I own nothing but what I make up myself! Reign itself is owned by the CW! Bummer!
Iseabail POV
As we gathered for breakfast, I noticed every one had a little pep to their step, looking around at their faces I noticed sly smiles as well.
"All right you lot, what's going on?" I asked all of them.
Greer, Kenna, Lola, and Mary all looked at each other, "I don't know what you're talking about." said Greer.
I gave her a look, "You look happy, you all do!" I said pointing to everyone.
"Why can't we just be in a happy mood?" asked Kenna.
I turned my pointed look to her, "Oh come on, Kenna. I know that you all are very happy people but this is different. All of you have sly smiles as well, like you have a secret!" I said.
Mary burst out laughing, "You're good, Is. Too good! Fine, if you must know; Francis and I have decided that this isn't just an alliance between two countries, but our hearts as well." smiled Mary.
"Oh Mary! That's wonderful!" said Greer throwing her arms around Mary.
"Finally!" said Kenna too with a smile.
"I'm happy for you!" said Lola.
"That's great!" I shouted.
"What about you, Greer? Before the commotion with Tomas, I couldn't find you." said Mary.
Greer blushed, "I met some one!" we all gasped. "But I will not tell you who, yet." Greer continued, we all made faces. "The last time I did, it didn't work out." Greer said giving Mary a look.
"Hey, she saved you from that one." I said laughing.
The others joined in.
Greer smiled, "Yes, but it's just so new. I want to make sure its some thing before I go around gushing about him." She said.
All us nodded, "Fair enough." Mary.
"Kenna, what about you?" asked Greer.
Kenna blushed as well, "I too have met some one. But like Greer, I want to see where it goes first."
We all stared, "But Kenna, you always share and in great detail!" said Lola.
Kenna looked down at the ground.
"You really like him, huh?" I asked placing my hand on her shoulder.
Kenna smiled at me, "I really do!"
Though I had a feeling about who she was talking about, I knew I couldn't stand in her way so I just said, "I wish you luck."
Kenna beamed at me.
"Lola, what about you? Are you going to keep your secret as well?" asked Mary.
It was now Lola's turn to blush, "No, I will not keep my secret. For you all know the man." She smiled.
"Who?" we all asked.
"Bash!" Lola said.
"What?" Kenna yelled.
I sat back in my chair.
"After he got stabbed and I helped nurse him back to health; we talked, about every thing. Our lives, our passions, what we want in the future." said Lola beaming.
"That is wonderful, Lola!" said Greer.
Mary too agreed.
Kenna just looked at me.
Just then there was a knock at the door, "Apologies Your Grace, but these letters just arrived for you." said the servant, Sarah, as she placed a pile of letters on the table.
Mary thanked her and gathered the letters.
"They are from home." Mary said.
We all quickly came forward, "Greer." Mary said handing her two. "Kenna." got three. "Lola." received three. "And Is." said Mary handing me at least eight letters.
I smiled, "Jonathon." I whispered noticing the handwriting.
"He's been busy." said Lola.
"I don't get to hear from him a lot when he's on the road, he must of just written a bunch and then sent them all together." I said staring down at the letters.
Another knock came, "Am I interrupting?" asked Francis.
Mary beamed at him, "Not at all."
Lola, Kenna, Greer, and I curtsied to him and left.
"I think I'll go outside to read these." I said and walked towards the stairs.
"Need privacy do you?" Kenna called out.
"Wouldn't you like to know!" I yelled over my shoulder.
I could hear the girls laughing behind me.
Walking to the tree line, I sat down and opened the letter from my family first, but quickly moved on to Jonathon's.
By the time I was done reading them all I had tears in my eyes.
"Iseabail? Iseabail are you all right?" Bashed called out as he neared me.
Looking up I think I gave him a fright. "Iseabail! What happened?" yelled Bash. "Who did this?" he asked angrily as he bent down to face me.
I grabbed a hold of his arm, "These are happy tears, Bash. I have finally heard back from my Jonathon." I said.
Bash's head fell forward and sighed, "Happy tears are good, I was afraid I would have to defend your honor." He smirked.
I let go of his arm and swatted him. "My honor is well in tacked." I huffed.
"That is good to hear." said Bash as he stood up and offered me his hand.
I gathered up my letters and aloud him to pull me up.
"That is quite a few letters." Bash said noticing them.
"He is still training to be a knight so he is on the road a lot with my uncle." I said as we wandered back to the castle.
