War of Hearts || Reign || REWRITE

Chapter 7

May 9th 1562, Château de Fontainebleau, Fontainebleau

The early morning light streamed through the halls of Château de Fontainebleau as Bianca made her way toward the chambers of her new mistress. Though the palace was still waking, the air buzzed with movement—servants hurried with trays of breakfast, seamstresses carried bundles of fabric, and ladies-in-waiting whispered among themselves about the latest court gossip.

Bianca had chosen her attire carefully. A simple yet elegant emerald-green gown of fine silk, modestly adorned without excessive embellishment. Her pearl earrings were subtle, and her long chestnut hair cascaded down her back, secured only by a delicate silver pin to keep the strands from her face.

She wanted to make the right impression—not too modest, but not too ostentatious either.

Stopping at the entrance to Mary's chambers, she squared her shoulders. Two guards stood at attention outside the grand doors. Bianca inhaled deeply.

"Please announce me."

One of the guards nodded, stepping inside to relay her arrival. Bianca instinctively smoothed the fabric of her dress and waited. Within moments, the doors opened.

"Her Majesty will see you."

Bianca nodded in gratitude and stepped inside.

The audience chamber was filled with soft rustling fabric and the steady rhythm of needlework. Mary's four Scottish ladies-in-waiting—Margaret MacDonald, Isobel Beaton, Agnes Seton, and Elizabeth Livingston—were engaged in their morning tasks. Margaret was embroidering an intricate design onto a linen cloth, Agnes inspected ribbons for a new gown, while Isobel and Elizabeth whispered among themselves.

Seated in a wide window alcove, bathed in golden morning light, was Mary herself. She wore a dark blue silk gown, her rich brown hair concealed beneath a matching hood. Though her posture was poised, her dark eyes carried a certain watchfulness as they met Bianca's.

Bianca stopped a few steps away and dropped into a deep curtsy.

"Your Majesty."

Mary's lips curved into a small smile. "Welcome, Bianca. I am glad you are here and will serve me as one of my ladies."

She gestured to the open space beside her.

"Please, sit with me."

Bianca hesitated only briefly before accepting the invitation, gracefully taking a seat. Now that she was closer, she observed the young queen more closely.

Mary possessed a delicate beauty—soft features, deep expressive eyes, and a natural grace that made her seem every bit the queen she was. But beneath the elegance, Bianca sensed something else. A quiet uncertainty. Despite her rank, despite her title, she was still a foreigner at the French court.

Mary folded her hands in her lap, studying Bianca with quiet intensity.

"I know I was raised in France," she began, "but the court feels... different than I remember. The people, the customs, even the way they speak."

She paused, then met Bianca's gaze directly.

"I need you to help me understand it."

Bianca offered a soft smile. "I will do my best, Your Majesty. What would you like to know?"

Mary did not hesitate. "Tell me about the King. I hardly know him. What kind of man is he?"

Bianca carefully composed her expression.

"King Henri is a strong ruler. He is intelligent and understands how to wield power. But he is also deeply influenced by his advisors—especially his mistress, Diane de Poitiers."