Without thinking, Mary made her to way Conde's chamber. A million things ran through her mind, but the only thoughts she focused on were thoughts of her and Louis. He may not have what Don Carlos has, but Don Carlos is not Conde. Mary was unsure of why she took this long to realize what her choice would be. Louis risked his life to only be with her in secret, he went up against his king for her, he let his heart break in order for her's to mend, and he always put her best interest first.
Within minutes, Mary reached Louis' chambers, she paced back and forth trying to figure out what she wanted to say to him. She only hoped that the right words would come out. Before she lost the courage to confess her feelings for him, she knocked on his door.
"Mary? Hurry in." Conde said as he poked his head out the door to make sure no one saw them. "What are you doing here?" He continued and closed the door.
"I've considered what you asked and-"
"Mary, wait. Before you say anything. I understand." Conde said sadly.
"What?" Mary asked. "What do you mean you understand?"
"You have to marry whoever is going to be better for your country, I'm sorry that I was so selfish to ask. I was going to-"
"Louis." Mary interrupted, and caressed his face and pulled him in for a passionate kiss. Mary felt that Conde was first confused, but he gave into her kiss. The taste of his lips were so familiar. She felt his arms wrap around her waist, and tightened. Suddenly, their lips parted.
"Mary, I-"
"Louis, no. Don't take back your proposal." Mary said slowly. "I accept your proposal. I will marry you."
"Are you sure about this, Mary?" Louis asked. "You may need Spain. Don Carlos is a Prince and the heir to Spain's throne."
"I'm sure, Louis. I need to be able to rule in person, I am tired of having regents rule for me. I need to show my country that I am still their queen, and my country needs a worthy king." Mary paused and looked at him. "Plus, you are a prince."
Louis chuckled. "Sometimes, I forget."
"Well, you can't forget now. Because you will be the King of Scotland." Mary smiled.
Louis returned her smile, and pulled her in for another kiss. Only this time it was deeper, more passionate. He remembered how much he loved her touch, and her kiss, and how much he loved having her in his arms. For the first time, in such a long time, Louis felt alive again.
The pair made love until the sun rose, and they both fell asleep in each other's arms.
A few hours after they fell asleep, they were rudely awakened by a very concerned Queen Mother.
"Get up, you two!" Catherine yelled.
"Catherine, are you mad?" Mary asked sleepily.
"No, are you two mad?" Catherine asked. "Get up! Your servants have been looking everywhere for you, Mary."
"What's going on, Catherine?" Conde asked.
"Don Carlos was hoping to have breakfast with Mary, and go on a morning ride." Catherine said. "Once the servants advised me that Mary was not in her chambers, I had them tell Don Carlos that you were unwell; besides the point, you cannot be seen here, Mary. Especially, if you were planning on letting Don Carlos court you."
Mary and Conde exchanged smiles but remained quiet.
"Is there something you two aren't telling me?" Catherine asked, mildly annoyed. "Are you two engaged now?"
"Yes…" Mary grinned.
"Congratulations! Oh, Mary I knew you would choose this forgotten Prince." Catherine teased.
"Hmm, thanks Catherine." Conde said, not sure if he should feel grateful or insulted.
"You are planning on keeping it a secret, aren't you?" Catherine asked, realizing that the couple had no idea what she was talking about, she continued. "You still need the approval from the Vatican, and an alliance needs to be made. Surely, you didn't think you could just run off, get married and go to Scotland?"
"Uhm.." Mary mumbled.
"Oh dear. Mary, Conde may not be an heir to the French Throne, but he is a Prince of the Blood, and a French subject. You would need to alter the alliance that you have with France, so your council in Scotland and the privy council here would need to be notified, and-"
"And Narcisse would have to approve the marriage before otherwise Conde would be committing treason for marrying a foreign monarch." Mary said coldly. "Of course. How could I forget?"
"Narcisse would never approve of this." Conde said. "He would do everything to stop us. He couldn't bear seeing me have more power. He would try to convince everyone that we would be trying to take the French Throne from Charles."
"Then we must consult with Charles first." Mary said. "Any idea where he would be, Catherine?"
"He was sent away." Catherine said slowly. "For his safety from me." Catherine saw a look of confusion on Conde's face. "It's a long story."
"Alright, well change in plans then." Mary said. "We will stay quiet about our engagement, and we'll make sure you win the regency before we announce our engagement to all of France and Scotland."
"I agree." Conde said. "Catherine, if you need my help for anything, please let me know."
"Thank you." Catherine said. "I may need your help for one thing. Mary, I need to talk to Conde alone."
"I will return to my chambers then. And I will make sure I am not seen leaving Louis' chambers." Mary said before Catherine could say anything. "I will see you both later."
Catherine waited until Mary closed the door before she spoke. "I need you to check Francis' body."
"Are you mad?" Conde asked.
"No. I need you to do this because I cannot leave the castle, Bash has already tried to find a way to get me out of the castle, but there are too many of Narcisse's guards lurking around. No one will care if you leave, no offense."
"None taken." Conde responded.
"But back to my point, I need you to see if Francis had his organs taken out or if they are still intact. Because I know Francis was not poisoned. If he is still...together, that will prove my innocence." Catherine said. "Louis, please."
"Alright. I will do it. I will leave within the hour."
"Please return soon, my trial is today. I am hoping that Mary can convince Lola to stand against her husband, but I am not sure anymore." Catherine said worried.
Conde has never seen Catherine look that way before, except for when Francis fell ill. Conde simply nodded, and watched Catherine leave the room.
"Lola, can I speak to you?" Mary said as she approached her lady in Jean's nursery.
"Of course, what is it, Mary?"
"Are you testifying against Catherine today?" Mary asked.
"I am." Lola said. "I have to."
"Lola, Catherine didn't plant that rat in your bath. She was in the dungeon at the time."
Lola hesitated a bit before she answered. She needed to choose her words carefully. "Mary, I understand why you want to protect her. But we all know she has a far reach. If she didn't do it, who else would have done it?" Lola asked.
Mary remained quiet.
"Is there something that you know that I don't?" Lola asked.
"Lola, Catherine told me that Narcisse did it. He wanted to scare you into his arms is how she put it." Mary said.
"Of course, she did." Lola said. "That woman is unbelievable. Mary, Narcisse is a changed man, and he's my husband. I must stand by him, I hope you understand."
Mary smiled at her friend. "Of course, I do. Just think about what I've said. I have to go, I have some things that I must attend to, and Greer is returning to court today. I will see you soon."
Lola bowed to her Queen, and watched her go. She thought of the words that her Queen has said about her husband. Some of which may be true. Lola was scared to death to find out, but she needed to know. The man her husband used to be was more than capable of doing horrible things, but he is a changed man. Lola shook her head. She felt crazy. She married the man, she has to support him and stand by his side, so she buried her suspicions deep in the back of her mind.
Thank you all of you who have followed/fav & reviewed this story so far! I'm so happy you guys are enjoying the story. There is much more to come. Catherine's trial will start in the next chapter & there will be some drama with the charming Don Carlos. Are you guys happy Mary said yes? Thanks again for reading! :)