Author's Note: Finally, a new chapter that I was blessed to read over before posting! We apologize for the wait, real life is hectic over here. Kate says to enjoy! This one does have a bit of filler, but that can only be expected. It's well over six thousand words, we're sorry about the length but she's hoping to do each episode in two/three chapters. We'll see!
Support and feedback are always coveted and welcomed, especially as my friend explores this new talent! Please keep any story hate of bullying/flaming to yourself, however. Positive criticism is the best way to help anyone. There are plenty of stories out there, if this one isn't for you, we encourage you to find one that is!
Disclaimer: See Beginning Please!
"Do not tell secrets to those whose faith, and silence, you have already tested."
Elisabeth I
It felt startling, being led by the head matron into their rooms. Coming from the convent, nothing could have prepared Madelynne for the luxurious feel the rooms themselves portrayed. Where she and Mary had shared a single room before, their mattresses pressed up against one another for closeness; they now each had a bedchamber and bathing suite to themselves. Only their common rooms were shared; what looked to be a decently sized library and study, a small sitting nook, and a large leisure chamber with fireplaces at either end, connecting the two personal chambers. All of which was bordered on the outside by balconies, on both the common and personal bedchamber sides. The rooms were pictures of decadence, outfitted in only the finest of materials, silks, cloths, and jewels. Plush carpets and furs sat upon the floors and draped over sitting chairs or lounges, while each bed was fitted with canopies of the softest, wispy gauze that provided a small resemblance of privacy. Pillows as soft as clouds had been arranged about, covering beds and chairs alike, along with an inset window that looked out upon the gardens and further out across the waters of a bay.
"Mary," She breathed her sister's name, spinning around in a slow circle, green eyes flitting from one thing to another. "Would you look at all of this?"
The raven-haired royal was too busy doing much the same as her sister to respond, each of them paying little attention as a group of manservants delivered trunk upon trunk to the rooms, passing them off into the hands of chambermaids who were all too ready to begin the long and arduous process of unpacking for the Scottish twins.
A soft touch at her shoulder startled Madelynne out of her gazing and she turned sharply, breathing a sigh of relief after catching sight of the taller girl behind her, dressed in a maidservant's dress and apron. She couldn't have been much older than her, perhaps by a year or two, with clear blue eyes and a friendly smile curling at her lips. Her hands were held aloft in front of her, gesturing toward the rich velvet that still rested upon the Princess' shoulders.
"May I take your cloak, Your Highness?" She questioned in a soft voice, spoken to soothe instead of surprise.
Madelynne, for her part, breathed in deeply as she attempted to quell the sudden alarm, obviously not yet settled after their near poisoning only a few short days before. Flashing the girl an answering smile, she nodded in her gratitude, allowing the maidservant to peel the heavy cloak from her shoulders as she stepped away. Her attentions had been captured by the sudden chorus of giggles and whispers that echoed right outside of their rooms; the grouping of their oldest friends reappearing from further down the corridor, where their own private chambers were situated. The four girls came pouring into the chamber, just as Mary's hand slipped into her own, gently tugging her down to sit beside her upon a richly upholstered couch with more than one fur throw resting over the backing. Her sister's chocolate gaze peered back into her green one knowingly, sharing in her silent reassurance that it was all going to be alright.
They were safe in French Court, once more.
"Did you see that one woman, Lady Marguerite, I think it was?" Kenna's voice was riddled with laughter as she leaned forward, eager fingers snatching up a tiny wafer treat as she leaned into the side of Madelynne's leg, from where she had perched herself upon a mound of floor pillows. "Her face could not have been more sour, it was as if she had smelt spoiled milk!"
The six girls found themselves arranged in a small circle, just a few feet from a gently rolling fireplace. Talk blossomed as light snacks and treats were shared, having been displayed proudly upon the Scottish Royals arrival to their new home. Their reintroduction to French Court had been quite rushed, what with the marriage festivities planned for later on in the evening, as the sun set.
"It was unwise of her to be so outwardly vexed," Lola hummed, her brown curls twisting about as she shook her head. "We were not the only ones to have noticed."
