Sebastian let his leather flask of rum fall from his fingers to the floor. He didn't often get drunk, but the alternative of facing reality with a clear head scared him, so alcohol was the perfect things to numb his mind, but more importantly his heart.

Francis's return to court didn't take long when he found out that the prophecy was never intended for him, but a bastard sister he never knew about. Catherine sent for him immediately, delighted to hear that the superstition that she feared so was mistakenly placed on Francis and he could marry Mary after all. Happily ever after could be achieved after all. With the news of his impending return Bash took his leave and rode out towards a country house of his Father's. He'd spent the entire week since in a drunken stupor.

His chances with Mary went from unrealistic to impossible. He knew she cared for Francis still, even if she said her heart was open to loving him. He imagined the joy on her face at Francis's return, the smile that could turn an entire room full of light and he stood up, dragged himself to the washbasin to splash water on his face and returned to the bed, letting his body hit the bed in full force as he fell into a black void of dreamless sleep, which was indeed the best part about being completely sauced.

Mary stood near her bed chamber window looking out onto the courtyard ground. The early afternoon sun shone bright in the sky. The early autumn days still held warmth, though the nights brought a cool breeze.

The news of Clarissa's existence as the Queens child spread through the castle and soon after Nostradamus understood his mistake in the prophecy. Clarissa was the first born meant to die, not Francis. Not long after, Bash disappeared like a thief in the night, and Francis returned the next day. At the begging and pleading of Queen Catherine and with Bash's sudden absence King Henry reinstated the engagement between Francis and Mary. Despite everything returning to what she originally wanted, she hated to admit that she wasn't as happy as she expected. Bash's admiration towards her had stirred something. She missed his intense gaze, his cheeky smile. Francis was eager to be with her, but the memories of the past crowded her head. Queen Catherine might have a friendlier opinion about Mary now that she knew she wouldn't cause her sons demise, but her jealously and dislike still lingered under the surface and it was still apparent to Mary, though it didn't seem to be to Francis who shrugged it off as if his Mother holding a knife to her neck was mere child's play. His absence had caused her to take a look back at their relationship and its progression, the whispers of the servants and each day she grew more and more sad at the thought of marrying him. He'd not accepted her as openly as she had. He let Olivia stay even after she begged of him to place her elsewhere, and as the rumors went, he ran straight to her chambers more than once while she was staying there. Mary felt it was only a matter of time before Olivia was back and reinstated as a mistress. Is that the life she wanted to live? Did she really want to give up happiness and someone who she trusted would really lay his life on the line for her? Someone who had eyes only for her? It's not as if she had a choice anyway. As much as she had tried to control her life, everything was spiraling out of control and always on the whims of others desires.

Questions about Bash plagued her mind so often that she could scarcely sleep. Did he change his mind about how he felt? Did he realize that Mary wasn't worth the responsibility of the throne? Was he tired of all the drama that seemed to follow Mary everywhere she went? She was tired of it herself.

With these troubling thoughts she turned her body away from the window and aimed towards her door.

"Guard, come here, please," she commanded in a gentle tone. The door to her bed chamber opened in response and the guard that stood outside entered.

"Yes, my lady?" he stood straight, the door still halfway opened behind him. Mary pushed passed him to shut it quietly.

"Have you heard news of Sebastian?" she questioned.

The guard shifted a little as he averted his gaze. Mary could see that he didn't want to speak and the silence seemed to stretch an unnatural amount of time before he answered.

"Yes, my lady."

"What have you heard?" Mary tried to remain cool and casual, but her heart began to perk up in response to the news that there were finally rumors of Sebastian's whereabouts. She had snooped a few times in the past week, but nobody knew anything.

"He's taken up temporary residence in the King's country house an hour ride from here."

"Huh." She stated. Mary didn't want to give away any interest. She had already caused such a stir in court herself that she didn't want the guard to get any ideas for rumors.

But Sebastian was only an hour away. In only an hour she could demand the truth from him. With the help of the guard she might be able to see him. The chance was there to take and Mary couldn't resist.

"Might I be able to tempt you for your secrecy?" Mary produced a gold necklace from a box on her nightstand.

The guard stood silent without any immediate response.

"I'll give you this if you help me prepare a horse at the stables and point me in the right direction. The King and Francis are out hunting with the delegates and Catherine has gone to call on a friend, we won't be caught. You needn't worry." Mary hoped her urges convinced him as she pushed the necklace towards his hand.

The guard gave a sigh and gently took the necklace from Mary and set it back on her nightstand.

"You needn't bribe me with gifts, my lady. I am here to serve you."

The kind words brought a smile to Mary's face.

"You are too kind." She replied, grateful that at least someone in the court seemed to be on her side.

The two made plans to meet in half an hour near the road and Mary readied herself for the short journey. She didn't dare roam through the halls, even though nearly everyone was gone or out of the castle. She didn't want anyone to notice her riding habit, especially with the memory of her horse ridden getaway with Sebastian still lingering in the back of everyone's minds.