HEY GUYS! I'm back with another huge chapter so get comfortable and enjoy it! and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Chapter 13

"Please allow me." Francis stretched his hand towards her. Mary wiped her eyes and stared at his pale thin hands for a moment.

"Do not worry, I won't harm you." He assured her.

Mary gave him her hand and he pulled her up. He stood a few inches taller than her but nowhere near as tall as Charles. He looked more like a boy than she remembered him. "Thank you, your majesty," She bowed.

Just as she was about to leave him, he touched her elbow. "A word, my lady."

Mary nodded. "Yes your majesty?" Her mind was in a daze and all she wanted to go was back to her room.

"I wanted to apologize for my behaviour the other night. I was wrong."

At this point she wanted to just leave and disappear. She couldn't be bothered to be angry at him or feel anything. "No need to apologize, your grace."

The prince smiled at her, as if already expecting her acceptance. "Well I just wanted to taste what could have been."

"What do you mean? Your grace."

"You believed I didn't recognize you when I first saw you?" He countered.

He couldn't , Mary thought. He couldn't know about her.

"Well it has been a long time Mary Tudor."

She stayed silent not trusting herself to speak. The Prince walked around her and inspected her.

"You are shocked." He smirked satisfied by her lack of reaction. "There was no way I could ever forget those piercing eyes of yours. To this day I have never seen anything like them."

"I didn't think you noticed your grace." She told him as she regained composure. Mary steeled herself no longer showing him any vulnerability. He was French and she was English, she had to represent her country.

"Who would have thought that skinny girl would grow to be such a beauty." He told her in a pleased situation.

"I'm glad you finally suit your long legs. You always were a little awkward and clumsy." She countered.

Francis blinked at her words but chuckled lightly. "I see the Tudor spark is alive and well. I'm glad, who would have thought with your icy composure."

"Now that you know," Mary closed her eyes. "Please do not tell anyone about me."

"Why? Would your enemies come and hunt you down?"

"Yes, it's not safe for me."

"Well more reason your father should let me marry you. I can take you away from them and have our own little Catholic heirs." He told her playfully.

"I believe that would be impossible,"

"Impossible? Why? Because you are a bastard? In our eyes you are the true Princess of Wales.

"I haven't been in a very long time,"

"Ah yes, your bastard sister."

She flinched at his words and looked away ashamed.

"She is only a baby." He said. "I am 18 and what good does she do for me?"

"It happens all the time. I was 9 when I was first engaged to the Emperor."

"But he couldn't wait did he?" He smirked. "He was never a patient man."

"Do you want to get married?"

"No." He admitted as he crossed his arms. "But I do like entertaining the idea of marrying my enemy's beloved cousin."

Mary was taken aback by his frankness. The French were known to tell you what you wanted to hear but not Francis. He must have learned quite a few things during his plight in Spain.

"I'm not sure I'm his beloved anything."

The Dauphine laughed and shrugged. "You should give yourself a little more credit. I hear you are quite the little Virgin Mary."

She stayed quiet not liking how he mocked her. And she really resented being called the Virgin Mary. Mary wanted to leave but there was no way she could without insulting him or making sure he would not tell anyone of her presence.

"Is there something else, your majesty? I would really love to go back to the game."

The Prince raised her eyebrows in amusement. "Yes of course my lady. I had no idea you were having such a marvellous time." He told her sarcastically. "Especially since I found you crying alone in the snow."

She looked away embarrassed that he found her in a vulnerable situation. "Please my Lord, I ask for your word to keep this between us."

"And what will you do for me?" He smirked and brushed a bit of snow out of her hair.

"My eternal gratitude." She narrowed her icy eyes into his deep brown eyes.

The younger man suddenly stood right against her. "Are you anyone one's beloved?" He whispered into her ear.

Mary shuddered and pulled away from him. "Does it matter?"

"I think your virtuous self wouldn't let you be anyone's mistress unless you're married. Your father's unshakeable position regarding our betrothal makes me think you are already married. But now the question is who?"

Now Mary began to panic, everything was unravelling itself and the wrong person knew everything. She could feel her ears pound and her heart race. What did she do?

