Christmas 1557

It had been several months since Mary had arrived at the French Court. The constant threats to her person had subsided, but despite this, her efforts to secure an alliance with France via a marriage with her intended, Francis, seemed to be in vain. Mary suspected something was amiss, but she could neither prove nor deny anything.

Mary sighed as Lola brushed her hair, her mind elsewhere. Christmas festivities were beginning shortly, and Mary didn't feel like celebrating. I'm glad we are friends now; I think we have something to build on. Francis' voice rang in Mary's ear, a smile reaching her lips. There was no denying the attraction between them, but because of the King and Queen Catherine, their relationship had little progressed since that day Francis vowed to be by her side, against foes seen and unseen. Mary sighed again, as she thought of the prince, her future intended. She meant what she had said when she said she would wait as long as it took, for him she would do anything. His wavy blonde hair, his wide beautiful smile, but mostly his longing eyes, were what kept her going.

"I love those eyes," Mary whispered.

"Excuse me?" Lola giggled, knowing full well where Mary's mind was.

"Oh, nothing. We need to get dressed; I am the guest of honor you know. Need to look my best!"

The ballroom seemed alive to Francis, for really the first time in his life. There was something or rather someone that he now could celebrate, Mary. Despite his parents' interferences, Francis had come to know Mary and became her friend. Tonight was the night he wanted to ask Mary a question, a rather important one. If only she would show up.

"Bash, do you know where Mary is? The ball is going to end in nearly an hour, and I haven't seen any sign of her?" Francis decided Bash would be the best person to ask, considering he spent half the night flirting with Mary's ladies in waiting.

"I have no idea. Ask Lola or something. I'm busy."

Bash sauntered over to another group of women, putting on his charming smile, and Francis chuckled to himself. I suppose I need to start my inquiry of Mary on my own, Francis thought, a smile tugging at his lips. As he walked down the corridors, images of Mary came to him. Her long black hair, her infectious smile, and of course, her lovely, lovely eyes.

"I love those eyes," Francis spoke to himself.

Rounding the corner, he collided immediately with someone, sending them straight to the floor.

"I'm so sorry, let me help you up."

Francis looked down to see a beautiful raven haired woman, dressed in a gown of pink silk, her hair pulled up with a diamond pink and white crown resting on her head. She looked gorgeous and flustered, but most importantly she was the one person he was longing to see.

"It's alright, I wasn't paying attention either," Mary relayed, as she looked up and saw Francis, she let out a type of whimper, obviously being out of sorts.

"Francis, shouldn't you be celebrating..."

"I found myself getting rather bored; I was actually looking for you. Can we talk somewhere private?" Francis gently grabbed Mary's hand and guided her to his private quarters. As Francis shut the door, he could tell Mary was nervous.

"Oh, it's nothing like that, I just wanted…"

"What are you, oh no it's not that, I'm just, well I mean, I've been wanting to talk to you as well" Mary sat down on Francis' bed, sighing as she tucked her a stray hair behind her ear. Francis smiled inwardly as he looked at Mary while at the same time feeling incredibly nervous. He sat down next to Mary, and turned towards her. She looked up at him, her beautiful brown eyes exploring his, and he took her hands, and began his question.

"Mary, there is something I have been wanting to ask you. I know there has been little progress made towards our marriage, and I know it is frustrating. But you must believe me when I tell you I want it as much as you. And you need to know how I feel about you. Whenever I'm nervous or sad, I think of you. Whenever I'm happy or confident, I think of you. I think about you all of the time, Mary. I dream about you, don't ask me to repeat about what exactly though…"

Mary started to blush, causing Francis to caress her cheek with his hand.

"But most of all, I want you to know that I love you. I love you, and I want to marry you. So, here it is, my question. Can I kiss you?"

Overwhelmed with tears streaming down her face, Mary began to nod but her action was interrupted by Francis' lips crushing hers. His mouth on hers felt like paradise, and with every soft caress by his lips she melted more. Mary finally pulled away, leaving Francis with a small frown on his lips. She gently kissed his lips, placing her forehead against his.

"I just wanted to let you know, before we continue, that never feel the need to ask my permission to kiss me again. You can kiss me whenever you want, because I love you." Francis smiled as he grabbed Mary by her waist, intending to kiss her thoroughly.