AUTHORS NOTE: So I had to finally rate my fiction M because of a scene in this chapter that contains sexual content. At first it only hinted the theme, but I was told it would still be M rated. Thus, I went right out and described the whole scene. I have put markers at the beginning and end of the sexual encounter for those who do not wish to read 'smutt.' It is not essential to read, but know that their act of sex has an important part to play in relation to the prophecy. Also, I added two song references into this chapter as I forgot to add one in the previous chapter. Thank you for reading and thank you very much for your feedback.

Falling Out Of Favour

Chapter 10

Mary stood by the fire drinking from her goblet, questioning what Catherine had just alleged to her. She made her way through three servings of wine before she noticed that it had begun to get dark. The air was filled with thick moisture and Mary bartered that they would either get snow or rain that night. Her mind wondered frantically between Catherine, Nostradamus, the assassin and her beloved Sebastian. She continued drinking refined wine and placed generous portions of apple onto a stick. She wondered whether Nostradamus prediction was the cause of the morning's events. Her mind, once again, then turned to Catherine and her eccentric speech. Mary shook her head attempting to clear her mind and began warming her skewered apple over one of the many fires. As they began to smoke brown she bit into a piece and glanced around. Majority of the guests were surrounding the fire's to keep warm, she found her ladies talking to knights of the King's guard and smiled. She averted her eyes behind them towards the sea and saw Sebastian, their gazes connected. He was watching her with an intense look of desperation. On her second glance she observed as he walked towards her.

"How is your majesty?" He asked.

"Satisfactory," she replied through a mouthful of apple.

"I can see that… eating your feelings?" Mary sighed remembering. "Does the assassin inconvenience you?"

"I was more concerned about his decapitated head than I was his attempt on my life," she replied and he nodded.

"That shocked me to. I didn't expect it. Usually a man has a fair trial."

"Fair? He attempted to execute me… you saved me," she smiled on the latter.

"I would a thousand times over," his reply hit hard and the space between them became insufferable. The smile disappeared from her face and after glancing around, she looked into the fire.

"I can't help but notice that it correlated to what Nostradamus said."

"Mary I beseech you, do not do this to yourself."

"Someone will make an attempt on my life in the near future and they're going to succeed."

"You can't know that."

"Even so, it scares me," she said glancing around. He wanted to tell her to enjoy her night, but he knew his words would not have the desired effect. The sky had now become dark and Mary could see the fires full potential. The orange flames licked the air like dragons breath. The paths from the beach were wild with light. She took one last look at Sebastian and began to walk off, stick in hand. He grabbed her free hand and she turned to face him.

"If we were invincible then the world would rise and turn to fire," he said attempting a metaphor on the circle of life, "and I will burn before I let harm come to you." He said and her heart fluttered. His voice was full of passion and under different circumstances she knew she would have kissed him, most ardently. Instead, she stood motionless staring at his lips. The lips she wished to caress and kiss. His exasperated sigh broke her from her trance and she continued to walk away. Sebastian watched as she threw her stick onto the fire and picked up another goblet from the servant passing by. He lingered for a few more moments as he watched her walk towards the ocean. It was though she had evaporated into the night's air. He wanted to touch her once more, to hold her. Instead, he turned his back on the smouldering fire and paced back up into the grounds.

He strolled down the torched path and turned off across the grass patch. He made his way up to the trees and passed through them, his cabin was positioned beyond. He opened the door and walked into what he mistook for the dark abyss. He moved around the first floor lighting candles and then moved upstairs to light more. He hoped that they would at least bring warmth to the room before he journeyed back for the final time. There was only one room at the top of the stairs and it was exposed. When glancing from the floor below you could see the room with all its furniture. Sebastian picked up a blanket from the bottom of his bed and threw it over the banister to the floor below, whilst he finished lighting the candles. Afterwards, he made his way back down the stairs, picked up his blanket and travelled back out into the dark grounds. As he got back through the trees and onto the path he spotted Francis standing by a tall canopy tree. Sebastian slowly carried on walking down the lighted path towards the beach and as he did he saw who he thought was Olivia with him. The angle at which he was standing allowed him to see that Francis was kissing the girl and by the appearance of his movements, Francis was enjoying it. However, as Sebastian passed the last bonfire before entering onto the beach he saw Olivia roasting apples, just like Mary had been previously. Sebastian sighed and shook his head. He was disappointed that his brother was playing with the emotions of two girls and now he'd brought a third into the equation.

