This was a request for another fandom but I don't know, I kept wondering what if I did it for Kenna instead. I will write it eventually for the fandom I told the person I'd do it for, but I hope she'll read it on here instead. Me doing my part to revive the Reign fandom. Working on (16th century? Basically normal Reign timeline adapted) ATEOTB's next chapter where we are preparing for war under Francis II's orders and on LAF (21st century, modern AU) where Francis III and Mary have parental duties regarding marriage alliances.
Warning: This story implies rape, contains abuse and other triggers that may be difficult to read or stomach. I am no expert in these cases but a few of my friends/family members have gone through domestic abuse and it's terrible. It's disgusting and horrible and I use my platform at times to spread the word so to speak. If anyone is affected by this, I sincerely apologise so do read at your discretion. I will keep this at a T rating but advise that people over sixteen read this and not below that age. I'd like it to be 18+ but if anyone between 16-18 does go through abuse, there is help wherever in the world you are in, hopefully. Abuse isn't always physical, remember that.
Quote of the chapter: "But even when I stop crying, even when we fall asleep and I'm nestled in his arms, this will leave another scar. No one will see it. No one will know. But it will be there. And eventually, all of the scars will have scars, and that's all I'll be - one big scar of a love gone wrong." ― Amanda Grace, But I Love Him.
Do you ever feel like someone you've known since you were kids is changing right before your eyes? Like, their behaviour, their eyes, their face, their laughter, their smile, everything?
Bash watches over the rim of his glass, Kenna pulls her sleeve down and laughs happily at something Francis tells her and Mary. She meets his eyes and smiles warmly before looking away again, seeing her boyfriend of two years walk over with new drinks.
Antoine Bourbon, Bash and Francis's third cousin.
He places the tray of drinks on the table and Bash finishes his own, grabbing his new one quickly. "Next round is on me," he tells everyone.
"As long as they keep coming, I'm good," Francis replies, collecting his beer.
Bash returns to studying Kenna, seeing how instead of relaxed, she's tensed up. He sees her nervously eye Antoine as the man whispers into her ear and her face falls before a smile is on her face. Fake smile.
Now, when she laughs at Mary's story, it's forced and uncomfortable.
Mary recalls how she and Kenna went to a summer camp one year abroad and she was unwillingly led to the boys' quarters by Kenna who wanted to meet one guy, in particular, to make out with.
"It was so bad!" Mary says as Francis laughs and Antoine smiles tightly. "I mean, I was stood there awkwardly as this guy and Kenna were practically swallowing each other. I left and well, Little Miss Kenna ended up losing her virginity come morning."
"Mary, that's enough," Kenna says nervously, leaning into Antoine's side to whisper something into his ear. She gasps when his grip on her thigh tightens and she plays it off as if she's remembering something.
Mary giggles, sipping her drink. "Honestly, Kenna. The guy wasn't all that bad looking either."
"Mary-"
"You had the whole summer camp obsessed with you," Mary continues. "We couldn't go back because all the girls hated you and me for knowing you and all the guys wanted you."
"Maybe we should start calling it a day?" Bash asks, watching as Kenna pales and swallows deeply.
Antoine nods. "Actually, Kenna and I should get going-"
"Hey, Antoine, remember that time at school you got punched by Julien Varga?" Francis quickly cuts in with a grin.
Antoine laughs wryly. "I wasn't prepared."
"Julien does throw a pretty mean right hook," Kenna says lightly, taking a sip from her drink. "Prepared or not, I'm sure Julien would have still sent you down, Antoine."
"Isn't he boxing now?" Francis asks his brother.
Bash nods. "Guess Antoine was practice."
"Let's go now, Kenna," Antoine says.
"I want to stay," Kenna replies, turning to clink her wine glass with Mary's. "We've got quite a lot to catch up on-"
"Kenna, I've got work-"
"Mary and Francis can drop me off," Kenna tells him.
Bash narrows his eyes but then relaxes. "I'll drop her off."
Antoine sends him a brief glare. Enough for Bash to know what it was but not for anyone to catch on. "No, Kenna. We have to go. Remember that thing we have?"
Kenna shakes her head. "Ant-"
"Let's go, baby girl," Antoine purrs into her ear, making her shiver.
Kenna finally relents and sends a smile to the group. "Thanks for having us. I'll call you soon, Mary."
"Uh, yeah," Mary says, getting up to hug Kenna. "Bye, babe."
Kenna smiles, kissing her cheek and reaching down to squeeze Francis's hand. "It's been fun."
