Chapter 14

-Château de Fontainebleau, same night-

James left dinner in high spirits, Gavin would be known as the Imperial Prince of Scotland and Francis Imperial Prince of England. As he walking through the hall he rounded the corner running straight into Lady Greer.

"Oh Greer, I am so sorry, I should've been paying attention to where I was going." James blushed.

"I didn't know you were coming to France." Greer said suspiciously.

"I know and I am so sorry for that. I know being back in France has been rough for it's where you first fell in love with your belated husband. I was about to respond to your letter when I was rushed to be here. I had no time to write you and as soon as I arrived I was whisked to dinner with Mary and Francis. Can I make it up to you m'lady?" James bowed and kissed her hand for effect.

Greer blushed, "I understand, I was just surprised is all. I am happy to see you." she gave him a kiss, " you know you have been courting me for some time, it's okay to kiss me."

"I worry only for your honor," he smiled kissing her again, "take a late night stroll with me?"

"After you," Greer held out her hand for him to take.

Out in the gardens they walked amongst the moonlight talking about everything and nothing. It had been months since they last saw each other and had much to catch up on. Eventually the came to a candlelit area was set up. There was a small table with wine and a musician in the corner. James led Greer inside the area and dropped onto one knee.

"Greer, you make me want to be a better man, a better brother, and a better christian. I never in my life thought I would find someone who I fit so easily with while also challenging me so. You are a mystery I hope to spend the rest of my life admiring. Marry me?"

"Oh, James! Of course!" Greer squealed pulling him up to kiss her.

The next morning James asked Mary for her blessing, "Of course, you have my blessing! I am so happy for you! When do you plan to do it?"

"I kind of already did," he smiled slyly.

"James!" she playfully smacked his arm.

"What? Like you were going to say no?" he laughed.

The wedding happened within weeks after the christening because James needed to return to Scotland. They had it outside with the fall colors surrounding them. James shed a tear when he saw Greer. Mary named him godfather of little Francis, King Philip (to show unity) of Gavin and Charles of Margaret. Kenna was Gavin's godmother, Greer Francis, and Lola Margaret's. They made sure to do the Christening before they left and soon after they were on there way to Scotland Mary was planning the Christmas celebrations with Catherine.

Francis had a surprise for Mary's birthday and was eager for her to hear it. He had many other gifts but he knew she wanted to ask something but was too afraid too. He walked into their rooms after hearing she had retired to refresh herself. She was sitting in the window reading.

"I'm sorry I just had to escape your mother for a bit," Mary laughed.

"You don't have to apologize darling I came you give you these as an early birthday present," Francis handed her the documents.

She read them carefully, not believing what was infront of her, one document made Lord Dudley a new member of her privy council and the second made Elizabeth one of her ladies. "Francis I can't offer her that, it would be an insult."

"I know in a way it might be, but that way Elizabeth could be one of your advisors. I know ever since you we had dinner that night you have been trying to figure out a way to give Elizabeth a role close to you and if I could give her the spot on the privy council I would." Francis said.

"What if I make her an official advisor? Kings and Queens have had them for years and it'd be a position that would give her standing she's worthy of." Mary said, "she has more than proven herself trustworthy and useful."

Francis sighed. He wanted to say no, it was a risk. But he could never deny her anything and she was right, as usual, "fine I will have the paperwork done up. But we are going to Paris, ALONE, for your birthday. I need some time with my wife who drives me so wonderfully crazy." He wrapped his hands around her neck and kissed her before going off to have the documents written up.

They had a small ball for Mary's birthday and that's when she announced Robert's promotion and Elizabeth's appointment. It shocked both of them and after Mary walked over to Elizabeth who thanked her but asked why. Mary simply asked who better to help her see clearly in her role as Queen. Elizabeth felt honored but also horrible about the little voice in her head smiling at the advantage this could give her. She had to remind herself first that Mary have five heirs Elizabeth would have to get through first, taming the Tudor side, before remembering she loved Mary and her children. It made her feel awful. She swore to herself then and there to remember to put the realms interest before both Mary and herself. She grabbed Robert's hand to ground her back to reality.

As they celebrated the holidays Mary and Francis settled into their life as Emperor and Empress of the Valois Imperii Pacis, knowing they always had each other to handle anything the word throws at them.

Epilogue

It was a tragic event, Francis and Mary were travelling to Scotland and their ship was lost at sea. They didn't even have anything to bury. They were lost too young but they left a legacy of peace that their children vowed to protect at all cost. Their parents had let them choose their own paths for the most part, with the exception of James, as long as it benefitted the Empire. They watched as James watched over their family and empire in heaven, together.