"Mary." She heard him call from behind her. Mary spun her heel and stared at his wide eyed.

"Charles." He couldn't have come at the worse time.

"Where have you been?" He stopped when he noticed they weren't alone. He stiffened when he saw the Dauphine. He looked between them in confusion until he saw the Dauphine's hand on Mary's elbow. Charles narrowed his eyes feeling bothered at the fact the young boy has his hands on his wife.

"Your majesty," He immediately bowed. "Forgive the intrusion."

"Oh no need at all, Suffolk." The younger man told him, "Although I do remember seeing you a few nights ago at my…little gathering."

Charles hesitated. "Yes, I may walked by."

"My brother Henry told me you left with someone."

Mary stared at Charles in alarm who only frowned confusion. Francis watched the exchange between them and immediately roared with laughter.

"Oh Mary, Mary, Mary," He sympathized. "How low you have fallen. Does your father hate your existence so much that he gave you away to his lackey?" Francis approached Charles who was several inches taller than him. He stared him up and down as if he was measuring himself to Charles.

Charles watched the young boy study him but inside he was upset. He hated that he was seen so inferior by the boy and worse that he even mocked Mary about him. "How do you do it?" He asked quietly. "You have managed to marry two royals, two princesses. Please tell me I want to know. What is it about you that makes you like us?"

Charles looked directly into the Prince's eyes. "I'm no one compared to your highness."

Francis smiled satisfied with his answer. "As long as you know your place. We don't want your head to grow do we."

Mary edged closer to Charles sensing his uneasiness. she felt awfully protective of him.

"Well then," The Dauphine sighed. "I am sorry to know you were degraded so unfairly. Hard to believe some of us who are destined to rule great realms had it snatched it away from them so quickly. You could have married a King and be Queen and yet here you are with a mere Duke."

Mary narrowed her silvery blue eyes at the older boy. She knew Charles couldn't speak against a royal, especially the Crown Prince.

"I think we both know what it is to be kicked so low in the mud." She told him coldly referring to his imprisonment at the Spanish court.

Francis offered a small smile taking in what she said. "My lady, your grace." He bowed and as he walked away. "Do not worry, I will not tell anyone Marie."

"Can you trust him?" Charles asked as they watched him disappear.

"I don't know but something tells me I can."

Charles brushed his horse in a pensive state. He loved this part, tending to his horses. There was always something relaxing that causes him to escape reality in the stables. However, this time his mind drifted back to Mary and back to the Dauphine. Whatever happened in the short hours she disappeared from him had caused her to be like this. But he blamed that brat prince for everything. The things he said got right under Charles skin and he hated it. But it was the truth as lovely and strong Mary is, at the end of the day she deserved more than him. That he knew. With Margaret he rarely felt guilty about being with her. He would forget who she was because they were in love, she wanted him and he wanted her. Yet with Mary, things were quite different. She was thrown at him and left for him to take care of. His best friend's daughter, it was sick but even more disturbing she was his late wife's niece. He was her uncle for a short time but now he's her husband. Everything was against them and yet he fell in love with her. How anyone couldn't be captured by her. He wished he meant something more to her. Even though she had expressed some sort of reciprocal feelings for him, they are not strong as his.

***Flashback***

Charles watched Mary lie on her side away from him. She has been like this for the past day without any energy to do anything. He sat down on the chair and unbutton his navy shirt. "Mary, I can't help you if you do not speak to me." He told her gently.

"I know." She said in an audible voice.

Charles sighed and rubbed his temples. Women could be such frustrating creatures. "Could you at least face me?"

She didn't move.

Charles stood up. "I will be in the stables, if you need anything." She would come when he was ready.

***End of Flashback****

Charles stopped for a moment and ruffled the horse's mane. The horse reciprocated his touch by licking his cheek. He laughed and patted her head gently.

Just at that moment Mary appeared through the door. Her eyes were red and swollen, she looked tired and dishevelled yet she looked wildly beautiful. She offered him a sheepish smile and settled herself on the hay stack. She said nothing for a long while and just watched Charles continue brushing away.

