AUTHOR'S NOTE: So this fiction has four chapters left until the end. Yes, this fiction ends on Chapter fifteen and I'd just like to thank all my readers for being so involved. However, I am also planning another Mary and Sebastian fiction to commence after this one has finished.

Falling Out Of Favour

Chapter 12

The opportune moment after Mary's wilted awakening had not yet presented itself to Sebastian, as he desired to call upon her. Mary had begun to stir, but was not yet wholly awake. In the days that followed after he had provided her with the elixir, Sebastian had only heard of her first brief moments from whispers in court as he was not permitted visit. However, the next day when Mary awoke, she was instantaneously moved back into her quarters, in which she spent the past few days, bed ridden. She slept mostly. Guards had been situated more heavily outside her rooms, making it harder for him to get inside to accompany her. Sebastian was updated briefly every day on her developments by fleeting servants and Nostradamus.

King Henry had sent an Envoy to England, to warn Queen Elizabeth of Mary, Queen of Scotland's, rise and that if she did not reclaim her armies, that he would consider it her claim to war with France. Queen Elizabeth, moved by the letter, had subsequently ceased all fire on Scotland. Once the cease fire had been made communal, King Henry announced to the population that once Mary was well again, he would throw her a luminous ball of her choice. Sebastian desired to attend, but his father had not yet given him permission to leave his quarters. Sebastian worried for Mary relentlessly. He knew she was awake and well again, but he worried for her thoughts. He didn't want her thinking he didn't care, especially after they'd been so intimate.

The clock chimed eleven o'clock in his quarters and each individual room echoed the sound of the hands ticking on. He moved from his reading room into his bedroom and looked at the filled bath. At nine o'clock servants had been escorted inside to fill it up. He dipped his fingers through the surface and found it to be lukewarm. He stripped down of his clothing and sank his body deep into the water. As the water began to sink into the wounds on his back he recoiled, his eyebrows furrowing indefinitely. He gently washed his body, being careful not to reopen any wounds. He slowly washed his face with soap, indelicately adding pressure to his bruised brow. As he moved back in the water and leaned against the wooden surface, he distinctly heard the door creek, but no sound followed. Someone had crept inside and did not wish to be known, his heart identified the individual.

"I am sorry," he said feeling her presence. He could not pursue the courage to gaze upon her.

"Why?" Mary replied, her tone hurt. His eyes turned to his bath water, unable to push himself past the fact she'd ignored his apology.

"I couldn't…" his tongue faltered as he was not able to find the correct words.

"I have been bed bound and you couldn't?" She walked towards him, her tenor accusing.

"I hurt you," he sighed, hearing her approach him from behind. He still didn't look at her.

"No, you've broken me. It was torturous waiting for you to come and you never did." Her tenor was hurt, though Sebastian detected the anger within her too. He had been keeping his distance to help save her the pain and had only inflicted more. "Did you even ask about me?"

"Every day!" His voice raised in frustration, "turn around," he said still not looking at her. She turned her back to him, not bothering to argue. Sebastian heaved his body out the bath and exited behind the screen. The sound of rushing water forced her eyes to glimpse, but she caught nothing. She watched his shadow from behind the screen as he dried himself. Mary began to grow impatient as she watched him pull on his trousers. So she stepped forward and upon sight stifled a gasp. His back was to her and he was unaware of her presence. The towel was draped over his back, but she could see his fresh wound. Mary stepped forward and lightly touched his back, causing Sebastian to recoil in pain and shock. Her cold fingertips on his raw wound throbbed.

"What is that?" She asked gesturing for him to turn back around, but he refused.

"It's nothing," he replied bluntly his eyes now falling upon her. She was wrapped in her cloak and underneath was her bed gown. Her face was pale as always, but for some reason more translucent.

"Sebastian…" she pleaded and he sighed.

"It's nothing…" He mimicked. Unbelieving, Mary tugged the towel from off his back and reluctantly he turned to his side. She fell back in shock as she witnessed the horror of his back. There was more than just the one wound. He reached out for her, but missed his hand falling upon her hand.

"Because of me…" She whispered aching to touch him once more. His hand that glazed over hers sent electric shocks through her tingling skin. She knew now why he hadn't come to see her. King Henry had obviously had him beaten in her tribute and as a result he had recoiled.

"No… never," he said utterly convinced. His eyes fell upon hers as he foresaw her eyes begin to glaze. His eyes widened in panic. She was internally blaming herself. "This was not your fault," he reassured her once more.

"I'm sorry," she pleaded, a hand upon his cheek and he smiled.

"Why are you apologising? I give you poison that slipped you into a sleep induced coma and you're sorry? You're insufferable," he jested and she smiled slightly. She looked up at him, her eyes torturing his soul. He exchanged her hand for her body by pulling her in. He wrapped his arms around her tightly, unconsciously humming in satisfaction. Mary smiled, her head upon his chest allowed her ear to capture the sound and vibrations.

