Disclaimer: I neither own Reign, nor profit from this story.
Intent on proving his words, Henry first sent a physician to give Richard a once over and make sure the prison guards hadn't done too much damage. There would be no benefit in presenting him mangled to Catherine. Next he rounded up several servant girls and tasked them with placing a triad of roses in each room his wife was due to visit throughout the day until further notice… red for the passion he still felt for his wife after all these years, pink for his admiration and appreciation of her as a mother to her children, and finally white for the reverence he held for his very capable Queen.
Having finished his current tasks he made his way to breakfast in order to begin the day. Once there he noticed that Catherine had in fact just settled down and made his way over to greet her.
Deciding that a grand overture may not be the way to go, especially this early in the morning, he simply made his way over, paused long enough for her to look up at him, bid her good morning and leaned down to gently kiss her cheek. She did not seem offended or push him away, but her expression was virtually unreadable. Returning his sentiment she responded with a non-commital platitude returning his greeting, though her heart was definitely not in it. No matter, he knew based on their conversation that this would not be fixed overnight. All he could do was be patient, or else he was certain he would not have another chance.
As she prepared for the day, Catherine was mid way through when she noted that her choice of outfit reflected some of Henry's favorite items. Her earrings, a gift from when she first arrived in France, the dress a gift during one of their better times, and the crown was a family heirloom passed down through the Valois. He had gifted it to her on their second anniversary when Henry had been feeling especially nostalgic and at the time she had been feeling very out of place. It held a great deal of sentimental value for both of them and for a moment brought a smile to her face.
Apparently her unconscious self wanted this too.
Satisfied that she was ready to face the day, Catherine slipped on her shoes and made one final check in her floor length mirror. Making her way through the halls of the castle for he morning meal, she was reminded that she needed to speak with her ladies about the alterations she would be making to the duties…specifically to those in her flying squad recently assigned to her husband. They more than anybody would be able to get her information not only on his health, but also his fidelity.
Entering the dining area, she noticed that he was not yet present. Letting out a breath she had not realized she was holding, Catherine chose to sit somewhat by herself and waited for the servants to bring her her normal fare.
Just as she was about to enjoy the food Henry walked in, and her heart jumped…traitorous organ that it was. She had trained herself to pay little heed to her wayward husband over the years, but since their truce and potential reconciliation, she had begin to allow herself to consider just how handsome he still was.
Refocusing her thoughts, she decided to pretend as if his entrance had no effect on her and began to nibble on her breakfast…he apparently was having none of it though.
Making his way over to her, he paused a moment right in front of her which earned him as neutral a look as she could muster. He then proceeded to wish her a good morning and lean down for a chaste kiss on her cheek. After politely replying to his greeting she made sure to turn back to her food so that he didn't get any further ideas, relieved when he didn't push his luck past a quick peck. Her training did kick in at that point and after answering his question as succinctly as possible she returned his inquiry, though the answer itself was largely unimportant.
As she watched him move away to settle himself down for breakfast, she wondered if he might actually be serious about this. Choosing to spend no further time considering the 'what if's' of his unlikely commitment, she returned to her inner contemplations about the day ahead and mentally tied a gag around her heart. Although she was not yet ready to place it in it's too often used cage, she could not have it running away with her emotions all day. She had much to do, and little time for girlish romance.
