Replies to reviews:
elder441 [chapter 9]: Indeed, nothing is better than happy Frary. More moments down below!
BlerBlerBler [chapter 9]: Indeed! He just wants to make those gorgeous baby with his beautiful wife!
Sav.129 [chapter 9]: Awh, thank you! Hope you enjoy them!
'Dauphin and Dauphin Return To France!'
'The newlyweds returned from their four-week honeymoon where they visited the United Kingdom, Hawaii, Canada and Alaska. During their tour, they met with politicians and strengthened their relations with the Queen of England, Elizabeth II. It is shown that the Duke and Duchess of Anjou were very elated which could very well mean that we should expect a little prince or princess in the near future, considering the evident weight gain the Dauphine gained over the month. Their first order of business is an interview with the head of our French Times newspaper, Samuel Nostradamus. Later on, they will meet with the Prime Minister and Parliament along with King Henry and Queen Catherine as well as the Duke of Orléans. It might be their first day back, but that does not mean they will get any rest. From everybody at the French Times, we wish Prince Francis and the Duchess of Anjou bonne chance.'
Mary placed the newspaper down and looked up at Nostradamus. "You and Catherine went to school together."
"We did," Samuel said, sipping his tea. "You did your research, Duchess."
Mary nodded. "I did," she replied. "What did she have on you?"
Nostradamus shrugged. "Nothing. My sources did their research and gave me the information that I needed. I never write anything but the truth-"
"Or you twist it," Mary said. "The first article - the FEGA appearances. You quickly turned around and called it an attempt at a bachelor and bachelorette party."
Nostradamus sipped his tea again. "I did. Because I intended to rectify my false information. I apologise that we did not realise the photos were doctored. We have a high reputation and that could have proved damaging."
Mary sipped her own tea before saying, "And the next negative ones about my best friend and myself?"
"I was at the engagement party, Your Highness," Samuel told her. "I left late, like many of the other guests and as I went in search of the bathroom, I saw the King and Comtessa. As for the other article, we were not in knowledge of the Dauphin's disguises."
Mary swallowed deeply. "How much to keep silent about the first article's true source?"
"You do not deny it?"
"How much, Samuel?"
Samuel gave her a soft smile. "Nothing. It is none of my business to ruin the monarchy. The article was published against my wishes. I found out when I was trying to go to Spain with my wife and children. You can imagine the fear and terror I came back to when I arrived at the headquarters. We could be arrested for treason. I am relieved that the situation was quickly resolved. We had a public apology sent out, did you know?"
"I stopped reading your newspaper after that until now. Do you wonder why?" She asked lightly.
"I am sincerely sorry," he said. "And I will post nothing but positive stories about you."
"Don't be biased-"
"I won't be if you pardon me intruding," Nostradamus said. "You could really be what this family needs. A breath of fresh air, someone who has the best of both worlds. Life in Britain and heritage in France."
Mary smiled. "I see. Any prophetic words for me?"
"Do not be afraid to speak out," he said. "Be wary of Catherine. She's a viper, not one to be messed with."
"Thank you."
"Oh, and read your Bible. Catholic souls and all."
Mary laughed. "Being the perfect little dauphine, I will be."
"Good. Most of all, turn the other cheek and ignore slander," Samuel said. "The spotlight isn't always easy but you have Francis and your friends and mother to rely on."
Mary crossed one leg over the other. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"I will see you out," she said as they stood. "And Samuel? Can I call you Samuel?"
"Oui."
"If you need anything just get in touch," she said. "I've been at the end of Catherine's wrath, I wouldn't want your family to suffer."
Nostradamus smiled. "I am fine for now. Our friendship keeps things interesting."
Mary thought about it. She could use him against Catherine but wouldn't she just be stooping to her level? She sighed and gave him a bright smile.
"Good luck with the French Times."
"Good luck being a princess."
...
Marie sighed, swatting the hands away from her. "It's nothing," she said. "I'm probably just going through the menopause."
Mary shook her head, kneeling down to stroke her beloved dog. "Please, let the doctors check you. If not for Sterling, no one would have known you were unconscious on the floor..."
Marie reached out and rubbed the dog behind his neck. "Good boy," she mumbled. "Darling daughter of mine, I am fine. I know my own body."
