AN: SURPRISE SURPRISE! I actually wrote another chapter!
I found myself distracted and was looking at all of my old reviews from this story, I promised another author I'd update this months ago and well, here I am.
I think since starting this story my writing has improved dramatically, which is why I want to update. I want to go edit the first few chapters from all the grammar errors I'd made last year and change all my horrible expresions, but it takes a lot of motivation just to write one chapter and it's really long overdue.
I can't promise some amazing comeback, really, don't expect much. I'll announce the princess either in this chapter or the next and then I think it'll be the end for good. Maybe I'll write another reign story eventually? Personally it's hard to write Frary stuff now, it's been so long.
I haven't finished season four. I stopped after Henry fled. The season was too rushed and hard to follow. I'll watch it eventually but I've been preoccupied with schoolwork and my favorite thing to do, Netflix
Like always Review, this may be one of the last times you have the chance. Make sure to follow the story as well because of my irregular chapter updates.
PS: I am sorry if I've changed a little bit of facts here and there, I tried my hardest to jump straight back into where I left off.
Mary returned to her chambers, to prepare for the feast. Her first impressions of all the royal families were the same. Each one was nice and charming, each daughter beautiful and kind. She just hoped that James wasn't to young to recognize love.
She sighed.
It was going to be a long week. But the thought of her son actually finding something like she had with Francis feels her with hope.
Francis was busying himself in the throne room making sure that the night will undoubtedly run smoothly. He wanted everything to go as planned, not just for James' sake but for Mary who hadn't fully come to terms with the potential alliance. He was grateful she had agreed, she was understanding, this alliance will benefit both of their countries and hopefully their son. He wanted only what was best for France and his own family, the people who meant the world to him.
Mary finished getting dressed, happy to be back in her old wardrobe after the birth of her daughter. Anne's new nanny, Thalia had been a great help over the past two weeks as she had adjusted back to the early stages of having children. She sat on the bed, exhausted. Thalia making herself busy around the room.
"Thalia, can you get Jane to bring James and Anne to my chambers before I leave for the feast. I need to make sure they're ready." Mary smiled kindly at the girl.
"Of course, your majesty." She bowed slightly, rushing out the room. Mary sighed once again, she wasn't sure how the night was going to turn out.
Soon enough Thalia and Jane entered holding both the royal children. Anne was handed straight to Mary as James was sat on the floor.
"Thank you girls." Mary stood, rocking her newborn child. She had grown attached, like any mother does. And leaving her daughter out of sight was the hardest task in her day.
"King Francis told us to tell you ma'am, the feast is starting soon."
"I suppose we should make our entrance." Mary turned to James. "Thalia, do you mind accompanying me? I want Anne to be involved, but I know she won't make it through the whole night."
"Come to the feast? I would be delighted ma'am." Thalia curtsied, smiling.
"Come James, we don't want to keep the princesses waiting." His mother said, walking towards the door. James stood, looking as bright as ever following her out the door.
Mary planted a smile across her face, and held her daughter in one arm, and James' hand in the other. They walked into the throne room, where it had been transformed into a feast. The three royal families sat together with Francis engaged in conversation with the Portuguese rulers.
"-My father held many great stories of the Portuguese line, King John." Francis claimed, laughing among them. "That was until Mary and I met Tomas, a foul ruler."
"Yes, your highness." The two nodded, "He put Portugal into such debt, and embarrassment before his death. The country is glad to see some fairness in the way we rule."
"Please excuse me, King John, Queen Maria." Francis bowed his head, noticing Mary at the entrance. He walked over to her, and surprised her with a deep, meaningful kiss. No words needed. "Come sit, enjoy the feast."
"How are they all? Is everyone getting along?" Mary worried, she let go of James' hand and allowed Francis to lead her closer to the table.
Everyone stood in unison, "Queen Mary of Scotland," They all bowed together.
"Your royal highness's, a pleasure to house you in the castle this week. I hope you all enjoy your stay." Mary nodded taking her seat at the left end of the table. Thalia had come to take Anne, and James had sat next to her right. Francis was at the other end, the head of the banquet feast.
He stood to make a toast. "To Royal alliances, and to our children. Prey to god that they grow to be happy, healthy, and that they rule our countries with intelligence and dignity!" They all stood and toasted.
"To France, and her beautiful hospitality!"
They all started to eat, Mary subtlety helping James with his manners. The two Queens from Italy and Portugal sat near Mary, starting a conversation.
"Queen Mary, you just had your second child, Anne wasn't it?" The Portuguese Queen, Maria asked, taking a sip of her wine.