Madelynne lifted her hand, idly waving off both the girl's concerns and the offering of another thin cookie as she found herself leaning against her sister's side. "We cannot expect them all to like us immediately, we are foreigners, after all-"
There was a sharp knock upon their door, and the quick patter of feet as one of their chambermaids rushed to answer it.
"-not to mention, our arrival did interrupt Elisabeth's wedding preparations. I cannot say that I would not have been annoyed, in turn."
The sudden entrance of a stern looking woman, taller than any of the girls in the room, quieted their musings. She was dressed from head to toe in a black gown that was rather plain, aside from the detailed embroidery work done on both collar and sleeve, in equally dark threads. A single gold chain hung around her stiff neck, displaying a single cross that was encrusted with what seemed to be diamonds. Her eyes were clear but hard, her dark hair pulled into a tight bun that was similar to her severe countenance, and simple pearl earrings adorned her ears.
"Pardon the interruption Your Grace, Your Highness," The maid spoke, quietly but still yet, strongly. "Madam Lench is here to speak with you."
Mary smiled at the girl, easing any anxiousness over halting the girl's gossiping, before turning her eyes back to their unsmiling guest and offering a tentative one in return.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness," She addressed both Mary and Madelynne first, dipping into a stiff curtsy, before nodding to the group of girls clustered around them. "Ladies. I have come to speak to you on Queen Catherine's behalf, about the proceedings for this evening's celebrations, and Princess Elisabeth's wedding ceremonies."
Each of the girls straightened their postures, including Madelynne, who lifted herself out of the embrace from her sister's arms. While Lola, Alyee, Greer, and Kenna each stood as the governess spoke; she and her sister watched on from the short couch, listening attentively as the woman spoke of the night's proceedings.
"You each have returned to French Court at both your Queen's and your Princess' own bidding. As noble ladies, it is your task to counsel them, prepare them, account for them-"
Madelynne shifted lightly in her seat, her eyebrows furrowing the slightest amount as her lips pressed into a thin line. She did not like the way her oldest friends looked so stiff, not mention partially terrified, as the woman carried on in such a hard and cold tone of voice. It was hard to remember sometimes, that their mother had handpicked each of the four to be her daughters' friends in life, their ladies in waiting.
"With Princess Elisabeth's wedding, as with any event, you must acquaint yourselves, along with both Mary and Madelynne, with all visiting royalty and dignitaries-"
Where Lola and Mary connected through their more cautious personalities, Aylee provided Mary with a soul to nurture, as her maternal instincts grew. Greer and Kenna had been picked for Madelynne; the youngest and more daringly mischievous to complement Madelynne's own tastes for spirited wildness, and Greer to help ease such, without being as stern as Mary or Lola would assume. Greer too was more lighthearted than she let out, but her lack of title had always given her the necessary reminder that everything each girl said or did could be construed in such a way, and not all of them favorable.
Still, even Madelynne would bet that the Queen Regent had hardly expected them to get along as they did, becoming sisters in all but blood and title.
"-will sit next to the Pope's cousin. He has no teeth...and speaks very quickly."
The laughter that burst from her lips was unplanned and echoed by each of the girls who desperately tried to smother the giggles. Mary herself leaned into Madelynne's shoulder, quieting the snickers that broke free as even the stern expression of the matron cracked, her lips lifting in a small smile as her eyes rolled heavenward.
"Very well then!" Her call to order broke over the girls and their laughter, gaining their attentions once more.
"I trust that all of your trunks have been delivered to the proper rooms. There are two trunks here, gifts from His Majesty to both Queen Mary and Princess Madelynne. Perhaps you will find something to wear tonight among them."
She gestured to a set of black trunks, each ornately decorated with golden filigree, that sat just beneath a broad windowsill.
"Should you have need of me, simply let one of your maidservants know. Until then, I'll be off." Madam Lench gathered her things, stepping toward the heavy oaken doorway. "I bid you all, good evening."
It was mere seconds after the door had settled back into place with a quiet snap, that each of the girls had bolted toward the oversized chests, tugging them toward the center of the room without even the help of manservants. They bounced eagerly on their toes, anxiously awaiting the moment that both Mary and Madelynne would open them.
