Days later, my grandmother told us that they would be going back to France today.

"Mary, we'll be leaving in a while." Catherine said

"What? I thought you extended your stay here. " Queen said

"Well, you know, Charles, he needs me."

"Why? What happened again? "

"Is that about Nicole again?" I asked.

"Yes, that gold-digging lowborn—Nicole. She's been up to something again, but now it concerns Henri. "

"Has Uncle Henri returned to the French Court?"

"Yes, Alex."

"Why didn't he come to the wedding?"

"Oh you know, Henri, it's all about Spain and personal reasons."

"I haven't seen him for a long time."

"Neither do I," Mary responded.

"What's with Lady Nicole? I thought you were already planning to get rid of her, but she seems nice though. "

"She's been controlling your Uncle Charles. I can't even manage to help Charles. He's not listening to me but instead to that lover of his. "

"Don't tell me you'd kill her. "

"I'm already planning to, but not now. Charles is too in love with that girl. Plus, we need her to keep Charles looking strong and from behaving badly in front of Henri and Spain. Who knows what will happen if she's gone? "

Aunt Claude butted into the conversation and said, "He'll go crazy, mother, so don't even try to kill her."

"I think Claude is right." I said

"Is Leesa still pushing Henri to be King of France?"

"Yes, they want Charles to abdicate. Even Narcisse is siding with Henri. "

"But let's be honest, mother, we all know Henri is much more likely to be a king than we think.

"I know, but Charles is older as well as the rightful King by the bloodline."

"Catherine's right, let Charles have his right to be King as it is his birth right. Therefore, let him be. "

We agreed with the Queen of Scots.

After the conversation, Philippe came to me with Marco.

"My love, Alexandra," Marco said.

"Yes?"

"Have you heard that they'll be leaving in a while to go back to France?"

"Yes, we just talked about that. I was with Queen Mary, my grandmother, and Aunt Claude. "

"Okay, I just want you to be informed. Shall I leave you— siblings to talk? "

"Yes, please, love."

"Okay" he glimpsed, and planted a kiss on my cheek. "I shall bring you wine later." He added

"Indeed," I said, smiling.

Marco left us to talk.

"I will surely miss you, my sister."

"I will too."

"Can't you ask them to extend?"

"I can't"

"Can you just stay here? Even just for awhile? "

"I can't, sister. I'm sorry. I have my business there too, and they need me. I was moved and got a higher title. Narcisse and Charles also gave me land to let my men work there for me."

"Congratulations!"

"From Baron to Lord," he bowed down and smiled.

"But, John-Philippe, you've always been high-born."

"I'm not, truly. I'm a bastard, sister. "

"Well, not to us. You're just like Uncle Bash. Though you may be a bastard, you are still a good, well-known person. "

"Thanks, Alex, but don't worry, you can summon me here if you need me. I will come and help you."

"Thank you so much, brother."

"Or the next time I come back, it's already your wedding." He winked at me.

"Oh you!" I softly punched him on the arm and laughed.

"Ouch!"

"Hey! That was just soft! "

"I know," he laughed.

I will really miss my brother. It's a good thing to hear that he has a great life back in France. Thankfully, Lord Narcisse didn't abandon him, and the same with my family in French Court.

The same day, in the afternoon, the Valois had already packed their luggage and were brought to their carriages. Before they left, my grandmother told me to always keep on guard and to help my mother. Aunt Claude said that I should always be happy with my fiancé and to continue the spark and romance in our relationship while it lasts. Philippe gave me my favorite flowers, and Luc told me that if I needed help, I should just write to him. Uncle Luc treats me like one of his own blood. He's a good man, unlike his father. He's a very thoughtful man, and I think he's right for Claude. She should give them at least a chance of love.

After the Valois left the Scottish Court, the King Consort and Queen of Scotland went away for a short time on their honeymoon. Well, my mother couldn't really stand being with that coward husband of hers, but she needed to be because she was pregnant out of wedlock. That's a big no-no, especially for a queen. The child that she's carrying will be called illegitimate and, of course, an illegitimate heir to the crown. So, to escape that dangerous situation of getting pregnant out of wedlock, she had to go on a honeymoon away from court to lessen the rumor and hearsay about the pregnancy soon.

The Queen left me in charge of the castle together with my fiancé, King Marco.

"Alex"

"Yes?"

"I'm planning to go back to Italy. I've been here in Scotland for a month, and my country needs to see their king. "

"It's okay, I understand."

"But I also want to show them their future queen." He smiled.

"You want me to come with you?"

"Yes, only if you want, but we'll just be there for awhile. It's your choice. "

"Of course, love! I want to visit Italy. I shall tell the Queen when they come back. "

He smiled at me.

It's good that he wants me to come with him to his country. Soon it'll be my obligations too. I want to know about his country even before I become their Queen, but I do have ancestors from Florence, Italy—the Medicis. I want to know what kind of culture or surroundings Italy has. I want to be familiar with it. I know that Italy is a great country and also a great Catholic ally.

When the newlyweds come back, I'll be telling my mother immediately. I am sure she'll allow me to go with Marco to Italy. She'd be happy for us.

It was already near nightfall, we decided to eat our dinner with Uncle James, Lady Greer, Lady Anastacia, Lady Antoinette, Lady Isabel and Lady Rebekah.

"It's a good thing no major problems occurred today while your mother was not present. This is fantastic news. " I said.

"A pleasant surprise," Lady Greer agreed.

"Indeed, just a minor conflict in one of the villages. It's a good thing it was resolved quickly. " Uncle James mentioned

"You're right." I nodded.

King Marco raised his glass for a toast and said, "A toast for a well handled day by our dear Princess Alexandra."

"Toast! " They said in chorus

"Thank you, thank you. Well, I am a bit lucky that not much happened today. " I laughed. "But still, thank you!" I added.

I smiled and drank my glass of wine. Then suddenly, I felt dizzy in a way that also felt like vomiting. I heard Lady Anastacia ask me if I was okay.

"Yes," I replied, and she insisted, "Ana, I'm fine." I stated it once more.

"Would you please excuse me for a moment? I feel dizzy," I said as I stood up.

I went back first to my chambers, but my eyes went black and I fell. I feel slightly unconscious.

"Alex"

"Alexandra"

I can hear them, but I can't speak. I feel like I'm shutting down.

"I'll carry her to her chambers."

"I'll take care of this."

"I'll call the court physician."

"Guards help the King bring the Princess to her chambers."

"This could be anything."