BOOK 3: One True Destiny

Chapter 27

                                                                        (This is not the Finale)

                                                                              The Royal Wedding

The entire French court is occupied preparing for the big day of Mary and Francis. The people are expecting a grand celebration not only to unify the two royals but also to solidify the alliance between France and Scotland. This single day event has been planned carefully for months; every detail has been discussed by both nations. Mary of Guise took the liberty to invite Queen Elizabeth of England to attend to her cousin's wedding which she gladly accepted.

Among the other special guests are King Philip of Spain and Portugal, his son Prince Carlos of Asturias, and Francois, the Duke of Guise. Although Francis knew that Bash will not be able to attend the wedding, he insisted that the latter will be announced as his best man. The Prince of France hopes that through this simple gesture, his older brother will know that he is grateful for his sacrifices. Francis last saw Bash the day that he bid farewell to Mary at the University of Camerino in Italy. The brothers were not able to talk because Bash was in a rush; there was so much to say, but so little time.

It is the night before they will finally make their vows in front of everybody, the final night of sleeping in bed alone. This is supposedly Mary's happiest moment; tomorrow morning she will walk in the aisle to meet the man of her dreams, to make a promise to God that she will forever be his'. The Scottish Queen is certain that she wants to spend the rest of her days with Francis, that there is no doubt about her love for him... But she simply cannot stop thinking about Bash. It has been months and there is no word of his status or location, the leader of The Order simply disappeared, never to hear from again. Mary takes comfort on Bash's last words that he will always watch her from a distance and that he will not allow any harm to come to her. Life must go on, the three of them need to move forward and accept that things have changed. "I will always love you Bash, I pray to God that one day if He allows it, we will be together." Mary whispers to herself as she lies awake in bed, counting the hours before her wedding day.

Meanwhile, Francis is doing the same thing. He cannot sleep at all. He is pondering about what he will say to Mary. He thought about the things that they've been through all these years from the first time he saw her gliding at the French court up to the time when Mary took off his blindfold when he was abducted by The Condottiero. Francis know everything that Bash had told Mary that morning... he heard how his older brother made the ultimate sacrifice; giving up his chance to be with the Queen of Scots all for the sake of brotherly love and duty. The young prince now finds himself divided between his love for Mary and his wish to do the right thing. Why oh why is it so hard to let go of things beyond his control? He never thought that their rivalry towards Mary will end up this way; him as Mary's husband and Bash as the leader of The Order. Francis have a few hours left to resolve his inner conflicts before he comes face to face with Mary and the entire French and Scottish nation.

The Notre-Dame de Paris, also known as Our Lady of Paris, is where the royal wedding will take place.. The Frenchmen are patiently standing at the streets to witness the sight of the future King and Queen of France emerging from the Cathedral. After moments of waiting, the other royals finally appeared. The crowd grew more enthusiastic upon seeing King Philip and Prince Carlos arrive, together with Queen Elizabeth and Mary of Guise. King Henry and Queen Catherine as the royal hosts are escorted by the royal guards lead by the Duke of Guise. Mary is situated on one of the chambers of the Cathedral, all dressed up and ready. She looks out the window as all of her guests enter the church. She hears a knock at the door. "Mary, it is Francis. Can I come in?" The bride immediately stood up and said, "You may enter, Your Highness." The young Prince cannot help but smile upon seeing his bride all dressed in white. Francis went down to his knees and said, "My Queen, I am here to speak a few words before we say our vows to each other." He then took Mary's hand and kissed it. "I need for you to hear me say that I love you more than I can ever love anyone and that I am aware of your inner struggles and I share your burdens. Mary, I wish that I can fill in the emptiness that you have; I wish that what I can give you is enough... But it seems like living in the palace is not the kind of life for you; you deserve better... you deserve to be free." The Scottish Queen is speechless. It took her a moment to gather her thoughts. Then she finally replied, "Francis, I have loved you as long as I can remember. You are my first kiss and my first love... nothing in the world can ever change that. I admit that I love your brother, and perhaps I always will, but that does not mean that I love you less. Bash had set me free because he knew in his heart that it is you... it has always been you... You and I are meant to be together. Today I am prepared to make a promise to you, to our families, and to our countries that I am yours." Francis with tears on his cheeks finally stood up and gives his bride a kiss. The door suddenly opens and it is Lola! "Pardon me, Your Highnesses it is time." "Of course, Francis and I are just getting ready. We will be down shortly." Mary smilingly replied. "Shall we go husband? Unless you have more to say." She teased as he wipes out his tears. "We shall my wife, now I am fully ready." Then Francis took Mary's hand, placed it on his forearm and together they walk towards the door, leaving their doubts behind them.