Disclaimer: I own nothing of Reign except some major love I have for Catherine and Henry. Shoutout to my Cathry lovers!

AN: Hello all! This is Catherine in the same day as the whole grape-eating-incident. Warning: I wrote this chapter out on some paper towels while waiting inside a consulate so…It might be a little choppy. If ever you find yourself going to a consulate for some paperwork to be filled out, BRING SOMETHING WITH YOU. YOUR PHONE PROBABLY WON'T MAKE IT THROUGH. Anyway, enjoy the read!

Her pace slowed as she approached the throne room. Henry was at the entrance dressed in his deep red doublet and his informal crown. He seemed impatient, anxious and she wasn't sure what to do when he saw her and looked at her like that. His brown eyes lit up and a smile graced his handsome face as he strode with confidence up to her.

"Good afternoon, my Queen." His smile was the sun.

She glanced around to see if anyone else thought he was acting strangely. "Hello, Henry."

"You look beautiful today, is this gown new?" He swept his eyes up and down her frame.

"No, it's the same dress I was wearing this morning." She said slowly, unsure.

"Mmm, I see. Well! Anything would look gorgeous on you, Catherine." Henry said as if it were the most known fact in the world.

Before she had time to respond, Henry gently guided her into the throne room with a gentle hand on her shoulder. His thumb was slowly caressing her skin as they walked up towards their seats. Catherine cast him a wary look as he kissed her hand before walking over to plop into his throne. What game was he playing at? Sure, she'd been a little flirtatious recently, but what the hell was he doing? Henry didn't give her attention like this ever, not since they were young and he was attentive. Catherine didn't have to turn to know that he was still looking at her. Willing herself not to blush under his gaze, she waved her hand for their audience to begin. The herald announced the first guest to the court, a young man who said his wife's family hadn't paid her dowry in full and asked for the Crown's intervention. She waved him off. Honestly, what kind of problem was that? Take your money issues to the bank. So dragged on the afternoon with incompetent nobles, childish squabbles and a headache the size of the ocean—and still Henry looked at her.

What was he thinking on for so long that he couldn't even be bothered to listen to the problems of his nation? Idiotic problems to be sure, but still problems he should be aware of and rule on. Henry hadn't even bothered to turn his body to the visitors, he sat with his back against the arm of this throne in consideration of her. She lifted her chin just that bit higher. Eventually, all the issues had been dealt with and she dismissed Court for the day. Many stayed to mingle as was the fashion, but some walked off to do things she could care less about. Why would she care if Lord Victor shared a glass of wine on his balcony in the Eastern Wing? She didn't, but she knew these things anyway. Such was the life of a Queen, a million details you know and wished you didn't. All Catherine wanted to do right now was walk down to the fountain and forget about the way Henry was looking at her.

Rising with the ease and flare of a seasoned professional, she daintily lifted her skirts for the short drop from the dais. She cringed at the sound of Henry's footfalls behind her. What did he want now? She sighed and tried to calm down, he was probably just going to his room as well. No need to panic. The panic set in when he slipped an arm around her waist and drew her to his side. Fighting to breathe normally and for her heart to keep a steady pace, Catherine continued walking as if nothing had happened. He wasn't saying anything and that's what bothered her the most. If he would just speak, she could figure out his motives. Maybe he was planning a trip with Diane and wanted her to take care of the castle in his stead. It wasn't as if she wasn't doing that anyway.

They were nearing the doors to the grounds and Henry still hadn't let go of her. Adrienne was waiting for her at the door with a cape, but as her lady moved to place the material around her shoulders, Henry stepped up. Taking the covering, he gently place it around his wife's shoulders, lightly brushing a sensitive spot on her neck. Choking back the giggle that rose from that particular area, she pulled the cape tighter around herself. The chilled air was enough to clear her headache away, but unfortunately left her problems with her. Catherine closed her eyes as Henry caught up her hand in his grasp. He was warm as always and she wasn't sure if she felt dread or excitement at his touch. He was sober, or at least seemed to be. A quick glance at this eyes confirmed his clarity. What was going on? If he was bored with Diane, he'd go find some castle whore to delight in. He never spent his affections on her, not anymore. She wasn't even a pick me up, she was just there.

