Ok, here we go! While I'd love for Francis and Mary to stay at the chateau in peace and happiness, at some point they had to return to French Court and endure some drama that comes with it. How will their renewed relationship hold up? We'll soon find out. Thanks so much for reading, commenting, giving favs and follows. I appreciate all of you so much. Hope you continue enjoying this story! ~ Sweet R.

Chapter Eight: Homecoming

Mary drew in an apprehensive breath and exhaled slowly as the carriage rounded one last bend. The castle came into view—both majestic and terrifying. She'd been anxious about this moment all day and now it was here. They were returning to their normal lives at court, if "normal" really existed at all. As the carriage inched closer to the castle gates, she concluded maybe there was only life in general—a limited number of minutes and hours and days. None of which could be taken for granted.

Francis squeezed her hand and the gates lifted "I love you," he whispered and his calming voice held all the reassurance she needed.

"I love you too." Mary kissed him and leaned back to caress his handsome face. Her heart filled with joy and thankfulness, knowing things could have gone much differently. She could have lost him and returned to court in mourning clothes, but instead, Francis sat beside her, healthy and strong again. They had been given a miraculous second chance.

Cheering from outside the carriage drew her attention away from him. She peered out the window, noticing that a sea of villagers and servants had come out to greet them. They were waving colorful streamers and flowers—so many flowers that falling petals had blanketed the ground. If Mary hadn't known better, she would have thought a premature snow had fallen in the summertime.

She turned back to her husband with a gleam in her eyes, caught up in all the excitement. "Look at all of them celebrating your return! Your people really love you, Francis."

"Our people," he corrected. "Don't forget they're celebrating their lovely queen's return as well." Mary's cheeks flushed to a rosy hue as the carriage stopped and Francis kissed her hand. "Are you ready to greet them?"

Her apprehension vanished as she gazed into her husband's eyes, so thankful their time away from court had healed their relationship and woven their hearts back together as one. They were much stronger together than apart and Mary hoped their restored unity would spill over into France and Scotland as well. With hope nestled in her heart she kissed Francis again and nodded. "Yes, I'm ready."

Walking through the path of cheering people who threw flower petals on ground, Mary felt like they were newlyweds again, returning from their wedding tour. They smiled at everyone and thanked them for their warm welcome before entering the castle.

Catherine was the first to greet them inside. "Oh, you're back!" she exclaimed, hugging them both. We shall host a feast tonight to celebrate, but don't worry, you won't have to lift a finger. I have everything already prepared and guests invited."

Mary's fingers tightened around Francis' hand and she peeked up at him to gauge his reaction. Was he ready for a castle full of guests after such a long journey? After all, he'd only just recovered from his illness.

He gave her a reassuring smile and then looked back at Catherine. "Thank you, Mother. Just don't be offended if we retire early. It was a very long journey after all."

"Of course," Catherine said and kissed his cheek before lowering her voice. "May I have a quick word in private?"

To Mary's disappointment, Francis agreed but paused to cup her cheek in his palm. "I'll only be a moment. I promise. Please wait for me here."

Mary nodded, but struggled to hide her apprehension as Francis and Catherine walked to the other end of the hallway, talking in hushed tones. What could be so important that she had to steal him away right as they arrived? She shook her head and frowned in disbelief. More secrets.

Kenna and Lola appeared before her. "Oh Mary…we missed you!" they exclaimed in unison and hugged her.

Mary's smile returned as she greeted her friends and they got caught up. She truly had missed them. It seemed strange without Greer but Mary knew she had to stay away from the castle for her safety because of her connection to Castleroy, at least for now. Maybe soon they would plan a visit to see her.

"I started to think you would never return," Lola said. "When I heard about that criminal trying to abduct you and Francis hitting his head, I was so worried for both of you." She paused and looked his direction for a moment before turning back to Mary. "But he looks just fine…and you were both glowing with happiness when you walked in."

Kenna raised an eyebrow. "Yes, I saw you holding hands when you entered."

Lola moved closer. "That's a good sign, right?"

Mary nodded but could only produce a weak smile for her ladies. "Yes, the trip to the chateau definitely changed things for the better. We've decided to give our relationship a second chance."

"Oh, I'm so happy to hear that, Mary. I truly am," Lola said and hugged her again.

Mary stole a wary glance at Francis, still immersed in a deep conversation with his mother. Her stomach filled with dread. Were things reverting back to the way they'd been before they left? To her relief, Francis returned with a bright smile on his face a few moments later and took her hand in his. "Would you ladies mind if I steal Mary for a while?"

Her friends giggled and shook their heads. "She's all yours. Steal away," Kenna said and shooed them away with an amused grin.

Mary told them goodbye and linked arms with Francis as they journeyed down the corridors together. "What was that about?"

Francis kissed her cheek before they started up the stairs. "Well, when my mother came to visit us at the chateau, I put her in charge of a special project. She informed me it has been completed."

"What kind of project?"

He chuckled. "Perhaps a little surprise for my queen?"

A smile tingled at the corners of her lips. 'What are you up to?"

"You'll see, my love. Just be patient."

She gulped as they neared their shared chambers. Mary had been staying in her old rooms since the attack on the castle. Would the nightmares and awkwardness return when they moved back there together? However, Francis passed their rooms altogether and they crossed into a different wing of the castle. "Francis…what are we doing?" she asked with a nervous chuckle. "Our chambers are back the way we came."

He stopped outside his sister Claude's door and smiled. "This is the surprise." He turned to face Mary and took both her hands in his. "I know our old chambers hold some terrible memories you would like to forget."

She nodded. "But so many good ones too."

He smiled. "Yes, but I hope you don't mind. I wanted to give us a fresh start." With that said, he pushed the door open.

Mary's eyes grew wide at the sight and she covered her mouth. The room was bigger and had been completely transformed. All their furniture and belongings had been moved in as well, including their four-poster bed with new light blue tulle hanging from the posts and a new bedspread with bright spring colors. Everything was breathtaking.

"Well, what do you think?" Francis asked, looking worried because of her silence.

Mary was still in shock and continued staring at everything in a daze. "Francis…I don't know what to say. What about your sister?"

He took her hand and they walked into the room together. "Claude has coveted our old chambers from the moment she was born I believe." He let out a small chuckle and went on. "Needless to say, she was delighted with the idea of switching. The space was smaller than we are accustomed to, so the builders conjoined Claude and Elisabeth's old rooms. Now it's actually larger than our old chambers." He backed up and spread out his arms with a smile. "So, we basically occupy this entire wing of the castle now, my queen. I know the view from the balcony isn't as spectacular and if you don't like the design of things, just say the word and I'll…"

"It's perfect, Francis," she interrupted and tears filled her eyes as she moved closer to him. "Absolutely perfect."

He frowned and wiped a few tears off her cheek. "Then why are you crying?"

She smiled through her tears. "Your thoughtfulness and love for me…it's overwhelming. I never…I never asked to change rooms, yet somehow you knew exactly what I would need to start over." Francis pulled her into his arms and she wept against his chest, but they were tears of joy. "Thank you," she whispered.

"Like I've always said, I would do anything for you, Mary." He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. "So, what do you think? Does this room seem like a place we can create beautiful new memories together as husband and wife?"

She wiped her tears and nodded with a smile. "Of course, it does, Francis. And you know what?"

He gazed into her eyes and caressed her cheek with his fingertips. "What."

"I think we just created our first one."