| “ | I have lost good men and I'm not prepared to lose any more, especially if I can help it. Live, Leith Bayard, live. | ” |
The relationship between Francis II and Leith Bayard.
Overview[]
Francis and Leith met in Higher Ground, while on the battlefield, where Leith saved Francis from nearly being killed.
In the Series[]
Season One[]
In Higher Ground, while fighting another solider, Francis is almost attacked from behind when Leith steps in and saves him. As a result, Francis tells Leith he's forever indebted to him. After gaining the trust and loyalty of his soldiers, Francis organises an explosion to kill the attacking English.
While the plan is a huge success, Leith gets caught in the crossfire. He suffers a shoulder injury, is bleeding from the mouth and is lying in blood-covered snow as Francis rushes to his side to save him. When he refuses Francis' help, Francis tells Leith to fight for the love of his life. When Leith explains she's above him and he can never be with her, Francis promises his new friend he will give him a title so he can be with his true love. Leith accepts and Francis helps him stand up and walk to the infirmary.
In Slaughter of Innocence, Francis and Leith return from the war after winning over Calais. For his bravery and sacrifice to save Francis' life, Leith is rewarded by Francis with large lands and a good sum of money. Leith is very excited and grateful to tell Greer that Francis has called him his friend.
Season Two[]
In Drawn and Quartered, Francis is forced to betray Leith by giving up his lands to Lord Narcisse, who has blackmailed him with insurrection. Leith is summoned to court, where Francis hopes to repay him for his loss by offering a position at court in his brother's services. Leith, not seeming to hold any resentment toward Francis, accepts his offer.
In Mercy, Leith asks Francis to repay him by releasing Lord Castleroy from imprisonment. After Francis seizes Lord Narcisse's land, money, and possessions, he returns Leith the lands that he had originally lost to him.
Trivia[]
- Leith saved Francis' life in Higher Ground.
- In exchange, Francis released Aloysius Castleroy upon Leith's request in Mercy.
- Both got involved with Mary's Ladies-in-Waiting; Leith with Greer, and Francis with Lola.
