Quote of the chapter: "If I get married, I want to be very married." ― Audrey Hepburn.


"A what?" Bash asked Kenna as they ate dinner. "Colour Run? What's that?"

Kenna slid the leaflet over to him. "I printed it off. It's this charity event that raises money for different causes. Uh, there are still babies in that hospital, babies who are fighting for their lives. We can raise money for families struggling with medical bills and children with disabilities or even hospital accommodation bills for relatives. I've signed myself up to run tomorrow. It's like a marathon. I figured now my knee's back to fighting fit, I should put myself out there more and do things I've lost touch of doing."

Bash nodded approvingly, scanning through the leaflet. "That's a great idea. Do you want to call Ariadne to set up your social media coverage and-"

"I don't want any publicity," Kenna told him. "I'm not going to profit off our son's death or any other child's for that matter. I don't care what people think about me, the ones who matter know who I am." She reached over the table and placed her hand on his hand. "I'm sorry that I've been distant. I just felt like I had no control over anything and therapy is helping and most of all, you. So, thanks. This time last year, we didn't even know who the other was."

Bash smiled softly. "Indeed," he mumbled. "I should thank you as well. Before I had no direction when it came to where I wanted life to take me. Now I do. You. My place is with you."

Kenna grinned and took the leaflet from him, looking it over. "You can come if you want."

"Of course, I'll come," he said. "So, Francis and Mary were wondering if we'd join them for the second month of their tour."

Kenna paused, her eyes rising to meet his. "A whole month?"

"Yes," Bash said, sipping his water. "It will be interesting, rewarding. How's your Korean?"

Kenna let out a soft chuckle. "Heh. Well, uh, a whole month with King, Queen and Dauphine? Anaïs?"

Bash nodded slowly. "Anaïs will be there, yes."

"When do we have until we decide?"

"I think Tuesday. They're going for her eight-week check-up. They're leaving that evening."

Kenna swallowed deeply. "No, I don't want to go," she told him. "I've got all these events to set up and attend... You can go if you want."

"If you're not going, I'm not going," Bash said firmly. "But don't do this to avoid Anaïs. I know you're hurting but you can't be upset that our king and queen have an heir."

Kenna covered her face. "I'm not avoiding any-"

"You ran out of Sunday Service like the Flash," Bash stated. "Come on, Kenna."

Kenna let out a soft sigh. "Fine. But we're not going. I've got things to do, people to meet, lives to change... A party to host... A summer BBQ, how about that?"

Bash winced. "No," he said. "No parties, Kenna." He stood, lifting his wine from the table. "Don't stay down here too long. You've got an early morning with that Colour Run."

Kenna gave him a bright smile. "I'll be up soon," she promised him, accepting a soft kiss on the lips. "Take a bottle, will you?"

"Are you sure you want a few glasses before you run tomorrow morning?"

Kenna nodded. "I can hold my drink," she said. "I've never had a hangover too. Just humour me."

"As you wish, ma femme chérie."

...

The next day, Mary waved and smiled at the crowd who turned when they noticed her and Francis getting out of their car. Their team led them towards Bash who gave them both sparkling water to drink as they turned to the starting line of the race.

"Oh, I didn't expect coloured powder to be used!" Mary said, seeing people throw the coloured dust at each other.

Bash turned to her. "It's called a Colour Run for a reason," he said lightly. "Normally Kenna would be against the idea but I've found her to be quite an outdoorsy woman."

"She was captain of our Football team," Mary told the men. "Captain of our Netball team. And surprisingly, captain of our Athletics team. She lived outdoors, practically."

"We learn something new about each other every day," Francis said in wonder. "Where is she?"

Bash turned over to the starting post. "Near the front, I believe. Miranda and Max are running with her. She's safe."

Francis nodded and turned around to see four more people entering the VIP section. He gave them a smile, calling Mary and Bash's attention over to their new guests.

"We're here to show our support," Margo told them.

"Philip couldn't make it," Lissie said, using her fan to beat the heat. She looked over at Enzo. "Well?"

"I'm sorry, Your Highness?"

"Won't you help your future sisters-in-law sit down?"

Enzo blushed, leading the two women over to their seats. "I apologise-"

"Don't," Francis said, chuckling. "She's messing with you."

"Oh," Enzo mumbled.

"Why don't you help me get us some binoculars, Enzo?" Francis asked him, leading the man off anyway as Mary went over to Margo, Lissie and Claude.

