I'm not sure about you but I cried in the episode when- 'SPOILERS' -Greer leaves with Castleroy. And OMFG I love Frary and it's still my fav but that thing Bash said to Mary was so sweet and amazing and cute and OMG! I think I ship a bit of Mash now! Don't worry though this is still a Frary fanfic but if you want I'm welcome to add in more ships so tell me in the reviews if you want some other relations like CatherinexChristoph GreerxCastleroy LolaxNarcisse - Give me some ideas please! And the latest episode where do I start?! First I hope Mary's alright like I know she lives (obviously) but it's not like they can't make her injured or something and I love Catherine but I'm so glad that Bash found out all that stuff and it serves her right for treating Claude like that. I was also waiting for them to mention Margret! Ever since I heard that Catherine third daughter was coming to the show I've been waiting for them to add her in so I'm excited! And Mary's braveness towards the French army was sooo amazing. Adelaide played that bit so well... AHHH anyways
I think I'm lost with this story now, I'm not even following the show at all and I sort of want to have some connection...
Also I was thinking for the story to bring old characters from the previous seasons back and I want your help. I was planning on doing a chapter about the Queen of the Bean where Mary suggests to Francis that it would be a good idea to involve the servants in something (Besides the whole inviting her to bed thing that's not something Francis would do. He loves Mary to much 3), I then thought I should bring back Penelope as one of Catherines ladies. I want to bring more of the show back into it because I'm really just running on a one way street (Not that I'm complaining) and I need something ese cause I'm just repeating the same things over and over.
Hope you enjoy the chapter :)
1 Month Later
Everyone in the castle was talking about Marys recent pregnancy, whether it was true or false because Mary had yet to confirm the rumors. It was different for Mary this time around, during her first months of pregnancy with James, Mary couldn't keep away from any type of food. Now just the thought of the kitchen makes Mary sick. She hadn't started showing yet but it wasn't far away, she had organized her ladies to discreetly get the seamstress to work on more gowns for her. In the last week Mary had become more tired and needed more rest. Everything was normal as the physician kept telling her.
Mary was in her chambers dressing for the winter ball that evening while Francis paced around their bedroom looking troubled.
"Francis what's wrong? You seem troubled?" Mary asked as the servant pulled the first string of her corset.
"It's nothing Mary, I'm just a bit worried about the villages" He replied.
"Why should you be? The villages have been given St. Nicholas gifts, we gave free food and clothing to the families and toys to the children. I'm sure that they'll be fine with all the new gifts they've been given" Mary assured.
"I know but I can't help but think that they'll rebel against us for giving them to little" He ran his hand through his hair.
"Francis." Mary said. She had the servant stop for a second while she walked to her distressed husband. "The villages will be more than grateful to have been given things free in our names, we've given them things that could last them for months and I'm sure later in the year we can give them more. Let us celebrate happily" Francis smiled at that.
"What did I ever do to deserve such a beautiful queen?" He kissed her
"You don't need to do anything to 'deserve' me. I am yours and you are mine" Mary whispered to him. "Now I must get ready I want to look my best tonight when I confirm the servants gossip, that their will be another royal child to roam around the castle." Mary turned to walk back to the small servant girl who was eager to finish her job preparing Mary for the evening.
"Maybe I should go and get James from the nursery and make sure that he's ready to be presented at court" Francis said.
"That would be good. Bring him here when you come back, he needs to enter with us" Mary walked straight passed the servant and sat at her dressing table. The girl hurried over and picked up the brush that was lying at the end of the dressing table. She carefully started stroking Marys hair making sure that she got all the knots out.
"How would you like your hair tonight Your Majesty?" The girl asked.
"Oh just something simple. Surprise me" Mary replied "I'm really tired so I don't need a big bun on my head, just keep it down with maybe a braid or two."
"Sounds lovely" The girl smiled.
"Musicians!" Someone clapped "Dancing music for the king and queen." Mary and Francis looked at each other and then at James who was being held by Mary.
"We shouldn't not when you're with child" Francis whispered loud enough for only her to hear.
"Nonsense. I want to dance, it never stopped me when I was pregnant with James" She replied with a smile. Francis took James from Mary and walked over to the crowd of people. Catherine was standing there with her arms free and offered to hold him for the duration of the dance. Francis walked back and took his wifes hand. The beautiful music started and so did their dancing. Francis started by kissing Marys hand. Mary and Francis danced for a bit until the music nearly came to an end. Mary twirled around Francis. Then he lifted her up and brought her down slowly being very careful to not hurt her. Mary then curtsied and Francis bowed just as the music finally stopped. They led each other off the dance floor as other couples filled it up. They stopped by Catherine to get James
"Well that was beautiful." Catherine sarcastically stated as she handed James to Francis. "You are with child Mary and should not be endangering it with dancing."
