Replies to reviews:

the girl with the silver arrow [chapter 20]: You are very welcome! Only Mary would be willing to give birth so quickly. The French language is so exciting. You're very lucky to have had the pleasure to visit that place! Can't wait for the next chapter of your story!

BlerBlerBler [chapter 20]: I didn't want to dawdle, haha. As monarchs and parents, they've now got exciting lives with balancing royal duties and parenthood! Baby Frary has arrived!

After twenty chapters, we have our first Frary baby in the 21st chapter (Frary are 21 ;))! As I said, loosely basing this on my ATEOTB story as I've established some children characteristics so if you guessed 'girl', well done! Also, I just want to say that I can't write coronation scenes for shit. And yes, there will be the coronation in this chapter as it fits into the quote of the chapter, birth as it is the birth of a new reign.

Baby Girl Frary: Wednesday 17th June 2020 at 5:08 AM.

Warning: Premature and stillbirth so read at your discretion.

Quote of the chapter: "The main facts in human life are five: birth, food, sleep, love and death." ― E. M. Forster.


Mary looked up at Francis and beamed. "We have our little-"

"Queen," he breathed out, gasping when the baby clutched his finger. "She's just so pure."

Mary nodded. "She is," she said softly, admiring her daughter's sleeping face. "Her name."

"Well, I guess we should name our first daughter after you," Francis said happily. "Marie it is."

She giggled, rolling her eyes. "Fine," she said. "That will be her first name but we will call her by her second." She looked down at the baby. "Our little Queen Marie."

"Yes," Francis cooed, pressing a kiss onto his wife's head before doing the same to their new daughter. "How about Princess 'Anne'?"

Mary turned to him. "Anaïs," she whispered, meeting his blue eyes. Their daughter had his beautiful blue eyes and gorgeous wisps of light brown hair. A perfect mix of their love.

"Oh my God, that's so sweet," Francis gushed.

"Oh my God, you're so adorable when you are in awe," his wife teased him, reaching up to brush his blonde hair back.

Francis blushed. "Whatever," he said. "If I remember very clearly, you hated me an hour ago. You cursed me, you screamed in my ear, nearly broke my hand, the whole shebang."

Mary giggled, shrugging a little. "What can I say? A pregnant woman gets hormonal when a seven-pound baby comes out of her."

"I love you so much," Francis mumbled, eyeing their daughter. "And her too. You are both my life."

"We love you too," Mary whispered back, pulling his head down to kiss her lips softly. "Take a picture and send it to Kenna. She told me they've already had people sort out the nursery in their Paris estate. Imagine swanning off to Thailand the week your niece is due."

Francis chuckled, retrieving his phone. "Apparently, 'push gifts' are a thing and Bash decided that the trip was too good to pass on."

"Where's my 'push gift'?" Mary pouted. "Kenna gets a trip to Thailand and she's only twenty-two weeks pregnant! I've pushed the whole baby out of me moments ago."

He laughed. "It's a surprise. Don't worry!" He took a few pictures of the beaming mother and their sleeping child. "So photogenic, she will steal hearts!"

"Proud dad over here," Mary announced loudly.

"Is that so?" Michel called back, chuckling. "The King and Queen will arrive in due course."

"Thank you," Francis told him before returning to his mini-photoshoot. "Oh my God, she's yawning! Bâillement, bâillement!"

Mary looked down to see their child let out a wide yawn before sneezing and falling back asleep. "God bless you, my sweetheart. Oh, she's so beautiful. Look at how tiny her fingers and toes are!" She gushed.

"One would believe you've never seen a baby before," Francis teased her.

"François!"

"You sound like my mother," Francis replied, grinning as he took a seat to select and reject his photos. "Oh, Anaïs... God has truly blessed you with your mother's looks. You should be glad, my darling."

Mary laughed loudly before wincing. "Oh, God. Stitches are not fun."

"We will have the announcement tomorrow and show her off a little to the public before she's all ours," Francis told her. "Congratulations, Mary."

"What for?"

"What for? You gave birth to the future Queen Regnant of France," he said, making her blush deeply. "Such a boss move."

"A power play."

"Strong, independent woman."

"The genius behind the man."

"Hey!"

"What, you started it," she said, laughing and glancing down at Anaïs. "Hi, baby girl... Don't mind your father, I decided to keep him a long time ago and now he won't stop coming back. I think you've stolen his heart already. I had to wait five years."