Diane was his main mistress, but he did get bored. Was she some new game to him? Catherine rolled her eyes. Honestly, Henry. Soon enough, their steps brought them to the fountain. Although not as extraordinary nor as creative as the fountains back in Italy, it was nice enough and she always enjoyed a quick stint to go listen to its happy waters if a walk to the lake wasn't possible. Settling herself down on the edge, she arranged her skirts around herself before placing her hands behind her and letting herself relax. She really shouldn't close her eyes around Henry. Sitting behind her, the King pulled her towards his chest. Catherine leant against him, letting her jeweled head rest against his shoulder before sighing and standing.

"What are you doing, Henry?" Her sigh was filled with exhaustion.

His voice was playful, but she was too tired to think it was charming. "Isn't it obvious?"

"Obviously not." She ran a hand down her face.

"I'm wooing you." Catherine just looked at him.

"What?!"

"I'm wooing you, Catherine. Working for your affections. Doing my best to impress you. Trying to be a perfect gentleman…" He stood up and walked over to her.

She cut him off, irritated. "Yes, I am aware of what wooing is. I've seen you do it often enough with your mistresses. Why are you wooing me?" She wasn't sure she wanted to hear his answer.

"Don't you know when you're wanted?" He played with a loose curl.

She looked up hopefully at him. "Is that what this is?" She sincerely hoped her voice was level.

"Catherine…" He began softly, pulling her to him.

"Henry, why? Why this? Why now?" Catherine stepped out of his reach, putting her arms around herself.

Henry reached for her shoulder. "The other night when you were in the bath…"

"Oh, for God's sake!" She huffed and began to stomp away.

"Catherine!" He called after her.

"Leave me alone, Henry." She called through gritted teeth.

"Catherine!" He grabbed hold of her arm and hauled her back to face him.

She nearly spat at him. "Let go of me, Henry!"

"Will you just…" It was too late for her to calm down.

She wrenched her arm out of his grasp and gave him a shove. "I won't be one of your little whores, Henry. If you want to have sex with me, fine. You're my husband and my King and you have a right to what's yours, so fine. Do not treat me like the women you humiliate me with. If you actually care about me, treat me like your wife and not your whore." She swept off like an angry wind of velvet brocade.

AN: 99% of that was written at the consulate. I'm just adding some bits to the dialogue parts to help you all see what I'm seeing and breaking up the paragraphs to a more readable size because apparently, everything looks the same on paper towels. I know it's rough and I'm sorry, my friends. We'll see if Henry can shape up next time :)

To Catherine Woods: Go ahead and think of the pants, sweetie, I'm not stopping you. Also, apologies that his wasn't nearly as heated as my last few. I wanted a little bit of Catherine to hold us down before we move on to Henry. I just typed that and read than and oh well, as we say, SHOUT OUT TO FELICITY SMOAK AND HER AWKWARD LINES!

To Maya: They won't kiss because all of yalls reactions to them not kissing is just so funny. True, but also because I don't think my Catherine would give in so easily to a man that's hurt her so much. I also wanted to grab them by the necks and make them kiss, buuuut THEY'RE JUST AS BAD AS EACH OTHER. Oh gracious. I'm terrible today.

To demedicigirl: Hold onto your crown, darling. More tension in the next chapter to make up for this chapter. Would you like to see a sleepover with Henry? I know I sure would.

To nainachica: EXACTLY MY IMAGE WHEN WRITING THAT PART! GOOD CALL! Sorry this chapter didn't live up to the sexiness. See my previous note for a little sneak peek into what'll happen next.

To smacked lover 22: YAY! Okay, this was more of an irritated Catherine piece, but well, she would be irritated at what his motives are.

To MariaPurt: In an earlier chapter, there's this part about how the seamstresses/tailors had messed up an order she had called for. She was in there double checking that all his new clothes were done right. Sorry for the confusion and thank you for reading my stories!