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the girl with the silver arrow [chapter 19]: Just want to tell you, thank you so much! Your review brought a smile to my face as everyone else's does as well. I'm glad I inspired you again to get back into writing. I love your story, Queen In Waiting (everyone, go and check it out for those Kennash lovers!) and I followed it prior to it being stopped and now I was so happy to see that you continued it again! I have read it and awaiting on the next chapter (I sneak a few chapters in between uni lectures, hehe, don't tell my lecturers!) and I love it! The angst, the back and forth, you are a great writer and don't feel like once you've hit a roadblock, you can't ever go back. Find your inspiration again and get those creative juices flowing because you're damn talented! With the modernisation and the French culture, I've been inspired by one of my newest best friends in real life who is a real French badass and she gives me ideas every day in regards to the language. I am fluent in English (born and raised), German and a little fluent in Spanish so I was hoping to get onto the French bandwagon and I'm enjoying it a lot. Now, I'm speaking as if I'm the French one in our friendship group, haha. And as Reign is set in France, I found it very fitting and it allows me to create this French/English hybrid of goodness for everyone whilst staying true to my writing style. Other fandoms like Game of Thrones and Hunger Games, I don't really challenge myself and I get writer's block but this, Reign? You guys give me ideas and enjoy it when I spin it into something you love reading. I've never seen such a supportive fanbase and we all uplift each other. Stay true to yourself and thank you for supporting me!

I answered a review! Don't really get that many so I tend to leave them out but occasionally, I love replying to you guys! Thanks so much. As for ATEOTB, I've got a cheeky, little chapter in the works ;). Warning, there will be a lot of sexual frustration ;).

Quote of the chapter: "It is not God's will merely that we should be happy, but that we should make ourselves happy." - Immanuel Kant.


March was much happier in France. The Antoine Bourbon case put to rest after Madeleine outed him and was shunned for good out of the Bourbon family. The Valoises welcomed her with open arms but she returned to the Netherlands to be comforted by her husband after receiving forgiveness from Bash and begrudgingly Kenna.

The couple were intending to keep their baby news to themselves (and Francis and Mary), deciding to divide their time between Sweden, Scotland and France to get away from all of the drama. Mary didn't blame them, the media tore Kenna apart and the woman almost had a breakdown in public before the royal security guards ushered her into a car and drove off. That happened just when she was buying an outfit for the baby shower which would take place on the 20th of March, three days before Bash's birthday to which Bash and Kenna were spending in Portugal from the 21st.

By the middle of the month, Mary was surprised by two marriage proposals. One, not so much. She expected that but not this soon. The other was confusing but understandable for her after she privately learnt of the circumstances revolving the marriage.

Remy and Lola were going to stay at the Varga estate to let her get to know his family (including his stern uncle) with her own family coming to join them over the course of the wedding planning. To not overshadow the other wedding announcement, they decided to get married in the later months of the following year.

As for the second proposal, Claude seemed liberated after telling Mary and Francis of her plans to marry Charles Bechard. It was what both she and Enzo wanted and they seemed comfortable and happy despite how quick everything was between them. Claude wanted to marry quickly but everyone, including her parents, were wary as there was an order in which the royal children should be married.

Until Margaret and Elisabeth could find appropriate suitors and Lissie got married first at least, Claude could get married early the following year from that wedding taking place. One royal wedding per year unless it was Francis and Bash who were long overdue on marrying or were the Dauphin and heir to the throne and legacy.

"These baby documentary and wedding announcements are really making things brighter for the family," Mary was saying to Greer as the blonde helped her get dressed for a dinner event with the Prime Minister and his wife to get him backing Francis as he should when the male blonde took the reins officially.

"Glad to know," Greer mumbled, struggling to pull up the zip.

Mary's eyes watered. "Tell me it fits. Every other option looked terrible."

