Sorry, I know chapter 13 was emotional, but don't lose hope. Mary and Francis have been through tough situations before. They are so strong when they work together. :) Here's a lighter chapter with some sweet festive moments. Hope you enjoy! Thanks for reading and commenting. ~ Sweet R.

Chapter Fourteen: Preparations

Living in northern France for all his life, Francis had grown used to the bitter cold winter. However, this year the temperatures seemed to plummet more quickly than usual. During the week leading up to Christmas it made him even more grateful for the warm fires within the castle. It also gave him an excuse to stay inside and spend time with his wife.

With the baby's movements keeping her awake at night, Mary often went to bed early and slept late into the morning but Francis didn't mind. He enjoyed cuddling with her whenever he could. Neither one of them had brought up the prophecy since the emotional morning in their bedchambers a week before, but it never completely left Francis' thoughts. Fearing what the future might hold made him treasure every moment with her even more.

Before he knew it, Christmas had arrived, along with a howling winter storm. By the evening, the ground was covered by a thick layer of wooly snow, but that didn't stop their joyous celebrations inside the castle.

After a busy morning and afternoon of traditional services, gift exchanges and feasting, all the excitement had finally died down and they had time to relax. He talked with his brother while keeping a close eye on his wife from across the room. He'd been worried the day would wear her out but to his relief, Mary seemed to be having a good day. She lounged with her ladies in the throne room while playing games over mugs of steaming cider. Greer had returned to the castle for a visit that week per his request and her arrival seemed to lift his wife's spirits.

Bash took a sip of his cider and leaned closer to Francis' ear. "Mary seems to be feeling better."

"Yes, she does." Francis agreed with a smile as he watched Mary enjoying some special time with her ladies. The sound of her laughter filled his heart with joy and it pleased him to see a rosy hue had returned to her cheeks that had been vacant for months. "I suppose this time of year lifts everyone's spirits a bit." Francis studied his brother's face with curiosity. He seemed more carefree than usual—a rare occurrence during the busyness of the holidays. "I suppose things must be going pretty good between you and Kenna? You are never this involved in the festivities."

"Yes, I usually avoid the madness at all costs." Bash said while trying to conceal a silly grin, but he couldn't fool Francis who continued to watch him. His older brother stalled by taking another drink from his cup and shrugged. "I guess you'll find out sooner or later." He lowered his voice to a whisper. "Kenna is with child. She just told me this morning."

Francis grinned and clapped his brother's shoulder. "That is certainly a reason to celebrate later tonight, my brother but with something much stronger than apple cider."

"I second that," Bash said and clinked his mug with Francis' before they took a drink together.

Francis shook his head in wonder while a servant delivered a gift box to Mary. Her eyes lit up in anticipation as she read the tag on the silk ribbon. "Who, could have predicted we will both be fathers just months apart from each other. And Kenna? How is she feeling?"

"Better than ever. She told me her sickness has been fairly mild so far. That's why I didn't catch on earlier."

Francis looked at Kenna and then Mary as an unexpected pang of bitterness swept through him. Why did his brother's wife seem to have it so easy while his wife suffered? He gulped and his eyes clouded over, remembering it wasn't Bash or Kenna's fault. In choosing to travel to the chateau with him, Mary had traded her own life for his. Even though it was irrational, Francis knew he'd always blame himself if she didn't survive giving birth to their child.

Bash touched his arm, jolting him free of his dark thoughts. "Francis, are you all right?"

He nodded and turned back to his brother, preparing a cover story. He and Mary had agreed not to tell anyone of the prophesy. "Of course. It's just…" Francis paused, realizing he no longer heard the sound of Mary's laughter. His eyes flew to where his wife had been sitting, but to his dismay, she had vanished.

…

Mary placed the box with the letter on her bed and sat next to it. After seeing who the gift was from, she wanted to be alone while opening it. Mary drew in a deep breath and opened the letter first.

Daughter,

I hope this letter finds you well this Christmas season. Unfortunately, with the cold weather and all of my ailments I cannot be with you until the summer. However, I wanted to send you this heirloom from your christening and something new in advance for the little prince or princess you carry in your womb. I hope these gifts will bring you warm memories from home and something to look forward to when your child is born.

