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Guest [chapter 79]: We're back with chapter 80 and soon we'll be moving to the future years. Perhaps this can end at one hundred chapters, we'll see :)
Mary stepped back as the tall box was wheeled into the castle, rounding the object to inspect it. "Where is it from?" She asked the guard.
"Sweden, Majesty," the guard replied, dismissing the men who delivered it. "King Oskar sent it for his bride."
"Oh?" Mary asked, turning to see her husband's raised eyebrows at the item as he walked over. "For Anne."
He grinned. "Young love, Mary," he replied. "Have it taken to her rooms."
He led his wife away as the guards struggled to transport the heavy item towards Anne's bedchambers. Mary didn't see the use, it was only going to be taken back to Sweden when her daughter became queen next year. She still couldn't believe that her darling daughter was going to be the same ranking as her.
To her, Anne was still her baby.
"I miss her already," Mary said sadly even though Anne was clearly playing chase with her siblings outside under their parents' newly-found observation. "They're growing up so quickly before our eyes. Even Caterina walks." She laughed when the baby tumbled over and was quickly brought up by James.
"That's what children do, Mary," Francis said fondly. "They grow up."
"Hmm," she hummed, reaching out for his hand.
He easily caught it, warming what was once a cold hand. "I love you," he told her, keeping his gaze on their children.
"I love you too, Francis. Forever and always," was his wife's soft reply as she continued to observe her playful children.
...
"Seems like Oskar misses you greatly," Rose told her sister as they both eyed the life-size statue of Anne. She grabbed the letter. "Made in Italy by a great sculptor!"
Anne laughed wryly, taking the letter for herself. "He's so sweet."
"Aren't you lucky you have a loving husband already?" Rose replied although there was a hint of jealousy in her tone which Anne picked up.
I'm usually the jealous one. What's Rose got to be jealous of? Being a queen in her own standing one day..., Anne thought, brushing her sister's hair away from her face.
"Talk to me."
Rose sighed. "James Darnley, our cousin," she began. "I know he's to be my husband but I can't help but think it's quite unfair. You have more freedom to choose to your heart's desire."
"Rose, you are quite luckier than me," Anne replied, shocked. "Mother and Father were engaged since they were six years of age and look, they fell in love and had us and the boys and Little Cat. Their love is one for the stories, one for the decades and centuries! I'm just uniting Sweden and France & Scotland in an alliance but you'll make alliances. You get to make the decisions and not be the breeding mare with a crown on top of her head as I will be. You will be as strong and fair as Mother and as just and kind as Father."
Tears sprung to Rose's eyes. "Do you really think so?"
Anne beamed, nodding. "I know so. And you never know, he may just be a kind husband. I hear he's quite sensitive."
"Father's sensitive," Rose mumbled.
"Exactly," Anne said with a giggle. "I think you and James will be just fine."
...
"Y-Your Majesties," a nervous fourteen-year-old James Stuart, son of Henry Stuart said, bowing low.
"Lord Stuart," Francis said, nodding and gesturing for him to stand. "I should have seen you the moment you stepped into France but I was otherwise indisposed."
James nodded nervously. "It is fine, Your Majesty."
"I trust you have been cared for properly during your stay here?"
"I have, Your Majesty," James said. "You have been very gracious hosts." His eyes flickered over to Mary. "Your Majesties."
Mary smiles gently. "You need not be so worried, James. We are not here to hurt you. We wish to protect you, from your father."
"I know what type of man he is," James told them. "I-I'm not like him."
"We know," Francis replied. "We want to protect you."
James frowned deeply. "Why would you want to protect me? You took me from my home and brought me to another country."
"You said it yourself," Mary started. "You know what type of father you have and we do not want to see an innocent child caught in the middle of our war against him. We are not using you as a bargaining chip over him, he does not care for you in the first place. We only hope that you grow up happy and not scared, looking over your shoulder for the day he comes and does you harm. James, you are innocent and we know that. So let us protect you."
James finally nodded, a soft smile of relief on his face. He could trust them and perhaps, find happiness away from his evil father.
"Thank you, Your Majesties."
Mary laughed wryly. "We're cousins, but you may call us uncle and aunt. If that is what you wish? The formalities between family are too much."
"Thank you, Aunt and Uncle," James said.
As they headed back to the hall, Mary suggested, "We should introduce him to the children. I am sure John, Robin, Anne and Rose can be good friends of his, children his age."
"We will see," Francis replied. "I am still wary."
"I know but he is a child-"
"Henry Stuart's child," Francis reminded her. "The same Lord Darnley who wishes you dead. Who murdered your private secretary."
Mary sighed heavily. "I know, Francis. But to ensure that he is on our side, we need to treat him like he is. You saw him whenever Darnley was mentioned, he's terrified!"
"I trust your judgement-"
"Don't patronise me-"
"I'm not," Francis quickly said, cupping her cheeks. "I genuinely trust your judgement. I want you to take the lead with matters concerning Scotland. She is yours."
Mary smiles brightly, squeezing his forearms gently. "Thank you," she replied, kissing him. "Now, I think I want to take a look at the gift the Swedes sent our daughter before we attend Court."
He chuckled, taking her back the other way.