Her blissful sleep was terribly interrupted by the feeling of another in her bed, ripping her sheets from her sleeping form and beginning to push her nightgown up over her bare legs. Immediately, Mary screamed at the sight of the intruder. Her screams became louder as she realized the intent of her assailant and the identity. Colin. Panic coursed through her as his hand tried to smother her cries for help and she began to kick at him, trying anything to stop his brutal attack. Much to Mary's relief, someone burst into the room pulling Colin from her bed and forcing him to the cold floor. "Forgive me, your grace," Colin begged, his eyes full of unshed tears. "Forgive me."

"Silence," her rescuer ordered, his voice cold. Mary let out a breath seeing as her knight in shining armor was none other that Bash. "Are you alright, Mary?" his voice softened as he sent a worried look her way.

"Yes," Mary replied with false confidence. She had no intentions of showing her true feelings: fear, confusion, anger. Before Mary could ask Colin any question to ease her mind, a group of guards came running in and took Colin from Bash's hands. They then proceeded to drag him out of her room and through the halls to the dungeon.

"Mary," Bash said again, his voice much gentler than before. "Are you really alright?" Letting her guard down, Mary simply shook her head and drew her knees to her chest. The tears she had held back were now beginning their trek down her cheeks. Bash carefully approached the shaken queen, knowing to keep his distance. "Did he hurt you? Did he…"

"No," Mary looked up at him quickly. She knew how dangerous this predicament was. If, for any reason, a rumor got out that her virtue was ruined, then her chances at marrying anyone beneficial for Scotland were nothing. No royal or extraordinarily wealthy man would dare marry a ruined queen. It was a construct that had bothered Mary for years. She had been brought up in a world where a king, a man, could have as many mistresses and endeavors as he pleased, even before marriage. Yet the moment a woman, a queen, was merely seen with another man or even had her own endeavours, she was forever ruined and would face years of ridicule and perhaps death.

Mary was still rightfully upset at the attempt. She knew that her virtue would now come into question and that everyone would expect her to simply forget it and move on. But in that moment, it was hard for Mary to even think of moving on. "Bash," she questioned, a pained look in her eyes. "Is this my fault? Did I give him the wrong impression earlier? Did I somehow ask for him, for this?"

"Oh Mary," Bash breathed, moving to sit next to her. "No. What he did was wrong in every way. No one ever asks for assault, it's not your fault. He is the one in the wrong, not you. Regardless of what impression he got from you earlier, he should never have acted in this way. No person ever should." In response, Mary leaned her head on his shoulder and found his hand with her own.

"Why were you the first one here?" Mary asked after a while. "Where were my guards?"

"They weren't outside your door when I arrived," Bash explained. "I thought maybe you weren't in your rooms, that you were with one of your ladies so I was about to leave when I heard your screams."

"They were supposed to be here," Mary stated, her confusion growing. "That still doesn't explain why you were outside my door."

"Well," Bash took a deep breath. "I couldn't sleep and I couldn't stop thinking about you. I know it sounds silly but I thought maybe you were still awake and we could maybe have a round of cards or something of the sort."

Before Mary could even try to respond to that, Francis, Catherine and Henry burst into her rooms. Bash immediately stood and respectfully bowed to the royals. "Mary, are you alright?" Francis asked, taking in the sight of Bash.

"Yes," Mary stood, wiping away her tears. "He was unsuccessful in attempt to rape me."

"That is good to hear," Henry stated. "Bash?"

"I was walking near when I heard her screams and rushed to help," Bash quickly explained. "Her guards were nowhere to be seen."

"A likely story," Catherine raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "Her guards are back now so let us retire for the night and discuss this in the morning. Have no fear, Mary, you will be safe here."

The next morning, after a fitful sleep Mary sought out Henry and Catherine. Mary had spent a fair amount of time thinking about the events of the night before. She remembered the complete and utter surprise on Colin's face when she woke up, the shocked yet sorrowful look in his eyes as he reached to cover her mouth, the pleas to forgive him as he was being dragged away from her. She had even spoke with the distraught and equally confused Lola, who confided in Mary that Colin had told her that he was ordered by someone inside the castle. "Mary, Queen of Scots," the page announced as Mary entered the throne room. Everyone gave her the courteous nods and bows, which Mary acknowledged with her own.

"Mary, to what do we owe the pleasure on this fine morning?" Henry asked.