Francis beamed. "What can I say? You're both very beautiful and you make me happy."

...

Kenna smiled widely, turning a little to show her husband the photographs of their new niece. "She was born at eight past 5 in the morning. Marie Anaïs."

"That's nice," Bash said, kissing her cheek. "Are you ready to get out of bed now?"

"It's only noon," Kenna replied. "I'm just not feeling all that proactive, mon amour."

Bash nodded. "Then how about I go for a swim? You should start packing so we can go home tomorrow."

"Can we stay an extra day, please?"

"Why?"

"I'm not looking forward to being fat-shamed," Kenna mumbled, pulling the duvet further up her body to hide her bump.

Bash rolled his eyes, removing the duvet and pressing a kiss onto her bump. "You're pregnant, not fat," he stated. "And I think it's time we told everyone. Anaïs is born and now, our news can be announced. My father told me over the phone because-"

"Francis will be crowned king in two weeks time."

"Exactly," Bash said, pecking her forehead and getting out of the bed. "Timing is everything, ma femme chérie. Get out of bed, let's go do some exercise." He sighed when she made no effort to move before cupping her cheeks and kissing her. "Allez debout, Mckenna."

Kenna smiled and nodded, placing her phone down and getting out with his help. She winced a little but played the pain off. "Braxton Hicks," she said to her husband when he caressed her hip in concern. "My midwife said it would be happening after twenty weeks. I'm fine, baby."

"Should we get you checked out?"

"No, I'm fine," she assured him, planting a sweet kiss on his lips. "Thanks for being concerned, lover."

"Alright, if you say so," he mumbled, helping her put her one-piece swimsuit on.

"It's tight," she said, wincing when they finally managed to get it on.

Bash sighed. "It's the only one you packed. I can ask around-"

"I'll just stick to my sundress," she said, taking it off and retrieving a yellow dress. "I don't need to go inside the water."

"Alright, babe. I'll just get my swim shorts on and meet you outside?" He replied, watching her slip the dress over her head and put sunglasses on.

Kenna nodded and gave him a bright smile before leaving their villa and heading down to the private beach. Celebrities and the like stayed here, it was known for its private residences and elite holiday experiences for the most elite of the elite.

Kenna knew her bank would be crying when they see how much she spent on the trip alone. She felt discomfort and sat down on a lounger, trying to relax.

The pain went away and Kenna smiled, knowing that it was nothing to be concerned about. Every little wince or a sharp intake of breath (almost always caused by heartburn or trapped wind) made Bash concerned and she'd end up comforting him and not the other way around.

He'd organised the set up of the nursery, saying something about making it fit for a royal baby. It was a surprise for her and she wasn't allowed to see it until after they had their baby. It was unconventional but she didn't mind, he spoilt her and together they could do anything.

"What are you thinking about?"

Kenna looked up at him and shook her head. "Nothing. The twinges have gone and now Baby is just enjoying the sun with me."

"Do you want me to stay with you?" He asked her.

"No, you go and enjoy the water. It looks too beautiful to not swim in. Enjoy it for us both," she replied.

Bash grinned, backing away from her. "Want to make it interesting?"

Kenna smirked, lifting her sunglasses to rest on top of her head. "Go on then."

"It's too hot to be clothed, isn't it?"

"It is," she agreed coyly.

"What can I do about that?"

Kenna shrugged. "You tell me."

Bash fingered the sides of his shorts. "Are you sure?"

"Beware of the paparazzi, mon amour," she said, laughing. "Give them a reason to see a prince naked."

"Ah, I guess you're right," he replied, removing his fingers. "See you in a bit."

Kenna chuckled to herself, watching him disappear beneath the blue-green water, the same colour as his eyes. She rubbed her bump lovingly and beamed.

"I hope you have your papa's eyes," she said quietly. "They're so beautiful..."

...

Francis placed a hand on Mary's shoulder, the two of them walking towards the reporters and the official name plaque which was covered by a red velvet cover. Mary held their newborn against her chest, shielding the sleeping baby's face from the flashing cameras.

Henry and Catherine stood back, the proud grandparents they were, giving the younger couple their moment to shine.

"Thank you all for coming," Francis said, giving his wife a wide smile. "Yesterday morning at eight past five, our daughter was born. Our beautiful daughter who looks so much like her mother with her father's eyes was born. She will be the first Queen Regnant of France."

