Authors note: So if I write in italics, it's her thoughts.

Season 1 - Episode 1

Morrigana POV

The ocean did not kill me,
Nor did my tears.
The pain did not kill me,
Though I thought it would.

The ocean did not kill me,
It just washed away my sins.
The heartbreak didn't kill me,
It just made me sink.

A ray of sunlight hits my face as a cheerful voice chirps "up up! Time to get up your Grace!" I throw my head into my pillow burying myself into my satin sheets and pull the covers up "no!" There is silence for a few seconds before the covers are ripped off of me and I'm left cold. I let out a whine and sit up, rubbing the sleep from of my eyes. "Why are you waking me up so very early when you all know I was up very late with my duties?" I hiss with a glare, making most of the servants scramble out of the room. Of course Lady Anastasia doesn't even bat any eye, she just simply tugs me out of bed and pushes me towards my bath. "Lady- ouch! Ana give me a few minutes to at least wake up!" I whine as she snatches off my night gown and all but throws me in the tub.

Ana has long, dirty blonde hair and vivid green eyes that could cut through you like a blade. Her skin is a fair olive tone and her smile could light up a room. But she also an attitude that could make a grown man cry. My temper flares at the older woman with my lack of sleep but I bite my tongue. The steaming water takes the edge off a bit, caressing my cold skin. Don't be so grumpy. She's the last thing you have from your parents, don't chase her away like you have everyone else. I let out a soft sigh and slowly dunk my head under water, watching my long curls swim around me. I wish mom and dad were here, they would know what to do. Ruling is impossible but they made it look so easy. I let out a frustrated scream at the drowning thoughts, watching the bubbles rise before resurfacing and washing my body like nothing happened.

    My mind drifts to all the policies and procedures that I was up all night discussing, making my head ache with stress. I need to delegate, I can't run everything by myself. Mom and dad had each other but I have no one. Once the water starts to cool down, I finally get out and make my way into my large bedroom. My black and gold bed sits in the middle of the room with a gauzy canopy over it. In the left corner is my library and couches, with a tiny little reading book that overlooks the gardens. My desk sits near the expansive windows on the right side of my room and overlooks the massive waterfall that flows through the castle. While my vanity sits directly beside my bed, piled high with expensive makeup and perfumes. I sigh as Ana walks out of my closet, that's nestled in between my bed and library, with a black dress. I pad over to her and sit on my vanity seat as I put on my undergarments.

Her room aesthetic
If you don't like it, imagine something else

Norway Castle

Lady Ana stands with my outfit in her hands and a small smile. A smile so much like my mother's, that it makes my heart ache. She gently takes my robe off and begins helping me put the heavy dress on. She grabs the silky-black fabric with gold embellishments and slips it over my head, then tightens the corset. I inhale sharply at the tight bodice and adjust it, before I crack a damn rib. Ana pushes me towards my vanity with a warm smile and quickly braids my hair back before securing my crown to my head. I turn around and she tucks a few pieces of hair behind my ear. "Your parents would be so proud of you Tochter" (daughter) Ana whispers in my ear, making tears prick my eyes. I lift my chin up as I stare at myself in the mirror and try to see what Ana does; but all I see is a scared little girl, still mourning her parents.

Her Outfit
If you don't like it, imagine something else

I send her a warm smile, catching her hand in mine "thank you lady Ana. For everything. I shall finish my makeup then be down to break fast." Lady Anastasia gently pats my cheek and walks out, no doubt on her way to help me with my other duties and boss people around. A knock on my door breaks me from my thoughts, the heavy oak slightly opening to reveal one of my guards. "Princess Mel-" but the poor knight is cut off by a blur of brown barreling through the doors and towards me. I open my arms as Melinoe flies into my chest crying and I gently rub her back. "What's wrong Mel?" Her face pinches up and she shakes her head no. "Come on, I can't help you if I don't know what's wrong." Her dark hair clings to her face and her porcelain skin is blotchy from the tears that run down her cheeks.

Melinoe wipes her eyes and takes a deep breath "are you going away? I heard Ser Black saying that you are going to France for a while!" Melinoe's eyes shine and her little lip quivers. "Oh honey, I would never leave you! And as of right now, we are not going to France. I have way too much stuff to do in our own countries but we did speak about it briefly." Melinoe smiles brightly and wraps her small arms around me with a sigh. "Plus you know you go where I go, we must stick together" I say while gently braiding her hair back like mine. "Now I have to finish my makeup then I will be down to break fast, okay?" Melinoe nods in agreement and quickly runs back out of my room, almost hitting Ser Black on the way out. If he wasn't so close to father, I would have already got rid of him. The pompous little shit.

