theladylola:
[ starter for @alwayscalculating ]
The moonlight shone through the window in the nursery as Lola rocked her son to sleep, singing softly a song that her mother sang to her as a child. Being a single mother wasn’t quite as hard as she thought it would be; Francis was heavily involved as a father. But sometimes he seemed to be too involved; picking and choosing who could and could not court her, since he was, after all, the king.
Lola slowly made her way to the crib and set the beautiful boy down carefully inside it, when she heard a knock at the door. “Come in,” she called out in a hushed tone, “But please be quiet, he’s sleeping.” She’d expect it to be Francis, since most nights he did come in and they’d both kiss Jean goodnight before he fell asleep.
Passing by the nursery, Stéphane stopped when he heard her voice. The pleasant ring of a mother’s voice singing to her child and the very familiar voice of lady he had his eye on at court. He leaned against the door, not wanting to startle her until she was finished singing and some part of him desired to hear the rest of her song. It felt like hardly long ago both of his sons were as young as Jean, and he’d rocked them to sleep in his arms. He didn’t sing, except at Mass, but sometimes their cooing inspired a hum.
When all fell silent, he decided to knock and enter at her beckon. “Lady Lola,” he kept his voice down, trying not to disturb her babe. “I’m afraid I’m not who you were hoping to see, but I couldn’t help stopping by on my way to dinner. You have a very pleasing voice,” keeping up his usual charming smirk, he walked closer, peering between her and Jean. “You are welcome to join me, now that your baby is asleep.”
Her soft features tensed only slightly when he spoke upon entering, not particularly displeasing to her, but surprising nonetheless. “Oh,” Lola replied quietly, quite taken aback with his greeting. It was no secret that he had taken an interest in her, just as she had with him, although they had no choice but to show a great deal of discretion when it came to their relationship should they choose to continue pursuing each other.
Giving a quick glance at her son with his lids finally shut and showing no signs of becoming fussy anytime soon, Lola turned on her heels to face Stéphane with cheeks tinted a soft shade of pink from his compliment. “Thank you, although I only sing to put him to sleep or when I’m alone. I must admit I’m a little embarrassed that you heard me,” her voice wavered from nervousness as he moved closer to her. “You wish for me to join you?” She questioned with a lift in her voice while attempting to hide her smile. “I suppose you’ve caught me at a good time. But you are sure I will not make any of your other ladies jealous?” Her playful grin grew and she wished she could show some restraint when it came to him, but he was irresistibly charming and it was difficult not to flirt back.