"You are marrying a knight then?" Bash asked.
"Future knight, yes." I said back.
"He will travel a lot even when he's a knight." Bash stated.
"Yes, but by then we will be married and I will be rather busy learning how to run two lands." I said.
"Yes, you mentioned that you and Jonathon will be joining your two houses." said Bash as we climbed the steps.
I nodded, "That's the plan."
Just then Sarah came towards us, "Lady Iseabail, Queen Mary request that you meet her in her rooms, she says it's time to get ready for the harvest festival." She said bowing.
"I will see you later then." said Bash bowing.
I nodded to him and left.
...
Once all together we made our way to the festival which was down by the water.
We found a man behind a table full of mini boats. He held one up to us, "All you have to do is write your regrets on this ribbon, tie it to the stern, and watch as they sail away." said the man.
"What a lovely tradition." said Mary.
"Mary! If I didn't know any better I'd say you were actually enjoying your time at court." said Bash as he walked up to us, carrying a bar mug.
"Mainly enjoying the harvest festival." cut in Kenna.
"Kenna, Greer, Lola, Iseabail." Bash said nodding his head to each of us.
"As a matter a fact I am enjoying my time at court." said Mary smiling. "Hello Bash."
"So what brought about this change?" asked Bash. "Not that I'm complaining. To see you and your ladies smile is to feel the sun." smirked Bash.
"Do you flirt with every one?" laughed Mary.
"Absolutely every one!" stated Bash as he slide glanced at me.
I could feel Lola tense up beside me.
Mary smiled, "Well you'll find I'm not difficult to please, just don't make an attempt on my life and you'll find I'm most agreeable." said Mary. "That and your brother."
Bash smiled and raised his mug, "Well here's to a soon to be wedding." He said, once again glancing at me, he then nodded to us and left.
Greer and I quickly grabbed Lola's arms, "I'm sorry, Lola." whispered Greer.
Lola took a deep breath, "He does flirt with every one, I don't know why I thought I was special." She sighed.
"Because you are special!" said Mary as she patted Lola on shoulder.
"I need a drink." said Lola.
"Here ya go!" said Kenna as she handed Lola a glass.
Lola smiled and took a long drink.
"He hasn't stopped staring." whispered Kenna.
"What?" I asked.
"Greer, Lord Castlewood hasn't stopped staring at you all morning." said Kenna.
We all turned to the door entrance and saw that in fact Kenna was right, Lord Castlewood was staring at Greer.
"Well don't look!" muttered Greer. "He would be a great catch, his family is fourteen removed from the crown. Rumor has it, he's made a fortune in the spice trade." She added.
"What about your mystery man?" I asked.
"It very hurts to keep your options open." said Kenna.
"Well what are you waiting for? One foot in front of the other." Mary said to Greer.
Greer smiled and left us to go talk to him.
"Let's find our boats." I said.
Just then Francis joined us, the girls and I turned to give Mary and him some privacy.
We stood and talked about our regrets when we heard a commotion, turning just in time to see Francis hug another woman.
"What in the world?" I asked as we joined Mary, Bash soon joined us.
"That poor girl. Who is she?" Mary asked.
"Her name is Olivia. Her family lived at court for a time. I believe they shared a mathematics tutor." said Bash.
"Mathematics? I see." said Mary as Francis held this Olivia woman's face. "And when did their education end?"
"She left a few months before you arrived." said Bash.
"Broken hearted?" asked Mary.
Bash took a drink.
"Bash, it's alright. Tell me." said Mary.
Francis led Olivia away, more then likely to the castle.
"Yes, he was." said Bash.
...
We all returned to the castle, Mary went to her room and us to ours.
"Mary and Francis have just gotten together and now she shows up!" said Kenna huffing.
"We don't know what's going on. Hopefully Francis will find Mary and they will figure this out." I said defending Francis.
"I hope so." said Kenna.
...
Deciding a walk was in order I grabbed my wrap and set out.
"I was wondering when you would show." said Jasper as he caught up to me.
"Do you just wait outside, looking for me?" I asked laughing.
"I just have excellent timing." shrugged Jasper.
I smiled at him and we continued to walk.
"So our regrets set sail tomorrow, may I ask what yours are?" Jasper asked.
Horses could be heard from behind us and they were coming in fast.
Jasper quickly grabbed my waist and pulled me to safely.
"Bash?" I yelled when I recognized one of the riders that passed us.
