Hello everyone it's me! So this is the new chapter I have been working on so I am excited for its turn out. Ok so part of this I'm going to talk about Maura's life in France. So I tried to do research for what France was like during the 1400-1600s because that is about the time I am basing this story on. Yes the time period is rather large but there were different events that I wanted to incorporate in this story and I wish to be as accurate as possible. I will be making some modern assumptions about the French and life there because it was difficult to find information about it. I just did not wish to offend anyone or be incorrect because that is not my intention. Alright enough rambling and let's get to the chapter shall we?

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1 year later:

It is shocking how much a change of scenery could really do in someone's life. Life in France had been different for Maura compared to her homeland in Ireland. The atmosphere was different as well as the social norms. When Maura first left for France she was not sure what to expect from this place she had only read about in her books. It was shocking how much she learned of this wonderful place that was not present in her books. Constance was right; going to another place in the world was completely different than reading about them. The experience was incredible on its own and Maura had learned so much more than she ever thought she would. Being apprehensive at the beginning, Maura was glad that she had gone along with the Fairfield's to this beautiful place she lived for a year. She had missed her family dearly, for a year had been a long time but she was glad they had given her the push to go.

Everything was different compared to her life in Ireland. She was not Princess here, but a curious girl wishing to gain knowledge in a new culture and France offered an abundance of it. There were so many differences. The appreciation of art and literature was astounding that created happiness in the young learner and was very important to their culture. Another was the food was of huge variety. Some of the food, she had she had never heard before but absolutely loved it. Since being with the Fairfield's they received the best of the best that Maura was able to appreciate. Eating was an important value to these people and the kinds of food they made proved to be one of the best the young girl had ever experienced. It was beautiful the way they appreciated food and the importance it held in their daily life. Another thing was the people and culture of those who dwelled here. France seemed to be so much more open compared to anywhere else. Interactions with others and behaviors were different from where she was from. The French seemed to be passionate about affection and love seeming to be more opened within the public. Common greetings always had at least three kisses involved as well as goodbyes. This beautiful country was very inviting for those even just visiting. They were friendly and lovely people that was easily be misinterpreted as she had heard from others (Mrs. Fairfield in particular). The Fairfield's seemed to find them a bit strange and even "distasteful" in their actions and norms that were different from their home. Maura paid no mind to this and continued to be fascinated with the world she had entered.

The time there for Maura had been wonderful. Though it seemed difficult sometimes with the Fairfield's and their obvious disapproval about these people, Maura was enjoying herself. The Fairfield's had been very generous and hospitable toward Maura getting everything she could possibly needed or wanted. Mrs. Fairfield probably wished to get on the good graces with the King of Ireland and the available princess for her son. It was obvious of Mrs. Fairfield's intentions for Maura even at the beginning. Even though this slightly bothered Maura, Garrett had not been impossible to tolerate. In fact he had been very sweet and considerate toward Maura the entire time. He would accompany her to places she wished to visit and hardly ever said no. He was constantly smiling at her and it was easy to see the adoration in his eyes. It was obvious he had been trying to win her affections and Maura was very appreciative to him but did not share mutual feeling of affection toward him. There had been times he would be overly too close to her; on occasions he had his face inches from hers wanting to connect their lips. Every time this would occur she was able to find a way to avoid them. Though sometimes, being in the "ville de l'amour or city of love" as they called it, there was a possibility that maybe she might feel something toward the young man. Every time she would look at Garrett she would feel love of a companion, but nothing more. Yes she noticed his handsome features, he would probably make a good husband and father, and understood his wealth that would be able to take care of her but she still did not feel the patter of her heart she wished to feel whenever she saw the one she loved. Maybe it would never happen for her, but she was in no rush to marry and she was lucky not to be pushed into it. Well not until recently.

