Author's Note: Welcome, to Reign! I just jumped on the bandwagon for this show, thanks to a Netflix marathon with a friend. Though, I find myself partial to certain aspects, and highly annoyed with others. My friend shared in the trials of loving the show, and found she wanted to try her hand at fanfiction. However, she's not really into opening her own account, a bit nervous I think. So, I've decided to post her chapters for her!
Story Information:
*Rating: Fiction M- for language, adult themes/content/situations, some violence/fighting/gore, graphic material, royal scandals, and the like!
*Pairing: Endgame, definite Sebastian/OC. There will also be faint traces of Francis/OC, and some OC/OC, and some possible Ladies/OC's traces.
*Casting: Madelynne, Lily Collins. (Because apparently both of us completely adore her!)
*Warning!: Please see below for continued information/warnings!
*Credits: My silly, but talented, friend Katie! I'll be beta-ing and posting this story for her, but she's done all the creation and work!
*Sneak Peeks/Posting Alerts/Story Extras: Find it all on Tumblr at SassyfiedScribbles, your go-to for everything story related!
Support and feedback is always coveted and encouraged, and definitely welcomed, especially as my friend explores this new talent! Please keep any story hate or flaming/bullying to yourself however, positive criticism is the best way to help anyone. There are plenty of stories out there, if this one isn't for you, I encourage you to find one that is!
Disclaimer: We do not own anything Reign related from the novels/TV series/any other resource. We also do not own anything recognizable/trademarked/copyrighted. All of that belongs to its own creators, authors, directors, producers, etc. We do own our original character, and personal plot bunnies!
"Give me my robe, put on my crown; I have immortal longings in me."
William Shakespeare
-Book I-
Hands, light and feminine, pushed at her shoulder gently in an attempt to rouse her from the blissful state of sleeping she had found herself in. But the shadows remained dark over her eyelids, an unconscious sign that it was not yet light, and Madelynne Rose Stuart wanted very little to do with the waking world a moment sooner than was necessary. Still, the gentle hands seemed to grow ever-more insistent in their prodding and despite her groaned objections, which were less than ladylike; her thick lashes soon began to flutter as her drowsy eyes fought to pry themselves open. She felt nothing but confusion as she blinked, predominantly green orbs fixed steadily on the bench seat left open in front of her, soft and luxurious though it was. The colors were rich in hue, deep crimsons and splashes of gold that rivaled that of the sun's rays. Lace and sheer panels twisted into ornate patterns along the wall, and fancy little pillows sat perfectly arranged for both style and comfort. Yet, she couldn't suppress her curiosity.
If the seat was empty, who exactly had been trying to wake her?
Her answer came to her with a gasp upon turning toward her left, the shocked sound escaping through parted lips when she caught a glimpse of the girl sitting close at her side. Her eyes widened noticeably as they darted over the girl, taking in the color of her hair that was likened to a raven's wings, her eyes that peered back in a questioning manner, the color like that of fine melted chocolates, with just the faintest touch of green near the edges. Her pale cheeks flushed under the attention she had been given, her lips were a faint pink that seemed darker where she had bitten into them with her nerves, and a small line appeared between her eyebrows as she furrowed them in confusion.
"Maddy?" She murmured, her voice soothing and tentative. "Are you alright?"
Recognition flared through said girl's mind as soon as the stranger spoke, almost as if her mind had taken a trip and suddenly found itself forced back into place. Flashes of memory flooded through her consciousness, the most recent consisting of the two nuns who had stared at them in open-mouthed fear and pain, all while the frightening stain of blood spread across the white fabric draped around their heads. She grasped for the girl's hand, knowing that she was no stranger but her sister, her twin sister at that, elder by all of three minutes. Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland.
And that...well, that made her Madelynne Stuart, the Crown Princess.
The carriage rocked smoothly and Mary continued to mutter anxiously, all while Madelynne fretted with her sister's raven locks which sat in quite the disarray. She tried in vain to soothe the windblown strands, though it seemed to be a task of which only the Gods could complete. Sighing, she settled instead on straightening the beaded and jeweled headpiece upon her sister's head, noticing that styling a royal certainly didn't seem to be one of the many chores French nuns possessed and excelled in.
