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Iseabail POV

Over the past few weeks Bash and I took turns choosing a book to read aloud, every night before we went to bed we would read at least one chapter. It was now my turn to choose and I was going to find a good one; as I looked around I came across a book that I knew Mary had been looking for. Grabbing it off the shelf, I noticed the Illiad next to it.

"Perfect!" I thought with a smile.

I tucked both books under my arm and left, walking down the hall I came across Mary and Nicolas talking, figuring I might as well give her the book now, I called out to her and walked forward.

Nicolas noticed and smiled at me first.

"Hello Iseabail." He smiled.

I curtsied to him and smiled, "Your Grace."

Nicolas rolled his eyes, "Not funny."

My smile grew bigger, "I'm sorry to interrupt; but I found that book you were looking for, Mary." I said handing it over to her.

"Oh! Thank you!" said Mary as she looked through it.

I smiled at her and then nodded, "I'll let you get back to your conversation, I should go find Bash any way." I said and turned to leave.

"Speaking of Bash, do you know if he's available tomorrow?" asked Nicolas.

I turned back to him, "As far as I know he is." I replied.

Nicolas nodded, "Do you think he'd be willing to spare with me tomorrow?" he asked. "My grandfather has hired a new guard for me but the man doesn't arrive for another week. I thought I'd brush up on my sword fighting before he gets here. That way the bodyguard doesn't think I'm completely useless."

I smiled at him, "I believe Bash would be more than willing to do that." I said.

Nicolas smiled and nodded. "Good." He said.

I nodded again at Mary, "I'll see you later?" I asked.

Mary only nodded and I took my leave.

Mary POV

As Iseabail left I turned my attention back to Nicolas but his gaze was still on Iseabail's retreating back.

"Oh Nicolas." I whispered but he heard me all the same for he quickly turned his attention back to me.

"She's the one…isn't she?" I asked.

Nicolas didn't answer, instead he turned back to the window and looked outside.

"Nicolas….." I started.

"We all have our crosses to bear, Mary." cut in Nicolas. "You are in love with my brother and I am….."

"In love with your other brother's wife." I answered for him. "When?" I asked.

Nicolas looked at me, "When did I fall for her?" he asked.

I nodded.

"It was slow; I noticed her right away when I got to court; I thought she was the most beautiful women I had ever seen….not you yourself aren't beautiful Mary." Nicolas said instantly.

I smiled and nodded for him to continue.

"There was just something about her, she was different." said Nicolas.

"You aren't the only one to think so." I whispered.

Nicolas smirked, "Bash told me that's what first attracted him to her."

"And he and Jasper made the bet." I said.

Nicolas lost his smirk, "I have to say not the best idea on my brother's part." And then the smirk came back, "He lucked out in the end though and got the girl."

"She was beyond livid with him for a time." I said.

"But then her young friend died." said Nicolas sadly.

I could only nod, remembering Madeleine. "Iseabail was devastated." I said after a while.

"But she put that all behind her and married him any way…then she made an effort to help me get to know my brothers. It just showed me the type of person she is. Forgiving and giving. Always putting the other person first. No one does that anymore." said Nicolas.

"You don't have to tell me, she turned her inter life upside down for me." I said leaning on the window sill. "When the Count attacked the castle and Iseabail saved us, the Queen gave her an out. She told Iseabail, she could wish her heart's desire and see it done." I said shaking my head smiling. "Iseabail could have asked for anything. But instead she insisted that the wedding be postponed and that she wished to remain in my service." I added.

Nicolas could only nod.

I looked over at him, "She chose to stay here for me but I do believe she and Bash are making a real effort in their marriage." I said.

Nicolas looked over at me, "I know he loves her. And she is slowly falling in love with him." He said.

"She is." I whispered.

"Learning about what my Grandfather had done wasn't the only reason I left the castle, I know what I am feeling for my brother's wife is wrong; I thought with space and time I would get over it." said Nicolas.

"And because of me, you got dragged back." I signed.

