I am really happy with this chapter. You'll know why down below ;)

Replies to reviews:

Sav.129 [chapter 53]: Indeed! Hope you enjoy the next chapter!

Guest (1) [chapter 53]: Fathers and their daughters, eh? Haha! Francis may be alright with his girls dating but something coming up in the next chapter will be sure to take him back to protective papa bear!

elder441 [chapter 53]: Glad you do! That's down below :)

Guest (2) [chapter 53]: She really is! That's down below and you won't see the last of 'adult' Anne!

"He likes me," Anne announced, bursting through Rose's doors the next morning. "King Oskar likes me. My plan worked."

"You do know that Mother and Father won't let you marry until you're at least, fifteen-"

"You do know how annoying you get when you say 'you do know'?"

Rose groaned, placing her pillow over her face as she said muffled, "What do you want?!"

"Oskar has a brother," Anne replied, crossing her arms. "He'll threaten my little thing with Oskar because he has such a low attention span."

"So...?"

"I need you-"

"No."

"Rose!"

"Anne!"

"I beg you-"

"Get on your knees."

Anne gasped. "On this dirty floor? I beg you not!"

Rose shook her head, but she wasn't surprised. "Get out, get out, get-"

"Oh, you're both up," Francis said, entering the bedchamber. "How are my little angels this morning?"

Anne grinned. "Very well, Papa," she replied sweetly. "I was just retrieving Rose for breakfast. Our horseriding lessons start soon."

"Actually," Francis began. "I cancelled them."

"What?" The girls both said. "Why?"

"Family meeting in thirty minutes. Come to my offices," he told them before leaving.

Anne sighed, turning back to Rose. "So will you?"

"Will I...?"

"Entertain the Prince of Gothenburg."

"Anne?"

"Yes?"

"He's four."

"So?"

"Get. Out. Now."

Anne scowled. "You never do anything for me!"

Rose gaped, shaking her head in disbelief. "If you don't go, I will kill you and Mother and Father won't bat their eyelids."

"You're so selfish," Anne mumbled, leaving.

Rose shook her head. "And you're so annoying."

...

Anne was the last one to arrive and she took a seat beside Rose, surprised to see John there as well. She glared at him when Francis turned to take a seat on his desk and quickly smiled when the king turned back around, his bottom now on the desk.

"Anne, Rose, you both know who this is," he said, gesturing to John.

"He's our half-brother, of course, Papa," Rose said, turning to John. "Hello, John."

"Hello, Rose," John said quietly.

Francis smiled a little. "Yes. You both share me as your father. And John's mother is-"

"Aunt Lola," Anne finished for him. "She used to visit, but she stopped." Good riddance. She always made Mama sad, she thought bitterly. But aloud, "What about her?"

"You see," Francis began, pulling the collar of his shirt nervously. "Mama and I were not happy back then. We had found love so young, there were many things happening, we both were pulled in different directions, our hearts uncertain... In the midst of things, we separated and I went to Aunt Lola for comfort."

"Why?" Rose asked, slightly hurt. It was the past, there was no reason to be too upset about things.

Francis smiled wryly. "Because, Mama,... Mama was with someone else for comfort. We both were hurting so I did something I never should have done and hurt her terribly. I was angry, confused, upset... I never knew Lola was pregnant until the day she gave birth which was when the plague began. She tried keeping it from me, marrying another man who sadly perished in a fire. But I found out and despite everyone telling me not to claim the child, I did."

Anne frowned. "Why though? I overhear Mama speaking about it with Auntie Kenna at times, and she's still hurt."

Francis nodded. "I know, she is. But I didn't want history to repeat itself."

"In what way?"

"That brings me to your Uncle Bash," Francis continued. "He's like John. Our father claimed him, allowed him to keep residence here with his mother, Diane de-"

"Poitiers," John finished. "Grandfather's first mistress."

"Indeed. When my parents got married, they didn't have children for a long time but Father did with Diane and that was Bash. Father adored him at one point, Bash was his favourite because the things he could do with him, he couldn't with me. I was a sick child, I couldn't leave the castle but Bash could," Francis said softly. "They'd go camping and hunting and do archery... They'd go horseriding and drink and do whatever fathers did with their favourite son. But the one thing Father never did was give him a title and the only title that stuck for a long time was bastard. It was horrible growing up as the king's bastard son even if he got his attention more than his legitimate children. But that made it easy for my father to manipulate Bash. To let him have the taste of something great and snatch it away just as quickly."