"Babies grow, Mary dear. There is no denying that you look pregnant. Don't worry, I will find you something," Greer said, heading into the walk-in wardrobe. "Has Leith said anything about marriage to you or Francis?"

Mary sat down at her vanity, putting her hair up. "Not really. Why?"

"Mary..."

Mary wiped her tears, letting out a smirk. "Jealous of Lola, are you?"

"You are all married or engaged and he barely bats an eyelid when I am around," Greer said, frustrated as she returned with a black number. "Maybe Valentine's Day scared him off."

Mary raised a coy eyebrow. "What happened?"

Greer sighed heavily, gesturing for the Dauphine to stand so she could pull the dress up from the ground over her frame. "We had sex, Mary."

Mary gasped, slipping the sleeves on. She beamed when the zip went up easily. "Thank God for bodycon dresses, they stretch beautifully." She twirled around in front of the mirror, spotting Greer's sad eyes. "I'm sure he likes you. Give him time, he's getting over their Army days and whatever else he and the boys do that involve drugs, alcohol and smoking."

Greer grinned. "At least they've cut down."

"For now," Mary said lightly. "Come on, walk me down."

They headed downstairs and spotted Francis laughing with an old, blonde man who wore a grey suit with a purple tie and matching purple socks and grey brogues. He was smartly dressed, pocket handkerchief and everything as he animatedly spoke to Francis.

"...So, you tell that godson of mine that I want to see him!"

Francis chuckled, spotting the women join them. "I will tell him, Monsieur Castleroy. How are the children?"

Aloysius Castleroy brought out his phone, showing them pictures. "Just celebrated my youngest's fifth birthday."

"I'm sure your wife would have been proud," Francis said kindly.

"Thank you, Your Highness-"

"I told you-"

"Dauphin," the man coyly said before turning to the women. "Your Highness, Your Ladyship."

Greer blushed, placing her hand in his when he extended it. She giggled when he kissed the back of it. "Nice to meet you, Monsieur."

"Likewise," he said, bowing at Mary. "You look beautiful, Princess."

"Thank you!" Mary said happily, glad Greer chose the dress. "Who is your godson?"

Aloysius chuckled. "Leith Bayard. His father saved my life when we were caught in a pub fire during bar hopping in our early twenties. The man got fat and I... was widowed." He shrugged. "C'est la vie."

Mary gave him a sympathetic smile. "I'm so sorry."

"We knew it was coming," he told them. "Cancer. Gone so quick. Anyway, I better get going. I was only here to speak to my godson because I was told he was going to be here."

"Oh?" Greer asked, surprised.

"Said he had something important to do," Aloysius said. "I assumed with His Highness but we'll see. I must go now, adieu."

"Goodbye, Monsieur," the three younger people waved him off.

Greer turned to the couple. "I will see where he's got to. Enjoy dinner."

"We will," Francis said, nodding his head once as she walked away. "Shall we?"

Mary took his arm willingly. "We shall."

...

Greer paused outside a room, hearing the soft melody of a piano playing. As she entered, she saw Leith playing the piano, his voice soon accompanying the melody.

His voice was raw, full of pain and heartbreak and she sighed, closing her eyes taking in the music.

"...That I never thought how much I needed you..."

She didn't even know he could hit the high notes. Greer believed that the men's schooling must have been top-notch to be putting out Army boys, musicians and all-around clever students. Just like hers and the girls' back in Scotland.

"...I think I'm lost, without you..."

She made her presence known. "Who was she?"

"My sister."

Greer frowned. When did he have a sister? He never spoke of one and nor did anyone else.

"Sister?" She asked, taking a seat beside him.

Leith nodded, sniffling. "The anniversary of her death is today. There was some news three years ago. The train crash at Gare du Nord."

Greer gasped softly. "I remember Aunt Marie talking about that. Over twenty-seven people died?"

"Including my older sister," Leith said, making her place a hand on his arm. "I was on break from the Army. She met this man, fell in love and everything. He lived out of town and my sister told us that she wanted to see the world and... she had trips all around Africa and Asia planned, he was footing the bill, their love was pure and quick but strong... We got a call a few hours later. They both died."

