Mentally she prepared herself for what she had to say. She knew that it wasn't going to be easy, that one of the brother's hearts was going to be broken, but it could be put off no longer. The moment of decision was at hand.
She knew exactly where to find him. He saw her coming, and his clear blue eyes lit up in anticipation.
"You've always been there for me, Bash," she told him. "When I learned the truth about Francis and Olivia, you were there to comfort me. When I feared for my life, you jumped off a cliff with me to flee to Scotland. Together we rescued and saved the pagan baby who otherwise would have died. You're the one person who's always been there for me, Bash, and you're the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. I don't care whether or not you're ever legitimized. I'd rather live with you as a commoner than to have the throne of France but lose you."
His face lit up with joy. "Mary, do you mean to say..."
"Yes, Bash. You're the one I want to marry, not Francis. He's too much like his father. I'm not sure he'd ever be content with just one woman."
Suddenly his lips were upon hers, crushing her with their urgency and passion. She returned his gesture with equal fervor, her fingers running through his silky hair. As they stood there together, the rest of the world seemed to melt away until it was just the two of them.
It was to be the first night of their married life together. The day's festivities were finally over, and Mary was tired but excited as she waited for her new husband in her bedchambers. Bash entered with a sly but tender smile, and she could read in his eyes that he looked forward to the night's unfolding every bit as much as she did. He came to her and touched her ever so softly, the passion in his eyes portraying his emotions more deeply than words ever could.
Slowly, gently, one article of clothing after another was shed, until they were both as bare as when they'd entered the world. Mary's hands caressed every inch of his flesh, admiring its firm, supple texture. When they reached his most intimate part, she found to her delight that he was already aroused and ready for her.
At last they came together, joining their bodies as one. Mary knew that she wouldn't bleed, but she also knew that, unlike his brother, Bash wouldn't make an issue of that fact. He didn't know about the one time she'd been with Francis, and she knew he'd ask no questions. She loved him for that more than anything in the world.
In the end they fell asleep in one another's arms. During the night Mary awakened to feel his arms around her, to listen to his gentle snoring. She knew that she'd made the right decision, that she was where she belonged, that she was truly loved.