Chapter 27

Francis and I have been through quite a lot together since I have arrived in France. There comes a time in both of our lives where we just break down and ask ourselves when will this end? What do we have to do to end the suffering, the pain? But as time goes on you realize that this is only the beginning of this misfortune. There will be more pain, more disasters, but you also realize that you have friends that surround you and care about you. They want to help you even if there is no way they can, but that's okay. As long as you know that you have their support and that they're behind you, that's all that matters.

I sat with my ladies silently as I watched them talk over breakfast. It was a nice summer day that allowed us to sit on one of the balconies to enjoy our breakfast. It had been a while since I was able to enjoy the nice weather and the company that surrounded me. It was definitely relaxing and one of my favorite things. Aylee was talking up a storm about the man she had been talking to recently. He sounded like a very nice young man. He also sounded really interested in Aylee. All the girls listened intently to Aylee as her heart poured out through her words. "He is always so kind. He always puts a smile on my face." She rambled on. Greer snickered as she placed a grape into her mouth. "Sounds like you're in love." She mocked.

Aylee blushed at Greer's teasing words but did not deny it. I couldn't help but smile as they all continued to talk about themselves. I knew I could trust these girls. They were my friends, and at times, it felt like they were my family. I just needed to give them the chance. "I have been meaning to tell you all something."

They all turned toward me, curiosity filled their eyes as they waited for me to speak. "The day Francis returned from Calais and I was with him, we told you all I was attacked by bandits." I took a moment to brace myself for what I was about to say because I had never said it out loud before. "I was not attacked by bandits. I went to war in Calais."

Their faces went from curiosity to confusion as they sat there quietly. I wasn't sure if they knew what I meant since they were so silent, or if they were still trying to process what I said. "What?" Lola asked in disbelief. She leaned in further toward me, waiting for me to explain, but Aylee spoke up. "Is that where you got wounded?" Aylee asked me. I nodded in response. Kenna pondered for a moment then jolted up and turned toward me. "Is that the secret Bash knew about that made Francis upset?" Kenna asked. "Yes, we didn't want anyone to know." I fidgeted a little saying that. It was uncomfortable telling my friends that I wanted to keep something from them. "But I feel like you all deserve to know."

"Why would you risk your life like that, Mary?" Greer asked in horror. "Nostradamus had a vision that Francis would not survive and I just couldn't allow that." I laughed quietly because when I said it like that it just seemed silly. "You saved his life," Lola whispered as if she needed someone to say it out loud for her to believe it. "How did you manage to go unnoticed?" Kenna asked. I began to explain the whole story from there. As I told it I couldn't tell if the girls were horrified or were captivated by the whole thing. I felt so much better knowing that I no longer had to keep this a secret from them.

After telling them the story I left them so that they could collect their thoughts and be able to wrap their heads around it. They now all had a powerful secret that could ruin me forever, but I knew they would never use it against me.

I had asked the kitchen staff earlier today if they could prepare me some snacks and put them in a picnic basket. I wanted to surprise Francis with a nice lunch and some time away from court, even if it was only for an hour or two. Anytime is welcomed when it meant being away from court. I found Francis coming out of the throne room and walking down the hall. When he spotted me he jogged over to me in joy. "I was just about to come find you," Francis said as he embraced me with a hug. When he pulled away he noticed the basket I was holding. "What's this?" He asked, motioning toward the basket. "I'd like to convince you to take some time off and accompany me to a picnic." I smiled warmly. Francis stared at me blankly for a moment then a wide smile took over. "I'd love to." Francis grabbed the basket from my grasp and escorted me outside of the castle. We decided on a spot that was next to the water. It was a pretty spot since the water was right in front of us and we were able to watch the calm water come to shore. It was also in direct sunlight, so it made it just the right temperature when combined with the water.