"That's why your godfather was looking for you," she whispered.

Leith turned to her in surprise. "Uncle Al is here?"

"He left. No one could find you," Greer told him. "I'm so sorry."

"It's fine," Leith said, strained. "Uncle Al used to take us to theatre plays and musicals when we were kids. My parents are in London, setting up their newest bakery - they must have told him to check in on me. I do have a few missed calls from them."

Greer took his hand. "Why don't we go out for some fresh air? Talk, walk and-"

"Talk about us having sex and my ghosting right after?" He asked, wincing. "I swear, it wasn't you, it was me. Genuinely. Things get difficult around this time, Calynn was very ambitious and she loved life and I find myself stuck and unable to move on and be happy. She would have loved you."

Greer blushed. "You think so?"

"Blonde? Check. Beautiful? Check. Funny? Check. Clever, now that is a great big check," he said, kissing her softly.

Greer pulled back after, a smile on her face. "I notice that you and your late sister have Scottish names."

"My mother's Scottish. Came to France for university," Leith explained.

"Ah," Greer said. "Now, isn't that so nice?"

"I think I'd like that walk now."

...

Mary glared at Francis. "I can't believe you didn't stop me."

"You said I should never stop you from eating when you're hungry!"

She sat down on the sofa, rubbing her back. "Good Lord, the weight I'll have when this one comes out... I know I told you not to stop me but why didn't you?"

"Because you're eating for two?" Francis asked her, chuckling.

"Don't laugh! I'm huge!" She cried out, sniffling. "I tried thirteen dresses today! Greer had to find one that stretched."

Francis got up and knelt down in front of her. "Do you maybe think it's time to stop relying on stretchy clothes and actual maternity wear?"

"Well, we're planning on having more so they won't go to waste..." She mumbled. "But Francis, my dresses are pretty!"

"And as much as I love watching you struggle to wear clothes from leggings to party dresses, you need to leave some legroom for our baby to kick," Francis told her. "Why don't you and Kenna go with the rest of the girls? I'm sure you both can find some lovely outfits for your growing bumps. You are in your third trimester now."

Mary sighed. "I'll see if she wants to go... But she's busy."

"Then take your mother."

"She's at her home with her siblings," Mary said. "Everyone's too busy for the pregnant lady..." She started to sob and Francis laughed, pressing a kiss on her head.

"Oh, my sweet Mary love," he said, against her skin. "Stop crying, I'll ask my sisters. They adore you now."

Mary nodded, wiping her tears. "Am I fat?"

"What are you on about?" Francis asked, cupping her wet cheeks. "You're gorgeous."

She gave him a watery smile and brought one of his hands down to her bump. "Baby agrees."

"Baby is smart," Francis said teasingly. "I love you, Mary."

"I love you too," she replied. She then cupped his cheek as his other hand rested on her hip. "What would you like? In terms of a boy or a girl?"

Francis pondered the thought before replying with, "A daughter if I'm really honest. I've always wanted a little princess to spoil. But then again, a son could look up to me and I can dress him the same way I dress. Like a mini-me."

"I'm so conflicted," Mary said. "Like, we have so many good options for names for both genders and well, I guess I don't mind. Either way, France gets a future king or its first female monarch. I'm glad the weight's been lifted off our shoulders to produce a male heir."

"Same here. Now we can enjoy our child as they are without worrying about hundreds of years old traditions. We set the example," Francis said. "As of July, you and I will be King and Queen."

Mary beamed. "Can't wait," she said before capturing his lips in a sweet kiss.

...

Lola tutted as she rearranged the tiara on Mary's head. "Stop faffing about. You look beautiful."

Mary winced, feeling her back crack a little. "I'm not so sure about this dress... What if I sit down and a hole tears?"