Sebastian stood by an empty fire for a little while, taking in the view of all the empty blankets that had now travelled up from the beach onto the grounds. He wondered if the company cared whether they were disposable or not. He glanced ahead and noticed the tide coming in. He picked up a goblet and went down onto the beach, blanket still in hand. He noticed that the number of guests had depleted. There were none on the beach and very few up in the grounds. He walked off the grass, over the cobbles and onto the soft sand. He walked down towards the ocean and then began walking down the ocean's edge. He kept going until he could no longer see the fires. It was incredibly cold now he wasn't surrounded by blazing fires. He folded the oversized blanket in half then wrapped it around himself. As he walked he drank from his goblet. After a few sips he noticed a figure not too far ahead. He approached the figure slowly and warily, attempting to figure out who it was. The closer he got the more the figure became familiar. A few steps away and he realized it was Mary.

"You're aiding your death wish," he said sitting beside her and she smiled.

"And you are aiding yours," she nodded at his goblet and he laughed. "May I share your blanket?" He chuckled and pulled the blanket off his back. He unfolded it so that he could use the blanket to its full advantage and spread it around the both of them. There was still space between them, but the blanket closed it. As Mary moved closer to him he caught the scent of smoke that had eroded into her hair. Mary pulled the blanket around to her front and as she did, her hand touched Sebastian's. His hand flinched in response. Her hand was ice cold against his.

"Mary you're frozen like ice!" He wrapped his arm around her from above the blanket.

"No don't," she shrugged off his hand instantly. Sebastian sighed and glanced around, but he saw that they were alone.

"We're far up the beach and we are alone. There are no fires for warmth and no people to observe. Please, let me warm you," he handed his goblet to her and she took it happily. He made himself comfy under the blanket and wrapped one of his arms around her. This time the blanket blocked the act of compassion. Whilst he did so Mary held the blanket around them with her free hand. The warmth of his skin radiated her body and it lulled her in. She sipped from the goblet and the rich liquor burned down her throat, lingering in her chest. She hummed and placed the goblet between her legs. She wanted nothing more than to hold him, like he was holding her, from under the blanket. Instead she placed a hand into his lap and he smiled. The both of them looked out over the ocean.

"It's a shame I can't see the stars," she sighed.

"You didn't strike me as the type to star gaze," he replied as he watched her reach for his goblet and drink. She laughed and after placing it back between her legs looked at him. He was looking at her back. Her eyes were drawn down to his lips and she questioned herself. She was attracted to him most ardently, she lusted for him. Her eyes did not leave his lips as she slowly lifted her hand and placed her index finger on his them, tracing their outline. His lips tingled at her delicate touch.

A fine drop of water fluttered onto her face, followed by many others. Her finger dropped from his face as she glanced up, at the same time as him, to see fine rain spitting lightly from the night sky. She squinted to stop the water from falling into her eyes with her lashes. Mary then glanced back to Sebastian in front of her and smiled. He cupped his hand on her supple cheek and slipped his lips onto hers. The blanket fell to the ground as she slipped her hand around onto his neck and kissed him lovingly back. Her lips were wet, tainted with alcohol, but it was pleasant. She kissed him numerous times and it caused his heart to pound within his chest. As she kissed him she noticed that nothing felt immoral. In fact, she found her emotions were untamed every time she was in his presence. She knew now that she had opened herself to him that she loved him.

"Your presence is comforting, but I think I ought to go," she kissed him once more and pulled away. She passed him back his goblet and he took it reluctantly. Afterwards, he endured as he watched her walk away. In frustration he got to his feet and threw his goblet into the ocean. He picked up his blanket and followed her.

Mary paced back towards the abbey as quick as her legs would carry her. It was getting late and she could not feel her toes. They felt like ice and she swore she had frostbite. When she arrived back at the beach's entrance she found that it was empty. She climbed the slope and went up into the grounds.

