Reign or Shine

Trouble Through Paradise

A month passes and King Sherlock has recovered well enough for the wedding. Molly is keeping the wounded soldiers company. There are only about five left who aren't fully healed. John is in there as well because he had gotten a deep cut in his arm. Her maid comes in. "Your Majesty." 

She curtsies "It's almost time for the wedding, your dress is done." Molly hugs her. "Thank you so much. You've been very helpful. And if you need anything I'm here for you as well." She blushes and curtsies again. 

"You don't have to curtsy to me...I'm one of you as well." 

"But you're not, Majesty." 

"I was a nurse, and I still am. I may be a Queen, but I'm still a nurse and I am still a friend. Therefore, I am not above you. Think of me as a friend." 

She blushes, "I'm honored." 

Molly takes her hand gently. "I wasn't a Queen before today...and my status doesn't change who I am. Remember that. I simply became a Queen because I fell in love with the man, not just the King. I'm lucky because Sherlock is a great King while still being true to himself. And that's all that matters. Is to be yourself no matter your status. If status consumes you...you become like Moriarty. And that is never a good thing. Sherlock and I...we are still human. We make mistakes, we act on instinct, we feel remorse and guilt and sadness. We feel scared and lost sometimes. We are just like you. Only with more responsibility." 

She nods slowly. "The King is waiting for you." 

She smiles. "I know Penny. Thank You....would you be able to help me lace my dress?" The maid smiles and helps her into it, lacing up the corset of the dress. Molly fiddles nervously and tears up, emotional with happiness. Another maid comes in and whispers to Penny. Penny's eyes widen slightly and she nods softly, the other maid walks out quickly. 

Penny bites her lip, "My lady?"

"Yes?"

"There might be a potential threat to the castle. Knight Watson has requested you be moved to safer quarters."

Molly raises an eyebrow. "I'll stay and help protect my home and my children. I am perfectly content to do so Penny."

She nods and bows her head. Molly takes off the dress and hands it to the maid. "I suppose I'll be needing this later. Keep it nice for me?"

"Yes Mi'Lady."

"Thank you." She hugs her quickly and rushes to see what the commotion is, after tending to the children.

She runs into Knight Watson. "Oof!" she gasps softly. "John, what's the matter?"

"Sherlock has disappeared."

"Wh-what??"

"I was speaking with him and turned my back for a moment and he was gone."

"Well surely he must be somewhere."

"My men have been searching the castle for an hour."

A wave of fear washes over Molly's face. "Keep looking. I want half of the brigade keeping an eye out for him and the other protecting the castle. Guard the doors and keep watch over everyone who could potentially enter." She hugs him quickly. "We have to find him..just..please keep looking." With that, she rushes down the hall to begin her own search.