Mary POV~
I stood in my room, waiting on my mother, and apparently according to Lola, Diane de Poitiers wanted to speak to me as well. I still didn't quite know what to think of Diane, besides that she was not like Catherine at all, in any way. Not in looks, not in actions, but she did start all of this out of a will to protect her son, which is her only resemblance to Catherine, and even then she only wanted it because she feared for Bash, and has for years. Catherine wanted a queen she could control, a bride for her son that she could manipulate into always making sure that everything done made Francis look like the hero.
I was aroused from my thoughts by Diane herself, when Owen announced her. She walked in and she was a vision, and it was easy to see why Henry had stayed by her all these years. She was quite pretty, and she walked to me and I welcomed her.
"Please, sit with me," when we were both seated and comfortable I noticed Owen still in the room and went to explain why in case she wanted a private conversation. "I am sorry for Owen, he has to stay inside right now because he has strict orders from Bash and my mother to ensure my safety when anyone outside of those two and my ladies are not with me."
She waved her hand, "I understand that. You have been through a great deal since your arrival here, and I understand Sebastian's safety precautions myself, as I have been subject to them a few times myself." She chuckled lightly. "I only came because I wanted to thank you, not for my new seat at court, or for Bash and the whole mess I started, but for keeping my son safe and alive. I have realized that my actions were foolish and I do apologize for the things my dealings with the count cost you. I did want to tell you though that I don't want to rule as Catherine does. If Henry wishes to be with another I will not stop him because that would make me a hypocrite and make me like her. She never liked our presence here, and I know she blames me for everything that has gone wrong here for her. I also wanted to thank you for making my son so very happy. He loves you, my dear, and has for a very long time. I knew when you came back to court that it would pop up again. When you and Francis would play as children he was not permitted to join, and he and I would watch you two run around and play both inside and out of the castle, and I knew his little heart longed to know you. He has always felt for you, and it was only bound to worsen upon your arrival, so I warned him away and continued to do so until I left. When I heard that he helped you run, I was terrified, but you saved his life, so I thank you. He is the most important thing in my life, and will always be my son, but you have ensured that he is much more than just the bastard son of Henry, so I thank you." She stopped and I was shocked. "I would like a chance to get to know you more, and hope that upon your return from Scotland with my son that you and I will be able to get to know one and other, and I may need advice on my new duties, as I was never prepared to be a Queen."
"Of course Diane, and I would much like to get to know you as well. Bash has told me stories of the things you both have done and they fascinate me. I would very much also like to offer any advice you may need. I know what this rank can mean, and the things it can cost so please don't be afraid to ask me." She rose and I followed suit.
"Thank you Mary. For Bash, and for allowing me to be a part of your life." She hugged me tentatively and then made her exit, and my mother arrived a few short moments after she left. I had only a few moments to think about what Diane had said before my mother swept into my room, shooed Owen out and crossed over to me. I was still standing by the chairs and she sank into the same one Diane had just vacated and I returned to my seat.
"I just left the room and it is gorgeous. I have to hand it to the French, they can do things quickly and still make them elegant," She then focused on me. "You my dear are a vision of elegance. I am so very proud of the Queen you have become. I feared for you every day for so many years, and to finally reach this point, the point where you're safe and about to wed the future king of France, I feel I can let out the breath I have been holding for 17 years. Not only is he a future king, but the man is also hopelessly in love with you, which I did not think you would have the chance for, and I am so glad you do. You chose the man who would see your country for its worth, and hold it equal to France, not the one who would shove it aside if crisis occurred. He is handsome, strong and has a good heart, and that is what I think every mother prays her daughter will find in a man, and I was unsure if you would be granted that blessing, but God prevailed and you were. Together you and Sebastian are altering history and I could not be more proud." She leaned forward and took my hand in both of hers and for a moment was the mother I remember instead of Queen Regent. "I have made some very hard decisions regarding your life, and I am very glad that my choosing to send you away from me was not in vain, but it was the hardest decision of my life Mary. I desperately wanted the opportunity to be your mother, but when I could not I sent you here in hopes that Catherine would, and she failed me as well. But the nuns taught you well, and for that I am glad. I just wish I knew what you looked like for all those years. You went from a small skinny six year old to the beauty in front of me now and I missed so many moments. I am glad that your wedding, and your husband's coronation are not moments I will miss. Maybe if God wills, I will be able to see my grandchildren and know them by more than just name. But my dear I need you to understand that everything I have done, has been out of love for you and for your safety, as well as the good of our country."