"Gifts," Mary inquired, confusion lacing her tone. "From the King?"
Madelynne shrugged, her fingers already toying with the clasp on hers after tracing over the beautifully carved rendition of her name. It had been carved deeply into the stained wood, a wispy script that was enchanting.
"Perhaps as welcome gifts, to make up for the rushed introduction to Court?" She hummed, her green eyes flicking upward to meet those of the girls and her sister. "It is not as if we arrived in a traditional manner."
The moment she twisted the golden key the matron had supplied her with into the small keyhole, and the chest opened with a near silent snick, each of the girls gathered around let out murmurs of awe and gasps of astonishment. Within the chest were two trays, one attached to the inside of the lid so that it folded out, and one that was nestled inside, resting upon folded silks and furs. Tiaras and circlets rested snugly in the top tray, arranged in varying sizes and degrees of decoration, each glimmering with a mixture of diamonds and precious gemstones. The same could be said of the lower tray; necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, brooches, and pendants all were arranged in an eye-catching display, nestled within silk and velvet.
"Oh, my..." Madelynne breathed, reaching out to trace soft fingertips over the glimmering emeralds and sapphires. "This is just- Mary, look!"
She turned to find her twin sister kneeling by her own chest, both Aylee and Kenna at her sides, cooing over an array of similar jewels. With a grin, she peered back into the packed trunk, gently lifting the bottom tray so that she could reach the regal gowns that were folded precisely, waiting beneath. One after another she pulled them out, passing them off to Greer and Lola who carefully shook them free to be spread out across one of the fainting couches. Half were designed with lighter colors; champagne, beiges and creams, blush pinks and gentle roses, lilacs and periwinkle blues. The others were rich in color; shades of royal purple and blue, ruby and crimson, shimmering gold and deep emerald green. Made of smooth silk or satin, rich wool and whimsical gauze; they were adorned with sparkling beads, silky lace, floral embellishments and fine embroidery. What must have been near twenty gowns lay over the furniture, another equal amount over a chair near Mary, turning the rooms into something resembling a dressmaker's shop. Near the bottom, an assortment of cloaks, shawls, and capes designed in matching or complementing hues and materials lay in wait for use, some made from fine velvet, others lined with fur.
"Are all of these dresses from Paris?" Aylee breathed in astonishment, standing so that she could smooth her hands over the fine fabrics.
Each girl did much the same, smoothing their hands over the beautiful designs after helping each other into them, so that they could model them for each other in hopes of picking for later that evening. Greer nodded in approval, assisting Madelynne in tying up the last few intricate ribbons upon a gown that was partially backless, a daring new design fresh from the King's most favored seamstress.
"Yes, every one," She confirmed, lifting the Princess' hand so that she could twirl in front of the mirror. "My sister-in-law wrote to me of the newest Parisian designs only a few weeks ago, the King must have been the first to order!"
Lola let out a giggle, sashaying from side to side as she emerged from behind a changing screen after two chambermaids had helped her into the chosen gown. "If Colin could see me, he'd marry me in a second," She proclaimed, showing off a glimmeringly beaded beige gown. "I look of age now, we all do!"
"Who is this Colin, hm?" Madelynne crooned as she sidled up to the brunette, twirling a curl around her finger playfully. "I've heard you mention him twice now, and have yet to hear just how it was that you came to meet him!"
Kenna let out a conspiratorial giggle, obviously teasing. "Oh yes, sweet Colin! The boy from Aberdeen with hair like sunshine!"
Lola opened her mouth to retort, only to be cut off by an excited Aylee who pushed her way into the conversation, lest the two be reduced to bickering over the likelihood of the Scottish boy waiting for their friend's return.
"You know what I would like to do?" She bounced on her toes, her clear eyes open wide in excitement. "Explore! We haven't been here since we were children, surely the castle has changed!"
