Replies to reviews:

Guest (1) [chapter 3]: Thank you! And those ideas sound great, thanks!

BlerBlerBler [chapter 3]: Awh, I'm glad you love that! They do not necessarily have to grow up quickly, so I'm making them as fluffy as possible since they're in their early twenties and deserve fun and cuteness. Yes, Catherine had to let out her anger on Kenna as Henry is the king and she could be reprimanded. Not to say that she can't openly make subtle digs or glares at him, but anything that puts their family in a bad light, she will retaliate. For now, the situation is settled but Catherine has certainly not forgotten about it.

Guest (2) [chapter 4]: Oh, my goodness it will be the 50th chapter! Yes, ageing them up a bit will do it.

BlerBlerBler [chapter 4]: Thanks so much xx! I hope to do many Francis in disguise scenes and maybe, Mary could join in if they want some private time away from their royal lives.

elder 441 [chapter 4]: Thank you! Hope you enjoy it.

Thanks for the birthday well wishes! The reason I was writing a party scene is that my friends have told me that I'll be having a 'Roaring 20s' themed birthday party. They had to tell me because my nosey self couldn't stop bothering them about what we were going to do for my birthday week. We've also booked a spa with our mums so depending on wifi, I will see about chapters. ATEOTB is still in the works, but thank you for your suggestions! I guess I have a little bit of writer's block, but I do have a plan. One of you suggested seeing a couple of years down the line and yes, you're right! I will not go too much into the future, but as I've ended that so far on the Christmas season, it makes sense to then go into the future. So that means more family moments with the boys, in particular, their personalities coming into play.

For this story, enjoy the chapter! As it's my birthday, I got really inspired and whipped this up for you guys as a birthday present for myself to you, haha.

After a nice day, everyone is brought back to Earth with a crash landing...


"Did Bash seriously think you ladies would take ten minutes to get dressed?" Francis asked as he watched the makeup artists work their magic on Mary. "You look stunning."

"Thank you," she replied happily. "How wild do these parties get?"

Francis shrugged. "Depends on how many people are there. Once had a Jurassic themed party that went on for four days straight. No one slept a proper wink during that week."

"God," Mary muttered. "I'm not that much of a party animal."

"Don't worry," Francis told her. "This won't be too over the top."

Mary smiled, standing up when her makeup was done. She went into the wardrobe and got dressed in her new dress before going over to the box to take out her accessories. It seemed that everything was chosen, down to the very last shoe.

"Does Bash always meticulously plan these parties?" She called out to Francis.

"Yes," Francis said. "He uses the money from his winnings to buy everyone all they need to attend."

"How does he know our sizes?"

"That's the thing about Bash. He just knows," Francis said. "That and he asked the royal dressmakers for your sizes. He's got a rapport with them, the ladies love him."

Mary giggled. "I'm sure they do. Such a charmer, you both are!"

She stepped back into the bedroom and twirled, showing off her new look as she placed her golden gloved hands under her chin in a pose.

"Well?"

Francis's eyes widened as he took her in. From her strappy heels to her sparkling engagement ring over her gloved fingers. "You look..."

"Cat got your tongue?"

"Cat, mouse and everything else," he breathed out, taking a step towards her.

She stepped back. "No, Francis," she said, seeing his eyes darken in lust. "We have time for that later."

"My love, you do not know how much it is taking me to restrain myself right now," he said, taking another step to her.

Mary chuckled, blushing furiously. "Darling, we have a party to attend."

She led the way out, using a hand to keep him away from her. She laughed when she failed, his arms wrapping around her waist as her back hit his chest and his chin snuggled into the crook of her neck, inhaling her.

"Coco Chanel was a splendid choice," he said huskily.

"You should thank your brother for that," she replied just as breathlessly. "Today has been one of the best days of my life."

Francis smiled, planting a gentle kiss on her cheek. "I am truly happy that you're finally here."

"And I won't ever leave your side willingly," she told him. "September 17th marks the day we will be inseparable for life."

