It was an exciting day at French Court. Mary Stuart was returning after ten years. While Sebastian didn't pay much attention to her when she was around as a child, Francis was eager to see how his bride-to-be had come of age. As the servants hustled to prepare for her arrival, Sebastian chose to use this time where he was not needed to go for a ride. He was about to head to the stables when Francis paid him a visit at his chambers.

"Brother, a word?" Francis poked his head into Sebastian's room.

Bash looked up from tying his riding boots and gazed at his younger brother. He thought Francis looked anxious.

"Is everything alright?" he asked.

Francis sighed, entering the room, hands behind his back, brow furrowed.

"Bash, I need advice." he began. "You see, Mary, my fiancé, is returning to Court today, and I have always been quite fond of her. Now, as you know, I have had my… other interests while at Court, but believe me," Francis gazed at his brother with honesty in his eyes. "I want to be Mary Stuart's husband."

Bash chuckled. "And what advice do you need, brother? I am not exactly the more romantic of the two of us. You've always been more popular with the ladies at Court."

Francis's expression was one of complete seriousness. "Bash, I know how to flirt with women, but I do not have a heart like yours. I want to be earnest and trustworthy, as you are. I want to be the kind of husband I know you will be one day."

Bash was taken aback by his brother's compliments. Because he was bastard born, Bash was often overlooked and Francis was constantly revered. He never knew that Francis admired him.

Bash walked towards his brother and put his hands on Francis's shoulders.

"You are kindest person I know. Just be yourself- not your Court-bred, Dauphin-of-France self; Be Francis. She will have every reason to want to wed you if you show her who you really are."

Francis grinned. "I knew I can always come to you for good advice."

Suddenly, trumpets bellowed throughout the castle, signifying the arrival of Mary Stuart.

"I must go!" Francis said quickly and hurried out the door.

Though Bash, on any other day, would've chosen to go riding over greeting guests at Court, his curiosity got the best of him. He proceeded towards the courtyard of the castle, wondering what the famous Mary Stuart looked like.

The carriage pulled up, and servants rushed to open the door. Bash joined Francis behind their father, Catherine, and Diane, Bash's mother and the King's mistress.

A beautiful, raven-haired girl stepped out of the carriage, cautiously but confidently. Her brown eyes searched the crowd of people. Briefly, she locked eyes with Bash, and he felt his heart skip a beat. She was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. When Mary's eyes finally landed on Francis, she smiled happily.

French Court seemed a little brighter for both Francis and Bash, now that Mary had arrived.