"I want a full investigation into the case of Colin's attack on my virtue," Mary stated confidently. "He spoke to one of my ladies of orders coming from within the castle walls. There is also the fact that my guards were missing without my orders."

"I find it shocking that you would look further into this," Catherine purred. " Rumors are poisonous, my dear. If Francis, if anyone, knew you wanted to find more about you assailant, well you would know what kind of talk would spread. Your reputation is a risk."

"He is my subject," Mary countered. "And as his ruler, I demand justice and full investigation."

"I admire your just rule, Mary," Henry smiled in true admiration. "However, we are, regrettably, unable to follow through with your requests. Colin was beheaded this morning on the account of treason." There was nothing else Mary could do. He was dead and whatever information she had hoped to get from him died with him. Defeated, Mary moved to the side of the throne room dreading the moment she would have to face Lola after she learned of Colin's death.

"Your highness, Princes Francis and Charles," the page announced as Francis entered the room with the young Charles by his side. Bash was not too far behind them. Mary blushed ever so slightly as Bash's blue eyes met hers from across the room. He gave her a polite nod but she could tell he wished to do more by the twinkle in his eyes.

"Charles," Catherine said lovingly, standing and moving to him. "Madeline is on her way here!"

"Mother, I don't even know Madeline," Charles mumbled, knowing better than to speak up.

"She will be a good match for you," Henry stated, sensing his younger son's hesitancy. "She's french, she's loyal and she's rich. The only problem is that she is not a royal."

"But," Catherine interrupted. "She has whole zoo. Including a giraffe." At this, Charles smiled no doubt as he imagined himself having a giraffe.

"Francis, you and Charles are going to ride out to meet her," Henry ordered. "She was sent alone from Morocco." This inspired Mary. She knew that she had to try and get closer to Francis, her country depended on that. And this situation was eerily similar to her own: a young girl being sent across the seas to France and set to meet her future husband. Mary knew all to well how frightening this would be for young Madeline.

"Perhaps I can go with them," Mary spoke from the side of the room. Catherine turned to look at her with a glare. "Afterall, I know how it feels to be in her position so perhaps I can help ease her nerves."

"Alright then," Henry declared. "Mary will be joining you on your journey."

The journey was longer than Mary had expected. It had begun alright with Charles earnestly repeating all the facts he knew about giraffes. But then the gentle rocking of the carriage lulled Mary to sleep. She had barely slept the night before and she could do nothing to stop her nap.

When she woke up, they were just arriving to the landing. Charles must have said something because both he and Francis were stifling laughter as they looked at Mary. "What?" she exclaimed.

"Nothing," Francis smiled and shook his head. She enjoyed seeing his smile.

"You snored a little," Charles whispered and then burst into a fit of giggles.

"I do not!" Mary affirmed, blushing slightly as the carriage halted. A page came and opened the door, helping them all down onto the grassy cliff. Mary looked to Francis, hoping to see his smile again but was met with a look of concern. "What's wrong?"

"There's too many boats, and they're English," Francis's voice filled with worry. "Guards, prepare to get Mary and Charles out of here. Can you ride well enough?"

"Yes," Mary replied, fear coursing through her. She knew the English must be here for her and she so willingly lept into their trap. Immediately her thoughts went to Bash and how she wished he was here with her. She knew that he would give her reassuring words and keep her safe. The guards had brought a horse around for her which she easily mounted. "Give me Charles," Mary stated. "He and I will get a head start and ride to the castle."

"That's nonsense," Francis shook his head. "You can't ride fast enough on your own, let alone with a child. Women aren't built for that." Before Mary could argue back, and prove how very wrong his beliefs were, hoofbeats were approaching them. Much to Mary's relief it was Bash.

"Stand down," he called. "They aren't hostile. They sent a message to court stating that they helped the French ship and are taking Madeline ashore in peace."

Bash's statement proved to be true as the English landed, bearing no arms and escorting Madeline and her ladies to shore. The children were adorably shy to one another, each unwilling to step forward and merely say hello. Deciding to help them, Mary smiled and stepped toward Madeline. "I know you must feel nervous and even a bit scared, but you are safe here, and you will have fun here. There is much to see and do at French court," Mary said softly before pushing her gently towards Charles.

