Good evening lovely readers. Thanks for your support so far, and know that it is highly valued and appreciated. You are the ones that keep my imagination working. God only knows where this story is taking me right now. Hope you enjoy this chapter. Cheers!

CHAPTER THREE

The gentle breeze that came in through the window was both relieving and nice. Robert, or rather Jean-Philippe, was lying peacefully in his crib, observing the room they were in with curious little eyes. Lola smiled at him, not ceasing to gently caress her son's head, soothing him as he took in his surroundings. She was glad that he didn't fully grasp his mother's despair at the moment. The last thing she needed was her own son looking at her with pitiful eyes. Indeed, since she had married Lord Narcisse a week ago, most of the people she met in the corridors either avoided her or acted as if she had just lost a close parent. Even her friends were more distant, all except Kenna, who tried her best to hide her obvious concern for Lola. Not only was there no reason so far to pity her, but Lola just couldn't stand the loneliness anymore. But thank God, her son didn't judge her or avoided her: he even smiled when he saw her come, giggled when she scooped him in her arms and grabbed hold of her fingers whenever she was quietly rocking him back in forth in the rocking chair. He had grown so big in the past few months. Soon, her son would be playing around with the other children, soon he would come home with his first bruises that would need tending.

Francis had told her that he refused she take their baby to Lord Narcisse's residence. Of course he hadn't forbidden her to see her son, for that would not have been acceptable considering that their child needed a mother at his side. Only now, Lola wouldn't be able to see her son as often as she wished to, now that she was forced to live with her husband in his manor a few leagues away from the castle. The distance separating both places wasn't that great, and yet it was still too far away in Lola's opinion. She knew that she would miss her son quite often in the future.

Her son's giggles brought her back to reality and Lola noticed a presence in the room. Turning around abruptly, she caught sight of Lord Narcisse, who was standing in the doorway with his strong arms crossed over his chest and a small smile on his lips. Only then did she notice that he was not looking at her, but at her giggling son. She then was reminded of Lord Narcisse's son's death that had been one of the reasons why Mary had decided to marry Lola off. It must have been horrible to witness the death of his child. The thought of seeing her own son die was simply unbearable.

"Do you wish to hold him?", she asked, her voice a mere whisper. She saw Narcisse's smile fade slowly and wondered if she had done anything wrong.

"No… I believe the child's father wouldn't appreciate to see his son in the arms of a man he despises"

"He can't possibly despise you this much, or else he wouldn't have married me off to you. Besides, Francis is not here and Rob… I mean Jean-Philippe is as much my son as it is his. Here, hold him…" Gently, Lola placed her son in her husband's arms and watched how Narcisse naturally held the baby protectively to his chest. She also noticed that the child felt utterly relaxed in this stranger's hold, which surprised her more than Lord Narcisse's unexpected gentleness.

"He feels comfortable in your arms… usually even the Nanny can't calm him down or put him to sleep"

"I wonder why it always surprises people when a child doesn't start screaming in my arms. Even the mother of my son…" There was a break in which Lord Narcisse swallowed with difficulties, "… didn't think that I would be a good father to Edouard. But I was… or so she eventually admitted some weeks before she passed away…"

"I am sorry… I didn't mean to say that you can't take proper care of a child or to remind you of your deceased wife" Narcisse smiled ironically and placed the sleeping baby back in its crib. Lola smiled tenderly as she covered him with a warm blanket.

"Come… there is something I would like to teach you", Lord Narcisse said, offering her his hand to hold. Lola hesitated for a second, not sure if she wanted to leave her son right away, and uncertain as to where her husband intended to take her. His small, even reassuring smile, returned on his handsome face.

"Come Lola, I promise you will have a decent amount of time to farewell your child before we move to our new home. And I also promise that I will never hold you back from visiting him. For now, I would like us two to share a moment I'm sure you'll enjoy" Lola tried to hide her anticipation at what awaited her. She wasn't sure if she had interpreted his words well, but if what she thought was about to happen occurred, then she wasn't sure if she could cope.

