No one has to know

Chapter 18

It had been a full day since the Duke of Guise had arrived back at court and Francis was in the middle of a meeting between himself and the Duke. Mary, Bash and some other of Francis's trusted advisors were also present. They were discussing the Dukes new role at court and laying down rules. Catherine, unable to stand in a room that long with the Duke, nervously paced outside the throne room waiting for the meeting to end. When it finally did, Catherine waited for the small crowd of men to disperse, to enter the he room herself. Francis, Mary and Bash still remained.

"Nice of you to join us Mother. Although, you're a bit late." Francis said knowing exactly why she hadn't been in attendance. She side eyed Bash, trying to read his expression. She didn't like what she saw.

"I suppose the Duke is all settled in now then. You've completed selling your soul to the devil?" She said with daggers in her tone.

"Not entirely. We still have a few contracts to go over an sign. It should be done by morning." Francis said.

"And then he'll be a permanent thorn in my side, yes I understand." She said.

"I realize my uncle has done some...not so nice things in the past, but what is it about him that bothers you so much? Surely you have known many worse men than him in your time." Mary inquired.

"He is never going to be loyal to you. He is the kind of man that would buy you and sell you as long as it benefits him. He will stab you in the back the moment you let your guard down." She said sharply. She turned abruptly and left.

A few hours later Catherine was pacing the garden, waiting for Bash. As he approached she ran up to him.

"Did you talk to him? What did say? Were you able to change his mind?" She questioned frantically.

"I did talk to him, but I don't think it made much of a difference. He seems set on this. I'm sorry." He said holding her hands. She breathed in and sank down onto the bench.

"It's not your fault. You did your best. Oh, What am I going to do now? I can't allow this. I just can't" she said with a determined look on her face.

"Catherine, I beg of you, don't start cooking up one of your schemes. They only cause more trouble." He said off of her expression.

"Schemes? You're mocking me now?" She said a bit and insulted as she stood back up quickly and took a few steps away.

"I'm not mocking you. I would never dream of it. But I know how you can be when you get your mind set on something You must realize Francis gets his stubbornness from you." He said putting a hand on her shoulder. "You just have to except that there's nothing yo can do this time."

"There is one more thing I could try." She said.

"If you're thinking of killing the Duke..." he started.

"Oh, nothing as harsh as that. Honestly, what do you think I am, a mercenary?" Bash made a face. She jerked her shoulder away from his hand. "Whatever people may think of me I don't go around killing people to solve my problems...I was simply suggesting that I might try to reach Mary. If I can sway her to my side, that might just be enough to get Francis's attention."

"That's going to be difficult. It's her uncle. Her blood." He said.

"It's the only chance I have left. I have to try." She said.

Catherine made her way to Mary's chambers. The guard announced her and Mary dismissed him.

"I'd ask why you were here, but I think I already know." Mary said.

"Mary, I know he's your uncle but you must look past that to see the terrible man he is. For the sake of this country, for Francis's sake..." she began.