All my love.

Your Mother, Marie De Guise

Mary refolded the letter and lifted the top of the box, revealing the christening gown she'd worn as a baby along with a delicate silver rattle. The sight of the gifts warmed her heart and brought tears to her eyes. Would Mary be around to see her daughter's christening ceremony? As if on cue, the baby kicked, chasing away her gloom. She wrapped her arms around her abdomen, longing for the day when she could hold her daughter for real. "You are loved by so many people already, my precious little girl."

Francis entered the room, relief washing over his face. "Mary, I've been looking all over for you." He sat down next to her on the bed and gentle traced imaginary circles on her back, bringing instant comfort. "Is everything all right?"

She nodded and wiped a few tears before handing him the box with the gifts. "My mother sent some things for the baby. I'm sorry if I worried you. I wanted to open the box in private."

Francis ran his fingers over the gown and rattle with a smile on his face. "Gifts already…and we haven't even settled on a name for our daughter yet."

"Yes, I suppose we better decide before too long." He looked up and swept a few strands of hair out of her face. "Are there any names you've been thinking of?"

Mary paused and a smile tingled on her lips. "I've always loved the name, Anne."

"Anne…" Francis murmured and placed his hand on her belly. "It's a beautiful name." The baby chose that moment to kick and they both chuckled. "Well, as you wish, Princess Anne. Since you like the name so much, then so be it," he said while leaning over to kiss Mary's belly. He rested his cheek there for a few moments and whispered sweet things to their unborn child.

"Princess Anne," she whispered while running her fingers over her husband's silky curls. She loved the sound of the title in front of their daughter's name, but Mary 's smile quickly faded. If the prophecy came true, Anne would instantly inherit her throne. She would not only be a French princess right after birth, but also the new Scottish queen. What a weighty responsibility to be placed on a tiny infant! Mary shivered with the realization she only had a few months to suitable alliance for Anne. She wouldn't be at peace until knowing their daughter would be protected.

Francis sat up and gazed into her eyes, seeming to catch onto her change in mood. "What is it, Mary?"

She gulped down her emotions and managed a smile, not wanting to ruin his happiness, especially on Christmas. Mary would keep her worries about Anne's future to herself until she had a few leads on potential suitors. "It's nothing, my love. Let's go back downstairs and enjoy the festivities."

Francis helped her stand and kissed her cheek. "Actually, I have a better idea. The snow and wind have finally calmed and I have a special surprise for you."

Mary studied his face with curious eyes. She loved his surprises. "What is it?"

He shook his head with a smile. "Now, if I told you, it wouldn't be surprise. However, I will give you a clue. We'll both have to dress warm."

…

As Francis led his wife out into the courtyard, the look of unbridled joy on her face made all his secret preparations well worth the effort. She covered her mouth and let out a little gasp as a horse drawn sleigh stopped before him. "Oh Francis. What a lovely surprise!"

He smiled while helping her climb in. Once she settled in the seat, he tucked warm blankets around her lower half. Then he sat next to her and piled more blankets and furs on top of both of them before turning to meet her gaze. "Are you warm enough?"

She released a light chuckle and kissed his lips while holding his hand underneath the mountain of blankets. "Now that you're beside me I am."

He wrapped his free arm around Mary and called for the sleigh driver to start off. Before too long they were away from the lights of the castle and riding under a full moon and blanket of twinkling stars. The sound of crunching snow beneath the horses' hooves and the snow glistening on the rolling hills had a calming effect on him. It was a beautiful night for a sleigh ride. However, his favorite part of all was the feeling of Mary's head resting against his chest.

Francis came to a sudden realization. They could be home at the castle, at their secluded chateau in the country, or anywhere else in the world. Their happiness had nothing to do with location, nor did the troubling circumstances surrounding them. Mary was his Eden—his paradise. She completed him in every way possible and brought so much joy into his life. No matter what happened tomorrow, they were happy tonight and he planned to enjoy every moment.