Royal Blood | Francis Valois

X. Odd Occurences

Hey y'all! Just wanted to let y'all know which cover was liked more. Although it was not unanimous, cover number two won! The majority of you loved it for multiple reasons. Therefore, here is the new and improved cover of "Royal Blood"!

Again, I truly appreciate your participation in voting for a cover. It really made the decision easier! Plus, I love seeing y'all commenting, and knowing that people actually kinda like this story makes me want to continue writing it even more than I already do:)

So, that's enough talk. Here's the chapter!

The Royal Court of France

"I just feel horrible. Whether Mary has actual feelings for Francis or not, she finds a way to make sure that I know I hurt her. I tried to get her to talk to me, but she's resistent. I don't know how much longer I can stand to be enemies with her. After all, she is my cousin, so it's not like we aren't bound together somehow. I just don't know what to do. Whether I should insist we talk this through or just let her be mad at me and hope she finds a suitor quick and leaves France." I ranted on to my patient ladies who sat before me in my chambers.

"If there is one thing that I have learned growing up around royalty," Josephine started, holding up a finger in the air, "it's that knowing that royals rarely find love with who they are bound to marry, a princess must surround herself with friends that she knows she can trust. It's not everyday that royals find love like you and Francis."

"And it's even more unusual that the two of you actually have the opportunity to wed. But I would still recommend surrounding yourself with your core group of girl friends." Kinison spoke and nodded understandingly.

"Including Mary. Not only is keeping a friend in Mary viable for England, but it is also healthy for you, Your Highness." Stella smiled. I nodded again and grabbed Stella and Josephine's hands as Kinison held Stella's.

"But I have you girls. You three seem like a good core group of girls to me." I spoke, eyeing the three beautiful women that I have found friends in through being my ladies-in-waiting. 

"Thank you, Princess Arabella, really, but we won't get you anywhere in political matters. Whereas, Mary will." Kinison spoke, giving me a light smile. I looked at her realizing that these three girls were right. If I want to succeed overall, I must gain back Mary's trust.

"Thank you, girls." I smiled at them. "Would you mind leaving for a while? I think I am going to get ready for Elisabeth's wedding alone tonight. I just need some time to think in quiet."

"Of course, Your Highness. We will see you then." Josephine spoke before the three left my chambers.

After I was dressed in my magnificent gown, I paced over to my jewelry table. I picked up one of the earrings I was to wear tonight, looking in the mirror to put it in my ear.

Before I was able to pierce it through my ear, a heard the wood from across the room creak, causing me to spastically drop the earring under the table.

Well, isn't that's just wonderful.

I bent down to the ground, blindly shuffling my hand under the table, hoping to find the missing piece of jewelry. My head jolted when another creak in the wood sounded. I left the earring under the table and stood up, dusting my dress off.

"Hello?" I called out. Creak. "Is someone there?" I walked closer to where I had just heard the sound moments before. I pressed my hand against the semi-see-through tapestry that hung in the corner of the room, where I usually get dressed behind, tilting my head down, listening for another creak in the wood. Through the tapestry, I felt another hand come up to mine, causing me to jolt away.

"Taste of love and sorrow, but do not let Mary drink the wine." A female's voice spoke through the tapestry. Intrigued, I placed my hand back up against the tapestry.

"Who are you?" I questioned the mysterious voice, but the hand quickly pulled away, as if it were never there. "What in the bloody hell?" My eyes widened. I peaked behind the tapestry to see absolutely nothing. I must actually be losing my wits.

As my hands traced along the borders of the wall that was behind the tapestry, I noticed that it's almost budged under my touch. Almost as if it were a door. I pressed my fingers on the edges and opened it to reveal a long and dark tunnel. This must be one of the castle's secret passageways. I remember hearing tales about the mysterious passageways of French Court that used to be normal hallways that were walked upon many years ago before the castle was rebuilt.

I recomposed myself and rid any distress from that odd situation off of my face. I effortlessly set my tiara on my head and flattened out my dress before escorting myself down to the ball room where Elisabeth Valois' wedding would be taking place soon enough.

But there was one thing that, for some reason, something in my mind told me to remember.

Don't let Mary drink the wine.

A/N- Short but sweet. Because this chapter was so short I'm planning on getting at least one more out at some point in the next day. I'll try to have it done within the next few hours if possible:)