Chapter 2

The morning had been rough but Francis couldn't help but to be thankful. His mother and wife took care of all the arrangements for his father's funeral and their coronation. He focused on affairs of state and securing any loose ends. He hadn't quite figured out how to deal with the Duke of Guise yet but it had only been two days and he knew Mary would have some ideas on that, which is why she had come to find her in their room. He walked into find her reading a letter, "What do you have there?"

"Lola is giving birth...she says she may not live….Francis you have to go to her." She looks at her husband full of guilt. "Francis her child is yours, she made me promise not to tell you but she just released me from that promise, Francis go to your child." she sputtered out quickly.

"We will discuss this when I return," was all could sputter out before he was running to the stables, not really thinking of his actions, stunned by the news. Mary chased after him but was stopped by his mother. He was saddled up at the gate when she caught up to him.

"Francis wait! The plague has returned, you can't leave! You are King now," she called after him.

He turned to his beautiful wife, "I'm sorry but you know that I must. You are a capable Queen and I leave you as regent until I return. You know if Lola or my child die because I stayed we will never forgive ourselves. I love you, I'll be back soon." And then he was gone.

"Lower the gates until his return," Mary ordered sharper than intended. Then turned to head inside not sure how to feel but smothering it behind a rock mask anyways. The King had abandoned her, and it would take all her strength to not let this court turn to chaos.

After Mary addressed the court she sat on the throne, taking the brief moment of silence she dropped her face into her hands. Catherine sat besides her explaining how Pope Clement survived by burning sage when Nostrodamus approached. "Your majesties, I heard Francis left the castle is that true?"

"Yes, he was gone before I could reach him to tell him about the plague, unfortunately. Why do you ask?" She prodded him.

"I am immune to the plague your grace, having lived through it twice when I should've died. I lost my wife and children the first time. If you permit I would like to go find him and help ensure his safe return," he bowed graciously.

Catherine spoke before Mary could, "thank you Nostrodamus for this brave offer. Mary where is it Francis has gone?"

Mary shot Catherine a look she could only recognized as a woman scorned, " he went to find my lady who is giving birth in a village to the south. Thank you Nostrodamus for this kind offer, take whatever you need and as many men as we can spare."

After he exited Catherine leaned over, " why does Francis care about one of your ladies?"

"She is dying, and like I said he was gone before I could tell him of the plague," Mary replied trying to keep a lid on the gossip of the new King's bastard until they could get back to the castle. They didn't need that target on them as they moved through plague country. She prayed for his safe return.

As Francis reached the village Lola was at he realized he didn't even remember the ride, he hadn't collected his thoughts. He burst through the door to find Lola laying on a makeshift bed holding the child, "Lola you're both alive! I was worried I was too late, that something happ..Lola the plague he has it." He has noticed the small specks of black on a servants boy's hand.

"We haven't touched him," Lola stammers as she jumps up gathering her son and running to Francis, "we have to leave." They quickly loaded up the horses and Lola found an easy way to ride and carry the child on horseback. They traveled for hours, having to practically travel in circles due to villages being burnt as people tried to desperately to rid themselves of the plague. They didn't speak.

Until finally Francis broke the silence, " You could have told me you know, would it have really been that bad?"

"You and Mary were so new I didn.." she started in.

"Don't treat me like a fool Lola I know you better than that. You didn't want to be tied to me, to the crown. It was all about you!" he hadn't realized how mad he was until that moment. " I should be with Mary taking care of our kingdom, you should be in the castle being taken care of. Instead Mary is alone on our first day as rulers and we are at risk of plague. How could you be so foolish?"

"I'm sorry, I wasn't going to tell you and if you don't want this child can still have Julien's name. I thought I was going to die and the child was going to be alone. You don't want this. You don't any of this, I know that.." she asserted, stumbling at the end because she honestly had no excuse at this point. He was right. With all their planning and scheming she had put herself and her child at more risk than she ever should have. "I'm sorry I should've just told you."

"Let's stop at this river here," he said much softer. He didn't mean to be so harsh with her, he understood that being the mother of the King's bastard is no life, even accepted ones like Bash's mother Diane. "I know why you did it Lola, but I deserve to know my child..shh someone's here."

They were surrounded by men swords out. Lola and the baby were against a tree, Francis their only defender.

"Gentlemen, drop your swords and bow. You are threatening your new king!" a voice in the back shouted. A tan man came riding from the back getting off his horse and bowing, "your majesty, it's been awhile."

"Ah Prince Conde, cousin, it has been awhile," Francis chimed back putting his sword away. "This is Lady Lola, she is my wife's lady and has just given birth. Would you mind escorting us back to the castle? The plague has us going one way to the other and I fear for safety."