"I'm sure one dance didn't hurt" Francis poured himself a glass of wine on the table while keeping a good grip on his son.
"You can't be to sure. Anything's possible." Catherine replied.. "Oh and Mary be careful, I heard there is someone roaming around court poisoning powerful nobles, surely their here and I wouldn't be surprised if the monarchy is next. Its nothing too harmful all it does is give you a slight, curable fever but for you it'll probably kill your unborn child. I ask that you watch out and keep your tasters close." She placed her hand on her back. "As surprising as it may seem I do care for you like a daughter."
Mary shrieked "We have to catch him, I don't want to risk it even with all my tasters"
"It's alright Mary I'll make sure no harm comes to you or the baby" Francis assured.
"Excuse me." Catherine was looking to the other side of the room. She shoved her goblet of wine in Francis' chest, spilling a bit on his shirt and James' blanket. She walked over to where she was looking and stopped next to Charles who was in the company of Constance, his old friend. Mary and Francis were curious so they followed her over and stood close enough to be able to hear their conversation.
"Mother. Are you enjoying the festive season? I've always enjoyed the great food and especially the wine" He greeted her. Catherine glared at Constance who then looked at her friend then hurried out of sight.
"She is a very bad influence on you Charles. As a prince you must behave with dignity and act above all your people. That girl will be nothing but trouble" Catherine started. "And I heard what happened to her when you first returned back at court, do you really think Francis would agree with your 'friendship'? She is the daughter of a very rich noble family if anything happens to her France would be in more trouble than you could imagine"
"Mother no one controls me or who I spend my time with. I am a prince and maybe quite possibly later in life the king of France" Charles turned to face her.
"Charles I'm not sure if you payed attention in your many classes but Francis' son James is now the Dauphin of France not you. I find it unlikely that if James survives infancy and becomes king that you will out live him. And not to mention if Mary keeps producing male heirs you won't have any chance at the crown. So right now I control you. You're still under age and I am your mother. You are forbidden to see that girl again! Do you hear me?" Charles looked at her and didn't respond until finally he found the words to say.
"At least I can always rely on you to ruin my favorite time of year with your threatening words. Maybe I should say my last goodbye to my friend because I'm sure if I don't you'll have her killed. Isn't that what you do to people mother? Kill them if you don't get your own way?" He stormed off leaving his mother speechless. Catherine never thought of herself as a monster but she was beginning to see why her children did.
Mary and Francis decided to leave Catherine to swim in her own guilt so they walked up and sat at their thrones. After a few minutes Mary stood up to get everyones attention. Everyone looked up at their queen waiting for her announcement.
"My fellow subjects. As many of you have probably realized I am here to confirm the rumors of a pregnancy you may be aware of. Yes I am with child again, another royal son or maybe daughter." She raised her glass goblet and so did the people in the crowd. "To the Valois line" She toasted. Mary turned around and walked over to Francis.
"Very well done" He stood
"Thank you" She kissed him on the cheek "I think I'll have someone take him to his nursery now. He's falling asleep"
"I'll take him to make sure he sleeps well. Jane's probably there now" He returned the kiss
"Well perhaps while you do that I'll go and talk to some women in the crowd." Mary went into the crowd of people. Many people congratulated her about the child. Mary was quietly talking to Kenna until she was politely interrupted by a tall, slim man that she didn't recognize.
"Your majesty." He bowed "Congratulations I was told rumors that the queen was with child but I wasn't sure it was true" He handed her another glass of wine.
"Thank you" She tilted her head in thanks "And who are you? I don't recognize you" She asked. Mary went to take a sip until she saw Catherine and Bash crossing the room. She immediately lowered the glass and looked at Catherine. She looked concerned as she came closer. The man turned his head and saw Catherine and some guards coming there way.
"To the queen of France" The man quickly said
"To love and loyalty" She replied. Mary took a small sip of her wine until she heard Catherine among the chatter of her people.
"Mary! Don't drink the wine! It's poison" Catherine called over to her. Without hesitation Mary dropped the glass and spilled the red liquid all over the floor. Mary stepped back realizing she took a sip. She looked up and saw Bash and Catherine. The man in which she was talking to was being arrested by Bash and two guards.
"Catherine?" Mary stumbled. She fell to the floor in pain, a pain she hadn't felt before.
"Mary!" Bash ran over to her. Catherine followed quickly behind. He held her head up as she fell unconscious on the floor. Everyone in the room watched the event unfold. Catherine called two guards to carry her to her bed chambers. Oddly enough Catherine kept calmer then expected.
