Mary followed the trail of blood. She walked down the castle halls and followed the blood splatters out of the castle into the garden. She looked around and saw the pools of blood getting bigger. She continued to follow their trail until she came to a gate, a gate she had never seen before. She pushed it open and saw a small hut that was covered with butterflies. The roses smelt wonderful and the butterflies began to swirl around her. Mary giggled and twirled around with the butterflies. She danced with them and she felt like a princess from a story book. She felt her barefoot step in something wet and sticky. It felt thick and as she looked down she saw that she stepped in a pool of blood and near that blood was a body. She looked at the body and saw figure of the man she loves. The atmosphere went dark and the butterflies disappeared "Bash!" She kneeled down and touched him gently. Her white dress was being stained with the blood that kept flowing from his body. Mary found it hard to believe that this much blood existed in the human body. She touched his face gently "Sebastian...what has happened to you?" She cried for Bash to wake up "Please! You can't leave me! I...I love you." Mary felt something or someone approach her and she turned around. She stood up quickly as she saw the figure dressed in all black. The black cloak that was pulled over the figures head prevented her from seeing it's face.
"Who are you?" Mary felt as if she was looking at death himself. "What has happened to my husband?"
The figure remained quiet
"Please...Please tell me!"
The figure came closer the her "You did this to yourself."
Mary knew that voice and as the figure removed the hood and showed Mary her true identity. Mary saw the red hair and pale skin "Elizabeth."
Elizabeth pulled out a dagger and plunged it into Mary's stomach "Long may you Reign."
As the knife was pulled out of her, Mary used her hand to cover the wound. The blood kept coming and Mary dropped to her knees. Elizabeth put the hood back on and walked away from her but Mary reached out as a desperate cry for help, but Elizabeth did not care. Mary fell next to Sebastian's body and the blood that flowed from Mary's body began to mix with the pool of Sebastian's blood. Mary drew in her last painful breath.
Mary's eyes opened and she sat up abruptly. She was breathing heavily and was covered in sweat. Mary looked over and saw that Sebastian was not in bed and remembered that he was still under the doctors care. "Bash..." She jumped out of her bed and ran down the castle halls. It was so dark and Mary was thankful that she knew the way by memory or else she could be totally lost. She opened the door and heard Bash's voice "Mary?"
She saw his figure sit up in bed "What...what's wrong?" He sounded sleepy.
"I'm sorry for waking you...I...I just-"
Bash could hear the terror in her voice and could hear her sniffling from crying. "Mary what is troubling you? Come sit with me." He patted his small bed and Mary came and sat next to him.
"It's the dreams."
"They are just dreams, nothing more."
"But what if they ARE something more? What if our fate is to die at Elizabeth's hand?"
"Then we shall die together. We can't control fate." He pushed a strand of hair behind her ear and took her hand "Remember when you thought you fate was to Mary Francis?"
Mary nodded
"Well...that did not happen. Even if you do believe that our fate could possibly be dying at the hand of your cousin...it's not a guarantee. We should enjoy today and not worry so much about what the future might bring."
Mary looked away from him "I don't want to see you die because of me."
Bash squeezed her hand gently "That is the job that a husband agrees to. I will die for you, if I must."
"Why? Why would you be willing to do such a thing for me?"
Bash touched her face gently "Because I love you. I adore you and everything that you are. You don't see your beauty but I do. I love the way your hair blows in the wind and the way you laugh when we are alone and you don't have to be proper. I love the way that you sing to yourself when braiding your hair and I especially love the way you look at me. No one ever looked at me like they needed me but when our eyes meet...I know that I am yours and you are mine. I would die for you because my world would be nothing without you and I would gladly give up my life so you could continue on with yours. For over five years I have made it my mission to keep you safe. I will continue that quest, even if my life ends in the process."
Mary looked at him with lustful eyes "How bad does your wound hurt you?"
Bash looked down at his wound "Not bad."
"Good!" Mary attacked his lips and he pulled her closer to himself. She tangled her fingers up in his hair, she loved how thick it was. She felt his hand on her arm and for a moment she forgot about her dreams. She broke away from the kiss "I love you too, Sebastian. More than I think you will ever know."
Francis stepped out of his carriage and saw Anya waiting for him. He ran to her and kissed her fiercely "Hello, my love."
Anya smiled "I have missed you!" She pulled Francis into a hug, a hug that her growing belly would soon get in the way of in just a few more months.
Francis put his hand on her stomach "How is our baby?"
Anya smiled "he or she is doing very well. I just got the doctor to look and it seems that everything is perfectly fine."
Francis looked sad and Anya could tell "What's wrong? Are baby is healthy this is wonderful news!"
