Reconcilliation (Part II)

I do respect you, and I have never betrayed you. What I did was done because I had no other choice.

Have you not listened to a word I said? The REAL spy is the one you can not seem to part your self from. You insist you will not share me with Elizabeth and yet you would ask me to do the sam ewith mine own brother.

I shall explain this one more time ... He means to marry you, take your throne, and make his children hiers. What do you think that means for James?

Don't be so patronizing. I have more intelligence than you ever shall. But, nonetheless I thank you. That never occured to me. What do you suggest we do about Richard? *Marie does a mood-switch and is now a polite and loving wife*.

I am done telling you what to do with Richard ... I tried that a long time ago and it did not work. That is the reason I went Elizabeth, because I felt I had no toher choice if I was going to protect you and James from him.

Are you finished with me, Nicky? Do you want to go back to the court of your True Queen, Elizabeth, and leave your stupid Scottish vixen behind?

*Elizabeth appears in the doorway with a look of harshness painted on her face*

Wilt thou stop that insufferable arguing!

*Nicholas looks to the fire and the locket that still smoulders there*

Is that what you want Marie? To be free of me? *he asks softly*

*Marie begins to cry silently, tears dripping down her face. But she doesn't do as before and fall to pieces*.

No, I don't.

*Nicholas's features soften*

I do not want to leave, I love you.

*he can not stand to see her cry, he wants to go to her but does not, not yet.*

I never meant to hurt you Marie, honestly.

Then why did you swear allegiance to England and Elizabeth when you live in Scotland and have married the Queen of Scots. How did you think I would not be betrayed?

At the time I simply trying to assure her that she would be safe here, she came to help you after all.

Do you truly love me?

Of course, more than anything. *he seems somewhat hurt she would even have to ask*

Except for Elizabeth. Your always going to be her little pet blood-sucker. I came to late.

I am no one's pet *he replies through clenched teeth*

I have had it Marie ... it does not matter what I do or what I say I can never prove to you my love, you will always falsely accuse me of loving Elizabeth. I do not know what else to do. *he runs his hand through his hair*

You constantly doubt me, demand that I proclaim my devotion though you will not believe it anyway.

You belittle me, you insult me .... you make a fool of me and still I love you, I would lay down my life for you.

*tears fill his eyes, threatening to fall but he pushes them back *

You wuldst throw my friendship with Elizabeth in my face every chance you can but what of your "friendship" with my brother? Shall we talk about that?

*All of the hurt and betrayal he has felt comes rushing at him, his voices rises with his anger*

You think I do not see what goes on around me? you get drunk with him, bathe him ... you kissed him .... I see the way you look at him

*his voices softens to almost a whipser* Why do you not look at me, your husband, that way? Can you not feel such passion for me?


*Nicholas falls silent for a moment, he takes a deep breath. When he speaks again his voice is calm,genuine*

Marie, I love you with my whole heart. I wuldst have you be happy... if it is he you truly desire then I shall grant you your freedom from me.


It would break my heart but I can not go on like this, waiting for the day I shall loose you to him. I beg you ... tell me now, is it him or me you love?

*Marie's face blanches*. I do look at you that way, I do feel such passion for you! *Marie lifts her hand up so that Nicholas can see that the ring he gave me is still on*. I've already chosen!

Then why? *his voice is no longer angry or harsh. He speaks softly and earnestly*

Why everytime my back is turned you are with him? Why did you kiss him?

God, Nicholas. I was drunk. I was hurt. I felt betrayed. *Begins to cry*.

*Nicholas sighs*

Do you suppose we could forgive each other then?

Yes, we do. But please, don't do what you did again. Do you promise?

I promise. And please, keep your distance from Richard?

*Marie looks nervous*. I promise I will not get overly intimate with him. After all, you are not promising to stay totally away from Elizabeth. Is that an acceptable compromise?

Yes it is.

I know you will have to have contact with him and Elizabeth is my friend. But I can not handle you flirting with him.

Yes, my Lord. *Walks forward and embraces Nicholas warmly and tearfully*.

*he draws her into his arms and holds her tightly*

*Marie releases the embrace and offers Nicholas a spot next to me on the bed*.

Nicholas, I have something to speak of with you ...