Anne gasped. "Was he a bad man?"

"Not at first," Francis said. "But he was ill. We couldn't blame him for the actions he had no control over. The last straw was him marrying your Auntie Kenna to Bash. It was a forced marriage, but they fell in love and got the last laugh." He smiled at that. "Anyway, I hoped to not let that happen to John. He needed a father and I wanted to be that for him. To show people that not all bastards were terrible but they could be something with the right support and care. It took my father's death until Bash's life became better and I want John's life to be better from the moment he stepped here but I know that is not the case." He turned to Anne.

Anne blushed. "I will admit, I am jealous," she grumbled out. "You'll spend more time with John than you will with me!"

"How do you know that for sure?"

"The past five years, you have shown the boys more attention than you do Rose and me. Mama is the only one who is interested in our sums, Languages and English lessons," Anne replied, crossing her arms. "You never come to check on us. Only on the boys and guess what? John is a boy!"

Francis sighed. "I see-"

"Do you really, Papa?" Anne asked. "If you did, then you would have done more about it five years ago! I mean, you haven't even congratulated me for becoming a woman!"

"A woman?" Francis repeated. "I do not see a woman here, but a petulant child."

Anne gasped, tears stinging to her eyes. "Humph!"

"Want to know something?" Francis asked the girls. "My siblings, who were also your uncle's half-siblings, adored him. From Lissie to Henri. So, it hurts me when my flesh and blood can't love my other flesh and blood who happens to be her brother regardless."

Rose raised her hand. "We should host a party in John's honour," she said quietly, eyeing her half-brother. "I heard of his christening. You had presents coming in even after his first birthday. And you know what is even better? You should let Anne, Robin and I organise it."

John shook his head. "You don't have to-"

"That's a great idea, Rose," Francis said. "Sadly, your sister can't take a leaf out of your book. If you need help, do not hesitate to ask."

Rose nodded, smiling happily. "It's a shame Auntie Kenna isn't here. She throws the best parties!"

"Sometimes too good," Francis muttered lightly. "You and John go. Anne and I need to speak."

Rose quickly left, dragging a perplexed John behind her as Anne looked away from her father. She was still upset, crossing her arms and pouting like she was a child scored. But she was almost a teenager, thirteen next year and she had to grow up.

"One day," Francis said, coming to kneel in front of her. "You'll be a mother. Would you like it if your children were at odds?"

Anne shook her head 'no'.

"This King Oskar..." He trailed off. "He seems to be a definite marriage match for you but I do not think I could punish him like that. A stubborn, headstrong girl like you? He'll be crying to his mother every day."

Anne let out a little smirk and Francis grinned, brushing her hair behind her ear.

"Annie, I love you and I will always love you," he said softly. "But I love John too. He's my son and I owe it to him. I owe it to him to be the father he needs because he'll end up resenting me like Bash did our father. I can't have my blood hate me. It will break my heart and I will die an unhappy man. Do you want me to die unhappy?"

Anne shook her head again. "No, Papa."

"Then will you try and make things up with John?"

"We will see."

"That is not the answer I want," Francis said firmly. "Or do you want me to call the you-know-who inside?"

Anne gasped. "Don't call Mama!"

"Don't make me fetch her-"

"Yes, I will make it up to John. In fact, we should get him a dog and a new horse!" She said quickly, eyes wide.

Francis chuckled, kissing the top of her head. "Thank you."

...

"Mary!"

"Did you talk to the girls?" The queen asked, stopping in her tracks.

Francis nodded. "I did but we'll still be wary of Anne."

"It's... progress," Mary replied, sighing.

"She suggested peace offerings - a dog and a new horse," Francis continued. "He had to leave his horse in Italy. It makes sense, the only thing that has from Anne regarding him."

Mary winced. "I've heard the rumours going around about John and... Lola. Then Robin and Rose were talking about Anne calling John a 'bad omen' We really need to coax her out of her indifference towards him. For God's sake, they played as children."

"If you think about it, Anne was only tolerant of him," Francis admitted. "She will change though, don't worry. It will get easier."

"Hopefully," Mary said. "I want John to feel as welcome as possible, as safe and comfortable."

"Did something happen in Italy? You and she do keep things from me when it comes to him," Francis said, trying not to be terse but it came out like that.

Mary flinched. "Just keep an eye on him."

"Mary..."

"Lola told me that her new husband-to-be wasn't too fond of John," she said quietly. "In the sense that he... he hurt him."

Francis set his jaw. "I'm sorry, what?!"