Jasper and I both ran to the horses and saw guards pulling two bodies off a horse.
Bash jumped off his, "Take him to Nostradamus! Now!" shouted Bash.
"Bash! What is going on?" I asked.
"Lady Olivia's carriage was attacked in the woods by pagans. I went out in search of the other bodies and found one alive." said Bash as we quickly ran up the steps.
"Were they like Colin?" I asked looking him in the eye.
Bash nodded.
My hand flew to my face. "Oh God." I whispered.
Bash patted my shoulder and then took off to find Nostradamus.
...
Jasper stayed with me and we wandered back down to the waters.
There we found Mary and Kenna talking.
"What's the matter?" I asked when Mary grew upset.
"He said she was leaving!" said Mary.
I looked to Kenna for help.
"Olivia's things have been moved to the east wing." said Kenna.
"He said she was leaving." Mary muttered again.
I wrapped my arms around her, "I'm sure Francis can explain." I said.
Mary nodded.
"I'll see if I can find out any more." said Kenna leaving us.
"If you ladies will excuse me." said Jasper as he too left.
"It seems Kenna has a new necklace." said Catherine as she joined us. "What a blatant disrespect."
"I'm sure what you mean." said Mary.
I let go of her and stepped to the side, out of the way but still close.
Catherine took a drink from her glass, "I mean that Kenna is wearing the necklace I received the first year of my marriage to the King, her lover." She said.
I sucked in a breath, "Oh Kenna!" I thought.
"You must be mistaken." said Mary,
"But I'm not…..you didn't know?" asked Catherine.
Mary and Catherine shared a look.
"Well it won't last, you learn the signs after a while which girl is serious and which one is not." said Catherine.
"Sounds like a terrible way to live." said Mary.
"I have forgotten the alternative." said Catherine. "We were married when we were fourteen you know; and we were happy, for a time. But I learned later that she was in his heart, Diane." sighed Catherine and then she walked away.
I rejoined Mary, "Did you know?" she asked.
"I knew she was flirting with the idea, I didn't know that she had gone through with it." I said as we both looked at Kenna.
"I need another drink!" said Mary as she left to get another.
I decided I needed to get out of there for a while and left for the water.
There I found Bash on a bench.
I sat down beside him, "May I have some?" I asked holding out my hand for his cup.
Bash smiled and handed it over, I took a small sip to see what it was, spiced wine, I then took other long drink.
"I thought you didn't drink?" Bash smirked.
I handed back the cup, "I normally don't, but I am making an exception." I sighed.
"What happened?" he asked.
I shook my head not wanting to talk about it.
Bash excepted that and both of us looked out into the water.
"So I heard that you once started a tavern fight by merely looking at a woman." I said breaking the silence.
Bash groaned, "You need to stop talking to Jasper."
I laughed, "What look did you give her? The come hither look?" I asked looking at him with my flirtiest smile. "Or did you look at her in discuss?" I asked wrinkling up my face.
Bash burst out laughing. "The first one."
I nodded and turned back to the water.
"Did Jasper tell you, we won? Two to ten." Bash boosted.
"Oh he did, he also mentioned that you got hit over the head with a wine jug by said beautiful woman." I laughed.
Bash groaned, "I'm going to kill him." he muttered. "Her husband owned the tavern; I didn't know that at the time." he added.
"Oh course you didn't." I laughed; but then I stopped, "Any news on the man you found in the woods?" I asked.
Bash shook his head, "He's died."
I gasped.
Bash grabbed a hold of my hand, "He is no longer is pain." He whispered.
I nodded my head.
The horns started to blow.
"They must be launching the boats." I said.
Bash pulled me up by our still joined hands. "Come, we must let our regrets sail away."
I nodded letting his hand go.
We walked side by side back to the others.
...
"To new beginnings!" said Greer as we raised our glasses later that night in our room.
The four of us cheered each other and drank.
"Where is Mary?" asked Greer.
"She wasn't feeling well, so she went to bed early." I stated.
The others nodded.
My head started to spin, "I think I too should head to bed."
Greer blinked quickly. "Me too."
"As shall I." said Lola setting down her glass.
"I think I drank to much today." said Kenna.
"Me too, it would seem." I said lying down and closing my eyes.
….
Drip, Drip, Drip, Drip...I heard coming from some where. Then I felt some thing wet hit my hand. Opening my fuggy eyes it took me a moment to focus, when I did I wish I hadn't.
A huge stag's head was hanging above my bed.