Her own shining strands that resembled dark chocolate with a gentle sheen of auburn had been divided, leaving half up and half down, the gentle waves spilling down her back until they brushed lightly just above the small of it. A few loose strands framed her face while two thin braids had been wrapped and twirled around the hair piled and secured near the top of her head. Jeweled strands grouped together and were strung throughout, laying atop her head like a beaded crown, before one section split off and drifted down her back with her hair, while the other rested over the front of her shoulder, nearing her ribs. Her gown was a rich, vibrant shade of blue with stones of silver and sapphire spilling across the bodice and lace that crawled up her arms, baring her shoulders; not that the skin could really be seen from beneath the crushed velvet of her cloak, a shimmering ebony hue. Lines of four diamonds each hung from her ears, while a matching necklace settled lightly just below the base of her throat.
"-if he doesn't like me?" Mary fretted, worrying the hem of her cloak, twisting the crimson velvet between her fingers. "Nearly ten years have passed!"
Madelynne sighed, throwing her hands up a bit in frustration as she gave up on the stubborn raven colored locks, focusing instead on reassuring her sister. "Mary, who could ever not like you? You are kind, beautiful, and fair. He would be a fool!"
Timidly, Mary smiled, though her sister knew it was anything but a real one. She gripped at the elder girl's hand, her thumb rubbing a soothing line across her knuckles as Mary let out a deep breath, her own fingers tightening and lacing themselves through the ones that Madelynne had so kindly offered.
"I worry he will not be the same."
Madelynne couldn't help the noise that escaped her as she arched a single brow, the delicately groomed eyebrow rising high as her lips curled up into a sly smirk. "Well, I should hope not. How awkward, to be married to a short and clumsy princeling?"
Her sister let out a quiet squawk of humorous outrage as she smacked at Madelynne's arm, both teenage girls dissolving into a huddle of giggles as they clutched at one another. Soon though, the laughter died out as the carriage came to a sudden stop, the motion taking each girl by surprise after they had lost themselves in their enjoyment. A solid, heavy feeling settled in the pit of their stomachs, their fingers only gripping tighter to the others as they peered through the blur of lace curtains, catching sight of hazy figures spilling out from the looming stone towers above.
"I am not sure that I am ready for this, Maddy." The young queen whispered, her voice breathy and her eyes darkened in her panic.
"Sweet Mary, look at me!" The green-eyed girl implored, framing her twin sister's face with each soft hand. "This is nothing, do you understand? You are Mary Stuart, the Queen of Scotland, and you have been since we were six days old! Living in the eyes of the Court, it is nothing new for you, for us. Regardless of how long we have been away. Now," She commanded, a strong expression fitting itself among her high cheekbones and plump lips. "Take a deep breath, and smile."
The Princess' speech ended not a second too soon as the side door swung open, a footman waiting patiently outside it to assist each of the Scottish Royals as they stepped from the carriage and descended the small wooden steps waiting below. The firm expression on each girl's features melted away into one of wonder and awe as they stepped into the sunlight, and Madelynne found herself unendingly grateful for the assistance as its bright rays momentarily blinded her. Blinking rapidly, she reopened them to find Mary waiting for her a few paces from the carriage steps, a smile of excitement steadily growing upon her lips. Madelynne tipped her head to the side curiously, eyes flitting to the many people lining the French castle's front walk for whatever might have spurred such a reaction when her elder sister had been so anxious only moments before, but found none.
"What has you so-" She began to ask, only for Mary to interrupt her, voice high with delight.
"The girls!"
Madelynne's head snapped to the direction her sister was pointing so quickly, she worried she might of pulled something. But that did not stop the short squeal of happiness from escaping her lips as she grasped Mary's hand, hurrying forward toward the grouping of four ladies without thought or care of what those watching on might have thought. The four girls had exited their own carriage, dressed in their finest- two brunettes, one pale blonde, and one honey blonde -with a steadily growing pile of trunks and chests in tow. They came to a stop just short of the royal sisters, each trying and failing to quiet their titters and giggles of excitement before they dipped themselves in a series of curtsies that were both silly and sloppy in their joy at meeting their lifelong friends after such a time apart. Madelynne bit back a smirk at the action, while Mary fixed them with a smile that was guaranteed to blind the population of France with her grin alone. Each Stuart held out her arms in reply, laughing aloud as the four girls jumped to hug them, clustering around both Mary and Madelynne as they cooed their greetings.
