"Bash, what are you doing here?! You are supposed to be with your cousin!" Mary cried. She could feel her anger rising. Just when she thought she was on the path to a healthy marriage, Bash had to return. She knew she was still confused about her feelings for him, and his return would certainly bring no clarity.
However, she also felt a bit of joy seeing him again. She had forgotten how handsome he was. Her stomach did somersaults as she tried to process what this all meant. Was he back for good? Had he returned for her?
"Mary, I know I have caused you a lot of trouble in the past, but this time, I have come to warn you of an upcoming uprising. There are angry Protestants in the southern border of France that plan to bring an army to the castle."
"We have to tell Francis this immediately." Mary was about to rush to the castle before stopping herself. Francis and she were in a good place, and her returning to the castle with Bash could upset him.
It seemed as though Bash could read her mind. "I will go to the castle after nightfall and deliver my news." He said sadly. Mary could tell that this estrangement between them was painful.
She turned to walk back with Edgar, but not without a final smile. She said softly, "I am glad you are back, Bash."
…
Mary waited anxiously for Bash to come to the castle. Attempting to keep her mind occupied, she busied herself with her ladies. While she and her friends were discussing an upcoming ball in Mary's chambers, a servant entered and bowed.
"Your majesty, you have been summoned to the throne room."
Mary rose, her heart pounding in her chest. This is it.
When she entered the throne room, she could immediately sense the tension in the air. Francis, who stood by his father, immediately locked eyes with her, a somber expression on his face. King Henry and Queen Catherine sat on their thrones as they listened to the man who stood before them: Bash.
"I know you have reason to doubt my intention to return, but why would I bring myself back here unless there was a real threat to the castle?!" He asked frustratedly.
"Your reason is standing behind you." Catherine said simply.
Bash, Francis, Catherine, and Henry turned to look at Mary. A moment of silence passed. Bash seemed to look at her with such intensity, Mary worried she would blush.
"I do not love her anymore." Bash finally said coldly, before shifting his gaze back to Henry.
Mary felt her stomach drop. She knew hearing this was good, that they could both move on, but her heart ached at the idea that Bash no longer wanted her.
Francis spoke up. "I believe him. Mary and I are wed, and Bash knows that. I think we should assemble an army at once to protect the castle; and I think Bash should lead them."
Mary panicked. "No!" She cried. Francis turned to look at her questioningly. Mary cleared her throat and gathered her thoughts. "You cannot ask Bash to fight against his family. We have plenty of more experienced generals who can lead this army. There is no reason to put Bash in danger."
"I do not fear danger, and I feel as though I have nothing that keeps me here, so I accept Francis's proposal to lead this army." Bash responded harshly.
"Very well then. Bash, you and I will gather our finest soldiers tomorrow." King Henry said, his tone clearly indicating that this conversation was over.
"Bash, you can return to your chambers. I wanted to convert them to additional guest chambers, but since you returned so quickly, I did not get a chance." Catherine quipped.
Bash rolled his eyes. "Thank you, Catherine."
The King and Queen exited the throne room, leaving Bash, Francis, and Mary.
Francis walked over to Mary, threading his arm around her waist protectively. "Shall we retire to our chambers? It has been an eventful night."
Mary looked to Bash. His eyes hardened as he cleared his throat and said, "I, too, will retire. It has been a long journey here."
Mary sighed and looked to her husband. "Yes, let us retire as well."
