AN: Okay, this is a new style of writing for me but I just wanted to see how it worked. I had and still have a bad case of writers block and PMDOB and MTMSD are on hold indefinitely while I get over it and also to focus on school. Mary's thoughts in 2.4 about her confrontation with Anne. Pretty much same old from me but my Mary muse won't die ;D. So until further notice I won't be writing (or if I do it'll be one shots, and most likely Mary related.)
Do not look into her eyes.
She has bewitched many with her eyes.
Do not give way, remember, you and only you can fight this fight.
You should have learnt by now that no one else will be willing to fight for you.
Here she is. Ignore her rudeness in summoning you like a servant, as though you were not a Princess of the blood and better than Margaret Bryan could ever be.
Walk, slowly, evenly, breathe Mary, breathe.
Don't remember, if you remember then you will lose your composure.
All will be lost, you will give in and then everything that your mother worked for will be lost.
Follow Lady Bryan.
Walk out into the hall. Back straight, you must show her that although she has attempted to strip you of your rightful title, you are still every inch the Princess you were born to be. There is no avoiding it now, there she is, the Concubine.
The woman that has haunted your dreams for years is here.
In the flesh. There she is, trying to smile, but you know that it won't reach her eyes.
There is tension in the room. Then you reach her.
Curtsy Mary. You must, just a small one. A curtsy fit for a Marchioness of Pembroke from a Princess.
Now rise. You've done it.
Don't meet her eyes.
Lady Mary? How can she not know that you would never accept that.
Or maybe she just doesn't care.
Kindness? She brings you anything but kindness. You could scoff at this notion, but you musn't. You are not a Princess for nothing.
You would not risk your immortal soul just for your father's changeable favour, but you must remain calm.
You have your answer ready and, looking into her cold, calculating eyes for the first time you begin. As you speak, you allow some of the emotion, the intensity that you are so famous for through.
You have your fathers temper.
" I recognize no Queen but my mother, but if the King's mistress would interceede with the King on my behalf then I would be grateful."
You have said, what you wanted to say. This meeting has served its purpose in letting the Concubine know that you will not be beaten. You have the fighting spirit of your mother and your grandmother, Isabella of Castile, you shall not give in, cost what it may.
You have no doubt it will cost you dearly, but you do not care any more.
They have already taken away your title, your mother, your fathers love and the faith that has been apart of you since you were born.
You give the Concubine an expression of pure contempt like only a Princess of the blood and a future Queen could give.
You sweep out of the room knowing that even though you have not won the war, you have won this battle at least.
The question now remains.
What price is this victory?
But you know that you shall pay it, whatever the cost, you are not your mothers daughter for nothing after all.
The battle is won.
They may have taken everything from you but you can still win the war.
In the end, victory is certain.