Season 1 - Episode 3

Part One

Mary's POV

Anger was something I could hold onto
Grief was something I had to let go of
Pain was something I lived with

But you

You were the reason I awoke
You were the reason I fought
And you were the reason I died

   I watch as Francis paces back and forth, his face full of fear and.. love. My heart starts to crack a little more and I let out a light sigh hoping to catch his attention but he doesn't even turn my way. What little heart I had left, just crumbled in my chest. I wipe a small tear away before quietly leaving his chambers. He didn't even look my way, as if I'm as invisible as I feel. He will never truly love me when his heart belongs to another. I slip out without so much as a word, not that he would realize I was gone in the first place.

     My heels click as I walk down the corridor towards Empress Morrigana's chambers, hoping I can get some type of information from her ladies. I have to secure an alliance. Either with Morrigana or Francis. There are two large knights in all black standing in front of her doors. Their armor looks old but new at the same time and if I look too closely it almost looks like it's glowing blue. Strange. The guards tower over me, with large swords and a glare. The one of the left turn to me with a slight bow "Empress Morrigana is still disposed of at this moment but-" he's cut off by the large wooden doors opening.

    Morrigana's lady, Katerina, opens the door with a glare. Her long brown hair falls in messy curls that she tucks behind her ears. She still wears her makeup from last night and her gown as well. Her eyes look sunken in and tear streaks trail down her face. "Can I help you Queen Mary?" Katerina snarls out with a small curtsy. I flinch back at her tone. Does she speak this way to Morgana? I shake my head a send her a small smile.

     "I'm sorry to bother you but I was wondering if there was anything I could do to help" I say, avoiding her harsh gaze. The brunettes eyes soften a bit and she opens the door fully to let me in. "Please come in Queen Mary and excuse the um mess" Katerina trails off, gesturing to the destroyed room. My heart almost stops at the damage around me. Black marks stain the whole room like blood splatters and there is a pile of things that were clearly burnt, while the whole room is covered in soot. The heavy singe of ash fills my nostrils and I have to cover my nose. What's most concerning though is the small scraps of fabric, clearly from Moriganna's dress last night, that sit in the floor burnt to a crisp.

My jaw slackens and my heart rate increases, as fear and guilt pools in my chest. I wanted her gone but not like this. Oh god. I just needed, well need, an alliance. My eyes catch the rest of Morrigana's lady's in waiting. They too are wearing last nights gowns and their faces look as if they've been recently crying. Guilt pools in my chest and my mind wanders to the Empress, praying she's okay. And I make myself a promise. A promise to make an alliance with Morigana, not France.

     I bow my head a bit to them "I have come here to offer my help in anyway that I can." The women's eyes widen a bit before the small blonde with a blue dress approaches me. "Hello, I'm Aurora but my friends call me Rora. Thank you for coming but I don't believe there anything we can do but wait and maybe clean. You're welcome to join us though." She gestures to the large black bed that they're sitting on. Before I can reply though, another knock is heard on the door.

   Katerina rolls her eyes before snatching the door open "yes?!" I stifle a giggle as I notice it's my ladies. "Oh I am terribly sorry, I did not tell my ladies where I was going." Katerina rolls her eyes but allows them in, eying them wearily. They awkwardly stand next to me before I gesture to the couches. The girls then take a seat on the dark couch that surround the bed. Kenna and Lola give me a strange look but Aylee and Greer are already talking to the other girls.

   
    Aurora pats the bed next to her with a warm smile and I feel myself walking towards her with a large smile of my own. Maybe she could be my own friend. Someone who doesn't have to like me just because I'm Queen. Not like my ladies. I cut my eyes to my girls, each supposedly my friend. But honesty, only Aylee and Greer truly care for me. I sit down on the black plush bed and look around at the pictures, many now cracked, that line the walls. Most were painted of her family, with several of her and her sister. But there is one family portrait that sits beside her bed and is obviously very loved. The edges are cracked slightly and there looks to be smudges along it, as if someone cried on it. That must be one of the last portraits she has of them.

   My eyes trail to another picture and I can't help but smile. I admire a particular photo of Morrigana when she was first crowned Princess of Italy. Her long brown hair hangs in soft curls, framing her bright blue eyes perfectly. Her soft creamy skin makes her pink-pouty lips stand out, even if her face is set in a glare. Her large black crown rests atop her head and she's wearing a dark green dress with black accents. She is truly stunning and so strong. She not only looks like a queen but she acts like a Queen, unlike me.

  "Shes beautiful isn't she?" The dirty blonde, Charlotte I think? asks me, making me blush crimson. "She turns many heads and turns down even more marriage proposals from men and women. Oh, I'm Charlotte by the way." She says with a smile. She sticks her hand out and I shake it, my eyes still on the picture. My mind swirls with the information but I manage to smile back. "Nice to meet you lady Charlotte, did you say women? That is a sin isn't it?" I ask with my brows furrowed.