The girls each echoed her desires, lifting their dresses in hand to rush after the shorter blonde, and Madelynne quickly slipped her bare feet into a pair of silken slippers, intent on following. Mary waved them off however, causing her sister to pause in her escape, lifting a sculpted brow in silent question. She backtracked, ignoring as the giggles and laughter of their friends disappeared down the corridor, coming to stand at her sister's side.
"Is everything alright, Mary?" She murmured, concern quieting her tone. "You don't want to tour the castle with us?"
The elder Stuart tipped her head to the side, flashing a vulnerable smile as she twisted her fingers in her lap, leaning into Madelynne's hand as she gently ran her fingers through her sister's raven colored locks.
"I wanted to visit our old chambers," Mary started tentatively, her dark eyes searching for approval that she truly did not need. "And, I thought, perhaps...visit Francis?"
Madelynne smiled brightly as she nodded, reaching to still her sister's nervous hands, squeezing one in her own as she agreed. "I think that is a wonderful idea, sister. Just, try to leave his legs out of it this time, yes?"
The Queen let out an indignant gasp, reaching out to swat at her younger sister, who was already scurrying away toward the open doors. Her giggles rang out through the room as she disappeared around the corner, leaving behind a smiling and blushing royal sister as she set out on her own adventure.
Finding the girls was something she soon deemed a lost cause, it seemed that the stone hallways and arches had swallowed Lola, Greer, Kenna and Aylee whole. Instead, Madelynne wandered the corridors unaccompanied, peeking in upon abandoned rooms and discovering ones filled to the brim with guests awaiting the night's festivities. There was many a time that she had to press herself up against the stone walls, aiming to remove herself from the paths of multiple servants and maids who were ferrying decorations and food alike from one part of the castle to another. It was after finding herself held hostage by yet another crowd of noblemen and their ladies, all who wished to know about the new resident Queen and Princess, she managed to escape to the gardens.
"If I am questioned about how I am enjoying Court one more time," She grumbled beneath her breath, kicking idly at a rolling pebble. "I have been here all of five hours, for pity's sake!"
The Scottish girl ambled along the path with little hurry, choosing one that was riddled with bush upon bush of roses bordering either side. Her fingers itched to reach out and stroke along the velvet-like petals, though she knew better, wishing to avoid striking a wayward thorn. Still, the sweet perfume relaxed her nerves, easing the small frisson of tension that had built upon finding herself surrounded by those that wanted to know her every secret.
Suddenly, a sharp and excited bark rang out across the peaceful stillness, overpowering the gentle sound of only the breeze, and the dim chatter from the castle courtyards.
Madelynne spun on her heel quickly, her gown flaring out as she turned, and squealed enthusiastically. She hurried forward, lifting the hemline of her dress so that she could sprint toward an obviously flustered pageboy. A strip of leather was wound around his palm and wrist, leading to the collar of a large ball of white fluff. The dog at his hand pulled at the leash, practically tugging the adolescent forward and nearly off his feet, in its haste to reunite with its owner.
"Perseus!" She called, laughing happily as she folded herself to her knees upon the clean grass, her arms outstretched to receive the bundle of wagging tail and panting tongue.
The dog was quite large, covered in a snow-white fur that was soft to the touch. The only bits of color that stood out on him was the inky black of his nose, the flushed pink of his tongue, and the clear grayish blue of his eyes, a unique trait that most did not share. A Great Pyrenees, gifted to her by her brother for both companionship and extra safety at the convent, much like the gray and black hound that belonged to her sister. She had named him Perseus, after the hero in Greek Mythology, the son of a God and Princess who slew many a monster in his time. Considering he was like her own personal guard, she thought the name suited him aptly.
She had little time to brace herself as the overgrown puppy barreled right into her chest, sending the Princess to her back on the grass, in what was sure to be considered a move unbecoming of a royal. Madelynne had little care though, as Perseus set to work covering her body with his own, his thick tail thumping audibly against the ground. The pageboy let out an exhausted sigh, nearly panting through his words.
"Your canine, Your Highness," He breathed, aching to brace his hands against his knees. "Has arrived."
Madelynne giggled quietly, only just able to glance up at him from around the bulk that was Perseus perched atop her. "Yes, I can see, thank you. Did Stirling not accompany him in the same carriage?"