Nicolas laughed, "That is true, I was dragged."

I didn't see the humor.

Nicolas looked back out the window, "I may have come back a lot soon then I wanted….but I am staying for the sack of my family." He said.

I placed my hand on top of his, "You are going to make a good king."

Nicolas placed his other hand on to of mine, "I hope so." He replied.

Iseabail POV

"I found it!" I said as I walked into Bash and I's room.

Bash looked up from his desk and smiled, "Found what?" he asked.

"The perfect book for our night time reading!" I said holding it up.

"The Iliad?" asked Bash looking at it.

"It about Greek gods and the Trojan War." I said handing it to him.

"Just a bit of light reading huh?" Bash laughed looking through it.

"Haha." I said going over to my vanity. "I found a book Mary had been looking for when I found ours. I gave it to her, she was with Nicolas." I said straighten my hair.

"Father made him regent before he left for Rome." said Bash standing up.

I nodded, "Nicolas asked if you could spare with him tomorrow; apparently he wants to impress his new guard that's coming. He wants to show that he can hold his own." I said turning to look at him.

It was Bash's turn to nod, "Sparing with him wouldn't be a bad idea and I had planned to stay close to him anyway."

I stood up, "Do you think the nobles would try something while the King is away?" I asked.

"It would be the easiest time." said Bash.

What Bash said was true, killing Nicolas now would be better than later, before the King got back, before even the carnation or the wedding to Mary. If that was the case then Nicolas was in real danger and so was Mary, because I knew she would be by his side.

"Two bodies are better than one." I stated hoping Bash would understand what I was saying.

Bash rolled his eyes, "How did I know you were going to say that?" he asked.

I smiled, "He's your brother, more than likely Mary's future husband, the future King of France, and my friend. Besides Mary will be with him most of the time anyway. We'd be keeping an eye of both of them." I said.

Bash wrapped his arms around me, "As long as you try to stay safe too." He said.

I smiled up at him as I did the same; placing my arms around his neck, "That goes for you as well."

Bash nodded and kissed the top of my head.

"Perhaps I should join you and Nicolas tomorrow, see where Nicolas is at on his sword fighting, we both know he can handle himself with a bow but I have never seen him hold a sword." I said as Bash started to sway our bodies, as if we were dancing in place. I couldn't help but smile more.

I felt Bash nod against the top of my head, "Four eyes are better than two." He whispered.

It had become our thing, four eyes. We made a good team; always watching and waiting.

We stayed like that for a time, just swaying back and forth in each others' arms. It felt nice and right. Our courtship may not have started out on the best footing but our marriage was slowly becoming the best thing to ever happen to me. I knew that I would always love Johnathon; he was my first love. But I knew now that Bash was my future, that our lives were intertwined-forever.

/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/

Bash and I had arrived in the yard right after breakfast to find Nicolas already warming up. At first he didn't understand why I was there but he quickly understood that it was for his own good. Bash and I were a team and together we were going to make Nicolas into a warrior King.

"Turn your body!" I yelled as Bash and Nicolas's swords collided once again. "You are giving him a clear shot to your stomach! You need to turn!"

Bash backed off and lowered his sword, "You should listen to her." He said taking a breather.

I walked up to Nicolas and physically turned him to the left side, so that he was facing Bash on his right side.

"But aren't I suppose to use two hands? Better swinging power?" Nicolas asked.

"Yes, but right now we are working on teaching you to bloke and evade." I said. "Once you master that, then we'll move on to attacking."

Nicolas signed, "I haven't practiced with a sword like this in a long time."

"You have history with the sword that much is clear, but as you said it's been a while. We just need to get your body use to it again." said Bash.

"Maybe he should practice with me first." I said looking at Bash. "I'm a smaller opponent." I added shrugging.

Nicolas shook his head, "I don't want to hurt you." he said rather quickly.

Bash smiled, "No offense Nicolas, but I would be more afraid of her hurting you. She not only defeated her uncle but killed three men when the Count controlled the castle."

