Falling Out Of Favor
Chapter 9
The following morning Mary awoke effortlessly and was displeased to find that Sebastian had already gone. She glanced around the room in retrospect, but it was deserted and only confirmed her suspicions that he had left her during the night. Her heart felt as if it had been swallowed by a dragon with a fiery wrath, for she had desired to look upon his face when she first awoke at morning light. She knew being able to converse with him would have made her feel better about the day's upcoming events. It was then that she recalled that Sebastian was also going to the picnic. Smiling in appreciation, she shuffled under her sheets and reached out for the pillow he had used to rest his head upon. She pulled it towards her and took in a deep breath through her nose. Her smile grew wider as she caught his familiar scent. The memory of his face on the pillow was still at the forefront of her mind.
"What are you doing?" Aylee said abruptly entering into the room and Mary screamed out of fright. Aylee stood at the foot of her canopy bed with her head cocked slightly to one side. Her face was scrunched as she pondered what Mary was doing.
"What is it with this continuous skulking?" She asked frightened, looking upon Aylee confused visage. She then realized Aylee had no idea that Sebastian had frightened her the night before. "Are you dressed already?" She asked now sitting up.
"We leave in 45 minutes..." Aylee began still inclusive.
"What?" Mary yelped and threw her body out of her bed. "Where are my servants? Why was I not woken?" She paused and laid her eyes upon Aylee once more. "Have I missed breakfast?" She asked gesturing to the apple within her hands. Aylee smiled and tossed it towards her. Mary caught it and laughed.
"Eat and I will make you proper," Aylee rushed around the room pulling Mary's wardrobe together before daring to dress her. She pulled back the crumpled bed blankets as Mary washed her face. Once her bed was straightened Aylee laid out a blue dress with a black cloak. She listened as Mary's teeth crunched into the skin of the apple.
"Where are Lola, Greer and Kenna?" Mary enquired.
"Well Greer swore she was following. Lola and Kenna are still eating," Aylee shrugged her shoulders as she began lacing up Mary's corset.
"Not too tight, I'll be riding today," Mary said as Aylee pulled on the cords, "Something's not right," she added.
"Why would you say that?" Aylee asked taking Mary's dress into her hands and pulling it over her head. It dropped down to her sides in one smooth action. It was then that she shuffled her arms through the sleeves and Aylee sealed it from the back. Mary swallowed her generous portion of apple and turned to face Aylee head on.
"Why weren't my servants here to wake me?" She repeated, "and why aren't they here?"
"There are many guests still at court. It could be possible that King Henry has reassigned them," Aylee shrugged again picking up Mary's brush and sliding it through her bed hair.
"Reassigned?" Mary scorned not believing a word that had slipped off of Aylee's tongue. "He would not reassign a Queen's servants and especially not mine-" Mary halted in her speech as the door clicked once more and Greer entered.
"Most peculiar thing… there were no guards outside," Greer stated taking a seat by the burnt out fireplace.
"At all?" Aylee asked perplexed.
"Actually, I don't remember passing any on your wing at all, Mary."
"What?" Mary's tone became severe. "Where are my guards?"
"When I left King Henry was calling everyone forth," Greer finished and lifted back up onto her feet. "But really, you ought to enquire as to where your guards are. Did he not assign you 20 of his best men?"
"Has no one detected that I am not present?! This is ridiculous!" Mary scorned agitated. She then turned back to Greer. "I fall upon you to enquire as to where both my serving maids and my guards are."
Greer complied with Mary's request and left immediately, whereas Aylee accompanied Mary down into the entrance. Mary was pleasantly surprised to see Kenna waiting for her, along with Lola. It was a rare occasion lately when Mary was able to be in Kenna's presence. They stood conversing in the entrance waiting for Greer to rejoin them. As Mary became impatient she noticed that it was bitterly cold. She observed as people rushed past her in cloaks and it was then that she realized her cloak was still in her chamber. She excused herself and rushed back to her quarters. Mary began walking up the stairs that led to her quarters with her graces still intact. She was determined to not let her shortness of breath betray her etiquette. The further she climbed the more she felt another presence. She paused instantly and glanced upwards. She saw Sebastian gazing over the banister at her. He was smiling intently at her as she continued climbing. She turned right at the balcony and glided towards him, a smile presented itself pleasantly upon her lips.
