Chapter 54
This Chapter will be slightly different, but I am hoping you are all going to enjoy the story. My writing partner and I are doing our best to crank these Chapters out as quickly as possible, so we appreciate your patience. Please Read and Review and enjoy Chapter Fifty-Four!
24 April 1559
Notre Dame, France
She was wearing white. It was an unusual color for brides, especially royal brides, but her mother sent the dress to make sure that her daughter's wedding day would be remembered by everyone that attended. No one would ever dispute the fact that when it came to putting on a show for the masses, Marie de Guise, Dowager Queen of Scotland and Queen Mother, was able to do so in ways that pushed the boundaries of tradition to their fullest limits.
Mary, Queen of Scotland, had been betrothed to the Prince of Wales since she was young. His death the previous year had been saddening, but she had never met him in person. They had no real bond, other than that of a formal friendship. It wasn't like that with her groom-to-be, Francis, the Dauphin of France. From the moment Mary saw him at the funeral of the late Queen Juana of Spain, she felt a connection with him, though she did not know him at the time. When they met properly for the first-time last August, Mary felt as if she couldn't breathe. Her heart jumped into her throat, and she didn't know if it was him or the idea of finally being married at first.
As she got to know the Crown Prince of France, she realized that it was he who made her feel that way, and even after the first year of their relationship, she still felt that way when she met his eyes, which were the most beautiful she had ever seen. They were like windows to his heart and soul, and she could almost read what he was thinking through them. He was the same way with her, or so he said. It was like they were meant to be together, right from the very beginning, and today, that beginning was starting as they were to be married.
Mary was in a side room of the Notre Dame cathedral, waiting for the ceremony to begin. Her mother was not in attendance, as she would not risk the Scottish council voting her out as regent while she was away, but Marie de Guise had sent Mary's dress from Scotland, along with dresses for her ladies, and several pieces of jewelry, for the big day. In addition to her white dress, which had an enormously long train attached to her veil, Mary wore a diamond necklace, given to her by Francis several days ago, and her signet ring, showing she was the Queen of Scotland. She also wore a full crown made by some of the finest jewelers in France that was set with sapphires and diamonds. Her hair was hanging down her back under her veil, symbolizing her virtue, and showing the world that she was eligible to become the wife of the future King of France.
Her ladies, commonly known around French court as the four other Mary's, were wearing dresses made from silk that was dyed the color of a sunny, blue sky, and necklaces of sapphires. Francis' six-year-old sister, Princess Margaret, was to carry her train, along with Mary's cousin, Lady Claudette de Guise, the daughter of Mary's Aunt, Princess Sophie, Duchess of Guise. When she looked in the mirror, Mary hardly recognized the girl standing before her. Scottish count had never been so ostentatious, but apparently things were done differently in France, as Mary's mother knew.
Henri II, King of France, and his Queen Consort, Catherine de Medici, would be in attendance, making sure that the marriage could not be disputed by anyone, and showing the world that the young couple had their blessing to marry. Francis' siblings would also be there, along with Mary's Uncle and Aunt, the Duke and Duchess of Guise. She also knew that for the first time since the war, the King and Queen of Spain and Navarre, Luis and Elizabeth, had come to France just to attend the wedding. Henri had informed them of the arrival of the Spanish party two days prior. Although Catherine was not in favor of it, Henri calmed her, assuring her that the recently crowned Spanish monarchs wanted only to show that they were not behind the kidnapping of the French Princesses, Victoria and Joan, nor did they support those who had done such a horrible deed. Thankfully, Victoria had been returned to her parents a month after they were taken, but little Joan was still missing, and French court felt her loss daily through the Queen. Mary couldn't help but think that if Spain was really not behind the kidnapping, then there might be hope for a peaceful future with France's southern neighbor.
She was shaken out of her thoughts on her missing sister-in-law-to-be when a loud knock came at the door. "Enter," she said, her voice shaking, which made her realize how nervous she actually was about the day.
Mary Seaton, one of her ladies, stuck her head in the door. "Your Majesty," she said, "they are signaling that it's time."
"Thank you," Queen Mary replied, "I'll be right there."
The door closed, and the Queen of Scotland looked at herself in the mirror once more, smoothing out her dress. Then she turned and walked out the door to the entrance of the cathedral where her future was waiting for her, making her way slowly so she could savor every moment of the day.
She rounded the corner of the church and saw her ladies waiting for her. The little girls stood from where they were sitting, and all six curtsied to the Queen of Scots. Once she was in place, Queen Mary nodded to her ladies, and Mary Beaton opened the inner doors to the sanctuary. The young Queen gasped slightly. It was packed full of people. She had not expected this many guests, but she was grateful that they had decided to marry here now instead of a smaller church. Her ladies walked up the aisle ahead of her, as two pairs.
