Morning Glory-Francis (Reign)

Chapter Five

I managed to escape the girls' questions about the hallway incident, though Liesel was hesitant to send me out into the castle on my own again. However, I had plenty of work to keep my occupied. Since Queen Catherine had worn the dress I had embroidered, there had been many requests from the ladies at court to have embroidered dresses made, and even a few men had asked for a special doublet to be made for them, embellished with colored thread.

Before coming to France, I had only sewed for leisure, though now that I spent my whole days pressing on small thin metal needles, my fingers were often red and raw by the end of the day. Eventually calluses started to build up on some of my fingers, to protect the previously soft skin from the sharp needles.

When I first noticed the calluses, it caused me to become aware of the changes in the rest of my body since I had arrived. It had now been a couple months, of me staying in the palace. Besides the calluses on my hands, my hair had darkened slightly, due to my rare trips outside into the sun. It was still red, but a deeper red as opposed to the bright ginger it usually was. I had thinned out slightly, due to the smaller meals we were served, twice a day instead of three times.

Now, Liesel was having me come with her to measure someone for a garment. I walked behind her in the hallway, carrying a stack of fabric she had given me, with a small basket of scissors and pins on top. I hadn't really been paying attention to where Liesel said we were going, but once we came to a big wooden door, I snapped to attention.

Once the door was opened by the guards, we stepped inside. I started looking around the room, wondering who's chamber it was, but as soon as I laid eyes on the occupant, my gaze dropped straight to the floor.

The Dauphin, Francis, had been sitting at a desk, writing something, but upon our arrival, stood up and approached Liesel. I could barely listen as he thanked Liesel for coming to fit him for a new shirt for some upcoming festival, hoping he wouldn't notice me.

However luck was not on my side. When Liesel came over to me, and began flipping through the stack of fabrics in my arms, I dared to peak up, only to find Francis was already looking at me, a small laughing smile on his face.

Once I caught his eye, he sent me a quick wink, before returning his attention to the fabrics Liesel had pulled out for him to look at. I dropped my gaze, afraid my cheeks were flushing bright red. I was surprised he remembered me well enough to recognize him.

Needless to say, I was less than excited when Liesel sent me to bring him the finished shirt a few days later. In fact, I was dreading it. After I finished the embroidered panels down the sleeves, I was sent on my way down the halls back to the Francis' chambers. I had some hope that he wouldn't be in his room like how Catherine was, but I was almost positive he would be, just because fate had never really been on my side.

The guard let me inside, and my eyes immediately scanned the room. My heart sank a little when I spotted Francis sitting in a chair, reading a book. When he looked up and saw me, another laughing smile broke out on his face.

"Ah, Anna, come to punch me again?" He asked, smile still on his face. Despite my embarrassment, I could tell he was being good-natured, rather than mocking.

"No, but I have your new shirt." I set the neatly folded garment on the edge of his desk. "Your Highness," I added a second late.

"Thank you, Anna." I gave a small curtsy, before turning to walk out of the room. I was almost to the door, when Francis spoke again. "Anna?" I turned around.

"Yes, Your Highness?"

"You seem like a smart girl. Do you know how to play cards?" I was slightly taken aback by his question, and not really sure how to answer. It was not a normal skill for servants to have, but I did know how, having learned back in Russia. It was an essential skill to have at court.

"Yes, Your Highness." I answered. "If I may ask, why?" Francis sighed.

"My father insists that playing cards is an important skill for a monarch to have. More specifically winning at cards. Unfortunately, that's not something I can do very well. However, practicing with the other gentlemen at court gives the impression that I am incapable." Francis sighed again.

"And what does that have to do with me?" I asked, still a little confused.

"Would play cards with me? So I can practice?" Francis asked, standing up from his chair.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness, but it would be horribly improper." I didn't need this attention here at court.

"Please, Anna. You're the first person I've found who even knows how to play cards. And it will be a secret. No one needs to know." Francis said.

"A secret? You can't keep secrets at court?" I asked incredulously, backing away towards the door. "I'm sure you, of all people, know that." I already had enough secrets here at French court, I didn't need anymore. Francis walked toward me as I tried to back away.

"Let me worry about it. But Anna, please, please help me." I sighed. Francis' desire to please his father reminded me so much of my own willingness to do anything he asked, even after he had named me his successor. Sighing, I conceded.

"Fine."

"Thank you, Anna." Francis sent me a wide smile. I had to return one, though mine was a bit more sarcastic. "Can you come back here after you've finished your work for the day?" He asked, his voice suddenly getting much brighter, now that he was getting his way.

"I'll try. Liesel rarely lets us out of her sight." I glanced behind me at the door. "In fact, I'm surprised she hasn't come looking for me yet." I began walking towards the door, but what happened next, was something I would have never imagined through a million lifetimes.

Francis reached out and grabbed my hand, causing me to turn back and face him. Gently and slowly, watching my reaction, he lifted up my hand and gently kissed the back of it. I could feel the blush on my cheeks, but I was determined to walk out of that room like the lady my mother had raised me to be. Even if I was currently playing the role of a seamstress.

"Your Highness," I dipped into one last curtsy, before pulling my hand away and walking determinedly towards the door.

"My Lady," I heard Francis say, just as the door closed behind me. As fast as I could without running, I got down the hallway to a corner I could turn. It was only then, when I was out of view of the guard by Francis' door that I let the shiver from his words run down my spine.