Greer walked around her. "We thought about that. There will be extra material that flows from your bustline to hide any mishaps should they happen. Why did you buy this dress when you knew you weren't going to stay that size?"

Mary shrugged. "I am in between sizes," she said. "I thought I'd still have some leeway."

"Leeway?" Greer scoffed. "Honey, you are pregnant. Second to third trimesters is quite the distance between them."

"Not you too," Mary mumbled. "Francis had my mother and me going shopping for maternity wear."

"Where is he anyway?" Lola asked, attaching the extra material on and making it look natural.

Mary sighed. "Going to collect Bash's birthday gift. He and Kenna are leaving tomorrow, remember?"

"We do," Greer said, helping her put rose gold jewellery on. "His birthday's in three days. He doesn't want to spend it with everyone?"

Mary shook her head. "I think he and Kenna just need some privacy after everything. The media is still going insane over the trial and Christmas and-ow!"

Lola gasped, wincing. "Sorry, sorry! I miscalculated how far I was pinning this. Sorry, I'll get the tailor to stitch it up for you."

Mary giggled. "It's fine," she said, waving it off. "Baby's kicking so I barely feel either with how bad my back kills me. Think they can hide and press against my damn bladder all the time. I see your game, Baby!"

The baby kicked and Greer chuckled when Mary brought her hand to the bump to feel.

"Adorable," the blonde said teasingly. "Keep annoying your mama, Baby. It's for her benefit because your father always makes it up to her."

"Shut up!"

"I wonder how sex is whilst pregnant?" Greer replied.

Mary gasped, her cheeks reddening. "I hate you."

"Love you too, lass," Greer told her before letting go and standing back. "You're going to love the gift Leith and I got the baby."

"Oh?" Mary said. "Any spoilers?"

Lola tutted. "No! Remy was kind enough to help me pick one out. I don't know what it is but he said you and Francis should open it when you're alone."

"You're too pure for the world, Lola," Greer told her friend.

"How do you mean?"

Mary chuckled, shaking her head a little. "That means that it's probably related to sex. More specifically for Francis's pleasure. I heard the guys teasing him about how much brazen I'd got. At least he isn't complaining."

"What man would?" Lola asked, finally catching on. "Sex on demand."

"Lola!"

"Hey, I've heard it, don't shoot the messenger."

Mary laughed, using their help to get off the pedestal. "You crazy women..."

...

"Pink champagne?" Leith asked, disgusted. "Really?"

Mary scoffed. "It's a rose gold themed baby shower, Leith!"

"Yes, Leith," Greer said. "Get with it!"

Leith chuckled and turned to Francis. "You better have something hidden."

Francis looked around before giving him a nod. "Whiskey's in the third gift box. Purposefully requested my father to use it to 'wet the baby's head' so to speak. I can always get more."

"My man," Leith said before heading to the gift's table to swipe the box.

"This baby shower is really lovely," Lissie said, coming over with her own pink champagne. "Really on-trend and in good taste."

"Was that a compliment I heard?" Francis asked, looking around at everyone in confusion before returning his gaze back to his sister who rolled her eyes. "Oh, Elisabeth! Did you say that?"

Lissie tutted. "Francis, brother dear..."

"Alright," he said, chuckling. "Thank you."

"Yes, thank you," Mary said, squeezing her hand happily. "It was mostly me out of us two."

"Thought so," Lissie replied. "He wouldn't be caught dead in pink otherwise."

"Rose gold," Francis stated through gritted teeth. "Rose gold and pink are not the same!"

"Think again," Greer mumbled, sipping her drink.

Mary laughed, rubbing her husband's shoulder. "Why don't we take a lap around the room? Put the debate to rest."

"I see Claude and her fiancé," Francis told her. "Let's see what he's like."

The couple left their group and joined Claude and Enzo, Enzo immediately bowing and kissing the back of Mary's hand, making her smile politely as he stood back straighter.