"I think in a past life you were a stable boy or even a horse." She commented quietly. Charles looked at her and chuckled lightly.

"Sometimes I think the same too."

Mary nodded and wrapped her cape tight around her. Why was Calais so cold? She shivered. Then suddenly Charles crouched down at her level and wrapped his cape around her. "Here."

He studied her for a moment, she wore a velvet navy dress with golden stitches and elaborate designs of roses. He had this dress sent from Paris the last time he was in France. Her hair was carelessly pulled into a French chignon and her loose dark strands framed her face accentuating her features. Her cheeks and lips were red from the cold. The more he looked at her the more he wanted to take her.

"What is it?" Mary asked as she shifted uncomfortably, his stare was making her uneasy.

Charles shook his head. "Nothing, pay me no mind." He said as he was standing up but Mary grabbed his hand quickly. Then she pulled him close and rested her head against his waist. She wrapped his arms around him and closed her eyes letting out an exasperated breath.

He gently smoothed her hair with his fingers. "Was it what he said?"

"Not quite." She muffled into his abdomen. Charles had to breathe, did she not know how this was affecting him?

He immediately sat beside her. "What else could have made you this sad?"

"I lost the only friend I ever had and it feels terrible."

"Who?"

"Lady Susan."

Charles' eyes widened in surprise. "Lord White's daughter? The one who was in Hatfield with you?"

"Yes."

"What happened?"

Mary shrugged. "You, us…this marriage. She's in love with you and I knew but…"

"You couldn't tell her." He finished for her.

"Yes. And it was so horrible. She found out and she is now sent to France to keep our marriage a secret, away from her family. Then she blam-." Mary stopped not wanting to bring Kat up again or be reminded of his infidelities. "This is ridiculous."

"No." He comforted her as he rested his hand on her shoulder. "Losing a close friend is painful. Besides this is really all my fault."

"No, its not. It's our situation."

Mary gazed at Charles for a long moment. "I envy you."

Charles was caught off guard by her confession.

"I shouldn't but I do. You are my husband and yet here I am jealous."

"Why?"

"I envy that you are so desired and loved by so many people."

He stared at Mary, he hated to pity her but he did at times. She had a difficult upbringing with people easily abandoning her, leaving her with her governess and the Spanish Ambassador.

"Not everyone." He whispered. "You are allowed feel jealous. You are human." He took her by the waist and pulled her closer to him. "I wish people could really see you the way I see you. And know you the way I do. "

"You say that because you have to."

"I say that because it's true." He countered. "Don't you know how much I am grateful to God that you came into our lives?"

Mary blinked taking in his words and looked away somewhat embarrassed. He immediately regretted how strongly he came on but she had to know how special she was, especially to him.

Since they were going to be honest with each other Charles also wanted to confide in her his feelings. "I hate that I am the one holding you back from a great destiny."

She snapped her head back at him and gave him an incredulous look. "Where is this coming from? Is this about Francis?

"There was nothing he said that I already didn't know." He sighed. "He's right, I am so beneath you and yet your fate is stuck with me."

"Why? Because I have royal blood? That shouldn't mean…" She trailed off nervously unsure what to tell him.

"I can name your ancestors from at least ten generations. From both sides." He took her hand. "Can you even tell me who are my grandfathers are ?"

She shook her head in defeat. "I can't."

Charles smiled knowingly and took her small hands into his. "You were born to marry a King and rule over nations. Not be stuck with me."

"That's not how I see it."

He sighed. "You are an heir to the throne and in many, many people's eyes the true heir apparent. You should be married to Francis or the Spanish Crown Prince."

"Did you feel the same with my aunt Margaret?" She countered.

"Not particularly." He admitted truthfully. "Perhaps in the beginning, she came with a large party and had many riches and gowns. I felt I was completely in over my head."

Mary smiled thinking of her aunt. She was very much like her father, always loved to indulge in the finer things in life. "That sounds like her."

"But it was different with her. She chose to be with me and we were madly in love." Said Charles as he reflected on his fist marriage. "We were also foolish and impulsive. We ran into problems because of it."