I have never screamed so loud.
"Isealbail what's…." Kenna asked and then she too screamed.
Lola and Greer soon joined us.
I fell out of the bed still screaming
Our doors banged open, "What is going on?" shouted Mary with guards on her heels.
I pointed to my bed.
"Oh my God!" Mary shouted.
Kenna and Lola helped me up off the floor as guards moved to surround us.
"It'd be best if you and your ladies left the room, Your Grace." said one of the guards.
"We'll be in my rooms." said Mary as she grabbed my hand and led us out.
Once in Mary's rooms I was placed on one of the couches.
"How did this happen?" asked Mary as she looked at all of us.
"Why did it happen?" asked Greer.
"Mary!" shouted Francis as he barged into the room. Bash and Jasper were close behind.
Bash kneeled down in front of me. "Are you alright?" he asked.
"Shaky but alright." I said nodding.
"How did they get into our rooms?" asked Kenna.
"With this." said Jasper holding up a bottle.
"The wine was laced with poppy. Who ever it was drugged you." said Jasper.
"I am never drinking again." I stated.
Bash squeezed my knee. "Iseabail, I am so sorry." He whispered.
I looked at him, "For what? You didn't put the stag's head in my bed did you?" I asked.
"Jasper, close the doors." said Bash.
Jasper did as asked.
Every one was now looking to Bash.
"What is going on?" asked Mary.
"This was meant to tarries us." said Bash.
"Mission accomplished." muttered Kenna.
"Why?" asked Lola.
"The pagans of this faith, they claim that I owe them a debt. More then once in their eyes' I've interrupted their blood sacrifice. The butcher boy who died, said that if I don't choose some one to sacrifice they would chose for me." Bash said looking me in the eyes.
"So that's what's been going on in the woods. Pagan sacrifice?" asked Greer.
Lola sat down beside me, "Colin." She whispered.
I took a hold of her hand.
"Why me?" I asked.
"They must think you're important to my brother." said Francis.
Bash gave his brother a pointed look.
"I will have guard outside your room at all times." Francis added.
"I can take care of myself." I stated.
"Think of Mary and the girls then." said Jasper.
I looked around the room at the girls and then nodded.
Francis turned to Bash, "You need to figure out a way out of this."
Bash nodded and then turned back to me, "I am so sorry Iseabail."
I tried to smile at him, "This will teach me to drink huh?" I joked.
Bash too tried to smile, "I will fix this." He said and then left.
"What is going on?" shouted Catherine as she joined us.
"Some one drugged Mary's ladies and put a stag in Iseabail's bed." said Francis.
"Pagans? They were here? Inside these walls? Inside my home?" asked Catherine.
"These heretics worked together to terrorize us; now we must now work together to stop them." said Mary.
…
While Bash talked to any one he could about the heretics, Francis and Jasper went to talk to the guards, and Catherine and Mary held audience with the servants; the girls decided to try and take my mind off of the things.
"Come with me." said Kenna leading us down the hall, opening a door she invited us in.
The girls and I entered and looked around, "What an inviting little party." said Lola.
"Has Diane finally decided to notice we exist?" asked Greer.
"Its not Diane's gathering, it's mine." stated Kenna.
Lola and Greer looked at each other, I already knowing what this gathering was about.
"But these are the King's chambers." said Greer.
"Yes, well, now they are my chambers too." said Kenna. "Because we're in love. You would have found out later but I wanted to tell you myself."
"You and the King?" asked Lola.
"In love." said Greer.
"I am the King's official mistress. It's shocking I know and amazing." said Kenna.
"Kenna, it is. It's amazing." I said.
Kenna looked at all of us, "You probably think it's a horrid idea."
"No, if you're happy. We're happy. Aren't we?" asked Greer as she sat down.
"So…give us the deals." said Lola. "How did it happen? Has he been courting you for a long time?"
"It was fast and unexpected." smiled Kenna.
"We are happy for you." I said squeezing her hand.
"To love." said Lola holding up a glass.
I gave her a look.
"It's water." Kenna smiled.
"To love then." I said.
We all cheered.
...
"The King and I had a fight." sighed Kenna as she sat down in the sun room with us.
"Already?" asked Greer.
"I noticed the tiles around our bed and asked him about them, there H and D intertwined." said Kenna. "Henry and Diane."
"Kenna, they have history." said Lola.
"Yes but I am suppose to be his future! How am I supposed to do that with her letter staring back at me?" asked Kenna.