Otto Black or Ser Black 😂
You get it? Team black? Hehe

He briefly pauses to bow at Mel and I, then he closes the doors behind him. I let out a sigh and gently rub my temples "Ser Black, this better be good news with the trouble you've already caused this morning." His dark eyes widen and he visibly cringes back "your Grace, I am sorry for any inconvenience I may have caused you but we must speak urgently." I roll my eyes. Everything is urgent these days. I mean does he honestly think I don't already know his plans? My little spiders know everything. At that moment my ladies come in or the widows as most call them. They definitely live up to their reputation, just ask their husbands. Oh wait you can't - they're dead. Ha! A small smile tugs at my lips and I stand up to embrace my girls.

Charlotte is the first to hug me, much to Katerina's dismay. "Hello my darlings, how are you this morning?" Katerina scrunches her face up but Rebekah cuts her off before she can start on one of her tangents. "We are doing well, is Ser Black here about you going to France?" Rebekah asks with a slight smirk, knowing Ser Black will have a reaction. I turn to him with a raised brow to see his face is flushed red and his left eye twitching. A vein in his forehead pops out and it takes everything in me not to comment on it. Ah my favorite pastime, annoying the men in my life.

I try to hold in my laughter at his obvious rage but Katerina smirks at me, barely concealing her own laughter. So I let out a small giggle as his fists clench tightly at us or me rather. I know he wants my crown but he will never get it. He takes a deep breath and I can literally see him trying not to lose his shit. "Your grace, you need to go to France immediately. Mary Stuart is going there to marry the Dauphin of France and we could use both as allies, at least France. And he is still technically unwed, as are you.."

I let out a snarl at the pushy man in front of me, who backs up quickly. "I'm sorry your Grace, I didn't mean to insult you. I just thought since we need to strengthen-" my temper rises the more he speaks so I cut him off "enough! You're dismissed Ser Black and I better not see you for a while!" I feel a crackle beneath my skin and power fills the room. He nods furiously "yes your Grace." He scrambles out of the room, making Katerina giggle. "I love it when you get all angry!" She laughs out and I smirk at her. "Serves him right, trying to sell you off like a breeding mare. You're the fucking Empress! Plus you've made it very clear that you will marry for love" Charlotte mumbles with narrowed eyes. Katerina lets out a giggle and I shake my head at Charlotte. "I love you girls" I whisper with a bright smile.

Katerina wraps her arms around me, hugging tightly before the others join. My family. After a few minutes we finally let go and take a seat. Katerina and Aurora sit on my bed while Charlotte and Rebekah sit in the chairs beside me. "So are we actually going to France?" Aurora asks. I let out a low hum, making the girls turn towards me. "I was up very late with my duties last night and it's not good. With England breathing down our back, we need to make as many alliances possible. But I also don't want to seem weak so I've thought very carefully over things.." I answered while making my way to the doors. "Especially after how Melinoe reacted this morning.. and I had a dream. I must make a decision that could very well end in all of our deaths." I stop just short of the door and turn my head slightly towards the girls

"so pack your bags girls,
we are going to France."

The carriage hits a large bump, sending Melinoe and I out of our seats. "Bloody hell, learn how to properly drive a carriage you idiot!" I scold the coachman while Melinoe laughs. I dust myself off and fix my dress, another black outfit with touches of gold. What can I say? I have a type.. well at least with clothes. "How long will we be here Mor?" Mel asks with a sad face. I gently pull her into a hug, resting my chin on her head. "I'm not sure Melly. We have to protect our homes and this is one of the only ways I know how to" I explain. She pulls back with glassy eyes "I thought we were strong enough by ourselves? I mean you can literally-" my eyes widen and I cut her off with a hiss, pointing towards the coachmen "enough!"

