Mary

"Mary!"

The screams echoed through her as turned to face her young friend Madeline. Colour drained from her cheeks as she saw the girl's distressed look. Her head rang. The edges of her vision darkened and soon there was nothing.

"Mary! Mary, don't move," her friend commanded " you're losing too much blood"

"I... I need... To..." Her heavy bones pinned Mary to the floor as she tried to move.

"Mary, listen to ..." But all too soon Madeline's voice became only a noise to the queen as she fell into darkness.

Madeline

Madeline cursed under her breath as she quickly drew her sword from it's sheath. Although it was not correct for a lady to do so, Madeline thought nothing of it. She had been raised by soldiers and nobles outside of the convent - this had led to her love of weapons. As she expertly held the blade, she raised herself from the Queen's side.

Finding help was critical for their survival - and Mary's only chance to live. But a dark thought formed in her mind as she discovered an awful truth - no one would help them now.

Francis

A FEW DAYS LATER

The Queen of Scots was due any time now and it filled Francis' mind. The young girl he remembered must have changed so much. The thought of his childhood friend becoming his possible wife was too much to comprehend for the prince, but he knew that he was not in charge of his own fate - as much as it displeased him.

As he sat alone in his chambers, the distant trumpets could be heard to signify their arrival. He took a breath as he stood. It was time to meet his bride to be.

The many carriages started appearing and soon four young girls stood there. Francis soon realized that none of these were Mary. A quick glance towards his father uncovered a worry in the back of his mind. His eyes darted between the nobles to his brother to the Scottish ladies ahead of him. The looks of confusion only strengthened his fears. His heart beat faster as he walked quickly towards the new guests to court. As they bowed, a knot grew tighter in is stomach. Francis tried to remain calm as he spoke.

"If I may, do you -"

His words were cut short as he heard the sound of horse hooves on the paved path. He faced a man who looked as if he had faced a war and it reflected in his eyes. With each step the stranger took, Francis realized the something had gone terribly wrong.