"Yes, Anne Stuart." Mary smiled, looking over at Thalia who had Anne cradled in her arms.
"A beautiful name your grace, might I ask why you chose it?" The Italian Queen, Margaretta asked with a thick Italian accent.
"Something Francis and I both have a connection with from our early marriage. It is a beautiful name, I hope she grows to like it when she gets older." Mary explained, they queens both nodded in agreement.
"Well Mary, your King invited us to the Christening tomorrow, I am very much looking forward to it." Margaretta spoke kindly and genuinely. "I hope the Dauphin finds love with at least one of the three princesses, a great King still needs happiness."
"I couldn't agree more, Margaretta." Mary looked over at her son who was staring up at her with his bright blue eyes filled with excitement.
"My young Isabella is really looking forward to meeting the Prince. I have her Nanny in my rooms with her now." Maria spoke up, feeling left out of the conversation.
"Yes, well I think it's for the best, that each of the girls gets a good nights rest, ready to meet him tomorrow afternoon." Mary said, "I think it's important that neither James or any of your daughters are too overwhelmed this week."
"Rosalia is extremely shy around strangers, I think it's for the best." The Italian Queen told them both as they all ate. That end of the table went quiet as Francis entertained the men on the other end. Conversation flowed between the guests as time seemed to fly by, they spoke about politics and family, relating to one another though stories. Mary couldn't wait to go back to her rooms to sleep. She had out done herself that week with all the preparations. Francis watched and read her mind, and seen her small yawn, he toasted to the end of the night and told them all to retire to their rooms. The Italian rulers made their way out first, followed by the Sweden King and the Portugal leaders. Mary sighed, knowing it was over now that everyone had left. She smiled up at Francis who was still standing at the head of the table.
"How about we take the children back to their nurseries, and go take a much needed sleep." Francis suggested moving towards her.
"Anne left a half hour ago with her nanny." Mary told him, "But sleep sounds more appealing than anything right now."
"I thought so, come James." Francis smiled, taking his sons hand. Much past his usual resting time. "You have a long few days ahead of you my son." Francis picked him up.
"I know Pa, da prinfesses are here." James slurred his words, tired of the day he had just endured. Together the three of them walked out into the corridor ready for a long nights rest.
The flames in the fireplace had burned out. By the chill of the morning air, Mary knew it was early. She rolled over expecting to see Francis' side of the bed empty but she welcomed the sight of him, sleeping soundlessly beside her. She rested her head on his bare chest but allowed her hand to sit softly on his head, wrapping each blonde curl around her fingers. She smiled to herself at how utterly perfect he was for her. Mary sat up slowly. She had to dress for Anne's christening. She walked over to the dressing table and started with her hair, brushing the tangles out carefully. Her reflection caught her by surprise.
She had dark shadows living under her eyes these days, her duties as both mother and queen taking a toll on her health, the bewitching beauty fading away. She spent a few minutes trying to lighten her skin, to hide how truly worn out she really was. It worked a little, but it was still clear that she wasn't getting enough sleep. Mary went to her trunk and found one of her expensive silk gowns. She ran her hand along the embroidery, the seamstress had done a remarkable job on it. Mary placed it beside her, then called in Jane to help tie her corset.
When Mary was completely dressed and ready, she walked over to Francis who hadn't moved since she'd woken up. Slowly and gently she woke him. His eyes fluttered open, and he greeted her with a warm smile, one she hadn't seen in a long time. He sat up and motioned for her to sit beside him.
"You woke up without me?" He questioned, still smiling, he pulled her in for a light kiss good morning.
"It's my daughters christening, I need to look the part of mother and queen of two countries." She explained, Mary played with the loose thread on Francis' night shirt.
"You definitely look the part, beautiful and elegant."
"Francis, stop with the flattering." Mary looked directly at him, smiling slightly. This was the first good look Francis has had on her, and he could clearly see the toll on her health the festivities are already causing.
"You need a break, Mary you don't look well." Francis expressed his concern, lightly stroking her cheek.
"How would I find the time. With two royal children, guests housing here in our honor, and the fact that Elizabeth is pouring down her best defense, there are no chances for breaks."
"I can see through that look you put on for the politicians." He said softly.
"I have no clue what accusations you are making, I am perfectly fine." Mary stood up and took her attention away to a near by display table, she dusted off the candlestick with her thumb.
"I think when all of this is done, you will need a week off. I'm sure Scotland can withhold a week without you." Francis climbed out of his bed and walked to the other side of the room in search of pants and a belt.