"Of course your majesty, it would be my pleasure, we were headed that way anyways to give you my condolences and congratulations," he replied. Then he looked back at his men, "Let's make camp here for the night we'll continue in the morning."

Another man rode by on a high brown horse, "A Valois trusting a Bourbon prince, that's something I thought I'd never see."

"What was that about?" Lola asked the men standing in front of her. The cousins couldn't look more different. Francis was average height with wavy blonde curls and piercing blue eyes. Conde was tall, with dark skin and kind brown eyes.

"He was referring to the fact the Bourbon's have a claim to the French throne, which some think means we shouldn't trust them. But Conde has never been anything but loyal to the throne and our family." Francis smiled at his cousin proudly. They made their way to tents that had been set for them and slept. When they woke they made way for the castle, Lola and Conde rode side by talking and laughing the whole way.

The sound of the horns blaring was music to Mary's ears, they were home, safe, whatever that meant for them she didn't care. The last few days with the plague was horrible, just under 100 dead in the castle, villages being burnt, and then there was Catherine. She had agreed to help Mary conspire against her cousin Elizabeth but she fought her on every detail. But now Francis is home and she wouldn't have to deal with everything alone. She almost ran to him as he stepped out of the carriage, but stopped when he turned to help Lola out… she forgot about Lola, and the baby. A mix of guilt, jealousy, and more guilt flashed across her face. Now it became complicated, and she wasn't sure how to feel. While she loved Lola and Francis, and she would never blame a child, this was dangerous to her. It would all boil down to him, he was king so it's his decision.

Once Francis helped Lola and their child out of the carriage he turned to his wife, her face twisted equal in pain or joy. He didn't know what to say or do. He was mad at her for her secrets but he understood why, and this hurt her much more than it could ever hurt him. He hugged her knowing it was the best he could do. When he pulled back he found the best distraction. "Mary, let me introduce you to our loyal subject, Prince Conde. He helped us to safely return my love."

"Thank you your majesty, I am honored to be of service." He bowed slightly smiling at the lovely couple.

"I hope you will accept my invitation to stay for a while." Francis replied in the voice he has become so good at using; his king voice.

"I do, it has been sometime since I have been to French court and I was hoping to come and strengthen Valios- Borboun ties," he said with a smile.

"Ah well then you should be especially happy being the guest of honor, your grace." he replied. "I am sorry but I must be going. It has been a long journey and the privy council will want to speak with me, Mary?" He looked his wife holding his hand out for her to take. Screw the council, it has been too long since he had her alone for more than a few minutes. He lead her to their chambers, threw her on the bed.

"Francis, what on earth are you doing? What about the counci-ahhhh," she was cut off by the pleasure of his lips on her neck.

"Shh they can wait." He replied kissing lower. When she didn't respond he knew she was his and they spent the afternoon in marital bliss.

The next few weeks went by better than expected. Mary and Francis went back and forth on him claiming his child, but Mary made the final decision. It hurt like hell but she knew she had to learn to love this child, it was innocent and deserved the love of it's parents, including his step-mother. Mary told him to claim his child but she was losing her resolve, so she decided to come see him. No one was in the nursery when she walked in, but the nurses. She dismissed them and they looked nervous but left. This was probably the first time a queen came to see her husbands bastards and they were probably worried she was going to do something to him. But Mary just picked him up though and her face instantly brightened. "What a marvel, how something so small bring so much joy as well as so many problems," she whispered. Just then the door opened.

Lola was surprised when they said her son had a visitor but figured it was just Francis or Catherine. Francis visited him daily while Catherine recently started to visit him when Francis claimed him. They hadn't decided on a name yet, but ultimately Francis had the final say. She was expecting to find her queen there, cooing over the child causing her so many problems. They hadn't spoken since she returned, but the look on Mary's face that day said she shouldn't say anything. Right now she was technically still on leave from her service to her queen and wasn't prepared to see her for sometime. Instantly she bowed as low as she thought respectable, "your majesty."

"Lola," Mary was just as surprised to see Lola, though she didn't know why- it's her child after all, "I'm sorry, I.I..I didn't mean to intrude. I hadn't held my step-son yet and thought it was about time I did."

Step-son. Francis naming her child was such a blessing, but Mary regarding her bastard child as her son almost made her cry right there. She loved her son with all her heart no matter his status, but she never thought he'd be shown such kindness. She didn't deserve her King and Queen, her friends whose marriage her very child complicated. "Your majesty, you could never intrude." It felt so weird coming out of her mouth, she was never so former with her but she didn't know where she stood, but she knew her next question would answer it. " I was hoping to speak to you anyways, hopefully before the christening tomorrow."

"Why are you being so formal with me?" Mary looked hurt at her friends formality.

