So, this is Kennash and Frary being the power couples we all know they are. Kind of like Reign but in a modern setting with a 'kingdom' but it's a company. 'Royaume' means 'kingdom' in English so I thought it was fitting.

My Frary story is still in the works, found a few issues with it but I hope to get it out by November! Enjoy this story :)!

This was meant to be two chapters, but I thought I'd put them together to make one longer chapter ;) Also, a few French words and sentences will be in this story but not to the point that you won't understand what they don't mean from the scene. Just a few phrases, like 'open the door' or 'my love'.

Bash closes his eyes, inhaling the fresh English air through his nose with a smile. It's a lazy Sunday, his girlfriend feeling too unwell to attend Church, but still, he stands at their balcony at five in the morning. He's always been an early riser, it's something he couldn't shake off when he arrived in England from France.

England is still foreign to him, despite him being able to speak English with an English accent he acquired from his boarding school years. It's not France, it's not Paris, but it's home.

Scotland. Well, Scotland is still foreign and he wishes he spent more than a month there before he and his girlfriend finally moved to settle down in England. Her parents had been welcoming, surprised at their daughter's sudden relationship.

A day had turned into five years together though and they started off as friends with benefits, despite not really being friends in the first place. He saved her and she saved him, their newly formed bond now unbreakable and unshakeable despite their pasts from France.

"Bash?"

Bash turns and heads back inside, closing the folding doors behind him. "You never wake up early," he states, getting back into bed to pull her into his arms. "You look pale."

"I feel horrible," Kenna mumbles, closing her eyes again. "Nauseous."

"Was it the seafood you tried yesterday?"

"Urgh," she says.

He chuckles. "I told you not to try it. It did look off."

Kenna holds a hand to her mouth, rushing out of their bed to reach the toilet in time."I hate when you're right!" She calls over her shoulder.

"It's a curse," he jests, hearing his phone go off. "Run a bath or something."

Kenna leaves the bathroom door open, heading to the bath to start plugging the bottom and running the water. "Want to join me after that call?" She asks coyly.

Bash picks his phone up. "Maybe. Depends," he says, heading out of their bedroom.

He eyes the caller ID and sighs heavily, contemplating not answering it. It's been five years since he last spoke to this person and the years still didn't soften any blows.

He slides the green button. "Francis."

"Oh," Francis whispers. "I-I didn't expect you to answer. It's early, right?"

"It is," Bash says curtly. "What do you want?"

Francis takes a sharp intake of breath and Bash regrets his hostility. But only a little when Francis replies quite sharply, "You've never answered my calls before. What's different now?"

Bash walks further away from his bedroom. "Well, I've had a while to think about my exile. You never should have called, Francis."

"Bash-"

"Called to rub it in my face even further, hmm?" Bash snipes. "That you have Mary and Dad loves you more?"

Francis clicks his tongue. "Bash, let me speak," he says softly, swallowing something down.

"Fine," Bash says. "Make it quick."

"Dad's dying, Bash," Francis admits. "And he wants... he wants you to take over Royaume."

Bash's face fell. "W-What?"

"He wants you-"

"I heard what you said," Bash quickly says. "G-Give me a second."

Bash quickly puts his shoes on and grabs a stickie note, writing a quick message for Kenna and sticks it on the fridge door, leaving their apartment. He can't speak about Henry with her around, not after what his father did to her.

"Are you still there?" Francis asks.

"Yeah," Bash replies. "I had to leave my apartment."

"Oh, why?"

"My girlfriend," Bash simply says, not giving his brother any more as to who she was. "I don't want her to know about this just yet."

Francis blows out a puff of air. "You've moved on."

"I made a life for myself, yeah," Bash tells him, giving the doorman a nod of acknowledgement as he leaves the building.

"So, where did you end up in England?"

"Why would I tell you that?" Bash retorts. "We haven't been the closest of brothers in a long time after you let Dad send hitmen after me to kill me."

"I didn't... God, Bash, how many times do I have to tell you? He acted alone!"

Bash stops, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Why don't I believe you?"

"I don't know," Francis whispers sadly. "You're my big brother, I'd never do that to you even after what happened between you, me and Mary. I loved you and I still do and I want you home. Dad thinks you're a better fit for Royaume. I'm not you, I'm not his favourite child. I can't and won't ever be you."

"Well, seems like I stopped being his favourite when he made that call," Bash replies. "I've never felt scared like I did then. I felt like I had no one to turn to."