Mary furrowed her brows at him. "Why do you never speak of her?"

"Well, partly because I thought it would be awkward for you, I mean it is for me. And secondly, it's still painful to talk about her…I wasn't a good husband." He told her guiltily.

She frowned at his words. She never thought of him as a bad husband despite his faults. "I don't think that's true."

"But it is."

Mary watched him for a long moment. He was happier these days. Their time in Calais seemed to do him some good to a point. Perhaps, it was because she was able to be around him in public. Mary reached out for his hair and gently ran her fingers through it. He was probably the most beautiful creature she had ever laid her eyes on. With his black hair, perfectly symmetrical face, deep blue eyes and then there was his body, which itself was a body of work. Physically he intimated her, there was no way she could match him like her aunt Margaret who was so beautiful and passionate. She felt like a cold fish compared to them. Then there was the fact that sometimes terrified her. He was honest and open about his emotions and thoughts. For her, revealing your vulnerability meant you gave your enemies an opening to strike at least that how she was raised. Yet for him, being honest and genuine seemed to given him more power and love.

She stood up and rested her hands over his shoulders. "I know things are different for us because we were thrown together into a situation neither of us wanted. But I never want you to feel that you ruined me."

"Haven't I?" He asked bitterly.

"No." She pulled his chin up and caressed his cheek. "It upsets me that you feel so inferior to me just because you aren't a King. Do you really believe I want their lives?"

Charles weighed her words for a moment. He wanted to say yes because it was a life she was groomed to be. Isn't it also the reason why they are in this situation? Because of power hungry people who wanted a piece of the throne. But he knew better, no one who saw the things he saw and how the title of royalty destroyed lives.

"I saw what being a Queen did to my mother. It killed her and now my father is already..." Mary stopped and shuddered. "At least now I can have a chance."

Charles put her hand on her waist pulled her down on his lap. He pushed her hair back and stared into her red shot eyes, she was obviously upset at what he said. Her eyes glistened with tears but her face remained emotionless. Mary placed her hands his neck pulled him closer and stared right into his eyes. "Please don't feel like you do not deserve me." She whispered breathlessly.

He slowly nodded and then rested his head against her forehead. He noticed her lips and then without hesitation he kissed her lips gently. Mary stiffened at the contact, his gentleness surprised her and then she closed her eyes returning it. He placed a large hand on her cheek and deepened the kiss. She groaned as she opened her mouth and let him slip his tongue. She placed her hands on his broad shoulders and dug her nails into his shoulder. Charles hissed against her lips and then narrowed his eyes at her playfully.

"I'm sorry." She breathed feeling embarrassed. "I don't know why I did that."

"No, don't be." He smiled. "It just means you're very passionate."

Mary blushed at his words and looked away timidly.

"We don't do it often." She turned bright red. "But we should."

He raised his eyebrows in surprise and chuckled light. Hearing deep rumble of his laugh made caused a burst of excitement in Mary's chest.

"And we will." He stood up with Mary. "Let's return to our chambers."

Mary nodded and followed him. She was surprised to see many people out in the tent city. She didn't miss how the English subjects watched them curiously as they made their way home. Mary face turned red and picked up her speed.

Once they entered the room he pressed his lips on her soft ones, it was gentle but firm. When he pulled back, he stared deep into her eyes. " l love you."

Mary nearly doubled over, but she restrained herself. It wasn't the first time she heard him say it. Without thinking she opened her mouth. "Thank you." She responded awkwardly and timidly.

Charles blinked for a moment at her words. He couldn't help but feel disappointed however at least she was open.

"I don't know what you want me to say." She whispered.

He sighed shaking his head. Mary watched his lips tighten into a grin as if he was in pain. He touched her forehead and gently pushed her hair back. "I know you will tell me when you are ready. Until that day I will keep saying the words, even if you can't."

"I don't think that's fair to you." She told him guiltily.

"Don't worry about me." He assured her. "I care that you know how I feel." He gave her another peck against her lips before heading for his bath.

