Highland Games

Chapter Six

My heart swelled with pride as we walked into the Great Hall, knowing that this was the first of many times James and I would walk into the room as one. Though I did not know why or how, something  deep within told me that James and I would grow old together. Even still, I held him tightly, knowing that a million days and nights with him would still never be enough for me. I would treasure each glance, whisper, and kiss that he laid upon my skin.

The musicians strike up a song as just as easily as we stepped into synch last night, we do it again. No one else danced alongside us, but even if they had I wouldn't have notice them. Once again I found myself locked into his eyes, entranced by hues of gray interwoven with perfect and crystal blues.

"What I would give to know the thoughts in that beautiful mind of yours," he whispers as a finger gingerly brushes against my temple.

I smile softly as he effortlessly lifts me into the air before slowly setting me back onto the ground, his fingers gripping my waist tightly. "I'm regretting not taking you up on your offer," my voice is low and smooth, despite my heart racing within my chest. I had never been this bold in my life, but with him I was, perhaps because I knew that he would not judge me for it.

He takes a deep breath as his fingers press a little harder into my skin, "Oh believe me, Mary, the second we have greeted everyone, I am taking you back to my chambers. It is taking everything within me to keep myself from leaving and taking you with me."

I could tell from the darkness that gleamed in his eyes that he was not lying. His breathing had begun to grow ragged, and I could feel him holding himself back. It was torture for him to be so close to me and yet so far away. Something burns deep in my stomach, and I find my breathing mirroring his and the sudden desire to be close to him, to feel his breath and lips against my skin.

Applause rings throughout the hall and snaps me out of my trance, and I am pulled back into reality. A servant brings us a glass of wine, which he and I quickly accept, and I found myself suddenly feeling parched. I try to take deep breaths to steady myself, but he was still beside me, and I could feel his eyes on my skin.

Thankfully a familiar face walks towards us and for a moment I am able to distract myself. "Uncle Norfolk," I smile widely as I greet him with a hug. Though we were not related by blood-he was the husband of my aunt- I still loved and treated him as if he were. In some ways he had been the father that mine had never been. It was he who instilled a love of reading and learning, he who was my most steadfast supporter.

"Your Grace," he smiles with pride as he bows before me, his eyes growing soft and for a moment I saw a tear in them.

I nod my head, my heart growing warm in realizing that he was one of the first to greet me as queen. "I must introduce you to my husband, His Grace, King James," I beam proudly as I motion towards James. My uncle smiles warmly as he respectfully bows. "Husband, this is my uncle, the Duke of Norfolk," I motion towards my uncle, who was still looking at me with pride.

"I understand that you still have many people to greet, so I will excuse myself, but I wanted to congratulate the two of you on what I can see will be a happy marriage," he bows as he steps back excusing himself. As he goes to walk away, I quickly grab his hand and give it a tight squeeze, silently thanking him for his kind words.

A line had formed behind him, with James' uncle, the Duke of Burgundy being the next in line. "Your Graces," he bows before stepping forward, and in the corner of my eye I see James smile fondly. "Though I am not the first nor shall I be the last, I want to congratulate the happy couple. Should you decide to make changes to your honeymoon, I would remind you that Burgundy is exceptionally beautiful this time of year."