"Where are you going?" He asked. "The foyer is in the opposite direction," he jested.
"I forgot my cloak," she said pausing at his side, "I could ask you the same thing?"
"Oh… I'm just enjoying the view," his teeth gleamed as Mary's eyes rolled backwards.
"Have all the guards already left?"
"Not that I know of, why?" A look of bewilderment fell upon his facial features.
"When I awoke there were no servants or guards."
"Are you certain?"
"Yes, Aylee woke me and dressed me. Afterwards, Greer told there were no guards situated outside my rooms."
"Well that's peculiar," he sighed and placed a hand on her arm, as if to comfort her.
"You and Greer are starting to sound alike," she sighed and lazily looked at the floor.
"You obtain your cloak and I will go and enquire," he said turning towards the stairs.
"Greer is already enquiring," she said and he turned to face her once more, "should I be worried?" She asked with a glance of concern.
"Do not worry your pretty head; I am sure there is a perfect explanation," he paused, "or rather an adequate one for your majesty's standards." Mary smiled at his attempts to lighten the mood.
"Why didn't you wake me?"
"I left the moment you fell asleep," he shrugged.
"Oh… you did."
"I didn't want to risk waiting until morning light," he reassured her displeased face. "How are your hands?" He took them into his and inspected them thoroughly. Her skin had slightly peeled around her healing wounds. His touch was sensitive to her skin.
"They were sore, but fine now," she felt comforted within his grasp, but felt obliged to take them back. A noise sounded from the bottom of the stairs and Sebastian flinched.
"I have work to do," he smiled, "your majesty." He nodded one last time and disappeared down the stairs.
Mary fled into her room and grabbed her cloak. She then turned to her dresser and applied some healing ointment to her palms. After she had gently applied sufficient amount she travelled back down to the entrance, where her ladies were waiting for her. Greer had now rejoined the group, basket in hand and Mary was quick enough to acquire the information she desired. As she awaited Greer's response she placed her cloak over her shoulders and began typing the cord at her neckline. She felt the benefits already.
"King Henry scattered your guards. He sent some to guard your carriage and as to the rest… he seemed baffled. He insisted that he would find out," Greer shrugged her shoulders and Mary sighed. Her ladies watched as Mary's face became indecent. Frightened emotions filled her inside and she felt overwhelmed.
"Come on, you ladies can ride in my carriage, but I'll start on horseback." Mary said walking out into the gardens, her ladies walked at her side. Lola wondered whether she should comfort her, but decided against it.
"So barbaric," Greer scorned, "Which reminds me, you haven't eaten so I packed a picnic." She lifted the basket within her hands. Mary smiled and paused by her carriage. It was quite large and her horse was standing aside it.
"You did or did you mean Leith?" Aylee commented and Greer rolled her eyes as she stepped up into the carriage behind her.
"I wondered why you were gone a while," Lola added whilst jumping up into the carriage. Once they were all in Mary closed the door and walked towards her horse that was already saddled. It was white with black speckled spots on it back. She then watched as her carriage departed. The air was filled with the familiar sound of horse's hooves moving along the gravel path as carriages were being pulled out of the grounds. The surrounding horses grunted as the knights mounted them. Mary then took it as a sign that it was time for her to mount her horse.
"Do you desire a lift?" Sebastian asked as his horse trotted over to her side. It was brown with black hair and Mary was dazzled by its beauty. She leant her head back to look up at Sebastian, she felt as though he was towering over her.
"No I'm quite capable of getting up onto my own horse," she said mounting her horse.
"Very well," Sebastian replied looking away.
"See?" She said proudly and he glanced back towards her.
"What a great accomplishment," he jested patting his horse. Moments after it galloped off towards the carriages. In the moment that she let herself smile, Francis's voice sounded beside her.
"What a pleasant surprise," he said and Mary turned her gaze.