Mary was being taken to her chambers. Everyone was worried she'd lost her child by the poison, it was strong enough for her to faint so could it take the unborn child?. When she was poisoned Francis was too busy in the nursery putting James to bed. He left the nursery to make his way back to the throne room when he turned the first corner he was bombarded with guards who were carrying his wife.
"Mary? What happened is the queen alright?" He asked changing directions and hurrying with the guards.
"The queen was poisoned. We were ordered by the queen mother to take her to her chambers." One guard spoke.
"Where's the queen mother? Will my wife be alright?" Francis continued asking. The guards opened the doors and placed Mary carefully on the bed.
"I presume she and the queens ladies will be here within a few minutes your grace" The next guard answered. Most of the men left Francis alone to sit beside Mary with a physician to check that everything was still okay. Only minutes later Catherine rushed in with Marys three ladies and Bash.
"Oh Francis is she alright? I'm so sorry I tried warning her but it was to late she took a sip of the wine, I tried Francis I really did" Catherine stressed out "I thought it wasn't harmful, it only gives a small fever it shouldn't have done this or any type of harm to her"
"Wait mother did you do this?" He stood up "Did you poison Mary? Was this because you didn't want her to produce anymore heirs so Charles could one day rule? I heard you talking to him this evening"
"No of course not. I love Mary like a daughter and I'd never try and harm her child, I know exactly how it feels to lose a child and I couldn't bare watching Mary go through it again" Catherine immediately responded
"Than who did this?" He asked.
"A man called Sir Peter Harnold. He is a rich French man from Paris. I believe he wants the monarchy dead so France can have a new line to rule. What better way then to poison the pregnant queen first." Bash answered his question. "He has been here for a week poisoning many of your nobles. I have him locked up for now we need your final say with what to do with him"
"Try and get more information out of him and when you can't get anymore hang him!" Francis' tone was harsh. He sat back down and ran his fingers through her hair. Greer, Lola and Kenna sat on the ottoman silently. Bash stood at the foot of the bed and Catherine came and sat next to Francis.
"She'll be alright. I think he just gave her a stronger dose than the others which caused her to faint" Catherine soothed him.
"And what of her child? Will it be alright?" Francis asked still angry at the man responsible
"There is no way to know until she wakes. Which will be soon I believe" Catherine rubbed her hand on his back
"The queen should wake within the next 15 minutes, her pulse has fastened up" The physician said "I also believe that the sip she took wasn't enough to harm her child, they are both alright. She has just had a shock which caused her to fall unconscious, it may just be because she was overwhelmed, perhaps because of her pregnancy?"
"Oh thank god" Francis gave a sigh of relief. Marys eyes started opening, she lifted her head to find her whereabouts.
"What happened?" She moaned looking at Francis.
"The man that was poisoning everyone got to you. You were poisoned and you fell unconscious" Francis explained. "But you're okay now"
Mary quickly sat up placing both her hands on her lower stomach "My child. Have I lost it?" Her eyes filled up with tears
"No Mary it's perfectly fine. You only took a small sip, not big enough to harm you or our child" He assured her
"Oh thank god, I'm so lucky" She reached out and hugged Francis
"Well now that we know you and your unborn child are safe we should leave you two alone" Catherine stood up.
"No wait! Catherine without you I would've been oblivious and would have continued drinking it, you saved me. I owe you my thanks" Mary thanked her
"I did what I thought was right. You do not deserve to go through the pain of losing another child, no one does. That in itself kills you" Catherine turned to speak. She then walked out followed by her three ladies and Bash.
"I'm glad you're okay, please get some rest" He kissed her lightly on the forehead.
The next morning Mary was feeling better. Francis had gone to meet with Narcisse to discuss some issues he had with Lola and is Francis could speak to her in any way. Mary had herself dressed, fed and ready by herself. Just as she was about to leave she noticed a letter slid under the door. Mary picked it up and rad the contents before closing it and leaving her chambers to see James. She slowly and carefully opened the door and saw his nanny Jane playing with him on the floor. Jane immediately stood up as soon as she noticed the queens sudden entrance.
"Your majesty" Jane spoke "I was just keeping the Dauphin occupied until your arrival. He woke at dawn and wouldn't lay back down to rest"
"Oh thank you Jane you're honestly amazing" Mary thanked her while picking up her very awake son. Jane blushed
"It's my pleasure. He's such a gentle, sweet boy. I think he'll grow up to be like the king" Jane turned to open the curtains.
"I see more of Francis in him more and more each day. He looks and acts just like him. Even Catherine said that just by spending a few moments with him it's like being with Francis when he was a child" Mary smiled. Baby Francis? She remembers the six year old Francis who was to shy to meet her and when he did he spent the whole time standing behind his mother, to afraid to face his future. Oh the trouble they caused toether. It was a memory Mary had thought of lots over the past 18 months with James.
