The Day of the Christening
The morning sun shone though the open windows. The slight breeze chilled the air just enough for James to start crying. Mary was fast asleep and didn't wake to James. She was dreaming of her life with Francis and James and how happy they could be. She woke at the sudden burst through the doors. Kenna ran in unexpectedly. She jumped on Mary who was still half asleep and half annoyed at the fact that she was woken from such a happy dream. By the time Kenna had come in James had calmed down.
"Kenna?" Mary tried adjusting her eyes to the sunlight. "Why'd the guards let you just come in like this?" She asked worried that there was no guards outside.
"Oh Mary I found a dress! The most beautiful ever" Kenna smiled so happily "We're getting married in a month"
"That's great Kenna" Mary smiled at her happiness.
"I almost forgot" Kenna remembered "Francis needs you in the throne room something about the Christening" Kenna stood up and walked into the nursery. "You are so lucky Mary for such a beautiful boy. I hope I will give Bash a son." She smiled
"He looks just like Francis" Mary smiled. She got out of bed and walked over to Kenna she looked down at her boy who was playing with his feet. "Well I should get ready" Mary turned and started getting ready with the help from Kenna. When Mary was ready she went and got James and walked towards the throne room. She was cradling her boy and laughing at his dorky smile. The guards opened the doors and Mary walked in to Francis talking to Catherine. She approached them and heard Catherine speaking
"If you haven't found a godmother yet then just pick me" Catherine was frustrated at the fact that she wasn't picked in the first place.
"Catherine we have denied you as godmother over and over." Mary butted into the conversation
"Mother we just don't think that the royal council will appreciate us making you the god mother" Francis smiled when he saw James in Marys arms.
"Why would they its your choice. What better way of showing power than picking me as your childs god mother." Catherine was near ready to walk away.
"Francis we possibly could." Mary thought it out "Your mother was one of the only people who supported me through my pregnancy when you were in Calley. I think we need to reconsider." Mary told Francis.
"Mary but.." Francis was interrupted.
"Mary that could be the one good choice I've seen you make in a long time" Catherine smiled gratefully at her daughter in-law.
"It isn't official Mother" Francis took James from Mary. "Mary we need to head for the church it starts soon and we will have nobles and royal guests there waiting." Francis took Marys hand and led her out. He stopped.
"Are you sure about this?" Francis asked "You said that my mother was not to have any part of James life" Francis was suddenly confused
"I simply had a change of heart. She was there for me when no one else was, she loves James because he is family and not a bastard son who wasn't meant to be alive." Mary starting walking again "I'm sorry.." She realized what she had said as soon as she said it
"It's okay" Francis replied "If you are happy I am happy." He followed Mary out of the castle and into the courtyard. "This is the royal carriage" He said. He passed James to Leith who was going to be the royal guard as he usually is now days. Francis helped Mary into the carriage and followed in behind her sitting right next to her. Leith handed the infant prince to Francis and then got on the carriage. The coach man went off carefully because of the baby.
"Bash is James god father and Catherine is his god mother. Are you happy with that?" Mary asked
"If you are I am I think they would take good care of him if anything happens to us." Francis looked into the eyes of his beautiful wife. The woman he was in love with, the only girl that could make him as happy as he was sitting in that carriage. Eventually the carriage came to a stop at the chapel. Francis and Mary sat in there for a few more moments until Leith opened the door. Francis once again safely handed James over to him and got out himself. Francis stood by the carriage and helped Mary out. It was hard for a queen to get in and out of a carriage because of their big bulky dresses and large velvet coats. Mary stood beside Francis and straightened out her silk dress. She reached out to Leith who carefully handed James over. She looked up at the chapel it was beautiful. Wild flowers were spread randomly around the front with few trees to grant shade where needed. There was many people standing along the path it reminded her of when she first came back to court. She smiled as she walked down the path with Francis by her side and his arm around her waist. Together they walked in and stood at the top. Right beside them was Bash and Catherine. Catherine had an overly happy smile haunting her face. Mary stood holding James to her chest. She looked up at Francis who was also smiling.
"This could possibly be the best day of my life" she thought.
James Stuart Valois. Mary liked that. She let the words roll around in her thoughts. It was then that Mary had realized that the job of a queen was to produce an heir and to ensure the future of her husbands name. Mary had done that, she had James to take on France. What was she now but a weight hanging over the throne? An extra no one but Francis wanted? She pushed the thoughts out of her head and sat on the bed with her son. The christening was great. Everyone watched as the king and queen stood in front of their subjects publicly claiming there son. She had only just got back from the chapel and decided to sit in her chambers. Francis promised to join her later but he needed to see some nobles and conclude their trade deals. Mary got up and put James in his crib. She tucked him in his white sheets and made him all soft and cozy, he got so comfy he fell asleep within seconds. She went back into her rooms and stood above her dressing table looking at the letter she was going to send her brother James in Scotland. The door opened and Mary turned. Francis walked in and he immediately took off his vest and threw it onto the floor. He walked up to Mary and kissed her, he kissed her hard.
