*Author's Note: Sorry for the delay, but have no fear, I won't be abandoning you guys! Here is a little bit of fluff as we check in with our favorite couple!

Chapter 10

"I can't believe your father is making Francis marry Olivia." Mary stated as she and Bash rode their horses away from the castle.

The castle had been a flurry of activity ever since King Henry had announced the engagement three days ago.

"I can. Her family is extremely wealthy and the French treasury could use a boost."

"King Henry cares little for romance, doesn't he?"

"Little might be giving him too much credit."

Mary grimaced. She knew that she and Bash had been extremely lucky that the king had supported their marriage. His thirst for power for the Valois family was all that had saved them.

"Bash, where are we going today? This isn't the route we normally take."

Bash smiled. "I have a surprise for you. My mother has family that lives nearby, my cousin Isobel."

"Why wasn't she at the wedding? Surely she was invited."

"Not exactly." Bash took a deep breath, knowing there would be more questions after his explanation. "My mother was raised in a pagan family. They aren't exactly welcome in a Catholic Court, but my mother still helps them out when she can, as do I. Isobel's father, my uncle, was executed for treason years ago, so we took over caring for Isobel as best we could. We are going to visit her because she has just had a baby and I would like to meet Isobel's daughter. And I would like to introduce them both to my wife."

He smiled at Mary, praying she wouldn't beg for an annulment after learning of his pagan ties.

"How did your mother become a Catholic king's mistress if she was raised a pagan?"

Bash shrugged, "My father wanted her, she converted. I was raised as a Catholic, but I've always known about her pagan ties and so has Father."

"Why didn't you tell me this earlier? Did you think it would make me think less of you? Did you think I wouldn't marry you?"

"Honestly, yes. I am still worried you might run back to the castle and demand this marriage be dissolved."

Mary leaned over to grab the reins of Bash's horse, forcing him to stop. "You are a good man, and what you have told me only makes that more apparent. I love you, even if you have pagan's in your family." Mary smiled ruefully. "My half-brother is Protestant after all."

Bash laughed. "I don't know if that's quite the same thing."

"To some Catholics, it might as well be," Mary replied as they continued their ride.

Bash chuckled, the ball of nerves beginning to dissolve in his gut. He should have known Mary would be far more understanding than most people, simply because she loved him.

They arrived at a small cottage an hour later. As they tied their horses, the front door opened revealing a young woman gently holding a bundle of blankets.

"Bash!" She exclaimed, a smile lighting up her face. "You clot, you didn't tell me you were coming!"

Bash laughed. "I didn't want you fussing over us. You have plenty of more important things to take care of."

Isobel eyed Mary speculatively. "And who have you brought with you? She must be special if you've told her about this side of your family."

Mary's eyes widened as she met Bash's gaze. There seemed to be quite a lot he hadn't told his cousin. Bash coughed lightly to cover up his discomfort.

"Yes, well, as I was saying about making a fuss…" Bash cleared his throat again, both Isobel's and Mary's stares making him uncharacteristically nervous. "Isobel, I would like you to meet my wife…"

"Wife! You've married? I didn't think that would ever happen, much less to a lady." Isobel interrupted Bash in her surprise and excitement.

Bash cleared his throat again, making Isobel stop her exclamations.

She quickly sobered and nodded to herself, "Yes, sorry. I believe I interrupted your introductions."

Bash began again. "Isobel, may I introduce my wife," he paused before continuing, "Mary, Queen of Scots."

Isobel's jaw fell slack and her eyes went wide. She stumbled over her words. "Queen...how? When? But, Francis…"

Bash took Isobel by the elbow. "Let's have a seat inside and we'll tell you all about it. Okay?"

Isobel nodded mutely, stunned into silence, and let Bash lead her into the cottage..

Mary followed behind, shaking her head. Poor girl, Mary thought, Bash really should have prepared her. Mary knew their relationship must come as a shock for anyone who knew Bash before she had returned to French Court.

They sat around the table as Bash told Isobel their story and told her of Francis's impending marriage to Olivia.

When Bash was finished, Isobel stared at him wide-eyed. "How in the world are you going to manage being a king?"

Mary cut in before Bash could reply. "He will manage perfectly well. I have every confidence that Bash and I will rule Scotland well together."

Isobel eyed the couple appraisingly. "Well, you do seem a good match. I'll say that much."

Bash grinned, "Enough about me, cousin. I would like to meet our newest family member."

Isobel smiled down at the bundle in her arms as she stood from the table. She settled the baby in Bash's arms and backed away.

"Bash, meet baby Anne. Anne, this is your Uncle Bash."

Bash chuckled, "I'm not technically her uncle."

"Nonsense, you might as well be my brother, so you are Anne's uncle."

Mary watched Bash, fascinated by the way he carefully cradled the baby to his chest. Her heart clenched, imagining the day he would hold his own child in his arms, their child. He looked up and caught Mary's gaze. Mary knew he was having the same thought.

They were quiet on their ride back to the castle. Their minds occupied with thoughts of starting their own family.

That night Bash made love to Mary slowly, worshipping her body, praying that they would soon be blessed with a child of their own.