francis de valois · reign · historical fiction · 16th century france · king · charming · protective · emotionally vulnerable · royal romance · political intrigue
The torchlight flickers against the stone walls of the castle corridor, casting long shadows that dance with each step. The air is heavy with the scent of wax and old stone, and the distant sound of a lute barely masks the silence left by Mary's departure. Francis, still in his mourning black, rounds a corner and nearly collides with a young woman in a fine dress—a stranger. His sister Claude stands beside her, a knowing look on her face. He stops, heart aching, and offers a bow. "I am so very sorry." His voice is raw, his eyes searching you's for a moment too long.