Catching his breath, the boy stood to his full height, his brow furrowed in slight confusion. "The hound? I believe another has delivered him to Her Majesty already, as I saw them together by the water's edge only moments ago."
He left her with a short bow after passing her the grip of the leather leash, only after she managed to escape from the clutches of her canine companion. Winding the strap around her wrist was really unnecessary, Perseus wouldn't stray too far from the girl's side, but she did it anyway after catching more than one wary glance as the behemoth of a dog followed its mistress in her search for her sister. She found Mary exactly where the pageboy had said she might be, sitting upon a boulder right at the water's edge.
"Sister!" She greeted, stepping onto the stone barrier, and reaching out a hand to bestow pets upon the excitable hound that sprung to her side. "Hello, Stirling. Mary, what are you doing? You're going to get your gown wet!"
Her sister laughed in her joy, an obvious improvement from the anxiousness she had experienced earlier.
"Francis crafts swords, I saw them myself!" Mary chattered, gripping onto Madelynne's outstretched hand, there to help her back onto the grassy bank. "I thought I might bring him these, to decorate them with. What do you think?"
In her sister's hand lay a small pile of pebbles, ranging from white to black to tan, each of them smoothed to perfection by their time being pushed and pulled by the tide's gentle waves. Some were speckled with color, others clear with a cloudy wisp near the center. Madelynne reached forward, touching a finger against a particularly glittered one with a soft smile, before peering up at her sister.
"I think it sounds lovely," She agreed, patting her sister's wrist. "Why don't you give them to him now? I'll watch after Stirling for you."
Mary frowned, fiddling with the stones, her teeth worrying at her bottom lip. "Are you sure, Maddy?"
"Of course, go! I wanted some fresh air, and I'm sure the pups could use a run," Madelynne grinned, unwinding Perseus' leash from her arm as she sought a place to sit.
Her sister sent her an appreciative smile before she grabbed for her dress with her free hand, setting out across the green with a purposeful stride. Madelynne shook her head with a quiet laugh, sinking down onto her sister's forgotten cloak to shield both her and the hem of her gown from the grass as she made herself comfortable, leaning back on one of her hands. She turned her face to the quickly sinking sun, watching as the gentle oranges and pinks spread out across the once blue sky. It wasn't long before the dogs returned to her, never having strayed far, and made themselves comfortable at her feet and side. The Princess took little notice as a pair of groundsmen made their rounds, lighting the first of the night's pyres to see by, while watching the water ripple across the horizon. Her fingers dipped and tangled into the soft fur of the dogs surrounding her, the rhythmic pattern of her petting mixed with the gentle sound of lapping water; the combination lulling her into a near trance as her mind quieted and calmed.
She could have sat there all night, long after the sun had been replaced by the moon, had it not been for the startling sound of Mary's enraged shriek echoing out over the pond-like cove.
Whipping around in surprise, the youngest Stuart watched with widened eyes as her Queen of a sister stomped toward the water, soon performing an act that was most un-queenly. Mary heaved her arm backward before throwing it forward, her clenched hand opening to release the pile of rock and pebble she had so proudly shown her less than an hour beforehand. Madelynne turned, just catching a glimpse of the stones disappearing into the murky depths with a loud, wet squelching pop.
Eyebrows arched high upon her forehead, Madelynne turned to her sister in silent question, waiting for Mary to explain her sudden fit of temper.
"He is such a...a...a-" Mary stuttered, searching for the appropriate word to describe her feelings, Madelynne supposed.
"An ass?" She supplied, tipping her head to the side as Mary nodded firmly. "Are we speaking of the Dauphin?"
Mary crossed her arms tightly over her chest, her nails nearly biting into the soft skin of her forearms as she glared at the water. "He told me...he told me that if I am to be Queen of France, I must learn that Kings do not answer to their wives."
It was silent between them for a moment, before she spoke again, this time much quieter, her tone sad and vulnerable.
"He was with someone, Maddy...I know it."
