French spies had spotted Arthur's army approaching the castle, so Bash and King Henry worked endlessly to prepare for a possible attack. Francis had taken over all official duties to ensure the castle remained running in Henry's absence.
Mary felt lonelier than ever, even though both Bash and Francis were nearby. When she was with her husband, she felt disconnected, and when she saw Bash in the corridors, he promptly turned the other way and avoided her altogether. Mary felt guilty for wanting the attention of a man who was not her husband, but also felt anger at her husband for volunteering his brother into such a dangerous situation. When she finally could not take it any longer, she bribed one of Bash's servants to let her know when he had returned to his chambers. When she received the signal, Mary entered Bash's bedroom, closing the door swiftly behind her so that no one had seen her enter.
Bash looked up from his desk, surprised.
"Mary, what on earth are you doing in my chambers?"
Mary felt her eyes well up with tears. It had been so long since Bash had spoken to her normally.
"Why won't you talk to me, Bash? We were friends once, not too long ago. What has happened to us?"
Bash's expression softened. He sighed and walked over to Mary. He took her hand in his.
"I am sorry for the way things have happened. When you first came to the castle, I should've put my feelings aside and simply been your friend and supported you. Instead, I caused tension between you and Francis, as well as you and me. I never wanted to be a threat to your happiness, Mary."
Mary squeezed his hand and smiled. "I am glad we are speaking as friends again, Bash. I have missed you terribly. Francis is, and always will be, my husband, but you…" She looked deeply into Bash's eyes. "You are always on my mind. My thoughts cannot escape you. I never gave the idea of us a chance because I was always betrothed to Francis, but perhaps we might've been happy together, in a different life."
Bash's heart hurt with every word she spoke. He kissed her softly on her forehead.
"Well, you are my Queen, and as your subject, I must protect you. I will go and fight against Arthur's army, to ensure your safety. Consider it my token of our friendship," his voice dropped down to a whisper. "And my love for you."
Mary choked back a sob. "And there is nothing I can do to convince you not to fight?"
Bash shook his head sadly.
Mary wrapped her arms around Bash, giving him her final goodbye. Bash returned the embrace, stroking her hair as she cried into his chest.