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.

5. Chapter 5: The Lies of Mary Guise

Chapter 5:

We rush out into the reception. Pink Lilly petals fall down around us. We rush out to the center of the floor, Bash pulling me into a dance. "My wife," he says. I giggle, nuzzling my nose to his. "My Bash." He twirls me around and we dance for what seems like hours. My ladies join in, which Bash encourages me to dance with them like I did when we had first met. I do so, soaking in the feeling of feeling free. A weight lifted off my chest. When I stop I notice Bash stands talking to Catherine, who takes a hold of his hand. They seem to be in a decent conversation. I walk on over to my mother, who is fixing the flowers on the table.

"I have some news to share," she says. I take a sip of my wine and look at her. I hope she has words of happiness for us. But, of course, I am wrong. "Turns out, the English Queen is not dead after all." she takes a sip of her drink, her blue glaring off the glass. "The- the English Queen is alive?" I ask, completely and utterly confused. "Catherine is the only one who knows. But I would keep the information to yourself."

"You did this," I say. My eyes sting with rage. "To see me married." She laughs, shaking her head. "The messenger's news was wrong. Nobody can blame that on me or you. Everyone needs a little push on occasion. Even you. Even France. Even if you did not choose the right groom, you still have France's protection fully now. But you got what you needed and wanted. The price of your happiness was another's broken heart."

"Francis," I say. My mother scoffs. "He will survive, right? That's why you chose his bastard brother and pushed him from everything he knows and loves. So, be glad! You got your groom! And we finally have France." Greer comes up to us, I turn to her trying to hide my anger. "It is time for the consummation," she says. I smile at her, giving her my usual "not now" look. "A moment please." she bows to my mother and leaves us. My mother starts to caress my shoulder, trying to scruff something off it. I step forward, getting closer, her arm dropping down. "Get out," I say, boiling. "Get out of my life. Get out of France."

"I know you are angry but you have what you want. And what Scotland wants."

"And more power than you." I chime in. And she knows I am right. "I am your mother. I am ruling Scotland for you," she says. I share my head, trying not to laugh. "Ruling" yeah. "Do that," I start. "And do it well. When I return to Scotland, to our home, it will either be because you have failed. Or because you are dead." I storm off, joining Bash with Greer and his father.