Francis looked down at his feet "I wish I could be here more for you and our child.
"Mary and Sebastian are protecting me and the baby. We will be a family soon enough, you are doing all that you can."
Francis kissed Anya and his forehead rested gently on her "Promise me...promise me that once we are together...we will never leave one another."
Anya smiled and gently touched his hand "I can't promise that fate will not step in, but...I can promise that if I can control it that I will never leave your side."
Francis kissed her forehead "That is all I need to hear you say."
Anya giggled "Don't worry so much. Catherine just does not understand and one day we will rule France together. Good things come to those who wait."
"I'm impatient."
Anya smirked "Oh really...I had not noticed."
"Sarcasm is not an attractive look on a lady."
"You know you like it."
Francis smiled.
Catherine looked at the young redhead. In some ways she strong resembled Elizabeth. She had light freckles and blue eyes. "Elizabeth tells me that you are one of her finest in the English Court."
The girl nodded
Catherine smiled "She sent you to me for debriefing, correct?"
The girl nodded
"Very well. Go to Scottish court, that is where Queen Mary is awaiting her new ladies. When you are there you have very specific instructions. Become Mary's best friend. Please her and do as she wishes you to. Get close to her husband, Sebastian."
"If I may speak-"
"Yes."
"Why do I need to get close to the husband?"
"How else do you plan on seducing him?"
"Seducing him? I am a virgin, your grace. I am untouched by man and shall stay that way till my wedding night. How do you expect me to give up my virtue for a man that can never be mine?"
"If all goes well he will be dead by the end of all of this. Your job is to get close enough to him to stab him through his heart or poison him or whatever else you can come up with. Use your imagination."
"I won't kill him! He is married and will probably make a family one day. How can I take that from someone who is so kind to his people? I have heard rumors of Sebastian. The people say that he went to battle to protect Scotland and his wife...they love him."
"What?" Catherine could not believe he was being favored by Scotland. "How could this be?"
"The Scottish people admire his courage and his love for their Queen. Despite the fact that they are England's enemy...even many English believe that he is noble and brave"
Catherine grew angry and he face began to burn "Listen to me. You will kill him because if you don't...I will slaughter your family. Are we clear?"
She covered her mouth with her delicate hand "What?"
"Your baby sister and your mother...I will end the only people that love you in this whole world. Understand?"
Tears came to her eyes "yes."
Mary sat in the throne room awaiting her new ladies. Sebastian came and sat next to her. He winced a little bit from pain but smiled at her anyways. "Are you nervous to meet your new ladies?"
Mary nodded "I don't know what to expect."
"The finest, I'm sure."
"There is no one finer than my original ladies. No one could possibly compare."
Sebastian took Mary's hand "You must be open minded."
The ladies entered the room and Mary stood up. She eyed them all and looked over them as if she could see right through them.
She stepped in front of a young brunette girl "What's your name?"
The girl did not look her in the eyes "Margret."
She nodded and stepped in front of the next girl. She had long black hair that was braided into a long thick braid that ran down her back "Name?"
"Charlotte."
Mary walked to the red head. Mary instantly felt something off about her and knew something was different by the way she fidgeted with her hands "Name." It was not a question this time, but a command.
"Alison."
"You are not Scottish."
"No, your grace."
"Why on earth would a women of English blood come and stay at Scottish court in a time like this?"
Alison did not answer.
"I'm sorry...I think you believed that answering that question was optional. Why are you here?"
Alison had to think of something quick "I was originally supposed to be Mary Tudors new Lady. When she died I was told to go to France and be your lady but you were gone. I was later told that you were back in Scotland, so here I am. You are Mary Tudor's blood so naturally I was sent to you."
Mary knew she was lying "Well...I apologize for troubling you."
"Not a problem, your grace."
Mary stood in front of the three ladies "You all are now my ladies and I want you to know that, that means that we are friends. You serve me but you also my loyal companions. I do, however have some rules. There is NO becoming a mistress...to anyone. I know this sounds like an odd rule but I have good reason. Love is precious and you are free to fall in love, but not will a married man. Rule number two is that you must not be late with my tea. Ladies who are late with their queen's tea get beheaded!"
The girl eyes were all wide and Mary laughed hysterically "I'm joking! Welcome to court ladies! You may go explore and settle into your rooms. You will come to my chamber later this evening and you will take an oath."
Alison turned around "What oath?"
Mary glared at her. Surly a women sent to be a lady in waiting would know of the oath "Every women sent to be a lady must take an oath to serve her Queen. You will place your hand on a bible and swear before God that you will be good to me."
Alison's bowed and turned around and walked out with the other ladies.
Mary watched all the ladies exit the room and she turned to Bash "Something is off about the red head."
