The Heiress

Chapter 6: Plot

Nostradamus

"Why would you demand to kill the boy?" I said, he's innocent.

"I had no choice, he could've implicated me or you." I was the one who've put a sleeping medication on Claude's wine "Have your visions altered?" She asked

"No, Claude will bring your son's death, you have no time to relent if you want Francis alive"
My visions haven't altered. It even got stronger when I saw Claude and Francis talking.

Mary

It was a night time full of thunder. I think it'll rain but I went outside because I wanted to talk to the woman, I know she's here behind me as I could feel her strong presence

"I don't know who you are, or why you hide. But your warning saved me." I stopped "Danger surrounds me here and I am in your debt. I said  when a thunder crashed.

Nonetheless I continued "Are you in danger too?" I said as I slowly looked behind me but she wasn't there. She left already.

The next morning

"Claude?" It was Margaux knocking.

"Come in!" I told her.

When she came in she immediately asked me "Are you feeling much better?" 

"I couldn't sleep last night. I was thinking about what the king and queen told me. They said it was highly an english plot. You know England have always wanted my country and my throne." I said " But he said that she has here eyes here. That I should be careful of her. All I know that whoever plotted that was opposing our alliance to France, my engagement to Francis. And in order to protect Scotland from the English, I need this alliance, and if I don't figure out who's against me, it's going to be over for Scotland." She didn't answer but she seemed confused as well.

We came down at the throne room because Charlie, Francis' little brother is getting married to a Morrocan girl.

"She very wealthy. It's a good match you see."
The queen said.

"But not a royal." The king seemed to oppose to the idea of marrying his son off.

"They'll pay. And she has a giraffe." The queen said looking at Charlie, she was encouraging him.

"Francis, as a sign of respect I want you accompany your little brother in landing." The king said looking at him.

"Can Bash come as well?" Charlie said

"Dear, you know that he's not really your brother. Just your father's son." The queen said, I can see that he's not very fond of Sebastian.

"The girl's parents are enjoying the Caribbean, so they sent her alone." The king said.

"Apparently, she was more scared to meet her groom than the pirates." The queen chuckled

"Perhaps I can go.....with Francis" I said. "I was married off at the same age, I can reassure her." I smiled, I have to prove that I'm an asset to France.

"On second thought, why don't we invite her here. It's very dangerous outside, many bandits." The queen said

"They'll take the kings road. A dozen of well armed guards enough to scare those bandits you say." The king said looking at the queen. "Prepare a carriage for Princess Claude." He said

Elena and Margaux was smiling at me.

Francis

Mary just fell asleep when Charlie suddenly said "She even smells nice." I think she referring to Claude since he's beside her.

"I know." I answered him.

When we were there Claude woke up. I told them that we should go down " Can I finish my  puzzle?" Charlie asked

"We'll come for you once her boat has come ashore."  I told him

We were looking at the sea but we saw too many boats "There are too many boats." I told Claude, when I saw a flag, "Those are not Frence, those are English!"

"Is that a warship?" She asked.

"Yes." I replied "I think it's a hostile landing"

"But France and England are at peace." I told him " Have they come for me?" There was only fear left.

"Guards! Hide Claude somewhere far from here!" I yelled "Can you ride?" I asked her.

"Yes." She answered.

"Mary now!" I was rushing

The guards arrows are ready to aim when my brother came. "Wait, don't shoot!" He was riding a horse

"There's a warship!" I told him

"The English come in peace. The French ship in the waters were distress, the English were nearby and gave rescue." He told us

"How do you know this?" Mary asked him

"They sent an emissary ahead at court. He's being held, if he's lying they'll have his head." He explained when we saw Madeleine.

"Go on, introduce yourself." I told Charlie but he didn't want to

"Hello Madeleine, I'm Claude. I know you've had a very long journey but your safe now. And you're very welcome here." She smiled as she reached for her hand

"Go on now." She mouthed to Charlie

Madeleine bowed as Charlie picked up a flower and gave it to her. I met Claude's eyes as we smiled.

Catherine

They've returned safely and we've arranged a ball for their engagement.

"I've sent foods and tents for the English fighters at shore." Henry said "Then there's Simon, an English envoy. I've set him up on a guest suite along with the captain and some of his officers."

"Hm aren't you a kind one?" I told him grinning

"Treat them as friends until they prove themselves foes." He told me then left

I was looking at Claude when Nostradamus spoke

"I'm guessing that the English are among your favorite guests." He said

"Why? Because they hate Claude?" I chuckled "Well, if only their agression was limited to Scotlant, but they want France too. They want everything."  I told him

"Thus the alliance with Scotland, and the boy you blackmailed to take Claude's virtue, by force." He answered, he was making me guilty, but that doesn't exist to me.

"Well if only that had worked, Francis would've evade the fate you predict." I told him "How do I tell my son about the fate you predict? That his union with Claude would be the cause?" I asked him

"Francis doesn't believe in prophecies. He'd ignore it." He answered

"But I trust your predictions and counsel." I told him "So let us keep this a secret, together with the boy who carried out our plan." I said then watched Claude as she was talking to Simon, the English envoy.