Everyone applauded and Mary revealed their child's face, using part of her palm to stop the flashes from getting onto her eyes. Due to the noise, the baby opened her eyes and scowled a little, making her parents laugh. More flashes, more pictures, more joy.

Mary cleared her throat, gaining everyone's attention. "It didn't take us long to decide on a name fit for a princess. His Royal Highness and I have named our new daughter, Marie Anaïs," she announced, Narcisse removing the cover to reveal the plaque. She decided to hold back on the meaning, she knew there would be articles on that, explaining how the couple probably came up with the names. "Details on her godparents will come soon after discussion."

The couple allowed the reporters to take a few more photographs of the overjoyed family before Henry and Catherine took some with the new parents and newborn. After a while, the current King and Queen of France said a few words, explaining how overjoyed they were to welcome their first grandchild into the family before both couples and baby left to return into Fontainebleau chateau.

"Give her to Meme," Catherine told Mary once they were in the informal living room.

Mary handed her over, smiling when Catherine gasped, tears springing to the older woman's eyes. "What is it?"

"I-I remember when Francis was this little," Catherine breathed out, making her son blush. "My baby having a baby."

"Maman..."

"Francis, we are so proud of you," Henry told him. "For becoming a father, a king, everything. Your mother and I have been hard on you over the years but it's because we love you and we care about you. Now, you don't need us because someone else needs you. Protect Anaïs, Francis. With your life."

Francis smiled and nodded. "I will, Dad."

His eyes met Mary's and his wife blushed, looking away. He chuckled to himself, giving her a wink when she looked at him again as his parents gushed over their granddaughter.

"I love you," he mouthed to her.

Mary grinned. "I love you too," she mouthed back.

...

"Friday the 3rd," Narcisse announced, handing Henry, Bash and Francis their schedules. "Three days time, gentlemen."

"Do I have to wear the cloak?" Francis asked, looking at the prospective mannequin photographs.

Henry nodded. "It's not a cloak, it's a habit. A Royal Habit, mind you. More ornate than the one you wore at your wedding."

"Wonderful(!)" Francis mumbled, eyeing Bash when his older brother's phone beeped with a text message which he ignored, looking through the schedule. "I see that Anaïs will be present."

"She will be," Henry said happily. "It is her day as well. The day she will be crowned Crown Princess, Dauphine."

"She will be seventeen days old," Francis said. "She won't enjoy the music or-"

"She will be there," Henry said. "Even if for a few minutes. She must be crowned, before or after you, we don't mind. Preferably after."

Francis nodded. "Very well, Dad."

"This is lasting the whole day?" Bash asked, picking up his phone when it beeped again and lowering the volume of the device before beginning to highlight important points of the day.

"Of course," Henry said incredulously. "It will be your brother's first day as the King of France."

Bash sighed. "Very well," he said, placing his phone down. "Sorry, I'm listening."

"Who is texting you, Mckenna?"

"She's probably reminding me about a midwife appointment or something," Bash replied, continuing to highlight points on the schedule. "Why couldn't it take place on a Wednesday?"

"Have you ever heard of a day off on a Wednesday? If the anniversary falls on a Friday for that particular year, children can have three-day weekends until the end of Francis's reign," Henry explained. "That and we want to plan ahead for children across the nation to see footage of the event. It's a day for the history books."

Bash scoffed lightly. "Children getting involved in politics now? Watching a blonde prince strut down an aisle with an ugly cloak just to hold a spectre and ball at the end of it with a large, heavy, gold crown on top of his head."

Francis laughed. "Well, thank you."

"Any time, little brother," Bash replied. "I'm sure everyone will be desperate to watch."

Henry rolled his eyes but took it lightly. "I hated it at my own coronation," he admitted. "I think I'm going to take pleasure in seeing you walk down the aisle in the discomfort of having a heavy habit over your shoulders."

Bash's phone beeped again and he sighed, unlocking it and entering his text messages with Kenna. "Sorry about this. I know this meeting has been scheduled for a while, but..."

"Bash?" Francis called him, seeing his brother's face pale.

"Kenna's at the hospital," Bash said, getting up. "I'm so sorry-"

"No," his father said. "Go. Now!"

...

Kenna smiled when Bash entered the room, immediately brushing her hair back. "They've not checked anything yet but I wanted to have my mind put to rest-"

"So, you've just got here?"