Antoine starts leaving, slipping his jacket on as Kenna also rounds the table, placing a hand on Bash's shoulder.
"See you guys later."
"Bye," Bash mumbles, patting her hand before the heat disappears from his shoulder.
"Bye, Kenna!" Francis calls out, Kenna sending a smile over her shoulder and leaving to catch up with Antoine.
Bash turns to Mary and Francis. "Was she acting weird?"
"Like how?" Mary asks, sliding her hair behind her ear.
"I don't know. Whenever he wasn't around, she was relaxed but when he came, she switched. She was more tense," Bash replies.
Francis shrugs. "I didn't see anything out of the sorts."
"I see your overprotective husband instincts haven't left you," Mary tells him lightly. "I'm sure Kenna's fine!"
Bash sighs, downing his drink. "Well, the third round's on me," he says, getting up and heading to the bar.
...
Kenna is shoved into the house and she hears the front door close behind her. She takes a deep breath in and turns, releasing the breath she was holding. She faces Antoine and sighs.
"Did you have to embarrass me?" Antoine snaps, grabbing her arm and pulling her to him.
"I-I was just saying the truth-"
"You never defend me," Antoine cuts her off. "Every time we're with your friends, you never defend me. You laugh with them at my expense."
Kenna shakes her head. "I don't. I didn't laugh at you-"
"Yes, you did-"
"I didn't-"
She's cut off with a slap and she raises her hand to her cheek quickly, turning her head to face him with unshed tears in her eyes. She hisses in pain when his fingers dig deeper into her arm and she blinks, tears leaving her eyes.
"Oh, baby girl, I'm sorry," Antoine breathes out, releasing his grip and coming over to cup her cheeks. "I don't want you talking to them anymore, okay?"
Kenna nods. "I won't," she promises him, feeling his lips on hers. "I'm sorry."
"You should be," Antoine says. "You disappointed me today, Kenna. I hope you realise that."
"I do," she whispers. "I'm so sorry."
"Want to make it up to me?" He asks, kissing her neck.
Kenna swallows deeply. "I don't want sex right now-"
"Kenna," he says shortly. "We're going to go upstairs and you're going to make it up to me. Am I clear?"
Kenna closes her eyes. "Antoine, p-please-"
His hands leave her cheeks and he grips her hand, pulling her in the direction of the stairs. "Kenna, you're going to make it up to me-"
"Antoine-"
"Maybe, we could start trying for that baby you always bang on about us having," he shouts down at her. "Jealous of Francis and Mary with their three little kids and all of your other friends being mums. Let's make you one tonight."
No, Kenna mentally begs. Not with you. "Antoine, I don't want to have sex!"
She screams when he lifts her instead and carries her upstairs, opening the bedroom door and entering. He throws her onto the bed, his hands quickly working to strip her off from her clothes.
"Kenna," Antoine says as she struggles. "I will hurt you-"
"Don't, please-"
His hand goes to clench around her throat and she stills, breathing shakily. "Will you be a good girl now?" He asks her, gripping onto her arm tightly which makes her skin split.
"Yes," she whispers, tears slipping down her face.
...
Another day, another night, another photoshoot. Kenna finishes up taking photos of her new cuts, bruise and whatever else before placing her phone onto the bathroom sink counter and sighing.
She grabs her concealer, starting to put it on along with the rest of her makeup to make sure nothing is visible. She doesn't even bother with short-sleeved tops and dresses now. Everything is covered up, even when the weather is hot or warm.
She lies and says she forgets to shave her arms and doesn't want to insult people's eyes with her hairy body.
Kenna locks her phone as Antoine enters the bathroom, placing a sloppy kiss on the back of her neck before he goes over to the toilet and uses it. "Did you sleep well?" She asks.
"I did," Antoine says proudly. "Last night was fun."
Kenna's eyes sting and she hopes her voice won't give her away. "Yeah, it was. It was nice to see-"
"I mean last night," Antoine says sharply.
Kenna freezes. "Yeah, that was great," she mumbles, feeling his arms wrap around her waist.
"Makeup?"
"Yep," she says. "I've got work."
"You work from home."
"Not today, I don't," she tells him. "I have to get the measurements for the rooms. It's hard being an interior designer if you're not physically there."
Antoine nods. "Fair enough," he says, kissing her cheek hard. "I love you."
Kenna stares at herself in the mirror. "I love you too."
...
Bash twirls his pen between his fingers, his mind leaving the room of number crunching and other stuff his father's company deals with. He can't stop thinking about Kenna acted last night.
