Morning Glory-Francis (Reign)

Chapter Ninety-Six

"I apologize for overstepping my role earlier today," I said to Mary quietly, as we snacked on bits of bread on the side of the room. A servant had come to my chambers to tell me the party was starting.

"Please don't trouble yourself over it, Anya. I appreciate your input very much. It's just the rest of my court does not exactly see eye to eye with us." She smiled.

"People will try to step on you for the rest of your life, Mary." I warned her, taking a bite out of a piece of warm meat.

"I know. Thank you for being here for me. Though I wish your reasons for leaving France were a bit less bitter." I sighed.

"I think we all wish that." A constant sick feeling seemed to permeate my stomach. I hoped that it would disappear soon, but I had a suspicion that my gut wouldn't rest until I returned home to Francis.

"Please try to have some fun while you're here." Mary urged me. "Dance a little bit, play a game of cards." She gestured towards a few tables on the side of the room, where some of the courtiers were gambling.

"Maybe I will," I smirked, making my way over to the card tables. At my approach, a seat immediately opened up for me, and a hand of cards was dealt in front of me, though it seemed to be only a courtesy. Most of the nobles seemed to roll their eyes at me. A woman. Of course.

Shrugging off their annoyance, I quickly flipped through my hand of cards, and nodded for the dealer to continue. My left hand snaked into the pocket of my dress and clenched around a few gold coins, ready to put them up to bet.

"I must admit, Your Majesty," one of the lords said after I won another hand, "you are a very skilled card player."

"Thank you." I nodded graciously, organizing my cards in my hand. Across the table, James, Mary's brother, let out a laughing huff under his breath. As much fun as I was having, I couldn't help but reminisce the times Francis and I would play cards in his chambers, before we were kings and queens, before we were married, before we were even betrothed. Simpler times.

After one more hand-that I also won-I stepped away from the table, and returned to Mary's side, a tired smile on my face.
"Don't tell me you're turning in now." Mary said playfully, as I sat down next to her.

"Of course not."

"Good, because you haven't danced yet."

"Neither have you." I pointed out.

"I have. You just didn't see because you were playing cards."

"Who will I dance with?" I shrugged off her answer to my first point.

"I'd be honored to." James cut into our conversation. Both of us turned to look at him. Mary gasped excitedly.

"Perfect, thank you, James."

"Mary..." I groaned. "No offense to you, James. I don't want to dance."

"You promised me you would try to have a good time. Just one dance." James held out his arm to me, as the current song came to a close. Rolling my eyes, I took his arm and allowed him to lead me onto the dance floor.
As the music began, we twirled around the floor in time with the other dancers. It had been a long time since I had danced with someone other than Francis, but I managed to keep with the standard steps, and follow along.

"You're a wonderful dancer, Your Majesty." James complimented me politely.

"Please, James, you don't need to lie to me." I was well aware that my performance was passable at best.

"I'm only trying to be polite, Your Majesty." He laughed at my bluntness.

"And I appreciate that, but I'd appreciate honesty more." I laughed along with him.

"Thank you for standing up for Mary today in the council meeting. I've never met a woman like you before."

"A woman like me?"

"Someone like you." He rephrased. "I'm glad Mary has someone like you, someone in control, ready to act and fight for themselves and what they think is important. She's lucky to have someone like you keeping an eye on her."

"Mary is very capable of handling herself, James."

"I'm aware of that," he glanced down for a moment, before meeting my eyes again. "But everyone needs someone every now and then."

"You're right. I'm glad that Mary has a brother like you to support her. I won't be able to stay here forever, and you can give me the peace of mind that she won't be alone here." We both looked over at Mary who was socializing with a few other nobles who had gathered around her. "She was born for this." I said quietly. "She'll be fine."

"I'll make sure of it." James added. "This country has been waiting for her for almost twenty years. Scotland is ready for her now."

"And she is ready for this." The song came to an end. We bowed towards each other, and then made our way side by side towards Mary, who smiled at our return.

"How was it? I could see you two talking." She asked excitedly. I don't know what she was thinking was going to happen.

"We were talking about you." I answered.

"Mary, you didn't tell me the Tsaritsa thinks so highly of you." Mary and I shared a small smile.

"The feeling is mutual."

"I have fulfilled Your Majesty's demands," I began, somewhat mockingly towards Mary, "and had fun. Now I will be retiring to my chambers. I thank you sincerely for a lovely evening." I bowed to both Mary and James before turning and exiting the grand hall.

The corridors were somehow both quiet and crowded on my way back to my room. Ever corner was filled with the hushed sounds of whispers and kisses, secret love affairs and sweet nothings. I suppose that is what one did on the night of a feast. Eyes watched me as I passed, yet no words were spoken. I only felt safe from the watchers once the door to my chambers closed shut behind me. I made sure to latch the bolt.

As I drifted off to sleep, I pulled the heavy wool blanket-necessary to keep out the bitter Scottish cold-and imagined its warm embrace to be that of my husband, who I hoped was asleep missing me back in France.