A/N: Updates might slow down here this weekend because of birthday things and final projects for classes type things. But I do need to write more of this story. It's been a blast. Thank you so much for the few of you who have reviewed. I love Bash with all my heart but I'm totally team Frary. Anyway...I think there is kissing at some point in the chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter 4

The next morning Adelia took a quick bath before getting ready to go to the festival. She wasn't sure what type of festival it was but she needed to make a good impression on Francis. That was her goal; to win his heart. She tried to be firm and enthusiastic about it. Inside she was doubting herself.

Her maid twisted and braided gold and green ribbon in her dark hair. The dress she chose today was a spring green with pink and golden flowers on the bodice. The skirt was light and airy, perfect for a day walking around outside in the sun. The color of the dress brought out the color of her eyes, making the green enhanced and the gold flecks sparkle. When she looked in the mirror she saw a beautiful girl dolled up to spend the day with a prince. She lifted her chin as she regarded her reflection. She needed to be confident in this. No doubts today.

In the courtyard a gathering had begun. Apparently she wasn't the only one accompanying the prince to the festival. She saw several young noble girls and boys she recognized from her classes. There were three carriages waiting to take them to the town where the festival was being held. Fully armored soldiers sat on horses flanking the carriages while a few in chainmail stood milling about. They were going to be heavily guarded.

Adelia felt her heart flutter when she saw Bash appear from the castle. He was in riding leathers, brown and expensive looking. He mounted Mercury and began chatting with a nearby guard. She felt herself smile at the thought of him joining their adventure.

Her heart sunk, however, when Zoe appeared moments later. Her blond hair was done up in an elaborate style with pearls and gems. Her dress was white and gold and fabulous, showing off bits of her skin that would be scandalous in the Spanish court. Her dazzling smile matched her shiny clothes and Adelia could hear her laughter from across the court.

Francis arrived a few moments after Zoe. Zoe tried to get his attention but he was walking past her, greeting all the noble youngsters as if they were all old friends. At the last minute Adelia realized he was making his way toward her. "My lady de Bargas. Our carriage awaits." He gestured toward the first carriage which was by far the most splendid of the three. With a forced, shy smile, Adelia thanked him and got into the carriage. He got in after her and sat across from her, facing her. Another boy got in and sat by Francis and a girl sat next to Adelia. She was glad it wasn't Zoe.

The boy next to Francis was the boy from the Ottoman Empire, the one introduced on the same day as Adelia, Ashyln, and Zoe. He was in her writing classes and she knew his name was Omar. Most of the nobles feared him, even though he was young, because they feared his country. As far as Adelia could tell he had been nothing but nice and charming to all at the French court.

Francis looked over to Omar. "So my friend, are you glad to finally be out of the castle?"

Omar looked at the prince with wide eyes. "I am enjoying my stay at the castle, my Prince."

Francis chuckled. "I wasn't suggesting otherwise. But it is nice to get away once in a while. See the countryside. Mingle with the people."

The girl next to Adelia who she recognized as Madeline, smiled. "The Prince thinks his guards will let him mingle with the people?"

Francis made a face. "I will at least try. I am tired of always having armed babysitters. If the people love their king then why would I be threatened at a common festival?"

"Even the most benevolent kings have enemies." Omar said. "The king is right to have guards on you at all times. You are his legacy, after all."

Francis groaned and looked out the window. "Don't remind me."

"Don't you want to be king?" Adelia found herself asking.

Francis looked at her. "Of course. It's just that I'm not king yet. I still want to be young. I understand all too well what being king will mean some day. The people of France are my people and I must look out for them, do what is in their best interest. I understand the politics. I understand the responsibility. I just don't want it yet. Right now I want to be young. Free."

"You won't make it to be king if you aren't cautious, my friend." Omar reminded him. "If you are dead then you won't be king."

Francis looked at the younger boy for a moment. He turned back to the girls. "He is right, of course. So let us talk about happier things. Have you ever been to a local, commoner festival?"