When they had reached the mid-point of the church, Mary stepped into the cathedral and paused for a moment, allowing her guests to stand, as was the custom. She looked behind her at the young girls, who each had a corner of her train in their hands and smiled. They giggled. She turned back to the church and began her walk towards the altar, where Francis was waiting for her, dressed in his finest royal attire, sword included at his waist, looking handsome and regal. He smiled widely at Mary, making her heart jump into her throat once more as she continued her walk, with guests on both sides of the aisle bowing and curtsying as she passed them.
Minutes later, though it seemed like hours to Mary, she finally stood before the altar next to Francis. He kissed her hand softly, then the two of them knelt before the Archbishop of Rouen, with the Cardinals of the Kingdom standing behind him, including another of Mary's Uncles, Charles de Guise, the Cardinal of Lorraine. The Archbishop started the service by making the sign of the cross, then offering a prayer for the couple, the King and Queen of France and their children, and the nations of France and Scotland. Then he began the ceremony.
"Dearly beloved friends," the Archbishop began, "we are gathered here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony, which is an honorable estate, instituted of God in Paradise, in the time of man's innocence, signifying unto us the mystical union that is between Christ and his Church, which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and the first miracle that he wrought, and is commended of Saint Paul to be honorable among all men. It is not to be taken in lightly, unadvisedly, or wantonly, to satisfy the means of carnal lust, but reverently, discretely, and soberly, and in fear of God, duly considering the causes for which matrimony was ordained. It is for the procreation of legitimate children, to be brought up in fear, nurture and praise of God. It is for the ordination for a remedy against the sin of lust, to keep them undefiled members of Christ's body. It is for the mutual society, help and comfort, that one might have the other in times of joy and trial. It is for these reasons that these two people come now to be joined into this holy estate. Therefore, if any man can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined, let him speak now or forever, hereafter, hold his peace."
The church remained silent, as none had any legal reason for speaking out against the marriage of the Dauphin of France, whose last betrothal was broken in mutual agreement of the fathers, and the Queen of Scotland, who's betrothed had died at a young age more than a year ago.
"The Lord, our God, created man and all things living on the earth," the Archbishop continued, "and in his creation of man, he realize that man was alone. He said 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make helper suitable for him.' And God did so, creating woman to stand beside man and be a helpmate to him in all things. It is for this reason that a man shall leave his father and his mother and unites with his wife, becoming one with her and her alone."
The Archbishop turned to Francis and Mary. "I require and charge you, as you will answer on your day of judgement, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you knows of any impediment, why you may not lawfully be joined together in marriage, that you confess it now, before God and these witnesses."
Mary and Francis both shook their heads, with Francis answering the Archbishop, "Neither of us know of such a thing." The Archbishop nodded at the Crown Prince of France and continued the ceremony.
He looked at Francis. "Wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as you both shall live?"
Francis looked at Mary and said, "I will."
The Archbishop turned to Mary. "Wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, serve him, love, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as you both shall live?"
Mary responded, "I will."
"Who gives this woman to be married to this man?" the Archbishop asked.
Mary's uncle, Lord Francis de Guise, Duke of Guise, stepped forward, taking Mary's right hand in his. "My lord, Archbishop, as her father is with God, and her mother could not be here today, I, as her uncle, acting on the orders of law and contract, with her mother's permission, give her to the Dauphin of France as his lawful wife." The Archbishop nodded, and the Duke placed his niece's right hand into that of the Crown Prince, then stepped back to his seat beside his wife, Mary's Aunt, Princess Sophie of Scotland, Duchess of Guise.
Mary and Francis turned to face each other. Francis smiled at her. "I, Francis, Dauphin of France, take thee, Mary, Queen of Scotland, to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, and to cherish, till death us depart, according to God's Holy Ordinance, and thereto I plight thee my troth."
Mary was so happy that she let a tear fall down her cheek. She knew Francis meant every word of what he said, no matter how long or short of a time they had together. "I, Mary, Queen of Scotland, take thee, Francis, Dauphin of France, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, to cherish, and to obey, till death us depart, according to God's Holy Ordinance, and thereto I give thee my troth."
The Archbishop handed Francis the signet ring, worn by the Dauphine of France, which he had blessed. Francis slipped the ring on Mary's right index finger, followed by a band of gold on her left, ring finger. Francis kissed both rings and recited, "With this ring, I, thee, wed, with my body, I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods, I, thee, endow. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, Amen."
