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Sav.129 [chapter 62]: Indeed!

elder441 [chapter 62]: Yes, with his siblings by his side we can see a different Francis and Mary. Not just as monarchs or parents, but as adults who can reminisce about their childhood as they look at the next generation that they've made. And the children quickly taking their older cousins into their friendship group as well. Makes me proud, haha.

FeliLuna13 [chapter 62]: Thanks, it really was! And yes, indeed! Francis has, Leeza (former QOS), Margaret (wife of a distant relative of the Navarres' in my story), Charles and Henri (who are married now), Bash (DOA and former K'sD), Claude (single mother of one and in Scotland) and that's it. So six siblings as it would go along the lines of the show.

A bit of drama! Enjoy!

Kenna let out a soft whimper, exposing her neck even more for her husband to indulge in her beauty. She missed him, his trip to retrieve his nieces brief but felt like forever until he rode in, high and mighty.

"Bash..."

"Kenna," her husband replied in kind as their lips met in perfect sync.

Just before they could get further, a knock on their door stopped them and Bash groaned against Kenna's skin, getting out from under the covers and slipping on a robe.

He answered the door with an impatient, "Yes, what is it?"

He looked down.

"Catherine," he said, clearing his throat. "Do you require anything, my dear?"

Kitty blinked in uncertainty. "I-I can't quite get to sleep, My Lord," she mumbled, looking down at her covered feet. "It's the first time we've been away from Mother and..."

Bash knelt down and took her hands in his. "I know. It's scary and horrible and you feel like you're all alone in the world," he said, cupping her cheek. "But I promise you, you and Isabella are safe here. Your mother will come for you soon."

"My father isn't a bad man," Kitty told him. "He just... He's good to us and treats us well. I-I miss him."

"I'm sorry," Bash said sincerely. "But now that your father's taken on a new wife, you are pushed down the line of importance to him. He needs to secure Spain so he doesn't look weak. Unfortunately, two daughters as heirs were weak and your lives were more threatened then than now. Avon may not be home but you are welcome and safe, and my wife and I will ensure that your happiness is put first. I promised your mother."

Kitty nodded shakily. "I'm sorry to have disturbed you, My Lord-"

"Catherine, I'm your uncle," Bash said gently. "My wife, your aunt. My children, your cousins. We're family, lose the formalities, I ask you. Whatever you need, you tell a servant or handmaiden or guard and they will answer to you. This is your home."

"I prefer 'Kitty'," Catherine finally told him. "I believe my grandmother's name is too formal for my liking."

Bash chuckled, squeezing her hand. "Do you want to join my wife for some tea?"

"This late?"

"Chamomile settles the mind," Bash told her. "You will sleep better with it."

Kitty nodded. "I'll fetch Bella. Thank you!"

He accepted her tight hug and smiled, rubbing her back before letting her go and hurry down the hall to find her sister's bedchamber. He stood, returning to his bedchamber to see his wife smile proudly at him.

"I'm sorry," he said, heading to her.

"We have the rest of the night to make love," she told him, getting herself ready with her robe as she rose from the bed. "And our lives. What's one night settling two terrified girls in their new home?"

Bash kissed her softly, brushing her hair from her eyes. "You're perfect."

"I know I am."

"I see your modesty hasn't left you," he replied, dropping a hand to her back.

"That hand better keep on going down," she said sultrily.

Bash smirked, moving his hand even lower. To her bottom. "Like this?"

"Almost there," she whispered with a grin. "Just got to move it front and centre."

"We have enough time for that after you entertain our nieces," he whispered into her ear.

Kenna giggled and waltzed out of his arms, heading to the doors. "Keep that bed warm and don't you dare fall asleep."

...

Mary smiled softly when she saw the carriage enter through into the courtyard. She was standing in the middle of Rose and Anne, eager for them to see Greer again.

"Every time I see you, you're-"

"Greer," Mary quickly said, hugging the now blonde again friend tightly. "We've not spread the word," she said lowly.

Greer nodded knowingly. "You're more beautiful," Greer finally finished, stepping back. "I am jealous. Here I am, ageing like a tree and you're youthful and beautiful."

Mary giggled. "Anne, Rose, your Aunt Greer."

Greer curtseyed to both girls but was attacked with hugs from them instead. She laughed, kissing their foreheads before Aloysius came with their children eager to curtsey or bow to the queen and princesses.

"Children! Look how much you've grown," Mary said. "And, dear God, is that your youngest?"

Greer nodded, the nanny who held a one-month-old coming forward. "Your Majesty, meet Mary."

Mary beamed happily, reaching out to carry the child in her arms. "Hello, Young Mary. She's beautiful," she whispered, turning to the couple. "Welcome home, Lord and Lady Castleroy. You were missed."

