Chapter 12

Francis was again surrounded by doctors the next day, checking to see if he was going to be okay. Everyone knew he was going to be just fine, but since he was the next in line to be king they wanted to be sure. Giving him the best kind of medicine and herbs so he can heal faster. Henry even visited once but his visit was brief. Lately, he had seemed quite different and somewhat distant. Francis told me that it might just be stress getting to him since he has so many things on his mind. I wanted to believe that but he just didn't seem the same and it didn't sit right with me. Henry had left earlier today, after seeing Francis, with an army of men to show his true temper around the country. He took every able-bodied man and left us with very few aged guards. That also meant that Catherine and Francis were in charge, but Francis really wasn't able to do his duties with his wound.

I had gotten my leg checked out by one of the doctors who managed to slip away from Francis. As I thought it wasn't too deep. After the doctor had wrapped it for me he put his attention back on Francis.

Since Francis was occupied by all the doctors and his mother I decided to go see Bash and thank him for last night. I felt more embarrassed than anything else. I had just sat there and stared at Bash and Miguel as they walked away. I was frozen to the ground. Bash had to yell at me just to get me up. Miguel and Tomas' men left France to tell Portugal the news, that Tomas had gotten into a hunting accident. Miguel was more than happy to share the news with them.

I found Bash standing on one of the balconies in the castle. He was staring out over the railing at the forest.

"Bash?" I said before getting any closer to him so I wouldn't frighten him. He turned and nodded at me to greet me. He had a half eaten apple in his hand that he was twirling around. "How's Francis?" He asked. I took a couple steps forward and leaned against the stone railing. The palms of my hands could really feel the cold when I placed my hands on the railing. "He's fine. The wound will heal quickly."

Bash smiled and took a bite out of his apple, creating a loud crunch. He turned his attention back to the nature that was displayed before him. "I'm sorry for yesterday," I said quietly. He continued to look out into the trees. "You thought you were going to lose him." He paused, taking another bite out of his apple. "I'm sorry I yelled at you."

I laughed a little. "No worries."

Bash lifted his apple up to his mouth, but then stopped. "Are you ever going to tell me what it was like going to war?"

I froze at Bash's sudden words. I turned to him, expecting him to be looking at me but he was still staring forward. "What are you talking about?" Bash lowered the apple and looked down at it as he spun it in his hand. "I was going to ask how you were feeling when you returned home. I had heard that you got into some trouble. When I found you, Francis and you were back in your chambers. I overheard the conversation you had with Catherine." He turned his head toward me and smiled. "Funny how I was at the right place at the right time. I'm not bringing this up so I can use this information against you. I wanted you to know that I'm here for you and that you can talk to me."

I could only stare at Bash, baffled by what he just said. After all this time, he knew and never said a word. I knew I could trust Bash but the fact that I had another person know of this secret added yet another weight to my chest. "You can't-" I paused and cleared my throat as I tried to compose my thoughts. "You can't say anything. You can't even talk to me about this."

Bash slowly nodded. He almost looked disappointed. "I understand." He turned around and started walking back into the castle. "I hear Count Vincent is going to be visiting today." I rushed to Bash's side so that we could walk in together. "Yes, but Henry isn't here so I'm not sure what he'll want."

"I guess we'll find out."

I was called to court to welcome Count Vincent to France. When I got there I found Francis standing next to his mother. My eyes widened and I ran over toward him. Why on earth would the doctors allow him to get out of bed? I'm sure Catherine and I could have handled greeting Count Vincent. "Francis, what are you doing? You should be resting."

Francis chuckled. I could tell he was still in pain. It was quite noticeable by the way he was standing. He was attempting to put all his weight on one side of his body. "I'm fine for now. I'll welcome him and try to sneak back to my chambers."

I nodded and grabbed onto his arm so that he could put some of the weight on me. Catherine turned to us. "Both of you be on your best behavior. It's hardly been a year since Henry was at war with him."

A man walked into the hall and bowed then lifted his arm, presenting Count Vincent. "The Honorable Count Vincent, of Naples!"

Count Vincent slowly walked down the hall. His armed men were close behind him. It looked like they were examining everything about this castle. Which was quite unusual since they would not be staying long, or I hoped they wouldn't. He stopped when he had reached us and smiled. "Welcome, Count Vincent," Catherine said as kindly as she could. It shouldn't be hard since she was fake majority of the time. "Your majesty," Vincent said as he bowed his head. When he lifted it he looked at Francis, then back at Catherine. "Am I too low to be greeted by the king?"

Catherine quickly shook her head. "No, not at all! Henry is away at the moment."

Vincent slowly nodded, then his eyes landed on me. He smiled and quickly looked away. Catherine gestured toward the throne room. "Shall we enjoy some wine?" Vincent nodded. "That sounds lovely."

Catherine led Vincent into the throne room. Francis and I also made our way in, but we took our time so that Francis could avoid irritating his wound. When we got inside a servant served us each a glass of wine. We all stood there, quiet. No one was sure what to say or even where to begin. Finally, I spoke, trying to break the awkwardness. "So, Count Vincent, is this your first time in France?"

Vincent snickered then took a small sip of his wine. "No, actually I was here less than a year ago to negotiate for my son." He said it as if it was normal business, but to us, it was like a slap in the face. We all froze, contemplating on what to say next.

"I got him back for 1,500 ducats. At least now, I know my own son's worth." He laughed and repeated himself. "1,500 ducats." He took another sip of wine and looked over at one of his guards who just entered the throne room. "When do you expect King Henry home?" He said.

Before Catherine could speak Francis spoke up. "Quite soon. Knowing him, he could return any day now."

Vincent snickered. "But I heard he's going to Lorraine."

Francis glared at Vincent. "And yet you acted surprised that the King wasn't here to greet you."

Suddenly Vincent's guard walked over to him and whispered something in his ear. Francis leaned toward me. "Mary. You need to go upstairs." I gave him a questioned look, but Francis was still watching Vincent. "Now," Francis commanded. I was about to step away, but Vincent and his guard were now watching me. "Where do you think you're going?" Vincent laughed. The guard put his hand on his sword. "No one is going anywhere."

My eyes widened and suddenly I felt Francis' hand on my back. "Why don't we wait for the king to go any further with this discussion." Catherine tried. Vincent gave her a bored look. "Do you think I would have camped in the woods for three weeks if I wanted to see the King?"

My chest began to tighten when my mind finally started putting together the pieces. "Count Vincent, I can only imagine the pain you felt after getting your son back."

Vincent whipped his head toward her. "I didn't get my son back!" He shouted. "He died on a ship coming home!"

Francis tightened his grip on my back. He and I both knew where this was headed and it wasn't in a good direction. Then he took his hand off of my back and grabbed onto his sword. "Leave here. Don't let your son's death be in vain."

Vincent's eyes widened and he took a step toward Francis. "I will not!" He stopped his rage and took back his step. "That's why I'm here."

Vincent's men came into the throne room and nodded at him. "The castle is secured, my lord."

Vincent smiled at Francis. "This castle is now mine. Understand now?"