The Archbishop then said another prayer for the couple and their union, blessing their fruitfulness, and their long lives together. He took Francis' right hand and placed it over Mary's, then said, "Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder."
Francis and Mary turned to the congregation in the church, and the Archbishop spoke again. "For as much as Prince Francis, Dauphin of France, and Queen Mary of Scotland have consented together in Holy Wedlock and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged themselves each to the other and have declared the same by the giving and receiving of these rings and joining hands, I pronounce that they are man and wife together. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, Amen."
With the conclusion, Francis looked at his new wife and smiled at her, kissing her hand of his own accord. He then offered her his arm, which she took, and together the two walked down the aisle at Notre Dame as husband and wife.
24 April 1559
The Palace of Justice, France
Prince Francis, Dauphin of France, and Mary, Queen of Scotland and Dauphine of France, were standing at the end of the receiving line, awaiting the guests for their formal reception. Queen Catherine had spared no expense for the event, despite the fact that she was still grieving for Princess Joan, her youngest daughter who had been taken by pirates only six months prior to the marriage of her eldest son. The banquet hall was decorated with garlands of white flowers in the ceilings, around the doorways, and the dais was covered with a mixture of white and red sashes and ribbons, flowing down from the canopies.
After leaving Notre Dame, the young couple were taken to the Bishop's palace in Paris, where their reception was to be held, by carriage. It was the first time they were allowed to be unchaperoned while together, and Francis couldn't help himself. He had kissed his wife with every ounce of passion he could muster, showing her the depth of his feelings for her. It had left Mary speechless. She had never felt anything like that in her young life, but it also gave her more hope than ever for their future. Unlike many royal heirs, theirs was a union based on love right from the start.
They arrived at the palace and were shown into the banquet hall by the footmen. Moments later, his parents and siblings arrived, followed soon after by Mary's Uncle and Aunt, the Duke and Duchess of Guise. The members of the family were given about thirty minutes to breathe and get off their feet before the guests would start arriving, and they took full advantage of it.
Francis' siblings and Mary's younger cousins were mingling among themselves near the dais. King Henri was talking with Mary's Uncle about political situations abroad, while the Queen engaged with Princess Sophie, discussing children and the marriage betrothals that had been arranged. Francis and Mary were sitting together by one of the many refreshment tables that surrounded the edge of banqueting tables, holding hands, and talking.
"Are you happy?" Francis asked her.
"Extremely," Mary answered. "I don't think I've ever felt so happy before in my life."
Francis smiled genuinely at his wife. "I'm glad. Mary, I know we have a long road ahead of us with eventually ruling two nations, but I want these next two months to be only about us. I feel like I've known you forever, but in reality, we know so little about each other."
"Oh Francis," Mary replied, "we have a lifetime to get to know one another, at least the small details."
"You mean like the way you twirl your hair when you are nervous?"
She laughed. "You noticed?"
"Yes," he admitted.
"I've done that since I was a child," she told him. "I don't know why."
Francis just shrugged. "I hope we can always be like this with each other; open and honest, even about the little things that wouldn't matter to anyone else."
"Me too," Mary replied, before being interrupted by Catherine.
"You two look cozy over here," she said happily, "but it's time to form the receiving line and meet your guests." Francis and Mary both nodded at his mother, and he stood, offering her his hand to help her to her feet.
They went into a smaller room that stood between the banquet hall and the entrance to the palace that had been designated for greeting those invited to attend the feast. Once the guests entered the palace, they would be shown to this room to be introduced to the young couple and their families before being seated in the hall where the wedding feast would take place.
The Duke and Duchess of Guise were first in line. Once the guests were announced, they would meet the Duke, who would present his wife, then the Duchess would make the introductions of the King and Queen of France, who would then introduce Francis and Mary to the guests. Everyone was in place when the trumpeters sounded, announcing the arrivals of the first guests.
The herald tapped his staff three times against the floor. "The Archbishop of Rouen, and the Cardinals of Lorraine, Guise, Sens, Meudon, and Lenoncourt."
The gentlemen of Rome entered the room and were presented to their hosts. Each bowed in turn to the King and Queen of France, then to the Dauphin and Queen of Scots. Mary's uncle, the Cardinal of Lorraine, kissed his niece on each cheek, and crossed her. "My precious niece, may your union be blessed with many children, and your safe delivery of each."
"Thank you, Uncle," Mary replied. Then the Cardinal joined the others at his assigned place at the tables.