"I can't wait."

She turned in his arms and kissed him before leaving his grip and heading downstairs. She admired the decorations, collecting a cocktail glass from a butler who held a tray.

Mary sipped from the straw, continuing to enter the main hall space in awe. Her eyes widened and she gasped at the sparkle and lights, a smile on her face as she saw another singer perform songs from The Great Gatsby, another of her favourites.

"Marquise!" Remy called her over. "Francis."

The couple walked to the white leather, round sofa and sat down beside Remy and Lola. They were the only other couple there.

"Where's the host himself?"

"He likes his dramatic entrances," Remy said. "Like Jay Gatsby."

"I do love a themed party," Lola told them. "I'm glad I was invited!"

Francis beamed. "You won't be unimpressed, I promise you."

Remy waved over a bartender. "Martini, dry."

"Why don't you order one for me?" Lola asked him.

Remy smirked. "Get her a French Martini."

"A bit basic."

"Oh, we French never do things 'basic'," Remy told her much to the other couple's amusement as the bartender walked off.

Francis placed his drink on the coffee table. "Want to dance, Mary?"

"Where?" She asked with a slight laugh.

"If you'd look over the sofa, you'd see a nice stage. Perfect for the guest of honour. You," he replied, standing up and offering her his hand.

Mary grinned and placed her left hand in his right, letting him take her over to the stage where he began to twirl her before his hand finally rested on the small of her back.

"I want this day to last forever," Mary whispered, staring into his blue eyes. "I'm just glad that you're not still wearing that disguise."

Francis grinned. "Didn't like kissing Monsieur Blanc, did you?"

Mary snorted and she burst into giggles, burying her face into his shoulder. "God, you always make me sound so unladylike, it's embarrassing!"

Francis smiled softly, closing his eyes. "'There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty.'," he said. "Steve Maraboli."

"Who?"

"My father's former motivational speaker," Francis said. "In short, I want you to be able to be yourself with me. Just as you are with your friends, don't be afraid of the little things."

Mary pulled back and studied him. "Like farting and burping?"

"Everyone's human, my love," he said.

She giggled, nodding. "Okay," she replied. "Thank you." She rested her forehead against his as they swayed to the music. "I promise to share with you all the little things, including farting and burping."

He laughed. "I promise to do the same."

Mary closed her eyes and took in the moment. Three years of being apart and already, the days they spent together felt like a lifetime. It was well into the night now and she never wanted to let go.

A flash of light landed on them and they turned to see Kenna snapping a photo of them. She chuckled when they blushed and looked away from her and her camera.

"Bash! Look how beautiful they look together," Kenna said, going over to show him the picture she took.

"In their own little world," Bash said, smirking at the Dauphin and Marchioness. "Has everyone got drinks? I don't want a glass empty."

Mary and Francis went to get their drinks, sitting down on the sofa and sharing a sweet kiss. Mary let Francis take a sip of her drink and made a face when she had a sip of his.

"God, that's... too olivey," she said.

"It is a Dirty Martini for a reason," Francis replied with a chuckle.

"The ladies can enjoy the champagne tower," Bash said, taking his own drink from a butler. "And of course, if you're peckish, hors-d'œuvres are being served."

The music switched and became more upbeat jazz songs. The singer was relieved, her face lighting up as she sang happily for the gathering. It made Mary surprised and she swayed side to side on her seat in awe.

Leith was the last to arrive and he left his bowtie undone, sending Greer a grin. "Looking beautiful, Blondie."

"Keep trying, Blondie," Greer replied, smiling as she blushed.

Leith gave her a wink and turned to Bash. "Where's the casino table?"

"That soon?" Bash asked, checking his watch. "Normally, you're six drinks in before you bet everything away."

"This is my seventh drink," Leith said, going over to the dealer and casino table. "I had two upstairs as I was getting dressed and we shouldn't forget the four I had at the restaurant."