An anxious ball of dread settled in the youngest Stuart's stomach, both from the hurt her sister suffered and the implications of what a preoccupied Francis could mean; for her sister, for herself, for her country. If Francis refused to be enamored with Mary, there was little chance that a wedding would be forthcoming. And no wedding meant no alliance, and no alliance meant little safety against England, for them and for their people.
Before she could voice such concerns, however, the frantic barking of both Stirling and Perseus captured her attention. She turned to find both canines running for the edge of the forest, some hundred paces away, angry growls and snarls leaving their chests.
"Stirling-?" Mary called, confused. "Stirling, no!"
She lifted her skirts as she hurried after them, Madelynne lurching up from her place on the ground, heart beating rapidly in her chest as she discovered just how far Perseus had gotten from her. It wasn't that he was that far, really, but the forest edge looked dangerous; gloomy and dark, riddled with shadows and all manner of eeriness. She too grabbed up her skirts, hardly caring for her bare feet as she ran forward, chasing after her sister and pet.
"Perseus!" She snapped, her voice high and shrill. "Perseus, heel!"
He wasn't listening.
"Stirling-!"
"Mary, Madelynne?" A deep voice called out, hardly noticed by either girl. "No, Mary, Madelynne, stop!"
"Perseus, heel now!"
"Madelynne! Wait, wait! No!" It continued, drawing closer still. "Mary!"
Unable to remain calm, she let out a shrill scream of the dog's name, calling him away from the shadows of the trees. "Perseus, come back now! NOW!"
The snowy furred canine halted in his tracks, his big head whipping around in time to spy the figure rushing up behind each of the girls, and took off at a sprint toward them. Just then, hands that were large and warm grasped hold of Madelynne and Mary's elbows, drawing gasps of surprise from each. They were spun around to face a body, taller than each of them, a pair of familiar silvery blue eyes peering down at them. Sebastian de Pointers stood before them, looking every part the King's son, and as if he might lecture them. He didn't get a chance though, before a feral snarling reverberated in their ears.
Had it not been for Madelynne's quick lunge, sending her stumbling into Sebastian's chest, it was likely he would've suffered a nasty bite to his left arm. As it was, he grappled with his grip on the youngest Stuart, clutching the Princess to his chest as she nearly fell when the massive dog almost threw himself at the intruder, her hand wrapped tightly around his collar.
"Shh, hush Perseus," She soothed, stroking the canine's head as she leaned into Sebastian's hold, unable to find her balance with both hands on her dog. "It's alright, we like him."
Sebastian chuckled lightly, before his face became serious once more, his eyes fierce as he stared down at them both. "Be that as it may; young girls- royals, Queens and Princesses -do not leave the castle alone!"
Mary frowned, as Madelynne sighed, wrinkling her nose.
"But my...my dog-" Her sister fretted, glancing off into the darkened woods once more.
"Let him go," Sebastian commanded, his tone stern.
Madelynne shook her head softly, easing herself back into the proper posture as she peered up into his striking gaze, her brow furrowing as she noticed the haunted look there. "Sebastian, you do not understand, our brother gifted us these-"
"Do not go into those woods!" He snapped, cutting her off and shaking the youngest Stuart girl slightly in his grip, his eyes darting from one to the other. "Do you hear me?"
Each girl quieted their protests, tipping their heads to the side in an obvious curiosity that was almost frighteningly similar.
"Why not? What is in those woods," Mary inquired, turning back to the darkness. "Besides my dog, who I might have caught if you had not stopped me?"
In doing so, she missed the way that Sebastian's jawline flexed and clenched in his worry. He squeezed his eyes closed, some unexplained pain at her question, an uncomfortableness that was almost tangible upon the air. But Madelynne did not miss it as her sister did, her emerald orbs piercing into his face, meeting his the very moment that he reopened them. The elder boy licked his lips, his gaze holding her own as he cleared his throat, actively dodging her sister's full question.
"He will find his way back, I assure you," He soothed, turning to guide each girl away from the darkening trees. "There's food and warmth, who wouldn't want to be at the castle?"
Madelynne couldn't stop the scoff of derisive amusement at his statement, especially when she witnessed Mary's scowl of disagreement. Her sister hissed her admonishment in a low tone, their native language rolling off her tongue in hopes that the Frenchman wouldn't understand.
