An Unwelcome Arrival

*smiles* I meant it, you are all I have now, all I need.

As for my brother I wish that we could just make him disappear. But thanks to certain spys that keep lurking about I am afraid his existance is quite well know now.

Wud it be better to keep him locked up? ... Even now I can snot tomach putting him to death though he deserves it. Though he would nto think twice about taking my life if it meant same gain for him.

*sighs* Perhaps I am the wimp he thinks me to be

Nicky, thou art anything but a wimp. Thou stood up to thine Queen and sovereign for me, my own nobles refused to stand up to Elizabeth for me. However, I cannot imprison him. He hath technically done nothing wrong ...

Well he has been bested by you and I imagine his pride is quite hurt. He doth think all women are of lesser importance and intellgence than any man, espeacially himself. If nothing else he will try to contain himself and act more appropriately for as long as he is here.

For now I have him sequestered to his apartments under guard. I suppose I shall have to attend to him soon and try to determine what exactly he came here for. Perhaps if it is not too much I can give it to him and be rid of the vile pest.

Don't speak of him that way. He has done nothing to deserve such words! You are being FAR to harsh!

Harsh? *Nicholas is shocked*

*His anger begins to rise* This man, if you can call him that, is a drunken slob who has done nothing but ridicule me my whole life. He ruined my familie's name and business. He is petty, selfish, abusive, and does not care about anyone but himself.

And even those things I would have forgiven but ... *he is so angry now he is visibly shaking* He would taken you right here in my own home ....


I am being harsh! *He alomst hisses the words, then shakes his head*

*Matches Nicholas' fury easily with my own*. He almost took me in MY own home! You own nothing! Get over it, you pouty, whiny baby! Maybe if you grew up and forgave like a normal person he would improve, but how can you expect him too with you dangling everything he's ever done in his life over his head?

*His face turns even paler than it already is, his whole body stiffens*


I am sorry I was mistaken, I thought that this was going to our home, but I see now how things are going to be. *his anger has faded now, he seems cold, devoide of any emotion at all.*

I defended you against Elizabeth, my best friend, I still do. I always give you the benefit of the doubt when she tries to insult you. I left my home, my Country, everything I held dear to be with you. And you take his side in this, a man you have only just met? Over me, the one you profess to love.

I truly do not know what to think or feel

WHAT? Dost thee have bipolar disorder? What are you saying? *Does a mood-switch*. Nicky? ARE YOU GOING TO LEAVE ME? *Cries in anguish*.

You think ME Bipolar?

You tell me that this is not my home, you insult me, take my brother's side over mine ....

And now it seems you do not trust me either, for you think I would leave you over a quarrel.

you have hurt me greatly Marie

*Throws myself at your feet like a punished slave*.

PLEASE, forgive me. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it. I did not mean to take your brothers side over thine, I just wanted to reconcile you. It breaks my heart to see two charming, handsome, intelligent men disagree.

I shall always forgive you, my love for you demands it.


But it doth not take away the damage

*Whispers something to the guards, Nicholas can only hear the words "France" "Elizabeth" and "Richard".

*Nicholas sighs*


What manner of business are you planning now? Or am I not permitted to know?

I was asking them to offer your brother a deal. He may go to France, marry a wealthy French bride and be given titles. If in return he never speaks to you again.

I see.

I do appreciate the offer gesture greatly, perhaps he will agree.


I must ask you what Elizabeth has to do with this? I clearly heard her name involved.

Because he is an English subject, non? I cannot just exile someone to France, especially when it is so crucial to keep Elizabeth on my good side.

*Nicholas nods*


Very well, do what you will with him, send him away if he will go. Maybe a better man than me can guide him to a better path.

I will never understand why you hate him so. He seems perfectly nice to me. Except for the way he speaks of you, which makes me wish take a whip to his bare back, he seems perfectly nice!

Then perhaps you should permitt him to stay, by all means.


*Nicholas seems cold, impassive*

Nicholas, why are you acting this way? It is most unchareteristic! Usually you are so sensitive and expressive. *Puts my hand over you heart* Have I lost you already.

Sensitive *laughs slightly, it is mingled with bitterness*

You asked me to stop whineing did you not? Give him a chance you said.

Do with him what you will. You think there is good in him then by all means allow him to stay. But I know what shall happen.


*His tone and demeanor soften. He places his hand over hers where it rests upon his heart* You have not lost me, I shall love you always... but I fear I will soon lose you.

To whom?

*Nicholas shugs then shakes his head* no one

I do not like it when we quarrel... it seems we have been doing more of it since his arrival.

Nicholas, I am sorry. But if you re-call, I said the exact same things about Elizabeth and you told me, in a nut shell, to get over it.

... And what is in the locket you gave me?

I never told you to get over it .... *shakes head* I do not wish to argue my love.



The locket contains two small portraits , one of each of us, they were painted by my own hand.