It's a little short, but that's because it's Catherine's fault haha. Enjoy!

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Guest (1) [chapter 21]: Thanks for reading and you're welcome! I'm missing them too. Might have two more chapters for Frary based things before the children come back into the scene.

elder 441 [chapter 21]: That's not the only twist ;)

Guest (2) [chapter 21]: Thank you :) Here's the next chapter, enjoy!

Adorned with jewellery and a high-collared black dress with silver detailing, Mary finished her look off with a circlet and not a crown. She did not want to overshadow Catherine's day. More so that the woman specifically requested that Francis not attend.

"I don't think you should go alone," Francis told her, watching her as she fixed her dress so it wasn't too snug.

"I'll be fine. It's a small wedding, what could go wrong?"

"Everything," Francis replied. "What about Charles and Henri? Where do they fit into this? My mother is in charge of France whilst I am gone and if we're both here in Scotland..."

Mary turned to him. "Are you nervous about a new stepfather?"

"Why would I be nervous?" Her husband asked. "I am the main attraction of France, what my mother and siblings do is none of my business. I am happy for her, as long as it doesn't have an impact on me and France."

"And what about me?" Mary asked him. "Your mother's actions affect me as well."

Francis nodded. "Exactly. Be wary, Mary."

"I will," she promised him. "I'll bring Kenna along just in case."

"And if you need me, I will be nearby."

She turned and gave him a small smile.

...

Mary and Kenna arrived at the church just out of the village where Catherine's wedding was to take place.

The place was sparse, barely a living soul present as gravestones surrounding the small church. It made both Mary and Kenna uncomfortable and Mary pressed against her hip where a concealed weapon was.

"Catherine wants to be wed here?" Kenna asked her friend in disdain. "Not what I'd expect for the Queen Mother of France at all."

"Indeed," Mary said, watching as her guards scouted the area.

They soon entered the church once they were given the all-clear, feeling the warmth of the candles lit immediately when they stepped over the threshold. It was more elegant inside, Kenna feeling guilty to as judged it before she saw what it had to offer.

It was probably Catherine's doing.

"Mary, you made it!"

They turned their heads to the side to see Catherine walk up to them, rounding the pews to get to them. She wore a gold dress, her hair done up elegantly with curls bordering her cheeks.

"I was not sure if you would come," Catherine said once she reached them.

"A marriage alliance, is it?" Mary asked her.

Catherine tilted her head. "Now, that was a ploy, Mary dear."

"A ploy?" Mary asked cautiously. "Is there not a wedding?"

"No, there isn't," Catherine confessed. "I just had to get you to come here so we could talk. I never knew you'd bring a member of your flying squad."

Kenna narrowed her eyes. "You led Mary here under false pretences. Why do you-"

"Be quiet, the queens are talking," Catherine cut her off, dismissively.

"Catherine, I have good reason to turn around and leave," Mary warned her. "Now that you've insulted my friend."

"It was supposed to be you alone," Catherine replied.

Mary smiled wryly. "You obviously see why I do not trust you."

"Fair play," Catherine said, gesturing for them to sit down.

Mary sat down first, Catherine following and Kenna last. She waited for Catherine to start, her patience for the woman thinning quickly as the need to throw up increased.

"You believe that I am conspiring against you," Catherine told her.

"Are you not?" Mary snapped angrily. "Francis begs me to trust you, but I can't. You have never tolerated-"

"Mary, remember there was a time I supported you following a very traumatic ordeal," Catherine said gently. "I need you to show me the same compassion as I did towards you."

"You're jealous, Catherine. I do not even know why," Mary said softly. "Very well, I will hear what you have to say."

Catherine smiled. "Thank you," she replied. "For the past six years, I have been putting a plan into action regarding France and Scotland's claim over England. Henry went about it the wrong way, I aim to do it the better way."

Mary's eyebrows raised. "Go on."

"Elizabeth has yet to bear a child, and let's face it - the time is against her. No husband, no lovers, no child... Her people see her as weak," Catherine explained. "But you are on your fourth child, they see you as-"

"Strong."

Catherine gave her a nod. "Heirs are the best thing to secure your rule. Without them, there are clauses put into place to remove you. I know I've been harsh towards you regarding male heirs, but I hope you understand the importance."

"I do," Mary replied, straightening her back. "So your involvement with the English?"

"Do you really think I would give myself away as a woman of the French ruling family?" Catherine asked her dubiously. "I've seduced a few hundred men here and there, played along with whatever salvaged their needs and in return, I got the information I wanted. It is all for you and Francis."

Mary frowned deeply. "Why didn't you tell us? Why did you allow us to believe-"

"Francis would never let me go through with it. He could easily undermine or overrule me because he's king. But you, Mary, you are more understanding," Catherine told her. "You can help me and with your Scottish links..." She eyed Kenna. "Securing England will be a definite plan."

Mary turned to Kenna. "I believe she is hoping that your father will help her."

"Hoping?" Catherine repeated. "I am not requesting, I am demanding."

Kenna sighed, rubbing her head. "Well, my father's involvement in politics and wars are long behind him. He will not offer any men nor aid in your cause, Catherine. Despite what you've done for me in the past, even they can't sway his mind."

"Then, I believe it is time to meet this infamous Duke Beaton," Catherine said shrilly. "I heard he has not yet remarried-"

"You will not be my stepmother!"

"Who says I have to be your stepmother?" Catherine asked Kenna with a smirk. "I have other means than a ring and a contract."

Kenna scowled. "Then you will not seduce my father. Anyway, he is not yet over my mother and her death-"

"I know exactly when the second duchess died," Catherine cut her off. "I also have a way to make men forget just like..." She clicked her fingers. "That. Now, let's get this journey started. I want to do this quickly because Scotland is not anywhere I'd like to remain for a long period of time in."

"There's a problem," Mary said. "We are not currently at Castle Barton nor do we intend to go back until a few weeks time."

"I'm sorry?"

Mary briefly eyed Kenna before her sights settled on Catherine again. "We are on a much-needed retreat. But I won't stop you from seeing your granddaughters and grandson."

Catherine's eyes lit up. "Y-You're allowing me to see the children after all this time?"

"I am. Don't make me regret it," Mary replied. "Now, if you'll excuse us, my friend still needs to enjoy her honeymoon."