Francis died six weeks ago. Mary was devastated. The former Queen of France wore black clothing since then. Francis was the love of her life, her soulmate.

Her ladies, Lola and Greer tried to help Mary through her mourning process. Although she never shared her sorrow. She had to be strong for France sake.

Moreover it was very difficult for her to be around Lola who was the mother of Francis's only child, Jean-Phillippe. Lola gave Francis a son while Mary failed the most important duty of a queen. Of course she could never resent nor Lola or her child, but it still hurt.

Although she let herself be surrounding by nobles all day as it was her duty. Mary allowed only one person to talk to her once alone. Her brother in law Sebastian De Poitiers.

Bash shared her pain. The loss of his brother and best friend digged a painful memory up that he wanted to stay buried. The loss of his wife. Kenna.

Kenna left court months ago to give birth to her child secretly. She was supposed to come back as soon as the child would be adopted. Mary sent letters to her friend who has never answered back, until today.

Unkown to Bash, Mary has received a letter from her dear friend stating that she will return promptly to French court to discuss business with her queen. She mentioned the venue of Imereti king a very small nation nation near Russia. She has not written more information and Mary had no clue how she met the King.

Kenna also wrote about her sister's baby, who will travel with them too. Mary immediately deciphered the code. The baby was hers. Kenna never had a sister. She was the only daughter of a household of three, two younger brothers.

Mary left her bedchamber the moment a carriage was announced. Catherine the queen regent of France and Charles her future king were waiting in the throne room. It was time to meet Imereti's royal highness.

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Bash came back to the castle an hour ago. He put his horse back to the stable. He was gone for three days, Mary sent him to secure the road off to Sainte Seraphina Abbey. The former queen of France claimed some time alone.

Time away from the castle was beneficial. The loss of his brother opened a wound. Sometimes he would even touch his scar just to be sure it wasn't bleeding. Bash supported Mary in her grief and he tried to remain strong for her, but those past few days have been difficult. He dwelt on the past more often than before.

Once upon a time, Bash had a wife and a brother. And now he lost them both. Kenna was right he had no one else.

...

"Riding again? So soon after your injury?"

" I've healed quickly. It brings me peace, being out in the woods."

" You mean, being alone. I know that this has been hard on you, too, our separation, but to see you flee an entire castle just to avoid being around me..."

" You needn't worry."

"But I do. I don't want to see you suffer on my account."

"I'm fine, really. Recovering in all ways."

" Well, then, why are you spending all of your days in the woods?"

"There's a friend that I've been passing time with... fishing, hunting."

"But you don't have any friends. You have people you're bound to... your brother, me..."

...

Francis and Kenna were the only people able to make him happy, a miracle with the latter knowing the circumstances of their marriage.

A week after Francis's death when Mary hid in her rooms, he got closer to Lola. They talked about Francis among other things. They started to spend plenty of time together. Before Francis's death, Lord Narcisse, Lola's husband, was banished from court after they discovered his involvement in Henry II's poisoning. Of course no written proof were found for him to be executed. Lola asked for an annulment immediately upon, feeling betrayed by her own husband. The poor girl was heartbroken.

One night, days after their constant meeting Bash and Lola shared a bed. Afterwards, Lola suggested to be lovers to explore their relationship. Alas, it didn't last, they both had different people in their head and decided to remain friends nonetheless.

Today, Lola was among the only friend he had.

"Bash you promised Francis" Lola said one day after they came back from a lovely ride in the forest before their relationship blossomed. "You should try to find her. Or at least write to her."

"I don't know if I'm ready." He answered honest.

"Do not feel betrayed Bash, Kenna saw no other path. It's hard to be a woman in our time."

"Has she written to you?"

Lola sighed.

"No, not a word. Greer and I sent her letters but we never received answers. I suppose it's complicated."

Weeks passed after Kenna's departure, and according to Francis who would sometimes talk about their marital problems, neither Mary, nor Lola, nor Greer have received letters from his wife. Francis informed them the boat she took for Sweden arrived safely, shipwreck was then discarded.

Two weeks after his brother's death, Catherine was named regent, Francis had no heir, so far Mary remained childless. The next king would be Charles, who was still too young to rule. Charles gave Bash back his former job as king's deputy and along with Nostradamus who returned since Kenna left, he fulfilled his duties.

"Sebastian, my friend it's good to see you. I hope you had a safe journey."

"The road are secure. We met no one on the way."

"This is good news."

"Bash, Bash!"

