King Henry organized a big party. They weren't in time to celebrate anything but the only things the King had in head in the last days were England under his control and alcohol & women.
Catherine was worried about his situation and tried many times to talk to him and find out what made him act like that, but she failed everytime she tried.
She worried about what he could say or do, he was the King and a crazy King can bring the whole kingdom into ruin, it would mean the end of the Valois, no future for her sons.
During the night Henry drunk a lot, he was laughing and flirting with all the mistresses from the french court. Mary, her ladies in waiting, Francis and Bash stood on the other side, trying to ignore the mad King.
She rolled her eyes all the times when she saw his stupid and ridiculous face. He was making a fool of him in front of the whole palace.
She was observing him and the people who were with him for awhile. It seems like they were playing a game and now Henry demanded one of his mistresses to kiss one of the guards.
What a foolish game and bad taste, she thought. Annoyed, the Queen turned back with the intention to leave and go to her chambers.
When Henry saw her pretending to leave, he called her to stop
"Catherine!" he shouted "Come here" the King ordered.
She approached. The music became more quiet so that all could hear the King's words
"Do you like the game, Catherine?" he asked.
She looked in amazement "Oh you mean the vulgarity we saw this night? That girl kissing the guard? My dear husband, you have never been so imaginative but tonight... you surprised me with your...originality" she said with a certain irony in her voice.
"It seems like the Queen wants to join us." he chuckled.
"If you don't mind I would prefer to return to my chambers. It was enough for tonight."
"You'll stay." he grabbed her by the wrist and lead her to the part of the room they were playing.
Francis and Mary were worried about what he could do next. It was not a good sign that he wanted Catherine to play.
"So, as I am not that imaginative... I'll repeat the same thing." Catherine looked confused at him "You'll kiss the guard." she couldn't believe the words she heard.
"I beg your pardon, husband?"
"Oh, come on, Catherine. What's wrong? Not that you haven't kissed others before." he surely thought about Richard. She was angry and if she could she would have killed him right now, without remorse.
At King's madness Bash looked to the ground and shook his head thinking how absurd this all was. Henry saw Bash's reaction.
"No. Wait. I think I became more imaginative now. BASH! Come to us." Bash came near to them, wondering what his father was pretending to do next.
"Here." he turned to face Catherine "Maybe a Queen kissing a servant would not be very appropriate. Here's Bash. Kiss him."
"Oh don't you..." she was furious and Henry stopped her "It's the game rule, Catherine. Once you're in you have to do what you must." he looked at Bash "And you're both in. From now."
TBC