Mary curled up under her cloak and started walking past the other cabins. She could see the lighted windows of the abbey far ahead of her. Her mind, being completely absent, forgot that it was raining until it began harshly hitting her face. The torches around her flickered as the rain began to extinguish them. She paused in her step and glanced around. The rain was heavier and had soaked through her cloak. Her hair lay wet over her shoulders as it sucked in the moisture. Her thoughts ruptured as she felt a warm hand tug hers, causing her to gasp as she strayed from the torched path. Her mind wondered where her guards were, until she observed that is was Sebastian who had pulled her into the trees and out of sight.

"You frightened me Sebastian! Let go!" She gasped pulling her hand free from his grasp. He stood soaking wet, rain pounding off his head and shoulders. In the silence that followed her plea, the two listened to the sound of the rain hitting off the floor.

"You're driving me insane," she opened her mouth to respond, but no words left her plump lips. She looked around frantically, wondering where she was. She was lodged between a small cabin and a line of trees.

"And I am the one to blame…" she said looking towards him, her eyes slightly open.

"Maybe…" he began.

"Maybe you're too nice to me," she uttered and his face reflected that of guilt. He solemnly wished he had chosen a better word. The rain got thicker and as a result she recoiled under her cloak.

"One moment you're kissing me, the next you're running scared. I understand your false pretences with Francis, but I am at my wits end," he shrugged his hands outwards in frustration. Awe struck, she looked behind him at the cabin. Through the windows she could see candle light and her mind wished to feel its warmth. She was in a state of despair and it hurt her.

"I'm scared," she hushed, attempting to lower his tone too. "And… maybe I pulled the panic cord," he paused for a few moments taking in what she had just said to him.

"Scared… of Francis," he sighed and took a step back. Her blood began to bubble in frustration. They both stood squinting at each other in the rains downfall.

"Of loving you," Mary felt as if she had spilled her heart out at the wrong moment. She had chosen her words carefully as she refrained from using the three that worried her most. The three words that one day, she could potentially regret. Sebastian, astonished, recounted his step forward and planted his lips upon Mary's most ardently. She pushed her head forward to meet his and Sebastian took it as an encouraging signal. He pushed her up the walls of the cabin and Mary was struck hard by the wood on her back. She wrapped her arms around his neck and forced his head close to hers with her hands. His skin was drenched with rain and his nose dripped water onto her cheek as they kissed. She ran her finger through his hair and it matted through her fingers. The cold rain caused her lips to quiver against his. "Thank you," she mumbled onto his lips. Sebastian was taken aback and leaned back, just enough to see her brown eyes in the window light.

"Okay…"

"For saving my life," she said, pressing her palms to his face.

"I told you, I will burn before I let harm befall you," he said kissing her forehead. They looked into each other's eyes and Mary felt at peace with everything. Her mind felt calm but erratic about the thought of being with Sebastian, all of him. He watched her eyes flutter over his face as she desired his lips to be on hers once more. He wrapped one arm around her and used the other to hook her face to his. She replaced her hands gently on either side of his face and kissed him. She took a daring breath as she bit his bottom lip tenderly. His stubble was short and felt prickly beneath her palms. A loud crack of thunder distracted the two and Mary looked up at the sky. While she was looking above, she felt Sebastian move his hands away from her and she turned to look. He was feeling for the doors handle.

"This isn't our cabin…" she panicked as the door opened, though her feelings inside were grateful because she was cold and wet. "Someone might be in there," she pulled his hand away from the door.

"Incomprehensible… because it's mine," he laughed pulling her inside and her laugh followed.

Sebastian closed the door behind him and pinned her forcefully against it. Mary, admiring the dominance of his behaviour, forced her lips upon his. He wrapped a hand around her waist, being careful not to let his hands wander too much. He moved his lips to the side of her neck and listened to her shortness of breath as he kissed along it. Wheezing in pleasure, she brushed her fingers through his hair and tugged slightly. His face then came to hers and they looked at each other.

"Don't worry, I won't go any further," he smiled. After a few moments of looking into his blue eyes, Mary felt compelled to tell him to carry on.