The three women stood and she waved her hand dismissively, taking a seat and crossing her legs. "It's very hot."

"It is," Claude agreed. "I hope the Duchess is very hydrated."

"She'll be fine," Bash's voice called out. "She's run many marathons before."

"She has," Mary affirmed. "She'll finish this in no time! Just wait and see."

...

Three-quarters into the run, Kenna found an old woman starting to get tired. She slowed down, letting other people pass before jogging up to the woman who had begun to make her way to the side of the track.

She placed a hand on the woman's back. "Excusez-moi, ça va?"

The woman breathed heavily. "Bien, bien," she mumbled, waving Kenna off.

Kenna nervously turned to where Miranda and Max were and she waved them off. "I've got this."

"But the Duke said-"

"Miranda, Max, finish the race."

Max handed her their water bottles. "We'll keep one minute ahead and look back for you each time."

"Very well," Kenna replied, handing the woman her water bottle as the couple jogged on. "Madame, laissez-moi vous aider. Nous pouvons le faire ensemble."

Let me help you, woman. We can do this together, Kenna mentally thought, her words coming out in French.

"You don't sound French," the woman said in English. "Foreign?"

Kenna blushed. "British," she said. "Parlez vous anglais?"

"Oui," the woman said, nodding. "Lydia."

"I'm K-Rachel," Kenna said, not wanting to be scorned or pushed away. She watched as the woman took small sips. "Are you alright?"

"My hip," Lydia mumbled. "I'm running to fund a hip replacement abroad. To see my son over there too and recover with him."

Kenna smiled at her. "Well, Lydia, I'll help you get to the finish line. Come on."

She slipped an arm around Lydia's shoulders and her other hand reached out to hold Lydia's hand and they began to walk. Eventually, they settled on a small jog and even though it was painful for the old woman, she kept going and Kenna squeezed her hand in pride.

"You've got this, Lydia!"

"Merci, Rachel!"

Within time, the finish line was in their sights and Kenna wrapped her arm around Lydia's waist as the woman's arm went over her shoulders and Kenna held her hands tightly. They picked up speed, wanting to get to the refreshments soon and end the race.

"Almost there!" Kenna told her. "You've almost made it!"

Lydia's eyes watered. "I-I don't know what I'd do without you. You are God's blessing, Rachel. God bless you!"

They passed the finish line and a prompter gave them their time: 2 hours, 39 minutes.

Lydia began to sob in her joy and Kenna helped her over to a wheelchair with some medical personnel who began attaching an oxygen mask over the woman's head.

As Kenna went to get her some water, Lydia pulled her hand back and shook her head. "Lydia," Kenna said softly. "I'm just-"

"Thank you so much," Lydia rasped out. "Thank you. Merci, merci..."

Kenna's own eyes watered and she squeezed Lydia's hand and placed a soft kiss on the woman's forehead. "No, thank you," she whispered, before walking off and accepting some orange juice in a bottle from Miranda.

"What you did was wonderful," Max told her with a bright smile.

"The cameras have caught it," Miranda said lowly, spotting paparazzi. "Let's get you to the shower room."

After getting showered and dressed in a white summery dress with some white wedges, Kenna was led to the VIP tent where she was surprised by champagne bottles popping and cries of 'congratulations!' being thrown at her. She gasped and laughed, awkwardly waving at everyone.

"T-Thanks for coming," she said, meeting Bash's eyes. "I wasn't expecting you all to be here."

Bash handed her a flute of champagne. "Everyone came to show their support. We saw what you did for that-"

"No," Kenna said, raising a hand. "Don't talk about it."

"Right," Margo mumbled, giving her a tight hug. "Well done! You've done amazing! You looked like a warrior goddess, the different coloured powder in your hair and clothes..."

"Dare I say," Claude began cheekily. "You looked sexy with all of that. Do you not sweat at all?"

Kenna giggled, rolling her eyes as she walked over to hug Mary and Francis. "Perspiration isn't my thing."

"Are you and Bash vampires?" Francis said jokingly, clinking his flute with hers. "We're proud of you."

"Truly," Mary added. "Matthias would have been so proud of his mama."

Kenna froze before downing her drink and moving away to take a seat. She turned and saw some men with cameras, taking snaps of them. The images would be blurry and Kenna cheekily flipped them off before sitting back in her seat and sighing heavily.

