The Bastards Ch. 8
The Bastards Masterlist
Warnings: None. Note: Once again, sorry for the long wait. Writers block is a pain. And sorry if this sucks.
Catherine, Henry, Francis, Bash and Maisie stood around a small round table in the wine cellar, knowing no one would find them there. "You two will be wed tomorrow night." Henry told Maisie and Bash.
"How will we keep Mary from learning of this?" Maisie asked.
"We are going to make her believe she and Bash will be the ones getting married." Henry answered with a glance at Bash before he looked back to Maisie.
"Before I have been declared legitimate?" Bash asked with a frown.
"Yes. The reason for the hasty nuptials will be to force the Vatican's hand." Catherine assumed as she turned her eyes to Henry. "If they want Mary to claim England she will have to be married to the next king of France and if she is already married to Bash they will have no choice but to declare him legitimate."
"Exactly." Henry confirmed.
"Won't she get suspicious if we all just back down and let it happen?" Francis asked.
"Yes, which is why we're not going to back down." Henry answered, then looked at Catherine. "You're going to send an assassin to Mary's chambers tonight. It would be expected considering if she has it her way you'll lose your crown." Catherine made a face that suggested he wasn't wrong. "One of my guards will thorwart your assassin's efforts." Henry looked at Francis and Maisie. "You two are less predictable." He focused on Francis. "What would you do if Mary succeeded in giving your brother your crown?"
Francis thought about it for a moment. "I would leave court." He answered.
Henry looked at Maisie. "What of you? Would you stay and become Sebastian’s mistress?"
“Yes.” Maisie answered. “I’ve already threatened as much.”
“You have?” Bash asked with a look down at her.
“Mmhm.” she hummed.
"Then it's settled." Henry said with finality in his voice. "Tonight Catherine will try and fail to assassinate Mary after which Mary, Bash and I will confront her in the throne room." He then looked at Francis. “You will interrupt and announce your plan to leave court.” he then looked at Maisie, “You will stay out of sight and refuse to join Mary’s other ladies in walking her down the aisle. While Mary is busy getting ready to marry Bash you will be getting ready to take her place."
"Please don’t take this as me being unappreciative," Maisie spoke up and Henry gave her a curious look, "but why can’t Bash and I simply elope in the morning before Mary even wakes? Make things quick and easy?"
"Because she will expect that and we need witnesses, including Mary, so that she cannot question the validity of your marriage." He answered, shutting down her hopes for a simple wedding.
"Fair point.” she replied with a nod.
"If all goes according to plan Bash and Maisie will save a great many people from suffering." Francis said to his parents. “I suggest we show our appreciation with a gift of title and lands.”
Henry and Catherine shared a look. Maisie looked up at Bash with wide eyes while he looked down at her with a surprised look of his own.
"There is a chateau available just outside the castle grounds." Catherine suggested.
“I agree.” Henry said then looked at Bash. “Do you accept?”
“Of course.” he replied without a second thought.
“Very well then.” Henry said with a nod of finality. “Upon your union with Maisie you will become an Earl and as such you may move into your new home.” he told Bash then looked around the table. “Are we all agreed to this plan?” he asked and they all nodded. “Then let’s get to it, shall we?” he asked with a wave to the stairs.
Henry and Francis left first, exiting a couple at a time to stave off the suspicion that would be drawn if they all exited at once. After a few quiet moments Catherine looked at Bash and jerked her head to the stairway. He gave her a nod and left the two women alone. “May I ask…” Maisie started, making Catherine look at her with a hum that told her to continue, “why you agreed to gift Bash a title and lands when everyone knows you hate him?”
“I don’t hate him.” she defended, making Maisie lift their brows at her. “I hate that he exists.” she corrected. "My reasons for agreeing are selfish, I assure you. If you leave court, so does Sebastian. With him out of the castle there is less reason for Diane to be around.”
“Ah.” Maisie said with an understanding nod of her head.
“With the title and lands I’ve also given you an escape.” she continued and Maisie gave her a curious tilt of her head. “From Mary and her fury. As you and I both know she has a temper and she will not be pleased with you after tomorrow.”
“That is assuming she will allow me to leave court. I am still her lady.” Maisie pointed out.
“Yes, about that. Mary will do anything she can to push you from court and away from Bash for she already sees him as hers. She won’t want you around, stealing his time.” Catherine replied. “Prove to her you mean to keep him in your bed despite her plans and she will push. Of this I have no doubt.”
"Thank you for the advice." Maisie replied.
"Now, about the chateau you've been given." Catherine changed the subject. "There is a reason it is available at such short notice. It borders the blood wood." Catherine's words made Maisie's eyes widen. "There haven't been any incidents, but its close proximity scares off most nobles."
"We'll make it work." Maisie agreed, hoping that if they respected the people in the woods, they would be able to live peacefully.
Catherine gave her a nod then jerked her head toward the stairs for her to leave.
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As soon as she walked into her rooms she spotted Bash sitting on the small bench in the corner of the entry room, a soft look in his eyes. “I’m sorry.” Maisie apologized softly as she walked over to stand at the small table in the center of the room. Her eyes stayed on her hands on the table. “I didn’t mean to make you feel roped in with this plan of Henry and Catherine’s. I know I should have spoken to you about it first, but there wasn’t time." Still not looking at him, she picked up a petal that had fallen from the flower arrangement in the center of the table. “I’ll understand if you can’t risk your brother’s life.” A sharp pain shot through her chest as the words left her mouth. “But you should know, if you choose Mary, I can't stay. I only said I’d become your mistress because that’s what I want Mary to think.” she answered. “In all actuality I wouldn’t be able to handle it…seeing you stand at her side…knowing that if she won’t release me from my duties to her I would have to be present as you consummate your marriage.” her hand slipped over her churning stomach. “Just the thought of it…”
Seeing a tear slip from her cheek he rushed to her and wrapped her in his arms. “Look at me.” she pulled her face out of his chest to look into his eyes. “I choose you.”
