AUTHOR'S NOTE: A handful of people have commented on my reference to the song Clarity – Zedd in my previous chapter and have mentioned how they admired it. From each chapter on I am going to reference a line to a song in which I think suits Mash. Thank you for all the great feedback!

Falling Out Of Favour

Chapter 7

Sebastian woke with an abrupt start. His heart pounding out of his chest with excruciating force. He lay there for what felt like a few ages, his forehead laced with tiny water droplets of perspiration. He skimmed his tired eyes around the room and noticed that it was still dark outside. No light submerged through the windows as it should have done when he woke. In his slight movement of straining to look out the windows, he subsequently noticed his right arm was completely numb. Unsure as to why, he winced and glanced towards his arm. It was now eagle spread and Mary was lying on the far end of it. He now remembered that he'd had the pleasure of her company. Carefully whilst holding his breath he slipped his hand from under her limp body. He could barely control his arm's movement and he worried imminently that he'd wake her. After a deep sigh of relief he sat up slowly and moved onto the edge of her bed. There he sat for a long time wondering when his arm would regain its senses. Nonetheless, he waited patiently. A strange tingling sensation shot through his arm, like a thousand pins. In response he frowned and continued to wriggle his fingers. As he did so he took the opportunity to watch Mary sleep innocently. He grinned and aiding his arm, headed towards the door.

"You weren't going to wake me?" Her voice echoed around the room and he jumped.

"I thought you were asleep! Don't do that!" He let go of his arm and gasped.

"You're going the wrong way," she said still disappointed.

"What?"

The confusion on his face made Mary aware that he didn't know of the secret passage that led to and from her room. She climbed out of her bed, her bare feet pattering on the surface of the hard floor and felt her way around her wall. To Sebastian's astonishment the wall opened and he stepped forward. He stood puzzled beside Mary, one hand on her back as if to support himself more than her.

"I thought these were sealed off?"

"So you remember them?"

"Do I? I used to hide in these to escape the wrath of my mother when I was a child." He chuckled reminiscing on his childhood and then turned back to Mary. He then realised how much time had passed. "How many people know this is here?"

"None but me and- never mind." For a moment she thought she was going to tell Sebastian about Clarissa, but decided against it. She didn't know how to begin explaining it.

"We could use this passage to see each other," he suggested.

"I guess we could," she smiled and climbed back onto her bed. Once comfortable she spoke again. "If it meant I got to spend time with you," she used her fingers to push her hair back over her head.

Sebastian walked towards her, teeth glowing, for he was smiling greatly. He climbed on the bed and moved towards her on all fours. He kissed her passionately and placed a hand on his face. In return, she embraced him and kissed him lovingly back. He felt her smile on his lips and subsequently pulled her beneath him. Her body was light within his grasp. Their lips parted and Mary placed another hand on his neck and beheld him, romanced at the sight of his visage within her grasp. His eyes scanned her face for a flicker of emotion and then he balanced his nose on hers, so that they only just noticeably touched. Her nose was cold on his. She moved her hands onto his chest and pushed to a small extent.

"Go," she hushed. Reluctantly, he pressed his small lips against her tender ones for one last time and departed through the passageway. He pulled the door shut behind him and felt his way through the passageway, completely blind.

"You'll be the death of me," he murmured to himself as he passed through the stone passageway with his hand firmly on the wall. The visual image of Mary's elegant face remaining in the forefront his mind.

When Sebastian finally entered back into his quarters, the early morning sun had made its first timely appearance. He strolled towards the saturated window and distributed the condensation with his hand. The sun had ignited the morning sky with fluorescent colours of orange and beige. He turned to face his room and checked the clock on the mantel piece, it was almost 7.00am. In a burst of panic he changed out of last night's clothes and headed hastily out the door. He bounded down the hallways and into the armoury, still tucking his white shirt into his trousers. As he ran through he picked up his Épée on the way. As he left through the opposite doorway and into the hall he found his father, King Henry, standing there. A look of displeasure placed upon his face.

"Glad you could join me," he pressed sourly. "What dare I ask," he sighed, "time do you call this?"

