He spent the next few days taking hours away from the blood forest to scour the grounds for Mary. It was a futile endeavor, one that he could not admit to anyone let alone ask for assistance. It wasn't until nearly a week after he dreamt of her that he overheard a conversation between guards that gave him the clues he needed.

"I don't know what he's thinking, keeping her up there for so long. I feel bad for the poor girl, all alone."

"Hasn't he visited?"

"He has, but he's been preoccupied with her kin and sending him on his way. As I understand, she's not to be released until her half brother's departure."

Mary's half brother. Bash had seen him in court, meandering about, but he assumed that it was for Mary – evidently a poorly made judgement on his part. But up there? Up where? Her room was on a higher level, but it sounded more menacing than that. Francis surely wouldn't keep her under lock and key, would he? He had once felt like he new his brother so well, but now... now he wasn't sure what Francis was capable of.

He made his way quickly to Mary's quarters, noticing two guards standing in front of her room's doors. "Is the Queen in?" He asked one of the gentlemen with a graying beard. "My wife hasn't seen her and asked me to look in on her."

The guard, amiable enough but far from friendly looked at him stoically. "The Queen cannot be disturbed at this time."

"I understand," he nodded. "When might she be available? My wife dearly misses her company."

"Your wife," he said a bit more harshly, "should know her place and understand that the Queen of her country and ours has duties that fill her days. She does not have the luxury of leisure at this time."

"I see. Well please tell her that Lady Kenna wishes her well." This would be hopeless, he thought as Mary's words resounded against his ear once more. "Save me..."

The guard nodded and returned to staring straight ahead, effectively dismissing Bash.

Bash left the hall, no less determined to see her, but wondering if he shouldn't enlist the help of his wife. They were close after all.

As he walked across the expansive grounds towards the stables he glanced up towards the tower. The guards had mentioned that she was being kept "up" somewhere. But no, Francis wouldn't... And then Bash started to think more of it. If Mary really was in danger, where would be the last place people would search for her? What would be the most isolating place to keep a queen that was still in good favor with her king? He tried not to get excited and break into a run, but it took willpower to not sprint across the yard towards the looming stone tower.

He was nearly breathless when he reached the top steps. He could hear her talking through the wooden door, pleading for information on her release. "Where is Francis? Why he come in two days? What has happened to my brother?" She asked him in quick succession. The guard remained neutral and shook his head. "I'm under orders to only protect you your majesty. I have no news beyond that."

She sighed so loudly Bash could hear it as he approached. The guard stood taller as he noticed Bash approaching. "Sir?" He asked, quizzically.

"I've been summoned by the Dauphin to inquire about the queen's status and see if she needs anything." The guard gave him the twice over before giving a curt nod and creaking open the door.

At seeing Mary a heavy weight lifted from his chest and Bash entered the small cell reaching for her. Mary, for all her strength, returned the hug. "Bash," she said as the door slammed shut behind them. She pulled back to look at him, though he felt the loss of her warmth immediately. "It's so good to see you. Has Francis given you a message to relay?"

He glanced at the door before stepping closer to the window, on the opposite wall. Mary followed, her brows knitting together. He spoke softly, inches from her. "Not exactly. I hadn't seen you in... quite a while. I was worried that people at court would begin to take notice as well."

"So you don't know if my brother has left?"

He shook his head. "I saw him not long ago, maybe a day or so. What is going on Mary. How much danger are you in?"

She crossed her arms and began pacing. "I'm not," she spat, still in hushed tones. "Francis is making all of this a bigger deal than it is. I need to go to Scotland. I need to ensure my mother's safety, but Francis is convinced that my half brother is trying to kill me before I arrive so that he can take the crown for himself."

"Well, is he?" Bash asked bluntly. "Francis isn't know to wildly speculate. For all of his overprotection, he usually has just cause."

"Just cause?! She exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air. "Bash can you even comprehend what it is like to spent all of your life away from your home, only to be sequester in a cold environment away from your loved ones and your country? My people need me, and I need them to know that they have a queen that will protect them and their interests!" Her cheeks were pink with fury and he could do nothing but admire her for it.

"I cannot say that I have that experience, no. But I understand what it is to feel the need to prove yourself. To protect those you love, especially a mother."

She inhaled sharply and moved towards him. "Then help me. Help me get out of here and get to Scotland. I need to do this, with or without Francis."

He looked at her, unsure what to do. He had much to focus on here, being a newlywed, fighting and destroying the darkness... beginning anew. "Are you sure Mary? People may talk, you may wind up losing more than you gain."

"Please," she pleaded, taking his hands in hers and meeting his gaze. "I wouldn't ask this of you if I thought I could do this alone. Bash, you are the only person I can trust at the moment to help save me, my family, and my country."

He took a breath and nodded slowly. "I will help you Mary, Queen of Scots."