"I know that mother, and I understand. I thank you for the hard choices you have made because they all led me here, to him. Bash will make sure that Scotland is cared for, and you and I will finally be safe. I love you mother, I understand that you have done everything out of love for me and I thank you for the sacrifices that have kept my head on my shoulders and kept us both safe and alive." I stood and pulled her into a hug and we stood in silence for a moment before she spoke again.
"I want to give you the tiara I wore to wed your father. I want you to wear it. I know you have the headband but I think this is more suiting for a queen. May I?" I nodded and knelt and she took the headband off and replaced it with a glittering tiara that had the Scottish colors in the jewels. I faced the mirror and my breath caught. I looked like bride. My mother hooked the veil behind the tiara and I was ready. In a few short moments I will leave this room as an unmarried woman for the last time. My mother was behind me and our eyes locked in the mirror and we both fought back the tears glittering in both our eyes and then she hugged me again. We broke apart when my ladies entered to escort me to the wedding.
"Oh Mary everything looks perfect, and Bash looks so handsome!" Greer took my hand in excitement and I smiled. "How did he seem Greer?" She smiled at me, "Calm as a clam. And so happy. He loves you Mary." I nodded and together the four most important women in my life walked me to my wedding.
When we reached the closed doors to the throne room the girls lined up in front of me except for Lola who was going to carry my train behind me. My mother was the last one to walk down the aisle before me. She signaled for the doors to open, and my wedding officially began. I took a deep breath, pictured Bash, and was ready to follow them down the aisle.
Bash POV~
We were waiting on Mary, her mother was going to signal the doors to open when they were ready. I took a deep breath and looked around the room. The royal colors of France and Scotland were everywhere, mixed elegantly as was the touches of white. I swept the crowd of people and found Francis in the front on the right, holding Charles hand and Henry was next to him. My father was in the front on the left with Diane and the empty seat next to my mother would be filled with Mary's mother momentarily. I was watching Charles talk excitedly to Madeline when I heard the doors begin to open. My eyes snapped to them and everyone went silent. They all wanted to see the bride, but no one wanted to see Mary more than I did in that moment.
Greer and Kenna entered first and filled in the seats behind Francis, then Mary's mother stepped in looking regal and proud, and then I could see her. My breath caught in my throat when she stepped up to the doorway. Her dress was white but she had the royal plaid for her family draped around her shoulders, a tiara sparkling in her hair, which she left partially down just for me. Her eyes were shinning and when our eyes locked everything and everyone else disappeared. She looked beautiful and she was happy. The joy radiating from her as she walked towards me was making her glow.
When she reached me I realized Lola was behind her when she dropped the edge of the train and took Mary's flowers before going to sit next to Greer. Her hand found mine and together we stepped up to the alter.
When the time came to say our vows she went first. "Sebastian you have been my rock from the moment I rejoined court. You found my dog, promised I wasn't alone here, went after Colin, comforted me when I was sad, and so much more. You have such a good heart and I know that together you and I will make it through anything. I know that you will love me for the rest of my life and I'm here now to tell you that I will love you for the rest of my life and I hope it is a long and happy life." She smiled at me and I took a deep breath, and said my own, "Mary, from the moment you returned to court you have been turning life here upside down, but I wouldn't have it any other way. You have shown me what it is like to enjoy this life, every moment matters, this moment and all the rest to follow I promise to share with you. I promise to try my best to make you happy for the rest of my life and I will love you until the day I die."
