The next morning she is violently ill, worse than it has ever been before due to a combination of morning sickness and her nerves. Today is the day, she steels herself for the reaction of everyone she loves and holds dear. That makes her think of her family and how if today goes according to plan she will be writing them a letter explaining that she has married the bastard son of the King of France due to conceiving a child out of wedlock. Father and mother will be so proud, she thinks.
She dresses simply but in garb befitting a lady of her station. She doesn't want anyone in the room to forget who she is, least of all her. Sebastian had told her he would take the lead today; she wondered what exactly he was planning to say. She didn't have much time to contemplate this though; she was expected to attend to Mary now. She didn't tarry today.
They were playing cards when the messenger arrived announcing that Mary's presence was required in the throne room. Sebastian de Poiters was requesting an audience with the regents, all of them. Everyone saw Mary's composure slip slightly, but then her regal mask was back in place. She insisted that they finish their hand, because she wanted him to sweat a bit for attempting to command a queen. However, after she rose and they all followed her to the throne room.
Mary was the last regent to enter the room. She took her place next to Francis and beside his parents on the dais. Francis and Henry bore holes into Bash with their eyes, as though they wanted to kill him for simply showing up. Sebastian knelt before the dais his head bowed. If he was afraid for his life, it didn't show. Lola felt her heart surge with pride.
"What brings you here, Sebastian?" the king hissed.
"My king, my queen, and Mary Queen of Scots, I've come before you humbled to ask that you grant me permission to take Lady Lola as my wife." The court takes a collective intake of breath. Bash raises his eyes to his father, the king.
"And just why would I allow you such a privilege, son?" Henry asks angrily. It is clear that he thinks Sebastian is overstepping his bounds once more. Francis is sneering.
"Well, Father…" he begins. She knows that he is going to make a case for their love for why they should be allowed this privilege. But she knows that the only thing that might save their case is the truth, the truth that he is reluctant to share this publically with the court. She admires his sense of duty in trying to preserve her reputation if at all possible. However, she has given up on that.
"King Henry, if I may," she says interrupting and stepping forward with a curtsy and downcast eyes. Sebastian's piercing eyes fly to her pleading with her not to fall on the fire for him. The king nods, silently giving his assent. "Sebastian asks this favor of you at this most delicate time out of duty and love for me." Henry cocks his head. She has caught his interest. "I am with child, his child." She stands tall and proud, refusing to allow herself to be shamed. Her eyes never leave the King's. Francis' blue eyes go wide and he swallows quickly. He is the only other person in the room who knows that what she says is an absolute lie. Mary appears horrified. The other ladies in waiting are in shock. No one speaks. The queen and Francis lean in to converse quietly with the king.
Henry listens to his son and wife urging him to allow Sebastian to take his choice of bride. He doesn't want to appear weak in the face of adversity, but half of his heart would love to have his son back at court and welcomed into the fold. He waves his hand dismissing both wife and son. "Queen Mary, as Lady Lola is your subject and lady in waiting, would you release her to marry my son?"
Mary is in shock, but to her credit she manages words along with a nod. "I believe that their actions have left us no choice."
"There will be a wedding then," King Henry states plainly. "A small country wedding. After which you may return to court."
"Thank you," they say in unison. The royals exit the room. She tries to follow Mary, but is waved away.
He rises and crosses the room to her. "Are you alright?" he murmurs into her hair as he grasps her hand. She nods but the sobs are threatening to choke her. As if he feels her emotion, he draws her into his chest hiding her face. "You are so brave. I am so proud that you will be my wife. You are so strong," he says while stroking her hair. He says all this while giving her the perfect moment to fall apart and be weak in his arms. She allows a couple of sobs to escape while he comforts her. Then she pulls away. Her mask of composure falls back into place.
"We have a wedding to plan," she states calmly.
"It isn't much, but I know of a small country chapel and a priest. My mother wouldn't want this done without her. She will want to be of any assistance possible to you," he offers. She nods curtly clearly already lost in the details. "Come let me lead you to my mother." He trusts Diane to care for her and to bring his bride to him at the chapel. "Alec will stand with me. Who will stand with you?"
She hesitates a moment. She really isn't sure that any of them will at this point. "I'll ask…. Kenna," she says finally. "She will want to see me married, as she is the first to have known my secret."
They're in Diane's chambers before she knows it. "Hello, my soon to be daughter," Diane croons over her.
"Please take care of her mother," he requests.
"Oh but of course!" she says excited. "I love weddings. I've always dreamed of gaining a daughter by marriage. What a joy to know that my first grandchild is already on the way as well."
He smiles at these two women. "I'll see you there, my sweet." He kisses the top of her head and then is on his way.