A Frary Tale

Surprises

It has been months since the shocking revelation. Mary is due in a month and Nostradamus advised her to keep moving so that her feet could adjust to her weight. She was walking thru their corridor when she heard a little voice complaining.

"No. I can't wear that." Anne said. "Maybe this one?" Her maid asked. "No. You don't understand. It has to be perfect." She said that hearing the irritation in her voice. She was so determined to find that perfect dress.

Mary silently entered the room and spoke. "What's the problem dear?" The maids stood and bowed as they saw their queen. Mary waived her hand to signal that they should stay at ease. "Maman. I can't find the perfect dress to wear for Papa's birthday. You know. The celebration is later tonight but his birthday is tomorrow." Of course. Mary cluld never forget this day. This is one of her favorite days. "Oh how about your pink dress that your mere comissioned from Italy?" "No. Maman. I can't wear that." "Why not?" "You don't understand. I am a princess, I should be beutiful tonight. I should look like a princess. And Papa. Papa should love it. You don't understand Mama. Because you've never been a princess. Maybe for a few days. But. Noo." Anne said as fast as she could with her eyes nearly crying. Mary smiled. And wiped her tears "Your Papa will love whatever you wear. But if it really matters to you. Will you let me surprise you with the dress?" Anne stopped sobbing. "Huh? What do you mean mama?" "I'll provide the dress later. Deal?" Anne smiled. With full trust to her Mama she said "yes Mama."

Mary gave instructions to the maid and the maid hurried. Now Anne went straight to her tea with her mere and Mary continued walking.

Francis on the other hand is quite busy with his meetings with different Lords. Since King Henry's death 3 months ago some Lords are questioning the soundness of his mind when he claimed John, Kenna's son. "He will remain as my brother. Just like Bash. He was given a title and I seconded that title. And that's that!" That being said the meeting ended and Francis was free to look for his wife.

Francis looked everywhere but he couldn't find Mary. Until he gave up and waited for her in their private chambers. And he was right, Mary then entered. "What took you so long Shrimp?" Francis asked. "Oh I just fixed Anne's problem with her dress for tonight. She was having trouble finding something you like." Mary said and Francis laughed. "But I wouldn't mind whatever she wears even if she wears an armor." "Francis! Stop that. She's really worried." Francis then stood near his wife and kissed her. "If you aren't about to labor in a month I would throw you to bed and make you scream my name." "Well it's a good thing I'm due in a month or else we'll be late to your celebration." Francis nodded. They dressed up. Francis is wearing black and gold coat while Mary is wearing a beige gown with lace and gold details.

The went to the entrance of the grand ball room. They were announced and they entered the room. Francis wasn't expecti g what he saw. There were only a few nobles. Only those that he doesn't hate. Well some he gets irritated but tolerable. "Surprised my love?" Mary whispered. "Very." He answered then he kissed Mary's cheek.

Then as they walk to their throne he was greeted by various nobles and friends. But he hasn't seen his children? Usually those 3 are already causing trouble to their granmere. Mary saw the look on Francis face and said. "Be patient Francy."

They reached their thrones and Francis signaled for everyone to settle. "Thank you everyone for atteding. I am quite curious as to the whereabouts of my children but nonetheless please enjoy the food. Let's all dance. Music please." The music played but not what he expected. It was the waltz. It was the first song he and Mary learn to dance to. "May I have this dance my queen?" "No." "No?" "Yes, no. Let's just sit. And watch for a while." He obeyed and sat. Then he was surprised. Andrew and his little Uncle John in the center. Then Andrew and John recited a poem while the musicians played the waltz in a subtle sound. Francis was about to tear up but Mary whispered. "You're tearing up now? Oh Francy what would you do when you see the next performance?" Francis looked at his wife who is smiling at him. Then the two little boys exit and the waltz started from the beginning and Prince James came to the picture with Anne wearing a red dress. A beutiful red satin with black and gold details at the train of the dress. Francis stood in awe. "Oh my.." everyone saw the king's reaction. Then the two children started dancing. "Francy sit down and watch." "Mary you planned this didn't you? It is the same choreography." "Yes love." Francis was litereally crying now. It was the their first dance being reenacted by their children. They bowed. He stood and walkwd over to his children and hugged them. Andrew then ran towards them and joins the hug. "Thank you children. Oh Anne. Your mother told me about your dilemma about the dress." "Yes Papa. Then she sent this. Do you love it?" "I love it the first time it was worn and I love it still." Anne was confused and so was the people around them. So Francis explained. "This dress was the first thing I ever comissioned and I bought this for your Maman when she was 6. She wore this dress the first time we danced that dance you just performed." Anne smiled to her Maman and Mary smiled back.

The evening went on smoothly until the children were running and playing then Anne slipped. Everyone stopped and Anne said "It wasn't my fault. There was something on the floor." Everyone looked to where it came from and Catherine figured out. "Mary my dear. Your water broke. Francis rushed to Mary's side. "Call the midwives now." "Francis, I'm not yet due." "I know but the baby wants to see us now."