Mary returned from the nursery with Adi, so she could see her papa again. She decided if Francis felt well enough to return to court for a few hours she would tell him of what had transpired with Conde. His uncle would most likely appear within a day or so and Francis needed to know the whole story.
Francis was preparing to head to his first appearance at court since his accident when Bash walked in. "Good to see you back on your feet brother." He said. Francis nodded his thanks. "We've investigated every angle of the attack and have no evidence to suggest it was linked to any bigger threat. Just some crazed commoner taking a chance." Francis sighed then smiled. "And failing miserably." Bash couldn't help but chuckle. Just then Mary entered carrying Princess Merida who smiled brightly when she saw her papa. "Hello my little darling." Francis said walking over and taking his daughter into his arms.
Mary straightened her shoulders and turned to her brother in law. "Bash I'm glad you're here. I wanted to fill Francis in on the event that transpired before you got well." Mary said. Francis sat down at his desk handing Adi back to Mary who then sat on the couch. "It seems our cousin had other reasons for coming to French court." Mary stated. "Reasons that had him forcing himself on your wife a day before you awoke." Bash spoke disgust dripping off every word. Francis looked between Bash and Mary his jaw clenching and his hands balled into fists. "How dare he come into my court and accost my wife! What drove him to do such a twisted deed?" Mary shook her head. "I have no earthly idea. If it wasn't for Bash, Conde would be in a coffin instead of the dungeon. I had the dagger you gave me to carry. That was the one thing that kept him from going any further." Bash drew his hand over his face. "His uncle is to arrive anytime now. We intercepted Conde's letters to his uncle and we gathered that he was sent to determine if you were proving to be a good King." Francis looked at his brother in disbelief. "If his uncle didn't trust us enough he should have come himself." Mary stood and walked over to Francis placing her free hand on his shoulder. "Whatever reasoning, it's not his fault Conde lost sight of his mission. Conde has been awaiting his sentencing for a few days now." Bash looked at the clock on the wall and then back to his brother. "They will be waiting for you at court brother. Leave this matter till Conde's uncle arrives." He bowed and then left the chambers to make his way to the court.
Francis knew Bash was right. He sighed and then stood. "Are you sure you are well enough for court?" Mary asked. Francis kissed her forehead and then Adi's cheek. "Yes, my love. I will deal with Conde later. I'm just glad you and the baby weren't hurt." Mary smiled and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. "I must say that knock to your head has changed you." Francis cocked an eyebrow. "How so?" Mary brushed an errant curl off his forehead with her free hand as the other was holding Adi. "You didn't go marching for the dungeon as soon as we told you." Francis' face softened, and he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Maybe so. I like to think I'm growing up and learning to be level headed and not hot headed. I have three more I need to look after now. I can't run off and put myself in danger like some half-grown boy trying to be a knight." Mary chuckled. "That sounds like the words of a great king..." she played with the hair at the nape of his neck and smiled softly. "...father and husband." She finished. Francis wasted no time in thanking her with a soft, yet lingering kiss.
Another day passed, and April had arrived. Mary and Francis had decided to announce that she was pregnant again now that she was two months along. So, Francis' first day back at court they had made the announcement as well as informing them of Conde's betrayal. Now the castle was preparing to welcome his uncle and things were quickly coming together. Catherine's health was starting to fail which resulted in her spending most days secluded in her chambers. She never got over Francis' disappointment in her so now that he was well again she left the ruling to them.
Mary was putting Princess Merida into her bassinet after her morning feeding when she heard a knock on her door. "Enter." She called to the visitor. She was delightfully surprised when Lola walked in. "Lola! It's felt like ages since I saw you last." She rushed over and gave her friend a welcoming hug. She pulled back and frowned noticing the solemn look on her friend's face. "What is it? Come sit. You look pale." Lola nodded silently and took a seat beside Mary on the settee. "I know it's been a while, but I was busy working on settling into our home while I waited for Julien to return from his second trip home." She stopped and took a breath. "I'm sorry I couldn't come. We were caught up in politics and then finding out we're expecting again and then Conde's betrayal. It's just been a long few months." Mary really felt horrible for neglecting her friends now that she was Queen. She decided then and there to make it up to them. "Oh, Mary what happened? I only heard of his arrival?" Mary closed her eyes and took a deep breath then explains what happened. Lola gripped her hand and gave her a smile. "I'm glad you're alright. Now I'm the one who needs help. Julien hasn't returned, and I've not gotten any letters from him for weeks. I fear the worst has happened and..." her voice caught, and Mary noticed she wrapped her arms around her middle protectively. "Oh, Lola you're pregnant!" Her friend nodded ever so slightly blinking back tears. "Julien didn't know before he, left did he?" Lola shook her head. "He had gone to take care of something for his father postponing our wedding tour. When he returned we were able to go, but when we came home he was needed home again. I didn't even know until a week after he'd been gone. It's been almost two months now and there's been no word." Mary frowned. "I want to help you I do. It's just we're expecting Conde's uncle today and will be dealing with him shortly after." She thought for a moment then gave Lola a smile. "We shall have you stay with us until we can find out what's happened. You shouldn't have to be alone especially in your condition." Lola looked unsure. "Are you sure?" Mary hugged her friend and nodded. "Send for your things. I will talk with Francis once we have settled things with Conde."
When Kenna heard of Lola's arrival she went to visit her in Lola's chambers. After conversing a few hours with her and taking care of Alexander's afternoon feeding she excused herself and left Lola to finish unpacking. A few hours later Bash arrived with news from court. "Francis was merciful to Conde. He will be returning with his uncle where he is to spend time in their prison till his sentencing is complete." he explained as he rid himself of his sword and coat. "Were you in court this whole time?" she asked. Bash shook his head. "After court was concluded Mary discussed a situation with us that involved Lola's husband's disappearance." Kenna cocked a brow handing him a towel to dry his face and hands after he'd washed them in the basin. "She didn't mention much to me this afternoon. Just that she was here visiting while her husband was away and that she is pregnant." Bash dried his face and tossed the towel beside the basin. "He went on a trip to his father's estate and she hasn't heard from him since." Kenna rang for their dinner to be brought then sat on the settee patting the spot beside her. Bash walked over and sighed heavily. "I hope everything turns out for her." Bash smiled pushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "As do I." Kenna leaned against him and he just held her until their dinner arrived.