Throughout her time in France both Patrick and Constance would write her as much as possible. They were curious about everything she was experiencing over there and what new things she had learned. They seemed to be excited for Maura's new interaction with another place and that it had created a new profound happiness for her. Though she was having a good time she missed her family and home dearly and she made sure to imply that within her letters. She wasn't planning to stay in France for so long, only about 6 months but she was easily convinced by her family and the Fairfield's to stay longer. Maura did not find that much of an issue, but was a bit homesick. She was glad that she was still able to communicate with her family while she was away on her new adventures and increasing her knowledge of this foreign country. Eventually Maura started to notice that the letters started to decrease moderately until receiving only one in a couple months from Constance and none from her father. Maura found this strange from her father but thought that both her father and Constance had simply become busy being the King and Queen of Ireland which was quite likely to have happened. Maura understood what responsibilities they had being in the position they were. If it was only just that that seemed to change. The context of Constance's letters seemed to change dramatically as well that shocked Maura a bit. Her previous letters would talk about what was going on with both with her, Patrick, and the kingdom. She would also ask how Maura was, what new knowledge she was learning, their culture, the Fairfield's, and even Bass on occasion. These questions seemed to decrease and change into others that not like Constance that were in response to Garrett. The most recent one was written accordingly:

Dear Maura,

How are you darling? You're father and I am doing well as you asked. Also what do you mean that you do not feel anything toward the Fairfield boy? He is incredibly handsome and well mannered. He would make a wonderful husband and father. You should not be so picky when it comes to suitors dear and begin thinking about settling down. Not many men are like him that will be so open to your activities and habits. Some men view them as unbecoming of a woman to engage in such hobbies. You should try to interact a little more with him and you will understand what I mean. Anyway I hope you are having a wonderful time and we can extend your time there since you seem to be enjoying yourself. There would be no objection from neither your father nor I. I wish you well darling and make sure to again thank the Fairfield's for us.

Sincerely,

Constance Doyle

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This letter had caught Maura by surprise. This did not sound like the woman she had grown to know but seemed pushier with this business with Garret. Constance had never been one to push on marriage but from her recent letter it had been highly indicated. Never had Constance been negative toward her activities. Why was she all of a sudden concerned with them now? She always emphasized that what people thought didn't matter. It had been a complete change in Constance's attitude. Maybe it was meant in a different context? She thought on occasion when she would reread the letter to find any more clues. This did not sound like the woman she had grown to know and it put her in a dazed state. Constance never pushed the concept of marriage in general on Maura so this insistence that she was giving about her and Garret seemed come out of nowhere. This letter was the first time that Constance had insulted some of the activities she was engaged in. It hurt Maura that this woman she had grown to respect had seemed to change dramatically. I will sort this out whenever I go home. Coming home came surprisingly faster than anyone thought when Maura received an important letter that requested her immediate presence home from an unexpected source.

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Lady Doyle,

I hope you are having a wonderful time on your vacation but I have important information that I believe you would wish to be aware of. I am not sure if your stepmother has already told you but your father, the king is very ill. I am sorry if this seems too forward and may be none of my concern but I think it is wise to come and see him as he has had an unknown sickness for some time now. I apologize if I am overstepping but I believe it was in your right to know if you were unaware and if you already do know than please ignore this message. I hope you are well and we happily await your arrival.

Your ever loyal servant,

Elsa

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This was the letter that Maura continually read while she was in her carriage on her way back to Ireland. She had a long journey that consisted of riding a carriage, getting on a ferry boat, and having a carriage take her home. It had been many hours which left Maura and those with her exhausted but they continued on because the king's new health crisis had left them unable to stop and rest. She had told the Fairfield's what she had learned about her father and arrangements were made to get her back to Ireland as quickly as possible. She sent a letter to them so they were to expect her arrival. Maura was very anxious to get to her father, she was in such a hurry to get to him that she was short, almost rude to the Fairfield's but luckily they understood her distress. Garret had been concerned for her well-being and wished to accompany her all the way home but she convinced him to stop when she reached the ferryman. Why stop his vacation she thought. They ferry boat ride would have been more exciting if she was not in a hurry. They did not seem to slow their haste when she made it to her motherland but practically ran to the carriage hoping for immediate departure. She would constantly look at the letter and interact with Bass but she was frequently getting lost in thought and the many questions that were flowing through her mind. Like why Constance didn't tell her? Why did it take her maid, Elsa to reveal her father was ill? This added to Constance's strange behavior and Maura was not going to hesitant to get the answers she wanted. Luckily she was able to sleep while she was on her way from the stress and exhaustion from the long hours of the day. She finally was awoken by a servant informing her she was 10 minutes away from the castle and from the answers to her questions.