“What?” she asked, pulling her head back slightly.
"I won't marry her." He clarified. "I can't." His words brought a confused frown to her face.
"But…what about Francis…and the prophecy?" She asked.
"Just because I won't wed Mary doesn't mean he has to." He replied. "She can find another alliance elsewhere."
"So we're really getting married tomorrow?" She asked, in a bit of shock.
"Yes. By tomorrow night you will be my wife." He answered with a toothy smile.
A quiet laugh left her lips as she stood on her toes and caught his bottom lip between hers. A thought struck her, making her pull back to look him in the eyes. "You're sure you won't resent me if they do wed and something happens to Francis?"
“Of course not.” he replied. "A man should never have to choose between his brother and the woman he's loved since childhood. But I chose you and I always will." A tear slipped down her cheek and he wiped it away then caught her top lip between his for a short kiss.
Her eyes traveled to the open window of her room, noticing the sun had set. Bash followed her gaze. “I must go. The assassin is probably in Mary’s chambers as we speak.”
“Come back to me when it’s over?” Maisie asked with a look up at him through her lashes.
“Do you think that’s wise?” he asked, uncertain.
“I warned Mary I’d make her life a living hell.” Maisie replied, dropping her eyes to her hands on his chest as they slipped up to hold the sides of his neck. “You, in my bed, every night is one of the ways I intended on doing that.” she looked back up into his eyes. “So let her find out and leave the fall out to me.”
Bash gave her smirk. “Yes ma’am.” His words made her laugh before he caught her lips for a quick kiss. He then left her, both of them feeling lighter now.
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She was dressed in a long sleeved, white satin nightgown, sitting at her writing desk, braiding ribbons of red, blue and brown in the candle light when her door quietly opened and closed. Bash walked over, curious as to what she was doing. “What is this?”
“Handfasting ribbons.” she replied. “I know it won’t be allowed at our wedding as it’s not a christian tradition, but it’s one that’s been in my family for generations.”
“My interest is piqued.” he said as he grabbed a chair and sat beside the desk, watching her fingers intertwine the ribbons. “Tell me more about this family tradition.”
“Well, usually the cords are braided during the ceremony while the bride and groom say their vows then they are tied around the wrists of the betrothed. After the ceremony the cords or ribbons stay on until midnight, assuming the marriage has been consummated by that point.” she answered.
“And is there a reason why you chose these colors?” he asked.
“Every color has several different meanings and the couple can choose their colors. But, seeing as we don't have much time, I took the liberty of choosing for us." She explained. "Red, for love, passion and courage. Light blue, for understanding and patience. And brown for healing, nurturing and home."
"Sounds like us to me." He agreed. "But if we can't use them in the ceremony what do you intend for us to do with them?"
"I don't know. It just felt wrong, not having them." She answered as she finished braiding then tied them off.
"How about…" as he spoke he took the finished ribbons out of her hand, set it on the desk then took her hands into his, "after the grand ceremony, we ride out to our tree and have a private little ceremony of our own?" He asked as he stood and she followed as he set her hands on his shoulders then wrapped his around her waist. "No scripted vows, no watching eyes. Just words and rituals of our choosing."
"That sounds lovely." She told him with a bright smile.
"Good." He replied before he caught her lips in a soft kiss that slowly deepened.
As they kissed her hands slipped up his chest then over his shoulders and down his arms, pushing off the jacket he wore over a thin, brown linen shirt. When it hit the floor he wrapped his arms around her waist and picked her up. A girlish squeak left her lips as her arms tightened around his neck and her legs clumsily wrapped around him.
He chuckled at her as he carried her over to the bed and laid her down, his lips traveling down to her neck. "How I missed you." she whispered.
"I missed you too." Bash replied before he went back to kissing her neck.
They spent half the night lost in each other before they finally slipped off to sleep.
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Bash woke to the feel of Maisie's light touch, her fingertips slipping back and forth over the patch of dark hair in the center of his chest. A contemplative look on her face, her head propped up with her hand and elbow. "What's on your mind?" Bash asked, alerting Maisie to the fact that he was awake.
She took in a sharp breath and blinked out of her thoughts before her eyes met his. "When I told my friends about our engagement Greer asked me something and I realized I didn’t know the answer." She answered.
“And what question did she ask?” he asked.
“If you want children.” Maisie answered. “It’s one of the few things we’ve never discussed.”
“Of course I do.” he replied. “Do you? I know some women fear childbirth.”
“I don’t fear it. I’ve always wanted children.” she answered then dropped her eyes down to his chest. “Though I’d like to try to wait a little while…enjoy being young and constantly in your arms first. If that’s okay.” she looked back up to his face to see him give her a smirk.
He pushed himself up onto his forearm and slipped his free hand over her cheek, “I think I can handle that.” he caught her lips in a kiss.
As she laid back, resting her head on her pillow he followed, not breaking the kiss. After a moment a thought struck him and he pulled back with a hum. “I forgot to tell you, I met Keelan.”
