Nervous Lola found herself biting her tongue to stave off the scream as she watched the older woman gather the tools that she might need in the process. Finally, she could barely stand it, "are those even sterile?" The older woman looked at her with a solemn expression, "Aye my Lady, as sterile as possible anyhow.
The cabin curtains were closed to prevent prying eyes from seeing into the cabin, and the several candles were lit to allow for a line of vision. The old woman fussing about getting things ready. Lola's nerves were starting to get the best of her. This was not what she had expected, but then again, she was not completely sure of what to expect when she had approached the kitchen housekeeper about where she could go to get rid of her baby. Of course, she did not tell the girl that it was her baby, only Kenna knew that.
The woods granted cover as Mary, Queen of Scots rode with her former fiancé towards her previously unknown destination, hoping to stop her friend from making a dreadful choice. She could only hope they were not too late to spare Lola. Too many girls do not make it through the procedure. Lola must be desperate to resort to this, the young Queen reasoned in her head. She was grateful for Bash's quiet support as they rode. The brunette had never had cause to consider such actions and saw desperation, but she could not understand why? Did Lola not trust her to help her out of this jam? These thoughts and others rolled through the young Queens mind as they made their way through the woods and into a clearing where a cottage stood.
Dismounting the Queen of Scots stormed in like an Atlantic storm. "Lola, oh Lola why didn't you come to me first you are not done are you?" The old woman croaked, "We have not even begun." The girl on the table looked at her Queen, "It is my mess. I am the one who made it and so I must fix it." Mary shook her head, "What if something could be done to provide cover and take care of you and the child?"
Lola turned to her side to not look at the Queen who was offering her mercy when she did not deserve it. A moment of weakness and comfort was going to cost her everything. Then, in a stroke of understanding Mary understood the other girl's desperation. Seeking to confirm what she was certain that she already knew the young Queen looked at her friend, "Is it my husband's child?" A guilt wracked Lola could only nod.
Mary tried to collect herself as she ordered, "Up off the table and come. Your shame is your own to bear whatever it may bring you too. I am glad to have gotten here before you got rid of the evidence. The other girl slowly got up from the table and followed her Queen slowly. Mary Bound Lola to her horse so that she could not control it or leave. Giving the other end of the rope to Bash.
Then, Mary Queen of Scots pulled herself onto her horse barely noticing Sebastian riding beside her with Lola following. Mary began to cry silently as she rode. The young Queen of Scots rode towards the castle, the young Queen began to review recent events and did not like what she saw. Francis had slept with her best friend, and that did not even touch the Olivia situation. This marriage had been set up from the start to be like his parents, and that was something that Mary did not want. She thought back and realized that she had choices to make here. Lack of knowledge and not being of completely clear head would be grounds for annulment. Further she contemplated how strong and supportive Bash had been while challenging her to consider alternatives and other points of view, but always making sure that it was her decision in the end. If she had any need of anything Sebastian was there. The brunette brother would not have allowed his mother's mechanizations to so affect their relationship, something she found looking back Francis was incapable of. In fact, until Mary herself initiated it, Bash had put a stop to his own mother wanting to see him on the thrown even though his mothers' scheme would also have meant that he got Mary in the bargain.
It was as these thoughts concluded that Mary pulled her horse up in full view of the stables. The brunette handed her horse off to the stable hand. Turning to her once best friend she ordered, "You will be on the next boat home to Scotland, but only after you write your confession and sign it so that I can send word to his Eminence in Rome." Lola nodded, conceding to the fate that her Queen was consigning her too.
Once inside Mary had Lola write out her full confession complete with date and what exactly happened. The fact that she was pregnant and had betrayed her Queen by not making her aware of the fact that they had been together as opposed to having simply met on the road. The attempt to further deceive people by attempting to get rid of the baby until Lola had been prevented from her wickedness by her Grace, the Queen of Scotland. The petite brunette signed the statement, and witnessed with signatures by Mary, Greer, and Kenna.
The girl burst into tears as she realized how her family was likely to react to this news, especially after the shame and embarrassment that her brother had caused with his gambling and drinking all over Europe. That accomplished the Queen of Scotland, called for a guard and a messenger. Mary sealed the confession to prevent prying eyes from observing its contents if they had not been witnesses. "Take this to his Eminence in Rome." The messenger bowed, "Yes, your Grace." Turning to the guard Mary ordered, "Bind her and lead her on a horse to Calais from there Lola must be put on the first boat back to Scotland and kept bound and cared for so that she reaches her family in disgrace." The guard nodded, "It will be done your Grace."
With that Mary took her leave of her ladies and went into the private part of her chambers leaving her ladies in her receiving room.