"Francis," she nodded whilst pulling the skirt of her dress over her legs. She did not want to expose any unnecessary skin. She looked ahead and saw that the carriages were getting far out of sight. She then picked up her reigns and glanced back at Francis, who was still looking at her. "Come on… I'll race you!"
Mary whipped the reigns of her horse forcefully and her horse began galloping off at an incredible speed. It made her jolt back slightly and it caused her cloak, along with her hair, to whip behind her within the wind. The coldness of the air hit her face like ice. Francis smiled and began riding after her, his heart felt content. He watched as she galloped past the Kings carriage and Henry placed his head outside the window to gain a better perspective.
"Be careful of Queen Mary, Francis!" He called after them. "Let no harm come to her!" He shouted and Francis smiled, galloping to Mary's side so that they could race head to head.
Mary's heart was running wild with excitement as he gained on her. Sebastian, who was riding amongst the guests carriages, watched as the two galloped past him and far up ahead. Their speed was unpredictable and his horse buckled slightly in fear. He rubbed its neck and spoke to it in a hushed tenor. His heart shattered into pieces of guilt and jealousy as he watched them ride happily together. He listened in on the carriages as guests discussed their recklessness. Mary looked back at Francis and found a smile spread across his face. His soft blonde curls were bouncing as he jolted up and down on the horses back. He enjoyed watching her ride freely, her dress spreading in the wind behind her like paint on a fresh canvass.
"You're wild," he said slowing his horse by her side.
"I am young," she carefully corrected him, slowing to his pace and he smiled in return. The two looked into each other's eyes.
"Either way, it's a nice trait," he gestured and Mary rubbed her horse's neck. Its short brushed hair felt smooth beneath her finger tips.
"Nice," she repeated with an uncertain tone.
"More than nice," he admitted, "It keeps everything interesting with you… never a dull moment!"
"I'm surprised to see you on horseback," she smiled with head forward but Francis still had eyes on her. He watched as she changed the subject. It was her craft.
"The king chose to accompany Diane in her carriage. It is expected that one royal should ride."
"Which is why you asked to ride with me," she concluded and her eyebrows lifted.
"Yes," he smiled, "but your presence is delightful."
Mary was overwhelmed by guilt. She had previously come to the conclusion that he had wanted to ride with her to romance her. Not because he had to ride anyway. She glanced back as if to see Sebastian, but found that their company was in the far distance. She felt slightly displeased at the sight of the fragmented silhouetted dots in the background. The sounds of nature filled the ambiance.
"We should ride back," Mary nodded.
"As you wish," he said, "but I will win." Francis turned his horse and galloped back towards their company.
"Cheat!" She yelled riding after him at incredible speed. Her horse faltered and did not catch up.
When she arrived back with the guests of court she pulled her horse up beside her carriage. Her horse trotted gently at the carriages side and she heard her ladies laughing inside. She did not want to interrupt them and she did not desire to join them yet. She whipped the reigns slightly and the horse broke into a fast trot. As she whipped the reigns her hand fell numb and she realized that her hands were stone cold. She held her head high and acknowledged that Francis was riding aside a carriage that wasn't his fathers. To her surprise Olivia's head appeared through the window. Her blonde hair matched Francis's perfectly. Disgusted, Mary whipped her reigns once more and moved ahead of them.
"Are you alright, your majesty?" Sebastian asked guiding his horse closer to hers so that he could accompany her side by side.
"I am fine, it's nice to get some air," she paused and glanced down at her hands. They felt as if they were glued to the reigns.
"But?"
"But… my hands are cold and they are beginning to blister," she looked at one of her palms and the grazes from the day before were beginning to turn scarlet.
"Here," Sebastian replied beginning to take off his gloves.
"Oh you don't have to-"
"I won't hear it," he pressed. The gloves were brown and made of rich leather. He handed them over to her and with her free hand she took them from him. Their hands touched and Sebastian let his fingers linger on hers longer than necessary. He rubbed her hand with his thumb as she pulled the gloves from his grasp and she averted her eyes to her lap.
"That is generous of you, but are you sure?"
