Whimsical possibilities of a life without Francis's devotion has ruled me to this point in time, where I stand merely feet away from another who has seen me at my most vulnerable. And yet although my heart sinks with the devastation of the act, an act so fiery that it burned through my body, I have this urge to be touched by him again. But I mustn't. We mustn't. Although he may try to convince me so, with words so richly poetic even the greatest of writers are put to shame, I shan't think of such things again. No. I mustn't act upon such things again.

I'm not sure how long we stood there just staring at each other, with chests heaving. I'm unsure as to whom left first, but the rest of the day ended in a blur of nameless faces and niceties of the court.

I believe now that I had always felt a coldness around my heart ever since the day I found out about Lola and Francis. And even as Lola sits across from me now, and I feel more close to her then before, I still blame her for a situation I too am guilty of. More punishable of, for sure.

"Do you believe it is possible to love two people at once?" I blurted out. Lola looked at me squarely, with one eyebrow raised.

"Is that what you are reading about these days, Mary." She began, pointing to the book in my hands "hopeless triangles of love."

"Yes, I guess I am. Although I do wonder if these triangles are in fact hopeless." Lola sighed, closing her own book.

"I believe, that you can love two people at once. But one love is always greater than the other. I also believe that you already know this Mary, given your decision to wed Francis."

"You're so rational when it comes to love Lola. Such an irrational thing can't possibly be explained so simply."

"Why do you question it, Mary?" She leant to place her hand atop of mine, "Francis loves you with all of his heart, there is no place for me within it." At least she believes I am speaking of her and Francis.

"I know you're right Lola, I just don't know how much longer I can keep the secret." To what secret I was referring to I now no longer knew the answer.

"You must Mary. And I know what position I place you in. But I am to be wed very soon, and then I will be gone so no need to worry. Everything is working out just as you have said." Lola is right. She will be gone, with her and Francis's child. And i'll be here with Bash keeping another secret buried within these palace walls. Just the thought of his name sends motion through my body. No, I mustn't think of such things.

"Mary?" A soft voice called from the doorway. I turned to face Kenna, motioning for her to join Lola and I.

"What is the matter Kenna, you look as though you have seen a ghost."

"No, not a ghost." Kenna begun to say as she sat down next to Lola and I, "But a madman for sure."

...

Kenna disclosed information about the King, even though she knew Queen Catherine would scold her for betraying her trust in the matter. The King was in a much worser state than I had initially feared, and the safety of my husband was now plaguing my concern.

I believe I was marching down the hallways, searching for the one person I shouldn't seek to find.

"You appear to be on a mission Mary.." Trying to make a joke but then realising my determined face Bash's voice stopped. "What is the matter?" He moved to touch me, but then thought better of it given the other occupants in the hallway, and dropped his hands to his sides.

"Has Henry ever threatened your life, Bash?" Initially appearing to be confused at the question, Bash responded with certainty.

"Yes. He was responsible for the guards attempt on my life. Believing that I would always covet what belongs to my brother, and that by removing me from the play every problem will vanish along with it." He moved to scratch his head, "I guess in some respects my father is more observant than most, but I don't understand what has made you so frightened." To discuss this with him so openly isn't something we should do.

"Let us go somewhere more private."

...

Within the closed doors of my chambers we were free to speak.

"What is it Mary?" Bash asked as soon as the doors were closed. He moved of his own will to run his fingers along my arms. I moved away swiftly, despite enjoy the brief contact.

"Kenna has told me these stories of the King. And I fear now that is madness may be corrupting the country. Until Francis gets back I am unsure of what to do. Henry wishes to make Penelope the actual Queen of France."

"That isn't even possible.."

"But Henry believes it is. And he wishes to destroy all who venture into his way." Bash moved again to touch my arm, and as I tried to pull away again he held me still.

"Mary." He said my name so softly as though it had been flown in by a breeze, "You needn't worry. Francis and I have already spoken about our fathers welfare, and like you we are fearful of the worse. Henry is insufferable and refuses to consult a medical scholar, and so we must be extra vigilant. I shall speak to my wife.." His wife..at the sound of those words my face must have unravelled a secret. "Where did your mind just go Mary? Have I offended you, you look..."

"No. Of course not Bash. What could you possibly have said that would offend me?" He turned his head to the side as though he was searching for an answer he already knew the answer to. And although I believe he chose his words carefully to instigate such a reaction, my reaction is what scared me the most.

"I adore you Mary, you needn't worry. I have eyes for no other, my lips will not touch another's, and my body will not be with another nor will my heart." I was going to protest but his words sunk into my soul with the right amount of tied wood to make me see a future with the man before me. And then I remembered dear Francis who was oblivious to my infidelity, and the wood turned to led.

"I can't be around you Bash."

"I don't understand."

"You perfectly understand and that is the issue. You speak of such sweet futures and I can't promise you these things and that is what tears me in two. I fear you are missing out on the splendors of life and one day will resent me for it."

"Being with you is what matters to me most Mary. If I was to die tomorrow I would pass on with a grin on my face for I have loved another fully and completely."

"And if you died at the end of my husbands sword Bash, I would be struck soon after."