Flamme Éternelle: A Reign Fanfiction

Politique

It had been a few days since the incident with Bash and Mary had spent most of her time with her ladies rather than the pair of brothers. It was announced early in the morning that a few English nobles would be visiting in the next few days. Rumor had it that they wanted to see if Mary was alive and if her marriage to Francis was on track. The two had barely spoken to each other since the afternoon ride and would have to at least act in love to convince the visiting nobles.

Mary stood on a balcony overlooking the castle courtyard with her ladies as Francis, Catherine, and Henry welcomed the nobles. "None of them are very handsome," Kenna said distastefully.

"Well, they're Englishmen, you wouldn't find them attractive, would you? Especially since they're some of Scotland's primary enemies," Mary replied.

"I suppose," Kenna sighed.

They watched as the party entered the castle. Mary caught Bash's eye as he slipped inside. A moment later, he arrived at the balcony, "They were curious as to why you weren't in the courtyard to welcome them," he explained.

Mary rolled her eyes, "Well it isn't my castle, is it?"

Bash couldn't keep from laughing at her comment, "All the same, it will be yours someday, and you should go greet them, they're here for you and Francis after all."

"Yes, alright, I'm going," she left the balcony and her ladies followed.

"I should go," Bash made to go in the opposite direction.

"That won't be necessary," Mary replied, motioning for him to join her, stopping when he didn't move.

"We don't want a repeat of the banquet, do we?" he asked, a pained look in his eyes. He was worried for her and didn't want to be the reason for people doubting her.

"I don't give a damn what the English think, you're coming. Or do I have to order you to come?"

"I could disobey with you," Bash suggested playfully.

"And I could punish you," Mary retorted, equally playful. Bash cracked a grin at the implications. Mary rolled her eyes and motioned impatiently for him to come. He did and they all made their way to the throne room. He walked beside her, not touching her, but close enough to make them look like more than friends.

When they entered, King Henry, Queen Catherine, and Francis frowned at Bash's presence. Mary felt him tense at her side and she shot him a glance out of the corner of her eyes. He shook out his arms to release the tension and raised his chin, staring defiantly ahead. King Henry raised his eyebrows and Queen Catherine sat back frowning. Francis furrowed his brows. By this time, the English nobles had noticed that something was going on. They turned and their faces reflected their surprise at seeing Mary, Bash, and Mary's friends fanning out behind them. "Ah, Queen Mary," the nobles inclined their heads to her.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen," Mary returned the nod. Francis chose this way to make his way to stand beside her, causing the nobles to raise their eyebrows at Mary and the two brothers. They said nothing, but Mary knew that they wanted to say a great many things. She arched an eyebrow daring them to challenge her. Francis slipped his hand into hers and interlocked their fingers. King Henry relaxed into his throne and Catherine seem a bit less tense. The tension in the air dissipated slowly and the Englishmen returned their attention to the king, with whom they were discussing trade. Bash exited the room and Mary and her ladies followed a few moments later.

Francis watched them leave. He was unhappy that Mary had chosen to arrive with his brother for the second time. He made up his mind that it was time to say something about it. Francis excused himself and went looking for Mary. He found her easily; she was just down the hall with her ladies.

Bash was not with them, but he watched from the other end of the hallway as his brother took Mary aside. Was he going to reprimand her for arriving with him? Francis ought to be speaking with him, not Mary. He stalked off angrily, not trusting himself to be able to speak to his younger brother peacefully.

"Mary, you can't keep arriving to public events with my brother, it makes us look bad."

"I don't care what the bloody English think," Mary replied with a frown.

"Well you should, they are a very important trading partner and they came to affirm that our marriage was on track."

"Is it on track, Francis? I haven't heard anything regarding an engagement or a wedding."

"It is on track," he replied through gritted teeth, "I didn't propose immediately because I wanted there to be something there before we were married. I wanted you to be happy. Will you please stop arriving places with my brother and return to the throne room with me?"

"I must do what is best for my country," was all she said, but she took his offered arm and they returned to the throne room. When they entered, everyone turned to look at them in surprise. Francis leaned over and whispered in Mary's ear, "you look beautiful in that dress."

Mary blushed in response and giggled, covering her mouth. It was an actual response and her heart leapt in her chest. Her response was what the nobles had wanted to see. Mary and Francis went and stood beside King Henry, holding hands. The King smirked, the Queen frowned slightly, and the nobles were satisfied.

Their predicament had worked itself out. It was made even better when Francis, while whispering something else to Mary to make her laugh, brushed a kiss across her cheek and she looked into his eyes, smitten.

Author's Note

Hi everyone! I had a great day so I decided to update early. :) So there is a little bit of a twist here, but I don't want any of you Mash shippers to worry ;-) Please vote and comment! Thank you!! xox