The Heir (TV Series 'Reign') #2

Fugitive

Francis' POV

Opening my eyes, the sunlight beams into my room like a prism. The feeling of silk rubbing against me catches my attention.

"Good Morning.." I whisper to Eliana, who is resting her head on my chest.

"Good Morning."

Staring as her eyes finally open, I could see the color of her eyes enrich with life.

"What's wrong?" She asks.

"Nothing..I just realized that we've never slept in the same bed before. You look beautiful in the morning.." I whisper.

"We should get dressed, who knows what is going on outside these walls." She says.

~

"My men have his description. We've blanketed the area, and moved out through the woods." General Renaude said.

"Today's market day." I whisper.

"We're questioning villagers, farmers. Anyone who seems to fit Condé's description, no matter their rank, is held till I can have a look at them. We'll find the traitor, my lord."

"It's a pity we don't know who set that fire at Condé's townhouse. Clearly, whoever it was wished to erase his proxy wedding with Elizabeth. It would be useful to know who Condé's friends and enemies are." I say.

"Yes, it would." Renaude adds.

"You're dismissed."

"When next we hear of him, Condé could be king consort of England. Condé and Elizabeth together holding a sword pointed directly at France." I say to Eliana.

"He's not ambitious for power. He's just a man in over his head, his enemies everywhere. He's just looking for a way to survive this." She says.

"I'm responsible for this mess. It isn't fair for me to even ask, but if we find Condé... let's allow him to leave the country. Banishment is enough." Mary suggest, as she enters the study.

"You're very forgiving of a man who betrayed your heart." I say.

"Yes, he betrayed me. Do you think I don't feel that? I ask despite it... not out of love, but out of horror for what I have done to his life."

"You had an affair and I allowed it. We all played our part, but Condé was the only one who wed this nation's enemy. Your enemy. He has committed treason, and the punishment for treason is death." I order.

"Please."

~ 

Catherine's POV

The feeling of our bodies rubbing against each other, as our breathing was tiring. Sticking my hand out of the covers, I pull them over our head.

"Oh... I keep thinking of our fugitive prince." I say.

"How unflattering. If you are gonna bring another man into our bed, must it be Condé?" Narcisse says.

"Well, he's a threat to my family as long as he lives."

"Renaude will find him. His men are turning over every blade of grass."

"But what if Mary interferes in that unexpected way that she has?" I ask.

"You could help me here." I add.

"Hmm?"

"Well, perhaps Mary's confided in her sister. You could speak with Eliana, and see if you can find anything out." 

"Why would I have any special influence over Eliana?" He asks.

"Well, you have spoken with her often."