“What, when?” she asked, a little upset she hadn’t been there.
"He cornered me in the halls on my way here last night." He answered. "He's a very…forward man, that friend of yours. From the way he looks out for you, you'd think he was your big brother."
"Yes…" Maisie sighed, "he can be a bit…overbearing. Did he give you an earful?"
"No." He answered. "However he did threaten to bury me alive if I wed Mary."
Maisie cringed. "Sorry…"
"No need. Like I said, he was just looking out for you. And I'm glad he was there for you when your brothers came. You're going to need him even more after tonight." He brushed a lock of hair out of her face and slipped his thumb over her cheek. "You'll need a friend you can trust. One who's not duty bound to Mary."
She gave him a sad smile. "How is it possible to be more excited than I have ever been and filled with dread at the same time?" she asked, thinking about what this would do to her friendship with Mary.
“I know you’re not looking forward to hurting Mary, but you must remember that she tried to take me from you.” he answered and Maisie raised her shoulders as she took a deep breath then dropped them and nodded as she let it out. “When you feel the dread seeping in, think of me…of this." He caught her lips in his and moved between her legs that wrapped around him. Him, grinding into her core, made her hum and press her fingertips into his shoulder blades.
"Bash…" she sighed. "Must you keep tempting me so close to our wedding night?"
"Yes." He answered, pulling back to look into her eyes. "I intend on spending the rest of my life tempting you, challenging you and being challenged by you." Maisie gave him a smile and caught his bottom lip between hers.
She pushed his shoulder and he rolled onto his back taking her with him. She set up, resting her hands on his stomach. "I wasn't just thinking about whether we wanted children or not. I've been awake for a while, thinking about the events of the near future. The ceremony…consummation…"
"Are you nervous?" He asked, slipping his thumbs over her satin covered sides where his hands held her.
"I wasn't until Lola warned me that the first time tends to hurt.” she admitted. Bash sighed and sat up, dropping his eyes. “Should I not have brought it up?” she asked with a frown as she dipped her head, attempting to catch his eye.
“No, it’s fine.” he answered, lifting his eyes to her. “It’s just…there’s something I wish to tell you, but I’m not sure if I should, especially now.”
"If you want to tell me, then tell me.” she told him as she unwrapped her arms from around his neck to softly hold the sides of it. "I can handle it."
“Even if it has to do with my past with other women?” he asked cautiously.
“Bash.” she said deadpanned. “You’re allowed to talk about your past and, believe it or not, I strangely like that you’re experienced. You’re not some clumsy boy who has no idea what he’s doing.”
Bash’s eyes dropped once again. “Actually, on this one occasion, I may be a bit inexperienced. I've…never bedded a virgin.” he watched, a bit worried, as her expression transitioned from one of confusion to one of realization.
“Was that…by design, or did it just happen to turn out that way?” she asked curiously.
“By design.” he answered. “I may be wrong, but I believe a woman’s first partner should be someone who truly cares for them.” his hands caressed her back as he explained. “I only ever wanted to be that man for one woman. You may not be my first sex partner, but tonight will be a night of firsts for me too. You’ll be the first woman to give me her virtue…” he pulled her close and pressed his forehead to hers, nuzzling her nose with his, “the first, and only, woman I’ll ever truly make love to. For I do believe there is a difference.”
A tear slipped down her cheek before her hands slipped up to hold the sides of his face as she caught his lips in a deep, passionate kiss. Eventually it slowed, then broke and she pressed her forehead to his, "I love you." she whispered, a bit breathless from the kiss. Bash smiled brightly as he fell back, taking her with him. He managed to place a few kisses to her neck before she set up and he let out a slightly agitated sigh. She just laughed before she said, “There is one more thing I thought about this morning that I’d like to discuss with you.”
“Good lord, how long have you been awake?” he asked.
“I rose sometime before the sun.” she answered. “Anyway, I know I said that I wanted to try to wait a while before having a child, but tonight…for this one night I don’t want to avoid it.” she fell forward, bracing herself on her hands beside his head. “I want our first time to be…natural, for a lack of better word."
"What do you mean by that?" He asked curiously.
"I've felt you reach completion between my lips and I've been aching to know what that will feel like when you're inside me.” A smile stretched her lips as his eyes darkened with lust. "What do you think?"
“I think I like the sound of that, but…are you sure?” he asked. “I don’t want you to end up looking back on our wedding night with regret.”
“I’m sure.” she answered with a nod. “If it’s meant to be then it’s meant to be. If not…” she caught his lips with hers in a short kiss, “then we’ll have fun practicing until we’re ready to try again.” she kissed his scruffy cheek.
“As long as you’re sure.” he agreed. She set up and smiled down at him. “Was there anything else bouncing around in that beautiful mind of yours, or am I free to ravish you for what little time we have left this morning?”
She pulled her lips to the side as she looked up at the ceiling in thought, “Actually, now that I think about it I-”
He sat up with an aggravated growl and she laughed as he grabbed her shoulders and rolled them over. They got lost in one another and only pulled apart because if he lingered any longer Mary would surely come looking for him.
After getting dressed Bash went to the door and Maisie followed. Before she could open the door he gave her one last kiss then cupped her face in his hands. “Don’t plan on sleeping this night, My love." He pecked her on the lips and left her behind with butterflies in her stomach and a blush on her cheeks.
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Maisie was sitting at her dressing table, still in her nightgown, brushing her long auburn locks, when a knock sounded from her door. When she pulled it open Mary stood on the other side. "What more could you possibly want from me?" Maisie asked.
