Once again I would like to thank everyone who took their time to read and review. It means so much to me as I started my endeavours here so recently. These stories are really to fill the void created by the absence of Ben Aldridge on our screens. I don't know where his story will take him in Reign at the French court so I'm trying to imagine his 'domestic' life at his own court. If you are interested where it can take him please let me know, I appreciate any input.

…

The banquet was going extremely well. Antoine wanted to show its court from the best possible angle. He spared no money on tonight's entertainment and food. He counted on de Dangleberry to convey this image to Catherine di Medici, the queen regent of France. He wanted to ensure her that his position is secure and that kingdom of Navarre is a worthy ally. Especially as the Spanish were making themselves a nuisance in the south. He needed France to be behind his kingdom if there ever was to be a war with the Spanish. Everyone thought that the news from the king of France court will disturb him, make him uncomfortable. He smiled at his thoughts. He raised the goblet to his lips and was slowly drinking all the wine in it.

Jeanne has noticed his smile, 'Anything you found amusing, my lord?' she inquired gently. He smirked into the goblet, then he half turned his head in her direction. He looked at her for a long time and finally replied, 'I don't think you are going to find it equally amusing, my dear.'

His eyes went to de Dangleberry who was laughing quite loudly at his conversation with Catherine. He squinted and his jaw tightened. Catherine looked alluring, proudly wearing the exquisite pearl necklace he gave her. He wondered if de Dangleberry knew that he played with fire, paying too much attention to Catherine. Antoine did not like anyone to mess with his property. De Dangleberry was young, naïve and useful. Clearly he enjoyed the attention paid to him by Catherine but there were limits of Antoine's patience.

De Kinderres' eyes almost never left Antoine's face. As the king looked in the direction of de Dangleberry and his face changed, the Duke stood up from his seat almost immediately and walked towards the courtier of the French king. De Kinderres leaned over him and whispered something to de Dangleberry's ear. The smile froze on young man's lips, his eyes quickly darted to the king of Navarre. Their eyes met. Chevalier de Dangleberry reddened and he lowered his gaze. Suddenly he found the bowl of fruits that stood before him irresistible and worth of his full attention. De Kinderres slowly returned to his company.

This short scene did not escape Jeanne's attention. She also was very sensitive to any changes of her husband's moods. She sighed deeply but quietly, as she did not want to show any feelings that were boiling inside her. She was the queen. The attention of the French king envoy should surely be given to her rather than to one of her ladies. As she was guided by her faith, she tried very hard to keep hatred away from her heart but at the times like these she failed miserably. Right now she was fighting for the love of her beloved husband. She decided then to part with her news in desperate hope that Antoine will concentrate his attention on her instead of his mistress.

'My lord, I may have some news that may lighten your heart,' she said. Antoine's head slowly and reluctantly turned towards her. His brow creased, 'What news?' She loved that crease. Were they alone she would try to smooth it with her kisses. Almost unconsciously, she placed her hand on his and smiled at him sweetly. He jerked his hand free and repeated, 'What news, my lady?'

She seemed unperturbed by his harshness. 'I believe I am with child, my beloved husband,' she continued quietly. Her love for him filled her to the brims. She looked hungrily at his lips.

Antoine rolled his eyes, sighed and signalled to the servant to fill his goblet. There was a silence between them, filled only by the sound of wine being poured. Jeanne waited with baited breath for Antoine's reaction. In past years, this news gave him pleasure and he always was kind to her. She craved this kindness from him now. She missed his love for her. He kept his silence however and started to sip his wine. Jeanne wanted to break this excruciating stillness.

'I hope, my lord, that this time we may have another daughter as…'

'If it is a girl, we shall name her Catherine,' he interrupted her sharply. She drew her breath but remained silent. She looked down trying to avert his gaze. He clearly did not finished speaking.

'Are you certain that it is mine?' he asked nonchalantly with disdainful smile. At this she raised her head with her eyes filled with tears, 'My lord!' Her voice was full of pain now.

Antoine looked at her intently. He could clearly see that he hurt her deeply. He bit his lip. Was this a feeling of guilt?, he wondered. There was no obvious reason for him to be cruel. Yet he drew a curious pleasure in her pain. If this is guilt, that it would be the first for him – he mused internally. He must note it for any future reference. Feeling of being guilty was to be squashed before it started. Such feelings are not to be harboured if one is a king. He was sure, no, he knew that she loved him. No wonder there, his internal monologue continued. And maybe because of this thought, he mellowed.

'I believe it is not the place for such revelations, Jeanne' he offered. And to the surprise of both of them he leaned towards her and kissed her quickly on the lips.

His power over her was limitless. Jeanne's face brightened with wide smile. He hardly ever used her name. And at this moment she was again the happiest woman alive. He took her hand and kissed it gently. Surprised by this loving gesture, she trembled with joy and opened her mouth to express her love. He was quicker though.

'Now, I have also some news that needs to be shared.' He smiled mischievously.