"Francis, this is Lola's only chance to secure her future and she has trusted us with her most prized possession, her son. Your son," Mary said, cupping his cheek and shifting it so he could eye her properly. "She has had him for all of these years, John being here can improve your relationship and keep him safe from the harsh, cruel world. I would admit, at first, I didn't pay him any mind but no child deserves abuse. The women of Court get enough, should children suffer too?" Her eyes watered. "Let's make France a home for him again. Show him a real family and not one kept away with a busy mother and stepfather who hates him."

Francis looked away from her, taking her hand off his cheek. "Do you know her fiancé's name by any chance?"

"Francis-"

"Tell. Me. His. Name."

Mary looked him in the eyes. "I. Don't. Know."

"Mary, this is my son we're talking about. My firstborn child," Francis told her. "If you don't tell me, I will have to ask someone else."

Mary sighed, bowing her head. "Then do so, Francis. Do that and I will source a line of dogs for John to choose from."

She walked away and passed Anne who had been listening to what they were saying the whole time. Her eyes watered as she watched her mother's back walk away from her. It was shocking, what she had just heard and she wanted nothing more than to comfort John.

But this was John who was her father's firstborn, she wasn't his firstborn. This was John the Bad Omen. John the Plague. John... her brother.

She wiped her tears away and went in search for John.

...

She found him in the woods, sword-fighting a tree. She giggled when he got the blade stuck and used his foot to press against the bottom of the bark to retrieving it back.

Successfully claiming it, he turned and jumped when he saw her.

"John," she said, smiling a little. "What are you doing here all alone?"

"What are you doing here all alone?" He retorted.

"I have two guards," she told him. "Mama and Papa's rules. Ever since Rose and Robin were-"

"Taken," John finished. "I remember." He sheathed his sword. "What do you want, Anne?"

"Where did you get that? Father says we aren't allowed real blades until we're fourteen."

John smirked. "You use a sword?"

"Self-defence never hurt anybody. Papa thought it best following Robin and Rose's kidnapping," Anne replied easily, circling the tree before him. "Well? Tell me your secrets."

"Don't tell anyone."

"I have secrets from Robin that I keep to the grave," she replied. "Trade you one for your disclosure?"

John grinned. "I snuck it out of the guards' quarters. There's a time it goes unguarded when some sleep at the end of their shift. I have to remember to return it before they awake and the next ones come through to sleep."

Anne chuckled. "Maybe next time, you'll be packing two."

"Two?"

"One for me as well, stupid," she said, taking the sword and swinging it expertly. "Uncle Bash taught us behind Mama and Papa's backs. But we do have wooden sword practice at three in the afternoon every day under Papa's observation."

John nodded. "Very well," he said. "And your secret in return?"

"Robin... Robin may or may not be a virgin."

"What?!" John gasped, rushing to her side. "H-How, when? Did he enjoy it? Is it as the whispers around say?"

Anne shrugged. "I overheard the kitchen girl saying that her cousin who works at Avon's kitchens found him and the stableboy's half-sister doing it. That's why Uncle Bash sent him to Papa."

"Really?"

"God no!" Anne said, laughing loudly. "You're too gullible."

"That's mean, Anne," John snapped, crossing his arms.

Anne smirked a little. "Fine," she said. "Robin was caught kissing the Archduchess of Prussia whilst he was with the Duchess of Hamburg as they stopped at Avon."

"Is that really true?"

"Ask him!"

"I will," John stated. "Otherwise I'll be back for a true truth."

Anne chuckled and placed the sword against the bark. "John... John are you happy here?"

"I don't have much to go on, but I am happy somewhat when I come here," he admitted.

She nervously avoided his eyes. "And are you happy in Italy?"

John froze. "Y-Yes."

"Don't lie to me, we're siblings."

"Anne-"

"Did your stepfather hurt you? Is what my Mama is saying true?"

John blushed but nodded. "Yes."

Anne gasped and threw her arms around him tightly. "I'm sorry."

"You don't need to apol-"

"I haven't made it easy either, being mean," Anne continued, her voice muffled by his clothes. "So I'm sorry."

John reciprocated the hug. "You're forgiven. You always will be, Annie."

Anne beamed, tightening the hug even more. "Thank you."

...

Kenna got up from her vanity and found Bash reading a letter with a sigh. It had the royal seal and Kenna knew what that meant. He'd be away for God knew when in the name of Francis and France.

"What does your beloved brother want now?" Kenna asked lightly.