"-my Maddy, your hair has grown quite long!"
"We've missed you so much!"
"Oh, Mary! Madelynne!"
"-cannot believe it has been so many years-"
As they each pulled back, still choosing to remain quite close to the Stuart sisters, Madelynne took the moment to dab lightly at the corner of her eye, quieting the sting that appeared with the tears threatening to gather there. Nine years away from French Court and the girls both she and Mary considered family, even longer away from their homeland after leaving at the age of six. She could barely remember the feel of Scottish soil beneath her feet, much less what her homeland even looked like.
"I do hope we receive such a warm welcome from French Court," Madelynne hummed, smiling once more as she hugged the youngest among them, Alyee Livingston, to her side. "Should we, I doubt there will be much to worry over!"
"Oh, Kenna!" Mary signed, pressing a hand to the girl's cheek, before her eyes moved over the remaining girls. "Greer, Lola, Alyee. Finally, we're all together again! Madelynne and I have missed you so!"
The sound of doors thudding against stone drew each girl's attention before they could say more, and they soon found themselves turning, facing toward all those that awaited them, watching every move the young Queen of Scotland made. Mary stepped forward a pace or two, with Madelynne quick to stand at her right side, only a single step behind. Their newly reinstated ladies-in-waiting clustered just a step behind Madelynne, each of them peering around the Stuart sisters to catch a glimpse of the crowd. French Noblemen and Noblewomen lined the stone and rock walkway, awaiting their arrival and that of their King. Dressed in silks, satins, lace and leather; each person found their attentions torn between the newly arrived Scottish Queen and Princess, or the shadowed grand doors from which their royal family would emerge.
"Oh Mary!" Greer exclaimed in dismay. "Your hair! Didn't the nuns teach you anything while you've been away?"
Madelynne snickered quietly, leaning into both Kenna and Lola as they appeared at her sides, while Alyee and Greer attempted to work something of a miracle on her sister's windblown stands. "Good luck Greer, I gave it my all, but those fly-away's want to do nothing but."
"And you!" Kenna laughed, soft fingers gently weaving through the loose half of Madelynne's own chocolate locks. "Aren't you the picture of elegance, with your contemporary style and fancy embellishments!"
"Yes, well, Maddy's hair has always been favored to behave over mine!" Mary laughed, quickly becoming distracted by the ever-growing pile of trunks at their sides. "Oh, Greer! Those can't possibly all be clothes!"
Her sister laughed, reaching out to take Mary's cool hand in her own. "Please, do you not remember? If the Greer I know hasn't changed, we'll always be dressed in the highest of Parisian fashions."
The youngest Stuart winked over at the honey blonde Norwood, feeling only happiness at the return of her closest friend. While Mary had always held a special bond with Lola Flemming, and a near maternal bond with Alyee, Madelynne herself enjoyed a close confidence with Greer, and always found ways of entertaining trouble and mischief with the carefree and spirited Kenna Beaton.
Greer flashed her a cheeky smirk, tipping her head to the side. "Madelynne isn't wrong! There's jewelry and silver too, you know. I'm making up in volume for what I lack in station, I suppose."
Madelynne frowned at her closest friend, fixing her with a disapproving look. "As if that would ever matter to any of us. You belong just as much as the rest of us!"
She felt her hand being squeezed by Mary's in reassurance, just before the fanfare of trumpets belted out the French King's arrival. Henry II of House Valois was a sight to see as he swept forward almost majestically, each stride laced with power and purpose, a crown of gold adorned by both rubies and emeralds upon his head. His title was bellowed out by the Royal Announcer, and he did not stop until he reached halfway along the front path, a brunette beauty stationed by his side. Madelynne narrowed her eyes, intrigued by the woman's presence, for she knew from many hours of study at the convent; this was no Queen Catherine of France.
"Is that Catherine?" Mary asked, her dark eyes transfixed upon the French King.
Madelynne shook her head in denial, already sure that it could not be so, her voice trailing in her confusion. "No..."