"Mhm," she hummed. "I was feeling awful during tea with the girls and well, I've not felt them kick lately..."

Bash frowned. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Well, we left Thailand, got back to France only to be whisked away to visit Anaïs, Mary and Francis and I didn't want to ruin anything. Our baby niece was just born, there should be joy and happiness, not worry and fear."

The midwife entered and gave the couple a reassuring smile.

"Your Highness," she greeted Bash before turning to Kenna. "I'm just going to check your blood pressure."

Kenna nodded shakily. "Yeah, of course."

"Just relax," the midwife said.

Kenna reached out for Bash's hand and he took it, giving it a gentle squeeze as she let out a breath of air.

During the ultrasound, the midwife looked for a heartbeat. Each passing second made Kenna's anxiety spike and she closed her eyes, trying to take deep breaths to calm herself down.

She will find the heartbeat, everything will be fine.

"I'm just..." The midwife frowned, getting up before giving them a small smile. "I'm going to fetch the doctor."

Kenna turned to Bash after the woman left. "There's something wrong," she whispered.

"No, positive thoughts, Kenna," Bash told her, rubbing her shoulder with his other hand. "Everything will be fine."

Kenna smiled at him. "Yeah. The baby is probably just being difficult."

"Like-"

"If you say me, you'll sleep in Olenna's dog bed and she'll join me in ours," Kenna warned him, making them laugh. "I love you, Bash."

"I love you too," Bash whispered, kissing her.

The midwife returned, the doctor behind her. He took a seat where she was earlier and introduced himself to the couple before getting down to business.

He mumbled some things in French to the midwife, and Kenna tried to catch on. From the squeeze on her shoulder, she waited patiently. They all waited as he moved the device around her bump.

Kenna studied the doctor's face and his eyes softened as he began to remove the device from her bump and hand her tissues to clean off the gel.

"Je suis vraiment désolé. Il n'y a pas de rythme cardiaque," he said, his eyes meeting Bash's.

"I'm sorry? Wh-What does that mean?" Kenna asked, frowning as she turned to Bash. "What did he say? What does that mean?"

Bash sighed. "Kenna, you know what it means-"

"No, that can't be right," she cut him off before turning to the doctor. "Try again."

"Madame, we've searched for a heartbeat and it hasn't-"

"Your machine must be on mute-"

"It's never on mute," the midwife tried to explain.

"Just try again," Kenna begged him, her voice breaking. "Please?"

The doctor hesitantly reached for the Doppler device but Bash shook his head. He placed it back down and left the room with the midwife, giving the couple some privacy.

Kenna broke out in sobs, being pulled into a tight hug. "I should have come sooner-"

"No-"

"I should have known something was wrong-"

"Kenna-"

"It's all my fault," she whispered, sobbing. "I did this. Bash, I'm sorry..."

Bash pressed a kiss onto her forehead. "No," he said firmly. "This isn't your fault. Things like this happen, no explanation or anything. It's no one's fault."

She buried her face into his chest, inhaling his scent as she continued to sob. She placed a shaking hand onto her bump, the bump where their deceased child was. She felt sick and she brought Bash's hand down to press against it.

"Do something," she told him.

"There's nothing I can do," he said quietly. "Kenna, we can't do anything. Our baby's gone."

...

Mary paced the nursery with Anaïs in her arms. She hummed a French melody, sending her mother a smile as the older woman went through a weathered trunk.

"My old Christening gown?"

Marie beamed. "Booties, tiara and all. Gender-neutral, may I add?"

Mary chuckled and pressed a kiss onto her daughter's head. "God, did your breasts hurt a lot when you were breastfeeding me?"

"Both times," her mother mumbled absentmindedly rifling through the trunk.

Mary paused. "I'm sorry?"

Marie stopped what she was doing and looked at her daughter in shock. "Nothing."

"What did you say?"

"Oh, forgive me. My mind's-"

"Maman," Mary snapped before her posture softened. "Tell me."

Marie sighed, getting up from the ground and taking a proper seat. "Two years before you came, your father and I had a baby boy - Robert," Marie told her daughter. "He died. Out of the blue. We put him to bed one day and a few hours later when he needed feeding, he was stone cold blue. The doctors told us it was cot death. he was only six months old. Your brother was heartbroken."

Mary sighed. "Mama, I'm so sorry."

