The next few days in the castle were like a dream to Mary. She would steal kisses from Francis whenever they were alone in the corridors and every night, he would sneak into her bed chambers where they would spend the night together before he snuck back into his bed chambers before anyone woke up. When they weren't showing their affection for each other, they spent hours upon hours catching up on the last ten years of their lives. They took walks around the gardens and went horseback riding through the forest. It was the happiest Mary had ever been.
However, she knew her bliss had to end soon because they had not spoken of their future together. She was yearning to ask if he would be willing to stay and rule. While she knew that her asking would bring tension to their perfect time together thus far, she also knew that asking him now would have the most influence on his answer- after all, they were truly in love.
One night, as they lay together in her bed, his arms wrapped around her securely and her head laying on his chest, she mustered up the courage to ask.
"Francis. Have you given any thought to our future?"
Francis looked down at her lovingly and began to stroke her hair.
"Of course I have. I've been meaning to talk to you about that."
Mary's heart sped up with excitement. "Go on."
"Well, these last few days have been wonderful, Mary. I have never felt happier in my life. And I don't want to be without you."
"Oh Francis, I feel the same way…"
"...which is why I want you to come away with me. So we can be together."
Mary abruptly sat up. "What?! Francis I can't do that. I have my duty to Scotland. I have my duty to my throne. I have my duty to France as well! And so do you!"
Francis's eyes flashed with anger. "And what about your duty to your heart, Mary? Do you want to spend the rest of your life in French Court, neglecting your own desires and growing up to be as miserable as Catherine and the King? Or your mother?"
"And what am I supposed to do when you…" Mary stopped herself.
"...when I die?"
"Yes, when you die. Francis if you die, I cannot simply return to the throne. And if I lose you, I have nothing. At least if we rule together, I can spend the rest of my life serving our countries, rather than just living in despair!"
"I'm sorry my illness doesn't fit well with your life plan, Mary. But it doesn't exactly fit mine, either." Francis shot back.
"Francis, the king is healthy, we can live the way we have for the past couple of days for the next several years! No one is asking you to take the throne at this minute!"
"Mary. I do not want to die in this castle! You can't suggest things because you don't understand what it's like to have this illness! I could die tomorrow! I don't want to waste any more time here."
"And being here with me would be a waste of your time?" Mary asked, her voice cracking.
"Francis gave her a cold, hard stare before storming out of her room.