The painting
(I edited this)

Morrigana's ladies all giggle at me, like I've told a joke. My cheeks turn pink and my head drops low. "Oh Mary, we aren't making fun of you. It's just in our countries it's common for men to marry men or women to marry women. And many royals or people of higher standing, take multiple wives or husbands" The blonde, Rebekah I believe, says with a smile. My hot cheeks begins to cool as I chuckle along with them. So I could marry Morrigana? That would be a much better alliance than France.

   I nod and look to my ladies who all have varying looks of disgust, minus Aylee and Greer. She will marry more than one? I wonder.. no those are impure thoughts. It's not right, not for me. I am catholic and that's just not how we do things. But she is beautiful and I bet she could help out Scotland more than France. And I can't help but stare at the photo of her, hoping and maybe wishing things could be different. A knock sounds out before the doors open and a small girl runs through, Princess Melinoe, Morrigana's little sister.

Shes in her dress from last night but the pure white is covered in black soot and mud. Her hair is ruffled and her crown is almost falling off. She rests her hands on her knees for a second and holds up one finger while catching her breath. She calms her breathing down and snaps her head up with a smile. "She's back!" She yells before sprinting back out of the room with a older blonde woman, who's been with the King and Queen since she got here. The blonde trails behind Melinoe, her eyes narrowing at me and my ladies. We all look at each other before jumping up and hurrying after the two. My ladies follow behind me sharing curious looks between themselves. But Aylee intertwines her hand with mine and my nerves instantly calm.

Francis POV

I stand in my room, pacing as my mind goes through all of the horrible things that could have happened to Morrigana. I can't help but still love her. We grew up together but so did Mary. I'm so torn between the two but if I had to choose, I'd choose Morriganna every time. Guilt pools in my stomach and I turn to where Mary was sat earlier but I see her missing. "Great, I can't keep up with either of the women I love" I mutter, not realizing what I said. Sebastian my brother, barges in with a wide smile and I lift a brow at him. "And why are you so happy dear brother?" I ask with a hint of snark. Bash lifts his eyebrows in surprise but just smirks at me.

He clasps his hand on my shoulder and his eyes twinkle "I think I'm in love with Morrigana. Do you think she's interested in me?" My heart almost stops in my chest as I glare at my brother. No! He can't have her! My mind screams at me but I bite back a rude remark and just smile back at him. "Really? She does seem very happy in your company but she is an Empress. She will most likely marry for the good of the throne." I reply with a smirk. I can't be the bad guy if I just tell the truth, right? But my smile vanishes as Bash's smile drops. "You're right, who would want a bastard like me?" He mumbles before turning away.

I try to grab his shoulder but he walks away too quickly. "Wait, Bash that's not what I meant!" I yell, making him stop in his tracks. "Then how did you mean it Francis? It's just facts is it not? I am nothing more than a bastard.." he whispers as the door burst open once more. I glare at the guards and they shrink back slightly. "Sorry for the interruption my Prince but Empress Morrigana has returned. Shes at the front gates" he says quickly before bowing out of the room. Sebastian and I look at each other before sprinting out of the room and towards the front gates, where the woman we both love is waiting.

Morrigana's POV

    I begrudgingly ride my borrowed horse back to the castle. The crisp morning air bites at my face but I welcome it, anything to take my mind off of the night before. I slept at an inn last night instead of coming back but now I'm dreading the repercussions of my actions. I probably have everyone worried. Not to mention poor Mel. Gods I'm such a screw up. I fling a hand through my messy hair and sigh.

    My hair is a mess, with curls sticking out everywhere but I finally feel content, safe even. Of course that will go away once I meet the gates of the castle. There's something evil there that I can't put my finger on. The castle comes into view and dread pools in my stomach as I get closer. The tall stone towers with large gargoyles loom over me and I push back the anxiety that pools in my stomach.

   The guards spy me and start yelling, opening the gates and filing around me so I won't leave again. As if I can't take care of myself. I'm an empress for gods sake! I lift a brow as I'm lifted from my saddle by King Henry himself. "Empress Morriganna! We were so worried, especially Lady Ana. Please allow me to escort you to your room where your family and ladies are waiting." I want to shout at him and maybe slap him for daring to touch me. But instead I take a calming breath releasing the anger so I don't explode again.

King Henry dismisses the guards as Catherine comes running up, taking me into her arms. "Oh you foolish girl! You had me so worried" she quietly whispers in my ear. I hold her close, savoring her touch "I'm sorry" I mumble before I'm tackled by a blur of brown hair. I hold Mel close to me as I run my hands through her hair and apologize softly "I'm so sorry I left you my schmetterling." (Butterfly).

     She looks up at me with a tear stained face and my heart breaks a little. "I was afraid I lost you like mama and papa!" She mumbles before throwing her hands around my neck. Guilt fills my chest and what's left of my heart, fumbles to pieces. I'm such a bad sister. I have to do better. For her and for my countries. I hold her close, placing a kiss on her head before spying my girls. I motion them forward and they join the hug.

