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BlerBlerBler [chapter 70]: It will get worse until it gets better.

Guest (1) [chapter 70]: It is, I hate writing sad stuff! Francis and Bash's relationship is amazing, seriously one to compete with. In this chapter, Francis has moments with other characters.

elder441 [chapter 70]: I hated the show for 'following' the real history. As much as I'd like to keep everything off canon, some parts are canon to help the storyline flow. At first, this story was going to be one-shots before becoming a full-fledged story so I wanted this to be 'realistic' but at the same time what I'd want to see if Reign had chosen to keep Francis alive. The family will do everything to keep him alive and so far, 60% is his survival rate in this current time of the story.

Come morning, Bash awoke to something heavy on his chest. He was very uncomfortable and he knew he'd have back pain but he didn't mind. He looked at the fireplace and saw that it was now scorched black and the room felt colder.

Carefully, he slipped out from Francis's grip and pulled the furs over the king's body before writing a message for him and leaving. He found that it was still quite early, only servants and guards were about.

He headed to Robin's bedchambers and was surprised to see the boy already awake. "I need your help."

"With what?" Robin asked, closing a heavy book.

"Finding a woman."

Robin chuckled. "Oh, how would Mother take to that?"

Bash smirked lightly. "Not that kind of woman, Robert. Finding her is important though. The country depends on it."

"In what way?"

"I can't tell you now but it is important, I swear," Bash replied.

Robin studied his father and narrowed his eyes a little. "Is this something to do with Uncle Francis?"

Bash turned to him in surprise. "Do you... know?"

"I do," Robin mumbled, getting up from his seat and shifting on his feet nervously. "I had a vision. My first vision into the future. In the vision, he died and I told him."

"Why didn't you tell me that you-"

"Because you're already wary of my powers," Robin cut his father off. "If I could now see the future, you and Mother would have more of a reason to stop me from having them. You will believe that I won't be able to handle it."

Bash bowed his head. "Visions into the future have not done this family any favours," he said. "But very well. What do you know?"

By the time Robin explained everything, they were disturbed by a knock on the door. Francis peeked his head inside and smiled a little when he saw the pair.

"I was wondering if you'd both like to go for a ride?" He asked. "Away from prying ears."

Bash nodded. "I will meet you both outside in ten minutes."

...

"I think Winter is my favourite season," Francis said once they were far enough in the woods but close enough for safety. "It's so peaceful. The snow is not so bad either."

Bash smiled. "It snowed the day you were born," he said, gaining Robin's attention away from Hope the Fox. "I hate the snow. The Scots adore it. It's crazy, how they're accustomed to freezing their arses off for months on end."

"Do you think Scotland would be a peaceful place to die in?"

"Francis!"

"Uncle Francis!"

Francis raised his hands, laughing slightly. "Can't the dying man joke now?"

"You're not going to die," Bash said firmly. "I have a plan."

"Care to enlighten me with the plan?"

Bash sighed, shaking his head. "I don't even know if it will be effective. We will see."

Francis raised his eyebrows but didn't say anything more, taking to closing his eyes and inhaling the fresh air. "If there's nothing we can do, don't dwell. I'm going to need you to support Mary and our children as best as you can."

"We will do whatever you want, Uncle Francis," Robin replied. "But you won't die. We will make sure of it and Dr Paré will find a solution. He's a great doctor! I spent all night studying his journals and books. He's a genius."

"Stay hopeful," Francis told him. "Hope is a powerful weapon. Even when things are not in your favour."

Bash steadied his horse as they came up to the frozen lake. "I have something better than hope," he told his brother. "Determination."

Francis let out a soft chuckle. "What I am going to say will sound crazy but I want to skate on the ice."

Robin looked towards the frozen lake warily. "It doesn't look solid..."

"If you catch a cold, your mother and your wife will have my head," Bash told him lightly. "We can ride around it."

Francis ignored them, getting off his horse. "What the dying man wants, the dying man gets."

"What the dying man should realise," Bash began, getting off his own horse. "Is that this may fully well quicken his death."

Francis laughed and carefully got down onto the lake, testing it by tapping his foot against the ice. "It's solid enough."