"Bash stayed in your chambers last night, correct?" Mary asked, her tone cold as a stone in snow.
"Correct." Maisie answered just as coldly.
"Why?" Mary asked with a glare.
"Because a man can't change his heart simply because you bid it so." Maisie answered.
"You are released from your duties to me." Mary told her, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I have arranged your passage to Scotland. You'll leave in the morning. Go home. Queer or not Keelan loves you. Marry him and grant yourself a happy life."
"Oh Mary…" Maisie sighed, "selfish, naive, foolish Mary. Scotland may be my country but it's not my home, Bash is. So I'm staying right where I am. After you and Bash are wed he will be the king of Scotland and eventually France. There will be nothing you can do to stop him from taking me as his mistress. He will never love you and because you have ruined the future we planned together he will never grant you permission to be with another. If he ever finds out you've bedded a man he can and will have your head thus freeing up the spot at his side for me. I will bear his children. You…will be nothing." She looked at her hand as she grabbed the door handle then looked back at Mary. "You're dead to me." She slammed the door in Mary's face.
Mary flinched and closed her eyes.
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Maisie was pulling a dress out of her wardrobe when a knock sounded from her door. “Come in.” she called as she folded the dress and tucked it into a trunk.
Greer, Lola and Kenna came in. “You’re packing?” Lola asked.
“Mary said you were staying, that you’re planning on becoming Bash’s mistress.” Kenna said, lifting her eyes from the truck to Maisie.
“I do intend on staying, but not in these chambers as they are intended for Mary’s ladies.” the weight of her words and the fact that they were true, this wasn’t a part of the role she was playing, pressed into her chest like a heavy blanket. After tonight she would never sleep in these chambers again, and her friendship with Mary would forever be changed. Her eyes watered at the thought. “And I am no longer one of you.”
“Oh, Maisie.” Greer sighed as the three girls closed on her and engulfed her in their arms.
“I know things seem bleak, but you will still be here…we’ll still be your friends.” Lola offered.
“You say that, but Mary will forbid you from seeing me.” Maisie argued.
“You can’t truly believe she would keep us from you.” Kenna said, looking at her sadly.
“She has already tried to send me back to Scotland with Keelan.” Maisie countered. “By staying and clinging to the man I love my relationship with Mary will be reduced to one no better than that of Catherine and Diane.”
“Then I suppose I should give this to you while I still can.” Kenna said before she left then came back with a white dress in her hands. “I know the timing is…unfortunate,” she said as she held it out to Maisie. “But I took the liberty of bringing your mothers dress to the castle seamstress. Of course she couldn’t med it, but she did save a majority of the lace and added it to this dress.”
Maisie took the dress with fresh tears in her eyes as she took in the lace on the puffed sheer sleeves and the belt. “So all of these applique are-”
“From your mothers dress, yes.” Kenna finished for her.
“I thought the servants had thrown the dress out with the rubbish.” Maisie said in awe of the dress. “Kenna…I…I don’t know what to say.'' She looked up at Kenna with a smile before she realized that as far as Kenna knew she would never get to wear the dress considering a king and his mistress never had any kind of ceremony. Her smile fell.
“Perhaps if you and Bash have a daughter she can wear it on her wedding day.” Greer offered in an attempt to cheer her up.
Maisie laid the dress out on the bed then sank down to sit beside it. “Maybe I should return to Scotland…marry Keelan…”
“Is that truly what you want?” Lola asked as she took a few steps closer.
“I think the real question is could you truly be happy stuck in a loveless marriage?” Kenna spoke up.
Maisie sighed and ran her fingers through her loose hair. “I don’t know.”
“Whatever your decision, we will support you.” Greer assured her.
The girls shared one more group hug before they left to tend to Mary.
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The maids that Catherine had sent were helping Maisie dress for the occasion and had just finished putting the final touches on her hair when a knock sounded from the door. She walked over to it and the ladies grew quiet as she called out, "Who is it?"
"Francis." He called back. "May I have a word?" Maisie stepped back and pulled the door open allowing him into the room. After shutting the door she turned to see that the ladies had gone into the bedchamber, the last room of the three room chambers, to give them some privacy where they stood in the entryway. Francis was looking at her with an appraising gaze and a smile. "My brother is a lucky man." Maisie just blushed and dropped her eyes for a moment. "I know about Nostradamus's prophecy. Mary and Bash believe in his gift. Do you?"
"I do." She answered.
"Do you still think Mary and I should be together?" He asked and Maisie nodded. "I'm not sure how I should feel about that." He admitted with a narrow of his eyes.
"Well, I don't wish for you to die if that's what you're suspecting." She replied as she walked over to the padded bench in the far corner of the room. Francis grabbed a nearby chair and pulled it over to sit across from her. "I just can't help thinking that if it were me and Bash in your stead…if marrying Bash would cause his death I would still want to marry him."
"Why?" Francis asked as he leaned forward, putting his elbows on his thighs, listening to her reasoning intently.
"Because a short life lived happily is better than a full life of misery." Maisie answered. "I would rather have a handful of wonderful memories of Bash and I together than no memories at all. Besides, while I do believe in Nostradamus's gift, I also believe the future is fluid. One small pebble dropped will cause a million ripples. It is impossible for Nostradamus to see all of those ripples. He correctly predicted that Bash would be taken from me, but he didn't see that I'd take him back." She explained. "I also believe our fate is ours to choose. Bash, Mary and your mother love you and they don't want to lose you. I don't either but it is your life on the line and it is your right to choose how you live it, no one else's." Francis hummed and gave her a smile as he sat up, leaning back in his chair. "What, may I ask, is that look about?"
