The Heir (TV Series 'Reign') #2

Burn

Mary's POV

"Ugly business, but I can't begrudge my men their whores. Many of them might be dead by tomorrow."Conde whispers.

"They're not the only ones." I say.

"You're safe now, Mary. You know, you made the right decision, coming to me. I will protect you and our child. We will... survive this... This coup?"

"War, you mean." I say.

"I know there's little joy even in that, as it means Francis must die."

"Don't count Francis out so quickly, Louis."

"His men at the castle are outnumbered and we have him surrounded. What is it, Mary?" He questions.

"Francis has cannons now." I say.

"Cannons?"

"They arrived two days ago, under the cover of night. I feel as though I am betraying everyone I know and love in the castle. Can we please just leave here?" I ask.

"I've gone too far to turn back. No, no, it's Francis who must accept defeat and the people you love will be spared. Captain. Bring forward our siege guns." He orders.

"But my lord, they're at the rear of the column. It would delay our attack by hours, perhaps more."

"Bring them."

"Yes, my lord."

"This changes nothing. When my guns are ready, if Francis does not offer up his life, I will attack. And by tomorrow night, either he or I will be dead."

~ 

Eliana's POV

As Francis paced around the library, Catherine entered quietly.

"Mary has gone to Condé." She says.

"No, it's not possible." Francis says.

"Of course it's possible! Your own men saw her riding towards Condé's camp. Alone, of her own volition. Are you really so surprised?"

"You told her of Condé's offer to protect her if you gave up the Crown, trusting her loyalty, and once again, she has betrayed you." Catherine adds.

"She might even assume that you will take this offer, thinking it will avoid the bloodshed of your people and save her, because she knows in your heart you are merciful."

"Too merciful, you think." He says.

"Too merciful to her! Her selfishness, her betrayals... you have looked past them all. Even when the stress of it has nearly killed you. But this act of hers will not just cost you your life. We won't be spared, your brothers and I, if Condé is king, whether you forfeit the Crown willingly or not. If we die, it is at her hands. And if we live, I will never forgive her for this!" She yells, leaving the room.

"She's right.."

"Please don't start Eliana, I've had enough with my mother and Mary's words."

"You can't keep running away with these ideas that she will stay with Conde forever...and that..we would keep this relationship between us."

"What are you saying?"

"If the time were to come, for you and Mary to be with each other again. Don't question it."

"I love you..and I will always love you. My heart will never change because of the treaty, you will be my wife in my eyes..."

"And what of France..in their eyes they would see me as your mistress. We need to be clear of what might happen between us."