War of Hearts || Reign || REWRITE

58- The Death Of The Duke

20th August, 1566.

I stood in my sapphire blue dress at the front of the church with Francis next to me on the other side of Francis was Mary. At the altar, Charlotte had just been baptized by the Archbishop.

Francis and I had chosen this time to name his sister Elisabeth Valois and her husband King Phillip Of Spain as godmother and father and Queen Mother Catherine as godmother.

"I bless here, Charlotte Valois. God bless her!" he cried after embalming her and baptizing her in the holy water. He gave Charlotte to Catherine.

Catherine walked down the path with Charlotte to the exit, and Francis, Mary and I followed behind her.

~

Later that day there was a celebration in the throne room. I had replaced my sapphire blue dress with a gold colored dress and had my long hair loose over my shoulders.

Francis and I danced around the room together.

"Are you happy ?" Francis asked, I smiled "Very happy, I have two healthy beautiful children, how could I not be happy."

The music stopped and Francis guided me to the platform where a table. Tables were scattered throughout the throne room.

I noticed Mary was speaking to one of her uncles in the corner of the room, and they looked occasionally in my direction.

Did they know about my plan?

I decided to ignore it. I didn't know if Antonio had already acted on my orders, I hadn't heard of it anyway.

Francis insisted, "I want to say a toast to my three beautiful children, Louis, Margaret and Charlotte. May God bless all three of them with longevity!" he shouted across the hall, raising his cup of wine.

I also picked up my cup like everyone else in the room and took a sip.

"Now let's enjoy the meals that have been prepared."

The servers place the large plates of meat and vegetables on the tables.

Mary also sat down on the platform and sat quietly in her chair. She smiled briefly at me, it was an emotionless smile.

I looked away from her and took another sip of my wine. I just couldn't get rid of my nerves.

The Duke of Guise rose from his table and came over to us.

"Your Majesty, niece, Lady Bianca. I wanted to make a toast to your new daughter,"

Francis raised his glass again and they both took a sip.

"Thank you, Your Grace. I haven't seen you on the council for a long time, how come?"

The duke of guise briefly coughed "I've traveled a lot, that's why I couldn't be there.". Francis nodded briefly. "I thought you were so angry at my decision to appoint Louis heir to the throne. It sometimes seems like you want to take all the power of the council." Francis smiled fakely.

The duke coughed again. It was a painful sound. "I stand by every decision you make, Your Majesty." He coughed again and he took a sip of wine. "Im loyal to your majesty and your son."

He choked and turned pale. Drops of blood came out of his nose.

"My God!" I shouted startled. Mary was shocked at "He's choking!"

The duke made a gasp, then fell to the ground. "Uncle!" cried Mary who had run to him.

Suddenly there was silence and everyone looked shocked at the duke. "He is dead" she said softly.

I felt myself grow cold and grabbed Francis' arm. He looked at me briefly and then looked briefly at the duke again. "Have him taken away." He then stood up "The party is over,"

He walked out of the room, leaving me, Mary, and the rest of the guests.

I watched as the Duke was lifted away and then decided to return to my own chambers as well.

As I walked into the hallway I saw Antonio walking past me. He had dressed himself as a servant.

"This is not my job." He whispered as he walked past me.

I felt myself stiffen. If Antonio hadn't done this who would have.

Who do you think was behind the murder of the Duke of Guise?