Title: False Prophets Revealed & True Love Prevails

Author: C. Rosevere (chrisrose)

Written: Dec. 15, 2013

Genre: Humor/Romance/Drama/Parody?

Rating: PG

Spoilers: Reign episodes 1x01-1x08, set soon after 1x08 "Fated".

Summary: Mary returns! Nostradamus reveals! Catherine rages! Mary & Francis reunite! Author admits an aversion to angst!

FALSE PROPHETS REVEALED & TRUE LOVE PREVAILS

by: chrisrose

Chapter 3: Epilogue

\0/

"What about Bash?" Nostradamus asked nervously. "He's a loose end."

"Don't worry about him. If he tries to clear his mother's name, I'll expose him as a traitor, out to steal the throne from Francis. Sebastian won't be Henry's favored son for long," Catherine sneered. "Not now that Francis has Mary, and Henry has Scotland and England within his grasp. Perhaps I'll encourage Sebastian to join Diane on the run. Why should he stay and witness the marriage of the girl he loves to his brother?"

"Why do you think Bash sent Mary back here? He could've had her to himself." Nostradamus shook his head.

"Who cares? Some misguided notion of nobility." She said dismissively.

"Or maybe he believed my prophecy?" Nostradamus suggested hopefully.

"You mean, maybe he wanted Mary to wed Francis, believing it would lead to my son's death? Thus clearing the path for him to inherit the throne... and woo Mary?" Catherine looked impressed. "If so, I almost admire him."

"It was my guess," Nostradamus sulked.

"We may never know his motives. The important thing is, the bastard's no threat. Everything's working out nicely. I've even arranged for you to stay on as medic and part-time court jester. Consider yourself very lucky."

Nostradamus frowned. "I don't know about the court jester gig. Can't I stay a prophet? I think I might've had another vision yesterday! This time for real!"

"No!"

"But, Pumpkin..."

"I told you not to call me that!"

Nostradamus pouted. "Can I call you Carrots?" He reached towards her red hair, as if mesmerized.

Catherine slapped his hand away. "Don't you DARE!"

"Ow, those rings are really sharp," he whined. "Can I at least get off my knees now?"

"Maybe tomorrow."

\0/

"I have had a VISION!" Nostradamus entered the room with a dramatic flourish. He'd been watching Catherine and practicing.

"Not again," Mary muttered. "We're trying to plan a wedding here!"

"Oh, let's listen to what he has to say. He amuses me!" Greer declared.

"I think you should make him wear the funny hat, like a proper court jester," Lola admonished.

Kenna sat silently, looking a little spooked. Mary patted her arm kindly. "Don't worry Kenna. You know he's a fake. You're safe now."

"Nobody is safe!" Nostradamus boomed. "I have seen a catastrophic calamity befalling your wedding..."

The Ladies all gasped in unison.

"...cake!"

Mary glared. "My wedding cake?"

"Will fall!" He intoned, eyes darting crazily. "I see... a flat and flavorless cake! I see... angry, hungry guests! Maybe a food fight!"

"Okaaay." Mary gestured meaningfully at Greer who discreetly left the room.

"That's very helpful, Nostradamus," she said gently, "I'll keep that in mind."

"Good! Just doing my job!" He beamed at her and waggled his eyebrows. With a swirl of his cape and a final, "Beware!" Nostradamus swept out of the room. He stepped on the cape and stumbled a bit, but the effect was only slightly marred.

A moment later, Greer returned and gave Mary a reassuring smile.

"Everything settled then?" The Queen asked.

"I warned Leith to be on the lookout," Greer confirmed. "Him and the whole kitchen staff. They'll watch out for sabotage. No flat cakes when my man's in charge!" she announced with pride.

"I can't understand why you don't fire him, especially if he won't wear the funny hat," Lola grumbled.

Mary sighed. "I feel sorry for Catherine. She's been really nice to me lately... and she's lonely. I'm sort of taking Francis away from her. The least I can do is let her keep Nostradamus."

"You're too kind." Kenna shook her head. "Isn't it a pain to have to keep undoing his self-fulfilling prophecies?"

"Man's gotta eat," Mary grinned. "Maybe I'll even let him eat cake!"

THE END

Author's Note #2: Yes I realize the last line references a different Queen Marie (although she apparently didn't really say it either), and not our Queen Mary. :) Did you spot my little Anne of Green Gables tribute to Megan Follows (Catherine)? ;) I hope you Frary fans enjoyed their shmoopiness, and forgive my slight snark over it. (It was *Catherine* thinking snarky thoughts!) Sorry I couldn't give Bash a happier ending... Thought it might be fun to let you all decide for yourselves whether his motives were noble - wanting Mary to be happy, even if it was with Francis, not him... or calculating and selfish - hoping for his brother's death. (Personally, I don't see him as evil like that.) However, Mash and Frary fans can choose their own Bash to believe in. Ooh, interactive fun! ;) I don't wanna be desperate or pushy, asking for reviews, but hey, yeah, I'd appreciate some ego-stroking. :) Thanks a lot to those who reviewed or favorited me in the past!