Mary, Queen of Scots | Ongoing | Book ONE | French Court

Chapter 9

Sorry I've been awol! I forgot it was the holidays and have been so busy! Updates should get back to normal now.

Also, please can I have 4 votes before the next update because we didn't reach that on the last chappie- one of the reasons I haven't been that motivated. Xxx

Cover is made by my friend ZosiaW xxx

Mary gently pulled Lola's covers up to her chin. Lola was sleeping soundly in her bed.

She quickly glanced up at the door when there was a knock and a servant entered.

"Lady Hayleigh, Lady Greer and Lady Kenna, your Grace," the maid announced before curtseying.

Kenna, Hayleigh and Lola walked in.

Mary stood confidently and sashayed over to them, sparing a glance at the maid.
"Thank you, Sarah," she said to the maid, who nodded and left.

Mary looked at the others who each held a question in their eyes.

"We were talking about Collin. She fell asleep," Mary took a breath.

"I feel for her. I really do. And for Collin."

The girls all looked at Mary emptily. They had no idea what to say.

***

All the girls followed Mary out of the room. Their heels could be heard clicking on the marble floors.

"The French king and queen told me that the attack was an English plot," Mary paused, thinking.

"But Collin told Lola it was someone here," her voice went sharp. "Highly placed at French court."

The girls looked down at the table full of food, which they were now standing by, and helped themselves as Mary talked.

"All I know is that it had to be someone opposed to the Scottish and French alliance, my engagement to Francis," her eyes squinted, deep in thought as she made her way to the window.

The girls quietly watched her as she turned around.

"England wants my country... and my crown. I need the alliance with France to protect Scotland from the English... and I need time," she looked down sadly.

"Before there's any chance of Francis marrying me."

Greer looked at Mary sharply, an apple in her hand which she squeezed.

Mary sighed. "I won't have time if I don't know what's against me..." She looked down as the girls looked at her pitifully.

***

Mary stood, watching as a new alliance unfurled before her eyes.

"Let's agree, it's a brilliant match! Madeleine's French so there's no question of her family's loyalty. She's very wealthy," Catherine shook her head at Henry who didn't seem convinced.

All were gathered in the throne room to see if Charles, Francis' brother, would be engaged.

Henry shook his head. "But not royal," he spook surely. "So they're hungry for power."

Francis glanced at Mary who was looking straight ahead. She glanced back at him when she felt his gaze but he lowered his eyes quickly.

"They'll pay for it!" Catherine continued.

"It's only right to accept the support from one's loyal subjects," Henry said.

"Mm," Catherine nodded.

Charles stood in front of his parents. Francis and Mary stood close to each other behind and Mary's ladies stood behind her.

Catherine suddenly gasped and looked at Charles, who was only a little boy, in shock. "And she has a giraffe!" she said animatedly.

Charles smiled gently.

"And Madeleine's well travelled! She's come from far away in ship," she smiled.

"Do I get a giraffe too?" Charles asked.

"The moment she's your bride!" Catherine smiled at her son.

"Francis!" Henry called.

Francis looked up.

"To show our respect I want you to accompany your little brother down there to the landing," Francis nodded as Henry spoke.

Charles looked behind him at Bash who stood to the side.

"Can Bash come as well?" he asked.

A murmur arose from the crowd.

"Charlie!" Catherine said sharply.

"You know that Bash isn't really related to you as your brother," her voice went sharp as she glanced at Henry.

"He's just your father's son. His presence is disrespectful."

Francis and Bash glanced at each other and Bash nodded his head in a bow, sarcasm on his face at Catherine's scorching words.

"The girls parents were enjoying Morocco so they sent her on alone," Henry said, ignoring Catherine.

Catherine laughed. "I'm very sure she was more afraid of meeting her future husband than of pirates."

She sighed.
"Well that's to be expected at age eleven. She'll get in line," Catherine said whilst stroking Charles' head.

"We all do," she glanced at Mary who spoke up in that instant.

"Perhaps I can go with Francis?" she asked hopefully as Catherine's head rose.

"I came here too when I was a child. Perhaps I can reassure her."

Francis glanced at her, smiling.
He knew she had a good heart.

"It's several hours journey," Henry said in doubt.

"We'll take food and treats. I don't mind, really."

Catherine glanced at Henry.

"Well on second thought, why don't we greet the girl here?" she asked.

"We don't know... The journey might... not be safe," she spread her arms.

"They'll stay on the king's road," he reassured her. "A dozen armed guards will keep any bandits away."
Henry sighed and walked away.
"Prepare a carriage for Mary, Queen of Scotland."

Mary smiled in satisfaction and Francis glanced at her.

Everyone started filing out as Catherine stood there, annoyed.

Please remember to vote and comment! Those are what keep me motivated to carry on. Xxx