Adelia shook her head no while Madeline nodded her head yes. Francis laughed. "Well good, this will be a treat. Tinsdale has some of the best baked sweets in the country. I look forward to going every year just get to taste all the delights they have for sale."

"Some of the boys were saying there were games and contests." Omar jumped in.

Francis nodded. "They are different each year but always fun to watch. I haven't participated in any in years. But feel free to try any of them out. They always seem fun."

The rest of the journey was spent with the four of them chatting about the weather and what they thought they might do when they reached the festival. Francis admitted to the two girls that he had been spending a lot of time with Omar lately because the boy had been showing him how to use different types of weaponry, swords and bows that were used by the Ottoman Empire.

They arrived at Tinsdale fairly quickly. The prince stepped out first, offering his hand to help Adelia out. She gratefully excepted and looked out at the field outside of the town that was decorated for the festival. There were bright ribbons tied up around many trees, posts, and tables. Colorful paper lanterns were lit even though it was still light out. There were a few areas roped off for events with benches set up around them for spectators. There were booths set up selling trinkets and jewelry. The sweet smell of baked goods wafted toward the group of nobles making Adelia's mouth water.

Francis attempted to walk toward the festivities but a chainmail guard stopped him. He and two other guardsmen went first, sweeping through the crowds to make room. Francis looked at Adelia with a sad look before offering his arm. He wanted so much to be normal and walk among his people as though he were one of them. She took his arm with a reassuring smile.

"It will be ok," she promised.

"I will try to ignore the babysitters the best I can." He told her.

The first row they went down was full of sweets. The guards quarantined the row off so the nobles could flutter from stall to stall, buying and tasting the variety of foods offered. Adelia had to laugh as Francis got powdered sugar all over his vest from a sweet he gobbled down without a breath. She took a dainty bite of what he had left for her and nodded her agreement that it was spectacular.

"Here, my Prince," Zoe said. She had come from nowhere and offered him a piece of something baked. She wouldn't let him take it but instead made him bite it out of her fingers. "It is divine." she added while he chewed. She watched him with hooded eyes, ignoring Adelia at his side.

Francis nodded at her, still chewing. "It is very good, thank you Zoe."

Zoe gave him a little curtsey. "I knew you would like it my Prince."

"Please, call me Francis."

"Francis," Zoe looked at Adelia now as though she had won something. The look was wiped off her face when Francis took Adelia's hand and led her away from Zoe.

"Come, Adelia, I want to show you something," Francis grinned at her.

And so the afternoon went. Francis spent his time wandering from stall to stall, sure that Adelia was near him at all times. He bought her food, made her try on the inexpensive jewelry at the stalls, and stood by her as they watched the smaller children play the games in the rings. He flashed her winning smiles and even dared to touch her hand a time or two. It was happening. Her father's plan was coming to fruition.

Yet she found herself scanning the crowd for Bash every few minutes. She saw him occasionally, joking with a noble or talking with a guard. He was always with someone different and seemed very calm and relaxed. He was having a good time.

"I think I'm going to try this," Francis said, pointing to one of the roped off areas.

Adelia read the painted sign. "Best of three. Sword play." She looked at Francis with alarm. "You're going to fight someone with a sword?"

Francis grinned at her. "They're wooden. This isn't ancient Rome. We aren't gladiators."

She narrowed her eyes as she looked at him. "Who is going to challenge the Prince of France? And whoever is willing to do that would do best to let you win. What kind of contest would that be?"

His smile faded. "Do you not want me to enter the contest?"

Adelia sighed. "I have no say over what the Prince does or doesn't do. I just caution you to use good judgment."

He did seem to ponder her words for a few moments. Then with an overly loud sigh he shook his head. "I'm doing it. I think it will be fine. I'll make sure my opponent knows not to let me win. I want a fair fight."

Adelia offered him a smile. "Then I hope you have fun. Good luck, Francis."

With a quick grin he walked away from her and toward the man who was running the contest. A guard hurried after the prince.