"I'm sorry," Francis tells him earnestly. "I'm so sorry. I-I just want you home, I can't do this without you."

"Five years-"

"I know, I know," Francis cuts him off, sniffling. "I regret a lot of things when it comes to you and me. No one, not even Mary comes before you. Well, that's a lie... Anne, Rose and James - I love my children, but they're not people I can talk to, not even Mary. She doesn't know what we went through."

"We?" Bash repeats, frowning. "You didn't go through anything. Dad... He-He abused me. He would hit me over the littlest of things when we were growing up. How dare you say that-"

"I defended you at times, Sebastian!" Francis cries out. "I didn't get that black eye from football. I didn't break my arm during rugby either."

Bash's eyes widen. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I'm telling you now," his brother says. "Now, listen to me. You come home and we do things better. We do better. For us, for our families... He's dying and it's time for you to come home."

"Oh, so I can come home now that Henry's little tantrum is over?" Bash snaps. "Or when I land in France, I'll have more men waiting to kill me, to finish the job and tie up loose ends?"

"Bash-"

"I'm never stepping foot in France. I have a new life now and I am happy. You are all my past, I now have a future and I promise you, when I have children of my own, I'll never allow them to be treated as we were," Bash says. "Goodbye, Francis."

He hangs up before his brother can say anything else. Swallowing deeply, he goes back home, clenching and unclenching his fists.

...

"Do you know what brought it on?" Kenna asks him hours later as she rests her head on his lap, her fingers tracing circles on his chest.

Bash shakes his head falsely. "I don't know. I haven't had a panic attack in years."

"It must be something, baby," Kenna says, lifting her chin up to look at him. "Tell me. We don't keep things from each other."

Bash sighs, playing with a bit of her hair. "I wanted to make it perfect," he says softly.

"What?" She asks curiously.

"Kenna, we've been together for the past five years now and-"

"Is this what I think it is?" She asks, sitting up to fully face him.

Bash smiles a little, getting up to head to his dresser, taking out a small ring box. "Maybe."

Kenna gasps, tears springing to her eyes. "B-Bash!"

"Can I continue?" He asks, chuckling.

Kenna nods, taking a deep breath in and releases it. "Go ahead."

Bash grins, coming over to kneel on one knee in front of her by their bed. He opens the box up. "As I was saying, we've been together for five years now and... Honestly, I don't know where I'd be without you. I used to think that someone else was the one for me," he says, her eyes twitching at the indirect mention of her best friend. "But that wasn't the case and I didn't think I'd ever find happiness. Until you and our mile-high sex, but yeah."

She giggles. "Oh, yes. We mustn't forget our aeroplane tryst the day we left France," she says lightly.

Bash gives her a wink. "Kenna, thank you. I know our pasts have been pretty formative in the people we are today, but I'd like to think that we are better people now. So, will you marry me?"

Kenna blinks in disbelief and she pauses. "Wow..."

"Well?"

"I have to tell you something first," she tells him, nervous.

Bash frowns. "What?"

"I'm pregnant," she breathes out, laughing slightly. "I found out when you went for your jog."

"Now, isn't that the best sign ever?" Bash asks, grinning as he places a kiss on her lips. "Am I being too cocky when I say your answer is-"

"Yes, Sebastian," she tells him, laughing loudly. "Put the ring on and let me see it better!"

He slips the ring onto her finger and kisses her before she pulls away to admire her new sparkler. He's proud of himself for choosing it, knowing his girl-fiancée would love something that reflected her personality. As she inspects the ring, he inspects her, brushing her hair away from her eyes to stare at her beauty.

"It's so pretty! Tell me the truth, was it your choice?" Kenna asks teasingly, hugging him tightly.

"Of course it was!" He chuckles. "A baby, a wedding... Kenna, we've got our whole lives ahead of us, Beautiful."

"Oh, Bash!" Kenna coos, kissing him over and over again before gasping. "I got to tell my family!"

His face falls and she immediately begins apologising but he quickly silences her with a kiss. "Your family is my family too now. Go and tell them the good news."

She nods, grabs her phone and heads out of the room as he gets onto their bed and sighs. He hates lying to her or keeping this from her, but too much has happened between them and his family.

His family is a bunch of snakes, poisonous snakes ready to backstab and kill and hurt each other without warning and Kenna had been a part of that. Bash doesn't mind that she's had a scandalous love affair with his father, only because he learnt that Henry had abused her in many ways than one.