Francis laughed, moving his lips to Mary's ear. "Want to be my good luck charm?"

She turned to him. "How about you be mine?"

He raised an eyebrow. "You play poker?"

"I've dabbled," Mary replied, getting up with her drink. "Sebastian, I am in."

Bash raised his eyebrows, turning to his brother. "And you?"

"Will be her good luck charm," Francis said, getting up as well and finishing his drink. He placed the glass down and put his hand on the small of Mary's back and led her to the table.

Pulling a seat back, she sat down and he pushed it in, placing his hands on her shoulders.

Remy and Julien joined the table and Lola and Greer stood behind them, silently cheering Mary on before it had even begun.

"We should play Blackjack after," Kenna said, sitting beside Leith as Bash took the seat to her right. "Count me in."

"How high are the stakes?" Leith asked, waving the bartender over. "Get me a drink, please. Oh and one for the Dauphin."

The bartender nodded and turned to the rest. "Any more requests?

"A mint julep," Kenna said, bringing her chips over to her body as everyone else did the same.

Mary shook a shaky breath. "Uh, a Brandy, please. I want to focus on this."

After receiving orders, the bartender left and Mary counted her chips, listening to instructions from Francis. She turned her head and kissed him to silence him, giving him a look that she had this.

"Do not underestimate me," she whispered, kissing him again.

Francis raised his hands in defence. "Show us what you've got, Marquise."

"Baron, place your bet," the dealer said.

Bash began the bets and when he was done, the dealer continued. It was very thrilling as it went on, Mary mentally checking everyone's reactions. It made her smile to herself as she decided to raise the bet when it was her turn again.

"I fold," Remy sighed, placing his cards down and drinking from his glass.

Julien smirked. "I call your bet, Marquise."

"Feeling confident?" Bash asked Julien.

"Have I ever lost?" Julien retorted.

"Last round," the dealer announced.

Bash scanned his cards. "Fold."

"Raise," Kenna said, turning to Mary. "Think you can beat Julien, Leith and me?"

Mary grinned. "Just wait, Countess," she replied.

"Ooh," Leith said, smirking. "I sense a catfight. I will call your bet, Comtessa."

"So will I," Mary said confidently, pushing her chips to the rest.

Julien decided to call and Mary turned to Francis with a smile. He pressed a kiss on the top of her head and the dealer asked the remaining people to reveal their cards.

Kenna was first and she proudly laid out a straight flush. "Oh boy, I'd like to see one of you lot beating that."

Mary smiled a little when she revealed her own cards. "Well, I just did."

Kenna gasped. "What? How?"

"A Royal Flush for a future princess," Greer said proudly. "Good one, Mary!"

"I guess that puts my full house to shame," Leith said with a sad sigh. But his spirits were lifted up with another drink. "Keep them coming."

"I had a boring old straight," Julien said, shrugging. "Well, that was fun."

Kenna nodded. "Let's play Blackjack now!"

Mary stood from the table after collecting her winnings. She hadn't even known they were playing with real money. "Are you sure, Bash? We could just play a friendly game, you didn't need to give me the betting chips."

"You're a guest," Bash told her. "Enjoy the money."

"A gentleman always pays the for his guests' bets," Remy told her. "Here I'll be, paying him back every penny after we're done."

Mary smiled as Francis took her seat for the next card game. "I'm off to cash this in. All proceeds go to charity."

"As I intended," Bash said, looking up at her. "I always have charity representatives attend my parties. As it's smaller than usual, you'll have to settle for my secretary to organise things."

"Oh," Mary said, surprised. "Well, thank you. It was really fun. I'll be back to watch."

As they started a game of Blackjack, Mary made her way out of the room towards the downstairs study. The people inside were the banker, their secretaries with one security guard.

They stopped talking when they saw her and she walked over to the banker, presenting her chips.

"I'd like to cash this in," she said, eyeing the woman Bash was talking about. "To three charities, if you don't mind helping me with that?"

