The Heir (TV Series 'Reign') #2

Tempting Fate

Mary's POV

"Forgive the sins of my body, O Lord, as they give my heart the strength it needs to heal." I pray, sitting on my knees, looking up at the Virgin Mary.

"Were you followed?" Conde whispered, as he entered the chapel.

"No. But it's getting harder to find moments when no one's watching. I tried to get away from the girl who brings my breakfast by telling her I had a cold. Now the kitchen has me on a steady diet of plain broth and foul-smelling herbs." I say.

"The lies are piling up." He says, rubbing his hands on my arms.

"They are. For me, too. But you're here now." I say. 

"Louis, you are kind. And strong. And the only man who's ever put my needs above his own."

"And yet we both know I'm not the man for you." He says.

"I can't keep living like this. The lies, the hiding. Facing my husband every day, knowing his thoughts must be consumed by images of my sister and him." I say, looking out the chapel doors.

"We must leave France sooner rather than later." He says.

"We are leaving. Your agent Ridley and his men are set to land in Scotland in one week. With his help, we'll know for sure if Buckhaven is a safe port of entry under Catholic control." He adds.

"And your men are prepared to accompany us?" I ask.

"They wait only for my word."

"Promise me that when the day comes, we'll get on that boat and you'll leave all this behind." He says.

"Yes. For my country and for you."

"Mary, we're so close."

~

Catherine's POV 

"Good morning." I say to Mary, who is leaving the chapel doors.

"Catherine, good morning."

"Mary? Oh, you look flushed. Are you feverish?"

"I'm sure it will pass. Thank you for your concern." She whispers, quickly leaving my sight.

"Find out how many times our pious queen has taken her morning prayers in the chapel this week. Without arousing suspicion." I order my guards.

~ 

Entering the private meeting Francis is having with his advisor, I stand near the entrance door. 

"Though our forces have had great success in tamping down extremists, I'm afraid the few remaining only grow more militant." His advisor said.

"I would like to divert more forces to Rouen and La Rochelle." Francis asks.

"Why?"

"Rouen is teeming with Protestants, but their protests remain largely peaceful."

"Uh, the king would prefer a thorough review of the subject before making a decision." I interrupt.

"What is it?"

"A hospitality matter. The duke and duchess of Berry have arrived and with them something of a panic among the servants."

"You'll excuse me?" He ordered.

"Out. Now." I say.

"Why are you so distracted? This isn't like you. This needs your attention." I add.

"Where is your head?"

"No one knows or understands better than me what went wrong in your marriage. And Eliana has been through considerable trauma. But Prince Condé lingers at court with no pressing reason to be here."