A week later Kenna was visiting the kitchen when her stomach suddenly betrayed her, and she ran out the servant's entrance before her breakfast ended up on the floor. She began to put the pieces together as she made her way back to her chambers. Perhaps she didn't require Mary's advice. Mayhap she'd conceived their first night together. She sat down at her small vanity and found a piece of paper and began adding everything up and calculating her monthly occurrence. She would wait to be sure, but all the signs were there. She was carrying Bash's childlike she had planned. Now that it was happening, and Bash was still hiding she was sure she would wait before telling anyone. It wasn't as if she was carrying the future Kings child. She hoped she could keep it quiet for the next few weeks would determine the fate of her and her child.

1 Month Later

Catherine was still a little miffed that she had missed the signs of Mary's pregnancy. They had announced the news at a banquet that was held during the festivities of Queen for a day. She could admit that it concreted their future as rulers now that Mary was proven to bear children. The Kings growing madness was proving to be an obstacle and he was growing more insistent that Mary take the throne of England now that the Queen was dead. Francis had even had the audacity to welcome his brother back to court as his right-hand man. She was worried that it would give more fuel for the fire of revolt that was starting to spark in some towns. She felt as though her control of things were slipping from her grasp and it was making her mad with worry. She made her way to the great hall to talk to Francis. He was working with Bash to get ahead of the rebellion or be prepared if worst came to worst. She needed to know all that he knew, or she feared she would go mad.

Mary smoothed the front of her casual blue gown as she studied her ever changing body in the mirror. Now that everyone knew she didn't bother hiding anything and her bump was a bit more pronounced in this gown. She knew Francis would be please and it would to her good to see him be a happy and proud father-to-be. She was just about to leave her chambers to go for a walk in the courtyard when Kenna and Greer entered her room. Greer had been entertaining her suitor who was the kitchen boy Leith turned noble when Bash made him his right-hand man after Francis made Bash his. Kenna on the other hand had made things official when Bash was welcomed back, and they were newly engaged, but not newly together. Granted Henry was a bit miffed, but he'd found another plaything and seemed satisfied at present. Thankfully Bash and Francis' reunion wasn't as tense as she thought it would be and after smoothing things over with Henry and the nobles Bash was settling in nicely. "Kenna, Greer to what do I owe this pleasure?" Mary said walking towards them away from the mirror. "First I must say how lovely you look in that dress." Greer said. "Yes, positively glowing as some might say." Kenna added a curious sparkle in her eye. Mary grew curious and studied Kenna a bit more. "We just wanted to give you the good news before anyone else." Greer continued. "Leith has asked for my hand and..." Greer paused looking at Kenna. "Let's just say I took your advice those few weeks ago and your little one will have a cousin to run around with. I waited to be sure, but it's been a month. I'm pregnant." Mary gasped and then embraced Kenna and then Greer. "Congratulations to you Greer and dear Kenna things have worked out so much better for you." Kenna nodded. "Yes, I'm glad he returned to court because he wanted too though." Mary felt her heart constrict with the feelings of joy and belonging. She embraced both of her friends again. "Oh, I'm so glad you're with me. Now we must tell Lola." Greer and Kenna laughed at their Queen's giddiness. "Yes let's. I believe she's out in the garden talking to a Lord Julien." Kenna said. They all left Mary's chambers arm in arm and smiling like school girls.

Francis slid his gaze over the map of the surrounding provinces. He and Bash were drawing closer to finding out the main source of the rumors and the ones leading the rebellion. They hoped once they dealt with them they could focus on the main source...Henry's madness. "I've learned from my last patrol that the town near Calais seems to be growing." Bash said. Francis clasped his hands behind his back. "That does seem a logical place to start a revolt. I'm sure there are still those loyal to England that are still sore since the Siege." Bash nodded. "Anyone who would want to join from other towns would gather there. Its importance as the port would give them an advantage. Ships from England carrying soldiers could make port there." He placed his hands on the table overlooking the map. "Could this be part of some English plot as a last-ditch effort?" Francis moved to stand by the fireplace contemplating Bash's words. "They could be trying to keep us busy here while they up their efforts in Scotland." Francis pursed his lips and nodded. "Then we must send scouts to Scotland and assess the situation there. If we try to put down the rebellion near Calais using most of our men, then we won't have enough to keep Scotland." Bash nodded back and turned to send out the troops.

