There was a hum throughout the reception- a hum of both joy and gossip regarding Mary. She could hear the whispers surrounding her as she and Francis entered the ballroom. Francis sensed her tension and grabbed her hand, pulling her towards him. He bowed.
"May I have this dance, wife?" He asked.
Mary curtsied in reply. He wrapped his arms around her waist and dipped her. As he did, he whispered in her ear, "Just focus on me. Everything will be alright."
They continued to dance throughout the night, as Francis worked to keep Mary distracted. When they finally had a moment alone, he pulled her into a small corridor.
"Francis, about what happened earlier in the ceremony…" Mary began.
Francis quickly cut her off. "I do not want to begin our marriage fighting. We have had a difficult journey to get to this point, but it is our wedding day, and we should spend it celebrating. I want to be with you, Mary- not for France, but because you make me happy. I hope that I can make you happy too."
Mary realized it was incredibly unfair to think of Bash when the man standing before her cared for her so deeply. He was right. It was their wedding day, and it should be a happy occasion. At that moment, Mary promised herself that as a dutiful wife, she would focus on beginning a healthy marriage with her husband. She cupped Francis's face in her hands.
"I am sorry about everything in the past. I am so happy to be your wife. You are my greatest blessing, Francis Valois."
Francis smiled and kissed her deeply. That night, their consummation was not one that was awkward or uncomfortable; rather, it was as though two souls were uniting as one. When they finally fell asleep, they were happily holding each other close, dreaming of their future together.