"Kenna, I'm sorry-"

"No," Kenna cut Mary off. "I should stop living in the past. I've been childish. Avoiding you, avoiding little baby Annie... I'm sorry."

Mary smiled, sitting beside her and squeezing her hand. "I'll call Lola and Greer, see if they'd like to hang out before we go for the second part of the royal tour. Oh, I can't wait to explore places with you-"

"Didn't Bash say?" Kenna asked, frowning. "We're not going."

Mary's face fell. "Oh. N-Nevermind-"

"It's not anything to do with what's happened. I've just got some projects I've been working on," Kenna quickly explained. "Today was only the beginning. I'm seeing some members of the parliament about the proposal of temporary housing for relatives with hospitalised family members, babies with illnesses and other things. Something good can come out of this."

Mary smiled brightly and nodded. "Yes," she said. "I agree. Good job. I wish you nothing but success."

Kenna sighed in relief. "Thanks, Mary."

"I should stop Francis from drinking more," Mary said, getting up. "He's going to stay up with his little princess again."

"Oh?"

"He's started these voice recordings for her," Mary explained. "It's the most cheesy but adorable thing in the world. I'll play it for you one day if he lets me. Something tells me it's a daddy-daughter thing."

Kenna beamed. "Francis is a wonderful father. And an even better king."

"He is," Mary said. "Anyway, I'll leave you our little running queen."

Kenna giggled and blew a kiss her way, watching Mary walk back to Francis and Bash. She returned her gaze back to the track and sighed, her smile leaving her face.

...

Francis showed the newspaper to his wife as they drove to the Trastámaras' estate with Charles. "Kenna didn't get what she wanted. The woman did a full interview and everything, gushing over her and the fact she gave her middle name. This is actually in Kenna's favour for once."

Mary tutted. "I wish it wasn't like that," she said. "These newspapers attacked her for losing her baby and now, they're praising her for helping one elderly person across a finish line? They're so bipolar, it's disgusting and ridiculous."

"I know," Francis mumbled. "But we can't do anything about it." He looked up when they arrived at the gates. "Charles."

Charles froze. He was called that in serious situations. "Yes, Your Maj-"

"Francis," the King corrected. "Anyway, depending on how today goes, Annabelle could very well become your future wife. I don't need to remind you how to behave. No cheeky kisses behind closed doors or-"

"Francis," Mary said, laughing a little. "We shared cheeky kisses behind-"

"Mary! Charles is sixteen, do not give him ideas!"

Charles laughed, shaking his head a little. "I'll behave."

Francis nodded, giving his wife a playful glare. "Good."

They were greeted by the Archduke, Archduchess and their nine children, all in age order. It shocked Mary but she didn't show it, all she knew was that the French nobles seemed to be very fertile indeed with their many children. She was not going beyond three. Four if they only had one son in hopes of getting a second son but no more.

"Your Majesties," Maximillian greeted them with a bow. "Your Highness." Another bow, but this time the head.

His wife followed after along with their children, the ones who understood what was going on as the three-year-olds and one-year-old ignored them mostly.

"Mind the children," Maria said jovially. "They wanted to meet a real-life king. They will not be attending the meal. Only Anna, Rudolph, Elisabeth and Ernest."

Mary reminded herself that Elisabeth was Annabelle. It was confusing and Charles was right, everyone they knew had the same damn name and she smiled to herself. She caught Charles' eyes and gave him a quick wink which no one else noticed.

Francis sat at the head of the table as Mary sat to his left. Maximillian took the other end, his own wife on his left as his daughter took his right and Charles took Francis's right.

"We were surprised to learn that the King of France's brother had his eye on our Elisabeth," Maximillian said as the butler served them wine.

Mary politely declined much to the other couple's surprise. "Breastfeeding," she explained. "It is better than formula in their formative months."

Maria beamed. "Indeed. I breastfed my children until two years of age. Are you going to do the same?"

Mary shared a glance with Francis. "I hope to, Your Grace," she replied.

"That is wonderful," Maximillian said, returning the conversation to his older daughter. "Elisabeth cannot stop talking about her dear friend, Prince Charles. You go by 'Max' in school, do you not?"

Charles nodded. "Yes, Your Grace," he replied. "My middle name is Maximillian, Your Grace."

"Maximillian is a strong name," Maximillian said proudly. "I have no doubt that you will be a suitable match for my daughter."

