Road to the Estate

James smiled to himself, doubtful such words were her own. She had come here with a task, that would only be complete when she had his child in her belly. No doubt she had been told to make herself available to him, God knows James' advisors had done the same for him - for months. 'Compliment her often, praise her, give her gifts...' they had said. Yet, James did nothing unless he wanted to...his words were always the truth.

"Well I'm flattered, " James said, crossing his arms across his chest and glancing to the grass beneath his feet,"Yet it is you, madame, who is beautiful. I am...fortunate."

Mary shook her head she could feel her temper starting to flare up inside. She didn't get angry as her anger was unforgivable when unleashed. Instead, she started to pick the accorns of the tree gently tossing them to the ground.

You could have any woman in the land I know it and I think a part of you knows it too. Yet you are stuck with me a stranger.

He tilted his head and glanced to the sky, squinting his eyes as the sun parted through the grey mist and cloud. She was right, he wouldn't disagree with her but she did herself little credit - she wasn't just any woman.

"But I didn't want any woman in the land, " he replied sincerely and plainly.

"Nor did my people," he added and moved from the tree, striding to where she sat. He perched beside her, hunkered among the grass, "I have changed many things. Since the corrupt regents have gone and I have claimed this country as mine alone, things have changed. I have exiled those who would harm my people or seek to usurp my throne. If I didn't want you to be my wife...you would not be here."

He sighed and looked up to her, smiling charmingly, "And so you see, in some way...I chose you. Above all others."

And I appreciate you keeping your word to me. If you didn't then I would of still been disgraced.

His words did flatter Mary but she could sense that it was going to be a long journey to prove to him that what she said were her own thoughts. Everything seemed easier if people fed her words to say but, it wasn't then who was married to him it was her.

I don't need any French companions from home to guide me. Scotland is now my home so, I shall have only ladies in waiting who come from Scotland.

He tilted his head, raising a brow. He admired her courage but she was as young as he - being royal was lonely enough, but in a foreign land was worse, "That is a bad idea. You do not miss France now but give it a few months when it has not ceased to rain for weeks and the days are as black as the night. Then you will be glad of an old companion."

James sighed and stretched out on the field.

I am just trying to prove my loyalty to you and your land.

Mary had felt like she had done enough talking the more she talked the more of a hole she dug herself. Her feet rolled over the acorns hoping a squirrel would come and collect them. Standing she dusted of any last specs of dust on her skirt, making a note of what to wear next time they were out.

I am feeling rather tired, your majesty. Please know that I am only trying to please you without the help of others.

James stood as she did, chivalrous naturally, "You do not need to prove anything...nor do you need to call me Majesty..."

He bit his lip and plucked a hand of delicate forget me nots from the earth. He took her wrist and turned it gently so her palm faced upwards, "For you, " he said, his dark eyes looked into hers which he noticed for the first time were pale and bright.

It was a simple gesture but sincere. She was an attractive woman and appealed to James, but he sensed a vulnerability within her - beneath the regal exterior. He wanted her to be comfortable here, to know he would protect her. Instead of professing affection through words, he did it through the petals of the wild flowers.

Mary smiled gratefully as he placed the flower in her hand. The petals were the same color as her eye's blue. Taking his hand Mary placed a delicate kiss on his wrist only to rest her cheek in his palm.

I shall keep this forever pressed in a book. I heard that Scotland is famous for it's red roses too! If I find one before you do I then I shall plant it outside my bedroom window.

He paused, remaining quite silent as she brought her palm to rest in his cheek after her lips had touched his wrist. Her skin was soft, a little cold from the breeze. He looked for a moment into her eyes and then at his hand, gently rubbing his thumb over her flesh. It was an earnest moment and he swore in it, they exchanged something between each other...something unspoken.

He smiled and took a breath, stepping apart from her and offering his arm, "I shall...walk you back, " he said. His voice came out deep, slightly broken. She had magic in her eyes, he thought.