"That's what they all say, Aunt Marie," Kenna said softly. "And then the next thing you know, you're dead and we're planning a funeral so soon after the wedding. What's next, a baby?"
Mary froze, eyeing her friends warily before turning back to her mother. "Be quiet, Kenna! Don't scare us like that."
"I'm sorry," Kenna replied genuinely. "Do you want me to get you some water?"
"Thank you, dear," Marie said, accepting Lola and Greer's hands to stand up and take a seat on the chaise as Kenna left. "Much better."
"You're running yourself down, Aunt Marie," Greer said disparagingly. "Who else will order us about to be sensible and collected if not you?"
"Catherine?"
Everyone laughed, even Marie who began to fan herself. She felt hot and awful, and she definitely knew her own body, her daughter and her friends were just being too cautious.
"Perhaps staying at the chateau is too much," Lola said. "Greer and I are staying at Avon for the time being. The hustle and bustle at Fontainebleau and Versailles are too much."
"You just have to get used to it," Marie said. "As Mary's advisors but I do agree, keeping away is a good idea." She paused. "Where did I leave my glasses?"
Mary left Stirling's side and got her mother's glasses from the woman's head, showing them to her. "Here you are. If not for me, you'd forget yourself, eh?"
Marie smiled, cupping her daughter's cheeks. "Don't worry about me, darling. Worry about yourself, Francis and working on producing France an heir."
One step ahead of you, Mary thought happily. "Yes, Maman," she said fondly. "I will go and see where Kenna and that water have got to."
She left the sitting room that joined their rooms and headed to her new one in the King's State Apartments. It seemed that her mother was alright for the time being and Mary felt like she couldn't necessarily throw her guts up in front of her mother and friends.
She found Francis in the middle of a conference call with his father, the Prime Minister and other government people. She eyed the TV and wondered if they could see her, even still she put a smile on her face and entered the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
She ran the taps and before she knew it, she was throwing up in the toilet and she hated it. The nausea was terrible and began a few days into their Alaskan holiday. She enjoyed the trip, preferring to stay indoors in the warmth with a warm cup of herbal tea to relax her stomach.
She pressed a hand on her flat tummy and grinned. She still couldn't believe it even though they've known for quite a while now. She was pregnant. A little human was growing inside of her.
Mary knew it was futile to keep it to themselves, she needed to see a doctor and get whatever she needed to make it through this pregnancy and get a healthy baby at the end of it.
She turned and vomited again. It was like a continuous splurge and whenever she felt fine to move back again, she immediately returned and threw up. She mentally cursed, knowing exactly what was coming out of her body.
Francis had made a comment about her eating a lot more and she had grown a bit of weight from the eating as opposed to the pregnancy. Even the French Times mentioned her weight. She hadn't felt conscious per se and didn't bring it up with Samuel Nostradamus but it felt like the world already knew something they were supposed to announce at thirteen weeks gone.
She blamed herself, not resisting the urge to feed herself and her growing baby but then she cursed herself for thinking so negatively. This was a good thing. People would get excited and start to discuss whether they will have a prince or princess and she enjoyed food now, and she most certainly was glowing as Angelica, Michel and Fabian told her. She looked like a natural-born mother and wife.
"Love, are you alright?"
Mary groaned. "Not really. Throwing up last morning's, afternoon's and evening's food. And this morning's..."
"A lot of food," Francis said, chuckling as he brushed her hair back. "Oh, baby..."
"I'm fine," she mumbled, coughing. "How's your cold?"
"Better," he said. "It was a brief thing, my body telling me to slow down and relax-hey, I'm supposed to be worrying about you!"
Mary grinned wryly. "You're my husband and future king."
"Don't be silly," he replied, kneeling beside her and pressing a kiss to her sweaty cheek. "You're my wife and my life."
"Fuck's sake," she muttered, giggling. "My mother's not feeling well."
"What?" Francis asked, alarmed. "Is she alright? Shall I call for-"
"She thinks it's the menopause," Mary cut him off warily. "I worry about her, she stresses out a lot and... She's the only family I have who doesn't hate me."
Francis frowned. "I don't hate you and nor does our child."
Mary gave him a smile. "I know but you know what I mean. I came to France with my mother fighting my corner. My brother and I didn't speak but seeing him when we visited the UK was good. We talked a little, he hugged and congratulated me but I could see feel the awkwardness. I hope to rectify that soon before our baby comes."