We both repeated the usual vows as well, since this was a formal wedding and then signed the wedding contract, and then finally I could kiss my wife. She turned to face me again and I lifted the veil, kissed her gently and then took her hand and walked her back down towards the doors, under the rose petals people were throwing into the air as we passed. We were supposed to go the ball room for the reception but I stopped her and pulled her into an alcove in the hallway.
"I love you, and you look beautiful today. I just wanted to be the first to get to tell my wife how amazing she looks." She smiled at me and her arms went around my neck so that she could kiss me again. "My husband looks pretty amazing himself." She smiled at me and I held her close for a minuet more before we went to the party my father was throwing in our honor.
Francis POV~
The party was in full swing. Bash and Mary had started the first dance, as was tradition, and had yet to separate completely from each other. They were always holding hands or touching in some small way, and neither seemed to notice they were even doing it. They greeted people, danced and laughed the whole time. I was watching them dance again when someone stopped to stand next to me.
"Why have you not danced yet? Both your brothers have been dancing, you should join in." Lola was standing there and her head was tilted like a curious puppies would be.
"Haven't had any one to dance with my lady. Would you do me the honor since it seems that no one else will?" I held out my hand and she took it and I led her onto the floor. We ended up next to Bash and Mary and when Mary saw us she smiled at us both, and seemed to have a conversation with Lola with no words necessary in that odd way girls often communicate. Their conversation ended when both Bash and I spun the girls out and then back in as the dance required.
Lola seemed to take it upon herself to make sure I had a good time tonight, since she stayed at my side the rest of the evening, and I found I enjoyed her company. She was so like Mary, but less headstrong. By watching her and Mary you could tell they were closer to sisters than friends, and they even looked a bit alike so it would have been easy to mistake them for sisters if you didn't know better.
Everyone in the ballroom had to laugh when Charles stopped at Mary's side and asked her to dance. She smiled and took his little hand and danced with him like the kind hearted woman she was, and Bash held out a hand to Madeline who accepted and they were dancing as well. I could see Diane's eyes shine with pride in her son, and everyone found this display sweet. Mary was someone Charles admired and adored and that was easy to see, and he hero worshiped his oldest brother, and seemed happy as a clam that he could now say Mary was his sister.
Greer and Kenna appeared at Lola's side and whispered to her and then they all smiled and left to go dance with Mary, similar to the dance from the first night, except Bash was also in the middle and him and Mary were just standing together, his arm around her waist, swaying to the music while watching their friends dance around them. And when the music stopped everyone knew what time it was, and I prayed that my father wouldn't make me witness what was about to happen.
Thankfully I was spared that, thanks to Diane I assume, and charged with escorting Charles and Madeline to the nursery for bed. We quietly entered since Henry was asleep and I handed them over to their governesses and then headed out into the gardens for a bit of fresh air, and to get my mind off of what was happening inside right now. I was slowly coming to terms with this but thinking about that still made the knife twist in my heart, so I avoided it. Once outside I realized I had never had a chance to speak to Mary, to tell her congratulations, but decided I would find her tomorrow and hopefully we could have a moment alone so that I could tell her I was truly happy for her.
The Next Morning~
Bash POV~
My habit of rising with the sun woke me early the next morning and for a moment I wondered if it was all just a dream, but then I felt Mary shift next to me and I knew that last night was real, and that the beautiful sleeping girl next to me was my wife. I rolled onto my side so that I could watch her sleep in peace for a few moments. She was beautiful with her hair fanning out on the pillow behind her, and her graceful body curled close to mine. We had fallen asleep holding each other close that is how I wanted her to wake up, warm in my arms and happy.
