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[towriteloveonhersoulblog]

Chapter Two. TRIGGER WARNING: SMALL MENTION OF ASSALT

The next day. Playing chess with Mary.

You didn't sleep at all the previous night,

And spend most of the day trying stay busy while you wait for Bash to come find you. You're wearing your most modest white dress as not to alert anyone in the castle about your plans with Francis.

You make your move.

Mary: Your losing your touch.

Mary makes her move.

You: Not quite.

You make another move.

You: Checkmate. My queen beats yours.

Suddenly Bash is beside you.

Mary: Hello Bash.

You: Hi Bash.

Bash: Ladies. Y/N? Nostradamus has the Indian ginseng you wanted.

You: Oh. I almost forgot. Is he still in the infirmary?

Bash: Yes.

You: I'm going to go see if I can get it.

Bash: Mind if I join you?

You: Not at all. Excuse us Mary.

Mary: Of course.

Your heart is pounding with every step.

Bash: You're a good liar..

You: Almost as good as you... By the way what's Indian ginseng?

Bash: It's a mixture of herbs used for sleep problems and stress. It's often mixed with poppy.

You quickly understand.

Bash: I've never used it and never will, but unfortunately I see it used a lot.

You: I'm sorry.

Bash: Don't be. I you asked an honest question. I gave you an honest answer. Like you deserve.

You: Thank You.

Bash: Onto a lighter subject. You should know Francis and I were successful with the pope. He agreed to marry the two of you.

You: Really, but why did it take so long? It's almost dark.

Bash: To get your marriage documents in order.

You finally reach the door to the infirmary. You stand there, frozen, forcing yourself to take deep breaths. You feel your hand grasp the knob, slowly turning it.

You: (softly) Here we go.

[towriteloveonhersoulblog]

Backstory: You and Francis have been close friends since you were children You would do anything for him and he for you. You are also one of Mary's ladies and have been back at court for several months. And like all the young unmarried men and women at court you are drowning in decisions that have to be made and soon.

Setting: You are sitting on a blanket in the grass, reading a book and enjoying the warm sun. Until you feel a swift, cold breeze pass you.

You: Francis?

You get up to follow him. He's clearly upset.

You: Francis?....Francis?

He stops at the edge of the lake.

Francis: Why is this so difficult? Why can't my father see that an alliance with Scotland could destroy France. Not could...will. He'll do anything to get his hands on that stupid English throne.

You listen intently as he rages on.

You: I'm sorry Francis.

Francis: It's not your fault.

You: I wish I could help.

The second you finish that sentence his head comes up and the wheels start spinning.

Francis: Maybe there is?

You: How?

Francis: Your family is the richest family in Scotland. Their wealth could help France a great deal.

You: A financial agreement?

Francis: A betrothal. You're hand for their support.

You: To who?

Francis: Me.

You: You?

Francis: By getting married we can help France and Scotland survive. You wouldn't have to marry a complete stranger and I can be free of Mary.

You: Francis this isn't a game like the ones we played as children. This is marriage.

Francis: I know. It's a huge risk.

You: And life changing

Francis: I'm not saying it's going to be easy and that everyday is going to be perfect, but if it means a better life our countries and ourselves. I think it's worth risking.

You get quiet for a second.

You: Promise to wear your purple jacket?

Francis: So you'll marry me?

You: Yes.

(Thinking)

Francis: The pope will be here tomorrow afternoon to perform my sister's wedding. I'll take Bash with me and meet him on the road to make the arrangements. I'll tell my mother we're going riding. I'll send Bash to find you when we return.

You: Alright.