"They are still waiting on her," Kenna informed them, stepping up until her shoulder brushed with the younger Stuart's, aiming to keep her voice secluded to the small group of six. "That is Diane de Pointers, the King's mistress. So the rumors are true!"
She had been followed by the rest of the girls as they each clustered at both Mary's and Madelynne's backs, watching on and lending support with both girl's growing nerves as the moment drew closer that they might make their introductions.
"Unlike her, you'll have no trouble finding husbands here, ladies." Lola assured them, her eyebrow arched high in faint disapproval.
Madelynne bit her lip to hold back a smirk, only for her eyes to widen near comically a second later. The voices of both her sister and her friends faded into a low hum as she remained staring ahead, green eyes gleaming against the sunlight as she found herself in awe of the boy who strode forward from behind the King.
Like Henry, he carried power, purpose, and pride in his steps as he walked; and he simply took her breath away. With hair a deep brown much like hers, he looked like he had simply rolled out of bed with it, the loose strands being ruffled by a careless breeze. He was tall, she was certain, even from the length at which they were separated; a strong chest and broad shoulders, covered in both leather and suede that found themselves embellished with pieces of gold. His jawline was sharp and defined, covered with a faint hint of shadow and stubble, the thought of which made inexplicable heat bloom in her veins as she pressed a single hand to her stomach- a fruitless attempt at keeping her bearings. His brow line was serious, his cheekbones chiseled and high, but his eyes! Oh, the striking blue held a silver sheen that nearly stole the breath from her very lungs when they met her own, leaving her unable to breathe as his lips quirked upward in acknowledgement to her gaze, and those piercing eyes seemed to almost glitter with both mischief and humor.
"-is that Francis?" She heard Kenna question excitedly, her hand gripping at Madelynne's back, out of the eyes of those watching them as she leaned around to question Mary. "He's gorgeous!"
Not for the first time, Madelynne Stuart found herself praying that something wasn't so.
Being the twin sister to Mary, Queen of Scots, was no easy feat. A mere three minutes separated Madelynne and Mary, designating one to be Scotland's future ruler and one to wait in the wings; always learning and training just as hard, should the fates see Mary gone, but never quite in the spotlight. She studied the same languages, practiced the same strategy and legislation, excelled in crafting conversation and played at the game of kings and queens much like her sister did. But to many, she would always be second best. A lot like Mary, but not quite.
It was exhausting. But how could she complain? Death threats aside, and royal obligations pushed away from her mind, she lived a life that many wished for. Still, she wished for something that was hers and hers alone, not a cast off from Mary, or being viewed as a second choice between the two Stuart sisters.
And so, as she found her emerald eyes held captive by a pair of icy blues that couldn't seem to decide if they simply wanted to remain blue or swirl and mix with silver, Madelynne Stuart found herself near breathless as she hoped, prayed, practically demanded of all the Gods and the universe itself; this was not Francis Valois, the Dauphin of France. It could not be, she refused to let it.
"No, that is not Francis," Mary murmured with acute conviction, standing so close to her twin sister's side, Madelynne could feel her breath on her ear. "I know it isn't."
The surety in Mary's voice provoked a sweet sense of relief in Madelynne's veins, one so potent and encompassing, she felt herself sag backward slightly into Kenna's embrace. The younger girl let out a worried murmur that the youngest Stuart brushed off, clearing her throat lightly as she regained her stance, though her breath came at a much quicker rate than before. She hadn't realized just how much she yearned for the answer until Mary stated it was with such a knowing assurance, denying any possibility that it could be her betrothed they had met, nearly a decade before. It was like a floating high had overtaken her, one that didn't dim, even as the boy (who was more man, it seemed, than boy) broke their gaze with a sly smile on his face.
Or as Lola delivered potentially damning news in a voice that reached barely above a whisper as she leaned her head of brunette curls between both Mary and Madelynne's ears.
"Then that must be Sebastian!" She breathed, still holding a tone of disapproval. "The King's bastard, Diane's son."
Madelynne frowned at the derogatory title; she had never been one to appreciate the distinction of "bastard" on a child. While she did not condone adultery either, it was hardly the child's fault, was it? It wasn't as if they could help the circumstance of their own birth into the world.
"Don't worry Maddy," Kenna's tone was playful as she whispered, and the Princess stiffened when she found herself caught out. "I hear the King favors him, and I won't tell your secret!"