"Scotland is at it's lowest since my reign Francis, a week without their queen would leave the country vulnerable to Elizabeth's armies. I can't risk anything."
"Even risking your own health?" Francis called over from across the room, "You're determination is the one thing about you I hate to love." He chuckled slightly.
"I am fine." Mary sighed, tired of repeating herself. "We should be quick to the carriages, are you ready?"
"My beautiful wife, only if you will you accompany me?" Francis walked over, fully dressed and ready to go. He had his hand out ready to leave. Mary took his hand and lead him towards the beginning of their daughters christening.
The ceremony went smoothly, Anne had been christened and everyone was back in the castle eating a light supper in the throne room. Mary helped dress James into his formal attire, and prepared him for the next phase of the festivities. When he was done, Francis took his hand and walked him towards the gathering. Mary was holding Anne walking beside her son. She was glowing with pride.
"Dauphin James Stuart Valois, with King Francis and Queen Mary of France and Scotland, with the newborn Princess Anne."
The family entered and the music stopped. Already you could see the three Princesses lined up in small silk gowns. Rosalia from Italy wore a purple full length gown, with a small hairpiece that stood out from her hair like a flower. Elise from Sweden had a sky blue knee length dress with patterns all over, Mary liked the design. Isabella, daughter from Portugal had a black and gold dress with gloves and a small veil. It was nice, and showcased a lot of the Portuguese culture. James stood shyly, unaware that this was a big part leading towards a successful future. Mary knelt down beside him.
"James, walk down to those pretty girls and introduce yourself." She whispered, "Make sure to smile."
"Ma I don't want to."
"Sweetie it's just like making friends." She offered a sincere smile. Francis knelt beside him as well. James was slowly sinking into Marys skirts.
"Son." He started. "You can do this."
"I can't Pa."
"Here James." She stood up. Mary passed Anne to Francis and took her sons hand. "Follow me." Mary and James walked towards the three girls, well aware that the room was full of people. "Welcome to France your majesties." Mary curtsied.
The three girls curtsied back, "Your Highness." They said in unison.
"This is Princess Elise born in Sweden." Mary told him, "Introduce yourself."
"Majesty, Prince James." He bowed, taking her hand and planting a soft kiss on it. He followed suit with the other two girls and before you knew it the four of them were playing outside in the garden. The royal guests were talking within the room, and Mary and Francis sat together at their thrones, Mary now holding Anne.
"He handled that pretty well, I thought." Francis spoke.
"You were just as shy, I remember Catherine being so frustrated with you." Mary chuckled. The royal couple held one anothers hands.
"My mother is frustrated with everything, you came to realize that with time." He joked.
"Our son is four, you were six." Mary continued chuckling lightly, "And you didn't have three Princesses to impress, only me."
"But I had to win over a queen, who happened to be known as a natural beauty." He smiled at her, "A queen of a country."
"You did well then considering it ended with a marriage alliance and two children."
"I couldn't have wished for any other way."
"Mary and Francis," The all too familiar voice interrupted.
"Mother." he sighed knowinlgy.
"May I have my granddaughter?" She asked, Mary hesitantly handed her over. "I haven't seen her much lately, and she was just christened, what a beautiful service."
"Maybe she should go for her daily sleep Catherine. Would you mind taking her?"
"Not at all." She replied.
Mary and Francis entertained their guests for another hour before calling it a night and letting guests leave for their chambers. The four children ran around full of energy, until the room was nearly empty and the Princesses were called away by their families. They took James back to their chambers where he sat on their bed as Mary and Francis dressed themselves into their nightwear.
"So James, make any friends?" Mary asked.
"The Princesses were nice." He replied, yawning. "Well two."
"Which girls did you like better?" Francis inquired, "Was one more prettier and nicer than the others?"
"One was grumpy." He said. "And mean."
"And the others?"
"I liked the others Ma, can I play tomorrow?" He asked eagerly.
"Of course James, one of those girls will be your wife in ten years." She smiled, it was a shocking thought.
"I'm happy." He stated.
"I'm happy that you are happy son." Francis said, "Now come give me a goodnight hug, and Jane will take you to the nursery."
The night was successful, and Mary felt the weight on her shoulders lift, immediately she felt much better, and everything was going as planned. She turned to Francis when James had left and grinned. "I'm not tired."
"Now that you say it, neither am I." He returned the grin.
Authors Note: WOOOOO!, Not my best chapter but let me know, I'm just happy I finished it. Promise I'll write soon, I have three more weeks break and hopefully as well as catching up with TV shows and books, I can catch up on this.
Thank you all xx
- bp