Sebastian's eyebrow arched ever so slightly, glancing between the two newly silent girls. "Except for, perhaps, you? Rather be at the convent, would you both? Eating porridge and trudging through the mud?"
"I quite like the way mud feels underfoot!" Mary snipped, pulling away from his grasp.
Madelynne laughed softly, bending to reattach Perseus' leash to his collar, lest the dog feel he should attempt to run off once more. "Yes, being barefoot is quite freeing," She giggled, lifting her skirts just enough to teasingly dangle her bare foot for them both to see. "Have you not tried it?"
"Perhaps you'll both be sent back then," Sebastian threatened playfully through his chuckles, shaking his head before bestowing them each a wink. "For misbehaving."
"You're cheeky," Mary intoned, busying her fingers with securing her shawl tightly around her shoulders, as Madelynne giggled quietly at her side.
The boy hummed in agreement, turning to usher them each further from the water's edge. "And you're upset about more than your dog taking a little jaunt into the wild. What is it?"
"You should ask your brother," Madelynne snapped, unable to hold her tongue.
"Maddy!" Her sister hissed, smacking at the girl's arm.
Sebastian glanced at them both, his expression melting from one of mischief and humor, to a clear sheen of wariness. "Ask him what, exactly?"
Madelynne opened her mouth to continue, unashamed to admit to the Dauphin's carelessness, when Mary jumped in, finishing the sentence for her. "Why he's such a moody, arrogant, ass."
Their male company snorted before he could help it, his features rearranging once more into ones of surprise and hilarity. It was doubtful any had called Francis such before, least of all to his brother's face. He nodded as his eyebrows inched up his forehead, his eyes glimmering with laughter that he obviously held back, the sound choked off in his voice as he finally spoke.
"We're half-brothers, by the way," He reaffirmed, his piercing eyes meeting the emerald ones trained speculatively upon him. "Nothing in common really, but our father. But I'll mention your discontent," He continued, switching his gaze back to Mary as she nodded. "-to Francis."
The Scottish Queen shook her head, narrowing her eyes before turning to make her way back to the castle.
"Don't bother."
"And I'll find your dog!" He called after her, watching as she strode away, before turning to peer down at the Princess. "I was away from the castle for mere hours, what has happened?"
Madelynne bit her lip, her eyes resting upon her sister's retreating figure, taking note of the tension that held her shoulders stiff and her gait measured. She sighed lightly, her fingers finding the fur atop Perseus' head, threading through it in search of comfort the soft hairs could always provide.
"Your brother is not the most...tactful, in the arts of women, is he?" She hummed, gazing up at the boy when he choked on nothing but air, his eyes wide and his face reddening. She laughed quietly, squeezing his arm in gratitude before she hurried after her sister, who had turned to wait for her.
"Until this evening, my Lord."
She missed the way he looked after her fondly, before turning to face the woods once more, a silent scowl upon his chiseled features.
The water in the bath was clear, sparkling against the candlelight, and steam wafted up from it slowly as the maidservant, the same one that had first taken her cloak, added yet another bucket of heated water to the smooth confines of the porcelain tub. Madelynne watched from a fur-covered chair, left only in her dressing gown, as the blonde girl pulled the stopper on a small vile. She leaned out over the water, allowing three drops of the perfumed liquid to hit the water's surface before replacing the top, and adding a handful of pink flower petals to the bath.
"What is that you're adding?" Madelynne questioned, her voice quiet in the calm atmosphere as she removed her bracelets and rings, placing them into a small dish on the vanity counter.
"Oil of Rose and Vanilla, for their scent, Your Highness," She held the bottle up with a smile, before gesturing to the petals resting on the water's surface. "And Geranium petals, for soft skin."
The Princess smiled softly, nodding her head in acceptance while she stood with the girl's beckoning. She hissed quietly as she dipped her fingers into the hot water, her bare skin adjusting to the temperature change. Lifting her arms, she allowed the girl to unlace the last of her dressing gown, shivering lightly as the material dropped, before stepping into the bathtub with the girl's help.