"Father, Max-Charles and I have been friends since we were eight," Annabelle told her father. "It is only recently, we've grown fond of each other and with Their Majesties permission I would wish to maintain a public relationship with His Highness, the Duke of Touraine."

Francis smiled. "So eloquent, Your Ladyship," he said. "I do not see any reason to reject your proposal."

Maria beamed at her daughter. "We have been training her since she was a girl. We had only expected a marriage proposal between a comté but a prince is never turned down."

"Then it is done," Francis said, taking Charles' hand. "Six years of relationship will lead to marriage between Prince Charles and Lady Elisabeth Trastámara."

"A toast?" The Archduke proposed.

"Oui."

"To Prince Charles and his future bride, Elisabeth," the Archduke said, all of them raising their glasses.

"To Prince Charles and Elisabeth!"

...

"...Just set a date so Enzo and I can marry!"

"Philip and I are taking things slow-"

"Mother and Father said that we could only marry if you and Philip-"

Francis entered the room, an amused smile on his face. "Sisters."

"Urgh," Claude said, rolling her eyes. "Francis."

"Your Majesty," Lissie said teasingly.

Francis chuckled. "What's the argument about this time?"

"Please, can you talk with Lissie and Philip to set a date for their wedding, so Enzo and I can marry early next year?" Claude asked him. "We have duties we need to perform in Europe and it will look better for our publicity if we're married whilst we perform them."

Francis slowly nodded. "That is true," he said, turning to Lissie. "Tomorrow, Philip will attend a meeting with Mary and me before we organise our second month of tour. We should aim for the wedding to be in November, leaving late January for Claude's wedding."

Lissie gaped. "B-But-"

"I am sure that Mother can help you source the best material for your dress," Francis cut her off.

"My birthday is in November," Claude told him.

Francis nodded. "And the wedding will be after. Your wedding will come place at the end of January to not interfere with Mary's birthday."

Claude nodded in agreement. "Very well. Thank you, brother."

"You're welcome," Francis said, turning to Lissie. "I'm sure you and Philip will make things work. Mother and Father have agreed on the matter, Mary and I have signed it off... We're drawing up a timeline of your relationship as we speak. More public appearances with Philip, sell the story and then you can have your divorce after ten years."

Lissie grinned happily. "Wonderful," she said before turning and leaving the room through the other doors.

"So..." Claude began. "Can I wear Marie Antoinette's tiara-"

"No."

"Worth a try," Claude mumbled, leaving as well.

...

"Imagine if our daughter was married to a future king?" Francis asked his wife as they settled for bed that night.

Mary rolled her eyes playfully. "No more talk about marriages and children. And no our children will not be married into the English Throne. I am sure there are decent members of society of their choosing that they'll marry. And it's not like any other child after Annie needs to marry."

"We can only pray," her husband replied. "That our daughter marries a wonderful man and has a lot of children to continue the Valois line."

Mary yawned. "Hmm, indeed."

"Speaking of children," Francis trailed off, placing a hand on her stomach. "Do you think you could be pregnant?"

"This soon?" Mary asked, incredulous. "Babe, we're barely trying!"

"But every chance is one step closer to Annie being a big sister," her husband said, grinning.

"So broody," Mary muttered, slamming him with one of her small pillows. "It's been almost two months since we had her. I doubt it."

"My grandmother spoke about that apartment for a reason," Francis said cheekily as his hand snuck up her shirt. "My twin sisters, the elder ones, were born thirteen months after-"

"You will jinx things, Francis," Mary told him. "Let's not put too much thought into it. Please?"

Francis nodded, kissing her cheek. "Sorry."

"No, don't be," she replied happily. "I'm glad you want kids with me. Trust me, we're making beautiful babies, look at Annie for an example but I just don't want to shove this in Bash's and Kenna's faces."

"Oh, I didn't even think... I'm a shitty brother," Francis said, covering his eyes. "Well, if it happens, then I'm sure they'll be supportive anyway?"

Mary shrugged. "We will see," she replied, kissing his lips. "Should we... have some mummy and daddy time before the blue-eyed monster wakes up and demands our attention?"

Francis grinned as she climbed onto his chest. "Hey, Beautiful."

"Hi, Handsome!" She replied, leaning down to kiss him. "I love you so much."

"I love you too, Mary. Forever and always."