'Is it of blissful nature, my lord?' she asked smilingly.

He let go of her hand and again took his cup. He took a long swig and raised the empty goblet to be filled. 'I'm not sure if you find it so,' he laughed menacingly. She felt tense. Somehow she dreaded of what he was about to say.

'France will support my claims against the Spanish on one condition. I just need to revert to Catholic faith. Again!' He laughed heartily.

'My lord, surely you do not consider leaving the true faith?'

'And why not? I already changed religion in order to marry you. It does not matter anyway. The important thing is my position in the French court will be stronger. Regent queen has many sons but they're sickly. And my brother is the head of Huguenot movement, so we are covered on all fronts.' He laughed again.

'My lord, your sons are brought up as Protestants. I simply cannot let them to convert to papist religion.' Jeanne was flustered. Her emotions ran high. 'My lord, I think I must retire to my chambers, in my state…'

Antoine interrupted her again, 'Don't worry. No one mentioned my family. MY faith is important. Although Henry as my successor might be expected to…' He looked at her, 'You may retire.' He burst up laughing.

Jeanne quickly stood up, curtseyed and left the room. She left it so fast that the rest of court had no time to react to her actions. Only de Kinderres managed to stand and bow.

Catherine watched this scene with attention, although not openly. She could easily have a conversation with others being acutely aware of the events taking place at the king's table. If anyone were to watch her intently, they might have noticed a slight, short-lived freezing when she observed the king kissing the queen. But she was too good a player to be caught. She stored it all in her memory to use it in on appropriate occasion.

…

Jehanne was brushing Catherine's long blond hair. Both women were pensive. Both for different reasons. Jehanne remembered her encounter with the king; she was fearful if her lady would learn about it but she could not stop herself thinking about him.

Catherine's thoughts also were focused on Antoine. However, they were quite different to her maid. Catherine suspected that her maid might have had a little 'adventure' with Antoine as he was used to take anything what he wanted and she saw tale telling signs. She promised herself that she would never be so careless again as to leave Antoine unattended. He was too important.

She was quietly analysing the events that took place at the banquet. She was quite sure of her position with Antoine but this brief tenderness between them alarmed her. She knew that she somehow has to tighten her grip.

'Jehanne, stop playing with my hair, I can't sit here for hours as your thoughts wander.' The maid reddened. Catherine smiled disdainfully.

…

Antoine entered Catherine's room. With unavoidable cup in his hand. Jehanne was just about to help her lady into her bed. Both women stopped hesitantly and looked in his direction. Antoine smiled broadly. 'What a charming tableau!' he smirked.

Jehanne met Antoine's gaze for a mere second and deeply reddened, then quickly lowered her gaze to the floor. Catherine saw that and briefly smiled. 'Leave us, Jehanne' she said quietly. Jehanne curtseyed and without looking at anyone left the room.

'You really have to stop embarrassing my maids, my lord,' Catherine smiled knowingly.

Antoine laughed. 'I seem to be winning them with my incredible charm and magnetism.' He drunk his wine and threw away the cup. Catherine smiled, 'I have never doubted it, Your Majesty.'

Antoine slowly walked toward the bed and then jumped on it. He then turned on his back and folded his arms behind his head. Catherine was still standing by the bed. He looked at her for a while, 'Let down your hair, Catherine.'

She slowly reached behind and took out the hairclip that held her hair. With both hands she gently pushed her locks to the front. She waited for his other command as she saw that he was in a playful mood.

'Show yourself to me.' His voice was now husky with desire.

Not breaking the eye contact with Antoine, Catherine slowly untied the bow of her night robe. Antoine smile broadened as the robe fell to the floor, only revealing another one of those see-through chemises that Catherine was so fond of. She started to raise her chemise, gently rolling it on her hips. His eyes followed the slow rise of the material, showing first her calves, knees, thighs. He bit his lip, his breath has become heavier. The white mist of the chemise now left her full breasts, then her neck and finally revealed her face. As she was standing before him naked, Catherine dropped her night gown on the floor and started to play with her hair that flowed freely over her breasts, covering them from lustful gaze of Antoine.

'Come,' he whispered.

Catherine slowly mounted the bed and started crawling over him. When she reached his lips, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her deeply. His hands started wandering over her body. Catherine started to undo his shirt and trousers. She pulled from the kiss and started her kissing journey south. When she reached his lower belly he moaned with expectant pleasure and dug his long fingers into her hair.

She wanted to give him as much pleasure as she could. It did not mean that she could not enjoy it. She stopped pleasuring him and moved again towards his face. 'Why did you stop?' he asked with frustration in his voice.

'My love, we must dispense our pleasures in small doses to achieve the greatest of goals – pure ecstasy,' she said smilingly and started to cover his face with long, loving kisses. He smirked but let her kiss his face. Then she whispered into his ear, 'I think I deserve some of your attention, Your Majesty.' She started to kiss his neck.

