Chapter 8

Weeks had passed and those dreams of Francis and I being close forever were starting to become what they truly were, dreams. Somewhere in my heart, I wanted to believe that it could still happen. Francis still loved me dearly and would show me every day with his kisses and tight embraces, but after weeks and weeks of only kisses and tight embraces, we both started to desire more than just that.

During this time, my country was in need of men to defend itself against the English. I tried to talk to both Catherine and Henry about sending only 6 companies of men, but neither of them would listen. Francis assured me he would help but I didn't see how he could, not when a person like Henry was king. I was Queen of Scotland and yet no one would listen to me. They all treated me like I was still a child. It irritated me to no end.

I decided to take a walk outside to help clear my head with the fresh air. The snow had all melted away, but there was still a cold chill in the air. I was hoping that soon warm weather would be upon us. That way I could enjoy these walks instead of losing feeling in my fingers due to the cold.

I spotted Aylee and Greer walking together next to the small lake. They were talking and giggling away. When they saw me they both smiled and waved me over. I made my way over to them and greeted them. "Oh Mary, you must hear about this man that Greer has fallen for!" Aylee said.

I raised my brow at Greer and smiled, waiting for her to describe this man. "It's Tomas, the son of the King of Portugal. He's here negotiating a trade deal. He's taking his time on it. I think because he wants to spend more time with me."

My first thought was that Greer is not titled. Usually, men of power want a woman with a title, but royals want a woman for an alliance. I pushed back that thought and smiled. "That's wonderful, Greer. I'd love to meet him."

"I'll introduce you to him," Greer said cheerfully. Both Aylee and Greer bowed and continued their walk around the water. I almost wanted to join them, but instead, I walked inside. When I made it back inside I started to search for Francis, occasionally asking a guard or servant if they've seen him. Then I finally spotted him talking to his father. It looked like a heated argument, one Francis was not winning. When he finished he spotted me and walked over to me. "He refuses to send any men," Francis said bluntly. I could tell Francis was furious and attempting to talk to him to calm him down would not work. He turned toward me, his eyes softening. "I won't give up, Mary."

I grabbed his hand and lifted it up to my lips, kissing his knuckles. "Thank you, Francis."

Francis left me to continue talking to his father. I stood there alone, thoughts swarming my mind. Henry wasn't going to give me the men, even though me being here was an alliance. What alliance if they refused to help me? This felt more like captivity than anything else.

Later that day, I had found Greer and a man walking down one of the halls. "There she is." I heard Greer say to the man. When they were in front of me Greer bowed her head at me. "Your majesty, may I present Tomas of Portugal?" She paused and gestured toward me. "Mary, Queen of Scotland." I bowed to Tomas as he did the same for me. "It's lovely to meet you, Mary Queen of Scots," Tomas said politely. "It's lovely to meet you too, Tomas. I hear you're here for a trade deal?"

"Yes, I am here for timber. We are exploring the new world." Tomas said with as much excitement as he could. He looked like a very enthusiastic and kind man. A very interesting one as well. Suddenly something caught his eye and when he turned back toward us he bowed. "I'll take my leave here." Tomas smiled gently at Greer. "Lady Greer," Then he turned to me. It looked as though his expression had changed to a wild one, but it was still the same kind and gentle expression he gave Greer. "Your majesty." Without another word he left Greer and I. Greer watched him as he walked away but when he was no longer in hearing distance she squealed. "Isn't he just perfect?" She grabbed my hands and almost jumped with excitement. I laughed, watching Greer. "He's the bastard son of the king in Portugal. But since he's getting legitimized he'll be the next ruler of Portugal. If I married him I wouldn't have to worry for the rest of my life." She let out a heavy sigh, but I stared at her. She was only a handmaid and Tomas was a prince. The chances of Tomas actually marrying Greer were low, but I kept quiet not wanting to ruin Greer's childish excitement.

I knew that if I wanted to help Scotland I would have to do it myself. No one in French court was going to help me. That's why I had to ask someone out of court.

I had sent a servant to tell Tomas to meet me by the lake so we could discuss a trade of our own. When I made it to the lake I realized I had made it there first. For some reason, I felt like what I was doing wrong. I felt like by doing this I was betraying Francis in a way. But I needed to do what I could for my country. People were counting on me to protect them and a be a proper ruler. Suddenly I felt a tap on my shoulder and my body whipped around, thinking I should be ready to defend myself. But it was only Tomas.

"Thank you for meeting me, Tomas," I said as politely as I could to cover up being startled by him. Tomas smiled kindly. "Of course. What is it you need? You mentioned a trade."

"Yes, I have timber. A lot of it. And Scotland is willing to give more than King Henry is offering. But in return, I'd like men. 6 companies."

Tomas stared at me for a moment, but his smile never broke. "You have the alliance. Surely King Henry will help you."

"King Henry is unable to help me at this time." I paused, almost waiting for Tomas' smile to fade, but he continued to smile. It almost started to irritate me. "The trade is almost complete with King Henry," Tomas paused. "But if you meet me at the entrance of the castle in an hour we'll discuss further about this trade."

I nodded and walked away from Tomas. He seemed like a good person, but I just couldn't shake this weird feeling that came off of him whenever I was near him. It was stupid feeling anyway so I pushed it out of my mind. When I met Tomas again, later that day, he had prepared two horses for us. "Where are we going?" I asked him.

"Get on and you will find out." He answered. I stared at him blankly for a moment, then got on the horse. I was suspicious of his actions, but we had guards following us as well. So I wasn't too nervous.

