BOOK 3: One True Destiny

Chapter 1

NOTE: This is the final installment. FOR FRARY FANS, I suggest for you to read BOOK 1: ONE TRUE LOVE; FOR MASH/FRARY FANS, BOOK 2: ONE TRUE HAPPINESS. I DO NOT OWN REIGN.

Abducted

Francis cannot believe that Mary is missing! The young prince together with the royal guards immediately search the entire castle interrupting the banquet and alarming all the guests! Bash with other guards led a separate group to maximize their efforts. Mary of Guise is frantic and inconsolable. King Henry and Lizzy are trying to calm her down. Everyone is terrified! Just a few hours ago they are all celebrating, and now the Queen of Scots is nowhere to be found! Minutes pass... Then an hour. Francis and Bash emerged but they cannot find her. "Where is Mary?! Where is my daughter?!" Mary of Guise cried out loud. "Who might have done this?! Who?!" She exclaimed. "I sent the guards to search the nearby forest and all the villages. Whoever took Mary cannot go that far." Says Francis as he tries to calm himself down. Bash is about to walk away when Francis asked, "Where do you think you are going?" Bash who is obviously worried replied, "I cannot stand here and wait! I should be out there looking for her!" Francis stood in front of him. "I am going! If there is someone who should be out there looking for Mary that would be me!" "Enough both of you!" Says King Henry who stood up and went between his sons. "Now is not the time for your petty quarrel! We are all staying here! That is a command!" He exclaimed. One of the royal guards comes in running and reports, "Lady Mother, we find no sign of her Majesty! We are searching the ground for trails as we speak." Bash then suddenly thought about their victory. "Father, I must go to the tower to see Darnley. It is most likely that he has something to do with this!"

Disgraced

Late that night Bash arrives at the tower. He can see that Darnley has completely lost his mind. The fallen lord shows periods of both laughter and sorrow. Nobody can make sense of his words and actions. A guard is assigned to watch him inside the cell in case he would harm himself. But despite of his state, Bash insisted that he must be questioned. Upon seeing Bash entering his cell, Darnley gives him a sinister smile. "I know you are coming." He is sitting in a wooden chair. "Do you know who I am?" Asks Bash as he sits in front of him. "Of course, you are the bastard prince who cost me my crown!" He answered. "I am here because Queen Mary is missing and I believe that it is you who did it!" Darnley starts to laugh. "Oh Bash, what makes you think that?! I am a man of no means! You took everything that I have!" Immediately Bash stood up, pulled Darnley off the chair, pressed his back on the wall and placed a dagger on the lord's neck! "Where is she?! Where is she?!" He exclaims. But all Darnley did was laugh and laugh... Clearly, he has gone insane.

Regret

Meanwhile back at the castle, all are anxiously waiting for news. Francis can only hope that Mary will soon be found as the guards continuously search for her in the darkness. He tries to hold back his tears as he recall their last conversation which didn't end well. All Mary did was tell him the truth about Bash, even if she knew that he will be furious. He didn't mean to hurt her. He now regrets that his hate had blinded him. He remembered her saying that she chose to reveal her true feelings for Bash because she believes that their love for each other is strong enough to overcome anything and everything. As he close his eyes a teardrop falls on his cheek. The prince can only pray that that the same love will keep Mary safe wherever she may be.