Her Outfit
If you don't like it, imagine something else

Melinoe sends me a glare and turns away, looking out the window with her little arms crossed. "Mel, we will speak later about this but for now, you know the rules." She sighs and nods her head "be polite, caring, and respectful but also be guarded, cunning, and strong." I nod my head with a slight smile "mask always on my Schmetterling." (Butterfly) The carriage finally stops and I take a deep breath before releasing it. I let my face fall into a glare and lift my chin high as Melinoe steps out. I ready myself then take a step out into the blinding sun, holding a hand out to shield my eyes. Melinoe quickly grabs my free hand, squeezing it tightly and tucking herself under my arm.

My feet finally touch the ground and my eyes follow the crowd, to a mop of blonde hair. My heart flutters at the sight of my childhood crush. Francis. Except my eyes trail to the beautiful brunette holding his arm and my stomach begins to churn. Mary Stuart, heir to Scotland and betrothed to Francis. "Well this is going to be harder than you thought. Unless you marry both of them" Melinoe whispers and I have to stifle an eye roll. "Thank you Mel, very helpful. Makes me feel wonderful" I whisper sarcastically. She puts on a sweet smile and lifts a brow "I aim to please sister." I step forward, with Melinoe gently holding my right hand, and stop in front of King Henry.

"Queen-" Henry begins but gets cut off by Ana, who seemingly comes out of nowhere  "Empress! Your Grace shall address Empress Morrigana with her correct titles!" His face turns a dark shade of red but when his eyes meet hers, his jaw drops. Ana just glares at him, unaware of the effect she has on men. His mistress, Diane, stands by his side with a glare directed at Ana. "Another one" Katerina mumbles, wrapping her arms around Melinoe and resting her chin on her head. I stifle a laugh and look at Francis, leaving the adults to flirt with each other. Time to show off the skills Ana taught me.

He briefly bows and mumbles "welcome Empress Morrigana." I scrunch my nose at him and narrow my eyes before letting out a giggle. Francis finally cracks a smile then rushes over and scoops me into his arms before twirling me around. "Ahh! Stop CiCi!" (Pronounced see) I let out a giggle as he puts me down and embraces me. "Oh I missed you so much Mor" he whispers as his arms tighten around my waist. I stare into his deep blue eyes and can't help the grin that slides on my face. I wrap my arms around him tight and enjoy the familiar warmth. Something I've missed dearly. I inhale his scent of firewood, soot, and salt water.

My body instantly relaxes in his and I feel him do the same. He still feels like home. My eyes shift to Mary, who looks like she'd rather be anywhere than here and my stomach drops. No. All is fair in love and war.. right? Her warm brown eyes stare into me, while her beautiful plump lips pull into a frown. Her ladies crowd around her, sending me dirty looks and whisper harshly. Katerina narrows her eyes and taps the back of my hand three times. I nod and slyly wiggle my fingers, causing the wind to pick up. It swirls around the girls making their dresses and accessories go flying. The girls let out loud screams, as if someone was attacking them.

I hold back a chuckle and shake my head. Absolute children. Francis releases me and quickly checks on Mary, making me roll my eyes. Melinoe and Katerina fist bump each other and have to hold back a chuckle. Francis approaches me again with Mary and I raise a brow. "Morrigana this is Mary, Mary this is Empress Morrigana." I nod at her and she sends me a fake smile. "Mary, you must bow to her" Francis whispers in her ear. She scrunches up her nose and I roll my eyes at her attitude. Then I hear a voice yelling and my face instantly lights up. "Oh forget the titles for now, just move Francis, I want my mother!" I say before harshly pushing him and Mary out of the way.

"Yes Francis dear, move! I want to hug my daughters!" Catherine Medici says as she wraps me in a hug. "Oh my sweet girl, I missed you so very much!" She whispers softly. "I missed you too Momma Cat! It just isn't the same without you" I mumble with a sad smile. She pulls me back to take a look at me, keeping her soft hands on my face and my eyes fill with tears. The touch of a mother, something I've missed dearly. "Oh my sweet girl, let's not mess up our makeup" she says while dabbing at her eyes and mine. "My gods you look stunning dear! A perfect balance of both of your parents, just like your beautiful little sister Mel!" I swallow the tears that threaten to spill and smile "thank you Sonnenschein." (Sunshine). Catherine smiles brightly at the familiar nickname, one that my own parents called her, before dropping down and hugging Melinoe.

