*Author's Note: Eeek! Don't hurt me for being away so long. It's been hard to make time to write lately. The story is nearing it's end, too, so I'm working on getting the last few chapters just right. I know this chapter is short, but some very important things happen in it. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 12

"I think it's time," Mary said, staring out the palace window.

"Time for breakfast?" Bash questioned, teasingly.

Mary turned to her husband and smiled at his jest. "Certainly that, but I was actually speaking of Scotland. I think it's time for us to leave France."

"If you are ready to return to your home, I will gladly go. I think you should be on your throne, ruling your people."

Mary smiled and took Bash's hand. "With you by my side, I believe I can do almost anything."

Bash kissed his wife gently, a smile playing on his lips. "We will begin preparations this morning, but first I believe we decided it was time for breakfast." He arched his eyebrows at Mary and she burst into laughter.

"Yes, yes. Breakfast first. We can tell everyone of our plans." Her face darkened for a moment. "I know there will be some who will be glad to see us go."

Bash sighed. "You're probably right about that. Perhaps our leaving will help Francis and Olivia's marriage. They seemed very unhappy yesterday. Will your ladies return with us?"

"If they wish. I won't force them to leave if they want to remain here."

Bash kissed Mary's forehead. "You are a kind friend."

Mary smiled, "I only wish for them to find the same happiness I have."

During breakfast Bash cleared his throat to get the attention of the room.

"Mary and I have made a decision. We feel it is time for Mary to return to Scotland."

King Henry raised his cup to his mouth. "When do you plan on leaving?" He asked before sipping his wine.

"Two weeks." Mary replied. "It will give us time to send word to my mother and make all of the necessary arrangements here."

"Are we going with you?" Greer asked, a funny look on her face.

"Only if you wish to. If any of you feel you would be happier here, you may stay."

Greer nodded, but said nothing else. Mary looked at her friend appraisingly, she would have to find out what exactly that was all about.

Once breakfast was done, Mary and Bash parted ways: She to write a letter to her mother, and he to begin making preparations for their journey.

As Bash rounded the corner into the stable, a fist flew at his face out of nowhere. He reeled backwards from the impact, reaching out and striking his attacker blindly as he fell. Bash rolled swiftly and pinned his assailant to the ground.

"Francis! What the devil?" Bash's jaw throbbed as he struggled to maintain a grip on his brother.

Francis reared up, almost hitting Bash's nose with his head.

"You've ruined my life!" Francis seethed, kicking and clawing at Bash.

Bash sighed, still attempting to calm his brother's thrashing. "Francis, I've done no such thing. You are still the heir to your father's throne. You have married a rich, beautiful woman. You have a child on the way. Your life is far from ruined."

"It's all a lie!" Francis spat, still struggling in Bash's grasp. "Olivia was never with child." Francis suddenly went limp in defeat. "She fooled us all."

Bash warily released Francis. "How in the world did she manage to fool your mother? What proof did she give Catherine that she was pregnant?"

Francis frowned as he thought. "My mother never asked for proof. As soon as I told her Olivia was pregnant she demanded we marry."

Francis stood silently for a moment as the truth dawned on him. "She knew. Bash, she planned this."

Bash didn't say a word, though he thought the same thing. Catherine was always one to meddle with other's lives.

"I have to go," Francis said, his face suddenly determined. He turned back toward the palace, but paused a moment, hesitating.

"I'm sorry, brother. I fear I've been casting blame on the wrong person."

Francis strode away before Bash could respond, making his way quickly to the palace to find his scheming mother.