"I know...that was a horrible fake story. The English must be low on spies, or something."
"If she is sent by Elizabeth she might be a victim in all of this. She might be here to spy against her will. We must watch her...very close."
"And if she is here by her own will?"
"We do what we must. I pray that she is but a pawn that is being moved along the chess board against her wishes. For if she is doing this as a friend of Elizabeth...we all know what her fate will be."
Mary walked into her chamber. A bible was on a podium in her room and she hovered over it with her hand. "This...this is your guide. It will help you through your life and give you perfect guidance and when needed...perfect peace. On this you will pledge your loyalty to me, as your Queen. If you pledge your devotion to me in front of God and you break that sacred promise, may God himself have mercy on your soul."
Charlotte stepped foreword and took the oath, followed by Margret. They both took the oath with smiled on their faces. They took their place near the Queen and Mary smiled lovingly at both of them. They were now like her family and she would watch over them and they would watch over her.
it was Alison's turn and she stepped towards the Bible. She heard the words spoken to her by a man of the church
"Do you promise to love and care for Mary, Queen of Scots? Do you promise to serve her willingly, discretely, and whole heartedly? Do you promise that you will be considerate of the Queen in all of your actions and that you will never forsake her or betray her? If you promise these things, you promise them before the Lord."
Alison was a holy girl. She was raised by a Catholic family and she loved the Lord very much. She could not promise to love the queen when she was sent to destroy her. Alison's hands began to tremble and she dropped to her knees "NO!"
Mary's mouth opened in shock, but she was not really shocked at all.
Alison began to cry "your Grace...please don't kill me! I was doing it to protect my family!"
Mary bent down in front of her and took her hand "Be calm. What are you doing here?"
"She sent me to become close to Sebastian. She told me to seduce him and kill him. I think they believe that if he is dead...you will be weak and easily disposed of. I can't do it! You seem like a wonderful ruler and...and I am a women of God. I can't give my body up for the sake of seducing a man in such a manner!"
Mary helped the girl to her feet "You will not die for your actions. You were open and honest and that is the most favorable trait of a lady in waiting. If you tell me what I need to know, I will keep you here as a lady. You will stay with me and I will keep you safe."
Alison rapidly nodded "What do you need to know?"
"Who sent you?"
Alison wiped tears away "Elizabeth sent me to Catherine the Queen of France and she gave me these orders."
Mary's face grew blank "Take your oath. I will be back."
Mary ran down the halls and pounded on Anya's door. Francis answered it and Mary pulled him out of his room "I demand to know what is going on!"
"Excuse me?"
Anya rushed out of the room "What is going on?"
"Your mother is involved with Queen Elizabeth! She sent a women to kill Sebastian! What is going on in that God Forsaken castle of yours?"
Francis' eyes were big, he was shocked "I...I don't know anything about it. Mother has seemed quiet lately but I assumed..." Suddenly it all made sense to Francis "Why would she was to kill Sebastian? Surly not because of me."
Mary grew cold in her thoughts and expression "Leave."
Anya grabbed Francis' arm "Mary, no."
"I'm sorry...I can't have anyone who resides in French court coming to visit. I don't know who I can trust and it is your mother who is trying to destroy everything!"
Francis held Mary at arms length "You can trust me! Mary...we are family."
Mary began to cry "I'm sorry. As a queen I must do what is right...everyone who resides in French court on a normal basis must go."
Anya was silent until the thought hit her "but...my child."
"As far as I am concerned, Anya that child has grown in your belly mostly in my court. It is a member of this family and you and the child may stay. Until the baby is born."
"What?! What if I can't go back by them? They will kill me and leave this child motherless, that's if they don't kill the child as well!"
"I'm sorry. You are a princess to France...I can't risk it."
"Mary you are losing your mind! Do you want to start a war? Kicking everyone who is French out of Scottish court will start one!"
Sebastian heard the commotion and came to see what it was all about. He came and stood near Mary "What's going on?"
Mary turned to Bash "Elizabeth has been conspiring against us with the help of Francis' mother!"
"That can't be true."
"Alison told me everything."
"How can she be trusted? She is a spy!"
"She is being forced by Elizabeth and Catherine. Catherine told her that she would kill her family is she did not help."
Francis rolled his eyes "Mary thinks a suitable course of action would be to isolate anyone from France and remove them for court."
Mary snapped back at Francis "If it means keeping Scottish people safe...yes!"
Francis shook his head "Unbelievable...really unbelievable."
Mary turned away from Francis "Pack your things and be ready to leave in three days time. I will allow you to finish your visit with Anya."
Mary walked away and Bash looked at Francis "I'm sorry. She is doing what she feels is best."