Catherine nodded to Bash as she passed him in the hallway. She entered the great hall and saw Francis still pouring over maps on the table. "We need to talk." She said standing in front of the table. Francis sighed. "Yes?" He said. "Any reason you've been keeping me in the dark?" She didn't even bother masking the anger in her voice. Francis lifted his head and glanced at her. "What are you on about?" He replied. "First you hide Mary's pregnancy then you bring Bash into your confidence and you seem to be ignoring the fact that your lovely father..." Francis put his hand up and then walked her over to the corner. "There are enough rumors going around already. Now I'm sorry for your inconvenience, but can't you just trust someone else for once in your life. I know about father. Bash is my brother and he's saved my life more than once. He knows more about the outside kingdom than anyone. And last of all Mary was only hiding it because she wanted something else to be ours before it was anyone else's." Catherine rethought her argument when she realized how mature her son was becoming. "Mary and I have loved each other since the night the castle was held hostage. I will do everything I can to secure our son's future. So, father and the rebellion are being taken care of. If I need your advice I will ask for it." At that statement Catherine knew the conversation was over. "Well I see my son is finally growing into his role." She patted his hand and smiled. Francis went back to his maps and Catherine walked back to her rooms. She would let this play out and if it failed she would have a backup.

Mary began to feel her energy start to wane and bid Lola and the others a farewell. They had spent most of the afternoon out in the gardens telling Lola the news and Mary had even told them her story. She placed a hand on her belly and headed back to her chambers. She sent one of the servants to the kitchen for some food and then decided to find Francis, so they could share a snack together. She found him still in the great hall. He looked up when she came in and smiled at her. "Is it dinner time already?" She shook her head and made her way to the table. "Nay, but it is past lunch and you've been shut in here most of the day." she replied her eyes filled with honest worry. He sighed and stepped away from the table to where she stood on the other side. "Then it is time for a break I suppose." he said. She smiled and took his arm. "And I have everything ready if you'll just come with me." He raised an eyebrow curiously and then ordering the servants to set the table to the side he followed her out of the great hall.

Francis took a breath and tried to get his mind clear of matters of state, so he could enjoy a few stolen moments with his wife. He knew that she would soon be facing much time alone till the baby came during her confinement and he wanted to make the most of watching his wife carry their child while he could. When he stepped into her chambers he inhaled the scent of warm bread and cheese and his stomach rumbled. He realized he hadn't eaten since breakfast and he was famished. He followed her to the table and they sat down. He began to fill his plate with some fruit as well as bread and a few pieces of cheese. Mary took a few pieces of bread and filled the rest of her plate with cheese and fruit. "I'm afraid I skipped lunch as well. I was too busy talking with Lola, Kenna and Greer most of the afternoon." Francis popped a few grapes into his mouth. "I'm sorry I let the time slip by. I may be able to skip a few meals, but you shouldn't. If we would've had an actual lunch..." Mary reached across the table and placed a hand on his. "It's my fault more than yours. You are trying to deal with a serious situation. The least I could've done is put a lunch together. But no matter. We are eating now and that's all behind us." Francis looked at her memorizing her face and the way her curls framed her face. "I just realized something." he said his eyes never leaving her face. She placed the last piece of bread on her plate into her mouth before answering. "What?" He leaned forward placing his elbows on the table. "We are eating together, and no one is bothering us and not one time did we mention anything about politics, but a missed lunch." She pushed her plate to the side and took a sip of her wine. "I guess it's a little taste of what a normal husband and wife would talk about." He shook his head chuckling softly. "Oh, I almost forgot. I'm sure you'll find out soon enough from Bash, but Kenna told me today that she is with child."

