Chapter 7

Their first time was furiously passionate. Bash was worried he would hurt Mary, but she urged him on, faster, harder, stronger. After their passion had reached its peak, Bash turned so that Mary could rest her head on his chest. Mary ran her hand down this chest to his toned stomach.

"Can you stay all night?"

Bash kissed Mary's forehead. "I'll stay until dawn. That's as long as I can stay safely. I'm usually an early riser, so sleeping late would cause suspicion."

Mary sighed. "How long do you think we'll need to hide this?"

"I'm not sure, but at least until my parents return."

Mary giggled into Bash's chest. "Do you think it's true, what the servants are gossiping about? Do you think they ran off to marry, as well?"

"Actually, yes. Since Catherine is dead I think my mother saw it as an opportunity to help my legitimization along. Plus, she has always truly loved my father."

"I hope they are happy together, and I think their marriage will push the Vatican in the right direction."

"I think ours will as well," Bash smiled.

"Even if it doesn't, I don't care," Mary said as she leaned across Bash moving to hover over his body. "You will be an amazing king, Bash. Whether or not we get to rule France, Scotland is ours."

Mary moved to kiss Bash as she lowered herself onto him. "All hail King Sebastian; long may he reign."

They made love twice more before falling into a sated slumber.


Bash woke up in Mary's bed, their limbs tangled together in the sheets. He could tell that dawn was approaching, but did not want to leave her warm embrace. He didn't want to wake Mary either; she was sleeping so peacefully in his arms. However, he knew she would be upset if he just left without saying goodbye. He had a small wedding gift for her, as well, and he wanted to present it to her before he left.

"Mary," he whispered, hoping he wouldn't startle her.

"Mary," he whispered again, as her beautiful dark eyes began to flutter open.

"It's almost dawn. I have to return to my chambers."

He chuckled as her hands grasped at his chest, silently protesting. He kissed her temple and sat up in the bed.

"Before I go, I have something for you." He slid off the bed to find the package in his pile of clothing. "I had this made for you as a wedding present."

He handed Mary the small package and she eagerly tore at the wrappings, quickly revealing a simple, but dazzling emerald ring.

"It's beautiful, Bash, thank you." Mary hugged Bash tightly and pulled back to gently kiss his lips. She slid the ring onto her finger. "I think I can get away with wearing it without drawing suspicion. If anyone asks, we can say you gave it to me as an engagement present."

Bash smiled, "That seems a good plan, now, let me get back to my chambers. It won't be long before a servant shows up either here or there."

"Do you think we'll be able to do this every night?" Mary asked as she watched Bash hurriedly dress.

"We will certainly try," Bash replied as he finished putting his boots on. "Surely your ladies will be able to help with the ruse."

"Perhaps not Kenna; I feel very unsettled that she revealed our plans to Francis."

"It is odd," Bash agreed, kissing Mary once more before heading for the passage door.

"I will see you later today, perhaps my parents will be back soon and we won't have to sustain this charade for long."


Mary sat eating breakfast with her ladies a few hours later when a royal messenger entered the room.

"Your Grace," he said as he bowed to her, "I have a message from the king for his son, Sebastian. I did not find him in his chambers and I see he is not here at breakfast. Might you know where he is?"

Mary shook her head, curious as to the letter's contents. "I have not spoken with Sebastian since yesterday afternoon. I would be happy to deliver the message myself, if need be."

"No need," Bash said as he entered the room obviously just back from a ride, "I'm here now."

Bash took the letter and broke the seal, chuckling as he read the contents. "Well, it seems gossip was correct for once. My father and mother will be wed today in Paris. They plan to stay there for a month before returning to the castle."

Bash locked eyes with Mary for a moment, both of them understanding that their marriage would have to stay a secret much longer than they wished.

He looked down at the letter again and sighed. "And, of course, he's left me as regent again until he returns."

Mary gave him a small smile. "Well, I guess that means we should get you to the throne room soon. Today the king was supposed to hear grievances."

Mary smiled ruefully at Bash, knowing that this was not the way either one of them wanted to spend their first full day as husband and wife.