"Mary I want you now" He said resting his head on Marys forehead
"What brought this on?" Mary laughed
"I realized" He kissed her again walking her to the bed still kissing "That we" He gently lifted her on the bed "We haven't been together like this for a long while" He pulled his shirt off and threw it directly in front of them on the floor
"I missed this" Mary was laughing throughout all of it. She rested herself on the bed as Francis untied his belt. They started kissing again and got in the sheets. Francis helped Mary out of her corset. All the clothes that were on them had been thrown all over the floor. The royals spent the rest of the night together before getting up to get ready for the christening after party as some would call it.
They were fully dressed and walked into the ballroom together. Mary couldn't keep her smile hidden for long. She stood with Francis and watched the woman at court dance with the nobles.
"Mary how about a dance" Francis showed her his hand and she smiled once again
"That sounds lovely" Mary took his hand and walked out on the dance floor. They danced together and laughed until the music changed and they walked off the dance floor. Francis and Mary were talking but Francis was distracted by Bash who came over.
"Francis I need your advice urgently" He puffed. "Can we talk?" Bash asked.
"Of course. Outside" Francis walked off with Bash leaving Mary stranded on the side lines of the dancing. Mary was worried. She went and found Catherine and stood beside her
"Mary? Where's Francis?" She asked obviously still smiling from earlier that day.
"He went with Bash to do something" Mary answered
"Well you must have had enough Francis for one day" She laughed
"Catherine I'm not sure if I know what you mean?" Mary was confused.
"I was going to come thank you after the christening but when the guards said the king and queen were indisposed I knew what you two were up to" Catherine grinned.
"It isn't any of your business what we decide to do behind our chamber doors" Mary replied feeling embarrassed.
"Mary it isn't now because you've had an heir but I guess in ways it will always be something I will pressure you to do. You need more children to take the throne in case James doesn't survive. I know its harsh to hear but James may not live as long as you and Francis want him to but as a mother I know that you would do anything to keep him safe." Catherine looked into her eyes "Mary I do love you, you are family to me now and I can no longer ignore that."
"Thank you Catherine but I would like for you to stop worrying about mine and your sons life in bed. We can't just stop everything and continuously make heirs" Mary said
"You wish that though don't you Mary" Catherine knew that Mary wanted Francis like that.
"Of course I love him and I would give up everything if we could just love each other like we used to but french court has ruined that." Mary admitted.
"No French court hasn't. Just remember that when you argue or disagree on something that you love him and don't let yourself make any more regrets like you did with Conde." Catherine had a point
"Why are you telling me this" Mary asked.
'Because I once believed kings and queens could not love but when you and Francis married I realized that he does love you and you love him. I never thought it could happen but your love for him is real and you need to protect that" Catherine replied.
"Well thank you Catherine, it seems that I have miss judged you." Mary smiled at her.
"Oh Mary I am still the monster you think I am." Catherine looked at her and walked off. What does she mean by monster? Mary thought.
The next day Mary woke up in an empty bed once again. James wasn't in his crib and she was silently alone in her rooms. She sat at her dressing table and sealed the letter for her brother. She got back up, dressed herself and left the chambers with her favorite book of poetry. She walked far out of the castle and sat along the lake. She opened up her book and started reading. It had been almost two hours but Mary finished reading her book and placed it beside her. Mary fell asleep in that spot, it was only an hour later that she woke and headed back towards the castle. She walked through the doors and inside it looked like a mad panic. When one of the guards noticed her he called out.
"Its queen Mary!" he called. Everyone stopped and looked at her, she was really confused.
"Yes. Its her! Someone alert the king!" another guard called out
"There is no need. Why is there such a big fuss?" Mary asked
"Your grace pardon me but no one knew where you were" The guard bowed
"I was simply reading by the lake" Mary assured. She walked towards the throne room and stormed in
"Mary!" Francis ran straight over to her "I was so worried"
"I was in the castle gardens by the lake. If you were worried why didn't you send men?" Mary asked feeling suspicious
"A messenger told me that he saw you riding off out of the castle. I wasn't sure so I was going to go with some men to where you went last time you tried to flee the castle?" Even Francis was suspicious. He hugged Mary tightly as if he was never going to let her go. "We were so worried we didn't know why you'd leave. Or why you would leave with James?"
"I haven't seen James all day" Mary admitted
"But the messenger said that he saw you with him when you rode off" Francis let go and looked her in the eyes
"I never rode off Francis. I was just in the gardens!" Mary backed away "Where is James?!" She yelled "Where is he!" She screamed louder and everyone looked at her.
"I haven't seen him at all except when I woke up I saw him in his crib. Don't worry Mary I will find him!" He assured. He called out to the guards "LOCK DOWN THE CASTLE! My son will be found" He yelled it out to everyone in the room. Mary started crying
"James, Wheres James?" She cried "I want James" She sobbed the words out. Catherine walked in with a pleasing smile until she saw Mary crying her eyes out.
"Francis whats wrong?" She asked quickly running over to Mary and holding her up
"Someone has stolen James mother we can't find him. I've sent out men to look for him but I don't know" Francis sighed "What if..." He stopped
"No Francis don't think that" Catherine said. "I'll take Mary to my rooms until he is found" Catherine slowly walked Mary out. Everyone was whispering as they passed by. Rumors were spreading like wild fire throughout the castle walls. Catherine walked her in and sat her down on the bed. Mary continued to cry and Catherine tried soothing her to make her sleep.
