As their carriage pulled up to the castle, Greer began to feel uneasy. It had been nearly a month since her and Eduard's spontaneous marriage, but she was not ready to show her face at court.

"I don't think I'm ready to return to court," Greer said to Eduard.

"It's too late, Greer. We are already here," Eduard said.

"Can't we go back?"

"Certainly not. My brother is taking his girls to that chateau for a holiday. He would not be happy if we were there."

"What about your main family estate?"

"We should not go back there either. We need to stay here at court for a while. My brother needs time to get used to the idea of you being my wife."

"How long with that take? Days? Weeks? Years?"

"Be patient, my love. Stephane will come around eventually. But for now, we must be at court."

"I would rather us have a place of our own."

"We will, my dear, but we do not have the coin."

"Unfortunately not..."

"We're going to have to put everything we have into that brothel. The more successful it becomes, the more coin we'll have."

"That sounds like a plan," Greer said before kissing Eduard on the cheek.

After that, Greer and Eduard got out of their carriage and made their way inside. Eduard was greeted by his friends while Greer was greeted by Queen Mary and her other friends.

"Greer!" Mary exclaimed as she rushed over to her.

"Your Grace!" Greer said as she hugged her.

"You are glowing, Greer. Marriage certainly does suit you."

"I feel different as well. I love married life."

"Well, why don't we go to my chambers and talk? I'm sure you could use a hot drink."

"Oh I could."

With that, Mary, Greer and the others went to Mary's chambers. Once they were all settled in, they all started to ask Greer questions.

"What's married life like?" Aylee asked.

"It's quite nice," Greer said.

"How's the sex?" Kenna asked.

"Very good," Greer said, blushing a little.

"I'm sure you'll be with child in no time," Mary said.

"Actually... I already am with child," Greer said.

"How long have you known?" Lola asked.

"A few days, but I haven't told Eduard yet. I wanted us to be settled in before I did."

"How far along are you?" asked Aylee.

"About a month. I think I got pregnant on our wedding night."

"Fast work," Kenna said; she sounded a little envious.

"To be honest, I am not ready for motherhood. I want children, but I wanted Eduard and Stephane to be on good terms before it happened. It's too late now though."

"Perhaps I could speak to Lord Narcisse about it," Mary said.

"Thank you, Mary, but I don't want you to force Stephane's hand... That would only make things worse. I want him to accept me as his sister-in-law, but not that way."

"I won't intervene, but just let me know if you change your mind."

"I will," Greer said with a smile on her face.

"By the way," Mary said, "I have a new lady-in-waiting, but she'll only be here for a few months."

"Who is she?"

"Lady Alix Dubois."

"Alix Dubois? I've heard some stories about her."

"Like what?"

"She and Bash used to be lovers."

"Really?" Lola asked, "Bash never told me about her."

"I think I know why... It's because Alix had a child several months after she left court. That child may or may not be Bash's."

"Oh my God," Lola said, angered, "I can't believe this!"

"Like I said, it may or may not be true."

"Alix's child was fathered by Bash," Kenna said, "she told me herself.

"Oh wow..." Aylee said.

An angry Lola got out of her chair. "I think I should go now. I need to go find Bash. We have much to discuss."

"That's not possible," Kenna said.

"Why is that?"

"Bash left to go visit his mother. He'll be gone for at least a fortnight."

"Damn... Where is Alix?"

"She's probably in her apartments," Mary said, "she has not been feeing well due to her mew pregnancy."

"Where are her apartments located?"

"I won't tell you," Mary said, "you need to leave her be. Don't start a fight that you cannot win. Alix has many friends at court, including Queen Catherine. You need to let this go."

"Fine... I'll wait. But as soon as I get the chance, I will confront her."

"Do it if you want, but be careful. Don't stress yourself out too much, Lola."

"I'll try not to."

Later that evening, Greer went to bed earlier than usual. She was very pleased to see her husband when he joined her.

"Eduard," Greer said cheerfully, "how was your day today?"

"It was fun. I went out riding with my friends, then drinking," Eduard said.

"Whoring as well?"

"My friends did, but I did not partake. I don't need whores when I am married to the most beautiful woman in France."

"I'm glad, darling," Greer said before she kissed him on the cheek.

Eduard took Greer's hands and kissed them.

"Darling..." Greer said a few moments later," I have some news for you."

"What is the news?" Eduard asked.

"I am with child."

"Are you certain?"

"Quite certain... I'm a few weeks late on my monthly course."

Eduard smiled. "This is wonderful news."

"Really? I thought you'd be upset about it."

"Why would you think that?"

"We are not settled. All our money is in that brothel, and it is not thriving. All we have is this room at court."

"I know, but once Stephane knows, he will take us in."

"He will?"

"My brother has a soft spot for children. He surely would take us in."

"Would he let you have your inheritance?"

"I'm not sure, but living with him could help me convince him to give it to me. Plus he could get to know you more."

"We failed at that, remember?"

"Yes, but you are my wife now, and you are the mother of my unborn child. He has to accept you."

"I hope he does."

"I hope he does too, my love... Now... what should we do to celebrate?"

"I have ideas," Greer said; a seductive grin crossing her face.