"Don't you want to?" She asked, hinting that she did and his eyebrows knitted together. "Regardless of whether you should or shouldn't…" She knew it was immoral to her duty, but it wasn't to her heart. She also desired to know if he wanted the same thing she did. His confused facial expression didn't falter and her hands fell from his body. She stepped aside and looked around the room.

"Did you plan on having company?" She asked gesturing towards all the candles. Her tone troubled.

"I came back for the blanket and lit the candles," he said walking further in and shaking his head. Water sprayed in all directions. "I ought to have lit the fireplace really…" he said beginning to do so now. Mary perceived that there were no signs of company.

"King Henry gave you a cabin to yourself?" She asked feeling highly sceptical. He listened as her feet moved around the room.

"I'm the king's bastard… I can't sleep where royals sleep and I can't sleep where servants sleep," Mary nodded now believing, although he did not see response. She kicked off her patent shoes and walked over to an empty water basin, her feet sticking to the wooden floor.

Mary watched as Sebastian kneeled in front of the fire place and began prodding the wood inside with a metal dowel. She wondered why he did not desire her in the way she desired him. Afterwards, he sat back and glanced across the room at her. She moved silently across the room and he realized she had taken her shoes off. He watched as she pulled her hair into her hands and twisted it dry over the empty water basin. Her simple act made his mind flutter. The skin on the back of her neck lay exposed and he wished to touch it. He looked into the fire wondering whether she had truly wanted him to go further with her. Mary used a dry towel to pat her face dry and rinse the ends of her hair. While she did this, Sebastian took his shoes off and placed them in front of the fire so that they would dry by morning. He collected Mary shoes to do the same and found that she had gone from the basin. He glanced around frantically and witnessed her at the top of the stairs. He placed her shoes by the fireplace and silently followed her up. The closer he got the more daring he felt in making his response to her previous question. He placed his hands on her waist from behind and she let out a light wheeze. He lifted a hand to her neck and moved her damp hair to one side. He stroked her neck with the back of his hand and as a result her head tilted.

"I want to kiss you," he pressed his lips against her exposed neck. The sucking sound of his lips leaving her skin caused her lips to part slightly; he listened as she took in a breath of jubilation. A clap of thunder sounded, mirroring her emotions and the hand that had been on her waist, scooped down and lifted the skirt of her dress. His hand effectively slipped beneath it and glided up her leg. His deep hushed voice lulled her into closing her eyes. Her breathing became louder the higher his hand climbed. The inside of her legs tingled and shortly after he touched her most sensitive area between her legs. She gasped timidly, "Touch you..." he kissed her neck again to calm her. He moved his hand back to her waist and her skirt dropped. She tilted her head back to look at him, hand wrapped around his neck. His chest was pressed hard again her back. "Love you," he finished looking into her eyes. Their lips approached each other's slowly. They paused momentarily as their lips just about touched, but not kissed. The brief pause tickled her lips and he finally moved in to kiss her passionately. She felt his tongue push through her lips and envelop her soul. She turned to face him so that their bodies were pressed together. Their lips refused to break as she placed her hands around his neck and rubbed the nape of his neck. He slipped his hands onto her waist and grasped at as much of her as he could.

"Then make love to me…" she whispered and he looked deeply into her eyes. She watched as water droplets dripped from the tips of his hair. His eyes were locked on hers and she suddenly felt scared. She ran her hands down from his neck and placed them onto his shoulder. She pulled his wet jacket from off his back and it dropped to the floor. It was unnaturally heavy, soaked with rain water. He looked at her timidly for a few moments and then he kissed her lightly. His hands unravelled the cords of her cloak and it fell to the floor, joining his jacket. She kissed him now with her mouth open and he opened his. Their tongues became one and she enjoyed the taste of his mouth. They kissed frantically as they began undressing each other. Their actions were getting faster by the second. In the excitement, Mary didn't know where to place her hands. Once they were naked in each other's arms, Sebastian picked Mary up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. They fell onto the bed and Mary wrapped her legs within his. He could feel them trembling.

