Rebirth

Chapter 8

As soon as the baby is declared healthy and the young mother is rested and not in pain, they leave for Scotland. Bash, Kenna and Greer accompany Mary and baby James as they make their way to her homeland, Catherine declared welcome any time, content with the regency and raising the Dauphin -Charles- should anything happen to little James.

Bash came along as a result of his promise to Francis that his wife would never be alone, his wife and Greer out of loyalty to Mary and James. But, if any thing, it was the king's murder that brought them closer together, they leaned on each other now more than ever. Catherine had Narsiesse and Charles, but they had each other. Especially in Scotland, where it was so cold in more ways than one, the makeshift family was never more a unit than they are now.

Once they're settled and content, little James christened and declared King of France and Crown Prince of Scotland. John is content with his godmother, uncle and his mothers' friends, seemingly transfixed by the baby which never leaves his mothers' arms unless she's doing business and one of the nannies has to care for him.

Even though she is content with the position of Queen Mother in France, and her ranking her Protestant half brother up to stifle the backlash, her nobles continuously pester her to again take a king. Although she can't bear to think of another marriage, she is well aware that one heir isn't enough to secure a line, no matter how much she wants to be content with just her precious James, and needed to make sure that her line was secure, especially now that Elizabeth's supporters now scream for her head after a scandal questioning her virtue and demanding Mary to be on the throne, especially because she and her son now promise empire. She knew full well a marriage wouldn't be as happy as her first was and could practically see the unhappiness she would face if she took another King as her husband. If he died and she took another, she could see the hell that she would face on a daily basis. She knew full well that Francis was a unique king, who considered his queen his equal. Other kings weren't like that. They were like Thomas, the long dead bastard son of the late King of Portugal. She knew she didn't want to, knew she would more than likely be struck physically, but, she was duty bound. She knew she had to.

"My queen," Sebastian suddenly comes into the throne room, interrupting the bonding time between Mary and James, who was looking more and more like Francis everyday, much to her relief.

"Yes, Bash?" Mary looked up.

"Your cousin is here, the Lord Darnley," Bash said, gesturing to the door that lead to the hallway with his eyes.

She sighed softly, remembering the day she'd had a few weeks ago, when this marriage was brought to her attention.

James, the Earl of Moray, stands in front of her, her son in her arms, resting contently as his mother sat on her throne.

"Mary, you must gather support. You must have another son, I love my nephew, but anything can happen to him. He is only a babe. You must have another heir in the waiting, daughters for the marriage market. The only way to do that is taking another king." James insisted.

"I am well aware, James, but, I have security. An heir, I shouldn't have to take another as my king and produce another child."

"I understand, but that isn't your argument. You don't want to wed somebody that isn't Francis," James said, looking into his queen's eyes.

"I loved him so much, this baby is the only connection I have of him, besides John. I can't bare to think of him having a man in his life that isn't in the role that you and Bash play." she said, remembering how hard it had been to keep John in France with Catherine until the stink that Knox had brought up had blown over. 

"Mary, you're taking the standpoint of a woman. You're a queen. One with more power than anybody around you. A queen needs heirs. I'm sorry to say, but my nephew simply isn't enough security. Marry Henry. He has a claim to England, just like you do. He's been clambering for King ever since you returned to Scotland. You are borderline the queen of England, as well as Scotland. You have France under your control. One more push, a marriage and a child, would give you and your heir the security you need. Scotland would be safe from the English, undoubtedly, this time. You'd have very little against you, being religiously tolerant and having an heir. These things have made the protestants stand behind you, as well as those who share your faith."

"I understand all the reasoning to take a king. I do. It's just," Mary couldn't finish speaking.

"You don't want to." James finished. Mary nodded, looking down at her baby. "But, you need to."

"I know," Mary whispered.

"This marriage is just a political necessity. This marriage wouldn't be one for love, I know how you feel about loving another man after what happened with Francis. After an heir is provided, he could be killed, or you both could simply live separate lives in separate countries. You must do this, Mary." James finalised.

"I know. I know." Mary looked up. "Send notice to Henry. I'll accept his marriage proposal." she said sadly, ignoring the pain in her heart.

"Your Majesty, I am charmed." Henry Darnley made his way into the throne room, boisterous and loud. Mary inhaled through her nose.

"Cousin, it is good to see you again, it has been a long time." she said, nodding to the tall, dark haired Lord.

"Indeed, Queen Mary. I am aware of what we must do, however. What you want from this marriage."

"And what would that be?" Mary asked, blinking in surprise at the man's audaciousness and boldness.

"The end of the reign of Elizabeth Tudor."