I DO NOT OWN REIGN.
Eventually, I was loaded into the carriage, along with Charles and Mary as we were sent off to greet Charles's new squeeze. As the carriage proceeded down the King's Road, Charles elected to take himself a nap. That was fine by me, because it gave me and Mary a chance to talk.
"So, how is Lady Lola?" I asked, trying to gauge her reaction to Bash's report on Colin.
"Bash sought her out and told her that Colin had left French Court on important business, do you know anything about this?" She asked pointedly. Mary had seen right through me and it was going to be pointless to lie.
"I discovered that…Colin had been approached by someone who is against our engagement." I admit as this got Mary's undivided attention.
"Someone in the castle?" She asked in shock as her mind starting running fast. "Was it the English?"
"Colin wouldn't say, he was so afraid. They wanted him to…sneak into your chambers as you slept and take your virtue by force so that you would be unfit to marry me." I explained as I could see the light bulb go off in Mary's head.
"Francis, the night of your sister's wedding, I heard a voice in my chambers. It told me not to drink the wine." She reported as I pretended to be stunned; even though I knew Clarissa was looking out for her.
"Who was this voice, how did they know about the plot?" I asked, trying to sound clueless.
"I don't know…but there is someone at French Court who is against the alliance. Who else has motive to ruin me except the English?" Mary asked.
"It could be someone French, who fear that the alliance could draw France into a proxy war with England." I admitted, avoiding throwing around Catherine's name.
"If what you're saying is true, then I'm not safe at French court." Mary insisted as I took her hands in mine.
"Mary, I swear to you that I will move Heaven and Earth to keep you safe." I vowed as I found myself meaning what I said. Mary was a beautiful person inside and out and I refused to let Catherine or the English hurt her.
"You can't keep that promise Francis, your father won't even set a date for our wedding!" She exclaimed as I got down on my knees as the carriage moved on.
"Mary, if I could, I would force this carriage to head towards the nearest priest and I would marry you this very hour; I know that my father is making us wait, but God knows that we are married in our hearts. I will stand by you against any enemy; as your ally if not your husband." I pleaded as Mary gave me a smile that was mixed with gratitude and sadness.
"I believe you Francis." She assured me as we embraced tightly while we kept prancing towards Madeline. Maybe it sounds weird saying it...but I have never felt more safe than as I felt in Mary's arms.
Later that day.
As the carriage ride clocked in at 5 hours, Charles had woken up and it was now Mary's turn to catch some Z's.
"She even smells nice." Charles remarked as he leaned against a sleeping Mary.
"I know." I chuckled as I did have to admit that Mary's perfume was pleasing to the nostrils. It smelled of some berry, but I couldn't figure out the specific type. Eventually, we arrived at the appointed place.
"Can I finish my puzzle?" Charles asked as Mary woke from her slumber.
"We'll come for you once the girl's boat has come ashore." I promised as my Queen to be and I got out of the carriage and went to oversee the boat coming ashore. Sure enough,there was an English warship in the harbor and 8 rowboats headed ashore.
"There are too many boats, that's not a French ship; those are English." I said, sticking to the script.
"Is that a warship?" Mary asked nervously as I gave her a nod.
"Guards!" I called to the soldiers near us, I had to pretend that I had no idea what the English were doing there and assume that Mary's life was in danger.
"What are they doing here?" Mary asked again.
"I don't know. I think it's a hostile landing." I lied again.
"But England and France are at peace, have they come for me?" Mary inquired fearfully.
"Get Mary out of here, hide her!" I commanded as one of the guards brought a horse over.
"Mary, can you ride?" I asked.
"Yes." She answered.
"Get my brother out of here, someplace safe." I ordered the guard nearest to me as the others prepared to shoot arrows at the English. "Mary, now!" I commanded as right on cue, Bash came riding up to warn us about the English's true purpose.
"No, wait, don't shoot!" Bash called out to us. "Stand down!"
"There's an English warship." I pointed out.
"The English come in peace." Bash countered. "The French ship took on water it was in distress. The English were nearby and gave rescue."
"How do you know this?" I inquired, even though I knew already.
"They sent an emissary on ahead to the castle." Bash explained. "He's being held. If they're lying, they'll have his head."
As it turned out, the story was true and Lady Madeline was brought to us; courtesy of England. She walked up to Charles and waited for him to greet her, but Charles wasn't having it.
"Go and introduce yourself." I whispered to my little brother, but he just shook his head. Even from his young age, Charles was a stubborn little shit. Unfortunately, it was only going to get worse as he grew older, especially when season 3 rolled around. In the end, it was up to Mary to make the pleasantries.
"Hello Madeleine, I'm Mary." She said as she bent over to get on Madeleine's level. "I know you've had a very long journey, but you're safe now; and you're very welcome here." Mary held out her hand for Madeline, which she took. The little couple had a brief interaction which was a bit cute, but at the end of the day...pointless.
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