Mary threw herself back against the bed resting her hands across her stomach. She could hear the servants draw his bath and then the sound of him undressing. She closed her eyes and let her mind wonder to the room next door. She's seen him shirtless countless of times and even felt him. Mary felt a shock of excitement in her chest and she blushed. She opened her eyes and felt guilty for thinking of him like that. But why should she?

Mary sat up and stared curiously at the door for a moment. She lightly fingered the laces of her corset and without a word she walked towards his door. She leaned against it for a moment. She slowly opened it and saw his bare back facing her as he dried himself with his towel. Mary eyes lingered on his toned biceps, the fluidity of his back muscles when he breathed. Perfectly sculptured and strong. Charles cocked his head to the side watching her for a moment. His dark navy eyes locked with her silvery ones. He didn't say a word to her. Mary looked at him bewildered and slowly retreated back to their bed. Her thoughts overwhelmed with a decision. A decision that her mind told her to wait but another part of her wanted.

Charles re-entered their bed chambers fresh from his bath. His hair was combed to the side and wore nothing but a black pair of pants. Mary didn't acknowledge him and had her gaze transfixed on the other wall. Charles knew she was in deep thought and when she was like this he normally would leave her alone but something told him not to.

Mary finally shifted her gaze on him with a new vulnerability he had never seen from her. She was a master at controlling her emotions but over time he could see through her defences. He went on the bed with his eyes trained on hers. He was completely captivated by her and soon he found it difficult to breath. Her vulnerability made the atmosphere tense and yet electric with anticipation. Against his better judgement he leaned in but stopped and searched her eyes once more; their faces millimetres apart.

Mary noticed his fervent expression and and then his lips, they were moist and hypnotizing. She felt dizzy when he came closer and her heart raced uncontrollably as she leaned in to kiss him. His lips melded warmly against hers; the kiss was tender and sweet. She felt a burn in her chest like she was melting. It felt wonderful. When Charles pulled away he searched her face once more.

Mary reached for his pants and unbuttoned it. "Please." She whispered not breaking eye contact from his.

Charles gave her a surprised look. He nodded lightly and captured her lips again. This time it was different than any kisses she's shared with him. Before she always had the sense that Charles somehow held back from her, even in their most heated moments. But not now. Mary slightly parted her lips and allowed him to deepen their kiss. He takes advantage and explores her mouth. Mary tentatively strokes his tongue slowly but still matching him. Mary sighed into his kisses feeling relief wash over her.

She felt his fingers pull on her corset and when he finished Mary broke from their kiss and pulled her dress down exposing her intimates. Charles took her by the hips and placed her on his knee so she could feel his hardness. Mary eyes flickered at the contact and he wasn't sure if it was uncertainty or anticipation. He grabbed the hem of her undergarment and gently pulled it over her shoulders. He observed her body, the lack of fat betrayed her youthfulness however she was still shapely. He knew it wouldn't be long until she would be fully bloomed. He traced one finger from the side of her cheek to her cleavage which surprisingly went deep. Her skin was so soft and supple. He cups her breast and slowly rolls her nipple with his thumb which made Mary shiver. He replaced his hands with his lips and tugs. She sucked in a hard breath from his actions and hearing her made Charles throat dry.

Mary laid back on to the pillows and Charles followed suit, positioning himself between her legs. She felt him run his fingers up one thigh which caused a tingling sensation in her places she never experienced before. She watched him lower his head between her thighs and placed a trail of kisses up her thigh. Mary let out sharp breath and her breast swelled in response. She arched her back in response giving him more access but he didn't go further. She then could feel his lips on her her hipbone, then her stomach, between her breasts and finally behind her ear. Once at her neck he kisses her taking Mary by surprised. She feels his fingers enter her causing Mary to gasp. He was making her wet and then he made another press in another soft spot and makes a rubbing motion causing Mary to let another gasp. Her hands ran up his biceps to his shoulders and grips them as he continues. She felt like she was about to fall apart in his hands.

Seeing her silvery eyes glazed, lips slightly parted and her breath laboured into short pants Charles withdrew feeling satisfied at her reaction. He wanted to do to many things to her but he didn't want to scare her. There would be time for that later. Without another thought he hotly clashed his lips against hers, this time he was not gentle. He came hard and crushed his chest and lips against her.