"Remember when you did what was best, as well? Where is the Bash that loved his own country? Just because you are the husband of a Scottish Queen does not mean you can abandon your true people."
Those words hit Sebastian like a dagger into his heart. He walked away from Francis, not because he was angry...but because he knew he was right and at that moment, he could not face it.
Mary stood in front of a bowing Alison "You are very brave for telling me the truth."
"I took my oath...I'm your lady now."
Mary smiled "Wonderful. I want you to know that this is the only time I will pardon you. If you ever betray me again, I will do what I must. Do you understand?"
Alison nodded "You are much more kind than Catherine or Elizabeth."
Mary took Alison's hand in hers "It's not me being kind, it's me doing what's right. If you are a victim of the English system...then I shall save you. I am also a victim of the system, in a way. I was burdened with a crown from a young age. I know what it's like to be forced into something."
"Thank you, My lady."
"Please, call me Mary."
"Mary." Alison smiled
Bash sat alone in the room that he shares with Mary. He watched as the door slowly opened and her figure appeared in the door "Bash." Mary smiled "How wonderful to see you in here again. Has the doctor said you are okay to sleep in our chambers again?"
Bash nodded
"What's troubling you?"
He wanted to pace himself but the words just came out "You can't kick France out of the court!"
Mary was confused and did not understand why Bash would say such a thing. She said nothing, she only listened.
"Mary...I am French! I am of French blood and those are my people, as well. I love Scotland and France and I am devoted to both of them. As your husband I forbid you to do this!"
Mary nodded "What else do you suggest we do? I don't know what to do and that is the problem!"
"Write a letter to Henry. Tell him of Catherine!"
"And get her killed? That's Francis' mother, I can't do that!"
"What if Francis said it was the right thing to do. Then, would you do it?"
"If Francis was decent about the end of his mother...then yes."
"Then we shall beseech him right now." Bash got up and walked out the door and Mary followed behind him.
"Bash! Don't you do this! We can't be judge, jury, and executioner. Not always!"
Bash knocked on Francis' door and when he answer he gave him no time to speak "We want to let Henry know of your mother betrayal."
Francis looked at his feet "My mother has done evil things...I know what she deserves."
Mary pushed Bash aside "And what she deserves is NOT death. Tell Sebastian he is crazy!"
Francis took Mary hand in his "But he is not. I know you were doing what you thought was right...even if I did not like it. Your solution will fix nothing. Catherine may be my mother, but she must pay for her crimes."
Mary shook her head "We can't."
"You won't. I will. When I return to France I will tell my father. He will listen."
Mary began to cry "But she is your mother!"
His hand gently touched Mary's face "But Bash is my brother...and you are my friend. I won't allow harm to come to either of you. If My mother is plotting with Elizabeth, getting rid of Catherine will leave Elizabeth that much more weak. She is depending on Catherine and I will take that hope away."
Mary hugged Francis "I never wanted you to have to make touch choices for my sake."
Francis smiled "but we both know I'm willing to do it. Your heart is kind and that's why this is hard for you. I see things as they truly are and this needs to happen."
Mary wrapped her arms around Sebastian and cried softly. Francis closed his door and Sebastian gently stroked Mary's hair. His stubbornness often payed off. In a few days Francis would report to his father and Catherine would suffer a fate...a fate that was sealed. Mary did not know what would happen to her but she knew it would be bad. A part of her knew she deserved it but another part of Mary had a strange love for Catherine. She had never felt more conflicted and Mary thought she had felt all the conflicting feelings that one could in a life time. She was wrong. Mary knew that the days to come would be dark and grim. She could only pray her dreams did not become a reality. She looked up at Sebastian and saw him there. She felt his heart beat and he was warm. He was alive. She needed to keep him this way and she knew that to do that, Catherine needed to die. She also knew that killing Catherine, who was an ally to Elizabeth would be like awakening a demon. She held Sebastian tighter, knowing that he shared the same thoughts. They looked into one another's eyes and no words were needed. There was fear and also great bravery in both of their hearts. Mary thought of what Bash said when she came to him Then we shall die together. She finally agreed with him. No matter what was going to happen, they would be together.
Authors Note: Alright, I have to be honest...I did not like this chapter. It has been done for a few days now but I just knew that something was missing. I went in and added a few different things and took out a few others and I finally think it's decent enough to post. I however, only think it's decent. It's not my best chapter but it was a necessary chapter. I hope you guys kinda like it. Feel free to ask me questions if something confuses you.
REIGN IS ON TONIGHT! I am so excited and I am so worried about Bash! If he dies I just won't be able to handle it! I'm going to be fangirling all over my house.
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