Chapter 4:
I insisted the wedding plans for Francis and I be used for Bash and me. I know it sounds harsh as my mother made sure I knew. I stand waiting behind the closed doors to the chapel of Notre Dame. The beautiful gothic cathedral I always imagined being married in. My mother does one last lap around me, positing my hair off my face. We met in the middle. SImple braids but the rest left flowing into my natural curls. Like I had worn earlier today. "Good luck, darling." My mother says, making her way past me and down the aisle. The doors remain open, and I gaze up at the golden walls and ceiling. The candles flickering gently between each of the beams. The ceiling of beautiful stone bricks and gorgeous windows. It almost seems too much like a fairy tale. Then it is my turn to begin the story. I put one foot in front of the other and begin my walk to Bash.
All rise and watch as I make my way down. Diane at Henry's side. Catherine standing with both Charles and Henry. "You look beautiful Mary!" little Charles says. I pause for a moment and walk to him, crouching down to give him a hug. "Not as pretty as your darling mother." I stand up, Catherine taking a hold of my arm. "God bless you, Mary," she says. I look up towards Bash, who keeps trying to glance behind him, I can tell how nervous and excited he is. "I'll talk to you later. We have a plan." I whisper.
I finish the walk, meeting up with Bash. He is wearing a gold suit jacket, one like Francis was supposed to wear. However, there are hints of red next to the gold. He can't help but turn around right as I get there, breaking tradition. He smiles, his eyes getting glossy. My ladies go and sit with the others, but my eyes don't leave Bash. He smiles like crazy, and I can't help but let out a little giggle from my happiness. We turn and face the priest. We kneel down as a book is passed. "What is this?" Bash asks. I look behind me at my mother, who smiles and nods her approval. At this moment I trust her. She knows she did not win with Francis. It is too late. "The first page of your marriage contract." the priest says.
"I trust it," I say, taking the quill and singing my name. I pass the quill to Bash who also signs his name. We sign a few more and begin the ceremony.
One Hour Later...
"In the name of God, I Sebastion De Poitiers, do take you, Mary Stuart, to be my wedded wife. To have and to hold from this day forward. For better or worse. For richer, for poorer. In sickness and in health. To love and to cherish; from his day forward until death do us part." Bash says. He caresses my shaky hands as I begin to speak. "In the name of God, I Mary Stuart, do take you, Sebastion De Poitiers, to be my wedded husband. To have and to hold from this day forward. For better or worse. For richer, for poorer. In sickness and in health. To love and to cherish; from his day forward until death do us part." Now, the priest picks up the rings from his bible, handing the first one to Bash. Shakely he takes my hand, placing the ring over my finger, stopping mid-way. I cannot help but be impressed he remembered that. "With this ring, I thee wed. With my body I thee worship." He pauses as we both crack a smile. Two giggly people in love. "And with all my worldly goods, I thee endow." the ring slides all the way across my finger, the gold band resting beautifully against my skin. My turn comes. I take the ring, almost dropping it. It is quite funny. I have been prepared for this my whole life, yet, I am the one almost stumbling. "With this ring, I thee wed. With my body I thee worship. And with all my worldly goods, I thee endow."
"By the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife." We hear claps, which eventually fade into the background as I kiss my husband. we smile through our kisses, unable to contain our joy. We pull away, our heads touching one another.
We turn to the crowd and rush down the aisle, hand in hand.