Condé ducked out of Narcisse's way and pulled Mary with an unfair advantage he had. Mary stared at the scene unfolding in dismay. Narcisse snarled and went after Condé. They trailed around in a circle in the chambers until both Mary and Condé reached the door. Their chances of escape were dimmed when a figure appeared at the door.

"Bash!" Mary exclaimed, relieved to see him alive and well. "But how?"

Narcisse did not offer them a moment for reunion and he charged at the three of them. Bash jumped in front of Condé and Mary with his sword at the ready.

"A carriage is waiting for the both you. Leave...now!" Bash ordered before he struck Narcisse with his blade. The pair had no option but to flee.

"How dare you betray your country letting them leave!" Narcisse growled at Bash.

"It is not betraying anyone if I am protecting my brother's wife." Bash answered with heavy breaths as he deflected Narcisse 's blade, strikes after the other.

"You mean his widow with her lover." He bit back. Both the blades met in the middle and both men found themselves spitting hateful glares each other.

"Or I suppose, loyalty never dies with a basterd like you , who would be happy with just about anything." Narcisse smirked.

Blood rushed through Bash's veins at Narcisse's remark and he saw red. He proved himself to be a great hand of the king for Francis. This man should know better than to challenge him. He pushed Narcisse back with a blinding speed and struck the man down. Narcisse knees buckled underneath him and in a desperate attempt to protect himself, he struck Bash's forearm, making him cry out in pain.

"We're almost there." Mary uttered as they hurriedly paced through the dark winding corridors. Condé was fast at her heels but he felt like a coward for fleeing in such an impetuous way. When they reached the courtyard, they saw that the carriage was anxiously waiting just for them. Mary climbed in first and Condé lingered at the foot of the carriage.

"Louis?" Her frightened eyes searched his face.

"Mary," he reached for her hand. "I will not be joining you on this France's new king, I need to take my stand and fight my battles. I have to help Bash." He announced

She stared at him dazed. She knew Louis was a good man and she believed that he would make a great king. This is one step closer to that goal. She bit her lip before replying in a steady voice despite her heart shattering into a thousand pieces. "I... understand. Be safe, Louis." Her hand trembled on his and he kissed her palm. "Adieu." He whispered. Louis took a step back and closed the door.

" I shell send for you when it is safe." He promised. They shared a long glance before Louis ordered the driver to go. As the carriage pulled away, Mary felt like a piece of her stayed behind.

Bash laid on the floor, trying his absolute best to keep Narcisse from killing him. Just when he thought of surrendering to the wicked man, a sudden blow struck Narcisse on the head and he fell to the floor. Bash laid panting and stared at the lifeless body next to him.

"Thanks." Bash's heaved and winced as he moved his arm. "I thought that you left with Mary?"

"I couldn't leave. France is mine now. I need to do everything in my power to ptotect it, if God wills it."Condé proclaimed. It was not eady letting Mary go into the unknown but he knew it was for the best for her and their unborn child.

"Where is the carriage going?" Condé asked.

"Somewhere where she is safe and will stay comfortably." Bash replied.

"Thank you." He breathed.

"I did nit do it for you. I did it for her." Bash replied resentful. Mary would always hold a special place in his art. "I made a promise to my brother and I tend to keep it. Mark my words, Condé. Hurt her and I hurt you."

Louis nodded at Bash. Before he could say something more, a haurd hurried in.

"Your majesty, they took the south wing."

Bash and Condé shared a glanced before hurrrying to save what was left over of the castle.

The carriage ride felt like it went on for hours. Mary's body felt stiff and she felt tired. She was relieved that no one tried to take the carriage. She was hopeful of the future of France and her own country. If she married Louis, the noticible threats would vanish; her cousin would decide to leave them be and Scotland would finally be reunited.

She drew back a bit of the curtain and noticed the spectacular colours painted over the sky as dawn rose. The pastures were lush and green and for the first time in 48 hours, a serene calmness washed over her.

Soon the carriage came to a complete stop. A footman opened the door for her and she gracefully stepped out. Just as her feet landed on the gravel, the front door opened.

A young woman with her hair dishelved gaped at her.

"Mary, is that truly you?" She thought that she might be seeing a ghost.

"Lola? Oh my..." she rushed toward her friend and pulled her in a tight hug. "I am so truly happy to see you." She breathed.

Lola's breathing was restricted as she was in a right grip but she managed to muster a few words.

"As am I."

The two ladies entered the beautifully decorated chateau. On the staircase, Lithe and the princess stood. Claude stared daggers at Mary.

"What is she doing here?" Claude asked bitterly. By now, the news of Feancis's death and Mary's betrayel reached them. Claude felt bitterly angry.

"Dear Claude, she is a guest here." Lola spoke sweetly.

"No, she is a traitor! I want her out of here!" She demanded.

"Hold fast," Lithe interjected calmly, "Do not be so hasty.-" before he could finish, Claude turned on her heels and went upstairs. The tension was thick in the room and Lithe hastily followed the Princess.

"Oh Lola, I am so truly happy to see that Claude is alright. Louis is most merciful-"

"Mary, I love you but why are you fooling yourself? I know you see the one side of hom, but France is being destroyed."

Mary frowned at her friend. It was not so long ago that Lola encouraged her to follow her heart and now she was welcomed as a fool and a traitor.

"Lola," she drew in a deep breath, "I would like to finish this conversation after I have bathed and eaten. It has been a horrible anf long journey."

"Of course." Lola nodded and right on cue, Jon cried from the other room. That baby would forever be a reminder of Francis. Who's betrayal is the worst?