Today's the day for the Highland Games. My mother plans to announce it in front of the loyal Scotsmen.

"We are gathered here today for the Highland Games and an important announcement."

"As you all know, I am searching for the next King of Scotland."

"I am here today with Lord Darnley, a Catholic English man."

"Today marks my acceptance of your proposal, Lord Darnley."

He bowed down and borrowed her hand for a kiss. He had that full smile on his face, knowing that he would be the next king of Scotland. Reality hit me when I realized that I would be his stepdaughter soon. A Scottish lord, Lord Taylor, stood against the Queen's decision and said that an Englishman was not welcome to the throne. He dug up the past of Lord Darnley and his father but Lord Darnley didn't back down and stood up for himself.

The Scottish lord demanded a fight—a fist fight with Lord Darnley. Surely he won't hesitate to accept it. In an instant, just as expected, he accepted the challenge from Lord Taylor. My mother was in awe that Lord Darnley accepted the match without knowing that the Scottish lord was unbeatable in fist fighting.

Uncle James offered his help to Lord Darnley because he clearly told him that the opponent was undefeated, but Lord Darnley declined his help because he knew that he could do it and he knew how to fight. The Queen was afraid that anything could happen to him, but Lord Darnley assured her that he would still practice, of course.

My mother walked out with me and talked to me

"Oh Darnley"

"So much confidence that he didn't even think about what he was doing."

"But no matter what happens"

"My decision won't change."

She said

"You will still marry him?"

"Yes"

"For the good of Scotland"

"My soon-to-be stepfather is surely an ambitious, self-seeking man."

I scoffed

"Eh, just take it for granted."

"We will need him."

"Political necessity"

She laughed

"Ugh!"

"Yes, my dearest daughter."

"So be kind and maybe he'll change soon"

"He better be"

"By the way, can we write a letter to Catherine?"

"Of course, why not? I miss her though. "

So from there, we decided to write a letter to my dearest grandmother.

------

Catherine

Hello, Catherine! How are you? How's France and Charles? Is he handling France just fine? If you need help, I'm willing. By the way, I'm getting married! To Lord Darnley, of course. I hope he will change and Alexandra doesn't like him, but he's the key to England; our union actually is the key. I miss France! Can you send us fruits or dresses from France? We already miss you! Also, we're planning to go there—me and Alexandra. We don't know when, but soon.

I love you! See you soon.

Mary

------

Queen Mother,

My dear grandmother, how are you? I told my mother to write you a letter also. We miss you! I miss France and my fabulous French dresses there and at the French Court! How's Aunt Claude, Uncle Charles, and, of course, my brother, John? I miss you all! I hope that next week we'll go there. She said soon, but I'll ask her if next week she'll be available. My mother is marrying Lord Darnley. Ugh. She might've already written it in her letter though, so I guess I have to "take it for granted" as my mother told me. Whatever. We'll see you all soon!

I love you!

Alexandra

------

After writing our letters, we let our man deliver them. Mother and I just talked until a guard announced that Lady Greer had returned to Scotland with her husband, Lord Castleroy, and her adorable daughter, Baby Rose.

One of my mother's ladies-in-waiting, Lady Greer, is also my godmother. She's the only lady who's here with the Queen. Lady Aylee died in an accident while they were in French Court, according to a prophecy by the French court's Nostradamus.Lady Kenna left while they were in French Court because she had become pregnant by someone other than Uncle Bash, and she was embarrassed. Lady Lola died at the hands of Queen Elizabeth because of treason. She carried out the orders through a forged letter claiming to be from her queen, the Queen of Scots, and stating that she had ordered her to assassinate Queen Elizabeth, but it was later revealed that it was from John Knox, the leader of the protestants, who dislikes women as queens having the power to control a country; he believes that men should takeover a country.

We welcomed them on their arrival here in Scotland. Mother invited them to stay in the castle to make it more comfortable for baby Rose, who is still a baby, and for Lord Castleroy, who is still adjusting to his long stay behind bars. She also offered him a high position in court so that he could reclaim his position just like in France, but he declined. They headed first to their chateau on a farm, which is one of the lands of the family of Lady Lola.

After that, we were told that Lady Greer had arrived back at the castle. She and the Queen talked for awhile about their lives and, of course, my mother's marriage while I was playing with Rose beside them.

"Greer, I missed you!"

"I've missed you so much too, Mary!"

"How's Lord Castleroy?"

"He's a bit uneasy lately"

"We don't talk that much"

"We don't even share a bed"

"I don't know if it's about Rose, but I don't know what to do with him, Mary"

"I want to reconcile everything"

"It's okay, Greer"

"Soon he will be okay"

"You guys will be okay, don't worry"

"How about you, Mary?"

"How's Scotland?"

I butted in because I kind of disagree with her marriage to Lord Darnley, but I can't do anything about it.

"She's getting married"

"What Mary?"

"Getting married to whom?"

I answered again before my mother got the chance.

"Lord Darnley"

Lady Greer was surprised and asked mother why him and softly said

"Why does Alexandra look so upset about it?"

"Well, she doesn't like Darnley."

I butted in again.

"Such an ambitious, overconfident, self-seeking man"

"Is that true Mary?"

"Uhm, yes, actually it is true."

"My goodness, Mary!"

"Are you sure of your decision?"

"Yes, Greer", she nodded

"He's the rightful husband and king to me."

"Our union will be the key to the throne of England"

"We both have the blood to claim the English throne."

"Even if he's eager to have power, I still need to marry him"

"If that's what you want, Mary, and what you think is right, do it"

"But I hope you'll take care of yourself and your reign"

"Alexandra should take care of you."

"Of course, Lady Greer"

"He won't have the title of the crown matrimonial, so even if he's already the King Consort of Scotland,"

"I am still higher than him."

I smirked

"That's good for you, Alex"

"And yes, Mary, don't give the crown matrimony."

"I won't Greer."

"I already told James and Alex that I wouldn't."

"I even told them the story before."

"About Don Carlos"

"Oh my god, that man"

"Yes, the Prince of Spain, who wanted to include the crown matrimonial in our marriage arrangement without my notice."

"And plans to murder me on the way to Scotland."

"Good thing Catherine was there."

They laughed 

They decided to continue their conversation tomorrow because Rose was already crying to sleep. Lady Greer needed to take her back to their chateau.