Lola didn't know what to say so she tread carefully, but she just needed to be honest with her. "I'm not sure where we stand.. We haven't spoken since my return and I know you fought against Francis legitimizing our child, but here you are, in the nursery smiling at him. I don't want you to be in pain and I know I have hurt you. I know we are a complication in your life, I was hoping to receive permission to move into one of the homes on the grounds."

"What about your duties to me as my lady?" Mary asked not sure what to do or say. Lola was one of her best friends and sometimes the one who understood her best. Francis had whisked her away the day of their arrival and she meant to seek her lady out but she'd been drowning in problems: her uncle was acting suspicious and it was worrying them since he and the rider Francis replaced, Montgomery, are the only ones who knew and Montgomery in the wind,they were paranoid. They also have been planning their coronation which Mary had to fight Catherine for any say in and they've secretly been sending spies to ally countries to see how much support she truly has for the throne, on top of her and Francis fighting, she hadn't made time to truly make peace with her friend. The thought pained her so she knew she had to do something. "And who will share this nursery with the next prince or princess of France?" She smiled but her eyes were pleading when she put her hand on her growing stomach.

"You..You mean.. Mary are you?" Lola's eye lit up. She was still one of Mary's best friends. Nothing could change that. When she nodded Lola ran over to her smiling, pulling her and her child into a hug. She didn't even realize Mary was still holding him until she was there and also discovered her first real breath since walking in the room. Maybe even since she returned. "Does Francis know?"

"No, I'm going to go tell him now. It's been a very stressful week. You should know that I fully gave Francis my blessing to claim your child. I love you both and despite every political reason against it I knew I had to let him into my heart, I thought it would be hard but he just wrapped his hand around my finger and he had me. It's amazing." She couldn't stop smiling but handed him over to his mother.

"Wait until it's your own. One look and it's all over, you're theirs," Lola smiled, her brown eye glistening as she held back her tears of joy. How could she be so lucky.

Francis rushed to his chambers he shared with Mary, she sent a page to get him urgently. He burst into the room to find it empty, he was confused until he realized the balcony door open. He walked out and just stood there, watching her before saying anything. He would never stop thanking God for sending this creature to him. She was everything he could've asked for and more. He couldn't believe there was a time when he was disgusted by the idea of marry such a formidable queen. How could he ever think she would be anything but the love of his life. Her hair was curled in the way she knew he loved and she was smiling looking over the balcony, enjoying the breeze on her face with a smile he loved but couldn't quite place. "Mary what's wrong? The page said it was urgent, I mean I was arguing with your uncle so I don't mind the distraction, but you look ever so peaceful."

"Almost glowing?" she smirked knowingly. "I was just with Lola in the nursery. What do you think about John for your sons name?"

"I like it but I don't understand, why did you call me to ask me about my sons name?" He looked at her slightly confused. Trying to place the glowing comment..why glowing?

"We were discussing possible names for children, she wants them to have matching gowns." She hinted again before adding, "she also asked me to be godmother and I accepted."

"That's great Mary," he said distractedly, did she mean what he thought she meant? "My darling are you..are you trying to tell me your...are you pregnant?" He thought he could never see a more beautiful smile cross her face than when she became his wife, standing in her favorite color at the altar, but this smile….would she ever stop amazing him.

"Yes Francis, I am finally carry our child. It's still early so we should wait before telling anyone. I wasn't even going to tell Lola but she was asking to move out of the pala-." She was stopped by his lips.

"I don't care that you told her, I am just so happy. I love you so much Mary Stuart." He smiled and walked to the door, telling the page to get Bash and Catherine. "I know you don't want to tell anyone, but they're my family and if I plan to spend the rest of the day spoiling my wife I am going to need their help."

Just then there was a knock on the door. "She told you finally!" Catherine exploded into the room. The look of horror on Mary's face when she realized Catherine's spies must have found out somehow. "I had your chamber pot tested, behead me." They both rolled their eyes.

"Yes mother, she told me. And now I am going to spend the rest of the afternoon with my wife and future child. I need you to handle the nobles and make sure the plans for the christening are final. Mary is going to be godmother." Francis said trying to break the tension. Luckily there was another knock and the page announced Bash as he walked into the room.

"Your majesties," he bowed and stood before royalty. He usually didn't mind being the bastard brother of the king but it was hard to deny his status standing in front of the king, queen, and queen mother. "What can I help you with?"

Francis just smiled, "brother quit with the formalities, and anyways while I do have something for you to do for me I have some news first. The best of news actually. Mary is expecting."

The news hit him like a freight train. He should've expected it though, they were married and so in love. He loved Kenna, he really did, but he couldn't help but think back to a time he thought Mary would carry his child. He hid it well though, thinking of his brother and not her. He didn't want his life any other way and he was happy his brother was going to be a father twice-over, this time with the hope of an heir. Well actually one he knows he's expecting in general. "Congratulations Francis!" he ran and hugged his brother,smile plastered on his face. "I am so happy for the two of you. May I tell Kenna?"