"You are the only person who hasn't outright told me what to do." He responded. "Mother and Bash have urged me not to wed Mary. Father is demanding I wed her and deliver England to him. Mary is outright refusing me…" he told her with a shake of his head. "Your point of view is refreshing." Maisie just smiled and dropped her eyes to her hands. A few quiet moments passed before Francis spoke again. "Can you keep a secret?"
"Of course." Maisie answered and a small smile passed over Francis's lips.
"I've always been jealous of Bash." He admitted and Maisie gave him a look that asked him to explain. "He's always been free. Free to do whatever he wished no matter how dangerous. Father doesn't worry about him dying so much he doesn't get to live."
"I'm sorry. It must be incredibly restricting, being next in line for the throne." She said with a frown.
"It is, but I've come to terms with it." He brushed it off.
"Then why bring it up?" She asked curiously.
"Because the secret is I have a new reason to envy him." He replied. "He has you." Maisie frowned. "The love that you and Bash share is something I've only read about. Your devotion to him is…remarkable. I wish Mary could be as devoted to me as you are to Bash. I wish she could see things as you do and allow me the freedom to choose my own path instead of taking matters into her own hands."
"I'm not sure she'll have much say in the matter after tonight." Maisie pointed out.
"And for that I am grateful, however I fear if my father and her mother force our marriage she'll resent me." He replied.
"If she resents anyone it will be me, your parents and her mother." Maisie assured him. "I just hope that in time you both will forgive Bash and me for taking away your choice in the matter."
"As far as I am concerned you're already forgiven." Francis replied and she gave him a thankful smile. He stood and Maisie followed as he walked to the door then turned to look her up and down. "I can't wait to see the look on Bash's face when he sees you tonight." Maisie smiled softly and opened the door for him and closed it when he walked out.
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People stood in the chapel forming an aisle. Bash stood at the end of it, dressed in black clothing embroidered with gold thread befitting a royal. Gold buckles on the front of his tunic accented the embroidery. The deep crease in his brow made it seem as if he didn't want to be there. However in truth he was eager, excited and even a little nervous. Behind him stood a priest, an open bible in his hands. Mary waited to the side of the arching entryway, just out of sight, dressed in white with a bouquet in hand and her ladies standing behind her all wearing shades of dusty blue.
When music started playing Mary started to take a step into the entryway, but Henry’s guards grabbed her arms, stopping her. “Unhand me.” Mary told them, but stopped fighting when Maisie walked out from around the corner with a bouquet in hand. “What’s the meaning of this?” she asked, both shocked and pissed.
Maisie ignored Mary and stepped into the center of the arching entryway. Keelan walked up the aisle and held out his arm to Maisie. She laid her hand softly on his forearm then looked back at her friends. “Would you like to join me?” she asked quietly. Kenna and Greer moved around Mary to stand behind Maisie who gave them an appreciative smile. When they noticed that Lola hadn't joined them Greer motioned her over. Lola shook her head no, refusing to support Maisie's decision. A sharp pain shot through Maisie's heart before she pushed the pain to the back and turned her eyes to Bash.
The frown was now gone from his face as his eyes drank in Maisie in her simple and elegant, white stain, a-line dress with a high scoop neckline and puffed sleeves of lace appliqued chiffon that were cuffed to her wrists with beaded lace. A belt of lace that matched that on the sleeves was tied around her waist. It could barely be seen behind the bouquet of gardenias, greenery and little white stephanotis flowers. A lavish, three stranded pearl necklace with a square aquamarine gemstone in the center accented the scooped neckline of the dress.
Maisie only had eyes for Bash, though he was a bit blurred by the blusher of the veil that was draped over her face, and she couldn't help smiling like a fool at the look on his face as she walked toward him. Once at the altar, Keelan took Maisie's hand and placed it in Bash's as he looked him in the eyes pointedly, "Treat her right or you will come to regret it." He warned then moved to stand with the rest of the people in the room. As Kenna and Greer moved to stand at her side, Francis and Henry walked out of the crowd and stood beside Bash, showing their support for him.
"Sebastian, Maisie,” as the priest spoke, the couple turned to face him, “have you come here to enter into marriage without coercion, willingly and wholeheartedly?" The priest asked.
"I have." Bash and Maisie answered together.
"Are you prepared, as you follow the path of marriage, to love and honor one another for as long as you both shall live?" He asked.
"I am." Maisie and Bash answered again.
“Since it is your intention to enter the covenant of Holy Matrimony, you must declare your consent before God.” the priest told them. Maisie handed her bouquet off to Kenna then turned toward Bash and grabbed both of his hands.
“I, Sebastian, take you, Maisie, to be my wife. I promise to be faithful to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honor you until death do we part.”
“I, Maisie, take you, Sebastian, to be my husband. I promise to be faithful to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honor you until death do we part.”
“May the Lord in his kindness strengthen the consent you have declared. What God has joined, let no one put asunder." The priest turned to Henry who handed him two simple golden bands. The priest blessed them with a prayer and holy water then handed one to Bash and the other to Maisie.
Bash took her left hand into his. “Receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the father, and the son, and the holy spirit.” he slipped the thin gold band onto her finger alongside the rose ring.
