The Queen's Drawing Room

On hearing the wonderful news that her daughter had a son. Antoinette made her way to see Mary and her grandson. It was hard to be living in a foreign land at such joyous times. Antoinette had not seen her son in law since she had arrived in Scotland many months ago. Her main concern was to see her daughter Mary and to be there for her needs. With a present tucked gently under her arm Antoinette made haste to see Mary while the court was out on a hunt for a day.

Mary was sitting peacefully in her living room her eye's gazing out to the greenery that surrounded Stirling castle. She was a very long way from France and she was starting to feel it now more than ever without James... It was only love not duty that had kept her in Scotland. Everyone had now descended to France, where many day's and night's would be filled with merriment and gaiety. She did not feel like a young virtuous bride more like a shriveled apricot. At the moment a dressmaker was currently taking measurements of the young Prince that laid out on the floor. Soon would come his christening after the Christmas perhaps give something for the court to look forward too. The sound of her mother's calming voice gracefully floated throughout the room. Pulling Mary from her miserable mood into one that was much cheerier merriment.

There had been rumors of an alliance currently being negotiated in the court presently for the marriage of her son. It came as rather a shock no one had warned Mary of such ongoing indeed she found out while the party had come to court. With no warning or hint of betrothing her son off Mary had taken the news rather badly. It wasn't because of the heritage the young princess carried more so that she had been left out in the cold something that Mary felt over a year ago.

As a queen wasn't it her duty to be informed of this? She felt as though she had been made a fool of a laughing stock amongst those Scottish lords who had all along wanted a Scottish queen. Mary knew very little of the two princesses that were currently making their way for a nice peaceful talk with her. Whilst waiting she sat trying to plot revenge makes an example of the person who thought could make a fool of her. It was the right thing to do send a message so that every lord knew not to try and trick their queen like this again or else.

In all her time living in Scotland Mary had never tried to assert her power as it was very limited everyone followed orders from James. She was just a pretty little woman to sit on the right hand side of their king plus it was a man's world. No Mary had the perfect punishment for whoever it was that double crossed her and James wouldn't be able to stop her as he wouldn't know until it was too late. She had to think of the mother also she too had been humiliated by all of these women no matter what nation had to stick together.

As the doors opened Mary stood graceful a warm, genuine smile shone brightly on her lips. Welcome to Scotland your highness I am glad to meet you, Thank you for accepting my invitation.~

As Agnés and I made our way through the castle towards the Queen's apartments, I was fully prepared for another round of insults to be hurled at me. My meeting with the King could hardly be called a success... an unqualified disaster would be a better way of describing it. Arriving outside, I stand for a moment: steeling myself for battle, though I hoped that I could have a civilised and cultured with a Frenchwoman. I would have said fellow but there was no denying my English birth despite my upbringing and life spent across the channel... The King and his unwavering hatred of my homeland had seen to that.

With supreme elegance, I glide into the chamber and sweep into a bow. "Votre Majesté." My golden locks were draped over my right shoulder, plaited into a fishtail braid: I had taken just as much care with my appearance to meet the queen as I had in my appearance for the audience with her husband. Rising, I smile sincerely and say quite honestly. "It is an honour to meet you."

Mary signalled for the doors to be shut, turning her back as they did so. She perched on the edge of her chair like a delicate, dainty bird she was so small and petite standing opposite the Tudor Princess. Apart from two guards in the rooms there was only three of them Mary the princess and what she could only presume a lady in waiting. Not up to speed with the current events that had occurred the day before Mary lifted up her hand signalling for the Princess to sit opposite her so they may begin. I have yet to speak to my husband, but there are two sides to every story I would like to hear yours first. And whether or not I can be of some help to you while you are a visitor here.~

It was true, she had been left in the dark about this visit if she had known Mary would've made sure that Katherine Tudor had every care and everything she needed taken care of whilst staying here. No matter what rank or position a person might hold Mary always treated others as equals. It had, she had noticed made people more comfortable in her presence.

Taking the seat, I gracefully guided myself on to the cushioned chair and arranged myself: flattening my gown and adjusting my hair before placing my hands folded into my lap. I was ready. Although the queen stated she wished to here my story, I was unsure. Yesterday, few had cared to know it and now I was being asked made me more than a little sceptical. However, I did not allow these thoughts to show: my face remained serene and calm as I looked across the small space between us at the queen. "Where would your Grace like me to begin?"

My life had been interesting to say the least but I acknowledged my nephew's point that it made little issue upon my daughter and her own circumstances: however, whether they wanted to admit it or not, whether they wanted this alliance or not, no one at the Scottish court could deny she was an impeccable option. Elizabeth had a glittering dynastic lineage and an unquestioned regal bloodline; and despite the scepticism over the dowry, all knew Henry could and would pay a hundred times over if he had to. Still smiling and grateful to have been invited, I tilt my head slightly as I speak in a voice as soft as silk and sweet and warm as honey. "What does your Majesty wish to know?"