The woman nodded and bowed her head to Mary, collecting the briefcase from the banker when he was done. "Wise choice, Ma'am."

"Oh and take a grand out of it and treat yourselves," she told them before leaving the room. It wasn't a bribe per se, but she needed to gain the trust of the French employees. It seemed that they were still off with her.

She returned in time to see Francis check his cards and purse his lips in thought. "Hit me," he said, the dealer placing a card beside the other two. Francis winced. "Fuck."

"Better luck next time," Remy said teasingly. "Not that much of a risk to increase your fifteen value. But it became one when it gave out a ten." He turned to the dealer. "I'll stand, kind sir."

Julien scanned his cards briefly. "Hit me." He smirked when he got a good value. "Stand."

"All bets are done?" The dealer asked.

"Oui," Bash said for them all.

The dealer turned over his card and revealed he had a value of twenty-two. Bash only had twenty, Kenna had twenty-one on the dot, Leith with seventeen and Remy and Julien with nineteen and twenty respectively.

Kenna grinned. "Why, who would have thought I'd win?" She asked, collecting her winnings. "One more round?"

"How about Lola and Greer join us?" Julien suggested, standing up. "I am getting restless. I need a good walk."

Greer took his seat as Lola sat on Remy's other side.

"I will call the banker for you," Julien told the women.

By the end of the next two rounds, Kenna had won two times and Francis won the last. Being the kind prince he was, Francis split his winnings with everyone else, telling them to choose a charity of their choice.

Mary was the first one to yawn, realising that the time was now past three in the morning. She rested her head against Francis's shoulder and swayed, giggling as her last drink of the night began to take its effects on her.

"We should head to bed," Francis suggested.

Mary shook her head. "One more dance!" She said, pulling him up onto the coffee table.

Francis wrapped his arms around her waist as her arms wrapped around his neck. "I love you so much."

Mary grinned. "I love you so much too," she said, kissing him.

When she laid the side of her head on his chest, she saw Remy and Lola lean in closer. She smiled softly when they kissed, pulling away with pink stained ears and happy smiles on their faces. If Bash intended for this night to take a romantic turn, he was successful because Leith and Greer were waltzing around the room, the male blonde almost knocking down priceless vases and statues as they spun in circles. Julien was snoring on the sofa and Bash himself was standing outside in the cold air with a drink in his hand.

She searched for Kenna and found her best friend playing a soft melody on the grand piano. Mary closed her eyes, listening to the piano work its magic. It was a while and she found herself opening her eyes to find herself in Francis's bed.

"I fell asleep?"

"Yes," Francis said, brushing her hair from her eyes. "It was a dead giveaway, you becoming limp in my arms and snoring."

"I do not snore," Mary said.

"You do," Francis said. "And it's music to my ears."

Mary sighed happily. "What time is it?"

"Only five."

"Thank you."

"For what?"

Mary's eyes watered. "For being in my life and accepting me."

"You don't need to thank me for that," Francis breathed out. "You're the air that I breathe."

In that second, he had her a blubbering mess and he chuckled, hugging her tightly as she cursed him for making her cry. He then told her that she was an emotional drunk to which she cried even more to, laughing in between her sobs.

"Never leave me," she begged him.

"God, no. I love you too much to ever leave your side again," Francis whispered into the darkness.

...

Kenna woke up and turned to find the other side of the bed empty and laid. She sighed and sat up, trying to piece together the rest of the night. It drove her crazy. Bash would be so willing to kiss her and make her feel lovely and gooey inside but he would refuse to sleep with her, even right beside her.

Or that's what she thought.

"You're awake," he said from the corner of the room.

She turned to look at him in surprise, watching as he ate his breakfast and watched her stretch. "I am," she stated. "Did we...?"

"No," he said.

"Why not?" She asked bluntly.

Bash shrugged. "I want to wait."

"Wait for what?"

"Until marriage."

Kenna scoffed. "Bash, we all know you're not a virgin. What marriage nonsense is this?"