They met Francis inside, sending Robin off on an errand with John as he spoke to a few guards and Leith about securing the castle. His face became warm when he saw Mary leading the Castleroys with the baby in her arms and he patted Leith's back before excusing himself for them to carry out their duties.

"Your Majesty," Lord Castleroy said, bowing low as Greer curtseyed.

"Enough of that," Francis said, hugging the man and then Greer. "Welcome home." He turned to Mary and took the baby from her arms. "Let's see if my memory serves me well when it comes to the children's names."

They laughed and Francis babbled to Mary, making the Queen Mary smile with a sparkle in her eyes. Children always did bring out the best in her husband, his attachment and adoration for the future masters of the world beautiful to observe. He pointed around, showing baby Mary different parts of the throne hall as he carried a conversation with the Castleroys as Mary tended to the rest of the children with Rose and Anne.

"I left before the twins were born," Greer said to Francis. "And now, I'll be here for your sixth child's arrival."

"We're happy to have you here," Francis replied, looking over to beam at his wife playing a hand game with the girls. "Mary's been feeling... low. It doesn't help that Bash retired to Avon with the family."

"I saw Robin. Was that him?" Castleroy asked.

"It was," Francis said, grinning. "He's my ward."

"He's grown so much!" Greer cried out.

Francis chuckled. "Wait until you meet their youngest children. We will set for Avon when Claude arrives with her son."

Greer beamed happily. "I can't wait."

Mary turned over to them, calling out, "Neither can I!"

...

Bash woke up to the sound of persistent knocking a month later. He looked down and saw his wife still sleeping, untangling his body from her bare one before grabbing some clothes to look presentable enough to answer the door.

"What is it?" He asked, eyeing his head guard warily.

"We're surrounded, My Lord," the guard said. "Foreigners. Spaniards."

Bash set his jaw, more alert. "Call upon the farmers and the spies. We've got an unexpected visitor."

"Yes, My Lord," the guard said, leaving.

Bash closed the door and saw his wife rubbing sleep from her eyes. "Get dressed and take the children to the middle chambers."

Kenna became more alert and she nodded, slipping out of their bed to retrieve a modest dress, quickly tying up her corset as she decided against a chemise. "What is happening, Bash?" She asked as she ran her hands through her hair and checked herself in the mirror.

"The Spanish Army have us surrounded," Bash said bitterly. "So much for peace."

"Bash, what do we do?"

"Stay put with the children. Keep them away from windows in the case of spies. The middle chambers have none, so if Xander really must run around, let him do so in there."

Kenna nodded and watched as he properly got dressed, his hands quickly working on ties and buckles. "Will you have your sword?"

"No bloodshed will be spilt," her husband said firmly. "I aim to peacefully sort this out. Send them on their way. Divert their attention from the chateau."

"Very well. Be safe."

"I always am," was her husband's reply before he brushed a kiss over her lips and left.

...

"Open the gates!"

The gates drew upwards and Bash steadied his horse as the gates went up and revealed King Philip of Spain on his horse a few good yards away from him. Bash kept his composure, not fazed by the number of guards behind the king.

"Your Majesty," he said cordially. "To what do I owe the pleasure for your visit?"

"I have reason to believe my beloved daughters are under your care," the king said.

Bash tilted his head upwards a little, his horse becoming restless. "Your sources were incorrect. They are with their mother, under the care of their King Uncle."

"Not the bastard one?" Philippe snapped.

"My half-sister and I are not on friendly terms," Bash replied easily. "Why would she trust me or my wife with her daughters' lives?"

"So the age-old stories she told me about her childhood were false? About the brother who'd lift her onto his back and chase the then-Dauphin-"

"Children grow into adults and adults grow stone-cold," Bash cut him off without a second thought. "Childish dreams, adult realities."

Philippe glared at Bash. "Give me my princesses, Duke de Poitiers."

"Your new wife is barren, is she?" Bash tried.

"Not at all. She is with child as we speak," Philippe replied. "She wishes to acquaint herself with her stepdaughters."

Bash tilted his head slightly. "Well, you will have to speak to their mother and King Francis about that." He began to lead his horse away. "If you would kindly depart from my lands now."

"Duke de Poitiers."

Bash stopped and turned his horse around. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

"I can protect my daughters from any threat that comes upon them," Philip told him. "I've lost one son to madness, I can't lose my daughters. Appeal to your own heart. The love you have for your only daughter. Would you want her to be removed from your side without any knowledge to how she was taken?"