We both laid out a small quilt, that could only fit the two of us, on the soft ground below us. Next, we both began to empty the contents of the basket, then we spread them out onto the blanket. "What made you decide to have a picnic with me?" Francis asked. I grabbed onto a small bread roll, broke off a piece, and placed the piece into my mouth. "I wanted us to talk." I paused and broke off another piece. "We have never discussed the things that have happened and I think it is the time we did just that." Francis raised his brow at me. "Isn't it best to forget the past?" I shook my head and grinned. "I think it is best to learn from the past." Francis looked at me for a moment, then smiled. "You're right." Francis paused as he turned toward the water in front of us. "You know, we have never talked about Calais." I looked out toward the water as well to find small ripples beginning to form. The sun had given off so much light that the reflection on the water was quite harsh.

Talking about Calais with my ladies earlier brought back memories I never wanted to remember again. It was something I wanted to block out immediately after we returned home. I noticed Francis was watching me. "When I was stabbed by Tomas you later told me that it was one of the most terrifying moments of your life. But for me, the most terrifying moment of my entire life was when I watched that man stab you in Calais. I watched as all life depleted from your eyes. At first, I thought I was only losing a soldier. A man who saved my life, twice. When I found out it was you I have replayed that instant constantly in my mind." Francis stopped for a moment and turned toward me. "It haunts me to this day." He attempted a smile even though it looked difficult for him. "Even though it haunts me, I now know just how brave and caring you are."

"I think that only comes to light when something is going to happen to you, Francis." I laughed silently. Francis shook his head in disagreement. "No, you do not need my help. You protected yourself from Count Vincent. You did not need a man's help."

I smiled in response because I didn't know how else to respond to that. In a way, he was right. I didn't want to be weak, but most of the time I did what I had to do in order to see Francis again. To see that bright face and that wonderful smile. I watched him as he sorted through the food that we had placed on the quilt. He looked as if he was so focused as he picked through the bowl of grapes.

"I love you, Francis," I admitted. Francis perked up from the bowl of grapes and smiled. "I love you too, Mary." Francis beamed, but suddenly his smiled disappeared. "What is it?" I asked him as I leaned toward him. "Bash has had feelings for you for quite some time. I've always been afraid that he would steal you away from me." Francis said in a low, quiet voice. I almost wanted to scold Francis, but instead, I leaned in closer and kissed his lips. "I have only ever thought of you, looked at you, and loved you." I paused and stared into his bright blue eyes. Eyes, that I could get lost in if I stared for too long. "Do you understand?" Francis' serious expression turned back into his wide smile. Suddenly, he put his arms around me and pulled me into an embrace as we both fell down onto the blanket together. We laughed as we laid closer together on the soft quilt. Francis lifted his hand and placed it on my cheek, then began to gently caress it. "I understand." Francis was quiet as he examined my face. I raised my brow and slowly veered upward. "What is it?" Francis looked amused. "I can't wait to start a family with you." I felt my face warm up just from his words alone.

We sat there for a little while longer. We talked about things both of us tried to forget, but by doing that we became closer in a way. We kept these feelings and thoughts inside of us all the time, but we've never said them out loud or to each other. So when you put it into words there is so much meaning to it that it makes you feel refreshed.

As the day became later we decided to collect our things and head back toward the castle. Francis apologized to Bash and let him know how much he regretted what he did to him. Bash said he understood why Francis did it and that he was sorry as well. They meant a lot to each other and were practically best friends. They knew what the other had to deal with and they were the only ones who could understand. They never wanted to fight and to lose that bond that they had.

Francis and I returned to our chambers after meeting with Bash and readied ourselves for bed. "Do you think it's time?" Francis spoke up. I was turned away from him as I was changing into my nightgown. "Time for what?"

Suddenly, I felt hands wrap around my waist. "To announce the pregnancy." I slowly turned myself around and faced Francis. "Are you sure?" I asked with a hint of hesitation in my voice. Francis nodded. "We cannot keep this a secret any longer." I knew that was true, but for some reason, I didn't want anyone to know. I didn't want to have to deal with the comments people would make or the drama that would come along with it. I just wanted it between Francis and I. We should have announced it when we found out, though. Unfortunately, a lot has been going on that it just wasn't our first priority.

I nodded to Francis. "You're right. We'll announce the pregnancy tomorrow."