I too smiled and then looked over at Nicolas, "I'll try not to wound your pride to much, your highness."

Nicolas rolled his eyes, "Would you stop that?" he groaned.

Bash and I both started to laugh.

Bash than handed his practice sword to me and stepped to the side.

I started to swing the wooden sword back and forth to warm up my arm and body, I'm glad that I had decided to wear my fighting clothes that morning-my skirt and boots were much better for this then one of my regular dresses.

Once warmed up I turned my attention back to Nicolas and readied my stance and footing. "Ready when you are, Your Grace." I said mockingly with a smile.

"I really don't like you, you know that?" Nicolas asked as he too stood ready.

Taking that as invitation I attacked, I swung my sword to block his and kicked him in the shine.

"Ah!" cried Nicolas as he backed away.

I advanced on him, putting pressure on his sword I swung my left hand forward and pushing him in his side.

"Shit!" shouted Nicolas.

I grinned and backed off. "You're leaving your left side wide open again. I told you before to keep your body turned."

"I was turned!" yelled Nicolas.

"You were at the beginning but the moment Iseabail kicked you in the shine you turned your body straight again." said Bash shaking his head.

Nicolas hung his head, "Really?" he asked.

"You left yourself wide open." I said.

"So what you're saying is that I would be died right now if I did that in a real fight?" asked Nicolas.

Bash and I both nodded.

"Great!" yelled Nicolas.

"Hey!" I said placing my hand on his left shoulder. "That's why Bash and I are both here…..to help you!" I said squeezing his shoulder, "By the time we're down with you, you'll be able to take on any one."

Nicolas looked me and smiled, placing his left hand on top of mine. "Thank you." He whispered.

I smiled and nodded, "You're family." I stated.

Nicolas suddenly lost his smile and dropped his hand from mine, backing away from me, he again took his stance. "Again." He said.

I nodded a bit surprised and took my own stance.

/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/

"There you are." said Mary as she walked out of the castle to us. "Enjoying yourselves?" she asked looking around at us.

Bash was leaning on a tree, Nicolas was breathing heavily, while I smiled at her.

"Did you hear that Iseabail? Bash? We're supposed to be enjoying ourselves!" said Nicolas sarcastically.

Bash and I both laughed.

"Is everything alright Mary?" I asked.

Mary nodded, "Nicolas is just supposed to be in the throne room." she said turning her attention to Nicolas, "There is a royal audience today and the acting regent usually presides." she stated.

"Lord Hugo can manage." said Nicolas as he swung his practice sword. "Privy council fill in for Father all the time."

"Nicolas, there is a reason your father left you in charge. He needs to know you can do the job. He gone to Rome to have you legitimized and if he succeeds you will next in line for the throne of France." said Mary.

Nicolas stopped swinging and planted the wooden sword in the ground, "Which was meant to be secret until he got back." He said sighing. "Now the whole throne room knows and they're just waiting for me to make a mistake."

"There's nothing you can to about that, except go and do the job. Prove them wrong." I said.

"She's right." said Bash as he came up behind me and wrapped an arm around my waist. "Show the nobles that you are meant to be here."

"You all don't get it! The nobles don't care if I'm up to the job, I am a threat to every legitimate son in the kingdom, if a bastard is aloud to take power...suddenly their claim to power is half as strong." said Nicolas.

"Do you want us to tell you that all the nobles are on your side...they're not." I said walking out Bash's hold and towards Nicolas. "But you won't be the first king to fight for his crown." I said. "So fight! Show them that you are worthy of the throne and France, make them see you as the leader you are meant to be."

Nicolas closed his eyes and sighed.

I placed my hand on shoulder just above his heart, "Make them see the man that I have come to know, the man that loves his family and his country. Show them France's future king and they will have no chose but to follow you."

Nicolas took a deep breath and opened his eyes, staring into mine, he smiled. "Yes, my lady."

I too smiled and took my hand away.

Mary walked forward and took Nicolas's hand, leading him back to the castle.

