Here we go! Chapter 10. We are officially halfway through this story. Hope you enjoy and as always, thank you so much for your continued support. ~ Sweet R.

Chapter Ten: Unwelcome

Francis sat on the edge of the bed admiring his wife as she brushed her long raven hair by the mirror. Mary had never looked more radiant. Her face glowed and although she still wore a loose shift and robe, the thin fabric did very little to hide the round bump beginning to form at her midsection. He tried to conceal a grin but failed miserably.

Mary caught his gaze in the reflection of the mirror and blushed. "It's not polite to stare, you know." She tried to look stern but Francis caught the hint of a smile.

"I'm sorry. You're just so beautiful that I couldn't help myself."

She sighed and began putting her earrings on. "Thank you for being so kind, but I feel like a beached whale." Mary put her hands on her stomach. "We're supposed to be attending the harvest festival in an hour and nothing fits. I didn't think I would be showing this quickly and my new wardrobe won't be ready for a few more days yet."

He gave her a knowing look. "I'm sorry, my queen. Lola will return shortly with something that will do for tonight. If I remember correctly, she had some lovely gowns from her pregnancy with adjustable waistlines." Mary nodded but burst into tears moments later. Francis rushed over and knelt in front of her. "Oh Mary, what did I say?"

"I'm sorry," she sniffled and wiped her tears. "It's not you, Francis. My emotions are just everywhere. I cry at the drop of a hat these days… and honestly… I'm a little nervous about the festival."

He kissed her hand, hoping to ease her anxiety. It always broke his heart to see her cry. "Is it because the Bourbons are attending?"

She nodded. "That's part of it. I know we need Louis to show up so we can convince him to break his arrangement with Elizabeth. Alas, I hope his presence doesn't cause any problems."

"I promise to be on my best behavior and you don't have to speak to Conde if you don't wish to. Stay close to me or your ladies if you feel uncomfortable."

She caressed his cheek and smiled. "I just have a bad case of the jitters. I know everything will be fine."

"Good…now what were we talking about before? Oh, I remember. How beautiful you are." Francis smiled and gently pulled her up with him. "If I ask permission this time, can I look at my beautiful wife?"

A shy grin curved on her lips. "I suppose. On one condition."

He leaned forward and kissed Mary's lips, unable to resist any longer. "And what's that?" He pulled her closer, trailing kisses down the delicate skin on her neck."

She let out a soft giggle and ran her fingers through his hair. "You must say please."

He arched an eyebrow. "Please."

She nodded with an amused grin.

"Thank you," he whispered while taking both her hands in his and leaning back to gaze at her beauty. "Ah, it's just as I suspected."

Mary lifted one eyebrow. "What?"

"You look absolutely radiant. I don't believe you even need those dresses Lola will bring in for you to try on. Just wear this."

"Francis," she scolded playfully. "Have you gone mad? I'm only wearing my shift and robe. I don't believe it's the image we're going for at the festival tonight."

"I guess you have may have a point. Since we usually dress to match at these kinds of events it might cause quite a scene if the King and Queen of France show up in only robes." They both laughed and shared one more passionate kiss before a knock at the door interrupted.

Lola entered with the dresses and Francis gauged Mary's reaction, hoping the maternity gowns wouldn't upset her. However, to his relief her face lit up and she rushed over to her friend. "Oh, this one is perfect!" she exclaimed, touching a shimmering ruby gown.

Relieved to see her back to her usual self and practically gushing over the dresses, Francis kissed Mary's cheek and then took his leave, promising to return shortly. He trusted Lola would help her find the perfect gown for the evening.

…

Mary stepped outside arm in arm with Francis with trailing Lola close behind them. All her apprehension from earlier melted away when the cool breeze blew across her flushed cheeks. It felt heavenly. She felt beautiful and elegant in her borrowed gown and resolved to enjoy the festival, even with the Bourbons there.

When they reached the outdoor tent set up on the lawn Mary looked around in wonder. Lanterns twinkled against warm autumn colors. Streamers of leaves dangled from the ceiling and the crystal and silver place settings were accented with colorful pumpkins and gourds. A festive mood had taken over the court that evening and people were already enjoying themselves on the dance floor.

