Hi everyone Mei here with yet another story! This one set loosely on following the storyline of Reign but with my own twists and tellings on the story. And of course with my own OC ;D Reviews are much appreciated and I really hope you all enjoy :3
I walk in turn with my Queen, each step another to keep up with hers, and every time I strive to match her pace, her heaving chest pulls her forward.
"Mary, Mary! You can't just disturb a private meeting with the Lords!" I struggle with my words, straining to keep the urgency from my voice.
My dress trails in tow, intricate gold beading spirals its way up the fabric in a detailed floral decal, while the whole garment shimmered an extraordinary emerald. A gift from my Queen.
The neck stretched high, keeping modesty in tact, but was made from the finest chantilly lace, following the floral pattern, in a fine netted obsidian blue, allowing for more than just modesty. The corset cinched my waist to tiny proportions, to the point where I thought breathing would be an impossibility, but the beauty of such a fine garment made me realize that the pain was worth the wear. The skirt flared proudly and my heels clicked along the tiles as we approached the meeting quarters of the King.
"I am their Queen, Leanna; they cannot stop me from entering."
Mary was stubborn she always had been, she never liked the unknown, nor did she like the fact he was trying to make ends meet with nobles that would provide them with incredulous means.
"And what if the King says so?"
She stops then, I have to hold myself steady so that I don't knock myself into the strength of her back.
"Francis is a better man than that." She turns to me hesitantly, her eyes tired, her mouth drawn into a tight line.
"Then trust him Mary, have faith that he is simply conversing for the better of France." I grab her hands and give them a reassuring squeeze.
My auburn tresses trail their way down my back, stopping suddenly at the dip where my back ends. My hair wasn't anything special, a simple braiding brought behind to pretty it up. I looked back at my Queen.
"Francis knows better than to anger the Lords and Nobles who provide him with power, without them, he is a King with no loyalty." I don't mean to speak out of turn, but the flicker of sadness passing over Mary's features prompts me to continue.
"He is your husband and your lover, and you trust him, don't you?"
She gives a meek nod. One that is uncertain on whether she trusts her own stubborness or her husbands judgement. I attempt to change the mood, linking my arm with hers, pulling her in the opposite direction. She may be Queen, but she is still a childhood friend.
"In that case, I say we have tea and forget the nonsense of men." I smile cheerfully, and attempt to lighten the air that surrounded Mary.
"There is nothing quite like a brew, perfected by the ever rising sun." I gesture to the window as we walk beside one another, the golden glow on the horizon bringing about the morning light.
It had been a long day of potential suitors and older nobles trying their luck with the Queens only available lady in waiting. The ballroom was thick with noblemen and Lords, ladies of high standing and wives of fellow nobles.
Sticking to the Queen like glue had been an idea, but one that of course didn't work. She had arranged I talk to these potential suitors for I was of an age where it was essential I marry and carry child. I sighed, standing at the side-lines while everyone else bathed in the candlelight, striding across the floor, a dance that was all too popular.
Goblet in hand, I pain-sakingly sipped the red wine, my second already in such a short amount of time. The Queen was occupied with conversing and the King was attentive to his most important guests. Usually I relished in these evenings, a smile plastered on my face, my viridian eyes gazing upon gentlemen without a lady attached to their arm. But today, I just wanted to rest and not have the impending notion of my future weighing on me.
I downed the rest of the contents of my goblet, before placing it upon the nearest table. I would feign ill, for there had been this dreadful fever going about, what's but a white lie? I went over to the King and Queen, laughing audibly with their company.
"Oh, Lord Friar, you jest!" Mary clung to her chest and wiped at an invisible tear as she calmed herself. Obviously Lord Friar had attempted at making a joke, one that was questionably amusing.
Mary turned as she caught my eye, her beautiful crimson and gold gown a sight to behold.
"Lady Leanna."
I curtseyed before her. "Your Majesty."
"Ah! Leanna!" The King, half sober and half merry came before me.
"I have a proposition to address with you tomorrow, please meet at noon in the meeting quarters." He tried not to trip over his own two feet as he swayed ever so slightly side to side.
"Of course, your Majesty."
I curtseyed once more, excusing myself for a sudden bout of illness. Nothing serious of course, due to the meeting tomorrow. It was highly likely it was about Mary's reputation, and the fact her Lady is still not yet married, that she was not deemed desirable.
Once I had reached my quarters, I stood at my night stand, gazing into the mirror.
"What is wrong with me?" I asked the question non-chalantly at myself. I wasn't extraordinary like Mary, but I wasn't utterly repulsive either. I was just...plain.
I had high cheekbones, but thin lips, striking eyes, but hair that always only ever had half the effort put in. My smile, although pretty, came forced and not natural on ample amounts of time. Another sigh escaped me.
I decided not to disturb the servants and undressed myself for bed, changing into a sheer white gown. It only took a few mere seconds before sleep consumed me, into a world where I was a desirable and married woman.
"Marriage?" I gulped down the rising nerves.
"You see Leanna, we need an advantageous marriage, especially in times such as these." The King paced before his desk, papers piled neatly, a board further behind, covered partly by a draping, vermillion curtain.
"So, it has been arranged?" I tried to keep my voice from faltering, especially in front of King Francis, I needed to prove my worth.
"Of sorts, yes. Although Mary has expressed her...distaste for my choice of your future husband." He stopped pacing, placing his hands upon his desk, looking directly at me, his piercing gaze displacing my nerves.
"Lord Narcisse is ready to wed, and since the untimely demise of his only son, he needs yet another heir." Once again he began to pace.
"In turn, you will obtain wealth, power and a title, for you and for your future children. You will have a solid future, one that is fabricated from an arranged marriage, yet still reside at court, if you so wish." Again his intent stare pierced through me.
"What about love?" The question was barely audible and had slipped out from my lips before I even had time to process the informality.
"Love, will grow. You may not fall in love, but you will love him because he will father your children. Sadly Lady Leanna, I don't think you are in much of a predicament to question who you marry." His words were stern but true, and she realized this.
"Thank you, your Majesty, for your ever increasing generosity." I curtseyed, yet again that fake smile stretching to my eyes, as I turned to leave.
Lord Narcisse was a dangerous and unpredictable man. Rumors had spread near and far about his previous conquests with his wives and what I had heard from fellow ladies, was nothing short of dreadful.
An arranged marriage, I felt my heart sink.
Oh no! An arranged marriage! Next chapter, Lord Narcisse makes an appearance!