"He wants us to go to Court sooner rather than later at Christmas," he told her, placing the letter on his desk. "John has made it to Court and he thinks that us spending time with each other will settle him quicker."

"Mary did say," Kenna mumbled. "Lola's getting married, John's pretty much permanently going to be at Court... What about the children? They enjoy attending their school."

Bash shrugged. "We'll have to tell their teachers that they need sick leave. We have good tutors at Court, they won't miss out on anything."

"But still-"

"Kenna, this is our nephew and if he needs me, I will be there for him. Because I, of all people, know what it's like," Bash cut her off gently. "To feel like the black sheep of the family. That everyone is talking behind your back or to your face about who made you and what that makes you. Being a bastard shouldn't define anyone, but it does."

Kenna walked up to him and placed her hands on his shoulders. "One day, that word will be abolished and no one would be able to use it without being killed for it."

He chuckled. "Seriously?"

She nodded. "Of course! It's degrading and horrible. No one should feel terrible for how they came into the world. It's not like you asked to be born, is it?"

"No, not it isn't," Bash agreed.

"You've convinced me," she finally said, discarding her clothes and looking for her nightdress. "We can check up on Robin and make sure his lips stay well away from girls. He gets that from you."

"Ahem?"

"I'll admit, I didn't lose my virginity until sixteen but who said a thirteen-year-old girl couldn't have fun?" Kenna winked at him. "And you started sleeping around at twelve."

"My father's fault," Bash replied, helping her lift her hair out of her dress after she slipped it on. "I thought we had a few more years."

Kenna shrugged, turning to him. "Please, please, teach him how to be safe. And how you, well we prevented any little surprises before him."

Bash grinned. "Are you sure that I should?"

"It's either you or me and I'll scar him for life!"

"Fine. But you get Anastasia."

"Good luck because in six years, it will be Alexander's turn too," Kenna replied, grinning. "Have you kissed them 'goodnight'?"

"I have," he replied.

She nodded. "I will too. I'll be right back and then maybe we won't need to practice what we preach."

He burst into laughter as she left their room, retrieving the letter from the desk. He walked over to the fire and re-read the words again.

'Lola's betrothed, I need his name and where to find him. I found out he has been hurting John - Francis.'

Bash knew all well the torture one bastard could receive. He was prone to have his life threatened himself and Henry even sent men to kill him. All because of a crown or three (France, Scotland and England's) and love.

He crumpled up the paper in his hand and threw it to be eaten up by the flames. He watched them, even when his wife returned and wrapped her arms around his waist, her face buried in his back.

"Are you alright?" Kenna asked softly. "You're so tense."

Bash relaxed and planted a genuine smile on his face, turning in her arms. "What have I got to worry about?" He retorted, brushing her hair from her eyes. "When I have the most beautiful woman in my arms, the mother of my children and hopefully more when we're ready..."

Kenna clicked her tongue. "We'll see," she told him, kissing him. "What's on your mind?"

"Nothing," he said. "I'm just thinking about how far we've come. A king's bastard and his mistress... You and your friends have certainly grown up and found happiness. Greer with Castleroy, Mary with Francis, you and me and Lola with...?"

"Duke Vincenzo Morelli," Kenna said in excitement. "She says she'll see if she can send us an invite. They hope for a Spring wedding next year." She left his arms as she twirled around the bedchamber, picking up pillows on the way. "He owns ten, ten vineyards! His wine is the best, Lola sent me some for my birthday. The one we shared on your birthday, remember? He has a few mines, but his vineyards are the most profitable. He's in favour with the Medicis. Makes me wonder if Catherine organised this match because Vincenzo is a little older..."

"Are you being judgmental?" Her husband asked lightly. "Considering you've slept with my father, General Renaude and-"

"Darling, if you want to take me, you'll need to shut up now," Kenna said, grinning. "But Vincenzo is older. Like sixty-two years old."

Bash pulled a face. "And Lola loves him?"

"Oh, they're perfect together," Kenna said. "She reminds him of his daughter who died. Brunette and plump in places but they're happy and we could kindly accept their invite and try and steal us a couple of wine bottles or twenty."

Something told Bash that this man wouldn't live to see his wedding day.

"Yes, we'll accept," he said, smiling. What his wife wanted, she got. Even if it wasn't guaranteed.

By the time she was fast asleep, Bash had written out his reply, informing Francis that he'll take a detour to 'Austria' as the rest of his family attended Court. He knew his brother would want to handle things but Francis had to be careful.

And Bash would do anything for family, including bastard nephews.