Maisie took his left hand in hers. “Receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the father, and the son, and the holy spirit.” She slipped the ring on his finger and they grabbed each other's hand then looked at the priest.
“In the sight of God and these witnesses, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Sebastian, you may now kiss your bride.” Bash lifted the veil from her face, cupped her cheek in one hand and pressed a light, lingering kiss to her lips. “Go in peace to glorify the Lord with your life.” The priest closed things out and motioned for the newlyweds to leave. The people in the room applauded as they walked down the aisle hand in hand.
Mary, who had been forced to watch from the back, chased after them. "What have you done?" She practically yelled at Maisie's back.
"I took back my fate." Maisie answered as she stopped and faced Mary.
"And damned Francis in the process." Mary said with tears pooling in her eyes.
"A fate that is his to choose to live with or change. His, not yours or Catherine's." Maisie argued. "You once forced my hand to keep me with the man I love. Consider this me returning the favor."
Mary looked at Bash with glaring eyes. "You were in on this. Henry didn't want us to wed quickly to force the Vatican to legitimize you."
"I told you I never wanted to be king. You didn't listen." Bash answered.
"I never wanted to hurt you.” Maisie told her honestly. “You were my friend. But you stabbed me in the back and shattered my trust and my loyalty for you. Now, if you'll excuse me." Maisie and Bash turned their backs and took a step.
"You are not excused!" Mary yelled.
Maisie rolled her eyes as she turned and looked at Mary. "My wording was an attempt to remain civil. I'll rephrase. I am now a French subject. I answer to you no longer."
Henry walked over to stand on the other side of Maisie, looking flatly at Mary. "I suggest you stop harassing Lady Maisie."
"Lady?" Mary asked, surprised.
"Countess, to be more specific." Maisie answered, making Mary's jaw drop.
Francis walked over to stand beside Mary. "Bash, Maisie, congratulations." He told them with a pleasant, closed lipped smile on his face.
"Did you have prior knowledge of this?" Mary asked, glaring at him as well.
"Yes." Francis answered with a smirk at Mary.
Maisie looked up at Bash. "We're going to be late for our reception if we linger any longer."
"Yes, go." Henry spoke up then looked at Maisie and Bash. "Celebrate your future and a job well done." He looked at Mary. "How things proceed from here will be up to Queen Mary."
"Father-in law," Maisie said with a bow then turned to Francis and gave him a bow as well, "Brother-in-law." She gave them a smile and ignored Mary all together as she took Bash's offered arm and they walked away.
RRRRRRRRRR
Neither Bash or Maisie wanted a reception, but it was customary. Before they could have their first dance, Kenna and Greer rushed over to Maisie with smiles on their faces. Lola lagged behind. “You all told me this morning that no matter my decision, you’d support me. I know you were all unaware that this was an option, but-”
“We’re happy for you.” Kenna cut her off.
“You’re not angry with me, for pulling the rug from under Mary’s feet?” Maisie asked sheepishly.
“Of course not.” Greer answered.
Maisie noticed that Lola hadn’t said anything and was keeping her eyes downcast. “You don’t agree with them.” she said as she dipped her head into Lola’s line of vision.
“If Mary wed’s Francis and he does lose his life, Mary will grow to resent you.” Lola answered. “You are her friend, her lady. How could you have acted so selfishly?”
“Lola.” Greer chidded her.
“It’s alright.” Maisie told Greer. “She is entitled to her opinion." She turned her eyes back to Lola. "You see my actions as selfish because I'm one of Mary's ladies, and as such every move I make must be in her best interests, in Scotland's best interests. While this move was selfish on my part, I assure you it is in Scotland's best interest and therefore in Mary's."
"Is that what king Henry told you?" Lola asked.
"No it's what common sense tells me." Maisie answered. "What good is a marriage to the next king of France if France is in shambles itself?"
"What do you mean?" Kenna asked.
"If Mary were to wed Bash it wouldn't only put Bash in a position he is unprepared for. It would force Henry to annul his marriage to Catherine and put Diane on the throne. Diane's return to court would hurt Kenna as well as Catherine." Maisie explained.
"Sense when do we care about Catherine? Lola asked.
"She may be cold sometimes but there is a heart in her chest and she loves her children with all of it." Maisie responded. "If Bash were legitimized, Catherine and her children, Francis and his little brothers, would be in danger, forced to live in hiding for fear of Bash's supporters. They would try to kill little Henry and Charles to keep them from staking claim to the throne."
"That's horrible, but I don't see how it would put France in shambles." Lola argued.
"The Nobles would do that. The ones in charge of putting food in our mouths, the ones the king and Queen have to smile and placate, they would riot if the line of succession were tempered with. There would be uprisings and uprisings bring a needless death count of both citizens and soldiers. The same soldiers the king commands, that Mary needs at her disposal." Maisie finished explaining then gave Lola a chance to speak, instead she hugged herself and looked down. "Either way what's done is done and I'm leaving court."
"What?" Greer asked sadly.
"Bash and I were given title and lands for helping Henry and Catherine." Maisie answered. "We have a chateau, just outside the castle grounds. You're welcome to come visit if Mary allows."
Bash walked over and rested his hand on her lower back then whispered something in her ear, took a step back and held his hand out to her. When she took it the musicians started playing and Bash led her out onto the dance floor. "Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?" Bash asked as they started dancing. Maisie just hummed and shook her head. "Well you do and you are." He assured her, making her give him a soft smile. "Seems Catherine knows your tastes."
"The dress wasn't Catherine's doing." Maisie replied. "It was Kenna's."
