Chapter 16

Sorry that this chapter was all in code before! I'm out of town so I wasn't able to fix it right away, but thank you for those who let me know about the problem. I'm going to post another chapter tonight as a thank you (:

As much as I wanted to believe this wedding was only for Francis and me, it wasn't. It was so that everyone could witness the alliance finally being completed with our marriage. No one actually cared if we loved each other or not. They just wanted to see how this was going to help them. After our dance Francis was busy being surrounded by nobles, they would congratulate him then go on talking about business. I wanted to spend this happy day with him, but even I knew that wasn't possible. At least, not until the consummation.

My mother came up to me and smiled, but before she said anything she drank the rest of her wine with one big swig. Then she ordered a servant to quickly get her another glass.

"I'm so glad this is finally settled." She said to me.

I said nothing as I watched the people on the dance floor attempted a new dance. I knew what she meant but I didn't want to discuss this with her. "I was afraid you were going to fall for that other son, what's his name?" She continued. "Sebastian," I responded coldly. She laughed and leaned against the table that sat behind us. "That's right. The bastard son that Diane was trying to get legitimized."

I turned toward her, confused. "Oh, you didn't know?" The servant came back and handed my mother another glass of wine, then disappeared back into the crowd of people. My mother took another sip before continuing. "Diane was going to have Bash legitimized so that he could marry you and get the throne."

"Bash would never do a thing like that. He didn't want the throne." I responded. I attempted to keep a leveled head, but whenever my mother spoke it was getting harder. "You must not know him very well then." My mother scoffed.

I thought back to the time before Count Vincent came to court. We stood on that balcony together and Bash revealed to me that he knew my secret. He promised me he wouldn't tell a soul. He would never try to hurt me, or his brother. This must have been all Diane.

"They should just execute the man already. I'm surprised he's lived this long."

My eyes widened at the sudden remark. My mother turned toward me, waiting for me to respond. "Don't tell me you actually like him?"

My mother raised her brow when I didn't respond. She turned around and examined the foot that filled the table. "Even Henry wants Bash gone now. Since Francis is married to you he has no need for Bash. He's only a nuisance. A hindrance for us royals."

My hands shook at my side, begging me to hit her. Just to get her to shut up. I knew she was a selfish woman, but I could never imagine on this sort of level.

As much as I wanted to hit her, or to solve every problem that way, I took in a deep breath. I let the air cool my head. I tightly squeezed my nails into the palm of my hand before releasing my fingers.

"I think you should leave," I said silently. My mother stared at me blankly. "What?"

"Go back to Scotland." I attempted to say calmly. My mother tilted her head in confusion and took a step toward me. She put her hand on my shoulder, but I quickly brushed it off. "You can't treat me like that. I'm your mother."

"I can." I took a small step toward her so that she could hear me. "Your presence is a nuisance to me."

Her eyes lit up. She was searching my eyes for some kind of reason behind this, but the only reason I had was her. She was not the type of person I wanted near me in court. She was the type of person you hear rumors about. One of the backstabbers. And since I was the Queen of Scotland I could decide for myself what type of people I wanted to surround myself with and she was definitely not one of them.

"But I'm the one ruling Scotland. For you." My mother said, astounded.

"Continue to do that," I responded. I turned and was about to walk away but Greer appeared in front of me. She questionably looked at my mother, then she turned back to me and put her hand on my arm. "Mary, it's time for the consummation." I nodded and turned away from my mother. "I better see you gone after today."

I heard my mother scoff but before I could let her respond I followed Greer out of the church. When I first arrived in France I wanted nothing more than to have my mother by my side. I wanted her guidance through these confusing times but now I knew her true nature. She reminded me a lot of Catherine, maybe that's why I wanted nothing to do with her. Although Catherine seemed to be treating me differently now. Maybe she was finally accepting me since she had no choice now.

My ladies led me out of the church building and back into the castle. The church wasn't actually in the castle but was on the property. I liked to think that since the castle is filled with lies and betrayal it isn't brought into the church. When you enter through those wooden doors you're no longer that terrible person you were in court.

We stopped when we reached a room filled with people. I was more attracted to the way the room was decorated rather than the people inside. A fire burned away in a large fireplace that sat on the right side wall. The walls were painted a dark red color that gave the room a very enclosed and comforting feeling. Then there was an enormous bed on the left side of the room and that's where I found Francis. He was standing on the side of it in only his nightgown.

The room had a sort of awkward silence, but at the same time, it was more welcomed than talking.

Suddenly my ladies came up to me and began undressing me. They began by pulling off my dress then gently taking the jewelry off my body. No one said a word as the pieces of clothing came off of my body. The only noise filling the room was the crackling of the fire. The log sitting on top began to break and fall into the fire pit, creating a loud popping sound.

When my ladies finished undressing me, except for my underdress, they took a few steps back and joined the crowd that was there to observe.

I made my way toward Francis, which felt like was taking forever. Whenever I'd look down at my feet it seemed like every step was smaller and smaller. When I reached him he smiled at me. We weren't supposed to talk but it was easy to read Francis's expression. He was gleaming with happiness. I almost wondered how he felt about this. Did he enjoy this tradition?

Francis lifted his hand up and lightly pulled a piece of my hair, pulling it forward and letting it fall back on my chest.

We both got on top of the bed. I laid on my back as Francis got on top of me and put his hands on each side my arms. Rather than moving this along, he stared into my eyes. This time it felt different. He wasn't looking for an answer or questioning me. He was only looking at me, enjoying this moment together. Savoring the first moments where we are officially one.

Then the consummation had finally begun. At first, I felt scared and hesitate to do the ceremony, but having a partner like Francis made everything so easy. He did everything he could to make me comfortable and relaxed. When it was over Francis laid close to me, even though we were supposed to get dressed and head back to the party. But Francis managed to convince everyone that we were tired and would like to enjoy the night together. I think they were assuming something else when he said that, but what he meant was innocent. We just wanted to spend the night together, alone. As husband and wife.

I laid close to Francis, my hand on his chest and my head on his arm. He was looking down at me, rubbing his hand against my cheek. "You're so beautiful." He whispered. I smiled warmly and blushed slightly. "Did you enjoy the wedding?" Francis asked.

I pulled away from his chest and nodded. "Did you?"

Francis smiled. "It was the best day of my life."