Welcome Sir Nicholas

Marie, my dearest, I love you, all of this matters not to me. You insist i need a title in order for you to wed me. As a wedding gift Qlizabeth has granted me one. And do not think that for appearances sake it be better that I hath my own title and not one granted to me by someone who simply wishes to marry me? I know not alot about politics but it seems more reasonable to me does it not you?

What I should really like to know is how you truly feel about this husband of yours, wether the marriage be null or not matters little, I want to know whats in your heart reguarding this man.

I ... *breaks down in anguish*. Nicholas, this is my own secret, similar to your ... condition. Keep this to yourself.

Bothwell ... he was the only man, besides you and my Ambassador Bishop Leslie, who I could trust totally at all times. I did not lust after him, I counted on him, needed him. He was powerful, loyal and there for me always.

But then he killed my husband. And I commited my dearest mistake. My people hated him, everyone knew it was he who killed my husband.

But I still leaned on him, how could I condemn to death the only man who had always been there for me. So, I didn't.

Later however ... he ... *gorge rises* he ... he .... he ... had me. He kidnapped me and kept me n his castle. He drugged me, I knew not what I was doing or even where I was. And I married him, but it was in a Protestant ceremony, meaning it's not legal. I was also drugged.

*takes her in his arms to calm her and give her his support*

I am sorry my love for making you relay this but I need to know

This man, where is he now? You say it was a prodenstant ceremoney and doth not hold up legally. But legality matters little to man when he reguards his wife. Is this man free to return and claim you?

No, he beeth in the Danish King's prison, he lives in filth and squalor. He will soon go mad, no-oen can stop us. Least of all ... *chokes down hateful words* no-one.

*holds her close*

*whispers in her ear* no one can ever hurt you again, I wont let them.

Good. However I am more worried about Elizabeth. You must make her sweeten towards me, otherwise, it's my head.

Elizabeth wishes you no harm my love, though I know you find it hard to believe. I have spoken to her in length and she wishes us nothing but happiness.

I see ... well ... there is nothing in our way now. Except these clothes. Perhaps we could go to my board and ... *raises eyebrow*.

*smiles, blushing* my but you are a wicked minx, if we indulge our wants now then what do we have to look forward to on our wedding night ?

Speaking of which I hath clearly forgotten something ... I know it was impiled but you know I am the hopeless romantic and must do these things most properly.

*takes a moment to think of Elizabeth one last time before resigning himself to a diffrent fate*

*reaches into his breast pocket and pulls out a very old and intricut ring of diamond and ruby. He drops then to one knee and takes her hand before looking up into her eyes.

My dearest Marie, widst thou do me the great honor of being my wife?

Oh my God.


*Gulps*. Yes, I shall. *Holds out hand*.

*slips the ring on her finger then kisses her hand gently before rising to his feet*

Are you happy my dearest ?

*Passes out*.

*catchs her and lays here gently across a setee.* I will take that as a yes

*calls for a servent to bring a glass of water and smelling salts then bids the maid to leave them*


*sits next to Marie tending to her and waits for her to come around*

*Wakes up*.

My God, where did you get this ring? 'Tis gorgeous!

It was my Mother's ... I do hope you like it

Oh ... *covers mouth as eyes fill with tears*. I can't except this Nicky, truly, I cannot. *takes it off and gives it back*.

Why not ? Have you changed your mind? *looks at her with eyes filled with worry*

NO! Good God, do you think me a inconstant whore? I just meant because it's your mothers ... I can hardly take it from you!

Of course I dont think that of you, by God you nearly broke my heart *sighs with relief*

Please take it my dearest Marie, it would have pleased my Mother so. It has been passed down through our family for many years for this purpose.

I wonder if your Mother (God rest her soul) ever thought her son would grow up to be twice a Duke and the King of Scotland. Can you imagine what she would say?

My Mother would be happy to see me find love.

And I have no desire to be King of anything, I was under the impression your Son now ruled Scotland, was I mislead?

Yes. Once again, an abdication made under duress is invalid. Hence, I am the Queen of Scots and my son had better take off my crown or he gets a spanking he will not soon forget!

It matters not to me, I do not desire any crown. But as your husband I will love and support you any way I can

It is taking all of mine energy not to rip off thine clothes and ride thee liek a stallion.

I hope that's okay with thee.

*swallows hard, blushing*

Patients my Lady patients ... we have the rest of our lives for such things


*winks* And yes it is quite fine with me ... just not here *laughs* I shud think our hostess would have nboth our heads