The second he managed to escape his attackers and arrived at the airport, he saw her, bruised and broken. That's when he made a decision and begged her to help him.

...

Five Years Ago

"I've bought our tickets," Bash told Kenna, handing her one. "Different aisle seats, but the same destination. Scotland."

"Thanks," she mumbled, sighing. "Where's your stuff, I never asked?"

Bash shook his head. "I'll explain all when we get to Scotland. Thank you again, for helping me."

"At least I have one friendly face coming with me... Mary couldn't, not with Francis..." She trailed off. "I-I can't... Bash, what if I'm making a mistake? He could come after me, after you-"

"Kenna," he quickly said, placing his hands on her shoulders. "He doesn't matter anymore. He can't hurt either of us. Okay?" He told her, seeing her nod. "Come here."

He brought her in for a tight hug before telling her that they needed to go. It was dangerous, even waiting to go through security and everything else. At least she didn't have much on her, just her handbag and a small carryon suitcase.

"We can't be seen together after we go through security," he said, leading her towards the area. "But I promise you, when we get to Scotland, I'll protect you."

Kenna's fearful eyes met his own and she quickly hugged him again, swallowing deeply. "Thank you, Bash. All these years, I thought you hated me or something."

"Why would I hate you?" He asked, cupping her cheek.

"Because I was with Henry, I guess?" She asked. "I was like a sheep, following him and believing his lies when you saw him for what he was. A monster. We're barely even friends, Bash."

Bash sighed. "That doesn't mean you deserved to be raped and I feel sick. As his son, I feel sick for everything he did to you. I'm so sorry, Kenna-"

"It's wasn't you."

"But he's my father and now... I don't think I'll ever want to see him again. I'll never forgive him," he told her. "You're right, he is the biggest monster of them all and he will never change."

Kenna nodded sadly, her tears falling down her cheeks as she looked away. "No, he will not."

...

Present Day

Bash sighs when his phone rings again and he almost throws it at the wall when he sees that it's Francis calling again. He doesn't want to hear anything he has more to say, he's done with the Valoises.

He thanks God that his mother refused to allow him to bear that name.

"Francis," he hisses, answering the call.

"Ouvre la porte, s'il te plaît," Francis simply tells him.

Bash almost chokes on the air as he gets up from his seat and heads out of the room. He sees Kenna FaceTiming her mother and cooking as he passes her in the kitchen and walks over to the door.

"Mon amour, what is it?" Kenna asks him, turning away from her phone and the stove.

Bash hangs up, opens the door and glares at Francis. "How did you find me?"

"Bash, who is it?" Kenna says in confusion, turning back to her phone. "Mummy, I'll call you back."

She hangs up her call and goes over to stand by Bash, turning to their visitor. Her heart sinks when she sees that it's Francis and Mary and they're not alone. Henry stands right behind them.

"Kenna," Mary breathes out in shock, coming inside to hug her best friend tightly. "God, I missed you."

Kenna is stunned, her eyes not leaving Henry's remorseful ones. "I missed you too," she mumbles.

Francis follows after his wife and finally, Henry comes in and takes his hat off, turning to Bash with a proud smile.

"My boy's made a home for himself. This apartment looks expensive, what job do you have to acquire it?"

Bash quietly closes the door, clenching his left fist as he heads to the open plan kitchen. "Francis, I told you what I thought," he says, completely ignoring Henry. "How did you find me?"

Kenna turns to Bash. "When did you guys speak? I thought you didn't-"

"This morning," Francis tells her, his eyes trained on Bash. "I tried to make it easier, I wanted you to come to France and not for it to be like this."

"How did you know I lived here? All you knew was that I went to England," Bash says.

Henry clears his throat. "You're my son, of course, I'd have eyes on you at all times. We don't know the people who wish us ill health, I must protect my own."

Bash chuckles wryly. "God, you made me think I'd escaped all of you for five years when you had people stalking me all along! You lured me into a false sense of security-"

"Sebastian-"

"Get out," Kenna cuts Henry off. "You are not welcome in my home, get out."

Henry turns to her, studying her. "You made a life with my son," he says. "I didn't even know you were... acquaintances."

"Well, we formed somewhat of a survivor's club," she snaps. She isn't the scared nineteen-year-old that ran away from France anymore. She's stronger. "People that have been abused by Henry Valois. It's quite popular."