"You've held his attention for the whole day," a voice at her ear made her jump. She turned to see Bash at her side.

"He invited me on this trip." Adelia replied, heart thumping loudly in her chest. She worried that Bash might hear it.

"He invited us all on this trip," Bash challenged. "But you get to ride in his carriage. And you have been at his side since we've arrived." He paused a second before adding. "He likes you."

Adelia felt her cheeks flush. "He doesn't like me, he doesn't know me that well."

Bash chuckled. "He doesn't have to know you. You're pretty. You're sweet and kind. You smile at him. That's all he needs to know to like you."

"He likes so easily?" Adelia didn't know whether or not to be offended.

"I told you before. He's a romantic. He loves just as easily."

Adelia snapped her head toward him. "I will not be one of his conquests." She didn't want anyone thinking she was going to be easy to get into bed with.

Bash held up his hands. "I'm not saying that. But he is engaged to Mary of Scotland. She is going to be here in three days. He should not be looking at you with such endearing eyes."

Adelia chewed on her bottom lip. She watched as Francis walked into the ring. A large man, a commoner, entered after him. She could see he and Francis trading verbal barbs good naturedly. A few guards paced on the edges of the ring. Both contestants had on light, battered armor and picked up heavy wooden swords. After a moment the contest began.

She thought about lying to Bash. She thought about telling him she wasn't here for Francis, she was here for Mary as he suspected. He didn't need to worry about her and Francis because she wanted nothing from him. But all that would be false. It would be lies. That was why she was here. To make the blond king-to-be fall in love with her. Unite Spain and France against England and Scotland.

"Engagement is not married." she found herself saying. She felt Bash's eyes on her. She lightened her tone as she continued. "Francis could change his mind. There might be a better union, a more strategic union for him to consider. The king might find Austria a better ally than Scotland."

Bash snorted. "Austria. You mean Zoe."

"She's attempting to gain Francis's favor." Adelia pointed out.

Bash shook his head. "She is a snake. I can see it in her eyes. Cold-blooded and ruthless. My brother however," he paused as they watched Francis fight the larger man. Francis took the winning blow on the first fight though it was hard won. The second match was beginning. "My brother can be naive about these things. Zoe could play with his heart and destroy it before he knew what hit him."

"Francis is near an adult," Adelia reminded him. "He needs to learn control of his heart if he is to be wed to a queen."

"You mean he needs to grow up."

"In more ways than one." Adelia thought about the conversation in the carriage.

Bash chuckled. "I dare you to tell him that."

She looked up at him, appalled. "I would never speak to the Prince that way."

Bash shrugged. "You should. He needs it. He needs to hear it from someone beside his family. Lord knows how many times I've told him."

They watched as Francis lost his second sparring session. He took it with good humor, shaking the man's hand. They readied themselves for their last fight. Adelia had a feeling the man was going to let Francis win.

"What about you?" Adelia asked as Francis began swinging his wooden sword.

"What about me?" Bash asked.

"Growing up. Finding love. You talk about Francis's life as though you have wisdom in your own. Are you acting as an adult should? Will you marry for love or for entitlement?" Adelia looked away from the fight to meet Bash's eyes.

"I've told you I'm a pawn. I can just as easily be disposed of as I can be a power piece in the game of kings." He crossed his arms before looking down at her. "You know as well as I that people in our positions don't marry for love."

She didn't want to acknowledge his truth. She knew in her head that he was right. She also know that he was standing close to her, looking down at her, and engulfing her in his gaze. She felt light headed, as though she were going to float away at any second. She forgot what they had been talking about as she studied his face, his eyes, his lips. She wondered what he would taste like and in her mind's eye she pictured his lips on hers, kissing, tasting. Every fiber of her being tingled with the urge to test her imagination and compare it to reality.

A loud cheer from the crowd knocked her from her reverie. She tore her eyes from Bash to see the Francis had indeed won his final sparring match with the large man. They were shaking hands and grinning. Francis found her eyes through the crowd and grinned even wider when he saw her. She forced a smile back.