It was Lola. She ran quickly towards the two men, breathless.

"Lady Lola, what is it?" Bash asked worrried. He never saw Lola run unlady like before.

"A royal carriage has arrived at court. The king of Imereti is here." She announced once her breathing steadied.

"What does a small nation like Imereti would like from France?"

"That's not all... "

"Lola?"

"Kenna is back."

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Mary welcomed King George II of Imereti gracefully. Charles and Catherine beside.

"Queen Mary, Queen Catherine, Dauphin." King Georges bowed.

"It is an honor King George" Mary smiled.

"I know it must be a very difficult time for you after the loss of your husband, son and brother, my sincerest condolences."

"Thank you" Mary answered. She held her tears. "I sent my servants to prepare your chamber. How long will you stay with us?"

"I'm not sure yet, I suppose it depends of how long it will take to discuss our new alliance."

"So you are here, to make an alliance with France" Catherine interrupted.

"Indeed. I am."

"And what asset will you bring to France? Imereti is such small nation."

"Catherine!" Mary cried offended.

"I'm sorry Mary, but as regent I am just trying to see what this alliance will benefit us. I'm sure King George understands my perspective."

King George looked discomforted, although carried on.

"You are absolutely right, Imereti is a small nation. And I understand your reluctance."

"I heard your navy is almost as powerfull as Spain's " Charles express with admiration

"Indeed. It is our asset. That's why Lady Kenna thought it will greatly benefit France to ally with Imereti."

"I hear you." Charles answered convinced.

"Lady Kenna thought?" Catherine added "And since when Lady Kenna thought becomes important. If I remember the girl, she is not one to discuss anything that doesn't involve jewelry or dresses. Let alone navy."

"Catherine!" Mary interacted. Catherine was going too far and she didn't want the king to feel offended by her words.

"Lady Kenna is to be my wife. My queen actually."

"Nonsense!" Catherine cried

"Enough Catherine!" Mary interjected.

"Your wife" Catherine ignored the other queen "You are a child, and Kenna is known to prefer more mature men. And as a young king you're entitled to marry a virginal bride, and Kenna is nothing but a virgin."

"The rules are more opened in my country. We don't care for a virginal bride. Although regarding the topic of her marriage, this is the second reason we came to France. We are here to seek an annulment."

"An annulment?" Charles asked bored. He was more interested with the military aspect.

"She will finally marry a king."Catherine scoffed.

"Catherine, enough, Charles and I will speak with the king alone."

"Fine."

The queen mother walked away the room. Mary smiled apologetically.

"I'm truly sorry. The queen regent is quite a character."

"Do not worry Queen Mary."

"You mentioned earlier that my former lady in waiting Kenna seek for an annulment."

King George nodded politely.

"Alright. Are you aware of her past?"

Mary felt uncomfortable. Kenna mentioned on her letters she called her baby her sister's son and wondered if he knew about the real parents of the child. Charles was distracted and showed no interest at the subject.

"I know about the baby. She told me everything."

"Can we trust you? Only part of the royal family and my ladies know the truth."

"You can trust me. The child is her sister's child."

"Alright" Charles interrupted. "What do you think about a marriage to reinforce this alliance."

"My little sister Anastasia came with us, she's barely 8 years old and not engaged."

"Perfect. We can pair her with my brother, little Henry." Charles suggested. "Of course I'll have to discuss it with the regent first, but I'm sure it won't be a problem."

"Perfect then. I'll send a servant to take you to your bedchamber." Mary finished

"Thank you for your time Queen Mary, King Charles"

"My pleasure King George "

The young king left the room. Mary turned her side to Charles and sighed.

"I will tell my mother if you want."

"Thank you. I will write a letter to the queen mother of Imereti to invite her to the engagement party. I will let you know."

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Kenna put her baby on the crib. He was still awake but remained calm. She just finished to feed him. Her baby was four months old and in good health. When Kenna gave birth she was afraid for his life, the midwife explained it was two month early and her and the child's life would be in jeopardy. The moment she held her baby then the reason for her departure became pointless.

In her letters to Mary, she omitted to mention the truth. Mary would see herself as soon as she'll meet the child. After all her baby shared an important feature with his fater. His beautiful green eyes.

Someone knocked and the nanny opened the nursery door. Kenna's heart missed a beat. It was her dearest friends. Lola, Greer and Queen Mary. She hardly believed her eyes. She thought she would never see them again after she left for Sweden less than a year ago.