Since the wedding, Lola had denied Narcisse every time he had gone too far to her liking. Of course, now that they were married and shared a bed, Lola had to get used to the fact that her husband wished to be close to her when they lay next to another. However, Narcisse had not acted as she had imagined: she had been allowed a sleeping gown (Lola felt more and more stupid for thinking that Narcisse would deny her that luxury) and her husband had never gone further than kisses (which was the furthest Lola had allowed him to go). Lord Narcisse had been remarkably understanding and patient… so far. He might try and bed her now and Lola wasn't sure if she could resist him for much longer. And yet, she knew that one day, she would have to submit to him and she'd better get used to the idea. Besides, Kenna and Bash had fallen in love although they had been in the same situation as her. Maybe one day, Lola and Narcisse would feel the same for one another…

To her surprise, Lola noticed that Narcisse took the direction of the royal gardens. It was understated to say that she felt the greatest relief, so relieved in fact that she even managed a smile as they stepped into the sunlight and breathed in the fresh air coming from the sea. This was what freedom felt like. And nothing kept Lola from trying to escape her faith. Nothing but Narcisse's hand holding hers gently. And maybe, she didn't want to run away just yet. So far, she didn't have a reason to run away.

"The weather is absolutely beautiful today", Lola said, her smiled widening as they walked away from the gloomy, cold castle. In fact, the sun shined so bright she felt like taking a swim in the lake, but she knew that this was not how a lady was supposed to act. After a good fifteen-minute-long walk, Lola and Narcisse arrived at the bank of the garden's huge lake. The air was even fresher in this area and the grass looked greener and juicier. It was an idyllic place to enjoy the warm afternoon. Lola felt happy and content. She felt free, although she her hands were bound together with golden chains.

"This place is so soothing… do you come here often?", she asked casually, trying to start a conversation with her husband whenever she could to try and get to know him better. Although she didn't love him, there was no hate for him in her heart either. Maybe if people generally began to understand that clothes don't make the man, they could live peacefully together. Was is naïve of her to think that people could change?

"Yes… this is where I practice"

"Practice?", Lola inquired curiously, "practicing what?"

"Sparring and shooting the bow… now let's see…" Lola noticed a range of different arrows, which had certainly been brought here by servants. "You're right-handed, so this one should do", he said, picking one of the smallest bows and walking back towards her.

"I might be left-handed, some people are" Lola didn't know why she felt the need to provoke him: maybe so he wouldn't act so self-assured around her all the time. Again, the small ironic smile was back on his face. "Yes, but you're not" She was surprised that he had paid so much attention. Not many people knew that she was right-handed, actually most people simply assumed that she was, since left-handed people were considered (mainly among the common folk) that those people were sent by the devil. Lola knew this was a lie. The devil often hid in the most unexpected places…

"I have never even held a bow"

"It's quite easy… here hold this" Lola took the bow in her hand, not sure how exactly she was supposed to use it. She vaguely remembered her father teaching her the basics, but that had been a long time ago… She was surprised to hear Lord Narcisse say that she had good instincts. This was enough to boost up her confidence. Self-assured, she nocked her arrow and prepared to release it when she was stopped by Narcisse's calm voice.

"No, you're too quick" She felt him press his body against hers, adjusting her arms gently and whispering in her ear: "You don't have to just physically let it fly. Concentrate on the target, understand what you're aiming for. Sight the centre…" Lola did exactly how her teacher told her to and concentrated on shutting everything else out of her sight, focusing on the centre of the target. She let out a deep breath before she released the arrow, which hit the exact centre quickly.

"Good. Of course, the beginning is often promising", Narcisse complimented her, "the trick is to keep it going that way" Lola thought that she could use this same advice for their marriage. All seemed perfect and well, however she shouldn't let Narcisse fool her. She had to be careful. He was a dangerous man and he had the power to destroy her, Francis and her baby. She couldn't trust him just yet. She needed time.

The time had come for them to leave the palace. Lola wasn't ready to leave her son behind with the thought that she probably wouldn't be able to come and see him in a few days. She certainly would need time to familiarise with her new surroundings and thus would get to ride back to the castle. Like promised, Narcisse had let her go say goodbye to Robert. No, Jean-Philippe. She would definitely never get used to that name. Her son lay peacefully in her arms, snoozing, unconscious of his mother's departure. Francis had made the nurse promise to stay with the baby day and night. Lola knew that it wouldn't be good enough. Thank God, she didn't have to breastfeed him (for the young prince had early enough been accustomed to goat milk), which reassured her: at least, her son wouldn't wake up at night craving his mother's presence. Lola hoped the presence of a servant would be sufficient.

