Long May She Reign

Parents (Ep 1)

Women seemed to gather in large groups as King Hudson modelled his new suit for them, lavishing in the attention and praise.

His wife, Vanessa de' Medici, was unfazed by the new group of girls she was sure Hudson would whore his way through them one way or another, "Owen should remain hidden for her protection Hudson."

"I am aware that is what you believe Vanessa," Hudson replied.

Their eldest daughter Elisabeth tried to ignore them throughout her gown fitting, the dress had to be perfect, it was for Spain's future Queen after all.

"I am also aware that you claim that you sent her to the convent to 'educate' her but truly she irked you with her power, beauty and grace," Hudson continued, flexing his arm muscles.

"Forgive me for worrying that Owen Stuart's arrival will upstage our dear Leeza's wedding," Vanessa tried to win the argument.

"No. It is perfect timing. With half the continent in my court, this is perfect to show our alliance with Scotland and the true heir of England," Hudson would not hear his wife out.

Acho entered the room quietly, shooting a charming smile towards a lady known as 'Enchantress' for her beauty.

"Too many alliances will make you look like a weak and pathetic king, Hudson," Vanessa retorted, she knew her husband's weak points and this was certainly one of them.

"Then why did you fight so hard to all but sell out daughter of to the Spanish Infante?" Hudson eyed Vanessa with murder in his eyes.

"I was needed?" Acho made his presence known, "Although would it simply be easier if I returned for my wedding? You've already set me a wife, do you have a set date to? A spring wedding perhaps?" Star eyed his father behind his back.

"I'll tell you the date; whenever I decide or England decides to pose as an issue to us. He's on her way, by the way," Henry turned to face his second son.

"So I hear, Owen Stuart, Queen of Scotland is on his way back to French Court," Acho's voice was deadpan.

"You and that girl used to be so close as playmates, you don't sound enthusiastic to be marrying her."

"If I remember well enough then he had a gap tooth, skinny legs and the strongest opinions I've ever heard," Acho reminisced over their childhood together.

"His tooth will have grown back in and feel free to ignore her opinions," Hudson looked back over to Vanessa, "Isn't that right Vanessa? A wife's opinions are better ignored."

Vanessa elected to ignore her husband's words of torment, "She and her four main servers from Scotland will arrive around the same time. Three of them come with titles and the fourth is one of the richest you will meet from Scotland," she glanced at her husband, "They sound exactly like your type."

"Count yourself lucky that your wife comes with her own army and land for you to use at your disposal. Mine did not," Hudson picked one of the girls fawning over him and walked out with her off to do god knows what, god knows where.

Vanessa scoffs, "What he forgets is that his country relies on my de' Medici money, I did not come with a crown or country but I am the reason he is King of France still. For all he talks like a king, I decide when your wedding will be," she stated firmly.

Acho smiled fondly towards his mother with a warm chuckle.

"Acho dear, I am always on your side, remember that?" Vanessa flicked a piece of lint off his coat sleeve.

"I know Mother," Acho replied lovingly, eyeing Enchantress once his mother had moved away.