Reign: Mash

by ReigningAU

After Mary weds Bash, all they hold dear is at stake. Scotland and France are in danger. England has become more powerful. Mary must do what she needs to in order to secure their reign and power, and protect themselves from any danger. Meanwhile, court life becomes hectic. Henry still wishes for Catherine to be executed. And Francis struggles with court life and his new freedom.

3. Chapter 3: My Dearest Mary

Chapter 3:

Kenna, Greer, and Lola all help me straighten my dress up. Mother insists I change into the gown that I intended to wear the day I married Francis. But I am not marrying Francis. I am marrying Bash. My mother sits in her chair, embroidering and ignoring my talks of Bash and me. Every chance she gets, she brings up Francis. Francis this Francis that. Greer comes to my left side, straightening my collar a bit. "Ladies!" My mother calls, glaring at Kenna and Lola. Both are at my bed straightening my veil. "Come here and be of service to your Queen!" she says. Then she looks at me: disappointment in her eyes. "So we can get this thing over with." she gets up and heads for the door. I feel the tears begin to well in my eyes. The price for marrying Bash was not just losing Francis. But I also lost my mother. Who I am now realizing was not there to begin with. Lola and Kenna join me, both weary of my mother. Then my mother comes back around handing something to Greer. "I will return. I need air." my mother says. Greer comes to me, passing me an envelope. Written on the front is handwriting I recognize. Francis'. "We will leave you for a moment. Girls." Greer says, leading the way, Kenna closing the door on her way out. I rip open the letter, sitting down on the table to read.

My Dearest Mary,

My heart remains heavy writing this letter. I cannot lie and say your words did not hurt. They did. I understand the predicament you were put under. For the last few hours, I have desperately been trying to convince myself that this was due to pressure from your mother, or mine. But I know this is not true. My mother told me about your conversation when she handed you the letter. She said she did not pressure you, and she seemed sincere. I hope this is true.

I don't want to lose you, Mary. But I still love you my darling. With every bit of my heart. Even though I don't want to, I still love you and always will. I still love your stubbornness. I still love your laugh and how you seem to light up a room. I love your wildness, and how different you are from everyone in France, regardless of you being raised here. I still want you to have a good life - a safe life. In time, I will come to see how Bash can protect you. Maybe he can protect you better. But I will never stop fighting for you.

If you ever need me, I am there. But, for now, I need some time. I wish you both the best. Long may you both reign.

All my love,

Francis