The Heir (TV Series 'Reign') #2

Acts of War

Francis' POV

Preparing the for feast in a few hours, I helped around the small town, sharing goods and foods with the nobles.

"Ah. Allow me. For you and your family. And spread the word about the Feast of St. Nicholas. It will go on as always with gifts for the children, music and dancing, and extra food and provisions for winter." I say.

"This is just the start. More supplies will be coming." Conde added, who stood next to me.

"Begging your majesty, but some folks were scared to come today." A man said.

"For those uneasy about a public gathering, my representatives will come to your home with food and supplies and no discussion of your faith. It is the season for giving, not judging."

"The minister hung, right there, beaten to death for asking for a new church." He said.

"The Crown did not murder your minister, as I've said before. I ask you to look ahead, not backward, and we will do the same. Please." I say to the man.

"We were neighbors once, living side by side. We can be again." Conde added, assuring the man his safety.

"Thank you, cousin. Your presence here means a great deal, given our recent disagreements."

"My politics have left you more aligned with Mary." He says.

"At least today, we're united, to stop France from tearing itself in half."

"I wonder if we can." He whispers.

"Your Majesty, your brother Sebastian asks you return to the castle." A Guard said to me.

~

Eliana's POV

 "Lively, skipping steps. Ladies, you haven't been practicing." Kenna said to the ladies who danced around the room.

"Oh, let's... let's take a break, shall we?" She says, distracted by Claude who walked in the room.

"Was that supposed to be the tarantella?" Claude asked.

"Princess Claude. It's a new dance. From Spain. I would have invited you to the lesson, but seeing as you don't respond to any of my invitations..."

"Your invitations?" She questioned.

"To tea, for riding, perhaps a simple thank you for the tiara I sent you?" Kenna asked.

"The servants get worse every year. I swear they forget I live here now. But here I am. And I need all four of you, desperately." Grabbing my hand softly, she brings me in closer.

"What do you know about Lord Narcisse?" She asked.

Realizing why she wanted him, I stare back at Kenna.

"Really? Is it that bad?.."

"Fantastic. What is he, a whore chaser?" She added.

"Uh, we cannot speak to that." Lola said.

"Well, what kind of woman does Narcisse enjoy?"

"Well, you can't be asking for yourself. We can speak to the fact that he kept his last wife in a cage." Greer said.

"A cage? For punishment, or for erotic purposes?"

"Claude, Lord Narcisse is completely unsuitable for you. He's schemer, a liar, and he's dangerous." I said.

"Perfect. Mother's been foisting me on boring suitors utterly beneath me."

"An affair." I whisper.