Mary really smiled when she saw genuine joy for his brother cross Francis' face. "That's really good news. I'm sure Bash will be thrilled." he stood and came over to her side of the table and motioned for her to join him on the settee. "That food was just what I needed. Thank you, Mary for everything." He took her hands in his. "For loving me back, marrying me, supporting me, and providing us with a child to call our own." she couldn't help but smile as her heart beat a little faster with all the love she was feeling. She was overwhelmed with his words and she blamed it on being pregnant. Her tears only made Francis gentler as he took her in his arms. "I love you." she whispered. He stroked her hair and kissed her head. "And I love you." he put a hand under her chin and lifted her face placing his lips to hers. She placed a hand to his cheek and the other gripped his shoulder. He placed a hand on her stomach and the other slid from under her chin to the nape of her neck. Before she could even take a breath, he'd lifted her off the settee and carried her to the bed. She could sense he was taking care not to do anything that would harm the baby. She loved him more for it and wrapped both arms around his neck. He pulled her close and she tucked her head into his neck as he wrapped his arms around her. She didn't care if anyone need him he was holding her, and she didn't want it to stop.

Francis held Mary neither of them saying anything. They just took a moment to enjoy each other's presence. He felt something move and he moved back and saw Mary's dress shift. He placed his hand on her stomach and felt it ripple underneath his hand. He smiled and kissed Mary's forehead. "I think our little one is saying hello." She opened her eyes and smiled. "He...or she has been moving around for a few days now." Francis sighed and watched her stomach move slightly again. "I want to try my very best not to miss these little things. It's going to be hard, but I'm sure you'll remind me." He said. She smiled and placed her hand over his on her stomach and kissed him.

Kenna waited for Bash to come to their chambers for supper. She had told her queen and closest friends and now it was time to tell her husband. She headed to the table and made sure everything was in order. She settled onto the settee and picked up the little blanket she was making for their little one. A few minutes later he came in and tossed off his cloak and his sword and then walked over to her. "How are you love?" he said kissing her forehead. "I'm well. Shall we eat? I've got something to tell you." She said rising from the settee and leading him over to the table. Bash raised an eyebrow curiously and followed her. She sat down, and he sat across from her watching and waiting for her to say something. "Let's eat a little first. We might not get to it after the news I have." she gave him a cheeky smile. "That doesn't help my curiousness at all." he replied digging into the food.

Bash's curiosity was piqued the moment he saw Kenna sitting on the settee calm as could be. She'd slipped something under the pillow when he came in and he was starting to think it had something to do with her news. He told her about the meeting he'd had with Francis and the other happenings throughout the day. When he'd finished his meal, he pushed his plate back and looked across the table at his beautiful wife. "Now are you ready to tell me about the news?" She scooted her chair back and stood walking over to him. She squatted down in front of him and took his hands in hers. "I wanted to tell you as soon as I found out, but I decided to wait because I didn't want it to have any bearing on your decision to return to court. I'm hoping you will find this news as pleasing as I did." she paused chewing on her lip nervously. Bash squeezed her hands and leaned forward so his face was only inches from hers. "Tell me Kenna. You know I love you." she sighed and then smiled. "I'm pregnant." Bash straightened in surprise and a few minutes passed before a smile spread across his face and he pulled Kenna into his arms. "I'm...I don't seem to have any words." he said clearly speechless. "You're happy, aren't you?" Kenna asked pulling back and looking into his eyes. He was still trying to process the news, but he nodded and gave her a smile. He really was ecstatic, but he was worried too. Henry wasn't the greatest father figure. "I'm sure you're scared. I am too, but I don't doubt that if you show this child as much love as you show me everything will be okay." Kenna said bringing him back to the present. "I do love you." he said. Kenna waved her fingers, the light glinting of the ring. "I know." She leaned forward and placed a kiss on his lips. He breathed in the scent of her and he realized how much the news really did make him happy. He stood and lifted her with him capturing her lips in a deeper kiss.

Kenna wasn't sure if Bash was happy with the news until he returned her kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck when he lifted her up and closed her eyes when he deepened the kiss. She opened her eyes and gasped then he captured her mouth with his silencing her. She couldn't imagine a better way to spend the evening celebrating.