"Francis, come back up-"

"Where's your sense of adventure?!" Francis called out.

Bash rolled his eyes. "Forgive me, I left it back at the castle. But don't worry, I brought along my sense of sensibility and will to live and not freeze to death."

Francis shrugged and started to skate, feeling his brother's steely eyes on him. If he did fall into the lake, it wouldn't be the first time his brother would have to fish him out. He could see Bash cursing as he lowered himself down onto the ice and Robin getting off his horse.

Even Hope the Fox joined him, running circles around a laughing Francis. He bent down and lifted the animal into his arms as Bash reached him, resisting the urge to smack him for being so stupid.

"I guess it is solid," he muttered.

"There are so many things I would like to do with my children," Francis began as they skated on. "I will write a list. One of them will be kite-flying. I had a few imported for the boys' birthdays."

"Interesting," Bash mumbled, fiddling with the rope on his side. Just in case.

"Oh, we can do apple picking when it is in season!" Francis continued, skating circles around Bash now once the man stopped.

"Splendid choice."

"More enthusiasm wouldn't hurt," Francis said teasingly.

Bash scoffed before a tight smile grew on his face. "I am sure the Princesses will love to go apple picking, Your Majesty."

"Less sarcasm," Francis said, laughing.

"On a serious note," Bash started, quickly checking on Robin who was waiting patiently at the bank. "Don't you think this has come on so suddenly?"

Francis frowned. "How do you mean?"

"You were in good health before the war and now," Bash trailed off, unsure. "Who served you during the war?"

"Robin, John and the royal food taster," Francis replied. "All still breathe."

Bash eyed his son. "So the royal taster would not have had the chance to poison you?"

"Bash-"

"Some Scottish and English forces came to help, near the end," Bash stated. "I've familiarised myself with the reports. Did any of their wards serve you?"

Francis blinked in surprised. "Once or twice. They served Prince William of Orange." He sighed heavily. "Bash, be careful about what you are insinuating. Those who regent the countries are Mary's family-"

"Elizabeth wanted Mary to make Anne the heir to the English throne," Bash said. "Mary told Kenna and my wife told me."

"That won't be able to happen if I am alive to reject the proposal," Francis breathed out. "Are people still wanting my death?"

"I don't know," Bash said. "I will look into this, I will do everything I can. I need you to be none the wiser. But you must give me the names of the wards who served you. I am sure we can exclude our sons."

Francis nodded. "I will find out."

"And if you are getting worse, then they must still be around," Bash said. "Ask Catherine if there are poisons that work slowly."

"I will."

"Poisons that are not easy to detect until it's..."

"Too late."

Bash cupped Francis's cheeks. "We will get to the bottom of this."

"I don't know what I'd do without you," Francis said shakily. "Be my Deputy again - Leith is retiring prematurely."

Bash closed his eyes, bringing his hands down. "I don't know."

"I need you. Without you, I wouldn't have even thought that all of this was too... suspicious," Francis told him. "I would have died and everyone would have found out then."

"Francis-"

"Please."

Bash nodded.

...

Francis poured two cups full of wine and gestured for the person to take a seat. She did and he gave her a warm smile, taking a sip from his wine.

"I have asked Bash to return as my King's Deputy."

Kenna furrowed her brows but nodded. "I see," she mumbled, sipping her wine. "I am guessing it has something to do with Leith's retirement?"

"Yes," Francis said. "I need someone I can trust."

"He couldn't tell me himself, could he?" Kenna asked, strained.

Francis winced. "I know, the whole reason he stopped was for you and your family. He puts his life at risk for my sake but I promise you, Kenna, times have changed. I need him more now than ever."

Kenna faltered. "Francis, you weren't there," she whispered. "You don't know how hard it was for me to wake up in the morning without knowing if he was alive or dead. He promised me and you're making him break his promise."

Kenna stopped herself from saying more. She was addressing a king, she even used a first-name basis with him, something others apart from his family would never try. They may have become friends over the years but she was still a noblewoman, his wife's lady-in-waiting and her inferior rank will outdo her superior one of being the wife of his favourite sibling.

