War of Hearts || Reign || REWRITE

Chapter 16

14th of July, 1562, Angouleme

"Welcome to my humble abode!" Maximilian called out theatrically as he descended the steps of his not-so-humble château. A few servants followed behind, ready to carry our trunks inside.

I accepted the coachman's hand as I stepped down from the carriage. Francis was already standing in the courtyard, eyes scanning the castle.

We had behaved ourselves for the rest of the journey, each staying firmly on our own bench. But now, standing outside the carriage, the embarrassment hit me hard. What if the coachman had heard something?

We had briefly discussed whether we would tell Maximilian what was going on between us—or not. We hadn't come to a conclusion. I wanted to tell him. Francis... not yet. Not until things were clearer.

And already, it hurt to keep something from Maximilian. I never did. We were always open books with each other.

"Maximilian, my brother!" Francis strode toward him and embraced him. "We missed you."

"And I missed you both," Max replied, clapping him on the back before they separated.

I approached them slowly. As I reached them, I dropped into a curtsy. "My lord," I said.

"Bianca," Maximilian hissed through clenched teeth, offering me his hand, "if you don't get up this instant, I swear I'll knock you over."

I resisted his hand, smirking. "But my lord, it's only proper I show you the respect you're due."

Francis scoffed. "You never curtsy for me, and I've been Dauphin nearly all my life."

I rose to my feet. "Are you jealous, my prince? If that's the case, I'll be sure to drop to my knees for you more often."

I held his gaze for a beat longer than necessary before turning and wrapping my arms around Maximilian's neck. He pulled me tightly into a hug.

"Max, I missed you so much," I said, inhaling his familiar scent of citrus and leather.

"My little Bia," he murmured. "Have you behaved in my absence, with no shadow to keep you in check?"

I pulled back slightly and looked into his face. I could lie. Or I could tell the truth.

Or... I could hide the truth. Which, technically, wasn't lying.

I smiled. "I tried. And I failed almost immediately. I hope you won't hold it against me."

Maximilian threw his head back and laughed. "You're absolutely mad. Come—we'll get you to your rooms."

He offered me his arm. Francis took my other, and together we entered the castle.

The servants in the entrance hall bowed deeply as we passed, and I saw Maximilian nod in pleased approval.

"You've trained them well, Max. Father would be proud," Francis remarked.

"Oh no, this is all my mother's doing," Max said with a groan. "I've been far too busy with the endless responsibilities of arriving here. From dawn until dusk it's meetings, letters, more meetings... and if I'm lucky, half an hour of freedom before my mother drags me to another gathering of her choosing."

We climbed the grand staircase to the first floor, walking down a long corridor lined with portraits and tapestries.

"I'll still be very busy while you're here," Maximilian continued. "My vassals come to court daily, each more demanding than the last." He turned to Francis. "And father insists you be present as well. I'm also to host a ball in your honor, apparently. A welcome celebration for the Dauphin."