Mary frowns at us, clearly not having the same relationship with Catherine, as they glare at each other. Charlotte raises a brow at the obvious tension and whispers "maybe this won't be so hard after all." Francis tugs Mary away from us, with her ladies following closely behind and waves bye to me. A few of her ladies shoot me glares as they retreat but I ignore them. Catherine takes my arm and pulls me towards the castle. "I'm so glad to have you back dear" she squeezes my hand then looks down to Melinoe "both of you!" I smile at the warmth she gives off. She reminds me so much of mother. And my mind wanders to my parents, like it does so often.

    A deep pain hits my heart as a full ache settles in once again, like an elephant trampling my lungs or the feeling of all air being stolen from my chest. No matter how much time passes the grief still lives in my chest like an anchor, always weighing me down; ready to suffocate me or let me drown. Like it's waiting for the perfect time to bring my whole world down again. Flashes of the night they passed plays in my head and I try not flinch at the memories that plague my mind. I feel Charlotte weave her fingers through mine, sending me a knowing smile and resting her head on my shoulder. I squeeze her hand and place a small kiss on her head. I have the best friends in the world.

"So where is my favorite princess?" I ask Catherine with a wide smile. She sighs and shakes her head "you mean the Devil incarnate, Claude? She's somewhere in Paris with family most likely misbehaving!" I let out a giggle, catching Francis' eye. He sends me a wink then pulls Mary and her ladies through the castle doors. My eyes follow him until his figure disappears around the corner of the castle. Katerina pokes her head in between us "did someone say Claude?" I laugh and softly push her away. Claude and Kat are both trouble makers and get along a little too well. Though I always thought Claude and Lottie would be better together. She grumbles and hooks her arm through Melinoe's. "You know she's just like you" I say looking at Catherine. She smiles back at me, chuckling "oh yes I know. That's probably why we don't get along and why they" she points a finger at Katerina "do!" We all let out giggles at that, catching a lot of attention seeing as the two ice queens are smiling.

And for the first time in a while, I dropped my guard but unfortunately betrayal is a poison that kills slowly.

Because the ocean did not kill me,
you did.

Authors note: So I didn't change much for this since I technically only changed the groups. I hope you enjoyed this chapter! It was just mainly for introductions. The next chapter will continue with the first episode.

Important: Francis and Mary have been together for a few weeks earlier than cannon so they are a bit closer than they originally were. I'm really trying not to change too much but things will be different. If you have any questions feel free to ask!

• So what do you think of Morrigana?

• And Melinoe?

• What about Ana and her ladies? I'm partial to the widows but do you think I should give them another name?

• Would you like back stories on the ladies?

• And finally, what would you like to see in the future of this book?

Thanks my dears. 🖤 Please check out my other books:

- Abomination a 100 book

- Acantho a Supernatural book

- Acerbus a Marvel book

- Aeonian a House Of Night book

- Agathokakological a Once Upon A Time book

- Aiónos a Multifandom book

- Alexithymia a Shadowhunters book

- Apathetic a Twilight book
(Original & Revamped)

- Arkosios a Vampire Diaries book

- Avenoir Part One a 'future stories' book
(You can request a future story in this book)

- Avenoir Part Two a 'future stories' book
(You can request a future story in this book)

- Autophobia a The Walking Dead book

- Aviothic a Fourth Wing book

- Belamour a Hart Of Dixie book

- Bellicostic a Game of Thrones book

- Caliginous a Grey's Anatomy book

- Contumacious a Gossip Girl book

- Cordolium a Reign book

- Crudêl a Riverdale & Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina book

- Dracontine a House Of The Dragons book

- Ephemeral a Harry Potter AU book

- Erotta a Marvel & Once Upon A Time book

- Indelible a Marvel AU book

- Kismet a Multifandom book

- Latibule a Sons Of Anarchy book

- Malagrugous a Hunger Games book

- Munificence a Santa Clause book

- Nullity a Five Nights At Freddy's book

- Peerless a Landman book

- Relinqueret a Gilmore Girls book

- Reveriscere a Vampire Diaries reborn book

- Saorsa a Throne Of Glass book

- Sarang a K-pop Demon Hunters book

- Seraphic a BTS, Stray Kids, & Ateez book

- Susurrus a Wicked book

- Tacenda a Stray Kids book

- Virulent a Fate Winx book

Please check them out and don't forget to vote/comment! Also I post a lot of stuff on my Pinterest Page.

https://pin.it/g750mpv

Check it out for cool outfits, sneak peeks, and a lot of other stuff! Thanks again my lovelies 🖤

Gods I love Catherine

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