Mary hesitated for a moment until she hungrily responded latching her tongue on to his. Her hands stroke his dark hair as she toyed with his tongue causing him to groan. She liked this reaction from him it excited her. It satisfied her hearing him like this and wanted to do more but she didn't know what pleased him. He seemed to know everything, where to go and what to do. So she followed his lead and ministered kitten like kisses and licks on his neck.

Charles felt a fire flare across his body and weakened parts of him while strengthening others. She learns fast he noted feeling pleased. Then he took her again this time tugged at her bottom lip. Mary smiled into his lips, her breath flowing into him. Charles smiled back and rested his head against her forehead. He opened his eyes and met her gaze. She would never know how much her eyes affected him. He loved their intensity and how in a moment they could render him paralysed. He gently kissed her forehead and pulls down the rest of his pants revealing his hardened sex.

Mary eyes it curiously feeling her stomach drop, it was intimidating just like the rest of his body. He leaned down and hovered over her with each hand on either side of her head. His eyes tenderly searched her face as if looking any signs of why he shouldn't go forward.

"Are you certain?" He questioned slightly afraid she would say no. He was shaking and not from exertion but because he was so close to have her. To share this experience with her, to be close and connected to her. Something he had been yearning for so long.

Mary lightly squeezed his forearm. "I'm certain." She breathed nervously.

Charles smiled at her warmly. "We will be slow. Everything at your own pace."

Mary nodded and shifted her eyes away from him. She didn't know what she should do or what to say. No one told her it would be a little awkward. As if he read her mind Charles smoothed her hair and kissed her forehead to calm her.

Mary could feel as he slowly lowered himself down but stopped short. Mary could feel the pressure on her hips and instinctively pulled her knees up. She locked her eyes on Charles signalling she was ready. He guided himself slowly into her and began a gentle push. She let out a gasp when she felt a pinching sensation rip through her. Mary gripped his shoulders and pulled him closer breathing hard.

Charles let out a small groan, she was still tight and he could feel her body tense. So he stopped. "Shhh..." He soothed stroking her face. "You are fine."

Mary nodded tearfully and let out a deep breath. "Yes." She closed her eyes and relaxed against him allowing him to continue. He stopped one more time and looked down at Mary. "Look at me."

Mary did as she was told and looked at him ignoring the painful and yet strangely pleasurable feeling. She couldn't breath and she couldn't tell if it was from the pain or they way Charles looked at her. As if she was the only thing that existed. Charles leaned and kissed her lips as he slowly took another inch. Mary closed her eyes and moaned against his mouth. She heard him groan and felt his hot breath against the side of her left cheek. The feel of his warm sex inside her gave Mary a feeling of completeness. She regretted that she waited so long.

"I will start now" She heard him paused momentarily before he shifted his weight onto his elbows as to not crush her. The way he held her down made her feel safe and protected. He strokes her face reassuringly.

"I love you." He whispered and he began to move his hips. He moved back and forth slowly gently inside her. Mary let out a small cry and tightened around him causing him to groan.

Mary tensed and he groaned slightly louder again. She instantly felt self-concious and aware of herself. Her heart began to panic perhaps she was doing something wrong. As if reading her mind she felt his fingers entwine with her own and gave them a small comforting squeeze which snapped her away from her thoughts. "Don't think." he breathed rawly.

It wasn't long until Mary was lost deep in a stimulated daze but feeling peace and alive. Charles kissed her again and Mary responded by flickering her tongue into his. She moaned as he thrust a little deeper, wanting more she placed her hand against his ribs encouraging him to go faster. But he shook his head implying he wouldn't. Mary grew anxious she couldn't bear how slow he went she just wanted more from him. Mary arched her back and began slowly gyrate her hips matching his rhythm. An exasperated cry escaped both their lips. "You are still so tight." He whispered.

"Then break me." She countered. Charles smiled.

