BOOK 3: One True Destiny

Chapter 16

                                                                                     Courtship

"Mary, are you with me?" Asks Carlos. Mary's mind seems to be occupied about something."Oh I am sorry, your highness. You were saying?" She replies. It is a beautiful sunny day and the two royals are spending their time sitting comfortably in the garden, just enjoying each other's company. The Prince smiled and said, "Never mind. Are you alright? You look tired, did you sleep well last night?" He placed his hand on the queen's forehead. Mary is tempted to tell Carlos her dream about of Francis, but she decided not to. "I am well, you need not worry. Perhaps I am still getting used to seeing guards everywhere we go, no matter what we do." She said. Indeed, it is an awkward situation; although they are allowed to some latitude, every move that they make is watched by prying eyes.The guards are always standing near them. The Condottiero stares at the window and closely observes how his captives are interacting. He then gives the signal to the guards to give them space. One by one, they walk away leaving them both by themselves. Now the garden is quiet and empty. There is no more distraction nor presence that can impede Carlos from talking freely. This is it, this is his opportunity to speak... He's been waiting for months and he can no longer keep on testing the waters. Carlos took Mary's hand, kissed it and said, "Majesty, with your permission, I would like it very much to court you." The queen is astounded. "All I am asking is for a chance to show you how I feel; we have been in each other's company for a while now and during these times that we are together, I find myself falling for you deeply and madly as days come to pass." He added. "Carlos, you know very well that the heart takes time to heal, the mind needs time to ponder. I cannot give you any answer at this moment, nor promise you that I can equally reciprocate your affections." The prince place his hands on Mary's face and smilingly said, "My darling, you should know by now that I desire you with all my heart. If time is what you need, I am more than willing to wait. But please allow me to openly express my intentions, for I can no longer hide the truth that I am in love with you." Then Carlos with all passion gives Mary a kiss. Although she felt some desire for him, she simply cannot take Francis off her mind. While Carlos reveals his affections, all she can think of is the time when Francis proposed to her at the lake in France. She remembered how happy she was when the French prince placed the engagement ring in her finger and personally asked for her hand in marriage. Francis' gesture that day will remain in her memory. A teardrop falls in her face which Carlos immediately noticed. He wipes her tear away saying, "Mary, I promise that soon you will be happy again... Just allow me to love you."

                                                                               A Lover's Prayer

Francis who remains in disguise just boarded a commoner's ship destined to Portugal. It is in Portugal that he would like to begin his search, a part of him strongly believes that he will find answers in this location. The prince took a deep breath as he watch the vessel to undock. The reality sets in, Francis is now all by himself. He proceeded to quietly settle himself at the deck where the other passengers are sitting comfortably. The prince had managed to leave France undetected and without alarming the guards. By now for sure, the entire French court is cognizant of his thoughtless act, an act that will cause chaos to the council. He opted to search for the woman that he loves... The woman he simply cannot live without. Francis can only imagine his father's reaction upon reading his letter. King Henry will certainly resort to any means necessary to look for him and for Mary. But these facts do not seem to bother the prince at all, what matters at this point to him is that he finally had the courage to follow his heart. In Francis' mind, he is picturing how he and Mary will soon reunite. He remembered her smile, her laugh, and her scent. He cannot wait to feel the warmth of her touch and of her body ones again; his hope suddenly has been fully replenished. Francis is now more than ever, determined to take back what belongs to him and to make amends for his past mistakes. He is eager to start anew and to forget all the pain and suffering that he had endured, with Mary by his side as his wife and queen. Francis smiles while reaching his jacket pocket to pull out Mary's mini portrait. He gently kissed the Scottish Queen's image and whispered, "Soon my love, we will be together again. I pray that you don't give up, wait for me. I am almost there... Do not let go... Do not forget me." It is a cool but sunny day and the tides seem to favor the enamored Francis. He will reach Portugal in a few days; as soon as the ship docks he intends to immediately commence his search. The prince then hugs Mary's image and with a smile, he looks up at the clear blue sky.