"My brother can be kind. Don't mistake it for affection." Bash's voice was near her ear to be heard over the cheers. She turned her head quickly toward him, bumping his forehead with her own. He took a step back, rubbing the spot she had hit. "I am just warning you to be careful."

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Adelia replied, also rubbing her head. "I am not looking for the Prince's affection."

Bash shrugged at her with a heart melting smile before disappearing into the crowd. Francis came back to her just as he left.

"Did you see?" Francis was out of breath with excitement. He was covered in a fine sheen of sweat yet his hair was still in perfect blond waves. "That was thrilling."

"He was a tough opponent." Adelia conceded. "You did well, Francis."

He beamed a smile at her. "Thank you, my Lady. Now, I think it is time we find some food before we head back to the castle." He offered his arm to her which she took cautiously. "I think today has been a great success."

"Everyone seemed to have fun, your Highness." Adelia said, glancing around at the familiar faces from court.

"Francis." He corrected her. "And indeed, they did." He seemed very pleased with himself.

Supper should have been quick but it seemed to drag for Adelia. They sat at a wooden table to eat the fair food and Zoe sat herself on the other side of Francis. The Austrian girl talked the entire time about herself and her homeland giving no one else a chance to join in. On top of that Adelia couldn't seem to see Bash anywhere in the crowd.

They finally left as the sun was sinking in the west, casting a rosy glow over the countryside. The way back was quieter as everyone was more tired from the long day. She caught Francis smiling at her a few times as she dozed in her seat.

When they reached the castle she was surprised when he offered to escort her back to her room. She noticed the death glares Zoe was sending her way as Francis took her hand and led her inside. He talked about a hunting party he wanted to gather in the next day or two and welcomed her to come along.

"I would be glad to attend," Adelia told him as they reached the door to her rooms.

"Great! I will send word when the plans are more concrete." He told her with a flash of a grin. He faced her in the doorway, standing only inches away from her. His tone dropped lower. "Have I told you how pretty you look today?" He reached up to brush a lock of hair behind her ear. She shivered at his touch.

"No. But thank you," she whispered, unable to meet his eyes. This was what she was supposed to want. She was supposed to fight for his attention, lure him into loving her, and in the end become the Princess of France. That would eventually make her Queen. That was her goal. The whole reason she was at French court. And it was happening.

She pushed the haunting image of green eyes and a quirky smile from her mind. She refused to think about Bash in this moment. Francis was leaning in. She had never wondered what his lips would taste like. He was warm and tasted of salt and spice from the supper they had had. He mouth was passionate and firm on her own and she pressed up on her toes to return the kiss with what she hoped was enthusiasm. It was a nice kiss. It did not sweep her off her feet.

He pulled away an inch, her face cupped in his hands. "Can I see you again? Soon?"Adelia found herself nodding in response. "The courtyard, tomorrow, mid-afternoon. I'll make plans for us." He leaned in for another brief brush of his lips. She closed her eyes and tried to enjoy being kissed by the Prince of France.

She felt him leave but she didn't open her eyes right away. This was it. Despite her words to Bash she was there to win his affections and she had. Already. With Mary only a few days away it was good timing. She opened her eyes, blinking a few times.

She was disappointed. She wondered if Bash hadn't been around, if she hadn't met him first, would she be so disappointed? Was the bastard son tainting her view of Francis? Francis seemed nice enough, with a kind heart and the soul of a warrior king. What was wrong with trying to love him?

Because she was already in love with someone else. She stormed into her room and flung herself on her bed face first. She should be happy. Elated. She was winning.

All she really wanted to do was curl up in a ball and cry until she had no more tears left.

A/N: What a problem to have, amiright? Francis vs. Bash. The eternal Reign question. *sigh* Now for my question, which of Mary's ladies is your favorite: Kenna, Aylee, Greer, or Lola? Your answers will help me with casting in future chapters. Thanks so much for your reviews!