The Queen's living room

After greeting her friend Mary brought Juliette inside. No one had yet to see Mary's private rooms not even James but Juliette got in before anyone else. The room had a fresh fire roaring in the fireplace. A selection of French pastries along with hot French food dishes awaited them both as they came in from the cold. Please do make yourself at home, Juliette is the least I can do after you came all this way.~

I smile as I make myself "I must say, Mary, I have never seen a room like this." I said as I take off my cloak and hang it by the fire place to dry

When I first came here James couldn't abide my French ways. So I was kept closeted in a way forced to shut away who I really was. This castle is mine so I can do with it as I please.~
Mary breathed a sigh of relief that Juliette was here. A breath of fresh air among the turbulent land that was Scotland. Slowly she started to un-braid her plait letting the new form curls flow down her back like feathers. Only to be illuminated by the sparks and embers of the roaring fire.

"I bet it's pleasant to have a room that you don't share with." I said with a smile. "Now tell me what you have up to. It's been so long since we have seen each other."

Mary pondered that for a second it was nice to have a room to call her own perhaps. Being a queen was most definitely something hyped up to be glamoured no one ever spoke about what really goes on. Being responsible for an entire nation in keeping them safe from invaders and such.
I have a one year old son James, who reminds me of a tiny little Viking sometimes. Since arriving in Scotland I have become a bit of a night owl and I am finding that I am rather handy with a pack of cards. Enough about me, tell me what is new with you~

"Where do even begin?" I said as I start to think of where to start "Let's see, I have become a lady in waiting to the Queen of France. I smile

Mary was impressed yet utterly thrilled that her dear friend had managed to secure such an honorable position. Becoming a lady in waiting to any queen never came about as easily as people think they did.
I am pleased to hear that my friend. Are you happy with such a job.~
She was intrigued to know how it felt to work for royalty. Now that Mary herself was queen a tie that bound Scotland and France tightly together like a spider's web.

"Oh yes." I smile widely. I didn't have many people to talk to as a child. I am now forever grateful to have many ladies to talk to."It's the best thing next to being a Queen and a Duchess."

Mary smiled; she was glad that her friend was doing so well.
Who knows one day Claude might raise your title to a duchess. In the past queens and kings have rewarded their ever so faithful courtiers and such. I hope that happens for you too~

"Or I might be lucky to find myself a gentleman of a high status" I said as I served myself a few pastries "So tell me Mary, what were your thoughts when you first came here?"

Then I hope that the noble gentleman is a kind man not an overly ambitious one. ~
Those were the worst kind who did the most terrible things to gain favor. Leaving France had been a huge adjustment Mary missed her home terribly. James had helped at first slowly easing her into the Scottish way of things. Still; it wasn't the same as her beloved France.
The lands here are utterly stunning yet even the women appear brutish too! A stark contrast to the ones in France... And then when I was with child a strange; bizarre lady came and danced for me. It was the most terrifying experience ever! Whispers around say she was a witch.

My eyes widened when Mary spoke about a witch "Goodness, well I'm sure her intentions were good towards you and the child when she did her strange dance." I said "Nothing bad happened has happened since that day, has it?

The only bad thing was the ever growing absence of her husband the king.
A Queen you shall be they told me Juliette yet they failed to mention that even with this rank you end up learning to be lonely.
Sighing Mary cast her eyes to the windows looking out as if she was looking deep inside her soul. She had become so lonely it was as though it was aging her.

"A song that I once heard that I have been taught from "Learn to be lonely. Learn to be your one companion " I said "It can be difficult at first, but eventually one can learn."

Mary was grateful for the words. She could not help but wonder if one should learn to be lonely. Who would want to live like that. I thank you for the kind words Juliette. Shall we take a stroll around the grounds. ~

"I would be delighted." I said as I smiled.

I was travelling around and i decided to visit my dear friend Mary the queen of Scotland and i arrived at the place i was informed and waited for her majesty.

Mary had thought that she would not see anyone from France. Madeline it's a pleasure to meet you. ~ There was a little curiosity mingling with Mary's words; onguard even.

As i enter the room i curtsey.

"Your majesty may i say this to you that i am most honoured that you welcome me to your kingdom of Scotland. How are you and your husband Mary?

Thank you for coming to visit scotland and would you like some refreshments?~ Mary called for tea. The servants poured two cups. The steaming liquid made a little wave in the air. So; what is it you would like to know about james.~ She asked between sips of her tea. I am adjusting to life as queen of scotland. ~

"Thank you for these refreshments your majesty i am most honoured and this tea is lovely." I say sipping some more of it.

"I was just curious your Grace. What was it like when you first had to leave France to marry James of Scotland.

I believe myself that i will have to marry a king one day and i would like to know what it is like to be married to a king" i say sipping more tea

Mary was well loved by the french; her family were well known throughout france. My marriage is to bring an alliance between France and Scotland with more protection for the Scots. The people of Scotland constantly fear of English domination. For centuries England and Scotland have been in constant conflict and disagreement. Thus the scots have French troops; in addition to our own clansmen; to defend the Scottish borders.~ Mary was very young when she came to Scotland. She fell hopelessly in love with James; her husband. She circled the rim of her teacup with her fingertip.  But that was not what you asked me. ~ For a moment her thoughts froze; recalling the day she left France.It was actually your father that had arranged my marriage to James. You're lucky as I came to Scotland alone; not even my cousin's wife Isabelle De Guise came with me. ~

I finished drinking my tea and i neatly put the cup down on the table.

"That must have been terrible to come to Scotland alone especially as i can only assume it was a country you did not know well your Grace.

Isabelle i thought she would have accompanied you my lady as she always seems very kind and she accompanied me to England recently. What made her turn down joining you may i ask?

I think for a moment before looking at a fine silver chalice she had in a cupboard.

"Your Grace may i ask would it be okay for me to stay in Scotland for a while with you and i would like to speak more to you if i may?