As the two children bowed and curtsied, Mary looked up to see Bash smiling at her from behind the entourage. He still sat atop his horse and with the sea breeze gently blowing his hair around, Mary was captivated by how handsome he looked. Here revery was interrupted by Francis ordering the guards to prepare for the ride back to the castle.

"The ladies must be taken back at once, this chill is not good for them," Francis mentioned to a disappointed Charles who wanted to explore the area more. Mary was surprised by the statement, she had not thought Francis would believe such nonsense. Maybe that was true of French women but as a Scot, Mary was accustomed to the chilly weather and living with the nuns was no exception. She had not lived the life of luxury there and was often a little on the colder side during the winter. "Come along, Mary, the carriage is waiting for you," Francis called.

"Don't bother," Mary smiled. "I would rather ride." She then called for one of the extra horses and pulled herself onto the saddle without any help. Francis merely stared at her while Bash could barely hold back his laughter.

"I take it Francis is unaccustomed to a woman making her own decisions," Mary said to Bash as they entourage began moving. Bash laughed in response.

"No, I suppose not," he replied, looking over to Mary. "Most women bend over backwards, often literally, for him." Mary scoffed at the meaning of his words.

"Well I have no intention of doing that for him," Mary stated, still upset over Francis's dismissal of her. "Or anyone for that matter."

"Really? No one?" Bash playfully raised an eyebrow. Mary bit back a giggle but could not stop the blush rising to her face. Bash clearly noticed as he gave her a knowing grin.

"I think you are forgetting, good sir, that you are talking to a queen," Mary retorted.

"A thousand apologies, your grace," Bash bowed in his saddle, his voice mocking the nobles who frequently found themselves apologizing to the King and Queen. Mary smiled as she turned her attention to the woods around them. The trees towered above her, creating sprawling patterns with their branches. She loved the greenery around her and the silence that surrounded the group. Mary wondered if people dared to live in these woods, away from the busy and dirty towns, away from the vile court. Mary had loved her time at the nunnery, away from most people and in the middle of nature. After just a few days at court, Mary would give almost anything to live in peace and quiet again.

Her memories were suddenly broken as her horse stalled, refusing to move forward again. She tried to urge him on, but it was no use. Bash had dismounted his own horse and moved to Mary to help get the horse moving again. As soon as Bash was within an arm's reach, Mary's horse remembered how to move but instead of merely walking along, he raced forward and off the road taking Mary into the trees she had just been admiring. "Bash," she screamed as the horse galloped farther from the road. Knowing that a fall at this speed would be dangerous, Mary opted to hold on to the saddle and the reins trying to keep herself on.

She had no idea how far they were in the woods when her horse finally came to a stop. Everything looked the same to her now and panic began to course through her. She regained control of her horse but only just barely. The snap of a twig behind them caused Mary to be thrown off the saddle, landing quite awkwardly on the ground. Before she could do anything else, the horse took off, running from the fallen queen. Once more Mary heard the snapping of the underbrush around her. Something was coming towards her and she doubted that it was her horse. Standing in a panic, Mary ran over to a tree and hid behind it. Peeking around the trunk she saw a man on a horse coming near her.

Relief rushed over her as she realized it was Bash. "Bash," she cried, stepping from behind the tree.

"Mary, are you alright?" he asked, jumping off his own horse and running to her. Mary ran to him, throwing her arms around him.
"Thank goodness you found me," she whispered into his chest. "I have no idea where I am."

"What happened to your horse?" Bash asked, smoothing down her wild hair.

"He spooked again," Mary explained. "If I wasn't riding side saddle, I would still have him." Bash chuckled at her response.

"I'm glad you're here though, who knows how far her would have carried you," Bash said softly, pulling away from her. He smiled though as he took her in.

"What?" Mary questioned his amused glance.

"You look like a bush dressed up as queen," he laughed, reaching to pull a leaf from her hair. Sure enough when Mary looked down at her gown there were leaves and twigs stuck everywhere. She quickly brushed them away from her skirts.
"Okay, let's get going," Mary said but was stopped by Bash reaching and cupping her chin. With his other hand he pulled a few more leaves from her tangled hair.

"What would people say if you returned to court, on my horse with half the forest in your hair," Bash grinned. "They might suspect you were out here bending over backwards for me." Mary stepped closer to Bash, placing her hands on his chest.

"Only in your dreams," she whispered before playfully pushing him away and turning to the horse.