The herald again tapped his staff, and more and more guests arrived, greeted their hosts, then were seated. About twenty minutes into the greeting, the guests that Henri had been waiting for had arrived. "Announcing their Majesties, King Luis and Queen Elizabeth of Spain and Navarre."
Catherine gave a small gasp at their arrival, as did Mary. Francis looked at his father, his eyes full of questions. Henri just nodded to his son, not speaking. When the Monarchs reached the King of France, Luis bowed and Elizabeth curtsied first, as it was not their court, and they were here as guests, but also as peacekeepers. "Your Majesties," Luis said once acknowledged, "allow me to thank you for the opportunity to attend the magnificent wedding of your son and heir to the beautiful Queen of Scotland."
"You're most welcome, your Grace," Henri replied. "My wife, Catherine, Queen of France," he said, presenting her to Luis and Elizabeth, who bowed and curtsied once more. Catherine nodded out of politeness, acknowledging their presence, but was still wary of them.
"Your Majesty," Elizabeth said, "please, accept our condolences on the status of your missing daughter. If there is anything at all that we, or our nations, can do to help aid you in the search for these rebel pirates, you need only say it and it will be done if it is within our power to do so."
Catherine was taken aback with this offer. She believed that the Spanish had something to do with Joan's disappearance before this, but now she was not so certain. The sincerity in the young woman's eyes was that of a mother, not someone who could order a child kidnapped. "My husband believes that the pirates were from the Ottoman Empire," Catherine told her.
"Yes," Elizabeth said, touching Catherine's hand in concern, "we were told that as well. Our ships are monitoring all incoming traffic from Turkey for any words concerning your little girl. We've also sent two ambassadors who speak the language to see if the Sultan knows anything about her. It will take some time for them to reach the palace there, but as soon as we know anything, we will dispatch riders to you immediately."
"Thank you, your Grace," Catherine said. "Please, pray for her safety as well."
"There was never any need to ask that, Your Majesty," Luis interjected. "Both Elizabeth and I have prayed for her nightly since she was taken from you."
Catherine looked at Henri with surprise on her face. She didn't expect this, not from rulers so young, and definitely not from Spain, though she had to remind herself that Elizabeth was a princess of England by birth, which may have softened the young King of Spain's heart.
"May I present my son, Prince Francis, and our new daughter, Mary, Queen of Scotland," Catherine said, motioning in the direction of the newlyweds.
Luis and Elizabeth bowed and curtsied to the couple, spoke for a few moments, then were seated in the banquet hall with the other guests. As more guests arrived and were seated, King Henri became restless. He whispered to Catherine, "This is one part of royal life that I despise."
Catherine whispered back, "Just smile Henri. These people are important guests and deserve to be greeted properly. You'll be back with Diane soon enough."
"She'd be here now if you hadn't barred her from attending," Henri reminded her, quietly, after another Duke had been presented to Francis and Mary.
"She's your mistress, not mine," Catherine said. "She's been given free reign over our children for years. This is one event that she will not take the lead on in this court. It's Francis and Mary's day, and mine. It's the least you can do."
Henri started to say something in response but was interrupted by the arrival of the ambassadors from England, representing King Henry IX and his new Queen, Lillian, and the conversation was forgotten as more guests were presented. Finally, those invited to the feast were present and the bride and groom, along with their families, made their way into the hall where the feast was to be held. They sat together on the dais; Francis and Mary in the center, with the King and Queen of France on Francis' right and the Duke and Duchess of Guise on Mary's left. King Henri clapped his hands three times, signaling the servants to begin the meal.
Mounds of roast duck, smoked pig, venison were paraded in front of the dais before being placed on tables to the left of the head table. Carvers took orders as fast as they came, while other servants brought out breads, fruits, and cheeses. Everyone ate until they had their fill. Then, the musicians struck up their instruments and signaled that it was time for the ball to begin.
Everyone made their way to the ballroom of the palace where the musicians were playing. King Henri bowed to his wife, then turned to Queen Mary and offered her his hand, which she took. They stepped onto the dance floor and started dancing, showing that the ball had begun. Francis then offered his mother his hand, and the pair joined the King of France and the Queen of Scotland on the floor. The guests stood on the sidelines for this dance and watched. Halfway through the music, Mary and Catherine switched partners and danced with their spouses, which was tradition. Once the first dance of the evening concluded, the musicians played a variety of other selections, both fast and slow, allowing the guests to join in the dancing.
As the night went on, Mary and Francis both changed partners a multitude of times, until Francis found himself dancing with the Queen of Spain and Navarre. Queen Elizabeth was quite beautiful, and the young French prince found himself caught in a conversation with her as they dance that turned political quite quickly.