Henry smiles sadly, his eyes reaching her new ring. "Congratulations."

Kenna shifts uncomfortably when she feels Francis's and Mary's gazes on her, both of them noticing her new ring. "Well, you're not invited."

"Shame," Henry tuts. "Would have made it a night for everyone to remember."

"Can you leave? We've both asked nicely," she tells him, going to the door. "Mary and Francis are welcome to stay-"

"Not until I say my piece," Henry says, frustrated. "I am a dying man, let me try and make things better."

"You don't deserve to make things better!" Bash tells him. "Get out of our home before I throw you out-"

"We're bankrupt, Bash!" Francis cries out.

Bash turns to his brother in shock. "What?"

"All our money... It's gone," Francis says, breathlessly. "After you left, Dad made really stupid decisions and now, we're barely getting by. The estate is being repossessed, my mother's out of her wits. We're going to be homeless. We need you to help us because it was always you who kept our heads above water. You can fix this."

"Is it true?" Bash asks Mary.

Mary swallows deeply, nodding sadly. "There's only so much my brother and I can do to help. Bash, my children have no home and I can't go to Scotland empty-handed. France is the only home they know. I beg you, as a mother, as your friend..."

Kenna sighs, rubbing her arms. "I'm so sorry," she tells them. "But Bash can't."

"Why can't you?" Henry asks his son. "I know I've not been the father you deserve, but this is our family's legacy we are talking about! Royaume has been around since your great-grandfather built it up and if it falls down on my hands... I'll never rest in my grave."

"Even if I could," Bash starts. "I can't."

Francis rubs his face. "Bash, please."

"I can't because... In order to leave France," Bash shakily says. "I went to the Bourbons."

"You did what?" Henry breathes out in shock.

"I made a deal," Bash says, strained. "I'm sorry. I did it out of spite, everything was going to shit and you hired those men to kill me-"

"What did you do?" Francis asks fearfully.

Bash looks down. "I sold my shares to Antoine."

"You bastard," Francis says to him in shock. "You've... you've ruined us."

Mary digs her nails into her palms. "We can still fix this."

"We can't," Francis tells her. "They're probably part of the reason why it's failing! Why, Bash?"

"Do you really have to ask?" Bash replies, scoffing in disbelief. "I told you why. Now, we can go back to hating each other and never seeing each other ever again?" He heads over to Kenna, gesturing for them to leave through the door. "I'm sorry, but Henry, you had it coming the minute you raised your hand on me."

"You selfish, little bastard," Henry says, laughing. "God, I got really lucky with you, hmm? Non, non, non. You're pathetic, you always have been and your attempt for revenge-"

"Father," Francis warns him, turning to Bash. "You're right. I never should have called. Have a nice life and I do hope that any children you have won't be as damaged as we are. I certainly hope they won't inherit your snake-arse ways."

He walks out, Henry following. He patiently waits for Mary as his wife takes her time to hug Kenna and wish her the best.

"I wish things were different," Kenna says tersely. "But they aren't and here we are."

"Here we are," Mary repeats sadly. "I'll always love you."

"I'll always love you too," Kenna replies. "Goodbye, Mary."

Mary smiles sadly. "Goodbye, Kenna."

She walks out, hearing the door close behind her as her eyes land on Henry. She hates him so much, she hates the man so much she could rip his eyes out of his skull, but she keeps calm.

"None of this would have happened if you'd stopped him from doing that to Bash, Francis," she tells her husband as they head to the lifts.

"Why? Do you still feel something for him?" Francis asks, eyebrow raised.

Mary shakes her head. "I never felt anything for him. I used him to protect you and you... Everything is about you, Francis. No wonder he betrayed us."

"Got anything else to say?"

Mary looks down. "Kenna's pregnant. I could feel her bump when I hugged her."

"Oh, God," Francis mutters sadly. "I hate to do this-"

"But we need to use that baby against him," Henry says, stepping onto the lift first. "One way or another, Royaume will be his and he will restore its past glory."

...

Kenna trails soft kisses down Bash's neck, attempting to take his attention away from the day's events. It doesn't work and she sighs, cupping his cheeks. His eyes meet hers and she gives him a sad smile.

"What do you think they're going to do when they find out that you lied?" She asks him. "That you didn't go to the Bourbons, but to my parents?"

"Mary will tell them that it's better it was your family than the Bourbons," Bash says. "If they find out. For now, they should leave us alone in peace."