When we finally made it to his mystery destination I found out it was just a cliffside not too far from the castle. It was absolutely beautiful. You could even hear the water crashing into the rocks below us. Tomas helped me off my horse and gently grabbed my hand and led me closer to the cliff. When he attempted to get further I stayed where I was. Tomas was still a stranger to me, so I wasn't willing to stand next to something life threatening with him.

"Why are we here?" I asked, peering out at the horizon of the water.

"I saw this when I first got here to France. I thought I'd share one of the beauties it has." He turned to me. "But it isn't as beautiful as you."

I stared at him for a moment but quickly looked away. "So have you thought of my offer-"

"Let's not talk about that now. Let's talk about you." Tomas cut me off. "Me?"

"I came to France for timber, yes. But I am here for a wife."

I knew what he meant but I didn't want to acknowledge it. "There are plenty of suitable wives here in France," I said as kindly as I could. Tomas laughed and grabbed my forearm. "I think I've already found the perfect woman for me." My gaze turned to Tomas when he tightened his grip on me. "Wha-what?"

"Mary, will you be my wife?" I could only stare at him, speechless. My mind was going in all different directions as I attempted to process what he just said. Why would he ask me? I thought he was interested in Greer. "What about Greer?"

I asked quietly. "You and I both know people like us don't belong with people like her."

I felt my heart sink. I knew what he meant but for him to say such a thing, and about Greer.

"Tomas, thank you, but-"

"You'll have your 6 companies of men. If you accept." Tomas quickly said as he cut me off. I couldn't believe he was asking me this. I loved Francis and I wasn't about to wed another man, but at the same time, he was offering to save my country.

We left without me giving him a reply. Which made me feel safe for the moment, but I knew if I accepted I would be helping Scotland, but I don't think I could ever love a man like Tomas. He seemed to be hiding something by covering it with his fake gentle nature.

I sat at a table that had been set up next to the dance floor. It was decorated with candles and glass me where Greer, Lola, Aylee, and Kenna. I couldn't help but watch as my ladies laughed and enjoyed the evening. The music coming from the musicians filled the room and gave everyone joyous energy. I had spotted Francis standing on the other side of the room. I couldn't tell if he was looking at me or watching the many dancers twirling in the middle of the room. Looking at him made my chest hurt. I couldn't leave him, not after everything we've gone through. Suddenly my view was blocked by Tomas. He looked down at me, his fake smile covering his face. "Would you like to dance?" Without waiting to hear my answer he grabbed my arm and lifted me out of my seat. He led me to the dance floor and put one hand on my waist and the other held my hand tightly in his. His grip was very harsh and it sent a chill down my body. "I have arranged for 6 ships to leave for Scotland. They are to leave tomorrow."

I stared at him, then quickly looked away trying not to meet his gaze. "I haven't agreed to be your wife."

"You don't need to. I already know the answer." Tomas said.

My eyes widened. "What do you mean you already know the answer?" I asked, enraged. I attempted to get out of his grip, but he only tightened it. "Let go," I demanded. Tomas did nothing, he continued to dance with me. His eyes narrowed toward me and his kind smile disappeared. "Your alliance will not last long here. I know King Henry will not agree to let you marry Francis. Not until you are able to lay claim to England's throne."

I couldn't believe what he was saying to me. I knew it was all an act. From the minute I saw his disgusting smile I knew he was fake. "I said let go, Tomas," I said again, this time I commanded him. But he still didn't let go. I stopped dancing along with him and tried to pull my hand away from his. Tomas looked down at me. His dark eyes were glaring into mine. When you could see his true colors they were terrifying. I was frozen stiff. "You have to marry me. You no longer have a choice." Tomas whispered darkly.

Suddenly Francis and Bash approached us. "Is there a problem?" Francis asked. Tomas quickly let go of me and took a step back. His fake smile once again appeared. "There is no problem here. Just discussing matters with my fiance."

I watched as Francis' kind and happy expression fell and a confused expression took over. He turned to me as if asking for an explanation. "Now, if you'll excuse us. My fiance and I need to discuss business matters." Tomas grabbed my hand again and tried to lead me out of the room, but I whipped toward him and attempted to refuse, but he tightened his grip on my hand. I gasped and immediately pulled back. "I'm not going anywhere with you." I fought back. Tomas' eyes widened and the grip he had on me was tightening every second. I yelped as the pain began to surround my hand.

"Let go of her." Bash almost yelled. His hand was tightly grasping his sword. Tomas quickly let go once attention started to draw toward us. He scoffed and walked away from us, his stomping feet was almost louder than the music.

Francis finally directed his attention toward me. "Mary, what was that all about?" Francis asked, his voice was low and full of confusion. I slowly turned toward Francis, terrified to see his saddened expression. "King Henry wasn't going to give me the men I needed to protect Scotland, so I asked Prince Tomas in exchange for timber he would give me the men I needed." I attempted to gather my thoughts, which was much harder than I thought it would be. "He asked me to marry him and if I accepted he would send those men."

Bash's eyes widened and he turned toward Francis, waiting for him to say something but Francis was quiet as he searched the ground with his eyes. "Are you going to marry him?" He asked silently.

"Francis, I don't want to. But my country is in need." I replied. Bash took a step forward suddenly. "But Francis has already sent out the troops!" Bash looked back and forth between Francis and me as if the problem at hand was already fixed, but Francis refused to look at me. "Is your love that easily interchangeable?"