"Your hands are important to Scotland, are they not?" He asked sarcastically and she laughed. Her angelic laugh caught Francis's attention. He was now riding behind them and was able to watch as Sebastian passed her his gloves.
"Well thank you," she said applying them one at a time. Their insides were lined with luxurious fur. The warmth of his hands still resided inside. She wriggled her fingers inside, enjoying their comfort.
"Mary!" Lola screamed from the carriage behind.
Francis's head was the first to turn as Sebastian and Mary were last to look. Mary's eyes widened as a man, dressed in the kings guard armour, swung at her with a sharp blade. The horse buckled as Mary tugged on the reigns out of fright. Sebastian acting on a whim jumped off his horse in a self sacrificing act. His weight, reinforced by the gravity of his jump, toppled the assassinator over. Mary gasped as her heart pounded in her chest for Sebastian's safety. The sound of metal rang throughout the clearing as the two landed forcefully on the floor. She watched as the two wrestled each other upon the dirt ridden floor. The blade within the man's hand shifted between each other's throats. Francis was next to join and the three scrabbled until they had the assassin pinned to the floor. Mary began to feel faint, she watched as King Henry glided towards them in a coat of animal fur.
"What in heaven's name is going on?" He demanded his tone aggressive.
"This man just tried to kill Mary, Queen of Scotland," Sebastian said over his shortness of breath. King Henry turned to Mary still upon her horse.
"Is it true?" He asked but Mary's eyes were still on Sebastian. He was filthy.
"Yes, this man made an attempt on my life," it was all she could muster as she was still in shock. King Henry then turned back to face the man now being held down on his knee's by Sebastian. Francis was at Mary's side within moments. He reached up towards her and she let her weight fall into his grasp as he helped her down off her horse. Mary, thankful for the support, took a couple of steps towards King Henry. She was unaware of guests watching from their carriages. Her ladies had flooded out onto the path.
"It would seem we have found our solution to the enigma that is your missing guard's," he announced, "Who hired you?" He demanded turning to face the man once more, but no reply came, "I will not ask again." He spat consumed by anger.
"Then you will not get an answer," the man, whose face was bloody, replied. As he spoke Mary observed that his teeth were yellow and crooked.
"Take him back to the French court," King Henry told his guard, "I want him beheaded at sundown for treason and for making an attempt on Mary, Queen of Scotland's life." Mary who had no quarrels did not respond to his penalty. King Henry glanced at Mary waiting for her objections, but none came.
"Yes, your majesty," they replied edging towards the assassin.
"There is a traitor within your castle walls," the assassin laughed.
"Their name!" It was not a question, but King Henry gained no reply. He turned his back and began walking away. He grew tiresome of the lack of retorts.
"Coward," the assassin mocked and King Henry reached for the sword within its sheath. With a mighty force, he swung the sword and decapitated the assassin's head. He threw his bloody sword to the ground as if his act had been effortless. Mary gasped and stumbled. She bumped into Francis who was standing directly behind her and he placed his hand on either side of her arms. He stumbled as her weight hit his body. She had witnessed many beheadings, but this one she did not expect. Sebastian yelped and let go of the headless body. Blood spurted from the neckline and oozed out of the man's decapitated head that lay at his feet. He took a few steps back as the body jolted repeatedly. He then looked up to see Mary stepping out of Francis's grasp and towards King Henry.
"Your sons," Mary began and King Henry turned to face her, "they saved me."
"That they did," he acknowledged, his voice calmer.
"They are to be rewarded… for their bravery," she demanded.
"You heard Mary, Queen of Scotland, reward my sons as she sees fit," he said to his guards and he then raised his voice, "I promise each and every one of you. If I find out who this traitor is, you will regret stepping foot in my lands. I will not grant you a fast death. You will pay the penalty with slaughter!" He glanced back at Mary. "I will give you thirty guards," he turned to his men, "Guard her well." He flipped his fur coat and stormed back to his carriage. After slamming the carriage door shut he then proceeded to yell at the driver for the party to move on.
