𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐄. chapter ten; Hades and Persephone " You fancy yourself a sort of devil, Demetre? "
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PERHAPS IT WAS silly for Elspeth to remain at a costume party while her newly betrothed ran off trying to stop Tomas from sealing Mary to a terrible fate. But it was not only under Sebastian's recommendation but Mary's.
"Sebastian De Poitiers, if you hurt yourself—"
"We have to go, quickly," Sebastian urged, "But I can assure you, I will return to you in one piece."
Elspeth tightened her lips, nodding once. He pressed a chaste kiss to her cheek and quickly took off with Francis.
And Elspeth Liens went to brave the party with a pit of worry in her stomach.
"And where has Mary run off to?" Catherine questioned, attempting to ease her nerves with a goblet of wine.
"I believe you already have an inkling, Your Grace."
"Should've expected you wouldn't confirm it so easily," Catherine sighed, "Have you chosen to stay?"
"Sebastian and I are engaged, yes," Elspeth spoke, watching the partygoers and the sad sight of the man, shackled, at the center of it all, "Can I ask why you don't seem keen on an innocent man being saved?"
Catherine raised a brow as if daring Elspeth to continue.
"If he's not committed any crimes, why would you want him dead?"
"It's not about him, child," Catherine sighed, "You have much to learn about French court."
"I suppose I do," Elspeth agreed, spotting Demetre across the crowd, "Scotland is much different."
"I'm sure."
"Your Grace, may I ask you something?"
"Ask away."
"Will you be unhappy that I stay?" Elspeth questioned, "Regardless of whether Mary stays or goes, or what happens to Tomas?"
Catherine tutted, letting out a sigh.
"It's a shame you're tied up in all this," Catherine spoke honestly, "I only hope that if Mary does stay— you'll remain free of your duties as one of her ladies. That you'll stay in France as one of our people, instead of one of hers."
"Why is that?"
"Because I'm fond of you," Catherine shrugged, "You're smart. I don't want you to be a pawn, you have greater potential than that. You have greater potential than marrying a bastard."