Bash walked up to me and we linked arms, "Not a bad speech." He said as we started to follow Mary and Nicolas.

"I just pray that I'm right." I whispered as we walked up the stairs.

/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/

In the throne room Nicolas sat on chair in front of the other thrones, looking bored out of his mind. Mary stood next time and continuously gave him looks to behave.

Bash and I stood on the last step and off to the side. "Do we have to be here?" whispered Bash for he too looked bored and showed it.

"Shhhh!" I whispered as yet another person stepped forward.

"There are plenty of guards around….." stated Bash.

Again I "shhhh!" him as the next complaint was stated.

"I could tell it wasn't worth but two chickens, but when I went to milk the goat; she was dry as dust." said a peasant as he turned to the man beside him, "This lad took four of my chicken, good laying chickens too in trade. I want those chickens back!"

Mary gently nudged Nicolas.

"My lord regent! The good man is speaking to you; he seeks the crown's judgment." said Lord Hugo.

I rolled my eyes, "I really don't like that man." I whispered as Nicolas gave his judgment.

"Now why would that be? Because of the giant stick up his ass?" Bash whispered back.

Luckily I was about to cover up my laugh with a cough.

Nicolas gave his verdict and then men left, a women then stepped forward.

"My lord regent; I just came to say what an honor it is to see you, sir." the woman stated.

Bash and I both smile up at Nicolas.

"We hear talk of this handsome bastard who is ruling while King Henry is away." the woman continued and then looked like she realized she had just called Nicolas a bastard, to his face. "Begging your pardon, I meant no offense."

Nicolas shrugged it off, "None taken."

"If I could offer up a blessing….." said the woman as she walked forward to Mary and Nicolas.

Bash and I reacted at the same time, "That's far enough." said Bash just as we stepped in front of Nicolas and Mary, I was on the right and Bash on the left.

"France must be…." the woman started as she stepped closer.

I noticed a knife slide into her hand from the inside of her sleeve, "Knife!" I yelled grabbing her hand. Bash did the same with her left arm.

The women knew that she had been caught and tried harder to get to Nicolas.

Bash and I both used our bodies to block her from doing so and ended up shove her to the floor; where the guards were able to grab a hold of her.

I held up the knife, "This was meant for the regent!" I called out. "There was an attempt on his life!"

Mary stepped down and quickly held out her hand to Nicolas to join her.

"Take that woman to the jails!" yelled Lord Hugo.

"The bastard must die!" the woman called out as she was dragged away.

"Do you think Lord Hugo had a hand in this?" asked Mary as she lead us out the door.

"He won't dare without the Queen backing him." I said as we walked into the hall.

"Good luck proving it, that woman will be died before she reaches the jails." said Bash.

"I should go see the Queen." said Mary as we walked over to the windows.

"You know there is no paper trail, the Queen is too smart for that." said Nicolas as he leaned against the window.

"I need to look her in the eye, maybe she's give something away." said Mary.

My head started to pound all of a sudden as I leaned against the window.

"Iseabail?" asked Mary.

Trying to focus I looked at her, "Huh?" I asked.

"Never mind, maybe you should stay here. You don't look so good." said Mary looking at me.

"I'm fine, just one of my headaches is all." I said trying to smile.

Mary nodded and left to speak to the Queen; who was still being held in the tower thanks to the King.

"Iseabail, you're turning white." said Nicolas concerned.

"I'm fine." I said just as a dizzy spell hit me.

"Iseabail?" said Bash as he cupped my face in his hands.

I tried to focus on his face, "I didn't feel so well." I finally admitted as I closed my eyes.

"Iseabail!" yelled Bash.

I felt my body start to fall.

"Iseabail!" I heard yelled again as everything went back.

I know making Nicolas look like he couldn't fight is a bit farfetched but I wanted Bash and Iseabail to have a fight scene with him. I hope it was alright.

What is going on with Iseabail?

And what about Nicolas and Iseabail? Their relationship is interesting to say the least…..

Let me know what you think! Leave a review! Please!?