p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"A/N:span style="caret-color: #eeeeee; color: #eeeeee; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.12px; background-color: #333333;" I want to put a trigger warning at the beginning of this chapter. The events of Season 2 Episode 9 Acts of War, will be talked about briefly in this chapter. There will be mentions of the sexual assault Mary suffered in the attack on the palace. I do not go into detail but if you wish to skip the second half, the page break is where to do so./span/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Are you certain?" Stéphane asks once he finds his voice again./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"She nods. "I had one of the maids test my chamber pot then threatened her for her silence." /p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"He runs his hand down his face. "We must wed at once. If this gets out it will ruin you."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""It is almost sunset. Where are we going to find a priest at this hour? And more so, one who will risk the wrath of the king and queen by marrying the queen's sister in secret?"/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Stéphane sits and ponders this for a moment. "There is a bishop one town over who owes me a favor. I'm sure that, and a sizable donation, will buy his compliance." He goes over to the door and speaks quickly to his guard on the other side. /p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Dria stands and begins to pace. So much was happening at once. She worried for Mary and Francis and what it would mean for them and their reign if word of Francis's misdeed ever came to light. She worried for herself, Stéphane and their child that was growing within her. Their future was just as uncertain. "My man will make hast to the bishop and be back before nightfall. Once the ceremony is over we will make haste to the castle and beg for their forgiveness." /p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""And pray we find Mary is in a giving mood." He nods at that. "There are some things we need to discuss before he gets back. Should anything happen to Mary and Francis before they secure an heir, I am next in line for my throne, for Scotland. This is a fact that I am sure you are aware of."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""If you're worried about the Crown Matrimonial…"/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""I am. It is something that I have to always be wary of." /p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""I will not lie and say I have not thought of it."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"She nods. At least he was honest. "I have made promises to my sister, my lords, and my brother James that I will not give over the Crown Matrimonial, no matter who I should wed. The throne of Scotland, should it ever become mine, would be mine and mine alone. Can you support me in this?"/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"After a long pause, he finally responds to her. "If that is your desire, I will see it done."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Dria breathes out a sigh of relief. "Thank you. For this consideration, I shall promise you that should I become queen, and anything happen to myself before our child reaches maturity, you shall be named regent to oversee his or her rule until they are able to do so themselves."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: center;" align="center"…/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"They arrive back at the palace well after nightfall, and find it buzzing with activity. "Your Highness! You're safe! We've been searching everywhere for you." One of the guards says as we enter into the throne room. /p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Alexandria looks around, confused. "Lady Lola was aware that I would be spending the afternoon at Lord Narcisse's estate as we confer about our upcoming wedding. What has happened?"/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""There was an attack on the castle." She gasps and Stéphane looks up in horror. "A group of rogue Protestants infiltrated the castle. There were some deaths and injuries."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""My sister and Francis?" She asks, panic setting in. Stéphane sees one of his men enter and excuses himself to speak with him. /p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""The king and queen are both safe. Your sister is coming to address court soon." The end of his statement is met with the sounds of trumpets and they turn to watch as her sister, her guards and Catherine sweep into the room. Everyone bows in turn as she approaches. /p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Something is wrong. Something is wrong with Mary." Dria whispers to Stéphane as Mary turns to situate herself on her throne./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""My loyal subjects… I reassure you that your king and your queen remain untouched. These murderous traitors who invaded the castle tonight have achieved nothing, have altered nothing, and will die for nothing." She informs them before standing once more and moving out of the room. /p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""I must go see her. I need to make sure she's alright." Dria says, turning back to Stéphane. /p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Go." /p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"She rushes after his sister and gently knocks on the door. "It is only me. May I come in?" Catherine opens the door and steps aside. "What happened?"/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Where have you been? The guards say you weren't in your rooms."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""I was at Stéphane's estate. We were discussing plans for the wedding." She says hesitantly when she catches Catherine's eyes, not understanding the brief look of fury that is reflecting in her eyes. /p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Mary lets out a ragged breath. "I will be ok Catherine. I need to speak with my sister in private." Catherine nods and with one final look at Alexandria, sweeps from the room, her dress fanning out across the floor in her wake. "You heard then, what has happened here this night?"/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Only briefly from one of the guards who met us at the entrance. What's going on?"/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""The Protestant minister that we were questioning, that was then killed and used as fuel to this fire… these rebels came because of that. When they found Francis was not here… they attacked me. One, the oldest I think, he… I was held down while he…"/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Dria's hand flies up to her mouth. "I will kill them." /p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Mary pulls her back as she goes to head for the door. "You mustn't. No one can know what truly happened here tonight. Francis was not harmed, the monarchy is still in power."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""The men… creatures, who did this to you cannot go unpunished."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""They won't. The kings guard will be looking for them. Francis, once he learns of what happened tonight, will not let them live." Dria goes to put an arm around her but at the panic look on Mary's face, draws her arm back quickly. "Please don't." /p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""I'm not going to hurt you." She says, but moves away as well, respecting her sister's need for space. /p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Where were you, that you were not in your rooms, really? What is going on with you and Narcisse?"/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Dria shakes her head. "Nothing that needs to be discussed now. It can wait."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""I need something to distract myself with."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Dria takes a deep breath. "Stéphane and I are married." She says quickly. /p