"I know as a king, you must make difficult decisions," Kenna continued anyway. "Over the years, everything you ask of my husband or of me have got way over all of our heads. Will his death mean the end of those requests?"

Francis smiled wryly. "Kenna, what I am going to tell you must stay between us."

Kenna gasped softly, nodding. "Yes, of course."

"I haven't got long to live," Francis told her, tears springing to her eyes and she closed them. "I need you to look after Mary and our children. I need you to support her whatever the outcome. She needs people she can trust because when she becomes-"

"If-"

"If she becomes regent, then the French may very well revolt within reason," Francis finished. "Whatever loyalty you have to my wife, please extend it to your nieces and nephews."

Kenna nodded. "Yes, I will," she said, her voice breaking. "I'll do anything for her, for them. But Francis, I know my husband."

"I know. I know my brother and I have no doubt that he will do all in his power to save my life," Francis told her, not telling her that her son was also involved. "But I can feel the pain every day and although I tell you all to have hope, hope has long since left me, myself."

Kenna got onto her knees and gripped his hand in her two own. "I will pray for you. I will help you, however, I can. You are a good man, a good king and you don't deserve death. Not after everything we have all been through." She bowed her head. "Tell Mary. Tell her."

"I can't."

"You have to," Kenna said, looking up at him. She wiped a tear from his cheek. "She's worried sick. She thinks you don't trust her. Men have wives for a reason. Not just to bear the children, but to be there and support you. To love you and hold you. I am just your subject but I beg you. I beg you."

Francis looked away and sighed heavily. "When the time is right."

"And when will that be? On your deathbed?" Kenna asked dubiously.

Blue eyes met brown.

"I promised Mary that any tear she let fall would not be in pain," Francis whispered. "When it is time for her to know, she will know."

Kenna stood and hugged him tightly. "As you wish," she mumbled before letting go and leaving.

Francis sighed and poured himself more wine.

...

Come April, the investigation had met a dead end. Bash rubbed his face hard as he left the cell, instructing the guards to feed the prisoners for more questioning the next morning.

He'd give them the rest of the day to recover and rethink their decision to withhold the information he needed.

One path opened up though and Robin handed his father a message as they headed to the throne hall for the celebration of the twins' birthday. Bash opened the message and scanned the contents.

"One-hundred miles East," Robin stated.

"Should take two days then," Bash mumbled lowly as guards passed them.

Robin nodded. "I'm coming with you."

"No."

"Who is she?"

"None of your concern," Bash replied.

"Father, this is our King's life at stake here," Robin began, lowering his voice. "I want to do everything I can to help."

Bash turned to him. "Your mother and I are already tense, do you want to add more fuel to the fire?"

Robin rolled his eyes and they continued to walk in silence, planting smiles on when the birthday boys came over to pull them to the heaps of presents in the middle of the hall.

"There you are," Mary said from beside Francis. "They wouldn't start until their favourite uncle arrived."

Bash chuckled, ruffling the boys' hair as he shook his head at Francis. "Is that right? Well, go and open your presents."

As everyone busied themselves with helping Joseph and Peter open their gifts, Francis and Bash took a corner of the room, speaking in hushed tones.

"I've found one lead," Bash said.

Francis nodded weakly. "They're suspecting something's wrong."

"Tell them."

"Not yet."

"Francis, please," Bash begged him. "I can't stand seeing Mary so lost. Kenna says she's quiet, we've noticed that she barely eats as well. She's worried about her husband, her king. Do her the courtesy-"

Francis slumped against the wall and Bash reached out to steady him. "J-Just take me to... my bedchambers."

"Yours?" Bash questioned. "I-"

"Just take me there," Francis ordered him tightly. "Call Ambroise."

Bash nodded. "Can you walk?"

"Give me a minute to get my bearings," Francis mumbled, gripping onto Bash tightly. "I'm ready now."

"Papa?" Anne called him as she noticed the men trying to sneak out. "Where are you going? They've not opened the ones you gave them yet!"

Francis chuckled softly. "I am feeling very tired," he said, ignoring his wife's and mother's concerned gazes.