"Are you alright?" He asked gripping her thigh with his hand and squeezing gently. She replied with a kiss and he kissed her back. He leaned back slightly and Mary averted her eyes to his lower torso. There was a fresh scar. Sebastian felt exposed, assuming she was looking at his male organs, until she touched his scar lightly with her finger tips. The flesh was smooth. It was then that she realized the scar had come from the wound when he had tried to protect her previously. Sebastian smiled as her act of compassion showed she cared. However, he watched as her face became pained and he lifted her chin with his finger. He kissed her again, breaking her line of thought. The warmth of their bodies matched their wavering emotions. They then fell back onto the bed and began caressing each other. He pressed the palm of his hand over her exposed nipple and let it slide down her body, effectively arousing her.

His lips caressed her skin as they travelled down her neck and chest, finally pausing at her belly button. As he did he let the palms of his hand wander over her legs. Mary felt a tingling sensation echo in the pit of her stomach as they lay naked together. She didn't want him to stop but she also felt scared, it was her first time. However, at the same time she also found herself elated. She desired to tell him something she couldn't before, but she was nervous because it had to be said. His hand climbed higher and higher and her panic became apparent.

"Wait," she said abruptly and he paused. His eyes were on hers instantly. "I'm scared," he took his hand off her leg and used it to prop himself up above her body. "Is it going to hurt?"

"The first might," he said brushing her cheek with the back of his hand. "I'll be gentle," he kissed her nose and she wrapped her hand arms around him. The fear in the pit of her stomach laid to rest as she lifted her hips slightly.

"I'm not afraid," she said daring to run her hands down to his naked waist line. Sebastian then positioned his body so that he lay comfortably between her legs. He was shocked by her willingness to move forward. He uplifted one of her legs and he kissed the inside. It sent a tingling sensation through Mary's body and she gasped. He then placed the tip of his tongue in the same place and Mary wriggled. It tickled immensely. "It feels weird, stop," she gasped elated and he chuckled. She pulled him back up to her face and kissed him ferociously.

He ran his hand back up her body unable to comprehend that he was now able to touch her freely. He kissed her breasts, chest, neck, chin and lips. Mary felt herself overly heated. Her skin felt sticky against his and she turned over so that he lay on the bed and she on top. As she moved she distinctly felt the dampness between her legs and the hardness of his phallus against her opening. Her mind was eccentric and her body aroused, the gentle pace of their act had become unbearable. She bent down and bit his bottom lip with her teeth and Sebastian found it encouraging. He ached for her all the more. As he kissed her, he forced her up and they met head to head, she wrapped her legs around him comfortably and he scooped his hands firmly onto her buttocks. He placed slight pressure onto them, pushing her hips forward and as a result, he entered her.

The sensation of him entering inside her made them hum in unison. He looked up at her as she successfully straddled herself, hands gripped firmly around his neck. Her hips began rotating back and forth, up and down his shaft and he helped her with his hands on her waist. Their heavy breathing was matched. She leaned back slightly as Sebastian moved his hand down to her lower back and pressed the other to her chest. Mary felt the insides of her tunnel begin to tingle and she tensed, unaccustomed to the sensation. She felt herself enter into a state of euphoria. Her action was shortly followed by Sebastian's pleasurable grunt and his head caved into her shoulder. He couldn't control himself, he didn't want to ejaculate so soon, so bit her neck. Mary shocked, let out an extremely high pitched gasp and became weak on his lap.

Sebastian turned so that Mary fell onto the bed, causing him to exit her. His penis now felt wet and the air against it was strikingly cold. However, it brought him extra time. He lay comfortably between her legs and re-entered her. Mary gasped and he hummed, thankful for the warmth. As he moved his hips back and forth, Mary let out elated whimper after elated whimper. It thrilled him and evidently the new position thrilled her. He licked his way down her throat and circled her nipple with his tongue. He pressed his hands into the sheets and squeezed tightly. He was surprised to find Mary was getting louder and louder, if at all possible. He rushed his mouth back up her body and silenced her mouth with his.

