noble you meet. They care more about the person."

"I have noticed that and it has worked out in my favor obviously."

Bash laughed and grasped Leith's shoulder, "Yes, well, welcome to the family."

It was another week before Mary was sure that her courses were not coming. That whole week, Mary struggled to hid the sickness she felt that was becoming more frequent. She wanted to be sure that it wasn't a false alarm. She was determined to not wait six weeks again but she wanted to be completely sure.

Once Mary set her mind to telling Francis her news, she planned a nice little picnic for the two. She sent for Francis to meet her by the lakeside midafternoon. Mary arrived early to wait for Francis. She laid out the food the servants prepared for them and sat on the ground. She closed her eyes and raised her face to the sun, letting her skin bath in the sun's rays. She felt like a child once more, letting the sun bake her skin and the cool breeze tickle her face.

"You are a vision, an angel basking in the sunlight," Francis startled Mary. Mary smiled up at him. He crouched down to hover over Mary, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. "And I am eternally grateful that you are mine."

Mary closed the gap between their lips once more before responding, "And I am the luckiest woman in the world." The royal couple grinned at each other. Their faces mere centimeters from the other, taking in their partner's presence.

Francis flopped down next to Mary after a moment of just crouching there. He sat as close to his wife as possible, taking her hand in his as the other kept him upright. His thumb gently caressed the back of her hand.

"This is a nice little surprise," He commented on the picnic.

"Yes, well, there is a reason behind it," Mary teased, "but first, let us eat."

Francis stared at her as she turned away. Shock shown through his eyes at her teasing. Mary giggled, knowing what she was doing to him. She tried turning her whole body away from him and towards the food but he didn't let her. He grabbed her waist, "Oh no you don't." Francis physically turned Mary around, pulling her into his lap.

Mary squealed. "Francis!"

"You don't get to tease me like that and then not say anything else," he tightened his arms around her.

"But where is the fun in simply telling you?"

"Hmm, how about I will give you an incentive to tell me now?" Before she had the chance to respond, Francis captured her lips with his. He passionately kissed her. His one hand kept ahold of her on his lap while the other roamed her body.

Mary got lost in the kiss, forgetting her original intention of the lakeside picnic. She threaded her fingers through his hair, not being able to be close enough to him. Her breath became shallow as the kiss became deeper, more passionate. A small moan escaped her lips and Mary began to forget where she was. Suddenly, Francis pulled away.

"Now," he said in a deep, sultry voice, "you have to tell me what this is all for."

Mary bit her lip, trying poorly to conceal her smile. She reached up and stroked his hair. "Fine," she conceded, "I will tell you."

Mary readjusted herself so she was no longer sitting on Francis's lap. Instead, her legs were draped over his and she sat pressed up against him. She gazed deep into his eyes as her hand played with his hair. "Lately, I haven't been feeling myself," she began with Francis listening intently to her. "I originally thought it was from the stress and everything that happened with your illness and the assassination attempts but about a week or so ago I realized that wasn't the case."

"Well then what is it then?" Concern shown strongly in Francis's eyes. His hand cupped her face like it was holding a delicate flower.

Mary beamed at him. "I found out it is nothing bad at all. On the contrary, it's the most wonderful news I could receive." Mary paused again, partly to build anticipation and partly because she could barely say the words without breaking out into tears and laughter of happiness.

"Please darling, just tell me."

"Francis, I am with child."

Francis's mouth fell wide open. "Truly?" He asked in disbelief, shock turning into bliss. "You are truly carrying our babe?"

Mary nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, truly." Francis's hand found its way to her still flat stomach and cradled it in his hand. He passionately kissed her, not knowing how else to show her his ecstasy in her news.

"This is the most wonderful news you could have shared with me. I- I can't form the words to tell you how happy I am," Francis cried.

Mary laughed, "Then don't tell me, show me."