War of Hearts || Reign || REWRITE

Chapter 7

May 12th 1562, Château de Fontainebleau, France

The sun stands high in the sky as Mary and I stroll through the palace gardens.

It has been three days since the court moved from Paris to Fontainebleau. As I expected, Mary was given finer chambers here, and I too returned to my familiar rooms.

My life as Mary's maid of honor is not so different from when I served Queen Catherine. The only change is that with Mary, I must explain more about the customs and the many faces at court.

This morning, I had offered to show her the gardens. The day is warm, a perfect spring morning, the kind that invites one to sit by the water or under the shade of trees.

Mary's ladies had chosen to remain indoors, claiming they could not adapt to the heat of France. They had only arrived from Scotland a few months ago, and their bodies were still used to damp air and mild summers.

Mary breathes in deeply, her shoulders more relaxed as she observes the courtiers bowing and curtseying as we pass. I can tell she is taking everything in, watching and learning.

As we turn a corner, the crunch of boots on gravel reaches us. Two men approach with confident strides: François, Duke of Guise, and his younger brother, Cardinal Charles of Lorraine. Mary's uncles.

I sense her hesitate for only a heartbeat before she composes her face into something regal. Both men bow deeply and I curtsy to them.

"Your Majesty," François greets smoothly. "It pleases us greatly to have you back among us."

The Cardinal smiles, though his sharp eyes flick briefly to me. "The court has awaited your presence for too long, Majesty."

Mary inclines her head. "Uncles, it is good to see you. How is my grandmother?"

The Cardinal folds his hands. "She remains in good health, Majesty. She prays daily for your well-being and sends her love."

Mary smiles softly. "That is good to hear. I hope to write to her soon."

François then turns to me. "And who is your companion, Majesty?"

Mary's lips curve. "This is Bianca de Medici, my maid of honor, and niece to the Queen."

The Duke raises a brow. "A Medici?" His eyes sweep over me with cool scrutiny. "I had not expected to see a bastard daughter in such close company."

Mary's voice is calm, steady. "Bianca has lived at the French court longer than I. She knows its workings well, and I trust she will help me adjust quickly."

The Cardinal gives a thin smile. "As always, Your Majesty, you show wisdom in the allies you choose."

Mary's chin lifts. "You must come see me when you are free. We have much to discuss."

The brothers exchange a glance and bow again. "It will be our honor."

As they walk away, Mary sighs. "I am sorry for that."

I smile faintly. "Nothing I am not already used to."

Her grin returns. "All the more reason to keep you close. Nothing seems to bother you."

We continue on, until the sound of laughter draws us toward the tennis court. Just beyond it lies the archery field, where I see Francis and Maximilian with several young lords of the court. Tables with bread, fruit, and wine stand nearby, shaded by awnings.

Princess Claude sits on one of the chairs with her closest friend, Renée de la Marck, granddaughter of Diane and niece to Maximilian.

"Majesty, we should go there," I suggest, and without waiting for her answer, I lead the way. We are greeted with smiles.