"Too much chamomile?" Leeza asked lightly. "You ought to drink honey tea, it will give you all the energy you need."

"I will... take that into consideration," Francis said before nodding at Bash to continue on.

But Peter ran up to him and begged him to lift him up, pulling at his leg.

"Papa, please? Stay?"

Bash made sure that Francis was steady on his own two feet before he bent down and lifted the youngest prince. "How about I carry you? Let's see what else you and Joseph have got."

He and Francis went back to the circle and Kenna pursed her lips, crossing her arms. Both men gave her a look and she returned them with one of her own, her eyes darting to Mary.

Francis looked away, keeping his gaze on the little princes that opened the gifts on the floor. He felt faint and black spots were starting to form in his eyes, the room spinning around him.

Bash had now put Peter down to run to his brothers, their older sisters helping them rip the paper off gifts and the man slung a casual arm over his brother's shoulders.

Francis blinked repeatedly to dispel the dizziness and spots but he began to shake and the next thing he knew...

"Francis?!"

"Francis!"

"Papa!"

He'd fainted.

...

"If you don't tell her, I will," Kenna told Francis once he had woken up.

He let out a soft groan, sitting up to see that they were alone but Ambroise was working at Francis's desk, writing and muttering to himself about what do to.

"We must start the treatment now. Your neck has swelled," Ambroise said, not looking up from his work.

Kenna glared at Francis. "Your wife is currently in pieces. Your sisters are consoling her, she keeps trying to come but you have to rest."

"Only her," Francis mumbled. "Where's Bash?"

"Did you forget?" Kenna asked him, her voice laced with anger. "You sent him on an errand away from the castle."

Francis frowned. When? "Oh, right."

"When he returned to being your Deputy, I was thinking he'd stay here and order those lemmings about," Kenna bemoaned. "Thank God, Robin wants to be a doctor because his wife would probably have less patience for him than I have for Bash."

Francis winced. He wasn't in the mood to hear Kenna complain although he knew she was holding back when it concerned him and his brother. "Tell Mary to come. Only her."

"I will," Kenna said, standing up and fixing her skirts. She curtseyed. "Get well soon, Your Majesty."

"Why do I hear the insincerity?" Francis asked, smirking a little.

Kenna rolled her eyes. "I am sincere, alright. But you men really do put us, women, through a lot."

She left and soon after Mary entered tentatively. She closed the doors behind her and came to stand before the bed, her dark eyes meeting Francis's light ones. She sighed and crossed her arms.

"Tell me the truth."

"Promise me you won't..."

"What?"

Francis shrugged. "Hate me?"

Mary let out a sob, her facade failing. "Hate you? How could I hate you? You're my husband, Francis. I have loved you most of my life! I'm not going to stop now. Or ever."

"You're beautiful when you're angry."

Mary glared at him. "I will show you angry!"

"I'm sorry," Francis quickly said, laughing. "Please, come." He held his hand out for her.

Mary eyed it warily and sighed, walking around the bed and getting into the other side, taking his hand. "You are ill, my love. A wife knows her husband better than he knows himself."

Francis smiled sadly. "I'm dying."

"Then I have failed you-"

"Mary-"

"I have failed you," Mary whispered. "I didn't change anything but the time. Nostradamus' prophecy is coming true."

Francis cupped her cheek, wiping her fallen tear. "Even when you're distressed, you're the most beautiful thing I have ever seen."

Mary looked down at him, cradling his head on her lap now. "Most kings and queens do not love each other, their marriages are alliances, convenience. But our marriage is full of love and happiness. Francis, you have made my life so bright and as a girl, I never knew that this was my future. Thank you."

Francis sniffled and met her lips in a soft kiss. He felt her tears on his face and he squeezed her hand as they pulled apart. "I don't want the children to know. To remember me like this."

Mary let out a sob. "I won't say anything." But it will kill me.

"Mary, you will be protected and cared for," Francis told her. "You needn't worry. Scotland and England are yours..."

"What?"

"I made arrangements," he explained. "There are some things that I can't explain but one day, you will understand." He swallowed hard. "I have had our Ambassadors travel to the Netherlands. France and the Netherlands are under one sovereign. Me."