"Definitely," Francis said, moving to kiss her but she quickly backed away. "Even if you taste of vomit, I still want to kiss you."
Mary scoffed lightly. "You're weird and disgusting," she said, flushing the toilet and going over to the sink to wash her hands and brush her teeth again.
"Should we tell our parents?"
"We should. The doctor needs to see me."
"Alright, I will schedule a conference call and have Michel bring your mother over."
Mary smiled. "Alright."
...
"I knew it!" Catherine cried out. She seemed warmer, happier, relieved on the screen and Mary resisted the urge to roll her eyes considering the woman nearly had her packing back to Scotland. "I will come right-"
"If you come," Francis began, wanting to keep his privacy with his wife. "People will insinuate things and put two and two together. We want to keep the news on the low until we're thirteen weeks gone."
Henry nodded. "That is wise. We wouldn't want your privacy and happy bubble to be burst with people trying to grope you or catch bad pictures of you at this delicate time."
"Is your morning sickness going well?" Her mother asked, running her fingers through her daughter's hair soothingly.
Mary turned to her mother with a smile. "It is. This morning was just the worse it has been so far."
"I am sure your mother and I can come up with a solution for that," Catherine said, excited. "Oh, I am so happy for both of you!"
"So, we're having a summer baby," Henry said. "Let's hope it does not fall anywhere near Charles's birthday if you did conceive the child during your wedding night."
Francis blushed, seeing his wife do the same. "We did," he admitted. "So, the due date should be around mid-June if we check with the doctor."
"Wonderful," Marie said. "Just wonderful. We should let you get some rest. You've had a long day today."
"In fact, do not bother with the formal meeting with us and the Prime Minister. Francis will represent you both," Henry said. "It is cutting it fine, this evening, and I wouldn't want you to feel terrible throughout. You must think about the baby and yourself from now on."
"No, I do not want to shirk my duties-"
"You were throwing up all day, Mary," Francis said gently. "Even at the end of our honeymoon. Just take some rest."
The other three people pleaded the same thing and she feebly accepted to stand down for the day and rest. She could spend time with Sterling, not having seen him in ages. She could also start going through wedding plans with Kenna and Diane through conference call.
"Fine," she said. "I will rest."
...
"This lace is perfect for a dress," Kenna said, running her fingers over a beautiful pattern on the mood board. "I hope you girls don't mind that I went and got samples myself."
Mary smiled. "Not at all," she replied, flicking through the wedding scrapbook. "You've done a lot whilst we were away."
Kenna beamed happily. "I had to. I had inspiration... Bash has been like a dream lately so I'd wake up in the middle of the night and get working. Oh, I've started tutoring Margaret as well - her parents decided to let her go to university next Autumn."
"That's wonderful!" Greer said. "You're so selfless lately. Have we got Bash to thank for that?"
Kenna blushed. "Maybe." She turned to the dogs. "Stirling, get off Olenna!"
Mary squealed, getting up and feeling a wave of dizziness take over as she blurrily watched Kenna gently manoeuvre the cheeky dog off her own. Mary sighed heavily, taking a seat again and bringing a hand to her head.
"Sorry, he's been obsessed with female dogs since he's not had any action," Mary explained. "I'll have him get the chop."
"Oh?" Lola said, surprised. "You do not want to find him a lovely wife to breed with and give the puppies to future children?"
Mary smiled to herself. "Now that you say that..." She giggled. "Kenna, I'll try and keep him away from Olenna. She's beautiful, by the way."
Kenna grinned, lifting her dog into her arms and cuddling her. "I know. Bash knows me so well. I've been so lonely without you all and with him working, Olenna has been such great company." She looked up at the TV. "Diane's calling, finally!"
"Hi, Diane," the women said once the screen came to life with the woman's face.
"Ladies... Mary, looking stunning as usual and future daughter of mine, perfection to the fullest."
"Oh, Diane!" Mary and Kenna said, blushing furiously.
Diane chuckled. "Right, wedding planning..." She opened up her email that Kenna sent her before eyeing Mary. "Dauphine, you're glowing."
Mary gasped. "I am?"
"You are. New shampoo?" Diane asked casually but something told Mary that the woman was very clever and knew already. A mother's intuition.
