𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐄.
chapter twenty-five; To Steal It Back
"  Because that is what love is to me. "

  THE JOURNEY HAD been horrible, even if only because of the throbbing headache in Elspeth's skull and the three times she'd emptied her stomach so far.

  Francis had made it bearable.

  She half expected him to tease her, but every time he caught her pressing her fingers to her eyes, he urged more water. Every time she halted to find a lovely bush to puke in, Francis held her long hair back and rubbed soothing circles on her back until she was done.

  He'd not mentioned her breath once, which was something Elspeth truly could not understand.

  And even now, as they entered the French castle, Francis held out an arm for her to hold to stabilize herself.

"You should drop my arm."

"I would never."

Elspeth scoffed at Francis's teasing tone and his hand resting atop her own that was clutching the inside of his elbow.

"It will give the wrong impression and you know it," She said quietly.

"Let them think whatever they will," He spoke with a sudden ferocity as they entered the castle they both knew well, "I hold you dear, Elspeth. I care more for your opinion than that of others."

Elspeth only had a moment to smile at the sentiment as they rounded a corner. It seemed God was testing Francis's conviction, as the very first people they stumbled upon, arm in arm, were Mary and her ladies.

"Ellie," Kenna spoke up, "You were meant to be gone for a week."

"I would have been, had Douglas not dragged me around Paris all day and night until we found a familiar face," Elspeth breathed out a laugh, dropping Francis's arm only to accept Kenna's embrace.

"I suppose that's reason enough," Kenna said quietly, "Tell me later?"

"All of it," Elspeth confirmed, squeezing Kenna's hands.

It was then Elspeth looked to the other ladies. Greer watched her and Francis with a close eye, while Lola seemed to avoid looking at the Dauphin. And Mary watched, wearing her heartache for the first time in weeks.

"I'm going to find your mother," Elspeth turned to Francis, "Join us when you can."

Francis nodded, watching Elspeth depart only to be halted by Kenna's voice.

"Ellie, wait!" Kenna called, "Your brother, Hans, he arrived yesterday with Mary's mother."

Elspeth's eyes widened.

"He's given Bash quite the talking to," Kenna spoke quieter, linking her arm with Elspeth's and slowly leading her away from the group, "Ellie, Mary and Bash mean to elope today."

"What?"

It came out a soft whisper, Elspeth's face falling in an instant.

"They've remained friends, nothing more, from what I've heard," Kenna assured, "I think they've both given into the pressure from Henry. The absence of their true loves. . . speak with Hans. Then stop them before they are too late."

Elspeth nodded, hugging Kenna tightly before scurrying off quickly.

"Petal!"

"Demetre!" Elspeth greeted, never faltering in her race, "I have to find my brother, then go to find Mary and Sebastian--"

"Well, I suppose we have a tight schedule to keep," Demetre noted, joining her pace, "Come on, your brother's in your art wing."

Elspeth couldn't help her smile as Demetre ran alongside her, leading her to the art wing she'd come to know so well.

She came barreling into the room, out of breath and with a quickened heart rate.

Her art was scattered as she'd placed it, the easel still holding an unfinished portrait of Catherine De Medici. And a man stood before it, tilting his head, inspecting the very brush strokes.

Hans Liens turned at the entrance, a breathy smile falling across his face as he set eyes on the girl.

He was tall, taller than Demetre, with the same kind of strong build only hunters should have. His hair matched the color of his sister's, but his eyes were the dark color of earth, kind but bright. Hans hardly let Elspeth breathe before he crossed the room in two steps and picked her up in the kind of hug only a brother could give.

"Ellie Bellie!"

She let out a laugh, hugging him back, grinning as he set her back on the ground.

"You look beautiful," He said sincerely, "Just like mother."

Elspeth glowed at the compliment.

"I missed you," Elepseth urged, still holding onto his arms "How have you been, how is Blair?"

"I've been fine, Blair is wonderful, Nessa has learned to walk-- but I am here to speak of you, Elspeth."

Her smile faltered just barely as reality set it.