He laughed quietly, 'Your wish is my command, my lady.' If only, she thought but then was taken into the realm of pleasure that was given by Antoine's lips. He gently licked her lower lip, then sucked it to request for her lips to open. As soon as she did his tongue reached to meet hers, sensuously, deeply and gently. His kisses always brought her to the brink of abandonment as if fireworks had erupted inside her. That was the aspect that she was at times unable to control. As much as she liked her grip over Antoine she struggled to distance herself and always be in control. It was nigh on impossible when his lips were on her body, his hands touched all of her curves and crevices, simply when he was in intimate situation with her. From her perspective it was dangerous; she felt that as soon as she fell in love with him, she would inevitably lose him. And that she could not afford.

His lips passed on to her neck, covering it with lingering, open-mouth kisses. 'You have this strange hold over me, Catherine,' he murmured into her skin. 'You're so beautiful and soft. I can never get enough of you.' He raised his head and looked into her eyes, 'You must be a witch,' he smiled mischievously; not waiting for her response he licked her right nipple and caught it in between his lips at the same time gently stroking her other hardened nipple.

She was just about to reply when involuntarily she moaned loudly as her body took over her responses. She arched towards him as the pleasure swept her into the cloud nine. Now it was her turn to dug her hands into his luxurious curls which she loved so much. She always thought that considering the circumstances she was extremely lucky that her king was such a beautiful man. Her surrender to him was that much easier and gave her so much pleasure.

He moved now to her stomach and then lowered himself between her thighs which she opened from him invitingly. He prided himself as very skilful with his tongue and hands when it came to giving pleasure. She wholeheartedly agreed. Her moans and heavy panting confirmed his abilities. It did not take long for her to peak, her body shook and hot flush spread over her whole body. She whispered in a harsh voice, 'Please, Antoine, please.' He did not stop and soon she was building another wave of desire. His hands stroked her thighs and only when her hips started to raise from the bed again he withdrew, shuffled towards her face. He kissed her deeply and possessively and then slid inside her. At this they groaned in unison. She wanted him to be very deep inside her, to be joined as one. As if reading her mind he moved her legs onto his shoulders and his thrusts became deeper, quicker, nearly frantic.

She was desperately trying to keep her cold reason but his passion and those kisses resulted in overwhelming ecstasy and her plans for this evening were brushed aside as she immersed herself in her pleasure. Only the present mattered.

…

He needed his wine. Those exercises always made him parched. He slid off the bed and walked towards the table where the wine and some cups were ready for them. Catherine knew him well as it was always there. And his favourite one, too. He smiled to himself, poured some wine into two cups and took them to bed. He gave one cup to her. Catherine was sprawled across the bed, still breathing heavily and waiting for her breath to return to normal. He watched her as she half raised herself to drink. He loved her body, she was definitely the most beautiful women he ever bedded. She was everything he was looking for in a woman. However despite his endeavours she eluded him still. Even when he was in her, he felt that there were still dark places that he could not penetrate.

Catherine smiled at him, 'Aren't you going to join me, my lord? You surely cannot leave me here alone now. I need you by my side and in my arms.' She mellowed, he thought.

'Catherine, are you trying to kill me?' He laughed. 'We have already done it twice in a row.'

'I know but I need you, my love.'

He bit his lip and smiled. As he was very busy in bed with Catherine, he had no time to disrobe fully. So now he put down his goblet and started to take off his shirt.

'My lord, I was thinking…'

He looked at her, 'Now, this sounds dangerous, my lovely.'

'I was thinking what is going to happen to our boy, Charles.'

'Don't worry he'll be fine.'

'I trust that, my lord, but it might be a good time for you to recognize him as your son…'

Antoine's face clouded. 'Why do you have to raise this question now, my lady?' His voice suddenly become harsh.

'Well, I did hear that the queen is with child again…' Catherine started hesitantly.

'How did you…' he could not finish as the anger fulfilled his body. He stopped undressing and put his clenched fists on the hips.

Catherine was silent. Her face that rarely betrayed any other emotions that those she wanted to convey clearly showed a fright. She might have made a mistake and it was an uncomfortable thought.

Antoine's next words seem to confirm it. 'Madam,' he said in a very low voice and very slowly 'there is time and place for such conversations. You chose wrongly!'

And with that he turned on his heel and left the room very quickly. He was very annoyed. No, not annoyed, furious. How dare she to insinuate even what is he to do or not.

In all honesty, he was fond of the boy. He looked very much like him. Charles might be even more like him that his proper son, Henry. But even if everyone knew that Charles was his son, officially recognizing him is a different story. But deep down he knew he will recognise him. It somehow slipped his mind so far. And he did not like to be reminded. It made him feel like he was again a boy and his father was constantly giving him a life lessons again.

In his rage he forgot where he was going. He did not want to sleep alone but now he was left with no choice. However he was not the one to dwell on uncomfortable or unpleasant thoughts. He always tried to find something that gave him pleasure in everything. Well, he might as well go to his chambers. He was sleepy anyway.