I pulled her closer to me and she shifted to lay her head on my arm, her nose brushing my bare chest and I could once again smell the roses and lilies smell in her hair and I buried my nose in her hair to breath that smell in. I played with a strand of her hair for a couple of minutes and then she shifted and started to wake up. She rubbed her eyes and then looked up at me and smiled a sleepy smile and I kissed her forehead, "Good morning wife." She smiled, "Good morning husband." We lay together quietly for a few minutes just enjoying the time alone and in peace. She moved to put her head on my chest and I wrapped both arms around her holding her there.
"So are we going on our usual ride this morning or are you going to hold me here all day? Because I am fine with either as long as you are there with me." Her brown eyes were soft and smiling and I kissed her forehead again. "Well if you want to leave this warm bed to go ride in the cold I will follow you, but we could also just stay here. I think we have both earned a day away from court life." I rolled so that I was leaning over her, "I very much enjoy this though, and am content with not moving if you are." I leaned in and kissed her and she giggled, "Well if you don't want to move either I guess we are staying here." I smiled and she leaned up to kiss me again, a bit more passionate then the last.
"So last night, our wedding, everything. I think it was perfect. There was no Catherine to ruin it or attempt to kill us, everyone got a long, your Father was happy, we are happy. I think it a success." I smiled at her, agreeing, "as long as you were my wife by the end of the night I was happy. I still can't quite believe it wasn't all a dream and I didn't wake up this morning alone and without you." Mary smiled and ran her hand along my chest up to my cheek, "you are my husband Bash and always will be now. You're the King of Scotland and the man I love." I kissed her palm and then groaned when I heard the knock on the door.
She laughed quietly and then called for whoever it was to give us a moment. "Give me one moment and I will send them all away. Mother must have missed a servant or something, because I asked her yesterday to make sure we had today alone." She grabbed her robe and tossed it on and made her way to the door.
"Lola, what is the matter?"
"Sorry to bother you Mary, but I brought breakfast, and news. The King has decided that Francis and his brothers are to accompany us to Scotland for the coronation to show a united front. They will return before you two do. And the King wants Bash to meet him in the throne room later to talk. " She passed Mary a tray with food and made her exit after Mary thanked her. She came back to the bed and set the tray down.
"Did you ask your father about the boys coming to your coronation?" She was confused, and I remembered what Francis and I discussed yesterday and filled her in.
"Francis wants to take the boys away from court for a while, and the memories of their mother, so he asked if I thought he could travel with them but I know father wants to keep an eye on him right now so I asked if they would like to come to Scotland for my coronation. I also asked Francis to be my adviser, and he said yes. He wants to help us make France a better place again."
She smiled, "That's great Bash, and he will be able to help you learn as well. I'm glad he's beginning to forgive us. I know this is not easy for him."
We ate in silence after that, each thinking our own thoughts, before abandoning the food altogether and going back to our day together. We spent all morning tangled in bed talking, making love and planning our future, but eventually we faced reality and began to get ready to face the rest of the day.
"I wonder what your father wants to speak with you about. He might start to ask if we are ready to claim England. Or if you are ready for your coronation in Scotland."
"It could be anything. My father is a random man but he is a good king so most people don't notice that. The best thing to do is just go and find out what he wants. What will you be doing today?" I watched her comb her hair in the mirror while we talked and she smiled at me.
"Planning your coronation with my mother, and I might go visit your brothers, and speak to Francis and tell him how glad I am that he is willing to help us." Mary put the brush down after putting a small braid into her hair and a tiara. She rose and I held out a hand to her. She took it and together we went out to face court as a married couple.
Francis POV~
I was entering the Castle after a ride through the grounds and was heading to wash up when I heard my name being called. I turned to face the voice and found Mary walking towards me.
"Hello Francis. Can I speak to you for a moment?" I nodded and waited for her to catch up to me. "I wanted to tell you that your father granted you and your brother permission to accompany us to Scotland for Bash's coronation, and to thank you for accepting Bash's offer to be his adviser."
