Disclaimer: Nope, I do not own Reign

As Nostredame placed Catherine's child into her arms, Catherine explored her little face hungrily. That birth mark was blatant evidence that the child was not Henry's. Many refer to such discolourations as the Devil's mark, but she knew that it wasn't Satan who had marked this child. It was Richard. He had a similar stain on his jawline and if Henry saw it he would know. Ever since she was married Catherine had dreamed of her first child. Henry would be there bursting with pride. She would shush and rock her perfect little one to sleep in her arms. She would finally have a family.

How true it was that dreams rarely manifest into reality. She thought back to the first person who had ever taught her that fantasizing was useless, that reality must be accepted and dealt with. Catherine was raised with her Aunt Clarice after both of her parents died. She was the only maternal figure Catherine could remember. It was with her that Catherine lived until she was taken as a hostage to live in a series of convents. As the atmosphere of Florence grew darker Aunt Clarice modelled for her niece the strength that Catherine had yet to attain. She was the strongest, hardest woman Catherine had ever known. Catherine had since taken her example to heart and hardness had served her well. She knew that this child would need that same strength, that same resilience.

"Clarissa"

Nostredame looked up, "Your Grace?"

"She is to be called Clarissa."

"A very nice choice… If I may, I have had experience working with such… deformations in the past… There is a woman who could act as a wet nurse. I could take the child with me and attempt to correct it."

"Her." Catherine corrected him, "And, yes, please you must remove it. She… I will pay you well for your assistance and your silence. I will send word to you, you are not to tell anyone about this evening or the identity of my child."
"Of course, I will act with the utmost discretion. If my efforts should prove unsuccessful…"

"They cannot! You say you have experience, USE IT! You must leave, now. I will send my lady to you in a fortnight." She cradled little Clarissa close and kissed her, "May God bless you, my sweet girl."

Nostredame departed with little, swaddled Clarissa, leaving Catherine to her thoughts. She was weak and exhausted from fear and labor. Her muscles trembled and her heart raced. She wept as thoughts swarmed in her mind. Would Nostredame be able to remove the stain? What would she do if all of his attempts failed? That child had no one in the world except her mother. Richard could never claim her and she could never come back to court with that stain. She loved her child. She loved Clarissa more deeply than she thought possible, but she couldn't help the shame that washed over her when she thought of her betrayal. Her mistake had cost her so much, and Richard… He loved her, she knew that. He demonstrated his love through self-sacrifice, something Henry could never give her. And Henry, he had loved her when they were young, when the future stretched out before them full of possibility and promise. Now she had fooled him into thinking it was his child she carried. He was so excited, not just proud of his own virility, but truly buoyant with glee over the child in her belly. He told her that this was their second chance at happiness. Little did he know… Why should she feel guilt?! He had a procession of mistresses that he had proudly displayed to her disgrace. He had certainly sown one bastard, how many others were there dispersed across France? The tears came harder when she thought of what her actions may cost Clarissa. Her life would be ruined if Nostredame's efforts were futile or if anyone found out her true paternity.

Just then she heard someone clamoring down the hallway. A jovial Henry burst inside, but his face immediately fell. The sight of his wife's tears and the absence of their child caused his heart to seize in his chest.

"Catherine, what happened? Are you alright? Where is the physician? And the child?"

"She was… unwell." Catherine managed, "He has taken her to try to heal her…"

"I should have been informed at once when you went into labor! I'm going to strangle that buffoon for failing to keep me apprised. Are you feeling alright? Is there anything you need?" He spoke, keeping his distance.

"No, I will be fine."