Mary wrapped her arms around his neck and allowed her tongue to explore inside his mouth, just like he was exploring inside her. As his penis buried in and out of her, she felt the tingling sensation grow. She controlled her urges to yell by circling his tongue with hers. Sebastian heavy breathed through his nose, the air hot on her face. She placed her hands on his back and they slipped over his contracting muscles. His back was dripping with sweat and it aroused her all the more. As she began to release into her climax, her lips left his and she bit deep into his shoulder. He gasped aloud in pain, teeth bared, but it was a good pain. Her teeth left his skin as she heard him gasp and as she did her body reached its climax. The tingling sensation soared up through her tunnel and into the pit of her stomach. Her whole body jittered underneath his. As he felt her climaxing he thrusted two more times and let himself go. Mary could feel the vain on his shaft pulsing inside her and it only improved her climax. She could not pant, her throat blocked as her lungs lost all their air, soundless.

She tilted her head back and her mouth opened wide as she let out her last high pitched whimper. Sebastian matched her pant with his groan of relief. He looked at her and she looked at him. They were both out of breath, but he chuckled. She pressed one of her hands lovingly against his chest, his heart was racing. She had never known a rabid pace like it. She ran the tip her tongue over his lips and tasted the sweet nectar of his skin. He sucked her tongue into his mouth and caressed it with his own. He moved his hips back causing his penis to leave her body. Mary gasped and he fell off onto the bed beside her. Her vulva was wet and sore. She whimpered slightly in discomfort. Sebastian winced as he hit the bed himself. He looked at his shoulder which was now bleeding.

"No soul can ever claim that you are gentle," he said wincing as his fingers touched her bite mark.

"So much for you being gentle," she retorted, her insides now burning. She rolled onto her side and as she did so she thought the bed felt damp. She sat up and saw a large wet circle from where her legs had been. Sebastian placed his other hand upon the bare skin of her back and she turned to look at him.

"Are you alright?" He asked and she nodded, turning to look at him. She didn't look at his face but to the shoulder in which he was aiding.

"Oh no," she said rushing over to him, "I am so ardently sorry!"

"I shall wear it with pride," he chuckled and she uttered, rolling her eyes. She wiped her hand over his forehead and brushed the hair off his sweaty face. He looked at her leaning over him and placed a hand on her back.

"I must be sensitive," she said looking into his eyes. He wanted to reply and tell her that they both were, but he didn't want her to know that if he hadn't pushed her onto the bed, he would have finished early. She kissed him once more.

"How was your first time?" He asked kissing her nose.

"If I inform you it wasn't what I had expected, would you grow pompous?" She teased and he laughed, rubbing his thumb on her back. "It felt unusual at first, but then it felt like sensory overload. The outside of me was sore, but the inside was so pleasurable…" she paused pondering as to why she was telling him such information. She also smiled remembering the sensation.

"You're sore?" He worried and sitting up, causing her to sit up too.

"It just burns a little," she smiled wryly and he wrapped his arms around her.

"Maybe you should go wash off," he gestured and she shook her head.

"Can we just relax? I'm awfully tired," he chuckled and kissed her lightly on her lips, "but maybe on this side of the bed…" she rolled away from the wet patch and a deep laugh sounded from the back of his throat. He pulled the bed blankets over them and they lay together in each others arms. They played with each other's hand for some time, but soon enough their breathing became steady and sleep took them.

The following morning Mary climbed back into her now damp clothes and raced back to the abbey. Her legs ached insanely and they felt bruised as she moved them. She climbed the two flights of stairs in the abbey unnoticed, until she entered into her rooms. She was shocked to find her ladies asleep on her bed, still in their evening gowns. Mary crept silently across the room and began undressing. She placed her damp clothes on the chair and stood in her bed gown. Mary jumped as the door on the far side of the room opened and her servants strolled in. They began filling her tub and the sound of the water hitting the bottom of the tub woke her ladies mercilessly.

"Where were you?" Greer said.

"In relation to…" Mary asked looking at the tub.

"Last night," she pushed, "You didn't come in."

"I did, but tardy… I was on the beach. I waited until the tide come in before coming back. I slept on the chair," she pointed to the chair she had put her clothes on. Greer thought it was an acceptable response considering they had all slept on her bed.

"You're simply radiating…" Lola complimented.

"I'm content," Mary replied taking off her gown and stepping into her bath. As she lowered herself she winced in pain. When the water hit her lower lips a sharp pain soared through her.

"So you've not heard?" Aylee asked.

"Heard what?" She asked sitting up in the bath. The water sloshed within the tub as she looked directly at them. Greer paced across the room and sat at the chair by her tub.