The green-eyed girl narrowed her eyes impishly, reaching out to bop the younger girl gently on the nose before they giggled together, and the lighter brunette gave her hip a reassuring squeeze. Out of them all, it was probably best that it was Kenna to have noticed the distraction Sebastian had proved to be for Madelynne. Greer, who always had to mind her every mistake with a lack of title, would never approve of such a dalliance. Alyee, still young and a bit naive, would sing of a possible crush to the others. Judging by her own judgement in Lola's voice, she would never approve either. And Mary, her sweet sister and Queen Mary, would remind her that of which her mother always did; she would be married for alliances, not for attraction, and certainly not simply for love. Those with royal blood typically lacked luck in matters of the heart.
Except Mary, of course. She had been in love with Francis since they were seven, and had not stopped singing his praises since. Madelynne had endless sleepless nights to prove it.
Once again, trumpets took to the air in fanfare, and Madelynne found herself jolting as she startled after being submerged so deeply within her thoughts. Her eyes snapped up from where they had drifted to the lush green of the grasses, finding themselves drawn to the approach of a second woman. Where Diane was a rich brunette with a seemingly easy and welcoming, if not slightly arrogant, appearance; this woman was the complete opposite. The blonde of her hair had faded into a darker blonde with age, and the line of her face had changed from youthful to severe. Her eyes were cold as they appraised the Stuart's arrival, sending an ominous shiver down the youngest royal's spine as a surge of malice seemed to drench her, making her shudder and take a step back. The heat of Kenna and Lola near her back had disappeared, and this time it was Mary's sudden grip at her hand, fingers tightly interlaced, that held the Crown Princess of Scotland in place. Ill-intent practically radiated from the merciless form of Catherine, Queen of France. She was absolutely nothing like the maternal figure Madelynne remembered, and she found herself saddened by the thought.
The feeling was short-lived however, as Mary suddenly inhaled sharply by her side, nearly squeezing the blood from her very fingers. Madelynne's head snapped toward her, eyes assessing her sister, whose own eyes had grown wide as her lips parted. It was a look that felt familiar, considering she had worn almost the exact same expression only moments before.
As she turned, the young Princess soon understood exactly why.
Francis the second of House Valois was just as much a sight to behold as his older half-brother. With hair that looked to be silken gold hanging in gentle waves to his ears and ruffled up against the back of his neck, and eyes a sharp blue that were clear like glass; he was an Apollo to Sebastian's Ares, she thought. Just as strong and defined, all chiseled features and sharp angles, but he was the day where Sebastian was the night. Still, they shared in their captivating gazes, proving more than capable to hold one prisoner. And he looked to be nothing like the clumsy, awkward child she had once known, with too big teeth and blonde fuzz for hair.
She swallowed harshly as he came to a slow stop a few steps before them, blue eyes trailing over each of the girls, lingering here and there, prompting a fluttery feeling in the pit of their stomachs. Flattered as she might be, Madelynne soon found herself pulling an awestruck Mary before her, giving her elder twin sister a gentle push forward before she backed away toward their ladies, purposefully breaking the Dauphin's gaze as she dipped her head down and let her knees bend in a low curtsy.
"Your Grace, Your Highness." Francis greeted them, his voice slipping over like satin and silk.
Madelynne inclined her head once more, but remained quiet, determined to assure that the attention remain on her Queen of a sister. Though, if Mary's smile grew any wider, she would begin to wonder if they could count all of her sister's teeth. The darker haired Stuart girl stumbled through her introduction, bidding the Crown Prince to call her by her given name without any title, before she went on to comment about his growth. Madelynne found herself snickering quietly with the other girls, quickly lifting a hand to muffle the sound when she found the blue-eyed gaze of Francis on her, and could practically feel Mary's ire. Biting at her lip, she busied herself with looking back toward the crowd of nobles and royals both awaiting them, missing the way both Kenna and Greer backed away from her, each of the girls muttering as a stranger took place among them.
"-legs were always so much longer than mine. I hated that when we were little, you know-"
"Oh, dear." Madelynne muttered, wincing visibly.
"Did your Queen just comment on my brother's...legs?"