She seemed afraid to go home, prolonging being with Antoine by having people offer to drop her off but then she changed quickly when Antoine said something to her. How the creep purred into her ear and she felt like throwing up or being anywhere but there.
His eyes lift up when his father suddenly stops talking and looks out the glass to see Kenna walking beside Catherine, Bash's stepmother.
"Our interior designer has arrived," Henry says happily. "You know what that means?"
"New offices for us," Stéphane Narcisse says with a sly grin. "I gave her a list of exactly what I wanted. From Persian rugs to gold-plated lion figurines."
Henry chuckles. "Why have gold when you can afford platinum?" He asks, turning to Bash who sits beside an amused Francis. "Sébastien, show her around. Catherine will eat her alive if she does."
Bash nods, getting up with his files. "Email me the rest of the topics discussed this session."
"Oui, oui. Now, go quickly! I can see Catherine's patience running thin," Henry says, waving him off. "She's the only one who's stepped into the building after she scared off the rest. And make sure the designer knows exactly what I want."
Bash rolls his eyes. "Yes," he says, leaving the room and heading over to Catherine and Kenna. "I'll take over."
Catherine nods, rolling her eyes at Kenna. "Does she not eat at all?" She mutters, leaving. "So stick-thin..."
Bash studies Kenna and finds that to be true. Kenna has always been a slender, beautiful woman but lately, she looks as if she's barely eaten and as if she's been feeding on things that are not food - like fear.
"Sorry about her," he tells her, leading her up the stairs forgoing the lift.
Kenna smiles a little. "It's no worry. She hasn't changed at all and I'm surprised she doesn't recognise me."
"Well, if you're not Mary, she doesn't recognise anyone at all," Bash replies lightly.
"I don't know why you need me," Kenna says as they pass the offices. "Everything looks wonderful."
Bash tuts. "Everyone's taste change like the seasons. We're hoping your designs are more permanent," he tells her.
Kenna smiles softly. "Well, I'll accept the pay."
"Good," Bash says, chuckling and opening the door to his father's office for her and leading her inside. "As you can see, a corner office, views for days, the Eiffel Tower is even in the distance."
Kenna looks around, impressed. "Pretty. Pretty big. Pretty cool-"
"It's terrible-"
"The brown colour drains the life out of everything!" Kenna says, making them laugh. "I get why he needs my help now."
"He found you through Mary. We spoke about you over dinner last week," Bash tells her honestly. "Mary gushed about how you designed hers and Francis's new mansion and the kids were happy about their rooms. Well, James and Anne were. Rose can't speak yet."
Kenna giggles, licking her bottom lip lightly as she stares into his green eyes. "I missed you, you know? Last night was great, catching up."
"We've not done so in a while," he states.
"I've been busy," Kenna tells him. "I take offers abroad. I had one project back in Scotland so I stayed with my family for two months even after it was finished. The last project I did was in Dubai for some rich billionaire."
"You're going places," Bash says proudly.
"I am," she replies.
"And how did you get dragged down by Antoine?"
Kenna falters. "He doesn't drag me down," she says softly. "We're great together."
"If you say so," Bash replies, crossing his arms. "So, what do you need?"
Kenna digs into her work bag. "You measuring this room for me," she tells him with a smirk.
"That, I can do."
...
Kenna slips her hair behind her ear as she rereads the text Bash sent her after she left. She smiles, thinking about how his green eyes studied her every move and how he listened to her and didn't cut her off. He is nice, kind and sweet. The second she got into her car, he texted her to make sure she got home safely.
Now, the second text is asking her out for a drink.
As friends, of course. He says that his father is making him do so, in thanks for revitalising their offices from drab to fab. He also wonders if they can use it as a proper catch up after last night wasn't enough.
So, Kenna puts on her best dress. It's long-sleeved thankfully, reaches her mid-thigh and has a thigh slit just for impression. They're going to some lounge his family frequent the VIP section. They practically own France at this point, the Valoises coming from old money and continuing to build that money and wealth even more.
They have eggs in fifteen countries now and Mary's married into them, her own wealth impressionable on the wealthy French family. It also helps that Mary's half-French and her father knew Henry before the man died when Mary was six days old.
"Where are you going?"
Kenna sighs. "Lola and Greer asked me out for some drinks. Their kids are doing their heads in," she says.
"I'll come with-"
"Just us girls," Kenna says.
"How about you take a photo whilst you're there for me," Antoine tells her.
Kenna freezes. "You know what, maybe not-"
"Are you going to meet a man?" Antoine asks her, coming to stand behind her.