He gave her a confused look considering Kenna didn't know they were getting married.
"I thought the maids had taken my mother's wedding dress, thinking it was rubbish. Turns out Kenna took it. She brought it to a seamstress for mending, but as I already knew it couldn't be fixed. So the seamstress saved what she could of the lace and added it to a new dress of similar style."
"We'll, that was kind of her." He said with a surprised look.
"I know she is reckless and careless in love, but there are two things she truly does care about. Her friends and her country." She defended.
He gave her a soft smile. "We'll, I suppose anyone who cares for you can't be so terrible."
She noticed his eyes drop to the expensive necklace. "It was a gift." She answered and he looked into her eyes as he grabbed her hips, picked her up and spun her around.
"Who from?" He asked as he set her back down. "Wait, let me guess, Keelan?"
Maisie smiled, "No, Aylee gifted me the necklace the morning of her passing." She answered, feeling a pang in her chest at the thought of her fallen friend. "She gave all of us necklaces to wear at Mary's wedding. She thought I'd like this one. The gemstone reminded her of your eyes."
His eyes softened. "You must miss her."
"I do." She said, tears welling in her eyes. "I thought wearing it might make it feel as if she were here with me." She took a deep breath and blinked back the tears. "Besides, I highly doubt Mary will want me in her wedding after tonight. So it's not like I'll get to wear it for its intended purpose anyway."
"You're letting the dread seep in." He pointed out as he grabbed her hand and held it over her head as she twirled.
"I know…I apologize." Maisie sighed as she stopped and Bash grabbed her hips then lifted her as he spun.
"Don't apologize." He told her as he set her down, her breath quickening from the feel of her body in the satin dress sliding down his before she landed on her feet. "Simply do as I suggested this morning and think only of me." They stopped dancing as he tucked an auburn curl behind her ear then rested the heel of his hand on her cheek as he pressed a lingering kiss to her lips. When it broke she let a small smile grace her lips. "I don't know about you, but I've had enough of this party." He rested his forehead on hers. "Father's gotten what he wanted. It's time I get what I want."
"And what do you want, dear husband?" She asked sweetly.
"You...all to myself." He answered.
Her smile brightened. "I think I can handle that."
RRRRRRRRRR
"So, I noticed something in our vows that I don't entirely agree with." Maisie said from where she sat in front of Bash in the saddle on his horse, no longer in her wedding dress, but a simple long sleeve, cream colored eyelet lace top and skirts held in place with a white corset.
"Really, what?" He asked as they ducked under a low hanging limb.
"We vowed to love one another until death parts us." She pointed out. "But I argue that I will never stop loving you. Even after death I will remain yours."
"I like the sound of that." he agreed as he steered the horse. "I've been thinking about what our private ceremony should consist of. I think, since our last oath has been fulfilled, we make a new one. A new vow to fix the flaw in our public vows. Unless you had something else in mind."
"I don't." she answered as she leaned to the side and looked at him over her shoulder. “And I’d love to.” A smile brightened his eyes before he caught her bottom lip between his. After riding in silence for a few moments the grand French oak tree, its base was surrounded by lanterns while others were scattered around the ground lighting the night, came into sight. A blanket that was spread out on the ground nearby. "Bash, this is beautiful…" she said in awe.
Bash pulled the horse to a stop and dismounted before helping Maisie down. They walked hand in hand to stand in front of the tree then worked together to secure the handfasting ribbons around their wrists. "If I die first I will wait for you at heaven's gates, unable to pass through, for my heart and soul will remain on earth with you.” he took a dagger out of a sheath on his hip. “If you go first I will remain yours, incomplete until I'm at your side again." He said as he cut over the scar on his hand.
She brushed the backs of her fingers over his scruffy cheek as she repeated his words then took the dagger from him and traced the scar on her right hand with the sharp tip of the blade. "Never shall we ever truly part."
He smiled and took the dagger from her then put it back in its sheath. "Never shall we ever truly part." He too promised as they clasped their hands together. They shared a smile before he caught her lips in a deep kiss that pulled a hum from her. He echoed the sound back as he pulled her into him. Deciding she needed more than kisses she pulled back, looked down at their bound hands and slipped her hand from the loop. "I thought it was supposed to stay on until midnight."
She took the loop from his hand and pulled the ends, forming a knot in the center of the braided ribbons. "I don't want them to get in the way."
"Of?" He asked as she reached over and draped the ribbons over a low hanging branch to keep them from getting dirty on the ground.
She simply looked up at him through her lashes with a smirk as she grabbed his hand and led him over to the blanket. His eyes darkened as she turned to him and he watched her start working on the gold buckles of the leather vest he wore over a dark long sleeved shirt. As she worked on the buckles, he started untying the laces at the back of her corset.
A heavy sigh left her lips when he cupped her face in his hand, his blood smearing over her cheek as he kissed down her jawline to her neck and she tilted her head. He tossed her corset to the side and shrugged off his tunic, breaking the kiss to grab the v-shaped collar of his black cotton shirt and pull it over his head, tossing it in the same direction as her corset. While he removed his shirt she removed hers then, with lust in her eyes, reached back, untying her skirts and they pooled at their feet. Bash captured her lips in a kiss that didn’t last long before he moved to her neck and chest, dropping to his knees as he kissed down her torso and pulled her knickers down her long smooth legs. With them gone he looked up at her, taking a moment to bask in the sight of her standing before him completely naked for the first time.