"I want you to know that Luis and I both long for peace between our nations, your highness," Elizabeth assured him in the middle of their conversation. "The anger generated between our nations is unnecessary and pointless, as the older generations of rulers have been called to God's side, and their quarrels do not need to become ours."
"You are frank in your speech, your Majesty," Francis replied.
"I find that honesty, complete honesty, where appropriate, is best when it comes to mending the harshness of some situations," Elizabeth told him.
"On that note, I have no issue with Navarre, your Grace," Francis replied. "Neither does my father, as far as I am aware. Spain, however, is another matter."
"Why is that?"
"My grandfather, the late King Francis I, was taken hostage during a siege by the Spanish and held captive for years," Francis recited the history he knew all too well. "When he was allowed to see his sons, the Spanish traded his freedom for that of my father and his older brother, Prince Francis. They were children, but the Spanish saw fit to hold them captive in a prison for three years. Do you think that trading a grown man for two children is justice, your Majesty?"
"No, your highness, I most definitely do not," Elizabeth responded quickly. "The mistakes of the past cannot be undone by those living in the present, but we can learn of them, and we can make certain that history never repeats itself where children are concerned."
Francis looked at her, trying to gauge her response. Her face showed a certain level of disgust at what he had told her, but also had a mix of uncertainty. He wondered if this was the first time she was hearing of his grandfather's capture and his father's fate. "Well, your Majesty, if that is your honest opinion of the situation, I feel relatively certain we can work together to improve relations between France and Spain in the future."
Elizabeth nodded, then curtsied to Francis as the dance ended. He bowed to her and went to find his wife. He wanted to get Mary's opinion on Elizabeth's reaction. He found Mary deep in conversation with the Duchess of Aquitaine, Louise, who had recently married the Lord Thomas. She had just had her first child, Lady Charlotte Pole, in February, and had been churched in time to attend the wedding. When Francis found them, they were discussing the Duchess' first husband, the late Baron of Elbeuf, and how Louise was surprised when Thomas proposed. Upon seeing her husband, Mary excused herself and followed Francis onto the balcony.
Francis told her about the conversation he had with Elizabeth, Queen of Spain and Navarre, and her reactions to Francis' father being held captive in Spain for three years when he was a child. Mary was quite supportive of Elizabeth's reaction. "Knowing how she was raised by my late Great Aunt, Katherine of Aragon, I cannot help but believe her, Francis. Katherine would have never taught her children to lie, not even for political reasons, although her father might have. My grandmother told me that Queen Elizabeth was one of the most pious women she'd ever heard of, including the fact that she wanted to become a nun before she was betrothed to King Luis."
"Really?" Francis questioned. Mary just nodded. "Then perhaps her sentiments are true."
"I'd say so," Mary suggested. "Maybe her sentiments are shared by the King as well, and if they are, then there could be hope for a peace between Spain and France as well."
Francis thought for a moment. "Perhaps we could make some effort to get to know them better in the future and see where things lead?"
"I'd like that," Mary said, smiling. "After all, Elizabeth is my cousin, and she's not so far away in distance that visits would be impossible."
Francis smiled at her warmly, then glanced back into the ballroom. He noticed his sister, Princess Elisabeth talking with the Queen of Spain and smiled again. Elisabeth was set to marry the Queen's nephew, Edward, Prince of Wales, soon. Francis saw compassion from the Queen towards whatever his sister was saying to her. He seriously began to consider the idea of peace; anyone who could show compassion towards the children of their supposed enemy could indeed become an ally, if the past could honestly be replaced with a different attitude from both sides in the future. He made up his mind at that point to give them a chance to prove themselves instead of holding on to historical grudges.
Mary brought him back to the present with the touch of her hand. "They are playing the final dance, Francis," she told him.
"So they are," he replied, grinning like a schoolboy. He offered Mary his hand, which she took, and he led her to the dance floor. Once the dance had concluded, he offered his wife his arm, leading her to the dais, where his father stood to make a final speech.
The King of France clapped his hands together three times, and the room fell silent. "Catherine and I would like to extend our thanks to each and every one of you for making the wedding of our son, Francis, to Mary, Queen of Scotland, a night to remember! We have parting gifts assembled on the table in the foyer for each of you as tokens of our gratitude. We will bid you all a goodnight and a safe journey home!" The crowd applauded as the royal family, their personal attendants, and the Archbishop exited the ballroom.