Kenna glided toward them wearing a cream dress with shimming gold accents. She hugged Lola and then Mary. "Oh, you're a vision tonight…and glowing from head to toe!"

"Thank you, Kenna." She looked around the tent again. "And look at this place. You've really outdone yourself this time."

"Yes, it's marvelous," Lola agreed.

Kenna beamed with pride at the compliments and clasped her hands together. "Come, there's much more to see and you're going to love the menu I've chosen for the evening."

"Take some time to chat with your ladies," Francis whispered and kissed Mary on the cheek. "I'll be just across the way talking with Antoine and Conde if you need me."

She nodded and let him go before joining hands with her friends. Kenna led them through the tent and after the tour they sat at a small table together. They enjoyed a few appetizers and some apple cider. Mary only chose some crackers and cheese since the pregnancy continued to make her a bit queasy.

Kenna put down her goblet with a big grin on her face. "Did you hear? Bash has arranged for us to take a trip to Paris."

Mary stared at her with wide eyes. "Oh, that's wonderful! So, I hope this means things are getting better between the two of you?"

"Yes, I believe so. Well, he's still quite busy with his duties as king's deputy but he's been coming home earlier. I think he's finally forgiven me for lying to him before. And I've learned my lesson. From now on I'll always be completely honest with him. I really want this marriage to work."

"I'm so happy for you both," Lola said. "How long will you stay in Paris?"

Kenna beamed with happiness. "Two weeks."

On cue, Bash appeared before their table, looking more dressed up than usual that evening. "Mary, Lola…would you mind if I steal our lovely hostess for a dance?"

"Steal away," they both said with a chuckle and watched as he whisked Kenna off to the dance floor.

Mary watched them twirl around in each other's arms, genuinely happy her friends had found a way to make their relationship work. They were complete opposites and had been forced into a marriage neither one wanted. Even though they had grown to love each other, their differences had caused discord between them in the past, but now she could see how much their relationship had blossomed in the past month. It was a beautiful thing to behold.

Francis caught her eye from across the way and smiled. It appeared his negations with Louis were going well. Mary breathed a sigh of relief, but Antione had vanished. She scanned the tent for him, to no avail. However, her gaze landed back on Kenna and Bash.

Their dance had been interrupted by one of Bash's men. Bash whispered something to Kenna before kissing her on the cheek and following the man to the sidelines to talk in private. Mary frowned, seeing her friend's disappointment as she stood alone in the middle of the dance floor. It wasn't Bash's fault that his duties as king's deputy disrupted their personal life, but his frequent absences still took an unfortunate toll on Kenna.

A moment later, Antoine swept in, bowing before Kenna and asking for a dance. Bash glared at the other man from across the room. The apple cider soured in Mary's stomach and the color drained from her face. She'd been so worried about Louis causing trouble, but never thought of keeping watch over Antoine.

Lola touched Mary's shoulder. "Are you feeling unwell?"

Mary nodded as her nausea intensified and she fled the tent. While Mary heaved behind the bushes, Lola stayed by her side, offering a handkerchief and asking if she needed some water.

A collective gasp and a few women's shrieks erupted inside the tent. Mary and Lola looked up in time to see the horror unfold. Antoine had landed on the floor with blood dripping from his nose while Bash stood over him with a clenched fist. "I warned you before. Stay away from my wife!"

Mary caught a glimpse of Francis and Louis rushing toward their brothers to salvage the situation but it was too late. The king of Navarre wasted no time getting his revenge. He scrambled onto his feet and punched Bash square in the jaw, knocking him backwards into a table. Food and drink scattered all over the ground. The men rolled in the debris while throwing more erratic punches.

Kenna screamed as her party turned into complete mayhem and then a crowd of people blocked Mary's view. She couldn't see the events that followed, but one thing was clear. Their hopes for a pleasant evening and most likely peace with Navarre had just evaporated into thin air.