"Oh Mary," Greer exclaimed, as Mary dismounted the horse. She immediately missed the heat from Bash, the feeling of him sitting behind her. "Francis told us what had happened and how Bash went to rescue you."

"How romantic," Kenna grinned, locking eyes with Mary.

"Only if it were Francis," Aylee corrected. Mary ignored their comments as she was focused on the absence of one of her ladies.
"Where's Lola?" she asked.

"She heard of Collin's death," Greer said quietly. "She is very upset about it."

"Take me to her," Mary ordered, waving a simple goodbye to Bash who watched her go. The girls made their way to Lola's room only to find her crying on her bed. "Lola," Mary called out gently. "It's time we get ready for Madeline and Charles's party tonight."

"I don't want to go," Lola sobbed. Mary moved to sit next to her but Lola moved as if she was repelled by Mary's presence. "Get away from me. It's your fault he's dead."

"Lola, he tried to rape her," Greer asserted, standing up for her queen.

"Anyone who gets close to you suffers," Lola accused. "If you weren't so beautiful and cunning, he would still be here. I know you tricked him into it. He said someone else was behind this, that it wasn't his fault. You're just covering your tracks after you slept with him." Silence filled the room as Mary digested the accusations thrown at her by a girl she had considered her friend. Mary stood with dignity, not letting her emotions be seen by her ladies.

"I am your queen, Lady Lola, and I am never to be spoken to that way. Above that I am your friend and I would never do something as terrible as that. I know you loved him and I would never go behind you back and do that," Mary stated, her voice eerily calm and authoritative. "He made the decision to enter my chambers. I tried to give him a fair trial but he was executed under French law, which cannot be undone now."

"Mary," Aylee interrupted. "Don't be so harsh on her. She just lost her love."

"I will be harsh, Aylee," Mary turned to face her. "Because if I am not, I will be walked all over. I will not tolerate this from my ladies. If this is how you all feel, then we can go forth as you being my ladies in waiting, not my friends. Lola, if you truly feel this way then you can be dismissed from my service. Go home." Mary then stormed to the door where she paused, turning to see the uncertain looks from her ladies. "We aren't girls anymore," she said quietly. "This is the real world and now, I need you to all be ready to go to this party and show the English that nothing they throw at me will stop me."

While the room was light and filled with joy, Mary could see through the facade. Catherine watched the events unfold with a critical eye. Henry was more interested with the women dancing around him than his son. Mary's ladies stood tensely by her side, afraid of making the wrong move and plastered fake smiles on their faces. Lola stood farthest away from Mary, refusing to make eye contact. The English ambassadors mingled amongst themselves, occasionally throwing a glance or two toward Mary and then toward Francis. Mary immediately put two and two together as she watched the English note the distance between the supposedly engaged couple.

She nodded to her ladies before making her way to Francis, who had been sulking against the wall all night. Out of the corner of her eye, Mary noticed Bash watching her. She gave a polite smile but continued to Francis despite her entire body wanting to run into Bash's arms. "Francis," she greeted him with a small curtsy. He nodded his head to her. "Let's dance," she offered him a hand. He reluctantly took it and they made their way to the dance floor.

"What are you doing, Mary?" he asked as they twirled about.

"Dancing with my fiance," Mary smiled, hoping to convince the English of their very real engagement.

"Don't play games with me," Francis demanded, his voice hard. When Francis spun Mary back to him, she went a little bit farther until they were moving with their bodies flush against each other.

"Please," Mary pleaded, as he tried to distance himself. "They're watching me. And I don't want to give them anything to doubt this union." Francis then was silent but he at least put on a smile and relaxed.

"Let them talk about this then," Francis whispered in her ear. As the end of the song neared, Francis spun Mary away from him only to pull her into his arms, dip her low and kiss her passionately. Mary's entire body tensed as she felt his lips touch hers. Her first kiss.

The clapping of the rest of the court brought Mary back to the present. Francis broke away from her lips, pulling her back into a standing position. "Hopefully that helps," he smiled sheepishly, his face flushed ever so slightly.

"I think it did," Mary whispered, noticing her own blush as she scanned the room. Her ladies were whispering amongst themselves, the English nodded their heads and spoke to own another no doubt about their performance. Mary found herself searching for someone. But she could not find him in the crowd. It seemed as though Bash had simply disappeared which made Mary feel inexplicably sad. Afterall, she was getting what she wanted. An engagement with Francis who at least was willing to help her and even kiss her.