The Heir (TV Series 'Reign') #2

The Plague

Eliana's POV

We look upon the land across the lake, as smoke rises into the blue sky and then immune itself free. I am joined by Catherine and Mary who stand beside me.

"It is upon us now, an old and faceless foe. We have confirmed reports that the Black Death has returned once more to plague our lands." I say.

"You needn't fear. Only take care." Catherine whispers.

"Where is our young king?" A guard asked.

"King Francis is safe. He is protected in a private home. You are all protected. I have ordered the castle be made secure to prevent the arrival of infection." Mary said.

"What if the plague's already here?"

"Anyone who is sick will be treated with dignity and kindness." Catherine adds.

"Catherine's being too nice. What she'll really want is the sick rooted out or turned in by their neighbors." Kenna adds.

"But if you should feel unwell, we urge you to seek our expert care."

"There are early signs." Mary says.

"Fevers. The expulsion of blood. But more commonly, aches, pains, bulbous sores that will burst. The blackening of extremities. Contact with others spreads the disease." Nostradamus says, joining in as well.

"And none have fallen ill among us. The queen can confirm this."

"No one at court has shown signs of the plague, not one. And I pray none will. We are prepared, and we are in the best position to survive." I say.

"We are far from prepared. How could we be? Where is Francis?"

"I tried to stop him, but I was too late. I've sent guards, ones that can be trusted with the knowledge that the king is not safe..."

"Mary! Can you tell us what's happening?" Kenna said.

"We have taken precautions. As far as we know, no one here has gotten sick. As queen, I will need to be isolated. I can't stay with you. I'm so sorry."

"Are you all right? Where is Francis, really? He wouldn't leave you. Not now." Greer said.

"Lola sent word. She's having the baby. There are... problems with the birth." I say.

"Will she be all right?"

"I don't know. All I know is that she is my friend, and Francis is my husband. And God willing, there is an innocent new life. I tried to stop him from going to her when I found out about the plague. But he went anyway."

"You were trying to protect him."

"And now you must protect his people." I say.

"Mary, your task is to survive. That's what Francis would want." Kenna adds.

~

3rd Person POV

"Bash. I just spoke with Mary, and they are isolating people merely for seeming unwell."

"Of course they are. They have to. And if anyone is truly ill with plague, chaos will follow. There isn't enough food. Not for every household at court. Not for the weeks it will take for the disease to burn itself out or the famine that will surely follow." Bash says.

"You're not an optimistic fellow, are you?"

"I've had food brought to our chambers, as much as I could demand in good conscience. Kenna, you have to find Pascal and secure yourselves until the plague has passed or passed us over."