Kenna nods. "Will you be okay tomorrow when I'm at work? Bash, if their presence in your life is bringing back your panic attacks, I don't want to risk anything."

"I'm fine-"

"See your therapist. For me?" Kenna asks, looking at him through her eyelashes.

Bash smirks. "If our child has your eyes, I'm screwed."

"You are," she tells him, smiling softly. "Seriously, see your therapist. I've booked an appointment with mine that's after my first midwife appointment."

"Can I come with you? To your midwife appointment, I mean," he says. "Therapy is your safe space."

Kenna kisses him. "Of course," she replies. "I have to ask - are you okay?"

"I am," he tells her, cupping her cheek. "Are you? I know that seeing my dad must have been hard, but he won't hurt you. Not whilst I'm alive."

"I will never forget what he did to me," Kenna says quietly. "But I'm not scared anymore. I have you, you help me to forget. You erase his touch with yours and fill me with nothing but love. Not manipulation and degrading words, just tender loving care."

"You help me forget too," Bash says, kissing her. In a flash, he has her pinned under him and he trails kisses down her neck and collarbone, grinning against her skin when she gets breathless. "You're so beautiful."

Kenna shivers. "I know."

He chuckles, vibrations sending shockwaves through her body. "Shameless. You don't have an inch of modesty in you."

"Well, if you know something, why deny it?" Is her reply before she slips his shirt off. "Now let me make you forget all about today."

...

Kenna halts, her eyes widening at the sight of the large man in front of her. "Uh, excuse-"

"Get in the car, ma'am," he tells her.

Kenna shakes her head. "No thanks," she tells him, walking around him to get back home. She's had a long day, she doesn't need this right now and all she wants in to be in Bash's arms and to sleep.

"It wasn't a request," she hears Francis say.

Kenna stops, turns and glares at the blonde. "Francis."

"I thought we were friends?" Francis asks her, leaning against the car.

"Well, if Bash isn't fond of you, neither am I. Even if you are my best friend's husband," she replies, turning back around.

"I know about the baby."

Kenna groans, turning to face him again. "Who told you so I can fire them?"

"Mary felt your bump," Francis informs her, eyeing her stomach. "I'd say about three and a half months gone. You look bloated, but not that bloated so people start questioning whether you're eating more than usual or pregnant."

"Five minutes," she says, getting into the car when he opens the door. "Well?" She asks when he gets in and the door closes behind them. "What do you want?"

Francis taps his knee. "I want you to convince Bash to come back to France and to Royaume."

"You and I both know his thoughts about that. Also, he fucked you all over by him selling his shares!" Kenna tells him, rolling his eyes. "He did it so there was no turning back for him."

"He is forgiven. Yesterday, things were said in the heat of the moment, but he is still family and he is still our best hope," Francis replies.

"Can't you train yourself into management skills or-"

"It's more than that," Francis says. "The people on our payroll, corrupt side of things, Bash was always the one to make sure they went away or they stayed quiet. I didn't know how he did things nor did I want to know. All I knew was that Henry got what he wanted and things were swept under the carpet."

Kenna sighs. "I still can't help you-"

"I can't be like my father. Bash... He's all him, good and bad and Kenna, you and I both know that a fish out of its element will die. He isn't made for the quiet life of househusband and fatherhood. There's more to him, a side that he can be very well. I need that side."

"What does he get in return? A lifetime of 'IOU's?"

Francis shakes his head. "He gets everything. A chance to be more than the boy made from an affair. He can make a name for himself, change our family for the better. This child, this child inside you can have it all. You can have it all and do this properly."

Kenna falters. "Do 'what' properly?"

"I know of your intentions to have my father divorce my mother so you could be his wife," Francis tells her. "Well, I'm literally handing you the keys to the kingdom - to Royaume, to be respected and held in high regard and more than a plaything for the likes of older wealthy men who prefer the company of young woman than their own wives. Kenna, think bigger. People at your beck and-"

"I can have that with Bash regardless of Royaume," she says softly. "My parents-"

"Can't fund your lifestyle forever," Francis cuts her off. "Think about it. You and Mary back together again - reunited with Greer and Lola, all of our children cousins and friends. A real family. One you've always wanted."

Kenna feels as if she's about to burst into tears but she swallows them down, holding her head up high. "I'm not naïve anymore," she whispers. "I'm not nineteen, I don't have those stupid ideas in my head. This is reality, Francis. And reality is, France is a dangerous place for Bash and me to be in. Bash and I are very happy. If you'll excuse me."