Katerina glares at me and I kiss her cheek. "I'm so very sorry, we can speak of this later but cover story is I was attacked. Got it?" I whisper low enough so only the girls hear. They nod before backing away with a still crying Mel. They gesture to left and I see Mary, her ladies, Francis, and Sebastian all waiting for me. Mary smiles at me and gives a small wave whereas Francis looks as if he's going to explode with anger.

    Sebastian runs to me first and I meet him half way. He pulls me close, spinning me around before holding me tight again. "Oh gods Mor, I was so worried I'd lost you!" He mumbles in my ear, sending tingles down my spine. I reach up and cup his cheeks with my both of my hands before placing a small kiss on his nose. "I'm okay, I promise" I reply watching as his cheeks turn pink. I savor his touch and warmth that surrounds me. And I can't help but think about what it would be like to marry Sebastian instead of Francis.

Sebastian softly caresses my cheek with his rough hand before a throat clearing breaks us apart. I see Francis and Mary standing there with Francis slightly glaring at his brother. Mary smiles warmly at me before taking me into her arms. I'm surprised by the attention but find myself feeling comfortable in her arms. She has a warmth to her similar to Sebastian, making me never want to let go. I wrap my hands around her waist, pulling her close and I feel her relax in my arms.

  "This is quite the warm welcome Queenie, change your mind about me that quickly?" I whisper in her ear, watching as she shivers from it. Her face turns red but she doesn't say anything as I admire her. I then lean down to her ear and whisper "thank you. And you should wear blue more often, it fits you well" I smirk as she pulls away with red cheeks. Francis frowns at the interaction but quickly pulls me to his chest, kissing the top of my head. I lean into his familiar touch and sigh.

"Don't disappear like that again Mor!" He whispers, before releasing me. I nod my head at him with a small smile "I apologize for causing such a scene but-" I look at my ladies then to King Henry, Queen Catherine, and Lady Ana.  Who just so happened to show up with both Henry and Catherine. "I was attacked in my chambers last night but I don't know by who. Though I do have a good guess." The crowd around us gasps before Henry and Catherine push me into the castle. "Come Morrigana, we shall speak about this where less gossiping bodies are around" the king mutters.

    I follow along to his advisors room with Mel, Ana, my ladies, Mary, Francis, Henry, Ana, and Catherine. I step forward looking at everyone before speaking "so I came into my room last night after being threatened or should I say trying to be threatened by an English envoy, Simon." I roll my eyes at the memory. Charlotte smirks, knowing what will happen if the Queen of England keeps getting on my bad side.

The room erupts in gasps and Mary looks especially pale. My bet is he threatened her as well. I pull her hand to mine and intertwine our fingers. Then whisper "it'll be ok. Threats are nothing more than empty air." She nods and turns her attention back to the table, where Francis glares at Mary. I glare back at Francis and he ducks his head. King Henry frowns but gestures me to continue.

    "I walked into my room like normal but something happened. One minute I could see everything and then the next, there was nothing but black fog surrounding me. I smelt and felt the heart of a fire somewhere close, so I tried to run for the doors. Unfortunately they were locked so I grabbed my sword to pry them open but a couple of men surrounded me. I fought them off and honestly I was winning." Francis, Katerina, and Sebastian all chuckle at that while I beam back at them. "So they ran out the doors and I chased them down. I eventually lost them so I stayed at a local Inn and here I am now."

The King shakes his head and looks to Ana, who smiles at him. "I am very sorry Empress Morrigana, if there is anything I can do to remedy this situation, please let me know." I nod at him but turn to my ladies "I do believe we are okay. I would like to retire to my chambers though for a bath and to write my advisors." I state and Henry nods in approval. As if I needed his damn approval.

   I turn to Mary and she looks at me with wide eyes "Mary, do you mind joining me?" She shakes her head no and quickly takes my outstretched hand with a smile. Francis pouts beside Sebastian as Charolette nudges him and whispers "look out CiCi, looks like Mor is stealing your girl." Francis glares at Lottie as she cackles before following me out of the doors. My mind drifts to the beautiful brunette on my arm and my chest tingles.

And I can't help but think...

"What a plot twist you were"

But don't fret my death
Because I will forever live within you.

Authors note: sorry this took so long to get out! I've been so so busy! My car broke down plus work meetings and the doctor (for some very scary results). I promise to update as much as I can but the start of the school year is always busy for me. Anyways, thanks for reading and let me know what y'all think!

• How do you feel about this chapter? Do you like the POV changes? I was really trying to make it where you could feel Mary's hesitation since being gay was 'bad' back then.

• How do you feel about her relationship with all of them? Am I making it go too fast?

• What do you think will happen to Simon?

• Who do you want her first kiss to be with? I was thinking either Mary or Sebastian.

• Do you think Mor will start opening up to ther others?

• Do you want the next chapter to continue with the episodes? Or would you rather I do one with her ladies and their backgrounds? I still need significant others for them.

• I'm asking again if you'd like a make your on OC for this book or not! This is the last time I'll ask. You can also be one of my Ladies in waiting and have your own backstory as well.

• And finally, anything that you'd like to see in future chapters, questions, comments, requests, etc. ?

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I love Catherine so much tbh

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