It was in that moment that Mary wanted to reach out for his lips. Somehow it felt like they had already kissed with the connection of their eye's. Were his lips as soft as snow like the touch of his hands too! That was something Mary would have to find out with time. From the distance she could still see the courtiers waiting for their return. Taking his arm, Mary haulted back in her steps as they began to walk together.

When we return you must tell your council about the bedding situation. I have no problems if a vicar wishes to bless us but, I.. I feel invaded.

James nodded with a relaxed smile upon his lips, "They know my commands and daren't go against my word. There shall be a priest to bless you and me separately, that shall be all the appeasement they shall get. You'll be brought to me, I assume in the company of your women, then..."

He glanced down, not wishing to make her feel uncomfortable. He was not nervous about the approaching night but he imagined she would be - he spared her blushes for now.

No disrespect to you but I can't wait until it's over.

Her body no longer felt like it belonged to her but to the state. Mary wondered if James thought the same about his body too! As she was growing up Mary learnt that somethings are best kept sacred. That is how she started to view James, as her new sacred happiness.

I will come to you tonight where I shall place myself in your hands.

James laughed heartily, grinning warmly at her in admiration of her candour, "Nor I, " he replied honestly.

As they approached the courtiers again James distanced himself from her, clearing his throat, for the sake of propriety and her reputation. A ripple of whispers greeted them, the louder in the company guffawing deeply.

James turned to her and paused, looking to the flowers in her hand. He smiled to himself, glad she had a small remembrance of their meeting. He dipped his head into a bow, "Milady," he said deeply and looked up, the memory of her eyes would sustain him, "Until tonight."

He then approached his retinue, thumbs tucked into his belt-grinning brightly. His friends exchanged knowing glances with him, tapping him in a brotherly fashion on the shoulder. The cluster of men dissolved into the crowd but James stopped for a moment-looking back towards Mary and smiled. Then he left the gathering.

Mary gave a short curtsey to him as he went. She felt lost without him by her side as many people still stared at her waiting for her movement. Their would be people here who would want Mary to fail as a queen but she would not give them the satisfaction. Her loyal french ladies came swooning around her, drapping her lovely white cloak around her shoulders. With a quick glance Mary saw him looking back at her. She smelt the flower he had given to her before she to was whisked away inside.

Margaret was sent from france to be a lady in waiting to the queen of Scotland. She knew the queen was from france. As her carriage drove up to the country estate of Scotland she looked out the window. She hopped she would like Scotland.

The French ambassador had informed me of a lady in waiting being sent from France. I was thrilled at this prospect their was only one other lady in waiting I trusted here and that was a lady called Helen, who came highly suggested by my husband. As drizzle started to fall I awaited this lady at the top of the road.

As the carriage stopped Margaret stepped out and saw the queen. She curtesy low to her"Votre Majesté. Je dois ici vous servir."She said in her french accent. She thought how beautiful the queen looked. She smiled just a bit.

Margaret welcome to Scotland! I'm delighted to have you on this wonderful journey of mine. Please arise from your curtsey. Although it wasn't hot it was a habbit of mine to open up my fan. Did you have safe journey? No man tried to hurt you did they.

She stood up."I enjoyed the travel your majesty. And no men tried to hurt me your majesty." She said looking at the queen with a soft smile one that makes most people happy.

I smiled to young Margaret who was rather a sweet young child. I felt responsible for her safety and well-being while she was in Scotland with me. We shall soon be moving on to Sterling Castle. My dress maker in france has sent you a closet full of new clothes,shoes and hairpieces! You shall never have to want for anything Margaret, how is your father.

"Thank you your majesty. He and my mother are still in France."She said softly.

You have no need to thank me it is what I do for my ladies in waiting. It is also my duty to help you with a dowry should you so wish to marry. I replied softly as we neared the palace.

"You mean like a duke or royalty?"She asked the queen.

I sighed as I placed my fan away. Their are no single royals here Margaret. Plenty of noblemen and courtiers. One might come forward and ask to marry you. I felt as if I had maybe got her hopes up when all I was doing was telling her my duties.

"The time will come when god sees it to be."She said with a smile on her face.