"I suppose you're very proud of him your grace" Jane started dusting the ornaments decorating the room.
"A mother couldn't be more proud" Mary smiled. "Do you have any children Jane?" When James saw his mother smile at him he responded with a soft little chuckle.
"Children? I guess my children are the ones I've nursed in the castle. There isn't time for children as a nanny or a governess" Jane tried distracting herself from her thoughts
"I never realized how much commitment you and the others make to care for my son. I feel like a failed mother to not be able to be the one to spend my whole day with him. And while I have you looking after my son, you can't have your own. Do you at least care for someone?" She continued asking questions
"Your majesty I enjoy my job. What other women can say she fed the Dauphin of France and then later had a conversation with the queen?" Jane assured her. Mary laughed slightly "Yes I do care for someone and he cares for me. Well. Sort of?"
"Sort of?" Mary wondered. Mary was still holding onto the letter from her chambers
"We've been apart for some time now. He works in the stables and is more busy than I am. We hardly see each other in a day, especially since I spend my nights here with James" Jane answered
"Are you married? And I'm so sorry to have you here over night. I can bring him back to my chambers and watch him myself some nights if you would like a few days to your self?" Mary was sitting with James in the wooden rocking chair.
"We're planning our wedding but we don't have time to have it. I doubt it'll even happen now anyway" Jane sighed
"Nonsense. I'll have you and him taken off of your duty for a week so you can get married the right way. I want to see you happy Jane, you may be low in station but everybody deserves to love and find happiness." Mary said.
"Thank you your majesty. I would love that very much" Jane smiled thankfully
"Well start packing, and please you'll be hopefully working with James for many years to come, call me Mary" She stood up with a steady grip on James
"Mary. I've always loved your name" Jane placed her dusting tool down "Will you be taking James back to your chambers?" She asked.
"No I was going to see Francis why?" Mary asked.
"Oh I uh- King Francis came in earlier and instructed me to keep you from going to the throne room, I had strict orders to have you stay here or in your chambers" Jane worried
"What's he hiding?" Mary asked herself "Thank you Jane but I'll be going to the throne room. Can you look after James?"
"Uh-sure" She carefully took James from his mother and rocked him slowly. Mary left and headed towards the throne room. She had the letter still clenched in her hand. She approached the doors and entered without care.
"Mary? I wanted you to stay away from here until I came and saw you" Francis spoke as soon as he saw her enter
"If you don't want me around tell me not James' nanny. I don't care what you have to say I have some serious news about Scotland. I found a letter in our chambers this morning."
"What is it?" He asked as they stood next to their thrones.
"My regent in Scotland has been killed and I'm putting my brother in that position again. I trust him and he deserves it back seeing how cruel I was to take it from him. Scotland needs me urgently I must visit now" Mary passed the letter. He opened it up.
Queen Mary,
Scotland is once again in more trouble than ever. Our Regent was murdered by John Knox while meeting with him in the throne room. We urgently need to see our queen before your subjects forget they have a queen. We understand you're with child once again and as Scots we all send our congratulations but we hope that when you have recovered from giving birth that you can meet us in our country. France has been housing you since you were a child and I bet you've probably forgotten what Scotland looks like. Please elect a good, understandable regent in your absence.
Our absolute wishes to you and your husband with the birth of your next child. A sibling for your son James and hopefully another healthy son for Scotland and France. Good luck
Lord A. Darcy Earl of Barkly. Your trusted Catholic Nobleman
I hope to hear back
"Mary you aren't going to Scotland if that's what you're asking" Francis outright refused
"Go to Scotland when my new child has just been brought to the world. I wouldn't miss the first year of my childs life at all. I just came to show you, let you know" Mary replied "You are their king aren't you?"
"Sorry. Yes thank you. But are you sure you want to put your brother back in regency? They might respond negatively" Francis sat down in his throne while Mary stood beside him.
"He was a good regent. I was just to stuck up for my own good and removed him from power" Mary took the letter back.
"James was a good regent I suppose, so I would give it a chance" He looked up at her
"Lord Darcy? He is a very truthful man and I can trust him. I will think him for giving me the news and yes then I'll return to our chambers" She rolled her eyes.
"Thank you. We're still trying to figure out if Sir Peter Harnold worked with anyone when he was poisoning, it's not safe for you yet."
"I can look after myself you know?" Mary started walking towards the door "Ill see you later" And she disappeared. The rest of the day carried out normal and that night happened the same it would normally...
I am so sorry this took so long. I've been really sick and haven't been on my laptop. Glad I got it finished its longer than I originaly thought but hey good anyway I guess? Okay see you soon