"Save your apologies, your words are meaningless to me." Francis' words echoed through Mary's head. The bitter impasse in his voice still wounded her. Her eyes trailed over his lifeless body. Despite all that has happened between them, she still loved him. Seeing him in the bloody state made her betrayal all the more worse. The candles encircled him on the marble platform, glowing warmly against his pale complexion while the cathedral felt dark and cold.

"Dear Francis, I am so sorry. For everything." her voice broke as tears rolled down her cheeks. This is truly not the end she envisioned for them.

Light footsteps creeped up on her.

"Mary," Louis whispered, "You have been here hours. Come and enjoy the feast." Louis encouraged softly as he gently placed his hands on her shoulders.

"How can I enjoy any festivities when my husband lays here cold? I have betrayed him, Louis! I have betrayed the Valois family... And France. I am a traitor queen." she sobbed and covered her mouth with her hand.

Condé spun her around to face him. It broke his heart seeing her in such a state. The fact that she still called Francis her husband made him a bit jealous. It was strange feeling jealous over a dead man. It was worse enough when Francis was alive.

"I never wanted any of this for you. I am sorry about Francis. I truly am." he wiped her tears off her cheeks and placed a finger under her chin, lifting it up. Her dark eyes swam with emotion; he could see the fear, guilt and grieve harboring in her soul. It was almost as if it touched his own soul.

"My beautiful Mary. I know that no words would ever bring comfort to you. Just know that I am truly sorry for the pain that I have caused you. In my eyes, you are not a traitor, in fact you saved so many people without realizing it. France and Scotland may finally be at peace with England. You saved our child from being slaughtered. Trust that staying at my side was the best decision you made." he tried to convince her. He noticed how her gaze softened and her tears started to dry up. Making her happy was the only thing he cared about.

"I love you, Mary. No one has ever captivated me the way you have." he said as he stroked her cheek. Her eyes closed and leaned into him. His strong arms wrapped around her. She stood in his comfort for a few moments before she pulled away.

"Thank you, Louis. It was not you but my decisions that cause me pain. I knew there were consequences but I never imagined it would feel like this."

His lips pressed together, "Neither have I. Let's go back to the feast, you must be famished." he suggested. She bopped her head a yes and he linked his arm with hers.

As they walked down the passageways to the dining room, she wondered where Catherine de Midici and the other Catholic nobles were. Were they killed or have they fled the castle? Would court here ever be the same?

Everyone suddenly bowed when Louis and Mary entered the room. The new king was respected by his followers.

"It has been quite a turn out." Mary commented as they walked towards the throne chairs.

"Admittedly, I have been surprised. Never in my wildest dreams have I thought that I would wear the crown."

Mary smiled softly at him, "You deserve it Louis. I don't necessarily agree about the method it has been obtained, but you deserve it."

"It delights me hearing you say that. Mary there is something-"

"You!" a shrill voice interrupted Condé. The bustling room suddenly grew quiet as everyones eyes were trained on the woman at the door. Her hair was messy and her gown was dirty and torn. The wrinkles on her face was profound.

"Catherine." Mary breathed.

"Mary , Queen of Scots." her tone was mocking, "Nostradomus warned me that you would be the death of Francis. And I warned Francis about you and yet, he ignored my council. Now look where he is! This is all your fault! You let our greatest threat siege what is righfully ours. You have killed my children and took away my home!" Catherine de Midici made a big scene in front of everyone. Louis called for the gaurds to take her away.

"Today, I will kill you!" Catherine announced and charged for Mary . Louis lunged in front of Mary. She got a fright thinking that Catherine stabbed him but when he spoke, a wave of relieve washed over her.

Conde's hand firmly gripped Catherines wrist, mere inches away from his torso."I should have executed you when I had the chance." his voice was dark.

"Then do it now." Catherine dared him. The idea of taking her life right then and there crossed his mind however, he was conscious of Mary watching him. This wasn't the kind of man he wanted to be for Mary; a cold hearted murderer who killed the dowager in front of an audience.

"Do it. You already took my son, what is stopping you now?" she taunted him with a sneer, "Oh, I know why- It's to make a good impression on that wretched woman. Don't worry, it won't be long until she drags you down too."

With his free hand, he signaled for the gaurd that awaited his commands, to take her away. "Make sure her cell is heavily gaurded." he commanded as the gaurd took her away with her hands behind her back. Mary sat helpless as she stared at him as did the rest of the court.

Louis cleared his throat, "Continue the feast!" he said with his arms open and a glittering smile. The men rooted and the music started to chime again. By the time Condé reached Mary, she already rose from her seat.

"Are you alright?" he asked concerned as he attempted to take her face between his hands. She ducked the gesture and took a step back.

"Mary, what is the matter?"

"Nothing- I need time for myself." she announced stubbornly before leaving the court.

Louis stared helplessly at her as she walked away. He felt confused as to what just happened. Did he do something wrong? He just practically saved her life.