"Of course Mary, I want to move on, forgive so I can find my own happiness as you and my brother have. I used to believe that people in our position couldn't afford to fall in love, but you two changed that. I want to find the same happiness. I also want to be at Bash's side, he's my brother and I know this is going to be difficult for him. I am glad that my brothers and I get to see him crowned King of Scotland. Charles and Henry will be thrilled."
"I believe you will find what Bash and I have Francis, you deserve to be happy, and I am so sorry for everything I have cost you since I came here. I did love you. That is what started all of this, but I realized that our love was based on necessity and the fact that from a young age we were told we would be wed. I know now that while I did care for you, it wasn't in the right way, so I am glad you get the chance to find someone who will make you happy. I am glad that you will get to see Scotland as well. You and your brothers are my family now and I am excited to get the chance to show you the place I rule and the country I love."
I smiled at the way she spoke of Scotland. She may have been away for a long time but it is still her country and the country she has changed so much to protect and keep safe. Mary has always possessed strength and determination to keep her country safe, that is what drove her to me, away from me to Tomas and then away from me to my brother. I believe that Bash will help her to keep Scotland safe and she will help him to rule France and together they will make a great team.
"Mary I am beginning to realize the same as you have. I am glad that I get to remain here at court to help you and my brother. I am trying to move on and I thank you for finding me to talk because I wanted to offer my congratulations on your wedding, and everything you have accomplished for your country these past few months while I was away. I told you the night I let that you were so strong, and you are. You have been through so much here but you still want to be here and be the queen to these people and I know that my mother made your time here at court miserable so I apologize for that, and I am glad that you are now safe from her, even though that cost my brothers their mother. My mother claimed to do everything she did for us, but there are some things I cannot forgive her for, and in the end I was distant from her, but they were not. They know nothing of what she did and I suppose I have you to thank for that. They care for you Mary and I wanted to thank you also for caring for them while I was away."
She smiled a soft smile, "They are wonderful children and I am always happy to spend time with them. My only sibling was left behind in Scotland and is now on the side against me and my mother hasn't been my mother in a very long time, so I was excited to get some siblings to play with and Charles and Henry are easy to love. I wanted to make your absence easier for them so my ladies and I would play with them and tell them stories of you off fighting dragons and saving princesses to make them feel better." Her smile never faltered and I knew that was the cause of her happiness with Bash. She could talk about her troubles with a smile because the pain they caused was nothing compared to the happiness and love she had with my brother, and I was glad she had not lost her cause to smile because it lit up a room.
'Well I am going to go wash up and then I was thinking of seeing them, so if you would like you could join us later. Madeline left to go back to her family's estate this morning so I know Charles will need cheering up and he loves your stories and your company."
She smiled, I would love to. I have to go meet my mother for travel and coronation plans, but I will stop by the nursery later to join the fun, and I know Bash will need the fun after dealing with your father and the nobles, so I will bring him along." I nodded and we went our separate ways and I didn't feel sad about the fact she was no longer mine, I was just glad we could still talk and be friends.
I made my way to my rooms to freshen up and then went to spend some time with my brothers and tell them that they did get to see Bash get crowned as the king of Scotland.
Bash POV~
I entered the throne room to find the preparations for fathers wedding underway and I found my father in the corner of the room speaking with an emissary from the Vatican.
"Ah Bash you made it. I suppose you heard the news? The boys will be happy to leave for a while, and I have recently been informed of threats against your brother's lives, thanks to people their mother angered. I also need Francis to be with you to show a united front in all the change. Now follow me to my study and we will speak. Cardinal Greggory I will find you again later, thank you for the news you brought."
I followed him through the door to his study and he sat behind his desk and I stood in front of him, waiting to find out what he wanted to talk to me about.
