Emilia walked with Mary through the the castle a few mornings later. The Pagan issue had been resolved when Bash had sacrificed a criminal sentenced to be hanged.

"We need to speak." Ellyana said, stepping out of the shadows, startling the two Scots. "Privately."

"What is it?" Emilia asked, calming down quickly.

"He's coming." She held out a letter with the familiar seal on it.

"Who's coming?" Mary questioned.

"No one good." Emilia replied, taking the letter. "I'll explain everything later. I'm sorry Mary, but you're just going to have to trust me." The queen nodded in understanding and made her way down the corridor alone.

"Why would Sam come here?" She asked, reading the letter.

"What ever his reasoning, it can't be good." Ellyana replied. The letter read:

Hello Princess

Be ready for me. I'll be there soon.

"I'm amazed you haven't hunted him down already." Emilia sighed, handing the letter back to Ellyana. "I didn't think he could get away with calling you Princess."

"He lives to patronize me." She replied. "Besides, he'll be here soon. I'll get him when it's over."

"But if that letter had gotten into the wrong hands." Emilia began.

"They would have thought it to be for Princess Claude. Poor information given to a messenger. He should count himself lucky I recognized his seal."

"I'll keep an eye out." Emilia promised. "And I beg you Elly, try not to do anything stupid."

"You and I have very different definitions of stupid." She reminded.

"Of course. How could I forget."

"I'll attempt to not do anything I would think is stupid." Emilia rolled her eyes.

"I have to speak with Marque. If I find anything I'll come find you."

"Is he really a priority right now?" Ellyana called after her.

"We all have our own priorities." She replied. "For instance, I know your going to find Sebastian." Emilia giggled at the look of shock on her friends face. It was a rare moment when Ellyana was struck silent.

Emilia found Marque in the court yard. He was playing with something in his hands before he noticed her coming. Causing him to quickly slip it into his pocket.

"Emilia." He greeted, a smile gracing his lips.

"You seem happy." She pointed out. He took her hands in his own, the smile growing wider.

"I have something very important to tell you." He began. "I spoke with my parents and..."

"Yes." Emilia interrupted. "Yes I will."

"I haven't even told you what they said." Marque laughed.

"I don't have to." She replied, kissing his cheek. "Why else would you have been so eager to speak to me?"

"At least allow me to do it properly." He pulled the item out of his pocket and sank to his knee. "Emilia, will you marry me?" He revealed the ring to her.

"Yes, yes I will." Tears of joy brimmed in her eyes as he slipped the ring onto her finger. Marque stood firm the ground and kissed Emilia hard.

They broke their kiss at the sound of a carriage approaching. Emilia turned to see a group of men coming towards the castle.

"Damn." She cursed under her breath. Among the throng of men was Sam. The brute stood at least a foot over the other men and his Welsh features stood out against the Italians.

"Emilia," Marque put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "What's happening?"

"I have to find Ellyana." She replied. "Please, I beg you Marque, go to your room and whatever you do, do not go near those men. Nothing good can come of this."

"I'm not leaving you to those men if they worry you so much." He argued.

"I can take care of myself." She reminded him. "Besides, I can't leave Mary." She kissed him softly. "I'll come find you when I can."

"Be careful." He pleaded. "I'd much prefer a living bride."

"I'll be fine." She promised. "Now go, and don't do anything stupid."