"Your Royal Highnesses," he greeted them, nervously taking Claude's hand.

"How are you enjoying the baby shower?" Mary asked him, noting how their grip was loose.

"It's wonderful, Ma'am," Enzo said, turning to Francis. "Your wife did a splendid job, S-Sir."

"Why are you so nervous?" Francis asked, chuckling. "Get a drink down you-"

"I don't drink," Enzo said, blushing. "Never liked the taste."

Francis smiled. "Well, perhaps the Duchess of Lorraine can search for a suitable substitute for her intended?"

Claude glared at her brother but smiled, pressing a kiss onto Enzo's cheek before curtseying at the couple and leaving. Only Mary knew why but Francis seemed to be suspicious, she didn't blame him. She did tell him that she was gay, so he had a reason to doubt Enzo's intentions even if there weren't any at all other than someone to marry and have kids with so he could live his life how he wanted.

"So, the Duke of Auvergne," Francis said.

"Yes, Sir," Enzo said. "Charles Enzo Bechard."

Francis nodded. "Your father is still alive though?"

"He retired from the duchy," Enzo explained. "Wanted to start a business in Australia."

"I see. How old were you when you claimed the duchy?"

"Seventeen, Your Royal Highness."

"That would have made Claude fifteen," Francis stated. "Do you love her?"

Enzo blushed furiously. "Uh, Sir-"

"Do you love Claude?"

"I appreciate and adore her, Sir," Enzo said. "She has given me something no other can."

Mary smiled. "And what is that?"

"Freedom," Enzo said. "It was quick, I know that but we know we're the right fit."

"Your friend is her ex," Francis continued. "Luca Narcisse."

Enzo nodded with a smile. "Indeed. He introduced us to each other. No hard feelings or anything was involved. He just wanted to see us both happy. Claude is a wonderful woman and under your supervision, I intend to make sure she is well provided for and taken care of. She's your little sister, I understand that you may have qualms about me but we make each other really happy. I will marry her and make her my duchess."

"As for her inheritance?"

"What about it?"

"Do you intend to claim any?"

Enzo laughed. "Your Royal Highness, this is not the 1500s. Dowries are so early French rule. Her inheritance is her inheritance. I have my own fortune as well as my parents' to tend for us and how many children we may have. It will even see our great-great-great descendants. This isn't about money. It's about love and respect and I have both with Claude."

Francis relaxed, offering the man his hand to shake. "Welcome to the family, the future Duke of Lorraine."

Enzo beamed. "T-Thank you, Sir. Thank you so much. You don't know how much this means to me. I-I mean, I asked for her hand in marriage from your father and he accepted but from you? This is inspirational. Our children will have a great uncle in you."

"Alright, slow down, mister," a voice said from behind him. "Yes, yes, congratulations and all, inspirational Francis will be a great uncle and everything. Now, could you excuse us, please?"

Enzo blushed and nodded, quickly bowing to the couple and Kenna and Bash before going off to find Claude.

"Kenna!" Mary cried out before giving them both hugs. "You didn't have to shoo him off."

"We'd been standing there for the past five minutes, listening to him idolise Francis," Bash said, hugging his brother. "Trust me, you weren't going to escape him any time soon if we hadn't have stepped in."

Francis chuckled, hugging Kenna. "Why are you late?"

"We were packing," Kenna told them, wrapping an arm around Bash's waist. "We're going in thirty minutes."

"We thought you were going tomorrow?" Mary asked, sharing a confused glance with Francis.

Kenna nodded. "Well, our home was broken into so Rita thought it was wise for us to spend time away as they bolster up security and everything. We've already hired ten new members to the team from different backgrounds. We have FBI agents, MI5, CIA... But everything is good," she said, turning to Bash as he nodded. "And we're fine."

"Why don't you stay with us at Versailles?" Francis suggested. "You could have told us that your home was being targeted."

"Honestly, Francis, it's fine," Bash told the other couple. "We've invited my mother and Kenna's parents to celebrate my birthday and we're going to take our minds off of everything."

