*I'm doing something I will almost ever do and changing the birthdate of Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia, daughter of Elisabeth Valois from 1566 to 1562 to make the story flow better. I want to minimize my time jumps.*
Chapter 10
-Edinburgh, spring 1562-
Court was bustling with excitement after the failed attempt and news of a wedding. Darnley and Lola decided to be married as soon as possible. Lola was made Countess of Essex for her dowry, it raised both her and Darnley's standing in England. Francis and Mary decided that they would have a week long celebration to encompass everything going on: two years of Valois Imperii Pacis, Lola and Darnley's wedding, and their departure from Scotland. They decided it was time to move on to France. The situation in France was becoming tricky and it needed to see it's sovereigns again. During the festivities Mary announced the engagement of Anne and John. Scotland partied more than it had in years. Mary and Elizabeth made a show to hand out alms together and being in Scotland allowed Mary to push much needed relief to her poverty.
Lola and Darnley's wedding looked like a fairytale. They decorated in light pink with candles lit throughout creating a dim, intimate atmosphere. They danced the night away before leaving on their wedding tour all over Europe. Mary and Francis left with Elizabeth, Greer, Kenna, Bothwell, and their respective families the day after for France. Marie de Guise was going to England to relieve Bash of the regency and James was staying behind to control Scotland.
To Mary's surprise she was saddened to be leaving Scotland. She hadn't felt so connected to her roots, to her father and her legacy in years. She was a Scottish Queen raised on French soil and it showed when she first arrived. She learned though, and while Scotland held a lot of horrible almost for them, she was able to finally rally her people to her side. She was happy to finally being going home to France though, and to see her husbands side of the family. Margot travelled to France soon after they left for Scotland meaning most of the family would be together.
What Mary didn't know was her sister-in-law Elisabeth, Queen Consort of Spain was currently waiting for their arrival.
-Château de Fontainebleau, France early-summer 1562-
The journey was long and bumpy, when they finally arrived at the palace everyone was beat. Mary quickly greeted the welcome party and rushed off to sleep in her favorite of her beds so far, though her one in Scotland could rival it. Francis stayed behind apologise for his wife before following her, or at least he was hoping to.
The next morning Mary awoke in her and Francis bed chambers barely remember how she arrived in bed. She must've awoken at some point because she was in a nightgown. She slowly pulled herself out of bed trying to shake the feeling she had; like she had over indulged in wine she hadn't drank. She slowly became aware of Francis sitting at the small desk in their room smiling at her.
"Darling it's afternoon, you've slept for hours. Are you alright?" Francis asked.
"Yes, my love, it was just a long journey. Did I miss anything?" Mary replied standing up grabbing a robe and walking over to her husband, kissing him on the head. His birthday was coming up she realized. She needed to start planning.
"Only war of the Elizabeth's." he replied.
"What do you mean war of the Elizabeth's?" she asked trying to rack her brain for clues.
"Do you remember seeing my sister upon your arrival?" he asked.
"Faintly, what is she doing here?" Mary responded.
"She here on the request of her husband, Spain wants it debt repaid with a marriage arrangement between our James and her newborn Isabella. I'm going to say yes with your blessing but now it will be harder to do. She saw Elizabeth Tudor and freaked. A bastard heretic in the presence of the wife of the Holy Emperor. Her behavior disgusts me, I have no idea where this sense of entitlement came from but I am guessing it is that Spanish husband. She tried to leave but I convinced her to wait. I hope you can help me smooth it over. But not until you are feeling up to it of course," he spoke as she played with his hair.
"Hmmm James and Isabella. A strong,Catholic marriage. They are young but I guess it is better to secure his future now. Okay, I will help you. Let's ensure the survival of the Valois."