Forever...

Recovery

(MARY'S POV)

My eyes slowly start to open to see a sleeping Francis on the chair in front of me, my head is pounding and feels like I've been hit over the head with a table, my mouth is dry but I'm unsure whether to wake Francis as he looks so peaceful.

I finally decide to wake him because I can't deal with this pain.

"Francis" my voice cracks as I call to him.

His eyes shoot open and he lifts his head without hesitation.

"Mary, you're awake how are you feeling?" He rushes to my side and sits on the bed grabbing my hand.

"It hurts everywhere and I need some water, can you get me some?" I smile gently and he nods his head and walks over to the tray where the water is and pours me a glass.

"Here, take this herb. Nostradamus says it will help with the pain, you are to take one every hour" he hands me the glass and a little green ball of herbs.

I take it and drink some water to freshen my mouth.

"Francis...what happened to me?"

"You don't remember?" He looks at me concerned.

"Barely, I just remember you running towards me"

"Well you were attacked, it was an attempt on your life from people loyal to your cousin Elizabeth but don't worry no harm can come to you anymore" He calmly brushes a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Why would she do such a thing, I have in no way provoked her or gave her reason for this" I grab his hand and he tilts his head looking at me with his soft eyes.

"Your attacker confessed it was because word had gotten to Elizabeth that Queen Mary of England has fallen ill, and as you know you are entitled to the English throne as is she, you are competition and your cousin wants to eliminate you"

"And she thought I'd claim the English throne so she could not" I look at Francis with tears in my eyes.

"It's alright Mary, you are safe now. I will protect you from all that considers bringing harm to you" he puts his hand on my cheek and gently rubs away my tears with his thumb.

"What happened to my attacker?" I question.

"He was put to death 3 days ago, we got all the information we could from him. Now you need to rest, I have ordered for extra guards to be placed in every hall way and on this door" he smiles gently at me then kisses my forehead.

"Goodnight Mary" I smile back at him as he stands and heads towards the door.

"Wait" I abruptly shout, he turns and looks at me.

"Stay with me, please Francis . I don't want to be alone tonight" I look up at him and he walks over to me.

"Okay, I'll stay with you" he climbs into the other side of the bed and i put my head onto his chest.

"Thank you Francis" I close my eyes and he puts his arm around me.

"Just rest now"

(FRANCIS' POV)

*1 month after the attack*

"I told you she'd grow on you, did I not" Bash teases me while patting my back.

"Well I'm sure any other man in the right mind would too" I smile and hand him a drink.

"So how are things between you and the Lady Kenna" I ask as we walk through the gardens.

"Very well, in fact so well I think one day I'm going to marry her" he takes a bite of his apple as we pass the lake.

"I do believe you need the approval of father for that to happen" I snatch the apple from his hand and take a bite.

"Already done brother, I'm asking her tonight and I've already sent a letter to her father in advance for approval which he approves of" he smiles and takes a sip of his wine.

"So brother how will you propose?" I question and throw the apple into the lake.

"I plan on riding up towards the lake with her on our evening ride because there's a blossom tree which she loves to sit under at sun down just up north of here, I will simply ask her when under the tree" he explains while sipping more of his wine.

"Sounds romantic, didn't realise you had a soft spot for love in you brother" I joke while patting him on the back.

"Well we all have our little secrets" he smiles and we begin to walk back to the castle.

"How is Mary, I hear she is still shaken" he asks looking concerned.

"Yes she is still shaken but she is slowly recovering back to her usual self, she just finds it hard to trust people" I explain and he nods.

"She doesn't find it hard to trust you Francis"

"Like you said brother, we've grown on each other" I smile then shake his hair and walk away.

I walk to my chambers and open the door and walk in to see a very undressed Mary.

"Oh Mary I'm sorry I...I didn't know, I'll come back later" I close my eyes and turn and go to walk out.

"No, stay. I want you to see me...all of me" she says in a gentle voice.

"Francis it's okay, you can open your eyes" I turn back around and open my eyes.

I walk up to her and stand behind her, tracing my fingers up and down her arms.

"Mary, you are very beautiful and very tempting but we must wait" she turns to face me and kisses my cheek while I look at her.

"I know but one day we will see each other, every inch of each other, so I want you to know I'm comfortable with you seeing me like this. As you are the only man to ever see me like this Francis" I look into her eyes and kiss her softly.

"And believe me I'm so grateful for it as you are the only woman I will ever see fully, and that is my promise to you" I close my eyes and rest my forehead on hers while smiling.

"Now you better get dressed before someone comes in and gets the wrong idea"