Things moved very quickly after that night, Francis had declared me his official mistress and I was given my own rooms at court. While at court it didn't take me long to make connections, a reason to Francis and Mary's estrangement.

"It's him isn't it?" I asked as the two of us danced and he twirl around.

"What do you mean?"

"Louis of Conde. He and Mary, together." he stopped "So it is true."

"Of course not."

"Francis, I'm not judging. I would never. But I told you I'm smart, reason says there is more that i'm seeing. Most kings would have their wife and the lovers head but you do nothing, in fact you accept it and take me as your mistress."

"Victoria, leave it alone." he told me and i nodded the two of us continued dancing while Mary watched the two of us from the sidelines.

------------

"Lady Victoria Astoria, your majesty." Queen Mary had asked to speak to me which made me nervous. I wasn't dense to think that all relationships could be like my families and royal ones were even more dangerous waters. I entered and curtsied to the Queen.

"Leave us." she softly ordered her ladies and they did as she requested, then she stood up from her chaise and took a few steps over to me. "I have been wanting to speak to you for a while, Lady Victoria."

"Your majesty?"

"My husband speaks highly of you. and you've seemed to even garner the support of the Kings Mother. I thought it time we spoke, as I've already met with your father he is a...interesting man."

"He's boring." I counter "There's no need to be nice its the worse kept secret of what people think about him."

"You think so lowly of your father?"

"I love my father, you majesty. Please don't mistake my sense of reality for a lack of love. He has always been kind and accommodating to me. Treated me with love and care despite society saying girls are the weaker sex." I replied "May I speak freely, your majesty?"

"I thought you already were." i hummed and a small smile graced my lips "Go on."

"It is not my wish to step on anyones toes. You are Queen and more importantly Francis' wife. My wish is for you to know that I am aware of my place and it will not go any further than what I have been given." Mary stared at me for a moment and then nodded as a sign that the conversation was over. I curtsy again and leave.

-3rd person-

Mary was talking with Conde when her eye caught sight of Victoria laughing with a fair haired woman. She observed that the two women were close.

"Who is that speaking with the Lady Victoria?" she wondered and Conde turned his attention to the two women.

"That I believe is the Lady Lucinda, mistress to Lord Astoria." he answered

"Lord Astoria has a mistress?"

"He's had a mistress for years. Lady Lucinda's husband is a impractical Viscount. The two attend my my brothers parties occasionally." Mary smiled towards her lover and then headed over to her husbands mistress.

"Lady Victoria. Lady Lucinda." the women halted their conversations.

"Your majesty."

"I was hoping to speak with you alone, Lady Victoria." Lucinda nodded and took her leave, leaving Queen and mistress to speak alone. "I didn't know your father had a mistress. You seem very close with her."

"I am your majesty. Lucinda became a second mother to me after i lost my own a few summers ago. both mama and I were grateful of her presence. She has a gift with my father, you can actually have a lengthy conversation without feeling the overwhelming need to find the nearest exit." Victoria chuckled as one of the guards whispered in her ear.

"Please excuse me your majesty." she curtsied once more and then left for Francis' chambers. Though in love with Mary he was hurt but all that had happened and found solace in Victoria. "Francis, is everything all right. I was told you needed me urgently." she delicately

"I am." he smiles taking her hands and kissing them "I was in dire need of your company, there is so much to do and little time to do them. All the words have blended into one."

"Ah, well i would be happy to help." Francis sat himself down then rested Victoria on his lap. The two went through the court papers when when Catherine and Mary came in. Mary shifted a little.

"Ah, why am I not surprised to find you in the company of Lady Victoria." Francis and Victoria shared a look

"Why don't i take these to my father?" Victoria offered and Francis nodded as she removed herself from the entanglement of the king. "Majesties." she curtsied to the both of them and left the room. Catherine smirked between the two

"You've grown quite fond of the Lady Victoria, have you not?"

"I'm sure there is a reason why you are here and it is not to discuss the relationship between the Lady Victoria and myself." Catherine and Mary aired their concerns and Francis took a view before Catherine left.

"The court seems enamoured with the new Lady."

"That seem that way, yes." Francis replied glancing over documents and Mary looked around "This bothers you?"

"of course not. it was I who suggested we lead separate lives."

"Yes it was. Besides there is a hidden advantage for you, while the court now focus' their attention on Victoria and I, they no longer gossip about you and Conde."

"Francis." Mary breathed

"I have matters to attend to." he stood and went to the door speaking to the groom outside "Please call back the lady Victoria." he nodded and went to do just that while he glanced at Mary.

------------

Conde and Mary's relationship turned sour at the first sign that Francis was sick. He collapsed in Victoria's arms and she never left his side while for a short time Mary was missing with Conde. Catherine took notice of everything happening around her. She would not forget who stood loyally by her sons side. When Mary did return Victoria went to leave.

"Don't move, Victoria." Catherine pointed to the young woman "You shall stay." Victoria was stunned for a moment but remained in her place at Francis' bedside. She dabbed his head with a cool cloth.

"The physician was asking how he seemed before his collapse. He says it could help him treat Francis. Was he eating? Did he seem weak? How was he sleeping?" Catherine voiced to her daughter in law. "There is only one person in this room that seemed to know the answer to every question and it wasn't his wife, but his mistress." Catherine gestured back to Victoria

"She has been here a mere few months and yet, she can account for every step and sneeze my son could have taken. Knowing such information is a wife job and you have chose not to be such to my son."

"Catherine."

"Where were you last night when the king collapsed."

"I was away from the castle...." Catherine cut her off

"I know about you and Conde. Do you know what told me that this was fact and not rumour? The look of pain on my sons face as he lied for you., to protect you. The woman that he loved more than anything."

"We had an arrangement...."

"I doubt that arrangement included you running off to Scotland. Yes I know about that." Victoria slid off the bed

"Ladies enough." She stood between them "Such a conversation emits bad humour one that will not help Francis return to better health. Might i suggest you save this conversation for another time and place." Victoria stumbled and held a hand to her head.

"I'm sorry, excuse me." she left the room and made her way out for some fresh air. Then she proceeded to empty the contents of her stomach.

"My child." Victoria heard the rare concerned tones of Catherine as she offered some cloth to wipe her mouth, which she did and turned back to the Kings mother.

"Apologies your majesty."

"No apologies necessary, Victoria. Am I right in my assumption in what ails you. Victoria looked away. "How long have you known?"

"A few days. Its what I came to tell Francis about when you told him the news about Mary." She wiped away her fallen tears "I don't know what to do." she sniffed

"Whatever do you mean?"

"oh please I know that I am only as useful while I am in the kings favour and he is in of sound health. Should anything happen mistresses are disposed of like yesterdays supper. I would be a un supported mother."

"listen to me, you are one of two women to have a child of the King. They who grow inside of you is of Francis blood and as such I will protect both mother and child."

"Your hardly known for having people you like much less tolerate. Why should i be different."

"Now, you listen to me." Catherine made Victoria look at her "In your short time here, Francis has been better, he smiles, he works, things prosper with his reign and you by his side. it is no secret that a mistress is the power behind the throne. Much to the contempt of a Queen and believe me I know. So long as there is breath in my body and Francis' you are protected. Come you must rest too, you have been up most of the night. Catherine escorted Victoria away.