"Francis was found accompanied by another girl," she said and Mary pouted slightly, "by Olivia."

"So the girl he was with… wasn't Olivia?" Mary asked shocked.

"No, that's what we're saying. Olivia found him with another girl. I have never seen her so angry," Aylee said.

"She was furious," Kenna admitted.

"He didn't even go after her," Lola stated and Mary smiled leaning back in the bath. Greer watched Mary carefully, confused at her behaviour. Mary knew that the new information should concern her, but it didn't. Francis could do as he wished because so had she, though admittedly in secret.

Their conversation after that point slipped from Mary's mind, her thoughts belonging to Sebastian. Whilst she washed herself and got dressed, she found herself frequently closing her eyes to envision his naked body against hers. She longed for another night like the previous, but when she was more comfortable. For the time being she was content with feeling light as a feather. As she walked down to the hall with her ladies she found Sebastian by the entrance. She paused at his side and they smiled at each other. Mary broke her gaze first, as to not look suspicious. They took a few steps together and paused once more. Sebastian picked up a goblet from a servant passing by and doubled back on himself as he picked up another for Mary. He placed it into her hand and she smiled in response. She took a generous gulp from the goblet. Her presence warmed him.

"Your majesty," he smiled and Mary smiled back. She sipped once more from her goblet and turned to her ladies, smiling brightly. Her thirst was unbearable and she found herself wanting to leave Sebastian's presence. Her unstable thoughts worried her.

"Where are we sitting?" She asked politely and they looked around the room. She was unaccustomed to the new location.

"I think we're to sit over there," Greer pointed towards the back of the room and Mary followed her line of sight. Her vision suddenly became dim. She placed a finger on her temple and scrunched her eyes tightly. Afterwards, she shook her head and nodded her response. She took a few steps and stumbled. The floor felt unstable beneath her feet. Sebastian, from his current post by the door, quickly caught her and her ladies gasped.

"Mary! Are you alright?" Lola panicked. Sebastian's hands were secured on her arms. He looked at her trying to hide his worry.

"Sorry, did I upset myself for a moment? I think I lost my balance," she smiled gracefully and left Sebastian's grasp. "Thank you," she hummed towards him and he bowed and moved away. However, his eyes did not leave her. Once again she took a few steps and paused, her ladies carried on. The pit of her stomach burned, as her insides were on fire. She gasped in pain and her throat began to lock. She panicked as she felt herself suffocating. She opened her mouth wider to gain more oxygen, but failed. She dropped her goblet and the sound of metal hitting the floor made guests turn. Her hands lifted to her throat instantaneously.

"Mary," Sebastian called walking towards her, but her back was to him. She gently rocked and Lola yelled running towards her.

"Mary!" Greer cried as she watched Mary fall and hit the floor hard. She lay on her side, one hand stretched out above her head, the other lay limp by her waist.

"No!" Sebastian yelled skidding abruptly to her side. He kneeled at beside her along with her ladies and lifted her head. To Greer's shock Olivia also accompanied them, a genuine look of despair etched into her facial expression. "Mary! Can you hear me?" Her body lay limp within his hands. His throat began to swell as he witnessed her lifeless body before his eyes.

King Henry raced towards them along with Queen Catherine and Diane. All lost for words. Sebastian pulled a small blade from its sheath and placed it beneath Mary's nose. It fogged slightly and he felt slight relief. She was breathing, but barely. Her chest moved up and down by a fraction only.

"She's still breathing," he said as Francis entered into the room. He paused seeing the crowed of people standing around the entrance.

"Get Mary, Queen of Scotland, back to court immediately. I want her under the best care and guarded at all times!" King Henry's voice thundered, full of anger. "We depart at once!"

"Francis," Queen Catherine began stepping towards him. The sincerity of her voice made him pace quicker, his face grave. His eyes then fell upon Mary's motionless body. His heart sunk deep into his chest as he raced to her side, pushing Sebastian away.

"What did you do?" He yelled and Sebastian stumbled back heartbroken. He turned his gaze to the goblet lying beside Mary, its poisonous contents spilled across the floor. He had given her that goblet.