"No I'm sorry Bash that honor is reserved for the mother," Mary teased. Turning as Catherine pulled her into a discussion about herbs and such for her pregnancy.

Once she finished Francis turned to his mother, "Thank you for your advice mother, remember it's a secret for now. I promise when Mary and I are ready to reveal it, there will be a grand celebration. For now though I just need you to take care of what I ask of you this afternoon."

"As you wish, though I don't agree with keeping it a secret. I should be going, lots to take care of." Catherine said.

Francis turned to Bash, "First are there any updates on our spies?"

"Yes, most Catholic countries are willing to back Mary but she needs to do it soon, the protestants are mostly sided with Elizabeth but some could be swayed depending on how you chose to rule on some issues the nobles, mostly your uncle will push for." He replied in mere fact, he knew he was being talked to by his king and not his brother now. He tried to read his face but Francis turned to Mary to read hers. His followed and she was holding her breath.

"Well at least we have the afternoon to discuss our best options my darling. Bash, I need you to gather every bit of information on these issues you are telling me about. Send riders to start taking inventory of all our armories. I want to know exactly where we are with replenishing forces after Calais." He issued the orders swiftly and Bash knew that was his cue to leave. "You are dismissed as well mother." She went to protests but decided against it then left.

He looked at Mary to speak but she spoke first. "I am going to go change into something more comfortable and tell my ladies the good news. How about you order us a picnic basket and we will take a walk down to our favorite hide out and discuss everything from baby names to war." She kissed him on the cheek and whisked out of the room. Well since he had the afternoon off and she left him alone for what he knew would be an hour he went down to the kitchen himself. He handpicked what was to be cooked for their picnic, he then stopped by his swords shop to grab the gift he had been saving for Mary for when she was pregnant with their first born, before heading to John's nursery. John. Strong, Christian, impartial, and both girls must have approved of it. So John it was. He loved his moments alone with his son. He never knew when Lola would come to visit but right now he knew she'd be with Mary, so he had John all to himself.

When her ladies entered her chambers she tried to look stern at them. She was going to scare them, make them think they were in trouble. She told them all to "sit" sharply, trying to hide her smile. They sat, the smiles and color falling from their face, worried about what on Earth they could've done. Perfect. "I know your all wondering what's happening. I expect you heard Francis is taking the afternoon off. Can any of you tell me why?" crossing her arms for dramatic affect.

"I...we have no idea what you are talking about. Mary what's wrong?" Kenna asked holding onto Greer and Lola's hands. Mary never acted this way.

Mary couldn't but smile anymore, "Nothing! I'm pregnant!"

The girls rushed to hug Mary, all giggling joyfully. "You have to keep it a secret!" she squealed.

When she went to meet Francis she was informed he was in John's nursery. She smiled when she heard he chose the name Lola wanted, nothing a wife's nugging couldn't fix. She walked into the nursery and found him holding John. She walked over to him and kissed him on the cheek. He put John down and they walked to the kitchen. Discussing simple topics like John's christening tomorrow and asking Princess Claude home as a possible suitor for Prince Conde.

Once they were out in the gardens they started discussing baby names, finally settling on James and Anne. Mary had the biggest smile on her face.

"Motherhood looks good on you," Francis whispered in his wife's ear making her blush. "What next my darling?"

"Well it might be too early but discussions of possible marriage alliances?" she asked squirming a little. She didn't want to think about it but if they were going to war with England soon their Catholic allies will be dying to grab that honor. They may as well be prepared on what their possibilities.

He sighed, "well I guess. Any thoughts?"

"Well we want someone who will help crucially in the upcoming war. I'd say Portugal but only if it's a male. We know how they treat their women," she shuddered remembering her brief fiance.

"Ahhhh the war, we should probably discuss your next move on that." He was nervous, they had gathered as much information as they could but Mary hadn't spoken to him about it at all.

"Well I am inviting James and my mother to visit. It's risky since they're my most trusted regents but I need them to work together and since I can't go to them...I invited them for the coronation so it didn't seem suspicious. I want to announce the pregnancy at our coronation festivities. It will make us look strong as new rulers and help swade both nobles and other countries for support." She bite her lip as finished. She had put a lot of thought into it but she didn't know how he'd feel. It seemed a little wrong, like using their child, but it was the best plan- half of Europe would be here.

"Seems fair, not too aggressive and your right, Scotland needs to be united as does France." They laid out the blanket and sat for their meal. "I need to tell you something Mary. I know what the Duke of Guise wants that will be so crucial to our position in France. I know because he's been trying to blackmail me into ruling the way he wants. I've been able to push him off so far but I don't know how much longer. He says he has the rider."

"It's okay I think we have a lead on the rider, Montgomery."