"As you wish." He smoothly drove inside swiftly and powerfully. Every hit Mary could feel her body stiffen and shake underneath him. He continued to thrust harder and quicker each time. All sense of time seemed to escape them as Charles pounded. She didn't know how much time went by but it felt like a long time. Mary's mind was spinning to heaven when heard him cry out her name and she felt a rush of adrenaline overcome her. She thought would burst into a million pieces. She heard another loud cry and it took a moment to realize it was her own. Then that's when she felt him explode inside of her.

He rested his head against the crook of her neck catching his breath. He could feel Mary's erected nipples heave hard against his chest. He lifted his head to study her. and saw her tear-stained cheeks. "Are you all right? Did I hurt you?" He asked her in concern. He mentally cursed himself for not asking her sooner. Mary couldn't say anything and shook her head feeling overwhelmed.

Charles wiped her tears and looked at her straight in the eyes. "I love you." Mary took his hand kissed his palm in response.

Charles smiled in response. "You need to rest." He whispered into her ear. After a moment he slowly and regrettably withdrew from her. He collapsed beside her and reached for her pulling her into his arms.

Mary leaned her head against him and listened to his breath as it lulled her into a deep sleep

Mary stirred from her sleep and let out a deep breath. Her muscles ached as if she had been running all night. She blinked disoriented and made a move to get up from the bed but was held back.

"Where do you think you're going?" Asked the muffled voice. She slowly turned around to face him and once she caught sight of his nakedness she blushed suddenly remembering.

"I don't know."

Charles sat up slowly and inspected her and then the saw the spotting on bed. He gently took her arm "Come with me." As he covered her with a robe. He took her hand and lead her towards the bath. When she saw the steam she realized it was recently drawn. How long had he been awake?

Mary still kept her eyes firm on the ground not quite having the courage to look at him naked.

"Go on." He told her quietly. After a moment of hesitation she de-robed herself. Holding her breath awaiting for a response from him but he only flashed her a gentle smile. He took a clean cloth and dipped it into the warm water. He had been up much earlier and made sure the bath was ready for when Mary woke up.

Charles knelt down and began to scrub the blood from her thighs. Feeling embarrassed Mary jerked away from him while Charles gave her a confused look.

"I can do it." She muttered.

Charles shook his head. "No let me. Please." Tone of his voice was firm but pleading.

After several minutes Mary started to realize how intimate this activity actually was but it did not help her with her feelings of awkwardness. She watched him as he finished his work.

He made a move to sit down on the bathtub and then told her to sit down with him. Mary looked down hesitantly and then settled down with her back against him. As he slide closer behind her and her face burned she felt his hardness against her. Charles gathered her in his arms and sat still feeling her body stiffen. He noticed she seemed distant and uncertain. He had thought she would be open to receiving him more affectionately but she wasn't. He wondered if he did anything wrong last night or perhaps she didn't enjoy it but he wasn't convinced that was the case. He could clearly recall her cries of pleasure and her encouragement for more. He couldn't tell what went into that pretty head of hers but one thing was clear she was uncomfortable with the physical closeness between them.

She dipped her head underwater to wet her hair.

"Mary." He whispered gently. "Nothing changes between you and I."

Mary cocked her head to the side and then looked back at the water not sure if she was convinced. "Doesn't it?"

"Are we not friends?"

"We are bit more than friends Charles."

Charles sighed ran his fingers through her hair to de-tangle her dark strands. He thought Mary would be different, feel different when they woke up but instead he found her timid and unsure. "Then how about we do not define what happened and do whatever brings good feelings."

Mary took the bar of soap in her hand and considered what he said carefully. "Yes," She nodded agreeing.

"How do you feel?"

Mary hesitated. "Shy, embarrassed, scared, intimidated..."

He frowned not liking her words.

"Thrilled, excited" She continued. "Content and satisfied."

Charles relaxed. "Just satisfied?" He teased as he applied the soap into her hair.

"More than satisfied I think. I really have nothing to compare it to but I enjoyed it." Mary cringed at her own words. Why did he ask her to explain her feelings? She was terrible at it.

She could feel him smile into her shoulder knowing her discomfort. "Was it how you thought it was going to be like?" He began to massage her hair.

Mary closed he eyes enjoying his touch. "No. Lady Salisbury painted a grim picture for me."