Mary stared at him in disbelief. "Francis, why would you-"

"Mary, just listen," Francis breathed out. "Anne is fifteen next year, she will marry Oskar a month after, here in France."

"I thought we'd wait until she was sixteen."

"We need to start putting arrangements into place," he told her. "Secure our rule. As for Scotland, England and Ireland, Rose will be the heir. I am looking for a suitable match for her. An English or a Scottish one of Tudor or Stuart blood."

Mary blinked a few times before pausing in shock. She had no words.

"Francis-"

"I know I've fought against this for so long but this could protect our family," he said gently. "A French Queen in Sweden and a French Queen in Scotland." He took her hand. "I am planning for Leeza to marry the Emperor of Prussia. He plans to crown himself King of Prussia."

Mary frowned. "How did you get this information?"

"Leith did some research before he retired," Francis replied. "As for the Archduke of Vienna, he's fallen in favour of the Emperor so the marriage alliance between his second daughter and Joseph might be in the works as well."

"I promised Robin he could marry the Archduchess of Prussia... If her father is to be king then he can't," Mary replied.

Francis sighed. "We will see. Mary, I'm going to need you to stay strong for me."

Mary bit her lip and nodded. "I will try." She looked up at Paré. "Is there anything you can do?"

"Is His Majesty comfortable?" Paré replied.

Francis kept his eyes on Mary. "I am."

"Then, we will not delay the treatment."

...

Four days later, Francis was back on his feet. In fact, he was feeling far better than he had been feeling in months. Mary was still wary, taking to following him everywhere from the chamberpot to council meetings and meals.

She refused to let him out of her eyesight and Catherine had noticed. She played it off, saying that he suffered from the flu and he was feeling better now. He certainly looked it, much to her relief.

"Francis, what you said four days ago-"

"Mary, I didn't mean to keep you out of it," Francis began, stopping in his tracks to face her and cup her cheeks. "Everything I said stands. I wasn't delirious or incoherent - I am of sound mind."

Mary gaped. "Have you forgotten what happened between Scotland and France?"

"No one will ever forget that," Francis said. "But we have gained more favour over the past seven years. Especially with our victory against Spain and Portugal, people will be more willing to support whatever we propose to them."

"You propose to them," Mary corrected. "Francis, what am I supposed to do? Support France and the Netherlands or Scotland, England and Ireland?"

"Both. You are the mother of their future rulers," Francis replied, his eyes meeting Bash's eyes. "I have to go. But you should not worry. Everything will fall into place. I love you, Mary."

Mary sighed and nodded, a smile growing on her lips albeit small. "I love you too, Francis," she whispered. "I better go and find my ladies and give you a breather."

He kissed her and left her side, joining Bash's as they headed to his offices.

"Well, what did you do when you were gone?"

Bash turned to face him. "I sought a woman. Not a witch, don't worry. We've had enough of those for a lifetime. But this woman's life was linked to yours."

"In what way? The way that Kenna and you are-"

"Not romantically, like soul mates," Bash cut him off. "But linked nonetheless and I had to break the bond."

Francis frowned. "Kill her?"

"I'd do it again if need be," Bash replied.

"Is that why I've been... better?"

Bash nodded. "For now. It's not a permanent fix. But it is a start."

"Question more of the servants and have soldiers check every Scot, English and Irish person who comes to France," Francis said. "I've got my mother doing research on long-acting poisons. I've stalled her interest, for now, citing that I'm curious about the study of poisons but she is no fool."

"No, she is not," Bash agreed. "How is the treatment?"

"Tedious, painful but-"

"Needed," Bash finished with a small smile.

Francis smiled wryly. "We should go on a hunting trip soon. Whilst I'm still walking of my own accord."

"I'll look forward to it," Bash replied before bowing and leaving.

Francis shifted over to the wall and leaned against it, closing his eyes. Once he felt better, he fixed himself and looked around to see if anyone saw. He couldn't have news of his impending death spreading around.

But like the observant woman she was, Catherine witnessed and heard everything.

She set her jaw and went in search of the Queen of Scots.