Bristoline Court

3

I sat with Mary in her chamber, the news of her departure echoing like a mournful melody in the air. We were holding hands and Mary was crying together as servants were packing all of her things.

Her impending leave was near, and I struggled to find the right words to express the depth of my sorrow. Mary was my best friend next to the Queen. Even though Mary and Beatrice were closer, I never felt like a third wheel, and they were always very inclusive and accepting.

When it first was announced I was to be a lady for the new Queen, I was so worried about the rumors. And when I first met her and Mary, they both hugged me, and it was an immediate friendship. They never picked on me for my family's original loyalty, unlike others here at court. Everyone here, except my father, maybe, would throw me under a carriage to get ahead. But with Mary and the Queen, I had two people I could confide in and share my secrets with.

"Mary," I began, my voice trembling with emotion. "I cannot bear the thought of you leaving me. I... I'm going to be all alone here."

Mary's blue eyes, usually alight with laughter, were now filled with a sadness that mirrored my own.

"Oh, Catrice," she murmured, her voice thick with unshed tears.

"I shall miss you more than words can convey. While I am happy to be out of this place, it's so dark and dull here, but now I'll be starting over again." She said, fighting to herself to smile.

We sat in silence for a moment, the gravity of our separation hanging between us like a heavy fog. My mind raced with questions, each one more painful than the last.

Mary spoke again. "I must return to my parents in France," she explained softly. "The court will no longer provide refuge for an unmarried woman such as myself. No one is to look out for me here. But you, you will find happiness and I will do the same." Her words hit me like a blow to the chest, and I felt a lump form in my throat.

"But what will I do without you?" I whispered, unable to hide the fear and sadness in my voice. Mary offered me a sad smile.

"We shall always be sisters of the heart, Caty," she reassured me, her words a soothing balm to my troubled soul. "No matter the distance between us." As she spoke, I felt a sense of peace settle over me, knowing that our bond would endure even in the face of separation. But despite the comforting words, I couldn't shake the feeling of loss that threatened to consume me.

As we embraced one last time, I held onto Mary with all the strength I could muster, silently wishing for time to stand still. But as she prepared to depart, I knew that our farewell was inevitable. As Mary left the palace for the last time, I couldn't help but feel a sense of emptiness wash over me.

But amidst the sorrow, there was also a glimmer of hope. For though we may be separated by miles and years, I knew that our friendship would endure, and when I am married to the Marquis, I will have her in my close circle there too.

That same night in the dining hall, I sat next to my father. He broached the topic of potential matches for the king. His voice carried a tone of concern as he discussed the importance of alliances and the stability of the realm.

"They're thinking a Spanish princess or one of Denmark. We've secured our alliance with France already since a son and heir was produced. But I told Lord Richard that if we want to be proactive, we must also be thinking about potential matches for the young prince as well. Since we are already in the market, why not secure another as well." He continued on as he loves to hear himself speak.

My thoughts drifted to Queen Beatrice, whose absence left a palpable void in the palace to no one but me.

Amidst the discussion, my gaze wandered to the dance floor, where King Edward twirled Lady Jane with practiced ease. There was an air of discomfort in the way they moved together, a tension that seemed to linger beneath their graceful steps.