"How did you know?" Mary asked, making Diane smirk.
"I have eyes," she replied. "Stay healthy."
Mary nodded, a smile on her face. "I will, thanks." She looked down at the scrapbook. "We should continue. We have two months to plan this and we all know Kenna who changes her mind at the last minute."
They giggled and Mary swallowed her bile down, hoping that she could spend the next few hours feeling well enough to spend time with her friends. But it wasn't to be and she left after an hour with Stirling, citing jet lag.
As Kenna kindly walked her to her bedroom that she shared with Francis, they got into a conversation about children and Mary's heart began to race quickly. She knew she could never hide things from those closest to her, they knew her mind and body better than she did at times.
"Bash said he didn't mind how many kids we had. I could pick a number and he'll make it happen," Kenna said, eyeing her flustered friend with a knowing smirk. "Like, he knows my body and if we really wanted to, we could start trying now. But it's too soon and we're still getting to know each other. That and we'd definitely want our first child to be a wedding night baby-"
"I'm pregnant," Mary whisper-yelled, stopping her friend and placing her hands on the other woman's shoulders. "You can stop your little, whatever that was."
Kenna beamed happily, hugging her friend tightly. "I'm so happy for you guys!" She said, pulling away to cup Mary's cheeks. "Oh my God, Diane's right! You are glowing and can I be the first to say, it suits you?"
Mary's eyes watered. "Really? I've felt excited but the vomiting every other hour thing was getting too much for me. Henry had to tell me to step down."
"After twelve weeks, you'll hopefully feel better," Kenna said, letting go of her to bend down and lift Stirling into her arms. "I'm happy for you."
"Really?"
"Of course, I am! You will be a wonderful mother, Mary. And Francis looks like the natural nurturing type. He'll definitely be changing the nappies and taking over the midnight feeds, I tell you now," Kenna told her. "Congratulations."
Mary blushed and giggled. "It is amazing, isn't it? This news?"
"It is! But you know what this means, right?"
"Catherine and my mother would want to take over."
"Yes," Kenna said simply. "You need to lay down the rules and tell them that I will organise your baby shower."
Mary gasped. "Kenna!"
"Be brave! You've put dear old Cat in her place once, do it again!"
"You can't call the Queen of France Cat!"
"Darling, I call the future Queen of France, stupid."
Mary hit her on the arm, making her yelp along with Sterling. "Bitch."
"Back at you," Kenna replied before they burst into giggles. "Is God right, making you a mother when you have the attitude of a fourteen-year-old?"
"Excuse me?!"
"Hey, I'm just saying. You get easily annoyed and restless," Kenna said. "Throughout that damn performance at your wedding, I am sure you fell asleep four times and checked Francis's watch at least thirteen times. I fear for your child you're now pregnant with."
Mary scowled. "There are dungeons at the chateaux."
"I'd like to see you try and put the future wife of the third in line in a dungeon."
"What?"
"Oh, that is one of the topics that will be spoken about at this meeting," Kenna told her friend happily. "It all happened when you were away. Henry made a few changes, Francis will fill you in. Anyway, try it, bitch."
Mary giggled. "For that, I won't stop Stirling from breeding with your precious Olenna when she's ready for that."
Kenna gaped. "Don't you dare breed this beast with my baby!"
"Don't you dare call my baby a beast!"
"What? Your baby is human!"
"Not my human baby, my dog baby! He's my eldest child, remember?"
Kenna started to laugh. "We're fucking weird, aren't we?"
"Really weird. Like crazy, insane, stab your car wheels to deflation weird," Mary replied.
"But this baby will be so loved and protected," Kenna told her friend. "I promise."
Mary took Stirling out of Kenna's arms and leaned in to kiss her best friend's cheek. "Thank you, Kenna. For being in my life."
"Thank you for having me in your life," Kenna replied easily. "Don't worry about the lack of family on your side. We're still cousins and James will come-through, and he or she has the whole of the de Guises supporting them... You're not as alone as you think. Don't forget that and I'm sure Francis won't let you either."
"He's so wonderful. I'm scared that I'll mess things up with him."
Kenna rolled her eyes. "Don't be stupid, stupid," she said lightly. "He thinks the world of you. As it should be. Trust me, you've got this."
Mary beamed. "I've got this," she said softly.