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When Maura stepped out of the carriage it was dark but she saw some people outside the castle. Some scarce maids and servants that she had recognized but some individuals that she was unfamiliar with approached her. A man was dressed in a soldier's uniform had walked with a strut that seemed to be confident but mysterious. As he came closer Maura was able to make out his face. He was an older man, with flowing silver hair and striking blue eyes that seemed unreal. He had a thin face that was closely related to a skeleton and when he smiled it revealed his winkles and gave Maura shivers down her spine. Who is this man? Maura thought as he approached.

"Hello your highness we have been expecting you. I am to escort you inside to see the queen" he replied in a tone that was happily eerie.

Maura simply nodded and followed this strange man into her home. As they walked the halls they were mostly empty that it was easy to hear the sounds of their footsteps hitting the stone floors. The castle seemed to become colder in a way Maura could not describe. She finally reached the door to her father's bedroom and was motioned inside by this man. Without any hesitation Maura entered the room. What she saw shocked her. Her father was lying in his bed looking almost unrecognizable. His face that thinned dramatically and was extremely pale. Sweat was apparent on his brow and he was slightly shaking from an unknown source. What has happen to him?

Maura approached her father and grabbed his hand. "Papa what has happened to you?"

Patrick looked up at her in confusion. "Maura? What are you doing here? What happening?"

Maura was extremely worried and did not know what to say. "I…I" she tried but looked at her father who had fallen asleep again.

"It looks bad doesn't it?" a voice from behind her spoke startling her. It was Constance. She had a look that was unrecognizable to Maura. Maybe shock with a bit of determination? Maura was unsure.

"Yes what has happened Constance?" the young woman begs her stepmother.

The woman was unresponsive at first but just stared off into the unknown. Maura was not sure what to make of this behavior but knew it didn't add up. "He has contracted some type of disease. The physician I had looked at him said it might possibly the black plague but was unable to confirm it." When she spoke this she sounded almost not human. She spoke with a tone that was clinical almost cold. This was strange for this woman but Maura thought it was due to having difficulty coping with Paddy's drastic change of health and it was the fear speaking. They both just stayed and looked at Paddy trying to find a solution. Constance was the first to speak.

"I am sure you have many questions for me. Let's go outside and talk" she suggested and Maura nodded and followed her outside the door.

Maura looked at her and began to speak. "How long has this been going on?"

"It had been going on for two months where the symptoms seemed noticeable and it has been three weeks since he has started to drastically decline" she spoke with a tremble in her tone.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Maura asked almost in anger.

Constance looked at the young girl with fear in her eyes. "At first I thought it was a bug that would eventually pass and I didn't find it necessary to worry you. Then when it progressed into this I sent you a letter but it was unresponsive."

Maura was taken aback and almost felt guilty for becoming angry at her stepmother. "I'm sorry Constance I am just very worried about him. He looks bad and…." She tried to finish but tears ran down her face.

"Oh Maura" the older woman said as she pulled her into an embrace and rubbed her back. "He has been given a new anecdote that has helped those who have these similar symptoms, so there is still hope dear."

Maura left from the embrace and took a deep breath in relief. "Oh thank heavens" she said as she looked at Constance who had a small smile on her face.

"Well dear you might as well take your things to your room, there is not much you could do here" she spoke and Maura had a frightened look on her face. "I will be sure to inform you if anything happens. Do not worry he will be ok." She spoke gently as her face softened to reassure Maura and gave her a hug. Maura tightened the embrace trying to find some consolidation. Maura let go and looked at her stepmother who had sympathy on her face. Constance put a hand on her face and rubbed her cheek trying to bring relief to the young girl. Maura felt someone staring and turned around to see the strange man from before.

