Little Reign

Seperated

*Francis's POV*

"Lord Narcisse," Mary said as she strode through the door. I hadn't seen her all day, she was gone when I woke this morning, and she skipped breakfast, but this was not unusual lately. "So, what crimes did you confess to?"

"I confessed to embezzling from the crown, Majesty," Narcisse responded, the unspoken being spoken in between lines.

"Embezzlement? If it was we would have taken your land and your head."

"I am thankful for the King's mercy." Which I was regretting giving him.

"Francis," she said looking to me, but then quickly away. "Since you have the meeting, I think Lord Narcisse would be more useful outside the door."

"Thank you for your help Narcisse, you may go," I told him and watched him leave before guardedly walking over to Mary. Pulling her closer I leaned in for a kiss.

"We should figure out what to do with Narcisse's land." She said walking away.

I sighed, "Yeah."

*Later*

"You looked distressed brother. Something wrong?" Bash said approaching me.

"Yeah, it's Mary."

"She still grieving?"

"No, that's just it." I said getting up from the throne.." Lately the only time I see her is when there's business. The most time I spend time with her is the nights she does spend in our chambers, not in hers.

"Ever since we lost the baby she has been distant, diving into her duties. It breaks my heart to see her like this. I'm grieving, but it doesn't seem like she is."

"Reach out to her. Talk to her."

"I've tried, but every time she pulls away and dives into work."

"Just keep trying. She loves you and she needs you, even if she can't admit it to herself."

*that night*

"Hey," Mary said as she walked into our chambers.

"Did you enjoy the party?" I asked as I started getting undressed.

"It was fine. Like every other party we have." She said and we got changed in silence. "I think I'm gonna spend the night in my chambers tonight."

"No. Stay." I grabbed her hand to keep her from leaving and pulled her closer.

"Francis..." she said, her eyes staring down.

"Hey, look at me." I lifted her head so she was looking at me. "Stay."

"I can't..." She answered in a whisper, letting go of my embrace.

"Why not?"

She turned around, taking a couple steps. "Because..."

"Because why? You've been distant." I took a step toward her.

"I lost my baby! I'm allowed to be distant!" Mary whipped around.

"You're not the only one grieving!!" I yelled. The anger left my body along with the words.

"I know... I'm sorry I've been distant..." Her hand reached up to my chest. We grew closer. "It's just..." her eyes welled up with tears. "Ever since we were little, every time I would look up at you, I saw our future together. It's always the same, me and you running around with our son and daughter.... but now, when I see it, it hurts. It physically hurts..." she bawled, and I pulled her close.

"I know..." I said and kissed her forehead. "I love you."

"I love you."