"I'm so sorry," Mary mumbled sadly. "If we had known..."

"There is nothing you or anyone could do," Kenna said. "It's not a stalker or anything, just some disgruntled people who wish me nothing but hell and whatever else. I made my bed and I lay in it. I can let them get to me or I can ignore them. Nothing is going to stop me from being married to the love of my life."

"And have his baby," Mary said quietly, making them all smile. Their little secret. "Come here." She hugged Kenna again. "If you need anything, just ask."

Bash shook his head. "We're fine for now." His smile left his face when his eyes landed on a familiar brunette. "Who invited the Comtessa de Verona?"

"Catherine did," Mary said. "Why?"

"You're joking?"

"Not at all," Francis said, letting out a little cough. "She's coming our way."

Kenna smirked. "Ex-girlfriend, darling?"

"Ex-girlfriend and more-"

"Francis!"

The woman finally joined them and sent a bright smile at Bash's way but he could see the resentment in her eyes and he cleared his throat.

"Delphine, hello," Bash mumbled.

Delphine tilted her head. "Is that how you greet the supposed love of your life?"

"Excuse me?" Kenna squeaked out, turning to Bash.

"Oh, he used that line with all the women," Delphine told her. "Rowan, me, Olivia, Sophia, Jasmine-"

"I never-"

"Everyone who is anyone and female knows who Mr Promiscuous is," Delphine said, tapping his shoulder. "Let me tell you how we parted."

"Delphine," Francis tried.

"He took me to Finland for our anniversary and ditched me for the hotel receptionist before returning to France all alone and being culled back to the Army," she said, rolling her eyes. "He never ever called me back and left me stranded in the middle of Finland until I realised he was never coming back."

Kenna nodded slowly. "Wow. I don't know why you felt the need to tell me that."

"I had to tell-"

"Considering that he's told me about his sexual past and I've had mine plastered on newspapers and magazines," Kenna said. "So you're a little disgruntled that he didn't propose to you or something and you're jealous and spiteful and decided to shake things up a little in his marriage. But you see, I am not a jealous person. Mostly. Come on, you've probably read that article about me having threesomes and the like. Such is life, live a little and let bygones be bygones!"

Delphine clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Alright." She scoffed. "And what about him telling all the women in the world that he loves them?"

Kenna shrugged. "Lust is a strange thing. I'm just grateful that what he and I have is real and we're married for life. Aren't we, lover?"

Bash almost choked. "Yes, dear."

Delphine glared at them before walking away, grabbing a drink from a passing tray and leaving the room overall. After she left, Kenna started to laugh, pointing an accusing finger at her husband.

"No wonder you didn't want to say 'I love you' so soon. Because you wore it out!" She giggled, smacking his chest. "I like what you said."

"What?"

"'Yes, dear'," she whispered, staring into his eyes. "The fear in your eyes when you realised that I've consumed your soul."

Bash chuckled, kissing her deeply. "Well, I don't know how you did it but you have it."

"Ahem?" Mary said.

"Well, we enjoyed that little show and got more than we bargained for regarding your questionable sex lives," Francis said. "You have fifteen minutes left on the clock, let's exchange our gifts before another ex of yours comes along and ruins this."

"You're no fun!" Kenna told the other couple before they laughed.

...

By mid-June, things were getting exciting and stressful. Versailles was full of life as everyone prepared the arrival of the new royal baby and Mary paced the bedroom, her hand a constant on her back as Francis watched her as if he was watching a tennis match.

"I'm overdue-"

"One day overdue!" Her husband cried out. "Just keep walking it out."

"Open the bloody tablet and start looking for ways to induce labour!" She ordered, continuing to pace. "I just want this baby out."

Francis chuckled, checking his Rolex watch. "It's only three in the morning."

"And so? I've been feeling contractions since."

