Meeting the Queen
I don't own Reign!
Mary stared down the wide, perfectly manicured lawn waiting for Francis's old friend Queen Ella of Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Iceland, Poland, and Africa. Mary was quite curious as to what all the fuss was about. Yes she was powerful and unmarried but she was still just a queen. She had sent word to Francis after the attack on the castle that she was coming to visit. Francis walked up to Mary slowly. Not wanting to startle and upset her.
"Mary?" He asked quietly "What are you thinking about?"
"Just our guest's imminent arrival and all the work that has gone into it." Mary replied calmly.
"Yes about that," Francis said nervously "Mary please be careful around Ella. She is a powerful ally but a dangerous enemy."
Mary was confused. What did Francis mean? She decided to be blunt and just ask.
"What do you mean Francis?"
Francis sighed deeply, "Ella is unmarried and she is a powerful queen. She doesn't need a husband and she is likely to be disappointed by the fact that you too are a queen in your own right but chose to marry. Ella is fierce and fiery. If you anger her Mary, not even I can protect you from her rage."
Suddenly a trumpet sounded, announcing Queen Ella's arrival. Francis rushed off to greet her with his mother and Bash. Mary followed at a slower pace. She was thinking about what her husband had said.
At long last she reached the carriage just as the most beautiful woman she had ever seen, with long hair as black as night and skin pale and pink, stepped out and embraced Francis and Bash. Mary didn't see any fire or fury in this woman and she could see Francis was concerned about her. Cathrine rushed forward pushing Bash aside and enveloped the new queen in a warm hug that lasted at least 30 seconds before Catherine realized how rigid the poor girl was and released her.
They began the long walk up to the castle exchanging simple pleasantries. Francis asked about her journey and her countries. Bash asked about her animals. Finally they reached the rooms that Queen Ella would be staying in for the duration of her visit and Cathrine practically shoved Mary out and slammed the doors behind them. Before she turned around and asked.
"My darling child. I heard about the attack on your home. Are you alright?" At this Ella stiffened.
"I am quite unharmed Cathrine thank you."
Francis spoke sharply "Ella we know that is not true. You've been acting differently since you arrived. You lack your brightness, your smile, and your laughter. What happened Ella?"
Ella sat down on the bed and gave a long deep sigh. She did not want to tell them the truth. So she decided on a half truth.
"My home was attacked late at night by German rebels who wished a man on the throne. I was found in my bedchamber and viciously attacked. My guards and ladies were slaughtered. Luckily I am well trained with a sword, thank you Bash, and there were not many of them. I lost many friends that night and I was injured as well."
She undid the back of her dress and showed the people she considered her family the swirling patterns that had been carved into her skin by her assailants.
Francis gasped audibly. Bash turned away to hide the fact that he had turned a sickly shade of green. Cathrine sat down heavily on a chair and voiced the worry that had entered all of their minds. That Ella had been raped. Just like Mary.
"Did they... do anything else to you?"
Ella turned away and quietly lied "No. I am just still cautious and in mourning for my lost friends."
Francis and Bash sighed in relief but Cathrine didn't believe her. She had felt how stiff Ella was when she was touched unexpectedly and the almost indistinguishable jolt away. It was the same way with Mary. She decided to let it go for the time being.
"Well then we had best let you get ready for the ball in your honor tonight." She announced and threw open the doors letting in Ella's new ladies in waiting and the pages with her trunks. She also reviled a very cross looking Mary.
Francis smiled at her and took her by the arm. "Come let us prepare for the party my love."
Mary clearly was reluctant to go. But followed Francis anyway.
Ella was left behind to be fussed over and dressed for the ball.
I hope you enjoy this story. Please comment and vote. I always love feedback! But please be kind. This is only my second story and I know it isn't very good but if you have any suggestions I will gladly listen. Thanks for reading!