War of Hearts || Reign || REWRITE

Chapter 5

May 6th 1562, Château de Louvre, Paris

The next morning, Bianca woke up feeling as though her entire body was weighed down. She felt a heaviness on her legs, her arms, and even her chest. She could barely move.

With a deep sigh, she opened her eyes and saw the source of her discomfort. Her limbs were tangled between those of Maximilian and Francis. The three of them were lying in Francis's large four-poster bed, still dressed in the clothes of the previous evening.

"Get off me," Bianca growled as she struggled to push the boys away from her.

"Stop it, woman. My head is pounding," complained Maximilian as he slowly moved his leg off her and flopped dramatically onto his back.

Bianca turned irritably toward Francis, who was still sound asleep, his breathing steady and relaxed. "Francis, move over," she said sharply, giving his shoulder a shove.

Francis grumbled something unintelligible and reluctantly opened one eye. "Why are you waking me up? I was sleeping wonderfully," he muttered, his voice still hoarse from sleep.

"I'm sure you were, but you're lying on my arm!" Bianca hissed, trying to pull her arm free.

With a crooked smile, Francis released her arm, but not without letting his fingers brush against hers. Bianca felt her cheeks grow warm and quickly averted her gaze.

Maximilian, now half sitting up, looked from Bianca to Francis and raised an eyebrow. "What is this? Are you two already arguing? It's morning, people. Morning!"

"It's impossible to argue with someone who isn't fully awake yet," Bianca shot back as she climbed out of the bed and smoothed out her dress. She looked at the boys, both sitting on the bed with disheveled hair and wild expressions. "You're both ridiculous."

Francis grinned and leaned nonchalantly on one elbow. "Maybe, but admit it: it was a good evening."

Bianca rolled her eyes and walked toward the door. "I need to leave before anyone sees this. The last thing this palace needs is another scandal."

Bianca quietly opened the door to Francis's room and slipped out. Her heart pounded in her chest as she glanced down the corridor. Thankfully, the wing was silent; most courtiers were still asleep after the previous night's extravagant festivities.

She quickly made her way to one of the tapestries lining the wall, behind which a narrow door was hidden. Her fingers effortlessly found the small handle, a movement that had become second nature. She knew the secret passages of every palace the court resided in. As a child, she had spent hours exploring these hidden spaces with Maximilian, playing in the concealed corridors and rooms. While the governesses searched for them, they would hide behind walls and trapdoors, giggling at their secret.

The passages had once seemed magical, a world of their own where she and Maximilian could escape the expectations of court life. Now, they felt more like an escape route, a place to disappear unnoticed when the pressures of life at court became too much.

Bianca closed the door behind her and moved quickly through the narrow passage, her hands lightly brushing the cold stone walls. She knew every turn and step. When she reached the small doorway leading to her own room, she paused to steady her breathing. Only then did she open the door and step outside.

Her maid, Claudine, was already waiting for her. "Madame, you're late," Claudine said with a mildly concerned expression. "The queen has requested your presence."

Bianca sighed and removed her shoes. "Is there time for a bath?" she asked, turning to Claudine.

"Of course, madame," Claudine replied, walking to the adjoining room to prepare the bath.