"Mary I think you should spend the rest of the journey in your carriage," Francis suggested and she was keen enough to oblige. She walked over to her carriage and Greer opened the door. Mary looked down at the lifeless body in front of her and then up at Sebastian who was still standing above it. He was looking directly at her. He had saved her life.
The next few hours were relentless. Mary's ladies made attempts of consuming her mind with talk of life at French court. Mary ate from the basket that Greer had prepared. She enjoyed the rich taste of butter on her bread as the carriage rocked side to side. Her ladies joined her in eating. The guards that King Henry had given her circled her carriage regularly. When they arrived at the lodgings, Mary was surprised to see how large they all were. Her carriage past many smaller housing's before reaching the main lodging, where the royals would be staying. The smaller housing's were made of thick brown wood and Mary thought they looked more like cabins. They were built high and Mary assumed they had two floors. As the carriage moved along she noticed how far apart all these cabins were. Some even looked recluse, surrounded by tree's and cut off from all the rest.
Guest's carriages pulled up at the sides of the cabins and Mary's carriage kept on going. Her ladies gaped in admiration at all the cabins and the greenery that surrounded. Further in the grounds Mary noticed that some servants were setting up tents, assumedly where they would be sleeping. As they reached the main lodgings Mary was shocked to see that it was as big as an abbey. There were three floors of windows and it was also made of wood. Mary's carriage pulled up outside the Abbey after Queen Catherine's and she let her ladies exit first. Her guards were close by her side as she exited the carriage and was guided, along with her ladies, to her rooms. She was pleased to find that her rooms were spacious and majority of the room's furnishings matched the exterior of the abbey and its surrounding cabins.
The first thing Mary thought to do was to change out of her clothes. She washed along with her ladies and they all changed their clothes. Her ladies changed into angelic sleeved dresses and Mary wore a strapless dress that was held up by her breasts. Mary wrapped up warm as the celebrations were taking place outside. She put on a golden cloak as her black one was filthy after riding. Once ready, she and her ladies walked down two flights of stairs and entered into the grounds. The night sky was beginning to draw in as everything seemed grey. She found torches already being lighted along the path towards the beach. She met Francis at the Abbey's entrance and walked with him down towards the beach. Her ladies accompanied her from behind. As they entered onto the cobbles, that lined the perimeter of the beach, Mary found herself unbalanced. She also found that many guests were already there and that there were several bonfires surrounding the area. Francis sat her down on a blanket. She also found servants were handing out food and beverages. She picked up a roll and began eating.
"It will get cold here soon and guests will move back up onto the grounds, so we've lit fire's there too."
"It's already cold," she laughed through a mouthful of bread and he smiled drinking from his goblet.
"That may be so, but if you find it unbearable, go up into the grounds," He insisted and Mary nodded, "There are torches marking the paths so guests don't find themselves getting lost in the dark and we've lit bonfires up there for when the party finds the beach unbearable." He smirked and Mary took another bite of her bread roll. The two dined together and relished in the exquisite tastes of fine meats and red wine. "If you'll excuse me I'll make my rounds." He left her side and made his way over towards a group of ladies. Mary sighed and got up off the blanket. She walked to the closest fire and warmed her hand over it. She wondered how many trees had been sacrificed for this event. A servant paused by her side.
"Something strong to warm your heart your majesty," she requested.
"Thank you," Mary replied as she took the goblet from her hand. Mary took a large gulp from the goblet and was afterwards approached by Catherine. "Catherine," she acknowledged.
"Tell me, Mary. Why do people want you dead?" She asked, also warming her hands on the fire.
"My country," she replied bewildered.
"And what would a simple man want with Scotland?" Mary turned to face her. She acknowledged that Catherine had made a salient point.
"Many people want me dead for Scotland's throne, my head is a target," she repeated.
"Then why have you not secured your throne?" Catherine pushed and Mary's eyebrows knitted together.
"What are you saying?"
"When you play the sport of Kings and Queens, you triumph or you die. I understand how this game is played and I know what I risk… my wealth, my sons and my head. The question is… do you?" She finished and arrogantly turned her back on Mary.