"Francis", Henry called, "Don't think we're done Father, I still want answers but know isn't the time, Mother should be here too", Francis answered over his shoulder.

"I promise you'll receive them from us, son."

Francis couldn't shake his surprise at this. His Father was willing to be questioned. He hesitated but as he walked out he muttered loud enough for Henry to hear.

"Thank you, Father".


Claude was now on her way to the gardens as she steeled her self to face Federic. As she turned the corner leaving the east wing, guard and ladies hot on her trail she stumbled upon something odd, nodding to the ladies to go on ahead while her guard made himself less visible.

Diane was in a dark corner of the other hall, engaged in a deep conversation with an odd figure. He was of tall stature, cloaked in black, his face concealed. The only defining feature was what appeared to be a moonflower pinned to his cloak.

"Quickly", Diane sounded eager and anxious, was Claude first thought as she hid herself as Diane looked around. The man responded boredly, "My money, woman"

"How dare you address me that way I'm the King's..."

"Whore", he interrupted.

"Future Queen and mother to the future Dauphin and King of France once Henry has passed away."

Claude gasped, and Diane heard her. "Who's there?" she asked, her voice going low. Though it didn't compare to how Claude had heard her mother sound before, Diane was nothing compared to her mother. It seemed, however, that Diane was plotting something. "A cornered animal is a dangerous one," her mother had once told her.

'Diane has always craved power, she thought she could have it through my father, being his favorite mistress, bearing his first son, a point she likes to make despite the fact Bash is only four months older than Francis, I'll have to watch her carefully'.

Claude was deep in thought as she and her guard eased away before Diane could find them. Finally she made her way into the garden through the maze entrance, hoping to enter unnoticed by any of Diane's friends. The last thing she needed was Diane knowing she saw her.


Claude would need to thank her Mother someday. That much she knew, but not for her likeness or fairness, which everyone always complimented especially older nobles who remember her mother's youth.

Not for birthing her to a King, giving her great position in life. Although she enjoyed her advantage, sometimes too much, her Mother once mused. No what she valued most in this moment that she got from her Mother was her sharp tongue and her cunning observance.

Diana had been shifty since entering the party. Wearing a weary expression, she glanced in every direction as if searching for something or perhaps someone. The mistress was doing a terrible job at being aloof, considering she knew someone had heard her. But what can you expect from a clueless mistress.

Her only merrit was her beauty and her seductive air, aside from that she was lucky, lucky that father was foolish with his body and his feelings, lucky that mother held a soft spot for Bash and father loved him as he did all his children. Most of all she has been lucky to survive this long, because now, without the King's gaze and favor she was revealed to be devious but lacking tact and cunning.

Claude's gaze turned to her brothers, Bash and Francis in conversation as Francis stole glances at mother and father his face hard, his eyes cold as father kissed mother's cheek. Bash, to his credit seemed to be calling Mary over from her conversation with some noble ladies, a tactic which helped as Francis' face was completely changed.

His eyes were warm with light and life as her looked at her. His mouth now in a boyish grin as he whispered in her ear. Claude couldn't help but be happy for him. That inspite of their parent's tumultuous marriage over the years, he managed to love Mary well from the start. Even better they seemed to be avoiding Henry and Catherine's mistakes.

The love in the air caused a sigh to fall from her lips. Her unluckiness in that area was mostly her fault, she wouldn't dare give men chances to get to her beyond physical pleasure. Not that any of those men made her feel the way Francis felt for Mary or how behind all their mess her father and mother felt. She wasn't to blame for all her failures in love, her ex fiance was a clear example of that.

He made her feel small and scared, so unlike herself that she felt she could jump out of her own skin. She didn't recognize herself sometimes. He made her timid and hesitant. Suddenly she felt the air change and a chill run through her, she watched her body shake. A shiver ran through her as she felt a presence hovering over her. She turned slowly with hesitance and held her breath sucking in her anguish. It was him.


Claude POV

"Claude how long has it been", he asked bold and fearless. This would not stand, he shall fear me, I'm a princess of France and a Medici, my thoughts raged. "Huh, since we last saw each other or", I moved closer to him and whispered, "since you attempted to defile a princess of France".

Federic looked just the same as he did when we last saw each other with the exception of the small scar on his hand, caused by me stabbing him with his own dagger and the current fear in his eyes. I was enjoying this, the rush of power I felt for the first time in a while. Power over him, that dispite my size and my gender I could overpower him with blackmail and my status.

"I haven told a soul if that's what has you so frightful and tense but if you cross me while your here or ever again you'll be in for trouble", a lie and a truth left my lips, he clearly got the message and left that instant. I turned and encountered the watchful eyes of my brothers. Francis ushered me over and Bash watched Federic subtlely.

I walked over taking a deep breath, Francis and Bash would want to know everything and want to help. But I knew my parents were likely in the mist of a plan concerning Federic. Me watching Diane would be more important as they were King and Queen, they didn't need help to ruin him, instead they need someone to watch Bash's slimy mother. Even if they didn't know it.