Bash furrowed his brows. Anastasia was his life. He loved Robin and Xander, but he couldn't deny the love he had for his only daughter. Her mother's image with his green eyes, her laughter and joy whenever he was in her line of sight. The way her small hands worked to pretty him up much to his reluctance but acceptance that spending time with her was all that counted...

"I apologise that you're hurting," Bash began. "I truly can't help you. Perhaps if you made things right with my sister, she will let you see them. For now, my hands are tied regarding the situation and I have stayed away from matters regarding you and my sister."

Philip sighed. "I do not want to go to war over my daughters."

"Even if you did, we'd have Scotland, England, Ireland and Italy with us," Bash warned him. "You'd be better off signing a treaty. I'm sure your daughters will be happy in France with marriages to secure their futures. Work with their mother to find a decent conclusion to this situation."

Philip glowered. "I am not a bad father."

"I am not saying that you are," Bash replied. "I am certain your daughters miss you just as much as you miss them but you can't deny that you will not be able to protect them-"

"My wife is their cousin," Philip told him. "She will not harm them."

"Can you be sure of your mistress?" Bash asked. His own mother killed his twin half-sisters. Bash knew how murderous and conniving mistresses got, his own mother a clear example. "You can't always see beyond the lust you have for one's mistress. Either way, seek the King of France for matters relating to your daughters-"

"I will reinstate their titles," Philip quickly said.

Bash turned away. "Do what you want. Do not step foot on my lands again." He nodded at the guard. "Close the gates."

He headed back to the entrance of the house and got off his horse, his stableboy immediately tending to it as he headed inside with his head guard.

"How many?"

"We caught five," the guard said. "What should we do with them?"

"Release them," Bash ordered. "All but one, switch with one of ours who knows Spanish and Portuguese."

The guard nodded. "Yes, My Lord," he said before he left.

Bash headed to the middle chambers, opening the doors and finding Bella plaiting Kitty's hair who was plaiting Anastasia's hair. Alexander was reading a book to a settled Willow, kissing the dog every now and then on the top of its head. He smiled and went over to his wife, kissing her on the forehead.

"The King of Spain and Portugal," he whispered to her. "Wants his daughters. Don't react."

Kenna smiled and turned to look up at him. "What did he say?" She whispered back.

"Tried to appeal to my better nature."

"He doesn't know that my husband isn't easily swayed," she mumbled, her hands going to his collar and straightening it out as he turned to watch the children. "Bash...?"

Bash looked away from the children to face her. "Yes?"

"Do we have anything to worry about?"

"Not at all," he promised her. "I've sent them to Francis which isn't ideal but I'll write to Leeza. Coded, of course. Let her know that she must keep up the pretence that the girls are with her and under Francis and Mary's care. If anything happens, which nothing will, we can deal with it."

Kenna frowned but nodded before pulling him closer to her. "I need to tell you something-"

"Papa?"

Bash turned and gave Xander a bright smile. "I promised you a horse ride later on, didn't I?"

Xander grinned. "Yes, Papa!"

Bash nodded. "Your mama and I need to talk but you return to Willow and in a few hours, I'll take you to the stables."

"Fine," Xander mumbled, leaving their sides.

"You were saying?"

"I-"

"My Lord, a letter from Fontainebleau," his page told him, handing him the sealed note.

Bash sighed, kissing Kenna's forehead before leaving her side to read the letter. It wasn't that it was private or anything, but he needed to make sure that the Spaniards didn't go there first.

He sighed in relief, scanning the letter. "Claude and Lawrence made it to the chateau," he explained to his wife, turning to her. "So did the Castleroys."

"Does that mean...?"

"They're all coming here," Bash told her.

Kenna beamed happily. "That's good but what about King Philip?"

"He'll stand down."

"Are you certain?" She asked.

Her husband nodded. "I am. He and Leeza will talk things through and come to an agreement. For now, let's focus on preparing Avon for their visit."

"Can we excuse ourselves?"

Bash nodded and helped her up with a hand and she linked their arms together, leading them away from earshot. They left the room and found the head guard heading their way.

"They've departed, My Lord," he said before quickly acknowledging Kenna. "My Lady."

"Cassius," she greeted back.

"Our spy has gone with them," Cassius said. "Further orders, My Lord?"

Bash shook his head. "Only page my ward. A letter for Fontainebleau must be written and sent."

"Very well," Cassius said. "I will find him again."

Finally alone once again, Kenna unlinked her arm with Bash's and cupped his cheeks.

"Is your attention on me alone?"

Bash smiled, his hand on hers. "Yes."

"I'm... I had to be sure but..."

"But...?"

Kenna smiled with a soft blush on her cheeks as her hands went to his shoulders. "I've not had my monthly for two months now. It's too soon to tell but-"

"You and Mary did always liked doing things together," Bash said lightly.

