Morning Glory-Francis (Reign)

Chapter Twenty-One

As Aleksander's health improved slightly over the next few weeks, I left Russia for France as planned, this time leaving Dmitri behind to keep order. I had left him with strict directions not make any major decisions without consulting me first, and a list of threats for the nobles if they tried to undermine my power while I was away.

The journey back to French court seemed longer than it should be, and Anfisa credited to the fact that I was anxious to see Francis again. I knew that when I arrived Mary would be there soon as well. News of an assassination attempt by the British at the convent where she was hiding had reached Russian court via the small network of spies I had built to keep a connection in France.

What I didn't expect though, was that Mary would arrive only a few minutes before me. As my carriage approached the castle, a large party waited outside. King Henry stood outside accompanied by his mistress, Diane, his bastard son, Bash, and Francis.

Also standing outside was an unfamiliar woman, with dark, dark hair, surrounded by four ladies about her age. I deduced that this must be Mary, Queen of Scots and her ladies. They must have just arrived as well, as the five of them were still wearing traveling clothes.

Seeing them there made me glad that I was already dressed in my blue and gold ensemble, complete with the crown on my head. I knew I had no reason to feel threatened by Mary, but she may not know that she has no chance of making me leave French court without Francis as my husband.

When the carriage pulled to a halt, I couldn't help the smirk on my face when I saw Mary's anxious expression through the window. No doubt her mother, Marie de Guise had filled her in on why her engagement had been called off, and Mary obviously recognized the Russian crest on the side of my carriage.

However, when I saw Francis' excited expression, all thoughts of competition left my mind, and a joyful smile replaced my smirk. Just the same as my last arrival in France, Anfisa and Elizaveta exited the carriage before I did. My two ladies stood to the side waiting for me to exit the carriage.

As I did, I watched, delighted as Francis' face lit up with joy. He glanced at his mother who gave him a slight nod, before he strode confidently forward towards me.

"My Lady," He bowed his head, taking my hand and kissing it. "I missed you, my Morning Glory." He whispered against my fingers.

"It's wonderful to see you again, Dauphin." I replied, attempting to retain some formality, at least for Mary's sake. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see her expression was a strange mix between anger and worry.

I walked forward towards Henry and Catherine, Francis staying by my side.

"Your Majesties, thank you for inviting me back to French Court." I greeted them respectfully.

"Of course, Tsaritsa. You are always welcome here." King Henry bowed his head to me. Determined to make a good impression in hopes to establish a good relationship, I turned to Mary.

"Mary, Queen of Scots, I have heard much about you. I'm glad to finally meet you." I nodded my head politely. Only once I was standing in front of her, I realized just how short she was. Francis could easily rest his head on top of mine, and I towered over Mary.

"Same to you, Tsaritsa." Mary answered, her voice steady. "These are my ladies, Lola, Greer, Aylee and Kenna." She introduced each of the women standing around her.

"These are mine, Anfisa and Elizaveta." I gestured to my two friends who had fallen into their usual places flanking me. An awkward silence fell over the two of us. "I'm sure we're going to be good friends." I broke the tension, with a smile, before turning to join the King and Queen who had begun walking back towards the castle. I could tell that Mary and her ladies were slightly uncomfortable with my words, but I wasn't going to let Mary become an enemy.

As the procession began walking back towards the palace, I could practically feel Mary and her ladies sizing me up from the back.

"Her dress is a little much." I heard one of her ladies say. Anfisa tensed up next to me, but to her credit she didn't turn.

"It may be extravagant, but it's a smart choice." Mary replied. I smiled at her words. She must not have known that I could hear her, because she would have never paid me the compliment otherwise. To her, I was the only thing in between her and the political and economic support Scotland needed.

"Look at her ladies, they follow her around like dogs." Another voice said, disgust in her voice. This time I couldn't stop Anfisa and Elizaveta. The two of them turned around to face Mary and her ladies. A second later I turned around with them.

It was quite a sight to behold, all five of them had gone sheet white, and Mary was obviously embarrassed by her ladies' behavior.

"I apologize for my ladies, Tsaritsa. What they said about your ladies was very rude." Mary had stepped forward slightly, as if she could protect her friends if they were behind her. Instead of letting my anger out, I let a smile slide across my face.

"Do not worry yourself, my dear. At least my ladies are well trained." I heard Elizaveta let out slight huff of amusement at my dig, and the three of us turned back around and continued walking at a slightly faster pace.

"You should not have said that, Anya." Anfisa said once we were definitely out of earshot of Mary and her companions.

"I don't care if it was improper, she was rude." I answered, still smiling. "And you two are my friends."

"It might have been improper, but it was brilliant." Elizaveta was energetic, the feeling of victory over the rival she had long prepared me for, still fresh in her blood. She was always the more excited one of the two, but Eliza still knew how to act properly when the occasion arose.

"Thank you, Eliza." The three of us finally made it into the front hall of the French palace, where a servant was waiting to lead us to our chambers. I was very happy to find that I was staying in the same room as my last visit to France, the room with the secret passage leading right to the Royal family's private garden.