Fireworks started to go off.
"What in the world?" I asked looking out the window.
"Why are they setting of fireworks?" asked Greer.
"Who cares!" asked Lola as she looked at the fireworks in aw.
"There you ladies are!" said Jasper as he joined us. "Kenna, why the long face?" he asked.
Kenna just shook her head and frowned.
"Any word from Bash?" I asked Jasper.
"Not yet." Jasper said as he took shook his head.
"Oh my God, Kenna! Look!" shouted Greer as she pointed outside.
Kenna quickly joined us and we all looked out to where Greer was pointing; out on the lawn was Kenna's name written in lights.
"See! He does care!" said Lola.
Kenna smiled and quickly ran off.
"Did I miss some thing?" Jasper asked.
The girls and I burst out laughing.
….
Lola, Greer, and Jasper decided to stay and finish watching the fireworks. I claimed a headache and went in search of my bed.
"Lady Iseabail, is every thing alright?" asked Mary's servant, Sarah.
"Yes Sarah, it's just been a long day." I said walking to my room.
"If you need any thing." Sarah said bowing and turned to leave me.
"Actually, do you know if there is fresh water in my room? I wish to wash my face and hands." I said.
"I will bring some up right away." said Sarah.
Once in my room, I removed my dress, got into my night gown, and started to comb my hair.
There was a knock at the door.
"Sarah with your water my lady." said the guard the Francis had promised me.
I nodded and he aloud Sarah in.
"Thank you Sarah." I said as she poured the water into the bowl.
Sarah nodded and turned to leave but as she did I caught a faint scent.
"What is that perfume you're wearing?" I asked.
"Perfume, my lady? I'm not wearing perfume." stated Sarah.
"Are you sure? I smell something faint on you. It smells familiar; like…..poppies!" I whispered.
Sarah quickly tried to swing the water jug at me.
I dodge it, "Guard!" I shouted.
Sarah came at me again.
I grabbed the first thing I could, a hair brush, throwing it at her, I hit her right in the head.
"You bitch! That hurt!" yelled Sarah as she drew a dagger from under her dress.
I had removed mine and laid them near my bed, "I won't be doing that any more!" I thought as I dodged the knife.
The doors barged open and my guard finally came in, "Seize her!" I shouted.
Sarah tried to fight but the guard was well trained and bigger, he easily dragged her out.
I fell on to the couch as Lola, Greer, and Jasper ran in.
"Iseabail!" shouted Lola as she neared me.
"I'm alright." I said as Jasper pulled me into his arms.
"Thank God!" he whispered.
Mary came running in along with Francis not to long after.
"Iseabail!" said Mary, Jasper let me go so that Mary could hug me.
"I'm alright." I repeated. "Remind me to thank Kenna for buying such a large hair brush." I laughed.
That helped lighten the tension.
"A hair brush huh?" smirked Jasper.
"You work with what you got!" I smiled back.
"We were just about to come and tell you about the Queen's guard when we heard what happened." said Mary as she held me tighter.
"The Queen's guard?" I asked.
"He's the one that put the stag in your room." said Francis.
"What is going to happen to him? And Sarah?" asked Lola.
"They will be questioned. Then buried." said Francis.
I gripped Mary tighter.
"Oh Mary." I whispered.
"Do you want me to ask if they could give her a quick death?" Mary asked, she knew me so well.
I nodded.
"Iseabail!" shouted Bash as he ran into the room.
I let go of Mary and turned to him, he was covered in dirt and blood.
"Bash!" I yelled as I neared him.
He quickly held out his arms and I ran into them.
"Are you alright?" he whispered as he held me tight.
I pulled back just enough to see his face, "Yes, I'm fine. But you, you're covered in blood!" I said.
"It's not mine." Bash said.
"What did you do?" asked Francis.
Bash and I let go of each other and turned to the others.
"The debt has been paid. You're safe." Bash said to me.
"Bash…" I whispered. "What did you do?"
"I laid a trap for them and when they came I killed one of them. They didn't care whose blood I split as long as the debt was repaid." said Bash.
"So it's over then?" asked Lola.
"We still have to find out who put the stag in Iseabail's room." said Bash.
"Already done." said Francis.
Bash looked at me, "Thank the Lord!"
So we are finally getting to the part I am most excited about writing…..so stay toon! The next few chapters are going to get GOOD!
But let me know what you think of this one and Review…..PLEASE?!