"What? Why didn't you tell me?!" Francis asked, jumping up from his seat to pace with her.

Mary giggled, shrugging. "I don't know. They weren't close or anything. Just uncomfortable."

"Shall I get the exercise ball?"

"God no," she said. "Makes me more uncomfortable."

Francis nodded. "How about the water bath?"

"I don't want to give birth to our baby in a water bath!"

"How about a normal-"

"Francis?"

"Yes?"

"Shut up and do your research."

Francis nodded. "Yes, Ma'am," he said, quickly taking a seat and grabbing his iPad. He scrolled through some websites. "Sex induces labour."

Mary scoffed. "Of course-"

"No, seriously! This isn't for my benefit, it's for yours."

Mary sighed. She couldn't lose or gain anything in trying, she guessed. "Fine."

A while later, they were undressed and in bed. Mary called the shots and Francis obeyed, sometimes pissing her off at times but he shook it off, it was all down to her hormones.

"That doesn't feel-"

"What if I shift-"

"No, don't move. God, Francis-"

"Mary, what if I just-"

Mary let out a frustrated groan and quickly got off Francis, laying on the bed with a sigh. "I. Hate. Being. Pregnant."

"I hate you being pregnant too," Francis said lightly before she kicked him. "I mean when you're one day overdue."

"How did I get to nine months already?" She asked, rubbing her bump. "No sex position feels comfortable. My back aches or my hips."

"Other people have done it whilst being pregnant. I guess the pleasure outweighs the pain?"

"Shut up," Mary said, giggling. "As you read, they said it's good to induce labour but I can't see my feet let alone have sex like this."

"Should I Google comfortable positions?" He asked, retrieving his iPad.

Mary nodded. "I guess," she mumbled. "No yoga poses for the love of God."

"Who do you take me for?" He asked her in amusement. "I can't even lift my leg over my head!"

Mary laughed and settled back onto her pillow, staring down at her bare bump. It was huge and everyone was excited for her to pop. Some people were even betting how long it would take for her to return back to her usual size and she rolled her eyes at the polls. It was not a big deal, she welcomed the baby weight.

"Alright," Francis said, showing her his device. "This one looks simple enough."

Mary gulped. "Let's try it then."

...

"Mon Dieu, mon Dieu, mon Dieu, mon-"

"Francis!" Mary snapped, as the midwife hurried her into the hospital, her hand gripping onto Francis's tightly. "Shut the hell up!"

"It's happening," Francis breathed out in shock. "Mary, we're actually having a baby."

Mary glared at him. "You've only just realised now? Not when I have been growing for the past damn nine months? Since you did this to me?!"

Francis winced. "Now that you say that..."

"Francis?"

"I'll be quiet."

"Have you called your parents?"

"Angelica alerted Fontainebleau."

Mary nodded. "And my mother?"

"Angelica alerted the de Guise estate."

Mary nodded once again. "Oh and K-Kenna and Bash?"

"Everyone has been told, baby," Francis assured her. "Don't worry, our baby will be surrounded by everyone who loves them. Trust me, the world will know when this baby comes."

Mary turned to him and pursed her lips to which he responded to with a soft kiss. "Alright, let's go have a baby."

"Let's go have a baby."

"Francis?"

"Yeah?"

"Did you bring the hospital bag?" She asked him breathlessly.

Francis cursed, coming to a standstill as Michel turned to him in amusement. "Shit."

Mary turned to glare at him. "François Simon Léon Valois-Angoulême-de Medici," she cried out before yelling out in pain as a contraction hit. "I'm going to kill you."

"I thought we had people for that!"

"I told you, you idiot! To give you something to do!" Mary screamed at him before she was taken into the room. "I'm going to kill him," she told the midwife who laughed. "God, why?"


You're just going to have to wait because the next chapter is all about babies and I've done my research to touch on a storyline revolving real-life situations. As you guys know, I tend to add true-life situations in my stories and I hope you enjoy what I have in store.