"I did mean it when I said I wanted to get married," Bash told her, leaning back in his seat.

"What are we then?"

"You're my girlfriend."

"Should I expect a ring?"

"If it's only to have sex with me, don't get your hopes up," Bash replied.

Kenna was stung by his words. "I really like you, Bash."

"I've never been in love, I don't know what it feels like nor do I think I'll feel it anytime soon," Bash said honestly. "But I do like you and... I'd like to get to know you better. Also not see you as the woman who slept with my father."

"I see," she said quietly.

"Look, I've learnt my lesson when it comes to relationships," he began. "I do not want to jump into something and have it fail horribly. I'm smarter than that. I want something real."

Kenna glanced down at her hands, starting to pick her nails. "Like lovey-dovey Francis and Mary?"

"Can you blame me? I grew up with my parents separated. Neither really taught me about love," Bash replied. "I can bet you were showered with love and attention from your parents and that they never argued in front of you or showed you anything but love and adoration for each other in front of you."

"You're right," Kenna said. "Are you one of those ones who give others advice but can't indulge in it yourself?"

Bash smirked a little. "Ask L.D. Daniels."

"Who?"

"A favourite author of mine who writes self-help books on love and how to understand the female mind," he replied. "You should read his stuff, he's good."

Kenna looked up at him, giving him a pointed look. "Why doesn't he recite a few pages himself, right now?"

"Love is like music. You can get sweet music or sad music. Either way, love hurts," he said softly. "From 'The Obscurity Of Love'."

"Do you think love is important in a marriage?"

Bash scoffed lightly. "Have you met my father and his current spouse?"

"I see," Kenna whispered. "What if I said that I love you?"

"Then, we could get to know each other," he replied. "But just... save it. I don't wait to hear that you love me. We've known each other for all of five minutes."

Kenna frowned. "Fine," she snapped, getting out of the bed. "I will be looking for a hotel to stay in until after the wedding. Then, I'll go back to Scotland and you can take whatever this is as slow as you want."

Bash sighed. "I don't know what you want me to-"

"I don't understand," Kenna began, cutting him off angrily and confused. "You say all these things, you get into my head and make me fall for you. You care about status and you..." Tears sprung to her eyes and she pressed her hands on her eyes to stop her tears. "All I know is that I know myself and I've made my bed and I lie in it. That and I see something with us."

Bash got up from his seat and brought her into his arms. He kissed her hard and she didn't respond. Sighing against her lips he cupped her cheeks and leant back a little bit.

"I don't want you to get hurt," he whispered.

"I want to be hurt," Kenna replied lightly. "You tell me nothing-"

"We're still new to each other-"

"So?"

Bash smiled wryly. "Are you sure?"

Kenna nodded, looking up at him. "Please," she begged him softly. "We were almost there... We can be intimate and get to know each other. We can have something just as special as Mary and Francis."

"We can't tell anyone else about us, Kenna," he told her. "Not even my father. You're mine."

She gasped. That was all she wanted to hear. She pressed her lips against his hungrily and he picked her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist, their lips never breaking apart as he put her down gently onto the bed.

Just as he slipped her nightie off, there was a knock on the door and they both cursed, Kenna smacking him repeatedly as he shifted off her to get off the bed and go to the door.

"Every fucking time," she mumbled, covering her body with the duvet. "Like, they know we're trying to get somewhere and they decide to disturb us!"

Bash laughed, opening the door a little to see who was behind it. "Oui?" He asked Michel.

Michel sighed and handed Bash a newspaper. "The Dauphin was busy," he explained, watching Bash look down at the newspaper. "Two headlines. Neither are good."

Bash's heart sank when he stared at the first one.

'Scottish Slut's Affair With King'

"His Highness told me to tell him if his mother did anything to ruin his or the Marquise's images. But she went and ruined the King's instead," Michel told him. "As well as Mary's."

Bash turned the page and read, "'Scottish Marquise Gets Frisky With The Elderly'."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Find Francis," Bash said quietly. "Has it already been released?"

