Grand Ball in honor of Her Majesty Queen of Scots

*Places a beautifully wraped dress box in the Queen's Chamber along with a gold embossed invitation instructioning her to come to the ball room. He makes sure that her Ladies have drawn a bath and stand ready to help her dress.

Then he moves through the castle with haste checking preparations in the kitchens first and then arriveing in the ballroom.

He sees to the final details making sure that all in the ball room is as it should be. It is decorated in French splendor, every detail carefully thought out, flowers, music. Some of the finest musicans in France are assembled playing Marie's favorite selections. Much of the cuisuine being served will also be French, but he has also made sure there will be something for all tastes.

When it seems there is nothing left to attend to, prepares to greet the guests and awaits the entrance of his wife, wondering nervously if Marie will approve.*

*Marie slowly descends the stairs wearing her most beautiful jewels, and out of mourning for the first time since she has met Nicholas. Slowly, gracefully and regally she surveys the room carefully from under her eyelashes looking for Nicholas. Seeing him she smiles broadly and begins walking toward him, holding out her hand*.

*Marie catches his eye as she glides gracefully down the staircase. Her beauty takes his breath away. He watches as if in a trance until she begins to move towards him. He excuses himself from a guest with a slight bow and makes his way across the room to her*

You look absolutely enchanting *he takes her hand and kisses it softly*

Happy Birthday my love

*Leans over and whispers* Do not mention enchanting. They already think me a witch!

*Abruptly stands at full height and waves*.


And might I say, you look ever better than I!

Well then, may I say you are breath taking? *smiles*

And thank you for the compliment my darling but *whipers in your ear* You are the most beautiful thing in this room.

Thank God Elizabeth is not here, or else you would be hanging by your genitals from the castle ramparts.

And how do you feel with all these candles in here?

Would you not protect me from her? *laughs teasingly*


The Candles ... they make me wish that we were the only two attending this ball *grins*

*loiters, snacking, accompanied by the ever-present large German guards, one of whom carries an elaboratly inlaid wood box.*

Good evening Emperor *bows* Tis so good that thou wuldst celebrate Marie's birthday with us

*nods in acknowledgement*
I would not miss it for the world.
*calls to guard*
Jan, bring the box, if you would.

Your Majesty *curtsies* I'm sorry I'm late! I brought this gift of oranges from Hever Castle, I really do hope you like them, they're delicious! *places the basket along with other gifts*

Also, my sister sent this family jewel *hands present and whispers* It's the storm tossed maiden jewel, please don't tell Anne I gave it to you, Your Majesty.

Lady Mary! *bows* A pleasure to see you again, I am sure.

*Curtsies deeply at the Emperor* My Lord! Is it so nice to see you here! I can imagine it took a pry-bar to dislodge you from Ysabel's side!


*Offers Mary my hand to kiss* Hello there dear! Thank you! Oranges and a stolen jewel! What a haul this year!

My dear Isabella has vanished again, unfortunately. I wanted to bring Fernandito but he is sleeping and his nurse said I should not wake a baby to bring the ball. Here, my dear *takes box from the large German* is a gift for you.
*hands Mary the elaborate marquetry box*

*Takes the box*. I am sure your nurse is right. I only hope she is not quite as imposing as this gentleman here. *Cranes my head to look at the massive German*. Thank you for this gift, though I ensure you, your Imperial presence was quite enough of a gift for poor little me.

Oh, the box is not the entire gift, you must open it, my dear!
I do love birthdays.

*Looking nervous, opens the box*.

*the box holds a very elegant, rather old-fashioned pendant*
Do you like it? It was my Grandmama Mary's.

*Tries to think who Grandma Marie could be. And then remember's*.

Oh! The Duchess of Burgundy! I cannot possibly accept this! It is far to grand for one as humble as I.

Oh, of course you can- surely what was fit for a duchess is fit for a queen?

Will you do me the honor of putting it on my neck? *Gives you that charming and ingratiating smile for which I am famous*.

*Bows before Mary* So lovely to see you again my Lady.


*stands quietly next to Marie, smiling fondly at her and enjoying her happiness*

*the ruler of an empire on which the sun never sets blushes as he stretches to fasten on the necklace*

*Lowers eyes demurely and smiles before turning about and displaying myself*. How does it look, your Imperial Majesty?

*after regaining composure*
Absolutely enchanting, your grace!