"No," she says calmly.
"Then why are you afraid to take one photo?"
Kenna turns to him. "Lola doesn't like having her photo taken. You know how her family are."
"It's not for social media," Antoine tells her. "Just for me. Make sure my girl is exactly where she told me she'd be."
Kenna turns to face Antoine. "You do not control me, Antoine. I am going out and I will drink and smile and relax. I will be home at one in the morning and I will see you then."
She grabs her clutch and leaves, getting into her car and driving off quickly. A part of her is excited about how she came off to Antoine, another part is scared though. But she doesn't care.
Leaving her car at the valet, she enters the lounge and Bash waves her over to the VIP section, the security guard opening up the red rope for her to pass through. She sits beside Bash and gives him a smile.
"You smell nice," she says, making him look down at his outfit.
"I had thirty minutes to get here," he says. "Couldn't change and had a full day of watching men sweat it out on the treadmills we're promoting."
"How lovely," she replies, laughing with him. "Must have been sweaty work indeed." She leans closer and sniffs. "Armani?"
Bash nods. "Oui. Voulez-vous un verre?"
Kenna nods. "I'll take a gin and tonic," she replies.
Bash gets up and heads to the bar as Kenna checks her phone. He turns and sees her face fall before her jaw sets and she turns off her phone, scoffing and rolling her eyes. But then her strong composure falls and she covers her face as tears build in her eyes.
When he returns to the table with their drinks, she's better.
"Gin and tonic for the lady," he says, placing her drink on her coaster.
Kenna smiles brightly. "Thanks."
"No problem," he replies. "Francis and Mary would have loved to join but-"
"No babysitter?" She asks knowingly.
He nods. "And I was kind of hoping that we could spend time with each other," he says.
Kenna blushes a little. "Well, I'm not complaining," she says, placing a hand on his knee. "God, it's been like five years since we were married?"
"Yeah, it has been," Bash mumbles. "Now, you're with Antoine."
Kenna removes her hand. "I didn't plan for that to happen. It just did... I mean, you were happy with Delphine, I didn't want to ruin what you'd found with her after we divorced."
Bash clicks his tongue. "Well, Delphine was insane. I'm sorry I let her get between us."
"I forgave you a long time ago," Kenna tells him honestly. "We've been good friends over the years, haven't we?"
"Mhm," he hums, playing with a strand of her hair. "I'm glad we have been. I don't know what I'd do without you in my life."
"Bash..."
"Antoine's not good for you."
Kenna leans away from his touch. "No, you don't get to say that. Not when I warned you about Delphine and you never listened to me until it was too late. I'm sorry she committed suicide, but that doesn't mean you have any right into my love life anymore."
Bash nods and moves to keep some distance between them. "She talked about kids, you know?"
"Oh, I remember," Kenna says, rolling her eyes. "How you and she would have five kids and live in the middle of nowhere."
"I didn't want kids with her," Bash replies. "We talked about them too."
Kenna's eyes water and she turns, a soft smile on her lips. "Antoine and I are trying." Lie. "Before him, all I ever wanted was to have a family with you. But people change and fall out of love with each other-"
"No," Bash drawls, sipping his Scotch. "I told you that I'd never stop loving you."
"You're not in love with me, though."
Bash sighs. "Before you, I had serious relationships but none that I ever saw would make it to marriage. You, I wanted the whole world with you. The marriage, the kids, the house, everything. You were my first love, Kenna and I don't think Delphine or any other woman will ever compare to you."
"Two out of three ain't so bad." Kenna starts to laugh, cupping his cheek. "You always knew what to say to make me feel all disgustingly good inside."
He places his hand on top of hers. "Because everything was easy with you."
"I'm with Antoine now," Kenna whispers softly.
Bash nods. "But he doesn't know how to treat you like you deserve."
"What do you me-"
"You're terrified of him-"
"No, I'm not-"
He gently slides her sleeve down and sees the bruises and cuts on her arm, making her stop talking. "Was this because of yesterday?"
Kenna's eyes flash and she stands, chucking her drink at him. "How dare you?! Antoine's my boyfriend and we're happy. Stay away from me."
She leaves, not realising that she's left her mobile phone on the table. Bash's eyes glance to it and he picks it up, hoping she never changed the password since they were together.
His heart skips a beat when she hasn't, the password being his birthday and hers combined and he goes through her text messages, setting his jaw as every word of abuse and insult reaches his eyes.
Kenna returns once she realises her mistakes and she freezes, her brown eyes meeting Bash's eyes. "Don't," she whispers. "Just give me my phone."