"It's fine," Marie said, wiping her tears. "It was so long ago. I never forgot him. I should have told you but it was still painful. The nine months I carried him added to the six months he was alive and kicking... Anyway, we were ready to try again and had you on the first go, our first little princess."

Mary smiled sadly. "Anyway, Francis wants to feed her but I've got him to hold off for now. I want to focus on breastfeeding and not pumping. Although pumping will be much appreciated because my breasts are always full and leaking. Lord imagine if I start leaking in the middle of Francis's coronation."

"It's your unit's coronation," her mother corrected her. "Mary, you as Queen Consort and Anaïs as Crown Princess, the new dauphine."

Mary smiled widely. "It is, isn't it? I'm excited, Mama. Francis and I have so many ideas. We plan to start up a few charities. Get a look into homelessness in big cities. Honestly, Mum, this marriage is the best thing to happen to me. Thank you, and Dad."

Marie let out a sob, standing up to hug her daughter. "Oh, look at you. You're a mother, Mary. My baby's a mother!"

"Yes, I am," Mary said, chuckling. "Have been for fourteen days now."

"Are you getting enough sleep?"

"Maman!"

"Enough nutrients and supplements?"

"Ma-"

"Your breast milk depends on it - eating properly, dear," Marie told her. "Let me fetch Greer. She knows what you like to eat when you're in your fussy phase."

Mary scoffed. "I am not in a fussy phase!" She blushed when her stomach grumbled.

"Tell that to your stomach."

Mary giggled. "Fine," she said. "I'll give the chefs a quick bell."

The women turned to the door when it opened and Mary grinned when she saw that it was her husband. Her smile faded when she saw that he wasn't smiling back.

"It's Kenna," he said quietly.

"What's happened?" Marie asked in concern. "Is my niece alright?"

Francis shook his head. "Bash called me and said that they... they lost the baby."

Mary gasped. "Oh my God."

...

"He's beautiful, Kenna," Bash said, stroking their son's cheek. "Do you want to hold him?"

Kenna shook her head. "I-I can't," she whispered. She turned her head away to stare through the window where the night sky laid beyond. "What's the time?"

"Just gone past seven," Bash replied. "Do you need anything?"

Again, she shook her head. "I just want to go home."

"Not yet, chérie," Bash told her softly. "We should name him."

"Why?" She asked, frowning. "It's not like he'll be someone."

"Kenna," he said firmly.

She turned to him, her lips wavering. "He's supposed to be alive, Bash. I can't name my dead baby because... He'll never be called that. He'll never be a toddler or a child or a teenager and fall in love, get married, have kids... He'll just be... nothing." She let out a sob, bringing a hand up to wipe her nose. "Matthias."

"That means 'The Gift of God'," Bash whispered, looking down at the baby. "Yeah. That works."

Kenna got up from the hospital bed, wincing when a shot of pain went through her. She ignored it and walked over to them, tiptoeing and resting her chin on Bash's shoulder.

"Want to give him a name too?" She asked, her voice breaking.

Bash nodded, tears springing to his eyes. "I've always liked the name 'Gabriel'. 'God is my strength'."

"That's so sweet," she whispered, closing her eyes as tears slipped down her cheeks. "Matthias Gabriel. Our little angel."

"Please, hold him."

Kenna took a deep breath in before releasing it and opening her eyes. She placed the heels of her feet back down onto the floor and adjusted herself to bring the tiny infant into her arms.

His eyes were closed, which was expected, but to Kenna, it felt like he was just asleep and this was a horrible nightmare. She rocked him, knowing it was futile but she had to do something.

"T-They said we could," Bash began, swallowing deeply. "We could take photos or a lock of his hair or footprints or handprints. They said that they could perform tests."

"For what? To confirm what we already know? That it's my-"

"Mckenna, don't," Bash snapped. "I swear if you blame yourself it would do more damage than good. You've been doing so well, that can't have been a factor."

Kenna finally nodded, pressing a soft kiss onto the baby's head. "Okay," she whispered. "Good Lord, we'd just told everyone a few days ago as well... Can we keep it between the family and friends, just for now?"

"Without question," Bash said, kissing the top of her head.

"Amour?"

"Hmm?"

Kenna turned to face him. "I don't think I can do this again."

"Do what?" Bash asked quietly.

"Have a baby," Kenna told him.

"We can talk about that when we're ready," Bash replied. "And we're clear on what has happened."

"I know what I want," she whispered to him, biting her bottom lip.

