Chapter 8

-Greenwich Palace early summer, 1561-

This birth was much easier than Mary's first one; little Princess Catherine came easily within hours. She barely even cried after. Mary held her, cooing over her perfect little girl; the little hair she had was black and she resembled Mary, except for her piercing blue eyes. Those were all Francis. She loved her son with all her heart but there was something about the way she held her finger, Mary's heart just fluttered. Francis brought James in and the four of them spent hours together. Mary was so relieved that she had finally came though, she was going to have to push her Scottish progress. They would spend the winter in Edinburgh before returning to London in the Spring before returning to France the next summer. It was a tight schedule.

It went quickly, before Mary knew it she was churched and they were in Scotland. Mary hadn't been on her home soil in 13 years. She was happy to be here but she realized she was a foreigner. They made sure to visit every castle they could: Linlithgow, Leith, Jedburgh, Dundrennan, Stirling, Holyrood, Hermitage, Inchmahome, Craigmillar, Dumbarton, Traquair, Lochleven, and finished in the fall in Edinburgh.

Mary was so relieved to be in Edinburgh but it came at a cost. She had to leave her husband back in Lochleven in the care of Nostradamus due to sweating sickness. Mary traveled ahead to ensure her children's safety; she was planning to head back, but an early snowstorm hit just as they were arriving at the castle preventing her from going back. Francis was in no way weak, but his health was never the best and sweating sickness can be ruthless-especially in cold like this. Mary spent days pacing her rooms in the castle, waiting for any kind of word from Nostradamus. Finally the storm subsided and when the roads were clear a message came through, Francis was stable but barely. They believed he would survive but they were unsure. Everyone told Mary to wait in Edinburgh but after a few hours Mary grew restless. She took off on horseback during dusk for him.

It was a long ride in the cold but finally Mary made it back to Lochleven. She rushed straight to her rooms before a servant or anyone could stop her- by the time it has registered she was there she was sitting besides him where no one would dare drag her away.

It took another week and he had no change. It wasn't that he was getting worse, but he hadn't gotten any better either. He was only wake for maybe two hours a day and the room reeked of sickness. Mary prayed day and night as she cared for her husband.

Finally Nostradamus was able to pull her away from her away from her ill husband so he could try a new treatment, one the druids of Scotland recently taught him. Nostradamus was enjoying learning new knowledge from the druids and was eager to see if it could help his King. He had served the previous King and Queen out of fear, he served this one because he's a good man- that is a rarity he was not ready to give up on yet. It took at least half an hour to set everything up and give him the medicine. When he was done he invited Mary back in; all they could do now was wait.

It was the longest three hours of Mary's life; finally, he woke up with more energy he'd produced in the past three days combined. Mary wept for joy while Nostradamus went to look over his patient. It was near a miracle, and now he could recover.

It a few days for Francis to be able to travel to Edinburgh, but they threw a huge party to celebrate the King's health when they arrived. Francis stayed as long he could before Mary retired early with him. Before they were able to get to their chambers though they were cornered by Lord Bothwell and Lord Darnley.

"Your majesties, we need to talk," Bothwell said.

"I'm sorry your graces, but your King really needs rest," Mary responded annoyed.

"We know, and we apologize but, this is urgent." Darnley insisted.

"Fine, what do you need?" Francis replied.

"We believe John Knox is planning an attack on Catholics. We also believe we means to assassinate you and potentially place Elizabeth on the throne. We don't believe she is involved at this time, but there is no doubt they are attempting this in her name." Bothwell explained.

"Well that doesn't make sense unless...are they planning on attacking our children too?" Mary suddenly realized.

"We assume so. How do you want to proceed?" Darnley stated.

"Edinburgh is a fortress. Why don't we just reinforce it?" Francis stated wheezing slightly, he needed rest badly.

"It won't be enough if they have inside help but we will start." Bothwell replied noticing his King's condition, more can be discussed later.

"Good Bothwell, start there. My husband needs rest so he and I will discuss how we want to proceed and I will meet with you both as well as my mother and brother after midnight. My brother will inform you of the place." Mary stated.

"Do you think it's a good idea to have this conversation without your husband?" Darnley replied.

"You know you need MY permission to marry Lola since she is my lady, correct?" Mary shot back, "My husband and I may rule equally but make no mistake, this is MY country, MY crown, and MY subjects. Francis has just as much say in these matters due to the matrimonial, which is why we are going to discuss it together privately, but don't make the mistake of thinking I need him to lead for me." Mary spat.

"I am sorry your majesty, I didn't mean to offend." Darnley replied.

"Remember who you are speaking to next time. Now do as your King and Queen told you. I'll see you in a few hours." Mary practically growled before leading Francis upstairs. She paused and eased her tone, "thank you both for bringing us this information. You have proven yourselves loyal. You will both be rewarded."

"Well at least they are getting along better," Francis chuckled and as much as she tried to fight it, Mary laughed a little too. Upstairs she helped get Francis into bed and called for her brother. She informed him of what was going on and to choose a secret spot to discuss matters. For a small second she feared James was helping his fellow protesents but, thought better of it. He had always been loyal to her regardless of religion and this plot could only hurt his ambition. Plus he seemed to be falling hard for Greer who would never betray her King and Queen. When he left, Mary and Francis began to plot together.