"Are you happy? If I am?" Kenna asked gently. "I mean, we've lost a baby not two years ago and... You've heard Anastasia talk about being the only girl and everything."

"Do you want this baby?"

Kenna shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe I'm being silly. We should be happy. I'll have my chamber pot checked."

Bash brought her hands down and kissed them. "Baby blues. It happens. That along with the fear of giving birth again."

Kenna pouted a little. "I love you, Bash."

"I love you more," he whispered, kissing her lips. His eyes were drawn to Cassius waiting patiently. "Excuse me, my love. Go and rest, we did wake earlier than expected."

"What about the children?"

"I'll have the governesses take them for Morning Prayer," Bash said.

She sighed. "Very well. Go and do what you must."

"Don't be annoyed-"

"I'm not," Kenna assured him. "I'm just tired. Make sure the Spaniards leave."

"I will. Don't worry."

He turned, leaving her grip to head over to Cassius.

"One spy was found to remain at the duchy," he said lowly. "Seems the Spanish King didn't believe you."

Bash sighed. "We're going to have to tell Francis to stay put."

...

"Unpack everything," Francis said, entering his and Mary's bedchambers. "Bash wrote to Leeza and me. First, telling her to keep up the pretence that Isabella and Catherine are with us. Second, to warn us about King Philip coming. Third, spies have been found in Avon."

Mary sighed, covering her mouth. "Oh, God. I thought we'd have peace."

"Me too," Francis said. "I have letters being written to Elizabeth and the Duke of Barton as we speak. Should anything happen, we will have armies making their way to France."

"We ought to welcome Philip with warm arms," Mary said, getting up. "A treaty."

Francis sighed. "Perhaps," he mumbled. "However, Leeza tells me his grip on the Netherlands is weakening."

Mary shook her head. "Francis-"

"We can teach him a lesson," Francis said. "Teach him that angering a Valois is not wise."

"Francis," Mary said warningly. "We've just recovered from the civil war, you wish for a global one?"

Francis tutted, heading to the fireplace and crossing his arms as he watched the flames. "My father had peace with him by marrying my sister to him. Now that peace is threatened over the fact he discarded her as if she was leftovers."

"But that does not warrant war, my love," Mary told him gently.

"We have no obligation to be in peace. He broke his promise, broke the treaty he and my father signed. I am the King of France now, I must make these decisions for our benefit."

"The Treaty of Cateau-Cambresis, in which France recognises Spanish sovereignty over Franche-Comté," Mary began. "Do you wish to break that?"

"We've signed many treaties with this king," Francis said angrily. "He breaks them and we bend over and kneel?"

Mary shook her head. "No, but there can be a peaceful way."

"Who is to say that Philip does not think about putting Isabella on our throne?" Francis asked his wife. "Leeza says she's the apple of his eye. More sharp than her sister. Catherine vies for his attention but it's Isabella who receives it. As Leeza ceded her rights to the throne, her daughter comes after our sons."

"And the fact that Philip placed spies at your half-brother's duchy," Mary breathed out.

Francis closed his eyes. "If he gets rid of Bash, I have no one that I trust apart from you and Leith. Bash knows Scotland and France inside out and taking him out will wound me."

"We must act to protect our sons before Philip arrives."

"I may be overthinking this, overreacting even-"

"No, we have reason to be cautious," Mary told him. "After Narcisse and Bourbon... I don't want to take any chances."

Francis bowed his head, feeling Mary's hands massage his shoulders. "I don't want to."

"But we must. Speak to Leeza first."

Francis turned to face her. "And tell her that we're going to war because her husband wants to rip her daughters away from her even more?"

"Leeza-"

"Always seeks for peace. The whole point of her marriage was for peace reasons," Francis said, struggling with the inward battle in his head. "I'm afraid this may change her even more."

Mary kissed his jawline. "She has us."

"They all do."

"Then we're going to war."

Francis shakily nodded. "We're going to war."

He left their bedchamber and culled Robin to his side along with Leith as they made their way to his offices.

"Robin, I need you to send your father a coded message."

Robin nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."

"You need to tell him, we're taking the Netherlands from Philip of Spain and Portugal."

Robin gasped as Leith turned to him in shock. "Y-Yes, Uncle," he quickly said before bowing and rushing off.

"Are you sure?"

"I've never been as sure as I am now," Francis replied firmly. "I need you by my side."

Leith nodded. "Without question, Francis."

"I'm terrified, Leith."

"I know," Leith said. "But we have all the power on our side. I will send word for Scotland and England."

Francis nodded his thanks. "A good king makes the hard decisions."

"At least this isn't a civil war," Leith said lightly, making Francis smile.

Family goodness to come!