"I'm sorry father, I-"

"You realize breakfast will be served in no more than 45 minutes?" He pointed his sword to the clock hanging on the wall and Sebastian pouted. "Which means this room will be flooded with guests and we have... What? 30 minutes?"

"Then by all means begin-" he lifted his Épée as if to commence battle.

"Who was she?"

"What?" He asked lowering his weapon, attempting to be as deceitful as he could.

"You do not fool me, my boy. You have lain with a girl this past night and I think not many night's before! Come, her name." Henry's eyebrows raised and his smile widened. He gestured with his hand as if to encourage the name from Sebastian's lips.

"I implore you, I have not!" He gasped in horror and it was returned by Henry's chortle.

"You love her!" He identified and Sebastian averted his eyes. "Such secrecy Sebastian! You think I haven't noticed you brooding? You turn up late... hot and flustered, may I add. Your cheeks glow! Now the name of the girl that has earned your heart!" His voice was stern and Sebastian felt prosecuted.

"Trust that the glow in my cheeks is on behalf of that which I am hot and flustered and that only. Do you know I sprinted here?" He smiled, teeth shining in the window light.

"My boy, spare me. I was once revelling in your current youth too. You are my son threw and threw," he grinned and finally lifted his Épée, "I warn you, secrets don't stay secrets long and one way or the other they will create chaos." Sebastian didn't reply. Instead he opted to swing his weapon at his father's legs and his blow was countered by his. "And so we begin!"

When they had finished competing with each other they heard the familiar sound of servants entering the hall and beginning to situate themselves around the room. As King Henry left to get changed into his royal robes he gave Sebastian his Épée. Sebastian put them away in the armoury and made his way back into the hall. When he got back he noticed that the servants were setting two tables up on either side of the hall. Sebastian stood tall, taking fruit from the platters as servants passed by. Moments later guests began to pour into the hall. As his mother, Diane, entered he joined her by sitting at her side. The two began eating and as they did so, Mary entered accompanied closely by Francis. Her dress was made of blue and white cotton. He observed as it streamed elegantly behind her as she walked, like wind pushing the ocean tide. They sat at the same table as him, but further down. Next to Mary sat her ladies in waiting, they pulled Mary's hair over her shoulder's so it lay safely on her back. With every bite of his food Sebastian's eyes fell upon her visage.

"Your eyes are not where they should be," Diane whispered over her morning porridge and Sebastian averted his eyes from Mary to his mother.

Mary sat side by side with Francis. He sat so close to her that she could feel his leg brushing up against hers. As King Henry entered with Queen Catherine the room echoed with the sound of people rising from their seats. They took their seats next to Francis and together Sebastian and Diane watched the four dine. He watched as Francis created small talk with Mary, his heart desiring to talk to her himself. Francis leaned over towards Mary.

"What would you say to a picnic?" Francis asked Mary. She swallowed her porridge and put her spoon back into her bowl. It suddenly felt thicker as it ran miserably down her throat.

"Oh… that would be pleasant," she smiled warmly, "who would be present?"

"Well-"

"Speak up, Francis," Catherine interrupted.

"I was just asking Mary, mother, whether she'd like to go on a picnic."

"Lovely idea, why don't we arrange one as a family," it wasn't a question. Francis rolled his eyes as he watched her nudge the king.

"If the boy wants a picnic, let him have one."

"As a family," Catherine scorned as if King Henry didn't understand.

"If I may suggest, your majesty," Mary began, "How about a picnic for everyone still present at court?" As the words left her mouth Queen Catherine scowled at her.

"I don't think we have lodgings large enough," Francis said.

"We do down south of here, just off the coastline of the beach," King Henry replied, "It will be cold."

"I don't mind," with her response came Francis's sigh.

"Many of these guests won't be here tomorrow." Henry said towards Mary.

"Then the few who are left, may they join us?"

"If the Queen of Scotland wishes it, it shall be done." King Henry raised from his seat, capturing Sebastian's attention immediately. The room fell quiet as he lifted his hands into the air.