"How are you?"

"Adequate… fatigued," she said closing her eyes, allowing herself to find security in his hold.

"No discomfort?"

"All of my agony fades away when I am in your embrace," she replied and he smiled.

"As sentimental as that was…" he pulled back and held her arms in the palms of his hands, "you're in agony?"

"My stomach was sore, but now the poison is absent... my heart aches… your warmth is all I need," she smiled up at him and he glazed her cheek with the back of his fingers. He curved his fingers around and placed his palm on the smoothness of her cheek. He pursed his lips and pressed them lightly against hers. He felt her lips tremble beneath his and he pulled back.

"You should go, if my guards find out-"

"What guards?" She asked confused and he cocked his head to the side.

"Aren't their guards outside my quarters?" He asked confused.

"If there were I wouldn't have come in," she said frowning.

"Point taken," he said approaching his door and opening it ajar. To his astonishment he observed that Mary was right. There were no guards situated outside his rooms. "Come, I will walk you back," he gestured drawing a shirt from his dresser and pulling it over his head. As he stepped out into the corridor, he noticed that it had an awful draft. He walked close by Mary's side as he guided her back to her rooms.

"Don't go," she said as he paused outside her door.

"I must," he replied, his mind still latching on to her words.

"Please," she begged.

"What is it?" He asked detecting fear in her voice. Usually, she would have let him go.

"There's a reason I came to you," she said her voice beginning to lower.

"Mary?" Sebastian felt as though his heart had been threatened.

"I've been waking up in strange places… each night further away from my rooms. Last night I awoke in the foyer when a guard called to me." Sebastian didn't reply. Instead his mind ran wild. He asked himself over and over again, whether it had anything to do with the elixir he gave her or whether it was a side effect of the poison. "Please, I don't want to sleep alone…" He knew he shouldn't stay in her rooms, especially with the possibility that servants will check upon her, but he physically could not leave her when he saw her fear. His mind then fluttered back to Mary's peculiar behaviour. She had openly begged him as well as displaying elements of paranoia.

"Tonight… I will rest by your side," he nodded and disappeared into her rooms. They spent the night bonding with each other and this was how they continued to spend their next few nights. He'd lie with her and keep her company, but he also kept his emotions reserved. Mary began to notice his change of heart. To her, their intimate moments had only just happened, but to Sebastian it was almost a fortnight ago. In the nights that followed he would assure that she didn't travel the French Court during the night and in the day is when he, in return, would slumber.

Now that Mary was up and well the day had arrived for the commemoration, which was being held in her honour, to commence. She reluctantly paced the length of the hall as she had not wished to attend as her mind was not altogether confident. Francis had been spending all his waking hours at her side, determined to protect her and she didn't want him to feel obligated at the celebration to protect her then also. In fact, all Mary desired was Sebastian. Her mind wouldn't allow her the freedom of thinking about anything other than him. However, his limitation was beginning to bother her. Though she had been spending her nights resting peacefully by his side, she felt that he had not been there entirely. He was distant and detached and it deeply worried her. She had given herself to him and she was fearful of his change of heart.

She stole precious glances across the room with Sebastian and he smiled slightly, but didn't give her any encouraging signs. Her mind was lost at his lack of tenderness and she couldn't understand why her mind was being so irrational. Granted, he had been beaten on her behalf and so he felt responsible, but she was sure his love was deeper for her than his maltreated guilt. She sipped the water in her goblet and placed it on the table beside her as Sebastian disappeared. Her youth permitted her to have fun that evening and so she did. She danced to medieval ballads with Francis and laughed at the tactless gossip her ladies generously shared with her. However, Sebastian had been ordered into the following room, by the king's guard, to converse with his father.

"I have news from the pope," King Henry began as Sebastian entered into the room, "Please leave." He finished as his guard bowed and closed the door behind him. Sebastian had worried it was about Mary, but now he remembered his request for legitimization.

"And?" He replied impatiently. As things currently stood, Sebastian had not spoken to his father. Their bond broken through his father's lack of trust and inflicted abuse.

"He has rejected my request…" he said and Sebastian heaved a relentless sigh, his eyes averting to the ground. "But," he began, "I can give you a title… if you want it."

"Must I answer immediately, or can I dwell upon it?"

"Take all the time you need," King Henry replied pouring liquor into his goblet.

"Thank you, your majesty," he said bowing even though his father could not see and turning for the door.

"Sebastian," he called and he paused in his step, "as your father… I am sorry." He finished and Sebastian continued his leave.