Bash nodded. "We're grieving, Kenna. Just give me a chance to catch up, alright?"

"Mhm," she hummed, looking down at the baby. "I think he had your eyes."

Bash let out a sob, wrapping his arms around her hips tightly and resting his forehead on the side of her head. She leant into his touch and he pressed a kiss on her cheek.

"I love you so much, Kenna."

She nodded, her voice cracking as she said, "I love you so much too, Bash."

...

Two days later, the day before the coronation, Kenna was able to return home. In her hands, as she stepped out of the car, was her baby's ashes. They'd decided against a casket, wanting to feel their son's presence in their home. The home he'd never get to see or live in.

Miranda carefully helped her into the house, never letting go of Kenna as she directed her up the stairs. "The staff held a vigil on his birthday," she said softly. "I'm so sorry, Your Highness."

Kenna turned to her. "Kenna," she said before looking away.

"The Duke said he will return from Fontainebleau soon. He had to tell the rest of the family personally. Not that everyone didn't already know, but-"

"He needed Francis," Kenna said with a sad smile. "Mary wanted to come. I told her 'no'."

"Is it because of the Dauphine?"

Kenna nodded shakily. "I just can't. I'm not ready for that. I'll deal with seeing her tomorrow at the coronation, be there and just forget about everything until the next day."

"Where will you put the ashes?"

"Our bedroom," Kenna stated. "I talk to him. Is that silly?"

"Not at all," Miranda told her. "Anything that helps, you do that."

They passed the nursery and Kenna stopped, making the security guard stop as well. She turned to the door and then to Miranda.

"Can you give me a minute?" She asked. "I might as well see what Bash had done."

Miranda nodded. "Interior designers were coming into the house every day, wanting it to be perfect. Shall I take Matthias and put him in your bedroom?"

Kenna looked down at the small urn and her hands shook as she placed the urn into Miranda's hands. "Be careful with him. Tell him I'll be with him soon. Stay with him, don't leave him."

"Of course, Ma'am," Miranda mumbled before continuing down the hall and disappearing into the master bedroom.

Kenna placed her hand onto the door handle and pulled it down before pushing the door open. She stepped inside and walked in, closing the door behind her.

She looked around, seeing the walls done in a soft beige, the shade of camel hair. It was quite earthy, soft browns and dark woods. The crib matched the changing table and dresser and there were a bunch of clothes folded neatly on top of the dresser.

She walked over to the crib in the centre of the room and saw an outfit hung up on the top horizontal bar. It was a light brown jumpsuit with a white babygro and some baby Converse trainers. A tag attached to it said: 'Baby's Outfit For Leaving The Hospital' in Bash's handwriting. It was cute, Kenna thought. Could be for a girl or a boy. She smiled a little, remembering her mother telling her something about wearing her older half-brothers' hand-me-downs. They may be rich but you can't buy memories.

Kenna looked at the photo frames on the wall. On the left of the door were baby sonograms, documenting their child's growth since the day she found out. On the other wall were the sickeningly sweet pictures they took a few days ago at their official announcement, Bash's hand on her bump and her back against his chest as joyous smiles plagued their faces.

She looked away and found photos of animals, from giraffes to elephants and wild cats and domesticated pets... Bash loved the outdoors and it clearly showed in the room as even the carpet was a muted mint green bundle of fluffiness, signifying grass. Safe enough for a baby to crawl on.

Walking over to the rich dark wood rocking chair, she bent down and studied the armrests, spotting her and Bash's initials carved into the wood inside a heart. Kenna smiled, tears springing to her eyes as she sat down on the rocking chair in the corner, looking around at the things she missed.

A full bookshelf, full of classic stories for babies, toddlers and children alike. A shoe cabinet where loads of branded designer baby shoes were inside, ranging from newborn to age three. A standing lamp in the shape of a tree, its leaves acting as little light bulbs. A matching bedside lamp was on the bedside table by the crib.

Boxes of nappies and baby wipes were in the corner, ready to be opened and used. There was baby shampoo, baby wash, baby powder and many other toiletries and safe liquids in clear drawers as well as baby cosmetic items such as nail cutters or cotton wool.

She had been worried that they weren't prepared but no, they were prepared.

Kenna stood up and went to the middle of the room, looking around it. She stopped when she finally acknowledged the accent wall behind the changing table. It was a golden skyline outline of Paris. with hanging fairy lights zig-zagging down the wall. Hanging on the fairy lights were heart-shaped notes and Kenna went to them.