"Could I have everyone's attention please?" His voice roared around the room and Mary found herself flinching. "The future king and queen of France have requested a picnic. The event will take place south of the coast line tomorrow. All those who wish to attend, please join me and my family in the foyer tomorrow morning. All those do not, I bid you a virtuous day. Carriages will be ready available, wrap up warmly and I hope many, if not all, attend."

King Henry finished his speech by placing his hands together and leaving the hall. Upon his exit, the hall once more filled with the sound of people rising from their seats. Queen Catherine followed King Henry shortly after. A look of persistence stretched across her face. Once Sebastian had finished his breakfast, like many others, he raised from his seat and took it within his stride to accompany guests around the room. Amongst his temporary discussions, he glanced at Mary and he noted her physique walking towards him. He smiled intently as she paused by his side. Her ladies paused a few steps back and entered into their own discussion.

"Forgive me my lords," she bowed to the guests Sebastian was accompanied by and they gracefully inclined their heads to her in return. She then turned to Sebastian as he pulled her slightly over to one side. "I wondered, what horse would you recommend for a long journey?" She asked as loud as she could.

"What are you doing?" He whispered trying not to move his lips.

"I want to talk to you," she whispered her smile mirroring his, "just answer."

"On horseback or carriage, Your Majesty?" He replied loudly, trying to act specialised in front of his peers. Her smile was bright and he felt warm to the core.

"I am inclined to suggest both," she said, "I may fall tired whilst riding and need a carriage to fall back on."

"A Driving Horse, best fits the description. Our strongest is Sagen," he said thinking intensely about his reply, "For horseback I strongly recommend Valentine."

"Thank you," she nodded and smiled at him all too warmly, for Francis's gaze was on her. The guests that were structured around them moved on and they took their time to converse in secrecy.

"Whose idea was this blasted picnic?" Sebastian asked in a hushed tone of voice.

"Francis… he wanted a picnic with me, but I suggested that we all go," Sebastian leaned back and sighed, "You are displeased? You would have preferred that I went alone."

"Well it's hardly keeping up appearances, is it?"

"I don't want to be left alone with him, he isn't you," she said and a smile marginally crept up onto his face.

"I suppose I could forgive you then," he jested and she hit him on the arm playfully. "You are where my demons hide," he sighed and Mary smiled, her heart fluttering. "I think I better move on, we're being watched. Your Majesty." He inclined his head and she turned to walk away. As she did she was met by Francis inspecting her intently, a look of pain reflected in both his body posture and facial expression. It was then that she slowly took her leave from the hall, her back straight, accompanied by her ladies. All four of them walked out of the hall in a conservative line and as they passed guests they fleetingly greeted her.

"Mary, please may I talk to you?" Francis's voice called as she entered the hallway. All three of her ladies curtsied towards Francis and moved along. "What was that about?"

"Bash works in the stables, I inclined about a horse," she lightly dismissed.

"For what purpose?" He asked smiling, intrigued by her reply.

"To ride on tomorrow, of course," she smiled amused by his response.

"A carriage is best fit for a queen," he acknowledged not in the slightest impressed.

"I did hire both," she pressed.

"May I join you when you do?" He asked hopeful, she turned to look at her ladies and then back towards Francis. She wanted to demand to go alone, but instead took a few moments to compose her response.

"I ride with my ladies…" She said politely.

"Of course, but-"

"Thank you for your kindness," she quickly finished and turned to follow her ladies. A soft and indelicate hand strapped around her hand and she was once again facing Francis.

"I need you," he said lowly.

"Don't," she begged her eyebrows furrowing.

"I need you and you're pushing me away. Do you like the person you've become?"

"Pardon?" She asked taken aback at his accusation. His tenor had taken a striking turn for the worse.

"I think of you in the dead of night. I need you, Mary." His hand touched her shoulder lovingly and her heart fluttered momentarily. She batted her eyes repeatedly, trying to break free of the illusion that was compressing her. Francis placed a hand on her cheek and began leaning in towards her slowly. She watched as his lips got incredibly close and wondered why she wasn't stopping him. Seconds before his lips touched hers she turned her head and he pulled back reluctantly.