"Kenna!" Lola hugged her, and was shortly followed by Greer.

Mary welcomed her with a smile and Kenna embraced her dear friend, queen or not.

"You're back" Greer said delighted.

"So are you." Kenna added "I'm happy for you."

"I know where my priorities stand now, even if sometimes I miss my business."

The women snorted.

"It's so good to have you back Kenna" Mary said while she stroke her hand softly. A small noise that came from her son immediately attracted her friend towards the crib.

"Can we see him?" Lola asked.

Kenna nodded. Mary, Greer and Lola approached the crib quietly and looked at the beautiful baby inside. They all stared at her strangely. Kenna didn't meet their gaze.

"Kenna, is it possible you've been mistaken about your departure?" Mary whispered.

Kenna remained honest."Yes. But it changes nothing."

"You're wrong, it changes everything!" Mary insisted.

"Have you told Bash?" Lola asked

"Our paths haven't crossed yet. But I prefer not to tell him anyway"

"Ladies, I think we should talk somewhere else?" Mary suggested when she noticed two nannies eavesdropping. "My bedchamber will be more appropriate."

Lola instructed one of the nanny to send word when her little John and his nanny will be back from their walk.

"I bet he's a big boy now." Kenna said to Lola. Lola smiled and promised her friend to introduce him again, soon.

When Kenna entered Mary's room all of her memories at court were thrown back. The room brought her a sense of familiarity she missed.

They sat at the exact same spot they were when she left for Sweden. Once settled, Mary turned her side to face her.

"Kenna, I think Bash should know about your child."

"I know that. But there is no point when he won't believe me." Kenna cried.

"I'm sure he will, just talk to him, he will understand."

"I can't"

"Why?" Greer asked sadly.

"Because he still hates me."

"I'm sure it isn't true" Mary squeezed her shoulder gently.

"Yes he does and he's right to. I tricked him to save myself, I'm the most selfish woman of France."

"No you're not" Greer added "You were just afraid, I don't know what I'll do if I were to face the same situation "

"Definitely not what I did."

"Kenna." Mary tried "He deserves the truth."

"Alright, let's say I will tell him and he'll believe me then what, I won't return to my marriage. Bash doesn't care about me, he left me alone for days to chase dead people, I can't do that to my child, offer him a life of uncertainty that is based on an unstable marriage. Bash doesn't want me, let alone a child. My decision is final Mary. You know I am here to seek an annulment and after I'll get it I will leave. Bash doesn't have to know the truth."

"Why do you have to leave?" Lola asked suddenly "You've just returned."

Kenna looked at Mary. George announced the queen, Kenna was to become his future wife. Apparently she hasn't told her other ladies.

"I'm engaged to the king of Imereti"

Lola and Greer were shocked they looked at Mary for confirmation which she gave.

"I'm here to annul my wedding with Bash and in the meantime George is here to create a military alliance with France." Kenna sighed. "Please I beg of you as my friends do not tell Bash, it could ruin everything."

"What about your child Kenna. You can't be this selfish." She shouted.

Before Mary never expressed her anger towards Kenna.

"Kenna, please you cannot call your baby your sister's. This child will live under no name. Your sister's name, that's ridiculous, you have no sister."

"Yes I can, I did it for four months, only George knows the truth and I want it to remain that way. You are not my queen anymore Mary as I am Imereti's future queen now. You have no say. Not anymore."

"Bash is my brother in law, and you are in my castle!" Mary said outraged.

"Mary everyone knows you are just a guest, Catherine hold the power, not you."

"Enough!" Lola stopped the quarrell between her two friends before it'd become a bloodshed "We do not need a war between two queens. Catherine is merely enough."

Kenna felt suddenly apologetic, her conflict with Mary was silly. She regretted her words, they were horrible.

"You are right Lola. I'm so sorry Mary."

"I am too." Mary said before she gave a warm hug to her former lady.

"I just want tou to be happy Kenna. In your heart are you sure about this." The queen followed.

As usual Kenna frankly answered.

" I am sure. I can't dwell on the past, not anymore. I made too many mistakes. This marriage is my redemption, a second chance for me to be happy. As my friends I wish you can be happy for me."

Kenna was a disgraced lady, her former lover the king used her as an object, he married her to his bastard son whom she learned to love. But like all married couple, they had marital problems, which worsened with time, and ended their marriage in the most awful way. Kenna didn't want to be hurt again.

"We will support you Kenna, but please, think about it. Truly."

