Sorry it's been a while since I last posted. I usually try to post two chapters a week, but I've been a little under the weather. Thankfully I'm starting to feel better now. :) I can hardly believe this is the second to last chapter! It's been quite a journey revising this story... like meeting with old friends again. I'd almost forgotten how much I love this TV series. Anyway, thanks so much for your support. I truly appreciate all of you. I'll most likely post the final chapter by the end of this week. Enjoy! ~ Sweet R.
Chapter Nineteen: Resolutions
The knowledge that Mary was alive renewed Francis' strength tenfold. Just minutes ago, he'd been determined to die, but now he had every reason in the world to live. So, when Louis of Conde stepped forward to oppose him, he attacked with a ferocity that surprised even himself.
Every few moments his eyes shifted to his brother to see how he fared against Antoine. However, even in his weakened state, Bash seemed to be holding up well, but everything changed in the blink of an eye. Antoine made a swift turn to avoid Bash's swing and elbowed him in the gut.
His brother cried out and fell to his knees on the ground. It was evident from the blood seeping through his shirt that Antoine's had struck Bash's healing wound. Francis knew he had to act quickly in order to save him. Luckily the commotion distracted Conde just enough to give Francis the upper hand. He knocked his opponent's blade from his hand.
"Kill my brother and I shall kill yours," he muttered and pressed his blade against Conde's throat. In the matter of just a few seconds the cousins had found themselves at an impasse. Francis stared Antoine down, waiting for the slightest movement.
"Stop!" a low voice shouted from behind them. Francis looked up as the English ambassador came into view, riding on horseback. "Please…stop this at once."
"Nicholas," Francis said in surprise. "I thought you were in England by now, informing your queen of our suspected crimes against her."
Nicholas shook his head. "I never believed you or Queen Mary would murder the proxy. I went to investigate myself and discovered the crime was carried out by a radical group not connected with the monarchy of France or Navarre. After learning about the siege, I returned here as quickly as I could."
"And what of the peace accord?" Francis asked.
"If Queen Mary still wishes to renounce her claim to the English throne, the agreement will be signed as planned. Furthermore, since Queen Elizabeth has made an agreement with Navarre as well, she will not choose a side in this battle. I have been ordered to have all English forces stand down."
Antoine's eyes darkened, obviously realizing without England's support his army was now severely outnumbered. "Very well," he finally agreed and sheathed his blade. "An ally of England will also be an ally of Navarre."
Francis relinquished his weapon and made eye contact with Antoine and then Conde. "I look forward to sharing long lasting peace with you once again, my cousins."
After discussing the terms of the peace agreement, Francis and Bash watched Navarre's forces retreat. They helped each other limp back to the castle, ignoring the guards who tried to come to their aid. Francis wanted just a few more moments with his brother. He winced as pain radiated through the wound on his leg but managed to smile at Bash. "Thank you for risking your life to save me."
"Of course. You're my brother and I would lay my life down for you in a heartbeat."
Francis tightened his grip around Bash's shoulder. "As would I."
His mother and Kenna rushed out to meet them when they reached the castle gates. Judging by the women's concerned expressions they must have looked awful—bloody, bruised and barely holding each other upright.
Kenna rushed Bash's side and kissed him hungrily in the middle of the courtyard, not seeming to care who watched. "You're in deep trouble for running off like that again," she scolded with a flame igniting in her eyes.
An amused smile spread across his brother's face. "Well, if this is my punishment, I'll be sure to cause trouble more often."
She let out a forced laugh and led him in the direction of the infirmary.
Francis started heading in the opposite direction toward his chambers until his mother tugged on his arm. "Francis, you must see the physician as well. Your leg wound needs attention."
"I need to see Mary first," he insisted.
After tying a rag around his wound, he limped down the corridors of the castle with his mother trailing behind arguing with him. He barely made it to the stairs before needed assistance from his guards. When he finally made it into their chambers Francis felt dizzy and ready to collapse. However, seeing Mary again made all the pain worth it.
She didn't look up right away, but he didn't mind. It gave him a moment to admire her beauty. An hour ago, his world had faded to muted tones of gray but now color had unfurled into his life again, like the first bloom of spring. Sitting up in bed, cradling their infant daughter, Mary was the most beautiful sight he'd ever seen. His true love—his queen—his light.
He limped forward and she looked up at him with visible tear stains on her cheeks. She let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, Francis… I was so worried." A tired smile formed on her lips but after surveying his disheveled appearance and wounded leg her eyes filled with concern. "You're injured! You must see a physician at once."
He winced while resting beside her on the bed. "I'll live… and our country is at peace again."
She frowned and reached for him with her free hand, running her fingers through his hair and caressing his cheek. "Did you really fight the Bourbons?"
He nodded. "Yes. I thought it was the only way to save you."
"Francis," she scolded and furrowed her brow. "Why would you do something so stupid? They could have killed you!"
He grinned and kissed her hand, remembering the first time she'd said that to him, after the Italians invaded the castle and he came back through the secret passageways to save her. Francis moved his face closer to hers. "Because I love you. Because I couldn't imagine living in a world where you didn't exist. Will either of those two reasons satisfy you?"
"Yes. I suppose," she whispered with an angelic smile planted a tender kiss on his lips.
He let out a light chuckle and took a peek at their sleeping daughter. "When Anne is older, we'll have quite an interesting story to tell her about the day of her birth, won't we?"
"Yes indeed. A story about love and bravery… and sacrifice. All so we could be a complete family and raise our beautiful Anne Marie together."
"Marie?"
"After my mother," she whispered and a tear dripped down her face.
Francis cupped her moist cheek in his palm. "What is it, my love?"
Mary's lips trembled as her gaze fell to Anne again. "My mother's life was the price… instead of mine."
His mind tangled with confusion. "Mary, I don't understand. How…"
She wiped her tears and looked up, managing a sad smile. "I'll explain it all to you someday…but right now I just want to savor this moment with you and our daughter."
He kissed Mary's cheek and wrapped his arm around his beautiful wife and child, thankful for the second chance they'd been given. "I would love nothing more."
