A Frary Tale

Yours

“Ugh. The King of Austria.” Francis muttered as he and Mary walks back the castle. “Move on Francy. It was years ago.” Mary said. “Easy for you to say, you’re the one being courted.” He said annoyingly. “Francy, I didn’t even know he was courting me, I was 6, for the love of God. Don’t you trust me?” “I do my little shrimp. It’s him I do not trust.” He kissed her forehead and gave the basket and blanket to the maid waiting. “And for the record my spicy little shrimp, you and I may be children back then but he was already 14.” “See, he’s too old for me my love.” She kissed her jaw.

“Looks like the queen of Scots grew up beautifully.” King Rupert said while eyeing the young queen. “Hmm. She did grew up to a fine young woman who values principles and long time alliance.” King Henry affirmed. “I don’t like what you’re implying King Henry.” “I’ve been in this world much longer than you. I know that you want Mary for yourself. But the thing is, she is not just loyal to the Auld Alliance. She is too in love with the dauphin and the dauphin reciprocates it. You will be declaring war with France if you continue your fantasies with the young queen of Scots.” King Henry warned him. “That may be true.. But, love is irrelevant to people like us, especially when you’re country is in danger.” “That’s the end of our tour King Rupert. I’ll see you in the festivity later tonight prepared by Catherine.”

Mary and Francis entered Mary’s chamber. “Shrimp?” “Hmm?” “Uhm, I know it’s not my place but, could you not wear that?” Pointing to her emerald green low cut strapless ball gown. “Why is that? I thought you like it when I’m not covered with clothes?” “Yes. I do like it. It’s just that I don’t wanna feed Rupert’s fantasies of you” “Here we go again, how could you still think he’s prying for me?” “Because I’m still am, and you just got more beautiful and you know now your body, I don’t even know how to put it. You’re a goddess.” Mary smiled at him. “Fine. Choose.” Francis browse through her dresses and he smiled when he saw the  bronze satin dress with maroon details, it has a v neckline, not low cut that you see too much cleavage, it has a collar emblem and is body fitting up to the hip then falls into a ball of skirt. “This?” “Alright. I’ll wear that. Wear something that match? Please.” “Of course I have a coat made just the same.” He smiled. “And Francis. It is always your place.” Francis grinned and kissed her. It took Mary by surprise and she just led him to her chaise, until Aylee and Greer entered. “Mary?” Greer said. They were flushed seeing the two royals in a compromising position. Mary and Francis fixed themselves and faced them, Aylee then noticed the change of dress. “Mary? Didn’t you like the dress I chose?” Aylee asked. “Don’t feel bad. I loved the dress. But” Mary said apologetically but was cut off by Francis. “But I told her not to wear it later. Because Rupert of Austria is a guest later.” “Oh. Isn’t he the prince you punched for courting the six year old Mary. I saw him a while ago. I think he still has those knuckle marks near his eyebrow.” Greer said then laughed. “Greer. Don’t tolerate him.” Mary said in a firm voice while pointing at Francis. “Really? If he tries to again later, I’ll give his other eye much bigger knuckle mark.” Francis said. “Francis!” “What!” He grinned at Mary and the two ladies laughed so hard.

They heard a knock and Mary’s pager entered. “What is it Neil?” “Queen Catherine, would like to know if would you rather have the roses or the daisies for the festivities she can’t quite decide.” “Tell her a mixture of both would be nice. I’ll see her in a while.” “She said you would say that, and she said that you need not join her, just prepare for the festivities later. Good day Your Highness.” He bowed and exit. “You know the name of your pager?” Francis asked. “Yes. And you should too.” She smiled and kissed him lightly. “Go and dress up, I’ll be by your door in an hour.” Francis said and left.

The throne room was filed with nobles and royals celebrating the visit of the Austrian King. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there to welcome you. But I hope you enjoy this gala.” Catherine told the Rupert. “Oh I think I would Queen Catherine.” Rupert said while eyeing someone, Catherine followed his gaze and it lead to the young queen of Scots. “Well I hope you will be at your best.” Catherine said with disgust in her tone.