"Oh Maura this the new Captain of the Guard and the physician that is also helping with your father." Constance spoke proudly.

Maura looked shocked at this new information. "Oh what happened to Sean?"

"He felt it was his time to retire his services which I agreed to." Constance explained.

Maura looks at the man and smiles slightly at him in which he responses by grabbing her hand and leaving a kiss upon it. "Charles Hoyt at your service your highness. Your items have been brought to your room."

Maura nodded at him and turned to Constance. "I will go and unpack. Please let me know if there is an update" she spoke softly. "It was a pleasure Mr. Hoyt" she replied to the man and curtsied. They both smiled at her as she turned and left to head to her quarters.

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Maura made her down to her room. She wanted to release Bass from his confines and try to find some peace from today's events. As she made her way closer she passed by a figure she barely noticed at the corner of her eye. She stopped and looked at the little figure that had their head down while cleaning an old urn. Maura could tell it was a woman, a maid just finishing up some nightly cleaning. Maura approached the woman as she looked up at her. Elsa. Maura recognized vaguely as the woman had experienced some changes of her own. Her face had aged incredibly for she was only ten years her senior. Her face had become pale that almost looked unhealthy. She tried to smile at Maura that was more a grimace and the smile did not reach her eyes. What had happened to this woman who was once so beautiful but had looked aged beyond her years?

"Elsa! How are you?" Maura started the conversation.

The woman looked shocked and even fearful that she was conversing with her. "I…I am well my Lady thank you." She responded quietly.

Maura took a second look at this woman and knew she knew something was up. "Elsa you wrote me. Why?"

The woman's mouth flew open shocked by her question. She begun to look down as she tried to find an answer but couldn't. "No reason my Lady. It was inappropriate to contact you and I apologize. I overstepped."

"What has happened Elsa? I know you know something." Maura spoke without hesitation.

"No…nothing." She tried to say confidently but failed horribly. This confirmed Maura's suspicions.

Maura may have only been eighteen but she knew when something was up. "Please Elsa. I am very concerned with my father."

These words seem to hit a cord with the woman and she experienced guilt on her face. She took a deep breath. "Nothing I should be involving myself in."

Maura nodded. "But you will because of me and my father."

"Yes" Elsa said in agreement. "The reason I wrote you was because your father has been sick for a while and I thought you should know that's it." She said quickly.

Maura looked confused. "Yes, Constance said that it has been happening for two months and sent a letter a few weeks ago which I didn't get it."

Elsa's eyes went wide when she heard this. "Two month? My Lady your father has been in that bed for more than half a year. He was unable to walk so he has been lying in that bed for a long time now. I should know I feed him and change his sheets when possible."

Maura's mouth fell open and was left in complete shock. She was unable to respond to what her maid just revealed to her. Constance lied? "What?! Why would Constance lie, Elsa?"

The trustful servant looked at Maura. "That's a very good question my Lady. A question that the queen should answer for you."

Maura nodded and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I think I will. Thank you for telling me this Elsa and for sending me the letter. You are truly loyal to us." She spoke softly.

"Well I know your mother would have wanted me to tell you. She was a wonderful woman God Bless her soul. She loved you very much Maura." Elsa responded with a genuine smile on her face.

Maura again nodded and turned to leave back to her father's room. Maura was going to talk to Constance and she wasn't going to leave until she got some answers.

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DUN DUN DUN! So what's going on? Well I was super happy to get through this chapter. I really enjoyed writing it and I felt that it just flowed easily together for me. Also new character Charles Hoyt! That can't be good? Maybe it might? IDK that's to find out later on! So I hope you enjoy this update as I continue on! And please leave feedback on things you like, don't like, have questions on etc. Ok love you guys leave reviews please! Alright everyone enjoy their day and btw Season Finale on tonight! Bye!

~C.L 3