She brought a hand to her mouth in shock when she saw quotes written on them. She grabbed onto one, reading it and turned her attention to another. Then another, and another and another...

Her hands shook and she yanked the fairy lights down, throwing them onto the ground. She swiped everything off the changing table and moved onto the dresser, yanking baby clothes out of the drawers and onto the ground.

After the drawers were empty, she went over to the bookshelf and emptied that, going to the shoe stand and emptying that as well, and finally moved onto the crib.

She placed her hands on both ends of the top bars and stared into the empty crib. There was a weathered blue rabbit inside and she lifted it to her eyesight and saw a tag saying that it belonged to Sébastien.

Bringing the rabbit to her chest, she sank to the ground and burst into sobs. She hugged the small item as if her life depended on it, wishing it was her son, alive and breathing and kicking and crying.

But all she could feel was heartbreak and she closed her eyes when someone wrapped their arms around her, bringing her to their chest tightly.

"I'm here now," Bash whispered. "It's fine. We're going to be fine."

...

"You don't have to go," Bash said as they got ready the next morning.

Kenna turned to him, smiling at him. "How do I look?"

"Like you've not slept, using those hours to cry," her husband replied, putting his honours onto his outfit.

Kenna rolled her eyes and applied more makeup onto her face, checking her phone for any missed text messages. "I'm fine, mon amour."

"Mckenna..."

"This is Francis's day," she said, turning to face him again. "His coronation. Once he's crowned king, we will celebrate, smile and be all sad about everything tomorrow, okay? I don't want people to start going off on one when they see that the King's sister-in-law couldn't be bothered to show up."

"They'd understand-"

"They would laugh," Kenna said firmly. "I have to put on a brave face and show them that I am strong. That they don't matter. It's not about me or Matthias or you. It's about Francis, Mary and..."

Bash scoffed. "You can't even say her name now."

Kenna looked away from him. "A-Anaïs," she whispered. "Anaïs."

"Kenna-"

"Your Highnesses?" Max called them, entering the room. "The car has arrived."

Kenna nodded. "Thank you, Herr Elliot. Are the windows tinted as I requested?"

"Yes, Madame."

"And the other thing?"

"Two boxes full, Madame," Max said quietly. "Unless you need a tissue now?"

Kenna shook her head. "No, no. Thank you very much. That will be all, we'll be down in a bit."

He bowed and left, leaving the couple alone.

Kenna walked up to Bash and kissed him softly. "Mon amour?"

"Oui?"

"Seulement pour aujourd'hui," she whispered.

"And tomorrow?"

Kenna swallowed deeply. "We can... we can grieve and light a candle for him. Je t'aime."

"Je t'aime," Bash replied, hugging her tightly. "If you need to hold my hand, just do it."

Kenna pulled back a little to meet his eyes. "I won't break royal protocol. Even if everyone understands. We have our duties, we must follow them. No tears, no hand-holding, no kisses. Just the Duke and Duchess of Orléans being respectful with God between them."

He laughed a little. "We should leave some room for God?"

She nodded, smiling back a little. "Just for today, amour. Tomorrow, He'll understand."

...

Mary swallowed deeply, waving off the royal dressmakers and turning to Lola and Greer. She wore a golden formal dress with intricate stitching and diamonds lining the v-neck that exposed the curves of her full breasts. She wore nipple protectors, hoping that she wouldn't leak during the ceremony. Lola and Greer wrapped a purple velvet mantle edged with ermine over Mary's dress.

"Kenna is coming?" She asked the women in surprise.

"Bash confirmed it to Leith who told me," Greer said sadly. "From what it seems, she was determined. Not bothering with black wear or anything. She is wearing a deep shade of blue, which could be classified as black depending on how you look at it but her and Bash will be attending together."

"Henry stressed that they should take the time to themselves. He was wondering on postponing the whole thing," Mary said.

Lola sighed. "It has to be today. Everything is already in motion."

"I feel awful-"

"About what?"

The three women turned and found Kenna standing there in a dark blue long dress and matching dress hat. She had a smile on her face but her eyes were full of pain and grief and they were red.

"Kenna!" Mary breathed out, rushing forward to hug her but Kenna raised a hand.

"Do not crease your dress for the love of God," Kenna said. "Now, where is your tiara that will be switched out for the crown?"

