Drowning: A Reign Fanfiction

Chapter 8

 I knew what I had to do, and I took liberty being thorough with it.

At four o'clock precisely, I went down to the kitchen and informed the head chef that Francis and I wouldn't be joining the others for dinner, while also requesting a picnic basket with Francis' favorite to be delivered to our new chambers at six-thirty so we could dine at seven.

At five o'clock, I found the nearest servant and requested for twelve candles to be lit and delivered to my bedroom before six-forty-five.

Finally, at six o'clock, I ordered for the palace messenger to deliver a note to the King that I had written in private immediately. I remembered every word.

***

Francis,

Meet me in our new chambers at seven.

Come alone.

Your Love,

Mary

***

Once I returned to the room at six-twenty precisely, twelve lit candles were waiting for me on the dresser. I took my time, arranging the twelve candles on the floor of the balcony that every bedroom in the castle had. It wasn't a large space, but it was enough for Francis and I to be comfortable.

At six-twenty-eight, the head chef came to personally deliver the picnic basket filled to the brim with food for his King and Queen. I thanked him graciously for the food, before placing the basket on the balcony floor with the candles.

It was a vision turned into a reality. The flames of the candle gently blew in the cool breeze, emitting light against the darkened sky. The stars weren't visible yet, but they would be by the time Francis and I finished dinner. Perfect, I thought.

With the balcony perfectly set up for a quiet dinner under the stars, I hurried back into the bedroom to remove my makeup and change. I tossed aside my corset and underskirt without a second thought, leaving my body bare, before I slipped on the gown Francis had gifted me for my birthday.

It was dark green with gold flowers embroidered in swirls across the velvet fabric. It was beautiful and the only dress I had ever received as a gift. Francis said the color complimented my raven hair and chocolate eyes.

I loved it. It made my heart warm, and my laughter light. Surely, on a night like tonight, it would bring Francis and I closer together.

Five minutes before seven, a loud knock echoed throughout the chambers.

"Mary?" Francis' voice called. It was overwhelmed with pain and concern.

"You can come in," I said with a smile from the center of the room. I was perfectly positioned, so I would be the first thing Francis saw when he looked into the room.

I watched with satisfaction as Francis pulled open the door and his eyes nearly bulged out of his head.

"You're—" He stumbled on words. "You're not unwell?"

I laughed, grabbing his arm as I began leading his dazed state towards the balcony.

"No, I'm not. I'm quite well, I'm afraid," I said as we finally stepped onto the balcony.

"Mary!" Francis cheered with delight. "You didn't," he said as he hugged me to his chest and planted a kiss on top of my head.

I didn't shy away from this kind of touch anymore—at least, not from him. It was natural and welcome: a third step forward.