"I'm sure that you'll find the time to visit him every day once you've settled in. You're a swift rider and there are times when Lord Narcisse will have to stay at the palace" It was Mary, who had come to see Lola in the nursery. The Queen and her friend had grown apart in the past weeks because of all that had happened between them. But somehow, Lola still wished that both were friends. She missed Mary. She missed her comforting words and her friendship.

"I will not miss an occasion to see him. A few leagues won't keep me away from my son" There was determination in Lola's voice, something that seemed to startle the young Queen.

"Lola, Francis and I don't mean to punish you by keeping you away from Jean-Philippe. You love him and he needs a mother… we are not monsters"

"You were cruel enough to marry me off to a man a barely knew… for the good of France. Listen Mary, I'm not angry anymore. All I feel right now is frustration and confusion. Why me? There were so many good matches for Lord Narcisse. Was it because you wanted to punish me for sleeping with Francis?" Mary shook her head and looked hurt at Lola's harsh words.

"Most certainly not, Lola. I offered Lord Narcisse the choice to marry any woman of his liking at court so he would stop seeking revenge for his son. I made a mistake by killing Edouard, and I had to repair it, or else dozen of innocent people would die. Francis could have been a target, your son, too…" Lola protectively held her son close to her chest and glared at her friend and Queen. "I just did what I thought would solve the problem… and he chose you. I couldn't have possible foresee this decision, I was as shocked as you were when we told you…"

"And yet, you can't help but feel satisfied to have me out of your way. Now you are assured that if I ever try to sleep with Francis again, my husband will have the right to have me hanged for it…"

"Lola, you know me, I'm your friend" There were tears in both the women's eyes. Lola was well aware of how harsh she was being, but she had to speak out her mind. Mary, looking proud as always, didn't bother to wipe the tears that flowed down her cheeks. "I hate myself for what I have done. Because of me, you are Lord Narcisse's prisoner and if he decides to kill you tomorrow, he has the right to do so, just like Francis has the right to chop my head off…"

"And yet, you love him. And he loves you! Mary that is what makes our two situations completely different. I hold no meaning to Lord Narcisse. He doesn't need me once he has used me at his will. So if one day you learn of my mysterious disappearance, you and Francis will be the only ones to blame"

"Please", Mary pleaded, her eyes red and puffy, "please Lola don't say this to me. I have faith in you… you are a gentle soul and you have a good heart. Narcisse will never have a reason to kill you…"

"So far, I agree with you. But one never knows what tomorrow has in store for us" Lola gently placed her son back in his crib after placing a soft kiss on his forehead and whispering an 'I love you' in his ear. Mary looked at her miserably and eventually wiped her tears.

"I will always be there for you and I hope that you will find the courage in your heart to forgive me… just as I have forgiven you for your mistakes. And maybe one day, I hope, you will thank me for taking that decision" Lola nodded softly, not certain if she agreed with her friend or not.

Her baggage had been hauled up onto the carriage outside the castle. The coachman was waiting for Lord Narcisse order to depart. Lola had said goodbye to Kenna and Greer, who both had wished her a safe trip and a quick return. Lola had felt her heart race in her chest knowing that she had all the support she needed at the castle. Mary had embraced her as well, telling her once again that she hoped Lola would forgive her one day. Of course she would, but it was too early to say when exactly. Lord Narcisse had already taken place in the carriage and was only waiting for Lola to join him, which she did a short time later.

"We are ready to leave", she declared, her voice sounding more miserable than she intended to. Narcisse nodded and told the coachman, who immediately followed his Lord's orders. The carriage was moving fast, for the night was upon them and Narcisse didn't want to linger too long in the woods after sunset. Lola remained quiet for a long time, sometimes looking at Lord Narcisse, who had casually placed a hand on the pommel of his sword. He was tensed, she could sense it. Something was wrong… The carriage suddenly slowed down. Lola felt her heart race in her chest.

"Why are we slowing down?", Narcisse shouted so the coachman would hear, but there came no answer. The air was thick around them. All they could hear was their nervous breathing.

"What is happening", Lola asked, her voice betraying her fear. Narcisse was about to answer when they both heard the howling of a wolf pack in the distance.