She headed to the table where the items laid on plush pillows, busying herself into making Mary look presentable. She mumbled quietly to herself at times, lifting earrings and bracelets and thoughtfully turning to Mary to see what would go with what.

"Kenna, if you need anything-"

"These diamond-shaped diamond earrings should look good on you," Kenna cut Mary off, coming over to put them on Mary's ears. "You look stupendous. I'm jealous!"

"Says the woman who has boys and men falling at her feet," Greer said lightly.

Kenna giggled but the other three could hear how fake it was. "Well, enough banter. Let's prepare this queen."

"Are you sure that you are alright, Kenna?" Lola asked cautiously.

Kenna turned to smile at her. It didn't reach her eyes but it was a smile nonetheless. "I am," she said to the other women. "Thank you for asking."

Mary ignored Kenna's earlier warning and wrapped her arms around the brunette's waist, leaning her cheek against Kenna's back. "I'm so sorry, Kenna."

Kenna's eyes stung with tears but she sighed and nodded. "Let's get you ready, shall we? A queen must never be delayed to her husband's coronation."

...

"You look like a king."

Francis turned away from the mirror to smile at Bash, blushing slightly. "Please, don't," he said as Bash came to stand behind him, meeting his green eyes through the mirror. "I thought I had decades until this happened. Within ten months, I've become a husband, father and soon, a king."

"You have this, Francis," Bash told him, handing him a watch box. "Open it."

Francis smiled and opened the box, gasping when he saw the watch inside. "This was Grandfather's watch. Dad gave it to you."

"It's yours. I know that Grandfather would never have approved of my life's choices anyway," Bash said, going over to take a seat. "So, Kenna and I are going to hold a funeral for... She said she wanted it to be just us and we're going to the Avon Cemetary to put up his tombstone with my late maternal relatives but I'd appreciate it if you, Mary and the others could come."

"Of course," Francis said. "You don't even have to ask." He did up his golden chains from left to right. "Did you name him?"

Bash nodded. "We did. Matthias Gabriel. He was so small, about 1.3lb. He looked serene, at peace. The pathologist who ran the tests to find out what happened said that his eyes were blueish-green. Like the sea. Like mine."

"Do you have an idea of what could have happened?"

"They said that it had something to do with complications of the placenta. It could have happened to anyone," Bash replied, standing up when the door opened. "Are you ready?"

Francis turned around and nodded, turning to Narcisse. "I'm ready."

...

Surprisingly, as the Archbishop of Reims fitted the crown on top of his head, Francis didn't feel nervous anymore. He felt confident, assured, proud and happy. A smile threatened to break out onto his face as he realised that his father trusted him to rule France, despite the circumstances around his father's abdication.

"Dieu sauve le roi! Dieu sauve le roi! Dieu sauve le roi!"

The coronation was taking place at the Roman Catholic Church of France and Francis rose as the Archbishop gave him a nod.

A few more rites of passage were said along with some prayers and Francis took his seat on his throne, mentally taking a deep sigh of relief. He tried not to smile when Mary knelt and smiled at him, not being seen by everyone else but a bishop who removed her tiara from her head so the Archbishop could anoint her, wrap her shoulders with the consort habit, crowned and eventually enthroned beside her husband.

Next, Catherine walked up with the new Dauphine and Duchess of Anjou in her arms. The child was anointed and wrapped up in royal cloak before being given in to her mother's arms.

"Dieu sauve la reine! Dieu sauve la reine! Dieu sauve la reine!"

Using one arm to support her daughter, Mary took Francis's hand and they rose from their seats.

The Archbishop announced: "Le Roi, la Reine et le Dauphiné de France. François, Marie et Anaïs."

It was official.

Afterwards, there was a photoshoot ceremony being taken. Many of Francis alone but quite a lot of him and Mary or him, Mary and Anaïs. There were ten photographs taken of him and his parents on either side of him. There were portraits, side-shots and many, countless photographs taken from different positions with different people. One of Francis's favourites was the one with him and his siblings, seeing how much they'd grown and now this picture would stand proudly in their family estate in Rennes.

Leaving Anaïs with Elisabeth and Margaret, Francis and Mary left the church without their habits and went to smile and wave at the crowd. They shared one modest kiss that lasted a second or two, before continuing to wave to the crowd who roared their rejoice and support.

Francis turned to Mary, giving her hand a squeeze to which she turned to him with a wide, proud smile.

He was king.