Trigger warning: mentions of SA. this takes place after Reign Season two, episode 9 "Act of War"
Queen Mary stood before the mirror with Greer and Kenna. In her loose fitting chemise, her belly was beginning to bulge. She could no longer deny it, as much as she wanted to.
"Go and get Catherine," she said to Kenna much to the other girl's dismay. "I need her here with me, now."
"Mary, Catherine will know this baby isn't Francis'" said Greer "she will let you die. She will let people call you a harlot, and potentially throw this baby into the river."
"Perhaps that's the best option. I don't want to live anymore and this poor child does not deserve a life where it is reviled." said Mary with no emotion, caressing her neck "you know, they said Anne Boleyn joked about having a little neck before her death. I think I finally understand the joke."
"Mary you don't mean that-" said Greer, going to clasp Mary in a hug. At that moment the door flung open and revealed Catherine with Kenna. She took one look at Mary's stomach then snapped her fingers at Kenna and Greer.
"OUT. now. And i don't think i need to tell you not to tell anyone what you know." she said. The two girls exchanged looks and then left the room. Mary collapsed on the couch. Catherine crossed the room and took her hand.
"I'm doomed, aren't I?" whimpered Mary. The elder Medici woman looked at Mary with uncharacteristic sympathy.
"No. You shared a bed with Francis not long before the horrific incident. People will think it is his. We can spread word that you were refusing to lay with your husband because you thought you were pregnant but you wanted to be sure before you made the announcement." said Catherine, firmly lifting Mary by her shoulders, "I myself will silence any whisper I hear about any rumors be they from suspicious nobles or servant's gossip. I will tell Francis, and you will make the announcement to the court tonight after dinner."
"And then what?" Mary rounded on Catherine sharply "you would help me pass off a bastard as the heir of France? A bastard that would usurp your sons from the line of succession? Or any potential legitimate children Francis and I have?"
"Girls cannot inherit the throne of France," said Catherine with a calculating gleam in her eyes. "If the child is born a girl, she will have nothing to fear from me. If it is a boy…. Well children, even royal children, die unexpectedly every day. My advice? Don't get close to the child."
"You would truly kill a baby?" asked Mary, only slightly horrified with her mother in law, and more with the fact that she was alright with what she was suggesting.
"Yes," said Catherine resolutely. "It is a common practice in Italy, one I am very familiar with. I could do it to a girl too if her presence causes you too much pain."
"No," said Mary, turning away from Catherine, "the situation in scotland is getting precarious. A woman can inherit the Scottish throne. My mother needs a living heir to use as a bargaining chip with the nobles. I would let the child live her infant years here, and then send her to Scotland to be raised in their customs as the Council would wish."
"Then it seems we have a plan." said Catherine rising from the sofa "Take a bath, fix your hair and have Kenna do your makeup. You need to look stunning and glowing for the announcement. I will deal with Francis."
The Queen Mother opened the door and Greer and Kenna almost fell into the room. She gave both of the ladies a sharp look.
"While you were eavesdropping, did you let anyone approach this door?" both girls shook their heads "Good. Now, attend to your queen, I have work to do."
As Catherine stomped past them, Greer and Kenna slowly entered the room. They exchanged an uneasy glance before Kenna squared her shoulders and became the flawless courtier once more.
"I'll tell the servants to run a bath and I'll go to Bash and my chambers and get some oils for your skin. They will make you glow like the moon." with a flourish she left the room, leaving a shell shocked Greer and stony faced Mary in her wake.
"Can you do this?" asked Greer gently touching Mary's shoulder. Mary brushed a stray tear from her cheek.
"I don't have a choice."