Meanwhile
Francis walked out into the hallways and watched Mary sob her way to Catherines chambers. He turned and saw a man run towards him
"Your Grace!" He puffed obviously tired from all the running. "A severely injured guard has just come back from the search for queen Mary"
"Why is he hurt?" Francis asked "Where is he?"
"In the healers rooms! Be quick he has some urgent news about the attack" The man said
"Thank you. You will be rewarded for your courage" Francis ran off and headed towards the healers rooms. He barged in without hesitation
"Your majesty" the injured guard spoke "It was false"
"What do you mean false?" Francis asked
"A small group of some protests they were camped outside. I heard one say they wanted you dead, they faked the whole thing" the guard was ready to take his last breath. He had been slit in the stomach by one of the protestants swords and was slowly bleeding to death.
"Thank you" Francis looked up at the healer "Do what you can to keep him alive. If he survives I will honor him with land and titles" Francis stood up and was about to leave
"But wait you must know that some are here trying to terrorize the castle. Every guard has been killed outside the gates I can assure you of that" the guard spoke. Francis ran out. These men had James he was sure of it.
"No men are to leave the castle I need to find my son. He is here somewhere" Francis ordered the men standing outside the doors. He needed to find Mary and tell her what had happened. He ran to his mothers chambers and was announced in.
"Francis? Have you found James?" Catherine stood up and asked
"No not yet but I need to tell Mary something" He sat by Mary who was sleeping. He tried wiping the dried tears off of her face.
"Francis tell me instead" Catherine insisted
"There is a threat inside the castle and they want me dead. I believe they've taken James so if they can't get me they will kill him to ensure my line does not continue." Francis stood up and paced around the room. Suddenly Greer hurried in
"Your majesty they have located your son. Is Mary okay?" Greer asked she rushed to Marys side.
"Where was he? Francis asked
"James was hidden in the passage ways with three men and a servant girl. They got lost in there while trying to escape." Greer replied "Does Mary have a fever!?" Greer changed the subject
"No I checked" Catherine assured
"You didn't check well because she is burning up." Greer added feeling her head and getting a servant to get a bowl of cold water
"Mary?" Francis said stroking her hair back "Can you hear me?" It turned out that Mary wasn't with a fever. She was hot because Catherine had a million blankets on her. Mary woke straight away.
"Francis? Wheres James? Is he Okay?" Mary sat up and looked him dead in the eyes
"Mary he is alright. Kenna and Lola have him and John protected in Lolas chambers with extra guards" Greer told Mary.
"We must stay here though" Francis said kissing her on her forehead
"But why?" Mary asked
"Because someone wants me dead so they'll stop at nothing even if it means they have to kill you." Francis admitted
"I don't care I'm going to get my son!" Mary got out of the sheets and headed for the doors.
"Mary!" Catherine pleaded. She knew she couldn't stop her.
"Francis I think it would be safe now. They have the men locked up." Greer walked to Mary and left the rooms without another word. Francis ran out and walked with them. They arrived and walked in. Lola and Kenna were on the bed talking while the two baby brothers were next to them sleeping. From the looks of it when they walked in Kenna was telling Lola something. Francis knew what it was you could tell.
"Mary! I have some news!" Kenna gleamed
"Obviously" Mary smiled walking to James. "What is it?"
"Well Greer, Mary. I'm with child! I'm having Bashes child!" Kenna was so happy. This must have been the reason why Bash and Francis left the christening the day before.
"Oh Kenna I'm so happy for you!" Mary hugged her
"And me!" Greer did the same and hugged her "You all have children now"
"And you will too" Lola smiled. It was good to have the old Lola back.
"Castleroy is locked up, I can't get an enollment or re-marry because he's still alive. I'm stuck like this for the rest of my life." Greer confessed. Mary then hugged Greer.
"Greer. Mary and myself would gladly support your enollment to Castleroy." Francis butted in.
"We would Greer" Mary added
"Don't worry about it. I'm sure I'll be babysitting the three young ones in the near future anyway" She laughed
"I'm sure too. Now that I don't trust the servants and guards" Mary sat down and picked up James. Francis went and sat next to her. "Do you know the girls name?" She asked
"Leith mentioned her name to me I think it was Sophia" Greer replied
"Sophia. I had come good friends with her. She was nice to me I invited her to the last summer festival. I know its spring but we still have conversations" Mary remembered
"Mary she is a servant." Francis added
"Yes but a very nice one. I can't believe she would do this" Mary responded
"Maybe we should retire to our chambers its very late" Francis said. They both stood up and left with James. Mary refused to put him in their crib so instead she slept with him in between her and Francis. It had been an unusual day but it was all better now. She fell asleep as did Francis and James.
There we go some Kennash... And more Frary
I put this chapter in honor of my cat that sadly passed away last night. May you rest in peace Bella.
I really like this (It may sound better in my head than when I type) but I hope you like it as well
Sorry it took so long :)