The emotions that followed next confused him. He wanted the title, but not whilst his debt still had to be paid. He knew that deep down if he was to have a successful happenchance with Mary, he would need the minimum of the title. However, he refused to bring Mary into his grasp until he had settled with the Pagans. The one thing that still plagued his mind was that the pagan had said that Mary would reign as his queen. Defeated, he sunk against the wall as his legs began to feel weak. He got into a comfortable position by pulling his knees up to his chest and removed his leather flask from his jacket. He stared at it aimlessly before he began to sup. He dragged from the floor to the open doorway of the hall, he could see nothing but a crowed of innocent people dancing and laughing.

Once it was late into the night and her attendance was no longer permitted, Mary bid goodnight to Francis and left. Upon exiting and entering into the foyer, Mary glanced back at the hall. She picked up the skirt of her dress and needing air, she raced from her own celebration and up to her rooms. Little did she know that Sebastian had been sitting in the corner watching her leave frantically. As she closed the door to her quarters behind her, she sunk against it fragile hand over heart. It raced and she felt as though she was suffocating. Her heart felt tight and it wasn't the same exhaustion one would feel from running. She turned to face her servants as they entered into the room from the door opposite her.

"Are you alright, you grace?" One of them enquired timidly.

"Perfectly fine," Mary replied straightening herself, "You may take your leave."

"Yes, ma'am," her servants replied in unison and Mary moved aside as they disappeared through the doorway behind her.

Once she heard the door click shut she journeyed into the next room and exited onto the balcony. The winter air freezing her skin, but nonetheless it was fresh. She let her skin bathe in it. Her body began to instantly shake, but she required a few more moments. She took her elegant tiara from off her head and placed it on the table top just inside her rooms. She displaced a copper grip and used her fingertips to twirl her hair into a knot, securing it in place. Now her hair was tied back she felt the cold upon her neck and ears. After a few minutes, she once again felt calm and complied. As she looked out over the frost bitten grounds a gentle, but familiar, hand touched her elbow. She sighed and turned to see Sebastian. His hand fell from her and he kept his stance.

"Are you alright? You raced out of the hall… so frantically," he enquired worried.

"My heart… it was nought. I felt irrational and I didn't know why…"

"Irrat-"

"I'm frightened…" she interjected. Shocked, Sebastian reached forward and took her hand in his.

"Of what?"

"Am I losing you?" She asked instead of answering and Sebastian fell back shocked. Mary felt his hand leave hers and as he sighed.

"Mary why would you even ask such a thing," he said, but Mary noticed the differences. Where he'd usually touch her, he didn't. He kept his distance. Sebastian felt entirely displaced. He didn't have the heart to tell her that he was keeping his distance because of a decision she would not respect.

"You still love me," she pressed and he smiled. It warmed her to the core.

"I desire you… out of love," Mary smiled and let her hand rest upon his cheek. Her touch warmed him and settled his mind.

"Then I am at peace," she said and before he could pull away she quickly pushed her lips to his hesitant one's. He frowned and slowly lifted his hand to her cheek. He'd made her question his love for her and he knew he'd never forgive himself for it. He knew now that the only way he'd survive is if he had her. Mary left his grasp and entered back into her rooms. In her absence, Sebastian realized how cold it was out on the balcony and followed her inside, closing the doors behind him. As he turned to face the room he noticed it was empty. He walked into her bedroom and saw Mary struggling to unlace her own dress.

"Could you?" She asked and he smiled.

"Hopeless," he replied closing the space between them and beginning to unlace her corset. With every pull he ached to wrap his arms around her, but with her previous worries declared, he did not want to pressure her.

"Thank you," she said feeling the relief of pressure on her chest. She slipped out of her gown and let it fall to the floor. She placed a hand on her stomach and took in a deep breath. Her chest raised as Mary bathed in her release. Sebastian, who was standing directly behind her, daringly placed his arm around her torso and let his hand rest upon hers. Her skin was cold.

"You're brave," Sebastian noted aloud.

"What?" She asked her voice prominent and pronounced.

"You're unclothing before me…"

"I have nothing to hide," she said and he smiled.

"But it's hard for me," he said honestly attempting to restrain himself and Mary turned to face him, utterly taken aback by his reply. His hand fell from her stomach as her eyes scanned his face.

They gazed into each other's eyes for what felt like centuries. Sebastian felt like he was standing at heaven's door as he beheld her owl like features. Mary lathered in hope, latched her right hand onto his neck and pressed her lips to his. She felt him frown. He'd desired to kiss her for so long and now that he was, he felt himself beyond restrain. His plans of claiming her after he'd settled his price washing away the longer their lips touched. Mary parted their lips momentarily and kissed him again, this time her lips slightly ajar. Sebastian's frown vanished and feeling encouraged, strapped his hand firmly to her back and held her body tight against his. He could feel her breasts resolutely pressed against his chest from beneath her undergarment. The tips of their tongue's touched briefly and Mary swayed her left hand around and hooked it into his hair. She had wanted this since her waking moments. He was hers and he excited her.

