The eve of the new year was upon them. Bash did not want to celebrate, but Francis encouraged him to do so.

"Go enjoy yourself, Bash," Francis said when Bash had come to visit his sick room, "you work too hard. You need to enjoy yourself every once in a while."

"Attending court celebrations is not on my priority list."

"The Christmas season is more than halfway over, and I hear that you have not attended a single feast or masque or dance."

"I haven't been in the mood."

"I don't care if you are not in the mood tonight. I command you to go and have fun."

"Fine, dear brother. I will go have fun, but I'm only doing it for you."

The celebration was at it's peak when Bash finally made his appearance. He sought out some wine as soon as he got there. For a while, Bash stood in the corner by himself, surveying the room. He saw his wife talking with the prince of Condé, Queen Mary speaking with Sir Malcolm, Lady Aylee dancing with a young nobleman, and his numerous half-siblings trying to escape from their governesses and nurses.

Bash smiled to himself as he saw his sister, Princess Claude dance with her new husband, the duke of Lorraine. She was only 12, but looked so mature for for age. All the while, Bash could not help but think of Lola. He missed her more than he thought he would. How he longed for a conversation with her... how he longed to have her in his bed... Yet he still ad the same feelings about her pregnancy, which would prevent any chance of reconciliation.

Some time later, Bash noticed that Mary was walking up to him. He bowed to his sister-in-law upon seeing her.

"Long time no see, your grace," Bash said.

"Yes... It's been a while since we last spoke," Mary said, "but I think you know the reason why that is."

"Because of Lola..."

"You are right, Bash."

"I figured."

"You need to reconcile with her."

"I don't think she'll forgive me."

"She will, Bash. She still loves you. Do you still love her?"

"I do."

"You should talk with Lola once she gets back from Lord Narcisse's chateau."

"I will."

"Good... now if you excuse me, I feel the urge to dance."

"Go ahead."

"Talk to you later."

Bash silently nodded his head. He watched Mary walk over to the dance floor, and began dancing to a popular Scottish dance, then watched as Malcolm joined her. Bash could not help but watch Mary and Malcolm dance together; they both looked so graceful on that dance floor. Mary and Malcolm received a loud applause once they were done. After that, Bash then saw Kenna enter the dance floor with the prince of Conde, which led him to seek out another cup of wine.

After about an hour, Bash left the festivities, and went to go see Francis before returning to his room.

"Bash," Francis exclaimed after Bash entered the room, "how were the festivities?"

"Everyone there looked like they were having a good time," said Bash.

"But not you, right?"

"You know I don't enjoy parties that much."

"I know... but I really did want you to have a good time."

"I appreciate that, brother. But if I want to have a good time, I'll just go hunting."

"Do I get an invite?"

"Yes, but not until you have recovered."

"Fine with me. Did you see Mary?"

"She and I had a little conversation. I think she's finally done being mad at me."

"That's good."

"I never noticed it before, but Mary is such a good dancer."

"Yes she is."

"So is Malcolm. He and Mary had the eyes of the whole court as they danced together."

"Hmmmm..."

"Do you not like Malcolm?"

"Malcolm is a good man... but he and Mary do spend a lot of time together."

"Does that bother you?"

"It did, but I'm trying to not let it bother me anymore."

"That's good. Mary is a good wife and queen to you."

"I know she is... but we have not been with each other since we found out that I'm infertile."

"That's rough, brother."

"It is."

"You should go to her bed once you've recovered. Just because you can't father children, that does not mean that should not be able to enjoy some good sex."

"Perhaps that will be what both of us need. It could help with the distance that is between us."

"I hope it does help."

"I hope it does too..."

About half an hour later, Bash made his way back to his room. Just as he was going to pull out his key to open the door, he realized that it was already open. Bash put his right hand on the hilt of his dagger while he slowly opened the door with his left hand. Bash was shocked to see his former lover sitting on the chair by his window when he finally entered the room.

"Alix?" Bash asked, "what are you doing here?"

"I came to see you, my love," Alix said.

"I haven't seen or heard from you in a year and a half."

"You know why I couldn't write to you... But I'm back now, and that's all that matters."

"A lot has happened the past year and a half."

"Yes..."

"I have another lover."

"And where is this lover of yours?"

"She's at court at the moment, but should be hack in a week or so."

"Good." Alix got out of the chair and got very close to Bash.

"Come to bed with me, lover."

"I don't want to go to bed with you."

"Oh really? Your body feels differently."

"I could bed you right now if I wanted to... But I just can't..."

"You will..."

Alix took Bash's hand, led him to the bed and pushed him down. She began to unlace the front of his pants, but he stopped her.

"No," said Bash.

"Yes," Alix said as she pushed back his hand. She then continued to unlace his pants.

Once Bash's pants were off, Alix pulled off her gown. She got on top of him, then took his hands and put them on her naked breasts. Then all of a sudden, Bash flipped over and got on top of Alix.

A wide smile crossed Alix's lips. "Take me..."

That night, Bash bedded his former lover with much passion. He had objected at first, but ended up enjoying himself. He had forgotten how good Alix was in bed.

After they were done, Alix got out of bed and began to put her clothing back on.

"Leaving already?" Bash asked.

"I have to get back to my court apartments... my husband and son are waiting for me."

Bash turned red. "Why did you have to bring him to court?"

"A mother cannot leave her son behind."

"There have already been rumors that he is my son... I do not want them to start back up again."

"You know those rumors are true."

"Yes I do..." Bash said, "Alix... why are you really here?"

"Queen Catherine sent me an invitation to court... I am her goddaughter, after all. She wants to see me and Gerard again. She also wants to see the baby... Jules is his name."

"Of course she does," Bash said as he laid his back on the bed. Alix went over to Bash and kissed him on the cheek.

"Just so you know, I am already with child again, so you don't need to worry about this one also being yours," Alix said before she left the room.

"Oh, believe me..." Bash said to himself after she left the room, "I already have plenty to worry about."