Finally midnight came along, Francis was fast asleep as Mary snuck out to meet her brother and mother. From there they went down a long tunnel before entering a room hidden well below the castle. Bothwell and Darnley were already down there.

"So my plan will seem on the crazy side but I need to know who is loyal. We are going to make Francis and I seem like sitting ducks," she stopped them before they could protest, "I will also be inviting my cousin Elizabeth to Edinburgh."

"Are you insane?!" Darnley was the only one brave enough to speak.

"Elizabeth is either in on the attack or she's oblivious. If she refuses my invite she shows her hand, if she's wanting to stay in England she could be waiting for my death to retake the throne. If she's in London it'd be that much easier to take. If she accepts she is publically supporting me, again, and can disway an attempt to place her back on a throne she gave away. They will also probably try to take her so they can ensure they can use her to their purpose, but they don't know her like I do. Give her three times as many guards but make at least half of them spies, I want to know what she's doing the entire way here as well as to maintain ." Mary explained.

"You want them to try to kidnap your cousin?" Bothwell looked skeptical.

"I want them to think we are none the wiser, that we are easier targets than we are. My two year anniversary of taking England is in three weeks, that seems a good enough reason to invite her without suspicion. I was planning on celebrating in London but Francis will not be good enough to travel again so soon. I want to force them to expose themselves." Mary said thoughtfully. "Mother you are going to be personally responsible for Elizabeth, I wouldn't trust anyone else to both get her here safely as well as discover any secrets she's keeping, you and James will ride to England tonight. James, first when you arrive to London you need to go visit Bash. He is acting regent and he hates it, make sure he has all the help he needs and is fully aware of the situation. Then return rallying both Catholic and Protestant armies on your way back; I want a show of force and we need both to show a religiously-tolerant, united Empire. Bothwell, you will be in charge of fortifying the castle, it needs to be discreet so only use soldiers and supplies from those you know you can trust. Like I said we need to look like sitting ducks- but we can't actually be them. Especially the children. We thought of sending them away but the risk of kidnapping is to great. Darnley I expect you to play politician, find out more information and distract the court." Mary stated firmly. "Thank you Bothwell and Darnley, Francis and I are in your gratitude. We are upping your incomes and Darnley you have our blessing to marry Lola if she wishes, Francis and I will provide her dowry."

They all left that night knowing what was expected of them. Mary prayed repeatedly for this to work. She sent a letter out to Elizabeth to be there a day before her mother and then went to sleep. Tomorrow the real work begins.

Bothwell headed out in the dark to do his job and Darnley went straight to his room. He was planning to wit to ask her but the permission from the Queen made him want to do it as soon as possible. He also wanted to show everyone how generous his Queen was by showing off his engagement approved by her. Another love match made by gracious Queen Mary. He pulled his grandmother's wedding ring out. He had been staring at it for weeks figuring out how to ask this question. It was late so Lola was asleep when he arrived. He felt bad but knew she would be happy when she discovered why she was being risen. He knew she had her doubts but she loved him and he her. He walked in and she looked exquisite, she was wrapped in a silk robe, her curly brown hair falling down her back.

"What are you doing here so late Henry, you're going to create gossip." Lola yawned.

"Not after this it won't," he smiled at her, " I just came from a meeting with our Queen. She has giving me her complete blessing to ask your hand in marriage." He dropped onto one knee, "Lola you are the most magnificent person I has ever had the pleasure of knowing. Will you do me the honor of being my bride? Promise to be yours, truly and forever."

"Oh Henry! Yes! Of Course!" she jumped into his arms as he stood up straight.

-Eltham Palace, That same night-

Elizabeth was unsure what she was reading. She had two letters, one snuck in from the Reverend John Knox-hater of women rulers and Catholics, and one requesting her to join her cousin in Scotland. She doubted the two were unrelated. This was a conundrum. An opportunity to be queen, she had a husband and an heir now, but did she want it? Her initial Tudor instincts were to seize it. Take the crown back. But then she looked at her little Anne, what if she failed? She missed the thrills of court but she was happy, her life was simple but it was hers. She loved her husband and son. She knew if she played her cards right she'd get more freedom. Her mother and father seemed to struggle inside her. Her mother always wanted her to be Queen but she also always wanted her to be happy and keep her head.

She didn't sleep that night. She tossed and turned with thoughts of loyalty and treason spinning her around. Finally morning came around and eventually Marie de Guise arrived. Elizabeth had decided sometime around dawn what she would do and it took shoving her every instinct down for survival. When Marie entered the room Elizabeth gave her both letters without a word. When Marie finished Elizabeth motioned for her to sit down. "What exactly is happening and what exactly does Mary expect of me?"

"Well you not to be traitor for one," Marie started in.

"If I was planning to betray her I wouldn't have shown you that letter," Elizabeth said impatiently.

"Well okay. Glad we are on the same page. Your visit to Edinburgh is two fold. We hope it will remind people you are loyal to your cousin, that you have laid down peacefully and are happy with the new situation. The journey gives us an opportunity for them to show themselves. You will be sent with what seems like a normal amount of guards but we will send many more out in disguise. Can you handle it?" said Marie.

"I'm a Tudor, of course I can." Elizabeth said.