August 6, 1559

France

Since the twins were born Mary had decided to stay out of court life for a while. She knew very well that Francis had to do his duty as the king of France, but she wanted to devote all of her time to her children, at least for a little while. Eventually she would have to return to official business, but not yet. She enjoyed daily visits from Francis and even Catherine De Medici. It seemed that Catherine was just as excited about the twins as Mary and Francis were.

On this day, as Mary was admiring the children in their cribs the guards had let in Catherine." My Mary, how are my beautiful grandchildren this morning?" She asked making her way to the crib and gently picking up Adelaide.

Mary grinned, she loved seeing Catherine this happy, she'd never seen her like this before." Fussy as usual, I can already tell, neither of them much enjoy mornings."

"Take it from me, royal children often are fussy all the time," Catherine replied and she chuckled a bit as she then laid Adelaide back down." Now that all is settled and we know our new prince and princess are healthy we must discuss the matter of both need the most advantageous marriage."

Mary's stomach dropped. Not only did she think this talk was slightly premature, but she knew Catherine would never agree to the plans Mary had." Marriage? They are barely two weeks old! Perhaps we could postpone such talks until atleast a year? We haven't even decided where we will be sending them for their education." It was customary for royal children not to stay at court. Most of the time they were sent away to some other estate, but Mary was not sure if she wanted to part with her children.

"Mary, you have not been updated on the recent political landscape of Europe, we need allies and we need to secure yours and Francis's still fragile rule," Catherine explained." As far as their household, well I can't believe I am saying this, but send them to Scotland, they will be safest there."

"Updated? On what? Is something wrong?" Mary asked, worried that she had missed something monumental.

Catherine sighed," It seems King Philip has come to his senses and realized that our family ruling half of Europe now puts the all powerful Hapsburgs at risk. I fear we may have war with Spain or Germany. Or both. Either way, your hold on England is still fragile and Francis is still newly king."

Mary was shocked to hear this. Philip seemed so open to an alliance." This does not make any sense, he's married to my cousin Catherine, and his son is married to your daughter."

"Yes, but marriage does not quench a thirst for power. Besides, Philip must follow his Hapsburg relatives in Germany, whether he likes it or not, and they seem to be calling for war," Catherine said with a grim expression," Which is why we need a marriage arranged for your children."

"Well I already have a plan," Mary replied and looked at Catherine, knowing the Dowager Queen would never approve," If Elizabeth gives birth to a girl, I will arrange a marriage between this girl and Henry."

Catherine stood from her chair," Are you mad? Your son needs to marry a princess, one who can ensure his safety, Elizabeth's child would not ensure that at all! Francis would never approve."

"You must not have heard. With special approval from the Vatican Elizabeth's child was made legitimate, meaning if the child is a girl, she is a princess of Spain. Not only does this further our ties with Spain, but it will also settle the protestants in England."

Catherine said nothing and she stormed out of the room.

Scotland

Elizabeth was still stuck and Scotland, and she still hated it, all of it. She hated everything about Scotland, except one thing, James. She had tried to make herself promise that she would not actually fall for him, but that became harder and harder by the day. She knew she had to marry him, but she could not be in love with him, her emotions could not get in the way of her plan, whatever that plan was. In honesty she hadn't figured it out. James would not go against his sister, but Elizabeth knew being married to the regent in Scotland would be beneficial, someday.

That morning Elizabeth sat in her room reading a book. She didn't like doing very much lately because she was pregnant. As she read she felt the baby kick and she smiled bit, before frowning again. This child was Philip's child. Her baby would be born into an already broken family, probably never really knowing its father. Before she could get lost in these thoughts someone burst through her door. It was James." Pleasure to see you your grace," She said and smiled.

"Pleasure to see you as well," He replied with a smile," I was hoping we may go for a walk today, we have not had time together in a couple of days." Elizabeth accepted the offer and the two made their way outside to the gardens. Usually she thought it was to cold walk outside, but it was the warmest part of the year so she wanted to enjoy it.

"So James, is there any particular reason you wanted to walk with me today?" She asked him and raised an eyebrow.

"I have received news from France. My sister has given birth to twins, a boy and girl. She said she has named them Henry and Adelaide," He said to her, wandering how she would react.

She rolled her eyes, not only did she not want Mary having a son, but the fact his name was Henry left a bad taste in her mouth. Her father was never kind to her." Oh happy day," Elizabeth replied sarcastically.

"Well I hoped you'd be more excited, after all, soon they will be your niece and nephew," he said to her with a small grin, but she could only look at him with a confused look." Hopefully your niece and nephew," he added before taking her hand and getting on one knee," Elizabeth Tudor, will you marry me?"

Tears welled in her eyes as she looked at him with amazement. Soon all of her plans against Mary washed away and all she could think about was how their marriage could ruin James's life. She did not want that. She craved revenge against Mary, but now she realized she couldn't put James in the middle." James I-" she paused, knowing she had to do this."No, I cannot marry you."

Spain

Elizabeth Valois had grown very close to her mother-in-law, after all they were both similar in age. The two usually spoke to each other once or twice a day. Today Elisabeth walked to the Queen's chambers." Please inform her majesty that the princess of Asturias is here to see her." Moments later she was let in." Catherine I have received news from my mother in France, Mary has given birth to a boy and a girl."

Catherine smiled," Thats is wonderful for both of them. Now marry does not have to worry about having a son, they have their heir!"

"That is not all she told me," Elisabeth continued," She also informed me of something dreadful that I believe Philip is desperate to hide for us. He plans to go to war with Francis and Mary."