I KNOW I HAVEN'T WRITTEN IN A WEEK BUT IT'S BECAUSE I HAVE HAD A COLD BUT I AM BACK TO CARRY ON! I WATCHED SEASON 3 EP 5 EPISODE OF REIGN! I SOBBED UNCONTROLABLY, I AM SO DEPRESSED WITH REIGN I JUST DON'T KNOW HOW I AM GOING TO AVOIDE IT IN MY FANFICTION.
LONG LIVE KING FRANCIS. R.I.P
Catherine organised her reflection as she sat on her stool facing the mirror placing her jewel pins in her strawberry blonde curls. Catherine had a lot on her mind lately; Mary and Francis's constant avoiding was getting old after, a few days after, the incident, Claude did not stop pestering her or acting irresponsibly and frankly Catherine was making no progress in raising to power. It was tiring being the Queen Mother with so many responsibilities.
Now I have to attend this Royal Family Breakfast Buffet. How charming?!- Catherine ranted in her head as she left her chambers.
Once Catherine arrived; the Buffet did look very tasty but the poor souls at the table looked as if they were in hell. Francis sat at the head of the table of course; Mary the opposite side of the head table. Claude on one side with an empty seat which must be Catherine's. And to Catherine's most discomfort Lola sat as the table with her bastard grandson John; Catherine found him no use to the throne so she really didn't see the point of him being here however a parent loves their children.
"Oh what a painting! All my loved ones together…accept you." Catherine glared at Lola.
"Mother. I invited Lola to the Buffet, you ought to get used to her being around. She is the Mother of my child; your grandson. If you can't show any respect you may as well leave." Francis said sharply but respectfully as he sipped his wine.
Catherine continued to glare but sat down. "I am only thinking of Mary. No wife deserves to go through such an experience as you are putting her through right now…My dear child." Catherine squeezed Mary's hand. Catherine would never say it but she held a lot of respect and love for the girl…she reminded of her of herself.
"It's alright Catherine. John is a part of this family and my godson." Mary smiled.
"You have such a loyal kind heart, Mary; I don't know how you do it." Catherine looked at Lola as if to say 'you will never be better than Mary'.
"So what is your plan for the day, Darling?" Francis asked.
"Nothing too stressful." Mary said avoiding eye contact and Francis.
"Well if anyone is actually interested in what I am doing today you can ask." Claude said. There was silence. Claude obviously expected someone to take an interest but no one did.
"Well I am having a dance lesson." Claude said; jaw clenched.
"No you're not." Catherine said.
"Yes I am."
"No Claude, you're not. I cancelled it." Catherine said carelessly.
"Why?! I swear you only wish me misery!" Claude screamed causing John to yelp out screaming.
"Yes, of course I do Claude. That's exactly why you're wearing clothes fit for a Royal princess." Catherine sarcastically said.
"Mother, why did you cancel the dance lesson?" Francis said out of interest meanwhile Lola was trying to calm the infant while Mary just sat in silence.
"Because I have organised festivities in a village not far from here and Royals are needed to represent the King. I thought it would be more useful for Claude to do her duty instead of twirling about dancing; we need to keep the peace somehow with the peasants." Catherine protested.
"What a brilliant idea." Mary shouted over John's screaming.
"Lola." Francis gestured to have John in his arms. "Shh now John." However John didn't take to his Father's calming voice.
"Oh for goodness sake! Fetch the wet nurse." Claude said.
"I told Maisie to rest for the morning." Lola said regretfully as she received glares.
"Alright, let's not threat over this." Mary calmed the atmosphere. "All he needs is a little love and consideration." Mary walked over to Francis. They're arms brushed as Francis gently lowered John into Mary's arms. The mighty Queen stayed standing as she hushed the child and winded him against her chest… eventually John calmed.
"Well look at that! You would be a brilliant mother my dear." Catherine patronized Lola with glares.
"Thank you. I looked after the orphan infants at the convent; you just have to know how to calm them." Mary began to lower him into the Moses basket John was once placed in but then he began yelping again. However as soon as his head rested against Mary's chest he calmed and wrapped his tiny fingers around her thumb.
"Looks like you will have to sit with me then." Mary giggled at John and sat down again.
"You're wonderful with him." Francis smiled gleefully. He had never seen his wife with John before.
Mary just shrugged. "I love children."
"Well it seems you are not just a born mother of two nations but of children too." Lola said relieved at the silence but also jealous of Mary's relationship with John.
XOXOXOXOXOXOX
Mary had decided to escort Catherine and Claude to the village festivities; she thought it was about time she got out of the castle anyway and this was a good opportunity.
"Mary dear you have decided to accompany us… I knew you would." Catherine said. Mary had only just got used to Catherine's kindness either way it was nice to get along with her mother in law for once. Claude was her next assignment to build a friendship with.
"You did?" Mary questioned.
"Of course she did. My mother knows everything my dear." Claude patronized.
The Royal carriage appeared just in time so then Catherine didn't have to step in. Just as the three ladies were climbing in Francis shouted after Mary; holding her back yet again.
"Francis." Mary greeted.
"Hello. Yes well I just wanted to ask you if you would agree to a chat later. I just want to sort out our quarrel." Francis asked.
Mary considered it for a minute. "If you wish." Mary nodded.
"Brilliant! Oh I just want you to meet Leith." Francis said as Leith appeared beside him.
"You're Majesty." Leith bowed.
"Leith is one of my most trusted friends and guards. He will be escorting you and my Mother and Sister to assure me of your safety." Francis said.
"Alright. In that case Leith you may call me Mary. I have heard of how you saved the King's life; I am forever grateful." Mary said. Leith smiled then left to organise the guards escorting them.
"I shall see you tonight then." Francis bowed to his Queen and walked away.
"Francis!" Mary stopped him in his tracks as he turned with a quizzical look. "Have a good day." Mary smiled as did Francis.
"As do you."
PLEASE REVIEW! I AM TRYING TO KEEP FRANCIS ALIVE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE…I AM SO UPSET L
