War of Hearts || Reign || REWRITE

41- The Baptism

July 14th, 1564.

I rocked Louis in my arms as I walked across the room.

It was already a week after his birth and I could stand on my feet again. The birth of my son seemed to have brought me energy because I did not stand still for a moment.

I had already gone to church and was allowed to leave my room again and even share the bed with Francis . Much earlier than usual, but I couldn't wait to finally get out of the four walls of my room.

The day of Louis's birth was celebrated exuberantly. I couldn't attend but Cecily had told me every detail of the party.

She also told me that Mary had briefly attended the party but then returned to her own rooms sulking. I smiled triumphantly when she said that.

I gave Louis to the nurse "Go to the nursery." I said as I sat down behind my table. I had important matters to take care of.

When the pope, Ottavio's, father died, the elections to elect the new pope soon began and the new pope, some Giovanni Angelo Medici, was elected pope.

This pope was called Medici, but was not related to my father, Queen Catherine, or to me, but my father, being clever and cunning, decided to take that to his advantage.

He promised to recognize Giovanni Angelo Medici as our family, but only on the condition that he would do everything to support our family, and as expected he accepted.

Giovanni Angelo Medici, who now called himself Pope Pius, would serve us well. Not only could I use him to recognize my son, he could also help my father in Tuscany.

I had even hoped that he could cancel Francis and Mary's marriage but that would be too dangerous given my place and the fact that Mary was queen in her own name.

With the birth of my son, I had stepped into dangerous territory as he was Francis' only son. He was not heir to the throne, his younger brother Charles already was, but if Mary didn't have a son and I got Francis to adjust the line of succession so that Louis, his legitimate son, came before Charles as heir I stood with the sky under my feet. At least that's what my father wrote.

It wasn't my plan to see Louis as king. I couldn't do that to him, especially not because his ambitious grandfather wanted me to.

For now, Louis would just remain our son, nothing more.

~

April 23rd, 1564.

I stood at the front of the church, at the altar, watching Louis walk toward the baptismal font in Cecily's arms. Today my dear son would finally be baptized and be known as Louis, of the House of Valois, legitimate son of the king.

Francis and I had chosen to name Cecily as his godmother and Maximilian and Francesco, my brother who unfortunately could not attend, as godfathers

Francis stood next to me and looked proudly at Louis as he was held over the baptismal font and anointed and soaked in the water by the priest.

They put on his christening gown, which was jeweled with pearls, and the priest lifted it up.

"Louis Valois, Legitimate of France!"

I should actually be sleeping because it's already 02:17 but I have too much inspiration today. I think I already wrote 4 chapters today