Bound

The Letter

In the darkness of the Queen's study, dancing flames consumed yet another piece of parchment stained with ink. Numerous times Mary had attempted to write to Elizabeth, she knew what she wanted to say, but putting words onto paper was another matter.

As she began her next attempt, her mind filled with doubt. What if Elizabeth cast the letter away? What if Elizabeth never replied? Mary could not blame Elizabeth if she did, as it had been she who had claimed Elizabeth's throne and yet here she was begging her for advice.

Mary cast the thoughts to the back of her mind and began to write. Words poured into the pale, cream parchment.

Dearest cousin,

I hope that you do not mind me addressing you in such a manner, Queen Elizabeth felt too impersonal, so i settled with cousin as that is what we are to one another. I realise that I am rambling. As I write this my hand is shaking, I did not know who else to turn too, I am surrounded by people who claim to love and obey me, yet it is hard to tell if they really mean what they say. Even then I am the monarch and they my subjects, whereas you and I are equals. Female rulers in a world surrounded by men. We must stand together, for if we don't they will destroy us.

You are the only person that will understand the situation that I am in. I have heard of your recent tribulations concerning your husband and I can only sympathise with you. It is those closest to us that we least expect to hurt us yet it is they that have the power to hurt us the most. The pain is unbearable, but I must get through this if not for myself then for my child. As a mother I am sure you understand my position, I ask that you reveal my pregnancy to no one. I have not even told Francis.

That is why I have taken it upon myself to write to you. It is time for the feud between our nation's to end, if not for ourselves then we must end it for our children. As mother's it is our duty to end it not just for the children we bear, but the children of our nation's. How many innocent lives have been lost, if this continues how many more will be lost if we do nothing? That is a question that you must ask yourself. I have heard of your benevolence and your distaste for war is known throughout Europe.

Therefore, I have a proposal for you from one Queen to another.  A union between our children. England and Scotland united at last. As they should have been, as they should be.

I desperately await your response.

From your loving cousin,
Mary Queen of Scots.

With the letter complete, and sealed with her personal seal. Mary called for the messenger who arrived promptly knowing you never keep a monarch waiting.
"How may I be of service your majesty." The messenger questioned.
"You are to take this letter straight to Queen Elizabeth of England. It should only be placed directly into her hands. No one else's. You will stop for no one. You will stop for nothing. If I find you have disobeyed me  in any manner I will know and you and your family will suffer. Do you understand?" Mary commanded, with a cold stare plastered across her face.
"Yes, your majesty." The messenger replied, quaking in his boots. Rushing out of the room and out of Scotland as fast as he could.

It was done. The letter was on its way to England.