Betrayal

Betrayal ~ Chapter 4

Marie stepped out of the nursery and made her way to her chambers where she had ordered a hot bath to be waiting. She sighed seeing all as ready and ordered everyone out locking her door for some quiet and relaxing time. Her head was pounding. A hot bath was one of her absolutely favorite luxuries. She always felt better after a long soak in a hot bath. A half hour later she stepped out and got ready to meet her husband for dinner. She dressed in a sky blue evening gown with matching jewelry, thankful her makeup still looked fresh on her face. She grabbed a shawl to ward off the chill and found herself in the private dining room, staring at him while he was unaware.

He was still the most gorgeous man she knew, with blonde curls her fingers ached to touch. Just the sight of him was enough to make her uncomfortable as she felt her body responding to the mere image of him. She took a deep breath as she walked into the room seeing a candlelit dinner prepared. He was standing with his back to the door, lost in thought near the fire.

She walked over to stand in front of him, 'Francis," she murmured breaking him out of his thoughts. She felt a great need to be in his arms again and she pressed herself to him in a hug.

"Marie," he responded locking his arms around her. They just stood there for a long time, enjoying the feel of each other.

They didn't hear anyone walk by, certainly not the Queen Mother of France who simply smiled and closed the doors for privacy.

Marie finally moved, looking up into his eyes, "I've missed you too Francis," she admitted.

"Oh Marie," he put his hand on her head as he had done a thousand times before from the time they were children. "I'm so sorry," he told her. "I'm not even sure how we ended up here but I know it was all my fault," he told her.

She moved away pulling her shawl closer, "What are you saying Francis?"

He pulled out her chair for her and she sat down watching as he sat in his own and they began serving themselves.

"I'm saying that I know you were telling the truth all those years ago," he admitted. "I know that now and I don't know why I couldn't see it before,' he said with guilt ridden eyes.

"I've had a new chance at life and I don't want to waste it,' he told her taking her hand. "I know I have done terrible things, do you think you can ever forgive me?" he asked. "Is there ever a chance I could fix things with us?"

Marie was confused, "What's changed?" she asked.

He sighed, "I didn't want to tell you this, I don't want you back out of pity but I was ill recently for a few months. An ear infection that was nearly incurable." He told her.

"Oh Francis, are you well now?"

He nodded, 'yes but it changed me. It changed my view on life and how sweet and precious every moment is and we've wasted so many moments because of my actions."

She looked down taking another bite of her food.

"I was insecure and immature, I've always loved you from the time we were children. I know I haven't always shown it but you are the only one that holds my heart, truly."

"The question of your love for me has never been the issue,' she told him. "We tried for so long to get pregnant and we were so happy when we did and then after the birth you changed. What are your feelings for the children?" she asked.

Francis took a breath he knew this would be the hardest part, 'I know they are mine now," he admitted and I regret the years I missed with them and you more than you know. After we became King and Queen, something happened that I never told you," he started.