"I do not believe I caught your name...?" She inquired, letting out a sigh of contentment as the heated water enveloped her body, soothing her muscles from the days-long ride they had taken from the convent to Court.
Blinking in quiet surprise, the maidservant's hands stilled in their ministrations, combing through Madelynne's hair with a gentle and careful precision. Slowly, her eyes lightened, crinkling on the edges as a blinding smile overtook her features.
"I am Fleurance, Your Highness," She shared, her fingers returning to their work. "But many simply call me Fleur."
Eyes fluttering closed at the relaxing feel of hands working through her hands, Madelynne nodded in understanding. "Fleurance is a pretty name, one I have not heard often. You may call me Madelynne-"
"Oh, my Lady, I could not-" Fleur protested, her eyes wide.
Madelynne sat up, reaching out to grasp the girl's fluttering hands, her nerves getting the best of her. It was obvious that this was her first time, being assigned to a royal guest, and she wished to ease that anxiety.
"When we are alone, please." She implored, squeezing the girl's hand in her own. "If you are to be my personal maid, I feel it is only right. I would not wish someone unfamiliar waiting on me so intimately."
Fleur swallowed visibly, her hands trembling lightly in the Princess' grasp, before she inhaled deeply and nodded firmly. Madelynne let out a happy laugh, one that made the girl smile in return, before sinking back down into the water so that she could continue working the soaps through her long, and wet, locks. The bath was a breeze after that, easing the tension from the youngest Stuart until she was all but boneless and nearly napping upon the bathtub's ledge. It was with Fleur's soft prompting that she dared to brave the cool air after being in the warm waters so long, a shiver wracking her spin before fluffy towels were wrapped tightly around her body. The maid had barely finished drying her off, the sash of her silky robe only just having been tied off, when a sharp knock heralded her sister's entrance.
Madelynne straightened in surprise, catching sight of the tense set to Mary's features. Placing a hand on her handmaiden's shoulder, she gently ushered the girl forward. "Fleur, could you set out my gown for the evening, please? The gold and champagne one, with the lace sleeves?"
"Of course, Your Highness," Fleur curtsied at the doorway, disappearing back out into Madelynne's personal chambers.
Mary was reaching for her sister before she had even finished speaking, her hands trembling and her eyes wide with fright. Madelynne laced their fingers together, leading her sister to the bench in front of her vanity and easing them down into it, before dipping her head and peering into her sister's vacant gaze.
"Sister?" Her whisper was nearly silent in the room, pleading. "Mary, what is it?"
"-wine."
Madelynne's eyes narrowed in confusion, and she squeezed her sister's hand in an attempt to rouse her. "What? Mary, I cannot understand you."
"Don't drink the wine," Mary gasped, her eyes flying open wide, meeting her sister's. "She said, 'Don't drink the wine', I heard her."
"Who-"
"It was a warning, Maddy." Her sister continued, her tone severe. "Tonight, we do not drink the wine. Promise me,"
Madelynne huffed out a breath, her eyes rolling heavenward as she attempted to quell the frustration as her sister babbled on. "Mary, what are you talking-"
"Promise me!"
The near shriek that escaped Mary's lips startled her younger sister, causing the girl to jolt in place. Her eyes were wide, the green dulling as a knot of fear settled low in her gut. The sharp tang of copper spread across her tongue, the taste too late to warn her as her teeth broke the skin of her bottom lip where it was caught between them. She reached forward, running a soothing hand through Mary's hair as the older twin shook in place, nearly squeezing the blood from her sister's hands.
"Alright, Mary. We won't drink the wine. It's okay," Madelynne pulled Mary into her chest, tightening her arms around her Queen in soothing comfort. "It's going to be alright."
No editing Betas! Any mistakes are my own or the author's. Anything driving you crazy? Let us know, we'll fix it! :D
-Heavy Lies The Crown-
Shipping Names: Oh goodness, CoffeeJunkie33 came up with the loveliest of shipping names! We adore Baslynne and Sebaslynne! They're so cute! You did a great job!
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