Once in the hallway behind the ballroom, Francis looked at Mary, taking her hand once more. He could feel her trembling and leaned over towards her ear. "Don't worry about what's to come," he tried to assure her. "Nothing matters but us." Mary just smiled at his words, but her hands were shaking as they made their way to their consummation chambers.
Mary's ladies led her inside the room to prepare for the act, accompanied by the Queen of France and the Duchess of Guise. At least she was given the dignity of changing into her garments without men being in the room. Queen Catherine had explained the consummation ceremony to her the day before, and Mary found it rather appalling that she would spend the first night of their marriage with Francis, under the watchful eyes of a mixed company to make certain the deed was done. This tradition had long been abandoned in Scotland, since the marriage of her grandmother, Margaret, to her grandfather, the late King James IV. Catherine had told her that her part in it was easy; she simply had to lay there on the bed and let Francis take control of the situation.
Francis came in with his father, the Duke of Guise, and the Archbishop, dressed in his gown as well. He walked over to Mary and put his hands on her shoulders. She tried to smile, but failed miserably at hiding her nerves. He led her to the bed and laid her down on the sheets gently, then joined her. They kissed several times, and he nodded to his father. Henri pulled the drapes around the bed. They hid the couple from view, while the lamps cast a shadow through them, allowing the actions to be seen by those involved, but not the flesh. Once the consummation had occurred, the Archbishop blessed the couple and the bed, then everyone left the room. Francis then turned to his wife and made love to her with every ounce of passion he felt for her over and over again.
25 April 1559
Notre Dame Cathedral, France
Francis, Dauphin of France, was with his wife, Mary, Queen of Scotland, in the outer chamber of Notre Dame. They had married only the day before, but King Henri II of France wanted his son crowned King Consort of Scotland before the young couple left on their wedding tour. It was to be a small ceremony for now, with a more elaborate one taking place in Scotland at a later time. Only a handful of French nobles, Francis' immediate family, and the King and Queen of Spain and Navarre would attend.
Mary looked out the only window in the room, while Francis was adjusting his ceremonial regalia. "I simply cannot get this to hang properly," he said, throwing his sword on the lounge chair. It hit the floor with a clang. Mary just smiled at her husband and picked up the sword and belt. She put it around his waist and fastened it, then moved one side so it hung as it was supposed to from his mid-section, off his hip. Francis chuckled. "So, now that I'm married, my wife has to dress me?"
"Only on days when you are nervous," she replied, kissing his cheek to calm him.
"I am lucky to have such an understanding wife," he said, admiring her beauty.
"Just don't forget that in the future," Mary teased. "Calm yourself and breathe, Francis. Think of this as practice for your coronation as King of France one day."
Francis sighed. He knew that day would come eventually, but he hoped it was not for a long time. He wasn't ready to take on all of his father's responsibilities, not yet. He still had a lot to learn when it came to managing large regions simultaneously. It was a huge undertaking, especially when one did not want to be cruel to his subjects or unjust in his rule but knowing all the while that firmness was needed. He didn't want to be seen as a weak King, but he also did not want to rule the way his father did; through fear.
He looked at the window when the bells of the cathedral rang, signaling that it was time for the ceremony to begin. Mary left the room, as she would be the one to place the crown on his head as the Queen of Scots, so she had to be in position when he entered the room.
Francis waited a few moments, then went into the hallway, and entered the cathedral itself. He walked down the aisle to the dais and knelt before the Archbishop of Rouen. A prayer was offered for the blessing of the ceremony. The Archbishop nodded, and the royal canopy was placed over Francis. The older man then anointed him in private, as it was an act meant only for the eyes of God. Once that was done, the canopy was removed, and Francis crossed himself in front of the invited guests.
The Archbishop nodded once more. The Duke of Guise, Mary's uncle, handed the older man the signet ring for King Consorts of Scotland. It was newly made under the orders of Mary's mother, the Dowager Queen of Scotland, who wanted Francis to have the same trinkets as other consorts. Scotland had not seen a King Consort before in her long history, so no such thing as the Consort signet for a man existed until now. The Archbishop dipped the ring in holy oil, blessed it, then placed it on Francis' finger.
"Will you, Francis, King Consort of Scotland, promise to wear this ring as a symbol of your unity with the people of Scotland, as a symbol of their faith and trust in you to lead them forward into the future, and will you vow to protect Scotland as you would your own life, and with your life, if that is the will of God?" The Archbishop asked.
"I, Francis, King Consort of Scotland, solemnly promise so to do," Francis answered.