"I have decided that my claiming of you needs to be done earlier than I originally planned, to quell unrest. I plan on doing it tomorrow, and I will also grant your brothers their new titles tomorrow. Your mother's coronation will be two days after our wedding, before our honeymoon to Paris. I will be leaving you as my acting Regent while away and I will relieve you after two weeks and then you will go to Scotland with your wife for your coronation. Your mother's family has decided to greet us in Paris instead of traveling here, as they have no taste for court life." That did not surprise me, since court life is what has cost that family my uncle, Isobel, and her child. "Your brothers are under threat from a group of men that has already tried to take them from here once, so I need you to be diligent. Catherine's body was sent to Italy to be buried, but I fear that her family will not take the loss of its control in France lightly so I suggest you be vigilant, for they blame you for their loss. I have suggested that your mother get a bodyguard, and I suggest you keep Alec close." He fell silent and I knew he was waiting for my response to all of his decisions.
"I will head your suggestion father and I will keep Alec close, and tell Owen to keep a close eye on Mary. I will be vigilant and make sure to keep the boys safe while you are away father. I will do my best while you are away." He nodded and I was dismissed. I went to find Mary, thinking about everything I just learned, but first I needed to speak to Alec.
He was waiting for me outside my father's study door, and I motioned for him to follow me out of the throne room, further away from prying ears.
"Alec I need to talk to you. It seems that Catherine's family blames me for their loss of power here, and my father wishes for me to be acting regent once more while he is away on his honeymoon, so I am to ask you to pay close attention to my safety. I do not want a bigger guard, I trust you will be enough. I also trust that you can help me to keep Mary safe as well. I am going to talk to Owen, but as my wife the target on her back has just gotten bigger, and I want to be sure she is safe."
"I will do my best my lord. I will make sure no harm comes to you or your wife. I will help Owen to keep her safe and I know he will help me to keep you safe as well, as you are now his king." I nodded and then went to find Mary.
I found her leaving her mother's rooms, her frown told her mother may have suspected some of what I was just told, or something else is bothering her.
"Mary? Are you alright?" She looked up and her brown eyes met mine and I saw the worry there.
"My mother told me that she doesn't think that Catherine's family will take this loss easily, and that they blame you for their loss of power here. I can't lose you Bash, I need you." I pulled her into my arms and placed a kiss on the top of her head.
"I am not going anywhere Mary. I am very good at protecting myself and Alec is here as well. I am going to have Owen stay close to you at all times outside the castle, and when your alone, just in case. You are a target for them as well. I promise we will be fine, now I have other news to tell you." She looked up at me, "Let's go back to our room first, and then I will fill you in." We walked the short distance to our rooms with my arm around her waist keeping her close and her leaning on me. When we walked in I sat on the couch and she sat next to me and faced me.
"So my father has decided that tomorrow is to be the day he claims me and gives my brothers their new titles. He also fears for Charles and Henry's safety because that group that tried to get to them still has plenty of members so that is why he is sending them with us. He also needs to counteract the Medici's and show the world we are a united family so that is why Francis is going. He has also decided to honeymoon with my mother and so I will once more be acting Regent. After they return you and I will begin our trip to Scotland and we can show Scotland that France and Scotland are united and return you to Scotland for a while to settle unrest there."
"I need to do that and soon so this trip will be a blessing. My mother informed me today that my brother's forces are getting stronger, and that the call for him to replace me is getting more traction. He was never a legitimate child, but Scotland cares little for that right now it seems. I am glad your siblings get to come with us, especially if it will keep them safe. I am also excited to show you all the place I grew up."
I smiled at her enthusiasm and then we sat together in silence for another few moments. Then she decided she wanted to go visit the boys as Francis had suggested when they spoke earlier so we got up to go spend the rest of the evening playing with them before we had dinner and then went to bed, the first day of marriage over, we had no idea what a roller coaster the next few weeks would be. We were content to focus on the now and being happy together, and spending time with family.