Mary could feel that her patience was being tried having to repeat herself over and over. She had wanted to be a friend of the princess sitting across from her but to keep repeating oneself again and again. Was something Mary wished not to do. As a queen people listened to every word that left her mouth never asking her to repeat the words again. Still Mary had mastered the art of being patient not a single ripple of aggravation rippled over her face unless she was being insulted. I had no idea you were turning up until the laughter came from the king's study that day. I wish to know why you came surely you must understand my curiosity.~

As a queen Mary had every right to interrogate those who stepped onto the land that her son would one day rule especially if they were English blooded. For many years now England thought that they had a right to Scotland they did not. Scotland was a free nation who took their freedom very seriously so that they didn't have to suffer at the hands of English men again! France had always been a faithful friend to Scotland the alliance was now blood bound untouchable by all enemies who sought Scotland as their own.

"There was very little laughter... except for when your husband and his advisers made a joke at the expense of my birth." With a sad smile I think of it. Not what had been said the previous day, that insult was of little consequence, I had learnt to shield my heart from such insults since childhood but still; my birth had been scorned by many, none more so than my own father. "His Majesty is not the first King to punish me for my birth..." Returning my eyes to look at the queen, the sadness that had been awakened within me once again was clear; every comment and insult, every attack I had endured during my visit could have been seen by anyone. It was written in my eyes... And it had brought the memories of childhood in exile, abandoned by my father and forgotten by my country flooding back. That is why I was French in my heart; for it had been broken as England's forgotten Princess. Agnés leans forward and quietly sings "Votre Majesté..." to me; shattering my thoughts and drawing me back into the present. Fluttering my eyelashes for a moment, I compose myself and sigh quietly. "Your Ambassador approached the Navarrese Ambassador at my brother's court to discuss the possible betrothal of your son; the Duke of Rothesay to my daughter; the Princess Elizabeth." The visit to my nephew and his court had taken it's toll upon me. "His Grace is not in favour of such an alliance; and I must admit, I cannot blame him. Placed behind her cousins in the succession of an unstable nation. Her father deceased and her mother a powerless dowager queen, returned to England as the property of her brother. My Elizabeth, she is the jewel of Europe... but with little to support her." The was no show; nothing to hide behind. It was no longer worth it; I held little hope for the proposed match and it did my hosts no courtesy not to be honest. "She is beautiful though..." Agnés says. "as beautiful as her mother, grandmother and great grandmother - three bewitching and infamous beauties." Smiling sadly, I look between my loyal, devoted friend and our hostess. "Beauty will only get us so far though..."

It was stupidity and the king of France would have to be told of all this straight away just encase a war would come of this. Mary was not so kind when it came to traitors she would have the ambassadors' head for this. Not because of his idea, but because of the danger all of this entailed. James had been fighting all his life for peace in Scotland no wonder he was angry. Mary could see that Katherine was desperate, perhaps to be noticed have her daughter given the rank her mother wanted her to have.

Why was it that Katherine Tudor had returned to England, she was a dowager queen now her place was in Navarre not in England. If she stayed she could've forged alliances had an even greater marriage for her daughter. If she only stayed in Navarre. Such a messy situation and why on earth was a lady in waiting involved in this meeting. Mary was no dragon she was kind to everyone all but a couple of people.

One thing though she would not apologise for the words James said that would be a massive insult to her husband humiliating even. Clearly Mary would have to handle this situation with the utmost care as the princess seemed a little sensitive. Folding her hands in her lap, Mary began to explain. Firstly, we both want the best for our children my husband more than the both of us. If your daughter was to marry our son her life would be very restricted. You, for instance, would not be allowed to live or even visit Scotland I am sure you wouldn't want that future for your daughter. Secondly, James is our first born son I don't care about his dowry or any dowry for that matter. Let me speak with the king if an alliance is made it should be made for your daughter not nationality. ~

Outside the doors was raised voices the doors bursting open which made Mary spring to her feet. The servant was actually a solider carrying a message a blood curdling cry escaped Mary's lips as the solider whispered what had happened. I must leave someone has tried to assassinate my husband.~

"I understand the restrictions of queenhood; I may not have been one for very long but the time was turbulent, your Grace." Seeing the queen's dismay and confusion as I spoke of returning to England, I smile faintly. "Henry does not give gifts unless they can be returned also...I had no choice..." Sighing, I find a hand clasping mine comfortingly. Agnés' hand. Rising elegantly from the seat, I bow my head out of respect... My visit had been one attack after the other, insult after insult hurled at me like fruit thrown at convicts. And yet, despite this I did not intend to tell Henry. He would be furious; irate even and to spare all his fury, I would remain silent upon the matter. "Your Majesties must do as you will; I am grateful to have been received."