The deep, gravelly voice whispered its way into her ear, prompting her to draw in a sharp breath. Her hands flew to her chest, pressing there as it rose and fell quickly in her surprise, green orbs wide open and lips parted on the edge of a scream. Behind her, a chest rumbled with laughter, the feel of it sending a shiver coursing down her spine, and the Princess spun quickly to find the same boy who had captured each of her attentions there, standing tall with an amused grin on his face and laughter in his eyes.
She opened her mouth to chastise him, then closed it again, unable to find words as Sebastian de Pointers bowed to her, and her head inclined in return.
"Your Highness," He greeted, his voice still full of laughter.
She narrowed her eyes, the tip of her nose rising ever so slightly. "My Lord."
The title seemed to quiet his humor and he stood to his full height again, his warm body radiating heat into hers as he towered over her, eyeing her speculatively. Those silvery blue eyes seemed to almost freeze her in place as they danced along her skin, a feeling that was tangible, like silken fingers tracing her form. She breathed in sharply, the quiet sound breaking them each from their trance as he glanced up, as did she, finding that Mary and Francis had lapsed into silence, before the sunlit blonde offered his arm to her sister. Madelynne turned to join her and her sister's ladies, halting only when she found a strong arm and crooked elbow awaiting her, piercing blue eyes staring back at her from above.
"If I may, Your Highness," Sebastian hummed, arching a brow as he tipped his head toward the walkway, lined with red velvet. "You seem to need an escort."
The Princess paused only a second, ignoring the whispers of the girls and the gaze that seemed to burn into her from behind, before placing her hand securely in his, trying and failing to still the ripple of a shiver that walked its way along her spine when she felt the contrast of his rougher hand against hers.
"Madelynne," She whispered, glancing up to lock eyes with him once more. "Please, call me Madelynne."
It was silent a moment before he spoke, his tone much lower, almost raspy as he spoke. "Sebastian."
They turned in rhythm, their steps aligned and nearly synchronized as the duo followed along behind their siblings, with the small group of four ladies scurrying along after them. Eyes watched her every step, waiting for any mistake she might make, but with a reassuring squeeze from the hand guiding her along, Madelynne Stuart found her chin tipping upward and her lips spreading in a gleaming smile that could dazzle any onlooker, mistakes made or not. The man beside her let out another deep chuckle, shaking his head in something like astonished mirth, before his voice caressed her ears, the mint of his breath stirring her hair.
"Welcome back to Court, Madelynne."
No editing Beta. All mistakes not caught are my own and my friend's, the author's. Anything driving you crazy? Let us know! We'll fix it! :D
-Heavy Lies The Crown; Story Information, Continued-
Historical Accuracy: As I'm sure most of you already know, if you really like the show and look things up, or you're a history buff- Reign has many adaptations to history that are, well...misguided, or just plain wrong. However, it makes for an interesting show! So, that being said, some of those inaccuracies will be depicted in this piece of fiction, and others might be added. That's why it's fiction!
Character Names: We're aware that some characters come without a last name, or their names have been changed from history entirely. In some of those cases, we've either given them a name, or supplemented the name that corresponds to the character from history. Such as Mary and Madelynne's Ladies; they're actually supposed to all be Mary's of some spelling, yet in the show they have different names. Some of their last names are the same though (Lola) or some didn't have a last name as a character, so we used the one they correspond to from history (Aylee).
Canon: There will definitely be some divergence from canon, we can assure you. We're adding original characters, and sometimes switching things up entirely. Be prepared! This will follow along episode, though we'll be trying to avoid simply retelling them!
Ages: In history, Mary is supposed to be fifteen and Francis is supposed to be fourteen (SO not happening!). In the show, we're not entirely sure what age they're trying to show them as. For the story, however, these will be their altered ages-
-Sebastian: 19/20
-Francis: 18
-Mary & Madelynne: Months away from 18
-Greer, Lola, Kenna: 17
-Aylee: 16/17
Pronunciation: Madelynne (Mad-el-ynn)
Shipping: Names, anyone? :D
Want More? Find out about these characters and even more! Everything from sneak peeks, casting calls, looks into their lives, and discussions with the actual characters! Updates and announcements will also be posted over the stories you follow and love! Just search and follow SassyfiedScribbles on Tumblr now, for your special look into the fandom!