"Perhaps Bash is your second chance." Greer said.

Kenna stood up.

"I need to check on my son"

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She walked the castle halls. What a strange feeling to be back here. She missed the place especially the happy memories, the festivities too, of course they organized parties in Imereti, but it was more intimate nothing compared to the fancy French ones.

She thought about her time at Imereti. George was a great king and a very good friend.

The first time they kissed, it was rather awkward and uncomfortable for the both of them, it's not that he was a bad kisser, far from it actually, but it felt like she's just kissed her brother. George excatly felt the same way. They agreed that even after their marriage, they will only sleep together to produce an heir for the kingdom, but no romantic feelings would be developed. Her heart still ached for another anyway.

...

"I loved him deeply, and we were happy, but I messed everything up" Kenna explained George once they were alone in his bedchamber.

"I'm sorry. Is he the father of your child? You can tell me the truth I won't judge you. I made some mistakes myself."

"Yes he is. If only I was aware earlier."

"Because he wouldn't put a end to your marriage."

"I'm not sure."

...

George was a good listener, and he comforted her. They told each other their darkest secrets.

And one day he confessed that he loved too another, a girl who was thirteen, he described her as beautiful and spirited but also confessed she worked at the royal kitchen. The scandalous affair occured when he was still prince. When it was privately revealed to his mother, the kitchen girl was fired few days after, and George sent abroad for his studies. Upon his return, and after the coronation few months before Kenna arrived, the queen mother presssured him to find a bride. When he spotted Kenna among the guest of one the royal party he first tried to reconnect with her and proposed few weeks after. Of course Queen Elene, his mother, was rather sceptical for his son to marry a woman who minded her sister's child. But agreed. She didn't know that Kenna was still married.

She opened the door of the nursery room.

He was here. Bash, holding their baby. Her precious Alexander.

"Bash?" Her heart missed a beat. She stared at her husband. He hasn't changed at all, still the same clothes, the same beard, the same hairstyle, and his eyes, she could lose herself for hours in it.

"I'm sorry, he wouldn't stop crying, One of the nanny was already busy with Lady Delcourt's baby. She told me your nanny went to fetch another blanket for the child as the night in the castle can be really cold."

Reluctantly, she smiled.

"Thank you."

She took her son back and put him carefully into his crib. "He's asleep." She turned her side to face her soon to be former husband.

"Kenna, he looks a lot like you, I do hope for your sake it woud stay that way." It felt like Bash stabbed her on the stomach.

"Why would you say that?"she asked with little anger.

"He is lucky not to share any features with a traitor."

Kenna was upset, Bash insulted her and her baby but most of all he couldn't even recognize his own flesh and blood, though the eyes were a great giveaway.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you." He didn't sound sincere at all.

Kenna scoffed."Actually he looks a lot like his father, but you don't see it do you?" Kenna never wanted father and son to meet, but now that they did she was lost. On one hand she wanted Bash to know on the other she wanted him gone.

Bash stayed quiet.

The irony didn't escape her. Once she wanted the child to be Bash's.

...

"You wanted me to believe the child was mine. Surely I would take you back."

"No I wanted it to be yours"

"To save you from ruin. To save you from having a traitor's child, a man who was hanged for trying to kill our king"

"Please Bash, don't abandoned me, I cannot have this child without you"

"If you had come to me in honesty, I might have considered it. But you lied to me and tried to trick me."

"Because I saw no other way! You know what it's like to be born a bastard, the shame and the scorn"

"Stop using this child only to save yourself. We are finished"

...

"Kenna?"

"Yes."

"Why did you come back exactly? Why would you risk the safety of your child?"

It was clear now. Bash will never claim the child.

"He is my sister's baby, she died giving birth"

"But you don't have a sister."

"I know."

"We are still married."

"I know. That's why I'm here, I want you to give me what I wanted a year ago. An annulment of our marriage."

"So I've heard. To marry a king. Again." Bash said bitter.

"George is nothing like Antoine, Bash."

"Does he know about your son or did you lie to him too?"

Bash was still angry. Mary was wrong, no love was left for her. He despised her still.

"I think none of this is your concern. Thank you Bash for taking care of my son. But now I think you should go"

"All right whatever you wish your Highness. But know that you should tell him the truth. Lying could get you beheaded."

If Kenna had an object at her grasp she would definitely throw it at Bash's face. His words were horrible. The faster she was done with the stupid annulment the faster she'll be gone, and this time, for good.