Michel nodded sadly. "Dispatched across the nation. I bet people are already using it for their pets' toilet substitutes. If they didn't hate the Scottish women already, they hate them more."

"What I don't understand is that Catherine knows that Mary is half-French and she could be a great addition to the Royal Family, modernising it for the better," Bash said, angrily. "And as for tarnishing her own husband's name... She's despicable and we need to accept that she is going too far just to spite him."

Michel was about to take the newspaper but Bash stopped him. "You want to read it to the Comtessa?"

"Give Francis another copy. We'll be down to discuss it when he's ready."

Bash returned to his room and found Kenna waiting, fully unclothed as she gave him an alluring look. He sighed and she frowned, getting under the duvet and covering her face.

"A newspaper," she mumbled. "Bad news?"

"Your name wasn't mentioned."

"But my face clearly was shown," she said. "Wasn't it?"

"Yes."

"It won't be long until... Until they find out who I am and... well, who knows what will happen-"

"I won't let anything happen to you," Bash promised her. "We can fix it."

"We can't," Kenna whispered, turning to him. "It's over, Bash. Catherine's won. And it's probably some petty, little argument she had with Henry that forced her hand. She's a volcano, waiting to erupt and she did alright."

Bash got onto the bed and brought her to his chest as she sobbed. "It's fine."

"It's not!"

"I will sort things out. I have people-"

"It doesn't even matter..." She told him, pulling away and grabbing the newspaper from his hand. "Look." She pointed at the picture that showed Henry clearly feeling her up that night before she followed him. "I wanted it."

She quickly read the article and shook her head. There was nothing she could do. All she had to do was go home and be quiet.

"Catherine altered the picture from the FEGA grounds," Bash stated. "Many people, who know who I am, tell me that I look like my father. Add more hair and get rid of the beard and we're a perfect fit. You and me, it can be that."

Kenna studied his eyes. "And what would we say after that?"

"That you're my fiancée. That we didn't want to say anything because we didn't want to overshadow Francis and Mary. That I'm not Laurent Avoné or L.D. Daniels but Sebastien de Poitiers, the eldest son of King Henry VI."

"You can't do that," Kenna whispered. "You can't risk your true identity for me. I thought you loved the peace, the normal life you have-"

Bash laughed wryly. "What's normal about my life?"

Kenna smiled a little. "True."

"I will suggest it to Francis, do damage control and we can see what we'll do about Mary's situation. We thought we were scotfree, that the Seine was private enough for them to be together but someone is obviously spying on us."

Kenna nodded. "They are. Let me get dressed and we'll talk this out properly."

...

"We can't just confront her," Francis said to everyone. "But we can reverse the narrative. It just means I'll have to give up Monsieur Blanc, he will be missed and Bash will have to make a formal statement with the King's permission."

Mary nodded, crossing her arms. "Your mother has painted Kenna and me out as whores! She should get told off at least."

"Something tells me that my father won't," Bash said bitterly. "Perhaps she orchestrated this whole thing. Why not ruin my life while she's at it? She never liked the fact that I existed and knowing what she knows about Kenna and me, she would know that I'd do anything for her."

Kenna blushed. "And I thank you, but I seriously can't let you do that."

"Why?" Lola asked. "This way, you can be together and be happy."

Kenna smiled sadly. "Before today, Bash was happy with the quiet life. I can't let him be forced into this. I'm going back to Scotland and Mary, you will need to find an alternative maid of honour."

Mary pinched the bridge of her nose, tears springing to her eyes. "No."

"What?" Greer said. "If Kenna wants to leave-"

"No, you can't quit because there won't be a wedding," Mary said, turning to face Francis. "I'm sorry, but I don't think I can deal with this. The whole drama and most of all, your mother. This has gone too far. She's won, the Scots are going."

She turned around and left the room with Francis calling after her.

"What just happened?" Leith asked, eyes wide.