Forever...

Returning

(MARY'S POV)

I cannot believe how long it's been since I've been to french court, it must have been at least 5 years or so. I wonder how much Francis has grown or if he even remembers who I am because it was so long ago and we were just children.

I'm travelling to french court with my 4 most loyal ladies.
Lady Lola, Lady Kenna, Lady Greer and Lady Aylee although I haven't seen them since I was forcibly escorted to the convent I did receive letters monthly with updates on their well-being.

"How far until we reach court?" I shout to the chauffeur.
"Not much longer, roughly 2 miles but I'd close the curtain if I was you, we are heading through the village now it's not the cleanest and hasn't the best of odours your grace" he shouted back kindly in his deep voice.
"Okay thank you Peter"

I closed the curtain to my carriage and he was right the odour is just sickening, how do the people of this village breathe let alone thrive. The first thing on my list of things to do is to get some flowers planted along the streets and a sewer built a few miles away from the village.

But for now I'm just excited to be reunited with my Francis...

(FRANCIS' POV)

"Father why have I only just been informed that Queen Mary is arriving today?" I said in quite a firm voice considering I'm talking to a king.
"Well I thought Bash would have told you considering how much time you two spend riding out in the fields together" he says with a quiet calm tone which is unusual for him.
"No he didn't tell me, no one told me, I've had no time to prepare, father look at me..." he glances over at me and his eyes widen.
"FRANCIS VALOIS WHY THE HELL ARE YOU COVERED IN DIRT" I think my ear drums just burst just from the echo of his raised voice.
"Me and Bash were riding and I fell..."
"FRANCIS VALOIS LOOK AT THE STATE OF YOU CHILD, GO FIX YOURSELF HAVE YOU ANY IDEA WHO IS ARRIVING ANY MINUTE!" Catherine interrupted as she waddled over towards me and my father.
"I'll go clean up don't worry mother it is okay" I tried to calm her nerves and she raises her eyebrow...clearly failing so I start to walk away.
"And Francis wear something nice and clean and fresh, you need to like dashing darling" I nod my head and run towards my chambers where the maids have a bath made ready for me.

I clean myself and pick out a white shirt with a black waist coat with silver embroidery and black leather pants with black boots. Smart enough I think, I look pretty dashing if I do say so myself.

(MARY'S POV)

"We are here your grace" the chauffeur announces as the carriage comes to a stop and a servant opened the door for me placing his hand out kindly for me to step out without falling.
I look to my right and see my ladies walking towards me from their carriage.

"Your grace" they say in unison as they curtsy.
"Oh get up, come here" they rise smiling and we embrace each other.
"My god Mary how you've grown" Lola compliments looking me up and down.
"That convent clearly taught you and a thing or two about keeping up appearances" Kenna exclaims as she moves a strand of my hair behind me ear.
"It's so good to see you all happy and healthy as well as to see you have all turned into beautiful young ladies" I smile at them all proudly as my friends have grown into fine women.

I look towards the castle and i see King Henry standing with Queen Catherine outside waiting to welcome us. I start walking towards them up the pathway of people standing and watching as I'm reunited and welcomed into french court.

"Your grace" I curtsy to King Henry who really hasn't changed much accept for the hair loss.

"No need for that child, rise please" he takes my hand and pecks it.

"Welcome back to court my darling Mary" Catherine embraces me in a hug while smiling at me softly.

"It's great to see you Catherine and you Henry, you both are looking well" I compliment as I kiss each of Catherine's cheeks.

"So do you and we do apologise about Francis...in fact here he is to apologise himself" Henry raises his eyebrows as Francis walks slowly towards me.

"Of coarse I apologise, I'd rather you meet a dashing dauphin than a dirty one, your grace" he smiles and bows as he grabs my hand and kisses it.

"You are forgiven and please call me Mary" I smile as he rises and places his hands behind his back.

"Very well then Mary, it has been too long my Queen..."