"Such as?"

"That it would be very painful."

He nodded.

" And quick. Over in minutes."

Charles raised his brows in amusement. Apparently Lady Salisbury didn't have high expectations of him.

"That I should pretend to enjoy it even if I didn't."

Charles let out a hearty laugh. "What? Pretend?"

Mary looked back. " I hadn't the slightest idea what she meant. I thought perhaps I should smile the whole time or laugh? "

Charles chuckled.

"You must have been anxious our first night."

"I was a wreck."

"If you were you didn't show it. I couldn't read you that night. You were such an enigma. Even now."

Mary blushed slightly embarrassed. "Is it that bad?"

"It is frustrating as it is exciting. You always surprise me."

***Later that Night***

They had to leave for England in the morning but not before a final feast from the host. The dramatics of the affair were probably to distract from the fact that they were going home with nothing. No betrothal and no support from them against Spain. The ones who took it the hardest was the Queen and her family. It was clear they were not happy about the outcome.

Mary sat seated beside Charles watching everyone get drunk on wine. Even Charles seemed to be affected by the wine her father kept pouring into his cup. The King hadn't acknowledged her since their last encounter and managed to avoid her gaze. Eventually Mary stopped trying to make eye contact with him.

Charles leaned over to her shoulder. "The more wine I drink I don't think I can stop myself." He told her as he took her hand under the table stroking it with his thumb.

Mary pulled her hand away. "Be careful. What if someone sees?"

Charles gave her a sly smile and nodded. "You are right. You always are."

"I don't know about that." She let out a deep breath and stifled a yawn. " I think I will leave first."

"I will come with you."

"No we shouldn't leave together." Mary made a move to stand up but someone grabbed her arm.

"Where do you think you are going?" Anne stood up from the table clearly upset and inebriated. "Lady Brandon."

Everyone at their table looked at Mary confused.

"You shouldn't leave without your husband."

Mary's eyes widened. What was she thinking?

"You are mistaken, your majesty." Charles tried to intervene.

"Oh please!" She laughed as she took another sip. "Your grace, you shouldn't let someone as pretty as the Duchess of Suffolk to just leave unaccompanied."

Time stood still for a long moment and Mary instantly could feel their eyes on them. The music went on and the French continued drinking merrily not noticing their English counterparts sat frozen in surprise.

Thomas Boleyn stood up from his chair and gave Charles a pat on his shoulder. "So this is the Spanish wife I have been hearing whispers about. Congratulations."

"Spanish?" Anne laughed. "What Spanish? She's the b-"

Henry slammed his goblet on the table and stared menacingly at Anne. "It would bring your King much pleasure if you sit down." He hissed.

Anne seethed at Henry for a moment. "As you wish, your grace." She told him as she reluctantly sat down on the table.

Charles immediately stood up from the table and took Mary's hand. Mary felt blood rush to her head, she felt like she was going to be ill.

"Your graces." He bowed, his eyes followed the King who stared intensely ahead into the dance floor.

"Your Majesty." He seethed under his teeth. "I must retire early."

Henry shifted his gaze to him and Mary. "Yes, of course."

Mary chest exploded as her father finally laid his eyes for a second time. She stood dead in her tracks until his hand pulled her away.

Charles quickly dragged Mary from the banquet and just as the door closed he pulled her face into his.

"Mary." He whispered. "Whatever happens next, I am with you."

She nodded numbly still in shock.

Charles caressed her face with his thumb.

Mary looked back at him in confusion."What does this all mean?"

"It means we no longer have to hide." He told her before placing a kiss on her lips. He felt relieved and freed for the first time since they wedded. He could almost swear out loud at how happy he was.

Mary looked at Charles' happy face and wished she could share his contentment but she couldn't. She was terrified at what awaited them at court.

...so that happened and that other thing happened...just my Christmas present for you all since I've been MIA for a while lol. If you made it down here I'm glad you didn't forget about me and this story. Please review and let me know how you liked it or felt about...a certain scene AHEM. I'm not good at love scenes...so hopefully it was okay ...I TRIED:S