As their kisses became fast paced and prolonged, Sebastian pinned her against the wall, his hands either side of her neck. The frown of frustration that was once present was now replaced by a look of hunger. As Mary glanced momentarily at him, witnessing this look, she found herself slightly aroused. He let his hands move down her shoulders and over her hour glass figure until they rested upon her waist. She pressed her hips against him as she pushed his jacket off his back and onto the floor. Their kisses, juxtaposed Mary's next action. Tenderly, she pulled his shirt that was tucked in his trousers, over his head and let it fall. Sebastian lifted her legs up, allowing her to wrap her legs freely around his waist. Mary let her hands fall over his heated skin, his chest warm and strong beneath her touch. She found her hands fumbling for his trousers as he held her up tightly against the wall. She wasn't sure whether she was doing it correctly, but with difficulty she pulled them down just enough to let his male genitalia fall free against her.

Sebastian, having no complaints about her startling behaviour, lifted her bed skirt up her thighs to get a better position. He kissed and sucked her neck as Mary moved her hands to his head, locking her fingers in his hair. He'd wanted to touch her for the past two weeks and this was more than he had dreamed. He allowed himself to slip inside her as their lips parted. Her walls were smooth and damp, allowing him to glide faultlessly inside. Mary sighed in timid shock, her hands falling from his head to his neck as he began moving his hips back and forth. He caressed her throat with his lips and Mary found herself sighing in adamant pleasure, her body entering into euphoria. She could feel him burying deep inside her and she desired more. At first it felt strange to her and then as he began to glide, more satisfying. Feeling the satisfaction himself, Sebastian groaned and allowed his tongue to trail up her throat to her lips. The warmth of his muscle against her skin forced a sound to echo from her lips, her insides beginning to prickle. She wanted nothing more than to lock her hands around his back, but his wounds told her mind not to.

Not being able to hold on any longer, Mary let her hands fall from his neck to grasp onto the walls either side of her. The force allowed her to hold her own body weight. Sebastian relaxed the pressure on his hands slightly and put more pressure into his hips. A groan rumbled loudly from deep within the rear of his throat as he kept thrusting, firmer and tougher. The more he buried inside her, the further up the wall Mary began to climb. So she dropped her weight slightly and Sebastian groaned as his penis triumphed inside her hard. Mary whimpered in pleasure and bent her head forwards to lay her lips upon his. Her head still slightly higher than is. Their kisses becoming frighteningly animal like. Their mouths opening as wide as they could, their tongues exploring, leaving and diving in again.

Mary felt her insides beginning to throb and she tilted her head back, eyes closing. Her chest raising and falling erratically as her breathing became unsteady. Sebastian bewitched by her breasts pulled the chest of her undergarment down and it ripped, allowing one of her breasts to be slightly exposed. He knew he'd regret ripping it later, but for the moment he licked and sucked the surface of her nipple as he felt the walls of her vagina beginning to pulse around his penis. His legs began to feel weak as he forced himself to finish the act. Mary tensed her muscles, remembering his pleasure the last time she had done it and Sebastian allowed himself to ejaculate inside her, this time, at the same moment as Mary's climax. His head caved into her chest. Her final throbs finishing him off and his pulsing penis inside her as he ejaculated finishing her. They groaned in unison.

They both panted wildly. Mary let her hands fall from the wall and back to his shoulders. Sebastian, his legs shaking now having Mary's full weight, buckled. His trousers had fallen to his ankles during the act, causing him to tumble. They both fell to the floor. Mary gasped as she collided with him and then fell to his side. Her childlike giggles caused Sebastian to laugh as he tugged his leather boots off and kicked his trousers off afterwards. He then lay back and sighed. Mary feeling sweaty, pulled her ripped undergarment over her head and lay outstretched beside him. She wanted to touch him again, but she assumed he'd need to catch his breath. She turned her head to look at him and he was looking directly at her, smiling. She leaned toward him and kissed his dry, but scarlet lips. Though she felt weak, her mind remembered how incredible this time had felt. Her first time had felt good, but afterwards sore. Thirsty, she let herself balance on top of him slightly, the heat of her breasts pressed against his chest.

"Mmm," Sebastian hummed as her lips pressed gently against his. He placed his hands on her bare back and began to stroke her lovingly. His breathing still out of time. He wondered what had ever possessed him to not put Mary first in his decision making.

"Again," she giggled and he smiled kissing her back. He flipped her onto her back, kissing her sweetly and subsequently concealing her body beneath him. She laughed as her back hit the floor. Her eyes found her all too familiar bite mark, upon his shoulder. She kissed it attentively and afterwards pulled his head to hers.

"As you wish," he chimed moving between her legs. He expected this time around would be much more time consuming, but he didn't mind. Neither of them echoed it, but they knew that it was an act of love that brought them this moment of passion and they immersed themselves in it.