"How long?"
"He's getting better," she tells him quietly. "I promise you, he doesn't hurt me."
"Kenna-"
"Last night was just... He was drunk, he's never drunk like that before. It was awkward," she continues. "The most he's done is throw some shit at my way but always misses. He doesn't set out to hurt me."
Bash stands, feeling the liquid spill from his trousers to the ground. "And you told him you were coming to see me?"
Kenna's lip wavers as she shakes her head. "I said Lola and Greer needed a night out. Then I told him that... h-he didn't control me and he was upset and I'm scared to go home-"
She's cut off by Bash cupping her cheeks. "That isn't your home. Come home with me."
Kenna stares into his eyes and shakily nods. "Yeah," she breathes out. "Okay."
...
The next morning, Bash leaves his room and heads down to the guest bedroom to see the door wide open and the bed, done up with a note on it. He sighs and reads the letter, explaining that she was grateful but her home was with Antoine.
Throwing the letter away, he gets ready for his day and when he arrives at work, he sees her car parked at the visitors' spaces. He plants a smile on his face when Francis walks over and he gets out of his car, locking it after.
"Were you waiting for me? How sweet," he jests as they head inside together.
"How was your date last night?"
"It wasn't a date," Bash tells his brother.
"Well, a drink alone with your ex-girl-wait, your ex-wife is not suspicious at all," Francis replies with a grin.
Bash rolls his eyes. "Say that louder, the people in the back couldn't hear you."
"Why don't you just tell our parents that you were married to the interior designer?" Francis asks him.
"Because my private life isn't any of their concern. My mother would kill me if she found out I eloped and was married for two years," Bash replies.
Francis shrugs. "Well, you do you. She's in Dad's office, talking about getting a carpet made from polar bear fur."
"That's just wrong."
"Then why don't you go and stop that?" Francis smirks. "Spend more time with ex-wifey?"
Bash gives his brother a look and heads into the first lift as Francis takes the second one. "Imbécile," he calls out.
"Et toi!"
When he reaches the fourth floor and heads down to his father's office, he spots Kenna and Henry looking around the room, Kenna scribbling things down every now and then with her nods.
Her eyes meet his and Henry stops talking, waving him inside.
"You remember the interior designer," Henry says to him. "Mckenna, Sébastien."
"We know each other," Bash tells his father. "So, what have you decided on doing?"
Kenna shifts on her heels. "Your father is going for a monochrome look. Rose gold detailing. Cold but inspirational. There will be a feature wall, deep purple colour to enhance brain activity-"
"And it will go across from my desk," Henry cuts her off, going to the window. "Just here."
"But the windows cover most of the wall," Bash states.
"Exactly," Henry replies. "Does a genius like me need brain enhancement?"
Bash gives Kenna a look to which she smiles politely and looks away. "Seems like a good decision. I have to go through some files but Madamoiselle, will you sort out my office next?"
Kenna turns to Henry. "I was said that Monsieur Narcisse was next?"
"He is," Henry confirmed. "Then Catherine and Francis after. You'll have to wait, son."
"It will be quick," Bash promises. "Just a new desk."
"Fine," Henry tuts. "Do you mind?"
"Not at all," Kenna says quietly, shying away from Bash's gaze. "Shall we move on? I believe a great art piece will go just splendidly over on the right wall..."
Bash leaves, turning to see Kenna ducking her head quickly whenever his father turned to give his input or ask questions. She didn't seem to keen on meeting his gaze either and he sighs, heading down to his office.
When you know something terrible is going on but that person doesn't want help, what do you do? Do you stand back and watch as the person you love is dragged deeper down the hole that's being dug for her or do you put out a saving hand or even rope depending on how far into this she's gone?
Getting to his desk, he sits down and opens up the top drawer that he always keeps locked. Sliding it open, he spots a pack of polaroid photographs of him and Kenna. He never got rid of them, sometimes studying them. He catches himself doing so more now than ever since she came back into his life recently. Not that she was ever out of it, but she was always unreachable. He's glad that Francis and Mary did something about that two nights ago, asking her out for a drink.
Bash covers his face, closing his eyes. There's nothing he can do. Not when she doesn't seek his help. He never did anything without her permission, she'd be angry with him.
But the way she leaves Henry's office and turns to catch his eye briefly before she heads off to Narcisse makes Bash feel stuck again. She's leaner, sadder, helpless.
But he can't. He can't help her.
So he shuts the drawer closed and locks it before getting on with his work.