Welcome Sir Nicholas

Oh, Nicky! *Crying hysterically* Elizabeth is sending her spy-masters against me! I cannot stay here, she shall have me dead! Mayhaps we should flee to my board?

Spys? Calm yourself and explain to me what has happened my darling, then we shall decide what to do

Nevermind. While you were away, I went to Scotland and took my throne back. Of course ... Elizabeth might not be to happy about that.

*his face creases with worry*

Marie my love what hath you done? Elizabeth with surely have your head

No, I've escaped from her clutches. Go to her privy chamber and open the letter you lovely idiot, you.

Marie *sighs and runs a hand through his hair*

I wudst ask you something and I pray you think before you answer, and answer well ...

what do love more .... me or the crown you so desprately fight for?

If I may interrupt -

*Elizabeth smiles at Marie, knowingly*

Sir Nicholas, it is not as easy as it sounds to give up a crown. She is an annointed Queen and chosen to reign over the people of Scotland. She is heiress PRESUMPTIVE. *glares at Marie* I repeat PRESUMPTIVE of England also. Even if she choses not the crown she will still be the subject of many a plot!

*Cries*. Nicky, answer mine question first! Can't I have both?

*Marie nearly passes out at the kindness Lady Woodville is showing her.*

I know not if you can .... I suppose it was a selfish question ... this is all so new to me, I feel my heart being torn in so many directions...

Marie I love you, but I will your quest for this crown will only end you destruction, I worry for you

*Elizabeth laughs*

Dearest Marie, I understand the pains of thy heart and the crown that sits firmly on your pretty little head. My daughters often told me to give up fighting for my sons when all was lost so that we could live happy lives away from our Royal duties. However, it is not as easy as it seems.

A crown is for life, that is why Anne of Cleves bewilders me.

Come to Scotland with me. I rode into my country at the head of a cavalcade, the people threw flowers at my feet. Please Nicholas, all I need to complete this is you by my side. Please come.

I want to my love ... but Elizabeth will never let you out of this castle alive ... and even if we do make it this will surely mean war

I see not how Elizabeth could make a war against her cousin when there has currently be no crime commited.

*stares at Marie before whispering* Keep it that way, be happy with what you have.

I'm already in Scotland, see? *points at the little words beneath her Avatar that say Leith Scotland*. I left in the middle of the night ... I had to bribe the guard ...

Elizabeth Woodville wrote:

*Elizabeth laughs*

Dearest Marie, I understand the pains of thy heart and the crown that sits firmly on your pretty little head. My daughters often told me to give up fighting for my sons when all was lost so that we could live happy lives away from our Royal duties. However, it is not as easy as it seems.

A crown is for life, that is why Anne of Cleves bewilders me.

Mayhaps you could come to Scotland, Grandmama? If I was seen as having your approval, Madame Tudor would never dare. As well as the fact that if she does the French will rip her a new ... well let's just say it will be painful.

I have sworn an oath to my Queen and my country ... this will make me a traitor and my life forfiet

Yes, but she can't get you in Scotland. As soon as you set foot in Scotland the King of France (my brother) and every Catholic in Europe will lay down their lives for you.

But what of my honor ? I swore an oath

Oh, Nicky, it's not supposed to be this hard ... *cries*.

No its not *wraps his arms around her as tears of his own well in his eyes*

*Elizabeth looks on, absent mindedly eating an apple*

*She sighs deeply with full understanding of the torture they endure*

Welcome to my world!

*she says bitterly, wishing none of them had to endure any of it*

*Nicholas glances in Elizabeth's direction once but quickly looks away before she catches his eye. *

*he holds his darling Marie closer, knowing that the silent reprieve will not last long. Descions will soon be made thaty will change thier lives forever*

Come with me to Scotland.


If you do, you will have me. If you don't you will have her. Two Queens, one beautiful beyond all one intelligent beyond all. One a lover one a fighter, you cannot have both.

*takes but one small glance at Elizabeth then answers boldly*

My place is with you, my future wife