Taken aback as the door is flung open and horrified by the news the Queen imparted, I stare at her in shock; Agnés wrapping her arm around me protectively as we hurry from the room back to our apartments. We would ready ourselves to leave for home and pray for my nephew's health; he may not have liked me, my daughter or our shared blood but he still deserved or prayers. How could I hate the child of my sister? He was of my blood, no matter how much he despised it, and I wished no harm to befall him.

As newly appointed Ambassador under the Royal family of Scotland, Trytas was anxious to introduce himself to those above him & where better to start than that of the Queen herself. He wore a blue cloak over his relatively blandly coloured garments, stepping into the Queens Drawing room he took a brief look at the interior with an approving hum leaving his lips; She was in good taste. "Your Grace." He bowed respectfully awaiting his Lady's indication for him to return standing upright. "I am Trytas Inkwood, the Ambassador for Scotland. I hope my services are to your standard & liking." The young man spoke in a soothing tone.

James had gone away from the main palace in order to rest and had taken young Jamie with him. Mary was starting to miss James the palace had a certain dullness to it without him around. Today a new arrival was coming to court, he was the new ambassador, which was just what Scotland needed. The other ambassador was a traitor to his land and had sent numerous letters to Katherine Tudor, who had the audacity to come here. And leading English men onto Scottish grounds implicating in the failed assassination of a Scottish king.

The soft Scottish tones of a young man intruded into Marys thoughts. Slowly she arose turning gracefully like a butterfly spreading its wings for the first time. Her smile was as sweet as a rose the side of her lips slightly tinted. With a nod in the direction of the guards the door was left slightly open. Trytas welcome to Stirling castle. I trust that your journey was a pleasant one.~

Mary indicated for him to take a seat opposite the chair that she seated herself in. One of her ladies in waiting to bring in an array of drinks to suit the varied tastes of our new ambassador.

He smiled briefly to himself, relieved he had been well received by her majesty the Queen. Standing upright once more, he strolled over to take place in the seat opposite her, his posture remained a little tense unsure of just how relaxed he should let himself get. "You're very kind your Grace, the journey was pleasant. The views on my path here were simply breath taking." He had always been fond of nature & the scenery it offered. "I hope my service to you, as Ambassador won't be in bad taste. As my predecessor surely left a bitter taste in the title now bestowed upon me." He grimaced at the thought, knowing he would have his work cut out to convince the courts of his loyal intentions. "I hope to wipe away the stain left by them, thus I will admit I am an ambitious man however my loyalty & honour remain firmly stood with you & yours."

Ambition can get you far Ambassador if done so correctly and not rushed. I have every faith in you and that you shall act in the interests of Scotland and not your own. ~

There was something likeable about Trytas Mary felt like she could trust him completely never had she done so in other Scottish lords for instance. Perhaps it was time to wear her political hat from time to time, even though politics had never really appealed to her. Until her beloved James got stuck. Then she was eager to learn about everything that happened between the lords meetings. So tell me why did you choose this route. Not all are brave enough to step into politics, even I find it all a hazy mist. At times I have no clue as to what they are talking about some think that a Queen should not involve herself in the works of man. But an alliance will have to be made and I am intrigued as to which country the lords are favouring. Secretly, I wish for another French alliance, but James may favour an Italian one. We shall see. Have you ever been to France.~

With brief conversation Mary and James had spoken of going back to France for a visit. At the time Mary was too busy concentrating on what James was doing. If Mary did send Trytas on a mission to France to set up such a meeting it would be his first official engagement. Nothing could go wrong.

He smiled toward her, agreeing with Mary's view of ambition, he knew all too well what mislead ambition could cause. It was never a pretty sight to see. Trytas placed the tips of his fingers gently onto the table, it had a smooth surface very well made. "I must admit I do have a lot to learn when it comes to politics, especially when it comes to the more senior folk." He chirped with a tone of humour. "They seem to speak in such gibberish."

"But it is something I am passionate about, I believe- though it may be naive of me that we need people in the courts who are willing to stand up for the greater good, to not be corrupt by greed & personal desire." He nodded a few firm bobs of the head. "My personal feelings are that Women often appear to be far better suited to making the big decisions than men, some of my peers can be quite narrow minded I suppose." The young man frowned, he had always been a forward thinker, something he got from his parents; his mother in particular. "France? No I have never had the opportunity to visit, though I hear it's a beautiful place."

Perhaps the king shall find a better use for you than I. Although personally I think you would love France more the interior is exquisite. The fashion has been indescribable yet so flamboyantly that oozes elegance and that have been just the men's fashion. I do miss France the food more than anything.~