"Yes, of course," She blinked, "I'm sure Kenna's told you--"

"That you declined the bastard's offer? Yes," Hans said, straightening his shoulders, "Nearly ripped his head off."

"Hans!"

"I respect the way you feel for him, Ellie, but the situation was poorly crafted and cared little for anyone save for the king," Hans scoffed, "Threatening his sons' lives. Forcing Mary to lay claim to England, forcing her into a position where she chose to break off your engagement to save the Dauphin and the bastard. . . it's pathetic."

Elspeth Liens was quite shocked. Hans had always been well-tempered and level-headed, but now. . . he was angrier than she'd ever seen him.

"Do you wish to stay here, Ellie?" Hans questioned gently, resting his hands on Elspeth's shoulders, "In France, or at court? Mother and father have agreed you need not remain here if you don't wish it."

"Hans. . . I. . ." Elspeth said aimlessly, "I don't. . . know what I wish for."

"Then I will remain here until you decide."

She smiled lightly, bringing him in for another tight hug.

"Now who's this man?" Hans questioned, resting his chin on Elspeth's head, looking to Demetre who lingered in the doorway, "He pried me off of that bastard and sent me here."

Elspeth smiled into her brother's shirt, and twisted her head to see Demetre's eyes widen briefly.

"Lord Langlois," She sighed, "To me, he's just Demetre."

"The slayer of the Grim--?!"

"Demetre," She reiterated, looking up at her brother, "A close friend. Someone who has looked after me."

Hans eyed the man for a long moment, clearly sizing him up.

"Rumors can be fickle things."

"That we can agree on, Lord Liens."

Hans cracked a small smile, letting go of Elspeth only to shake Demetre's hand.

"Now," Elspeth breathed, "I have to go."

"You've only just arrived," Hans said exasperatedly.

"I. . ." Elspeth sighed, "Judge me if you want. But I'm going to stop Mary and Sebastian from eloping."

Hans choked on his own breath.

"For me or for Francis, I don't know," She said quickly, "I just. . . have hope that perhaps something will change."

"Ellie, perhaps this man. . . Sebastian," Hans said, "Your first love does not have to be your last."

She smiled weakly, approaching the men.

"Perhaps he will not be," She said quietly, "But something of mine was stolen away. Who would I be if I did not at least try to steal it back?"

Hans frowned with a sigh, reaching out to comb out the small flyaways in his sister's hair.

"You would not be the girl I knew," Hans said, almost in defeat, "Just. . . remember that love, true love. . . it should not be complicated."

"I think we all have views on what love should and shouldn't be," Elspeth said, "I think it is something ever-changing. It cannot be created or destroyed. It simply. . . waxes and wanes. My love for Sebastian has not changed in the face of this. We were both put in a position without much say-so. And if there is a way to get us out of it. . . to have the life we spoke of. . . one that was kind and simple and free. . . I will reach for it. Because that is what love is to me. Bravery, defiance, perseverance."

"Is he worth it?"

Elspeth thought about it. It was so easy to answer on a whim, but she wanted to know if she was telling Hans the truth.

She remembered when she first met Sebastian. She was so headstrong and he was so taken. So gentle and kind. He loved her spirit and went along with her to any and everything she wanted to do. He did not want to change her, not even once. He wanted her just the way she was, even though at times he did not believe he was worthy of it. Sebastian De Poiters was the first man to love every part of her just as it was.

Their life had been lovely. Their time together sweet. Nothing had gone wrong until royals barged into it.

Perhaps he hadn't handled it well. Perhaps neither had she. But Elspeth knew Sebastian loved her. She knew he did. And she knew she loved him. And that had to matter.

"He is," She said quietly, "No matter what he thinks. Or anyone else. I love him."

"Then go," Hans said, "I will be here when you return."

Elspeth nodded, turning to leave.

"And take the hunter with you," Hans called, "Someone needs to keep you safe."

"We both know I can handle myself, brother."

Hans rolled his eyes but smiled as Demetre followed after her.

( AUTHOR'S NOTE. )
honestly love Ellie & Francis so much
and ALSO love Ellie's brothers <3