It was almost a year after Henri's death, and my Queen was starting to blossom again. "I am more confident now that my marriage will soon be consummated," she confided in me while we were walking in the palace gardens one bright, July day. "Francois is becoming stronger, and I feel that the need to provide France with an heir weighs on him heavily."

"I am sure that he will soon do his duty, my lady," I replied.

"And what about you, Seton? Have you had no offers of marriage?"

"There have been none that I am aware of, but I am not interested in marriage in any case. I would much rather stay in your service than leave to wed and bear children."

"You are my closest friend," she said "and I would miss you if you were not...

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