"We can't. I won't do this," she exclaimed. Sebastian's face flooded into her mind as she desired nothing more than him. Her heart sank knowing she had seen Francis advancing on her and she hadn't stopped to correct him.

"I can't replace you as you've replaced me."

"I haven't replaced you," she wheezed, "It was you who replaced me..." the murmur full of hurt.

"Are we still not past this?"

"You hurt me, it takes time to repair… to heal," she replied as pleasantly as her body would let her. However, she was frustrated and infuriated.

"You just don't want to take the time to repair. I already admitted my fault."

"Your ignorance is soaring!" She burst completely consumed by her anger.

"Mine? Mary how blind can you be?"

"Have you not insulted me enough?"

"I promise I never intended to insult you," his voice lowered and in return so did hers.

"Your words are truly admirable," she replied with a hint of sarcasm, "If you'll excuse me."

As Mary walked past him and towards her ladies, she brushed his arm slightly. Francis stumbled in his step and as he did his eyes caught sight of Sebastian watching them from a distance, surrounded by castle men. Francis followed Sebastian's eyes and they were, true enough, on Mary. Francis scowled at Sebastian infuriated. It wasn't long after when Francis's eyes were met across the hallway by his brother's. Sebastian sighed and broke eye contact with Francis by turning off and disappearing. Once Mary had been re-joined with her ladies she was stopped once again, this time by Nostradamus and his face was grave.

"May I help you?" She enquired. Confused as to the sound of her voice, Francis glanced back at Mary.

"I have foreseen your future," he claimed.

"I'm sorry?"

"Circumstances changed for you last night, as did your fate," he said and Francis began watching, marvelling in her interaction with him. Mary felt like she was covered in solid ice. She began to lose her nerve as she panicked whether he had seen Sebastian leave her quarters.

"I am sure you've had one too many of the morning wine," she nodded and departed. She had only took a singular step when his large hand grasped on her elbow.

"A beating heart in the night, pace unknown to man, will still your heart come morning light," with his words came Mary's gasp of horror. His voice was deep and without concern.

"What did you just say?" She scorned in a tenor of dominance.

"Only what I foresaw, my lady," he finished and disappeared.

"Mary are you alright?" Francis called as Nostradamus passed by him. He approached her warily. Her lack of response worried him. "Mary?"

Nostradamus had left Mary with a prophecy she had not and did not desire. Her mind fluttered and her legs became weak. Her stability fled from her body like water in a dropped cup. Greer was quick enough to place a hand on her to aid her. Leaving Mary's weak moment to no one's eye. Aylee accompanied her second arm as Lola stepped forward.

"I am quite content. I am sorry, please excuse me," she finally replied to Francis and her ladies began walking her down the hallway. Mary moved her legs but she knew that her ladies were carrying all her weight. As they got around the corner and onto the staircase her legs loosened and she gripped onto the wall for aid.

"I can't breathe," she said hot and flustered. Her mind ran wild with all possible scenarios. His vision made no sense to her and he had mentioned that circumstances had changed for her. She worried that it was because she had chosen Sebastian.

"Maybe we should loosen your corset?" Aylee suggested.

"Come Mary," Greer begged. Aylee watched as Mary's fluttered around their surroundings.

"Do not listen to him!" Aylee protested seeing the hurt on Mary's face. "Nothing he has predicted has ever come true, at least for us."

"Well that's reassuring!" Lola bequeathed.

"But what did that mean?" She gasped. "Pace unknown to man? That's unnatural and not of this earth! And my heart will still by morning? Did he mean I'd die?"

"Mary, do not let him crawl under your skin!" Lola also begged.

"This is folly Mary! When have you ever believed this man? Now because it concerns you you're worried? Do not take it to heart," Aylee replied.

"There is one thing though…" Lola said, "When has Nostradamus ever gone out of his way to tell someone a vision?" Greer's eyes widened as she gawped at Lola as she wasn't helping the situation either.

"Come Mary, we'll get you out of this dress and into a warm bath." Greer pulled Mary's weight up off the wall. As she did so, Mary tried to compose herself.

"I'll run ahead and get the servants to run it for you," Aylee finished.