The Archbishop signaled for Mary to step forward. She held in her hands the crown of the Kings of Scotland. Although Francis was just being crowned as Scotland's King Consort, instead of its King, her mother saw no reason that the state crown couldn't be used. Marie had sent it, along with the ring, to France for this purpose.
After the crown was blessed, Mary stepped forward, holding it above Francis' head. She recited the oaths of Scotland's Kings, which he repeated in kind. She placed the crown upon his head, then turned to her ladies. From Mary Seaton, she received a scroll. She unbound it and unrolled it.
"To all nobles, in Scotland and abroad, it is the Queen's pleasure, by this patent, to confer on Prince Francis, King Consort of Scotland, in his own right and on his offspring, the noble titles, Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Roxburg, and Baron Dunkeld," Mary read. She rolled the scroll back on its bindings, and presented the scroll to Francis, which he took. "The patent of your nobility, your Majesty." He kissed her hand and thanked her.
Mary Beaton handed the Queen of Scots a box made of cedar. Queen Mary took it and opened it in front of Francis. "This is a token of my affection as your Queen," she said. "It was once worn by my father, the late King James V, and has been in my possession since his death. She lifted the golden cuff from its box and placed it around Francis' wrist.
Mary Livingston and Mary Flemming then moved to stand behind Francis and placed the robes of the King of Scotland around his shoulders.
Queen Mary looked at her husband. "Arise, your Majesty," she said. Francis stood. "Ladies and gentlemen of the realm, I present to you His Majesty, Francis, King Consort of Scotland, Dauphin of France, Duke of Brittany and Edinburgh, Earl of Roxburg, and Baron Dunkeld." As none who were present were Scottish lords, none had to swear fealty to him, but the lords and ladies of France bowed to him.
The Archbishop of Rouen stepped forward once more, offering a prayer for the new monarch and his just rule over the Scottish people, then dismissed the guests, concluding the coronation service.
King Henri of France was the first to congratulate his son, followed by a line of other nobles. King Luis of Spain held back. It wasn't that he didn't want to acknowledge Francis, but instead, wanted to speak with him privately once the crowd had dispersed. Luis spoke quietly with his wife, Queen Elizabeth, for a moment, then made his way over to Mary and Francis.
Luis bowed to Francis out of respect for the occasion. "Your Majesties," he said, "Could Elizabeth and I speak with you and your parents alone?"
"Of course," Francis answered. He searched the room for his father. When their eyes met, Francis nodded towards him, silently asking him to come over to their group. Henri reached for Catherine's hand, then led her to where the younger generation was standing.
"What is this?" Henri asked.
Luis handed Henri a sealed letter. "Your Majesty," he began, "I bring you tidings from Portugal, from my brother-in-law, King Carlos and his wife. They sent this message to us via our sister, Princess Isabella, Dowager Marquessa of Moya. In it you will find Portugal's offer of aid in the search for your missing daughter, and their continued prayers for her safe return."
Henri opened the letter after breaking the seal. Portugal was indeed offering to help in whatever ways they could, be it money or troops. They also offered their finest ships, if necessary, to assist in finding their lost Princess. He looked from the letter to Catherine and nodded, assuring her that what Luis had said was true.
Catherine grasped Elizabeth's hand. "Thank you for bringing this news to us," she said, genuinely smiling at the younger woman. "We appreciate all you and your family have offered."
"It's the least we can do, your Majesty," Elizabeth responded. "Such a tragedy should never have occurred. To take an innocent child from her parents is unspeakable."
"Are you staying for the feast?" Henri inquired.
"Sadly, no," Luis told him, "we must return to Spain and to our children."
"I understand," Henri said. "Safe journey home to you both."
Luis and Elizabeth bowed and curtsied to them all, then turned and left the cathedral, hoping that some type of diplomatic alliances could be formed in the future between Spain and France that would lead to a permanent peace between their nations, and hoping that Princess Joan would soon be returned to her family, safe and sound.
"I think it is unnecessary to say," Mary began once the King and Queen of Spain had left, "that Scotland will also do whatever possible to help find the Princess Joan."
"Of course, Mary," Henri acknowledged. "We are family now, and our son IS the King Consort of Scotland."
All four laughed at the remark, not because it was funny, but because it was true. Although Francis was not Scotland's reigning King, his family was part of theirs now, so it was obvious that Scotland would help.
The royal family of France and Scotland, along with their guests, returned to the Palace of Justice, where a small feast was to be held for the new King. Once that was over, Mary and Francis would leave for their wedding tour, which was scheduled to last two months, as the couple were shown the sights of France under the safety of two dozen guards from the palace as a precaution. Henri would take no more chances when it came to the security of his children, and that included his heir, Francis, King Consort of Scotland.
