BOOK 1: One True Love

Chapter 2

                                                                                          The First Night

Francis opted to leave the court room while the guests and his parents are still enjoying the entertainments for Mary's festivity. He normally stays until the wee hours for such grand celebrations, but for tonight, he thought it is best for him to retire early. Even his personal guards are surprised to see the young prince entering his chamber at this hour. Francis is known for being gregarious and typically uses festivities to entice women. Oftentimes, the lady of his choice ends up spending the night in his private chamber. Well, you cannot blame these young women who chose to throw themselves to him freely. If the future King of France will invite you to spend the night with him, will you hesitate to accept? Of course not! The opportunity to win Francis' heart is every maiden's dream, though it is no secret that he is engage to Mary. The fact that he's been promised to a royal marriage does not stop him from being open to the possibility of establishing a romantic relationship with a young maiden aside from his betrothed. But tonight seems to be an exception; he gave his guards a strict order not to be disturbed. No one is allowed to enter his chamber. Francis slowly loosen his attire, took off his shoes, and laid down to his bed. It took a while for him to realize that he's been staring blankly at the ceiling for a good half hour or so. Then a thought crossed his mind... the thought of her, gliding at the court room... her smile.... her eyes... her beauty. Is she not the most beautiful woman he laid his eyes on? What is this? Why is he thinking about her in the first place? Francis tried to divert his thoughts. "She's just an alliance." he told himself. "My father, the king, will have the last say if she stays or goes." He closed his eyes, and fell asleep.

                                                                                             Early morning

The next day, a knocked at her door woke up Mary. "Your majesty, are you up?" asked by a familiar voice. "Aylee, is that you?" Mary quickly got off her bed and put her robe on. "Yes Mary, it is I. Can I come in?" "You may." Mary answered. The door opened and Aylee proceeded to give Mary a hug. "Forgive me, your majesty, it's just that I missed your company." Mary laughed, "Aylee, you are my friend; you do not have to act so proper if it is just the two of us." Then came the three other young maidens, namely, Kenna, Lola, and Greer. "I am so happy to see you all, it's been so long." The young queen tried to maintain her composure as her four friends curtsied. "I heard that King Henry held a banquet in your honor." Kenna asked. "Yes, he did. It was unfortunate that you missed it." Mary replied. "So... how's your meeting with Francis?" asked Lola with a teasing smile. "He is gorgeous and he seemed cordial. He did not say much, but I saw the look in his eyes... he is a good man." Said Mary. "Well, that sounds promising. I hope the wedding will be held soon." Greer added. Mary understood that the sooner the wedding will push through, the better it is for Scotland. The English has been plotting against her country as long as she can remember. An alliance with France will make England think twice before attacking the Scottish border. She is in France for one reason, and one reason only, that is to marry Francis. Then another knock at the door, "Your majesty, your morning meal awaits you." A servant said. "We'll be there shortly." Answered Mary.

                                                                                                First Lesson

Francis spent the entire morning with his bow and arrows. He got up early and had his morning meal by himself. This is his fourth target, and yet he does not feel in need of rest. He refused Sebastian's invite for an early hunt. Sebastian/Bash is his half-brother, the king's son with the Lady Diane de Poitiers. Despite their different stations, both brothers managed to create a bond. They genuinely care for each other. Francis considers Bash as his confidant, and his truest friend. He's about to shoot another arrow when suddenly he heard steps toward his direction-- a woman's shoe steps. He turned around and saw Mary smiling as she comes near him. "Good morning your highness. Beautiful day, is it not?" "Your Majesty, you can call me Francis." He replied. "Then it would please me if you call me Mary." In his mind, he thought that she blossomed overnight; she was already beautiful last night but as the sunlight touches her face, Francis sees a different kind of glow that made him speechless again. "I see that you are skillful with the bow and arrow, Francis?" Says Mary. "My skills are novice compared to my older half-brother Bash." He humbly answered. Mary knew about Bash since they were young. She is well aware of King Henry's illicit affairs, a common practice among male royals. "Well, I am not near novice." Mary said. "Do you mind teaching me how to shoot?" Francis was amazed with Mary's request. Learning to shoot with a bow and arrow is not ladylike, much more for a Queen. But he cannot say no. "First you need to have a steady grip. Here, try to hold the bow." Mary took the bow from Francis, and the prince stood behind her. "Use your three fingers to lightly hold the arrow on the string... relax... keep your eyes on the target." Francis instructed. "Just breathe Mary, you need to feel at ease..." The young prince unknowingly placed his cheek on hers, held her hand as they both closed their eyes. "Mary, now release arrow." Together they instinctively opened their eyes and saw a perfect shot --- bull's-eye! "I can't believe it!" Mary exclaimed. "That felt so liberating! Let's do it again!" Francis cannot believe it either! "Nice shot, Mary." Then now they realized how close they've been. He can smell her sweet fragrance, can feel the warmth of her hand. Then their eyes met, and he found himself looking at her lips... "Ahem! Are we interrupting something?" It is Bash -- accompanied by Natalia.