Maisie kicked the clothes around her feet aside and kneeled down, hooking her hand around the back of his neck as she caught his bottom lip between hers. He laid her back, hovering over her from the side.
After a while of passionate kissing, their hands exploring what flesh was bare, Maisie gave his shoulder a push and he rolled over. He watched with lustful eyes as she straddled his legs and started unbuckling his belt then the buttons of his trousers.
As soon as she was done he set up. His hands slid up her flawless bare back to press into her shoulder blades as he kissed her neck then trailed noisy kisses over her chest and between the valley of her breasts before catching the peek of her right one between his thin lips. A gasp left her lips at the new sensation. Both of them enjoyed him exploring her chest for a moment before he caught her lips with his once again and didn't break the kiss as he laid back then rolled over.
After a moment he stood and removed his trousers then kicked them aside and returned to her. His weight rested on his right forearm on the blanket beside her head. His left hand grabbed hers, threading their fingers together, the fresh cuts aligned. Assuming he wanted them to be connected in every conceivable way she gripped his hand and tightened her legs around his waist. A shaky sigh left both of their lips when the tip of him pressed into her, teasing her in the best possible way.
Her free arm hooked under his to hold his shoulder. An almost pained sounding hum left her parted lips when, instead of entering her, like she so desperately wanted, he slipped his length between her slick lips, rubbing against her clit. The action didn't only pleasure both of them but also coated him in her arousal to make him entering her a little easier. His own heavy breaths filled her ear as he kissed her neck, teasing her with slow drawn out movements of his hips. "Make love to me, Bash." She sighed, then resumed kissing his shoulder.
"Are you sure you're ready?" He whispered teasingly in her ear then kept kissing her neck.
Her response was a sound of aggravation as she lightly bit his shoulder, dug her heels into his rear, her fingertips pressed into his back and her right hand squeezed his, their fingers still intertwined.
He chuckled as he pulled back and looked into her eyes that gave him a playful glare. His face turned soft but serious as he brushed his thumb over her cheek. "Let me know if you need me to slow down or stop."
She gave him a nod, so he didn't take his eyes off hers as he reached down, lined himself up and pressed in. Slowly he entered her, watching closely for signs of discomfort, but he saw none. Only an expression of pleasure as her cinnamon brown eyes, clouded with lust, gazed into his with an almost overwhelming amount of love. The combination was one he'd never seen before and it only added heat to the fire already burning within him. After sinking into her completely he let his head fall to rest on her shoulder. A shaky breath left his lips.
Maisie moved her hand from where it had been gripping his shoulder to slip it up his chest to hold the side of his neck, "Is something wrong?"
He lifted his head and she slipped her hand over his cheek. "No." He answered. "You feel better than I ever could have imagined." He elaborated and her worried eyes softened as a fleeting smile pulled at one side of her lips. "Are you alright?"
"Perfectly." She answered then placed a few kisses to his shoulder as she slipped her hand down his neck and chest then around to rest on his lower back. She kissed up to his ear then rolled her hips into his as she whispered, "Please, continue, whenever you're ready."
Her action pulled a labored breath from him before he captured her lips in a hungry kiss. Despite the temptation to go fast and hard, he kept the strokes of his hips agonizingly slow and gentle.
After a moment his movements, which had felt a little odd to her at first, started to feel better and better. His breaths in her ear, the caress of his lips on her neck, his free hand holding the side of her head, fingers embedded in her hair while his left hand still held her right, a slight sting in her palm from the pressure on her open cut…it all fed the feeling building within her.
Bash reveled in her. The feel of her ample chest pressed against his, the way her fingertips pressed into his back, her thighs gripping him, her hips moving perfectly in time with his as if this were the hundredth time they'd made love, her quiet panting and the occasional high pitched moan that would slip, despite her trying to hold them back. He'd been on edge since entering her and wasn't sure how much longer he could hold back, but he could tell she was getting close. "Bash, I-" she panted.
"I know." He sighed, nuzzling his face into her neck, "Let go and I will surely fall with you." The words of encouragement and the light squeeze he gave her hand pushed her over the edge and a muffed moan filled his ear as she pressed her face into his neck.
Just when she thought he couldn't possibly make her feel better than she did in that moment, his choked, deep moan filled the space around them and he began pulsing inside her, filling her with an intense warmth. The sensation pulled a short, high pitched moan from her as her thighs tightened around him and her fingertips once again dug into his smooth back. They rode the waves of ecstasy together, him peppering her neck and chest with kisses while her free hand caressed his side and back until the waves subsided.
After a long, comfortably quiet moment he caressed her nose with his then pulled back and put most of his weight on his right forearm. When his eyes moved to their hands still clasped together hers followed and watched as they let go, both flexing their fingers after holding the position for so long. Only a small amount of blood was on their palms since the pressure had stopped the wounds from bleeding.
Bash cupped her cheek in his left hand brushing his thumb over her cheekbone as he gazed at her content face. "Tell me what you're thinking."
"I'm thinking that I understand why you told me not to plan on sleeping tonight." She answered. "Because I want to do that again," she pecked him on the tip of his nose, "and again," then his cheek, "and again," then whispered in his ear, "until the sun rises."
He chuckled as he rolled into his back, taking her with him. "Then may I suggest we retire to a location better suited for such activities?" He asked as she set up and his hands grabbed her hips. Both of them then noticed the blood that had been smeared everywhere their cut hands had explored. "And perhaps a bath."
"You read my mind." She answered as she leaned down and caught his lips in a playful kiss.
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