Chapter 9

So I feel like the transition from battle to "regular day to day life" is very poor and I apologize for that. I just wanted to get the ball rolling. But now I'm going to try my best to add a lot Frary moments and just keep the story moving.

This chapter has somewhat mature content!

I was taken aback by Francis' words. "Of course it isn't, Francis!" I took a step toward him, but he took a step back. He was looking at me now, his eyes searching mine. I couldn't tell whether I was upset or sad by what he said to me. For him to even think something like that made my heart tighten and a chilling feeling went into my stomach. "I only love you, Francis. I never wanted to accept his proposal." I tried.

Francis shook his head slightly. I didn't know what that meant, but before I could figure it out Francis turned and started walking away. I turned to Bash quickly. "Francis was able to get the men?" I asked him. Bash nodded. "And more."

Without another thought, I ran toward the direction Francis had left us. I turned a corner and found him walking slowly down one of the halls. Both of his hands were tightly clenched into fists and his head was low. I could tell he was angry and I could understand why. I was considering marrying a man, a disturbing one, just for men he could supply for Scotland. I could only imagine the pain I caused for Francis and the pain he must be feeling right now.

"Francis," I said loudly so that he could hear me. It wasn't a problem though because it echoed through the empty hall. Francis stopped in his tracks, but he didn't turn. He continued to keep his fists close to his side. I took a few steps toward him until I was only a few away from him. I was scared to be any closer. I didn't want to anger him further. I knew he would never hurt me, but I didn't want to push him.

"I'm sorry that I even considered it." I paused and looked out one of the glass covered windows. They were quite large, that way these halls could be filled with light during the day. Right now, the sun was going down. It created an orange, almost fire like light in the hall. "I thought I was alone, Francis. I thought I was the only one who could save my country in its time of need." Tears began to fill my eyes without permission, but I didn't try to wipe them away. I let them roll down my face, one by one. "But I was wrong. I have you."

Francis slowly turned his body toward me. "I heard that I was going to die in battle when you and I returned to the castle. But you chose to risk yourself, your country, everything you had. Just so that you could save me." Francis was taking small steps toward me as he spoke. "I'll do anything in my power to help you. It's my turn to save you and to help you." When he was only a step away from me he looked me in the eyes. I attempted to look away, but he put his hand on my cheek and forced me to look at him. "But it hurts me, Mary. That you were willing to throw away the love we have for each other for another man with an army."

Francis and I both knew that we needed to put our country's first before each other. He said that to me the first time we met. I didn't think he was even capable of loving me, but now he was telling me that our love is worth more than our countries. I didn't know if he really meant it, but in this moment I couldn't agree more. "I'm sorry, Francis. I'm so sorry." I tried to ignore my cries, but soon they became stronger and I couldn't hold them back anymore. Francis quickly grabbed onto me and held me tightly in his arms. "I'm here for you, Mary. I will never give up on you, or your country." Francis said quietly.

I clenched my fingers into a fist and put my hand on his chest. I could feel his heartbeat as I'm sure he could feel mine against his chest. They were both thudding madly, but as we stood there together they began to calm.

We pulled away from each other, but Francis grabbed onto my hand and tightly held it in his. "I won't let Tomas take you."

"I would never leave you anyway, Francis," I said. Francis smiled quickly, but it disappeared. "Tomas is not a kind man, as I'm sure you already know. There are rumors that he killed his first wife." He paused. "If you can, stay away from him." I nodded slowly, taking in this new information and Francis' request. I could tell from the beginning Tomas was a strange man, but he killed his wife? I didn't think he was capable of murder, but I suppose anyone nowadays could be secretly.

Francis pulled my hand and began to walk down the hall. I followed, my hand tightly in his as he guided me through the halls. It felt like we were children again, wandering the halls alone, hiding from everyone else. When we stopped we found ourselves in front of Francis' chambers. He slowly opened the door and gently pulled me inside, closing the door behind him. I've only been in this room a few times, but this is the first place we kissed each other. I yearned to feel his lips against mine again.

Francis wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me in closer toward him. I looked up slowly to find his eyes peering down at me. My head was buzzing with thoughts only moments ago, but now it was buzzing with anticipation. I could feel his warm breath against my cheeks. I grinned slightly and leaned forward, pressing my lips against his. My eyes slowly closed as my body enjoyed every moment, every feeling of Francis' gentle lips.

When we pulled away, it felt like we were both already out of breath, but Francis was already taking the next step. He leaned in and pressed his lips against my neck as he reached up and began sliding my black, silk dress off of my shoulders. When the dress was completely off Francis reached toward my back and began to pull the lace that was tying my corset together. He was still kissing my neck and was starting to move downward, leaving a trail of kisses behind. He let the ribbon fall to the ground as he gently pulled the corset off of my body.

Francis was slow and careful to take the rest of my clothing off. When he was finished he gently picked me up and placed me on his bed. He let his fingers trace the sides of my body, but when his fingers reached my stomach he paused. I knew why he stopped. He was probably looking at the scar on my stomach from the stab wound. I slowly propped myself up so I could look at Francis. "I know it's not attractive." I laughed nervously. "We don't have to do this if you don't want."

Francis quickly looked up at me and glared. He gently pushed me back onto my back and kissed my stomach. "Nothing on your body is unattractive."

He continued to explore my body with his fingers and his kisses, stopping occasionally to lean up and kiss my lips. My body was warming up just by his touch. I wanted nothing more than to be one with Francis at this moment, but it seemed like Francis was taking his sweet time. Then he pulled himself away from my body and began to undress, revealing his ravishing and seductive body. I grinned and wiggled my finger toward me, beckoning him to come closer. He smiled and leaned in. I put my hands on his chest and let them travel around his abs. While I did that, Francis began taking off his pants.

Francis and I were completely exposed with each other, no longer able to hide anything away behind clothing. It felt thrilling and was completely sensational. I never wanted this to end. Francis gently lifted my legs up a little and looked over at me. "Are you sure?" He asked me.

I nodded and bit my lip. "Absolutely."