"Hello brother."

"Prince Conde, King Antoine is here for you." The messenger said.

"Please, leave us, Randall. Thank you." Conde said as he eyed his brother. "What do you want?"

"Is that anyway to greet your brother? A king?" Antoine smirked.

"I have been ignoring your letters for a reason. Why are you here?"

"I thought after you heard the news of Francis' death, you'd rush to Mary's side, but I guess not."

Conde stared at his brother. "What do you mean his death? He died?"

"He was killed in an assassination attempt that was meant for Mary." Antoine casually said. "I thought you knew- where are you going?"

"To French Court."

Conde mounted his horse and began his journey back to French Court. The Bourbon Prince never wanted to return to court, as a matter of fact, that was the last place he wanted to be. When Conde left French Court, he intended to never return. After Mary decided to stay in France instead of leave to Scotland with him, he knew that Mary would always choose Francis, but she didn't know it herself. So he took himself out of the equation to make it easier for her. A few weeks after Conde's departure, he received news that the King and Queen were once again united. He couldn't help but feel saddened when he heard the news, but he was happy for Mary because all he wanted, was for her to be safe and happy. Unfortunately, it seemed her happiness was short-lived.

After hours of riding, Conde began to see the castle in the distance. He slowed his horse, he began to feel nervous. He impulsively began to ride to French Court after hearing about Francis' death because he wanted to be there to comfort Mary, he couldn't bare to hear the love of his life in pain, but how would she react? He left her and he knew it couldn't have been easy for her because it wasn't easy for him. Conde shook his head. He decided to just continue to French Court.

"Looks like there's a royal visitor." Lola said. "Mary?"

"I'm sorry…" Mary wiped her tears. "What did you say?"

"It's nothing, Mary." Lola smiled sadly at her friend, who nodded and continued to stare at the wall.

"Do you think he's happy, Lola? Wherever he is?" Mary asked.

"I'm sure he is, Mary."

"I can't believe he is gone." Mary sobbed. "We've only been back together for a few months, how can he already be gone?"

"I'm sorry, Mary. But he isn't gone, not truly. He will be in our hearts, and he will be watching over us. I know he is." Lola said as she held Mary.

"Thank you, Lola." Mary said. "I would like to be alone for a few moments."

"I will retire to my chambers."

After Lola left, Mary began to weep. She couldn't understand why her and Francis' happiness couldn't last. She couldn't understand why the prophecy had to tear her and her husband apart. She couldn't make sense of any of it. She just felt the pain of his absence more and more each day.

Suddenly, Mary heard a knock on the door. She turned in the direction of the door to see Catherine de Medici enter the room.

"Catherine." Mary said as she wiped her face of the tears.

"Mary, it's been weeks. You will need to begin to look for suitors." Catherine said softly. "You will eventually have to return to Scotland."

"I know, but I can't return until you become secured as regent. I made Francis a promise." Mary said.

"So while you are still here, you will need to look for possible marriage alliances."

"I know. Charles already said that I am allowed to stay as long as I need, he requests that I stay until I have a secured alliance protecting me." Mary smiled. "He is much like his brother."

"Yes, but more of a troublemaker." Catherine trailed off.

"Is there another reason you came to visit, Catherine?" Mary looked at her former mother-in-law with obvious suspicion in her eyes.

"Ah, yes, Mary. The guards just informed me that the Prince of Conde has returned to court." Catherine searched Mary's face for a reaction but failed to find anything. "Mary?"

"I wonder why he has returned."

"He probably caught wind of Francis' death and is trying to find a way back into your heart." Catherine said. "Normally, I would be against any sort of relationship with the Bourbons, but he could be a strong suitor for you."

"Catherine-"

"Let me explain." Catherine looked at her daughter in law before she continued. "He may be a threat to my children's throne, but he is a prince. He has power, an army, the support of the protestants. He may be the best solution to your problem in Scotland. Just consider what I've said. I am taking my leave now."

A million things were running through the former French Queen's mind. Maybe Catherine is right, she thought. But how could I betray Francis once more? The Queen yelled in frustration and knocked everything off her desk before she began to sob.

"Your Majesty, is everything okay?" Her guard rushed in after hearing all the ruckus.

"Yes, everything is fine." Mary reassured. "Please do not let anyone in. I would like to be left alone.

"Of course, your majesty." The Guard nodded before he closed the door.

Hi guys, hope you liked the first chapter! This is my spin on season 3 ; this is set after the death of Francis, before Mary meets Don Carlos & Gideon Blackburn.

Instead of Conde trying to take Francis' throne in Season 2's finale, he simply never returned when he left Mary in 2x18 - after she decided to stay in France by Francis' side.