Drawn and Quartered

                                    

                                          
Eliana's POV
                          
Catherine, Mary and I waited in the corridor for Francis' arrival with Lola. Guards huddled around walking towards us, before stopping and letting Francis walk.
                          
"I knew he was alive. I could feel it in my heart." Mary says. 
                          
"Thank God you were right. Please don't tell Francis that I mistook my illness for the plague. It's embarrassing." Catherine says to me. 
                          
"Mary." 
                          
"Where is Lola? Is she all right?" She asked. 
                          
"Mary." Lola whispered. 
                          
"Lola. The... the child, is it... ?" 
                          
"I have a son." She says, feeling my cheek rise, I smile at her. 
                          
"Bash, oh, thank God you're all right. We have to talk soon. I need an advisor I can trust. I want you on my council." Francis says to Bash, who is coming behind me. 
                          
"You're already talking politics." 
                          
"Because I am already king." He says. 
                          
"I'm no politician, Francis. I don't belong on a privy council. It's a liar's job." Bash whispers.
                          
"Eliana? I'd like you to meet the man that saved our lives. My cousin. Louis of Conde." Francis introduces me. 
                          
"Oh, he's easy on the eyes, isn't he?" I hear Kenna say.
                          
"Thank you for bringing them home safely." Mary says.
                          
"Thank you so very much." I add.
                          
 "It was an honor. As is this." 
                          
"You and your men must rest here before you leave." Francis says, as the women around us, giggled among themselves.
                          
Catherine and the rest of the guards, including Bash walked away.
                          
"Eliana, would you stay? We would like for you to know about this conversation.." Mary ordered.
                          
"Of Course.." I say, glancing at Francis and then at Mary.
                          
"I left impulsively." Francis says. 
                          
"You did." 
                          
"And now I have returned with Lola's child. I held him and... I don't know what role he'll have at court, but I want to be a part of my son's life. Of this child's life, but we will have others. Mary, my father's indiscretions were blatant, but out of respect for his wife, he gave Bash no title or standing. It hurt him. And it hurt me to see it." He adds. 
                          
I watched Mary eyes, glance down, before I spoke.
                          
"The eyes of the world are watching to see if you will... If Mary can bear an heir. Not just for France. For Scotland. I know this has nothing to do with the role you decide to have in your son's life..." 
                          
"Well, perhaps it should."
                          
"Those who are close to us... even here at court will know the truth. Your mother has guessed it already. Spend time with your son absolutely, but..." Mary stopped.
                          
"But don't claim him. Officially, you mean." 
                          
"Yes." I whisper.
                          
~
                          
"Your Majesty, Queen Catherine is awaiting for your presence in the throne room.." A guard says to me.
                          
"Thank you.."
                          
I set my book aside on the table, before stepping into the throne room. 
                          
"Thank you. I'm surprised to see you. My deepest sympathies for the loss of your son Eduard. Can I get you anything? Some lemonade?" Catherine says to a man.