She gets out of the car but as she turns, Francis grabs her hand. She bends down to look at him and sees his eyes. His blue, begging eyes that probably convince Mary to do whatever he wants.

"Kenna, you know I don't beg. But I will," he whispers. "I need him, I love him..."

"Well, you shouldn't have wished he was dead, hmm?" Kenna retorts gently, pulling her hand back and walking away.

...

Five Years Ago

"Bash, what-"

"I need to get out of here," Bash cut his brother off, washing the blood off his hands. "England, Switzerland anywhere. Can you make it happen?"

"Bash, what happened?" Francis asked in confusion.

That's when Bash froze in his actions. "You," he whispered, looking at Francis through the mirror. "You did this."

"Did what? You're not making any sense. Why do you need to get out of-"

"Are you that possessive?" Bash asked him, turning to face Francis. "That jealous?"

Francis scowled. "I have no idea what you mean."

"You'd do that to me? After everything, after..." Bash scoffed, biting his lip. "I see how this is. Henry says 'jump' and you ask 'how far?'."

"That's you, not me," Francis sniped.

"Well, you jumped too far now."

In the hallway, Kenna hurried down it with her things, looking behind her every so often to make sure that she wasn't being followed. She heard raised voices and glass being smashed to pieces and she jumped, heading towards the source of the noise.

She gasped when she saw Bash and Francis fighting, wanting to stop it. She froze when Francis lifted a vase to strike him, but the blonde stopped and got off his brother in shock.

"I'll never forgive you," Bash said quietly, wiping the blood from his lips. "From this day on, you are not my brother."

He left, Kenna quickly hiding against the wall as he ran down the hallway. She swallowed deeply, stepping into the room to see Francis sitting down on the floor, sobbing.

"I wish you were dead, Bash," he whispered. "It's was always about you, you arsehole!"

Kenna was about to let her presence be known, but she gasped when she heard Henry's voice. Quickly, she left and grabbed the handle to her suitcase, continuing to leave the palatial home. She found a car, it was one of the chauffered ones and she put her suitcase on the backseat, getting into the front seat.

She had no plans, all she knew was that she had to get to the airport and leave France for good. She felt something drip onto her trousers and she dabbed her nose, seeing the red substance of blood. She cursed, remembering the time Henry struck her hard when she spoke back to him.

Finding some tissues, she quickly sorted her nosebleed out and drove away, the airport a firm destination in her head.

"Goodbye, Henry," she whispered, tears falling down her cheeks.

...

Present Day

Francis downs his drink, sending his daughter a bright smile when she shows him something she drew. She's three, not quite grasped the idea of drawing things other than potato-shaped people.

"Rosie?" He calls out, patting his lap. "I want to tell you a story."

Rose stops what she's doing to join her father, sticking her thumb in her mouth as she looks up at him expectantly. It makes Francis laugh, pressing a kiss onto her forehead lovingly as Mary enters, smiling at them.

"Daddy's girl," the woman says, tutting.

"Sh," Francis chuckles. "Don't let Anne hear you."

"She's asleep," Mary says of their four-year-old. "Poor thing's sick. Aren't we all?"

Francis nods sadly, looking down to see that Rose has now fallen asleep. "I'd do anything for them and James."

"I know," Mary mumbles. "God, it's a mess... Did you manage to get through to Kenna?"

Francis shakes his head. "Kenna's changed too much. She and Bash are brick walls, impenetrable."

"Should I try?"

"Mary," Francis says softly. "Mary, she's your best friend. Let me do the harsh stuff."

Mary sighs, coming over to run her fingers through his locks. "I can go about it another way. I've known her since we were babies, I can get through to her. This is for both of our families. Her, Bash and the baby and us and the children."

"She doesn't see it that way."

"I'll make her see it that way," Mary tells him. "And then we can deal with the Bourbons and Royaume will be restored to its former glory, your great-grandfather being able to rest easy once again."

"You're perfect. Too perfect for me," Francis whispers, puckering his lips.

Mary giggles, kissing his lips softly. "I think the same about you, my love. Now, let's go to bed. I've managed to secure access into Kenna's doctor and midwife appointments."

"Seriously?"

"I always knew you wouldn't be able to get through to her," Mary says teasingly. "A woman's touch goes a good way. It's how Royaume was able to thrive in the first place."

Francis smiles softly. "You're not wrong there."