25 April 1559
Palace of Justice, France
There were two carriages waiting outside of the Palace of Justice in Paris for the Queen of Scotland and her new husband, Francis, King Consort of Scotland and Dauphin of France. They were leaving for their wedding tour, which had been carefully planned by the Queen of France, his mother, Catherine de Medici. The route they would take would keep them away from the royal palace for nearly two months, but it would allow them to see the country they would rule one day, as well as allowing the people to see their heir and his new bride. One carriage was for the young couple to ride in together, and the other one was for their luggage, as well as anything they purchased while on their tour.
Mary, Queen of Scots, was in the chambers they had been assigned, packing the last of her belongings for the trip. Her ladies, known as the four Marys, would travel with the royal entourage back to the royal palace, as their services would not be needed on the tour. However, they were currently in the room with their Queen, helping her pack and chattering amongst themselves.
"I wonder where they are going first?" Mary Seaton asked.
"I heard it was Anet," Mary Flemming said.
"Oh, I've heard that area is absolutely stunning," Mary Livingston chimed in.
"I hope they have a great time wherever they go," Mary Seaton said.
"I just hope she comes back pregnant," Mary Beaton responded. "It took the Queen ten years after her marriage to have a child. They say that the King almost annulled their marriage because of it."
"King Francis isn't like his father, though," Mary Livingston defended.
"Maybe not," Mary Beaton replied, "but his father IS still alive and as long as he is, Queen Mary could have a rough go of it if she doesn't fall pregnant soon."
The four Marys looked at their young Queen as she packed another dress into her trunk. She glanced over at them and smiled, not thinking of anything other than the time she was going to spend with her husband. Unlike the four of them, the Queen of Scotland didn't have a worry in the world at that moment, other than where her other pair of shoes had gotten off to.
While the ladies were packing upstairs, King Francis was in the study with his father, going over the route they would take, just in case a problem came up.
"I think this is the safest route for you to take, Francis," King Henri told his son. "I know you wanted to spend more time in Nice, but without additional guards, I wouldn't feel comfortable with it. Your mother agrees."
Francis sighed. He'd wanted to take Mary to the orchards there, even though there wouldn't be any fruits growing yet. He'd loved it there as a child, and he wanted to share that with her. But, as a man, he had to accept things could not always be as he wanted them.
"I understand, Father," he said. "I don't like it, but I understand it. I will simply have to take Mary back there another time."
Henri patted his son on the back and handed him the plans for their trip. "We have to be cautious now, more for your mother than anything else. I honestly don't think those pirates would have tried anything had it been you or Elisabeth or Claude in the gardens that day, but your mother is overly sensitive. It took me a while to convince her that your wedding tour was not only necessary but was safe for you and Mary to undertake."
Francis knew how much his mother loved her children. It was no secret that he was her favorite. He was her first child after ten years of marriage to his father, and he knew he had always been special to her for that reason.
Francis spun around quickly after hearing a noise from the hallway of the palace. He saw his bride bending over to retrieve a box she had dropped, which was now the obvious cause of the noise he'd heard. He went over to her and helped her with the box.
"Thank you, Francis," she said. "I'm ready when you are."
He nodded at her, looked back around at his father who was standing in the study. Henri smiled and nodded at his son, giving them permission to leave whenever. "How about now?" Francis asked, and held his hand out to his wife.
Mary put her hand in his and followed him out to the carriages, where the last of her trunks were being loaded. Francis helped her into the first one, then climbed in himself, sitting beside her. He smiled at Mary and kissed her softly. He couldn't believe that he could love someone so much that he had known for so little of a time.
As the carriages started out on their journey to Anet, Mary laid her head on Francis' shoulder, and he looked out the window at the city of Paris as it passed by. He had grown up in France. He loved everything about his homeland, but now he had another home too; a nation across the English Channel, a nation he had never seen before, but a nation he'd sworn to protect, just as he would France. He also had to protect the beautiful young woman riding next to him as she was his wife, and if Nostradamus was to be believed, his soulmate, the other half of who he was destined to become. He didn't know what exactly that meant, but he knew he loved her with every fiber of his being and that he would do anything, including laying down his own life to protect her.
A/N Two chapters in two days! I hope you all love this Chapter. It was a little shorter than I normally have it, but due to all the activity that was happening in this Chapter, my writing partner and I realized it would be VERY long if we tried to focus on other scenes and other storylines. The next Chapter will be regular format and we will see how other characters are doing. Please Read and Review! Chapter Fifty-Five is currently in progress!