Authors Note: Hey Lovelies! How are you all?! Just letting you know I'll have some more free time on my hands for a while at least so updates should be pretty quick! Please review, much love xox

Catherine moved quickly to her chambers, guessing Mary would arrive shortly with questions to confirm what she had sent Francis to tell her earlier, that the prophecies had been altered. Sure enough, she was right. As always. It wasn't ten minutes after she settled in her rooms that the Queen of Scots burst through the door conflicted and confused. She couldn't blame the girl for her mistrust after all that had gone on between them, if she were to simply take her at her word, well, she wouldn't be the head strong girl Catherine had grown to care for, though of course she would never allow such things to be known. Proof, she wanted proof that her word was true. For a moment the French Queen was at a loss for how to provide said proof until her eye caught a the porcelain trinket Henry had picked up for her on one of his travels years ago. She was never fond of it, not that it wasn't pretty it was just that every time she saw it she was reminded of what he brought back for Diane. She'd admit it brought her some satisfaction destroying the blasted thing, as she used it to slice her wrist she was struck by all the many times she felt slashed open by the man whom gifted her the floral abomination, the irony. But she had no time for such thoughts now, she needed focus on convincing Mary of the truth.

She was lucky she had managed to convince her new Spanish protectors to wait outside as she could only imagine what Elisabeth would say of all this. Her eldest daughter had never been fond of her methods of convincing others.

She grew weaker by the second as her blood continued to spill but she stood her ground and powered through her little speech to the young scot, trying to keep her voice from wavering or giving away her pain as she sat down at her dresser chair. Thank God. She thought as Mary finally put her stubbornness on hold and moved to assist her in tending the wound. Certainly took long enough the exhausted older woman thought to herself. She understood Mary's conflicted heart, long ago she too had loved two men. Though she was never given the luxury of a choice, she was already married to Henry when she met Richard, not that she would've chosen differently if given the chance. Despite all the pain he caused her and what she may have said in the past, she would always love her Henry best. She knew it was the same for Mary. She loved Bash because he was in love with her and made her the sun and the moon of his whole life, letting himself and his love revolve around her unflinchingly doing all in his power to help her. In truth her husbands bastard reminded her much of her former lover in many ways. But just as his father owned hers, Francis would always own Mary's heart. Because women like them, Queens, well they were just gluttons for punishment it seemed.

They hid her wrist quickly as they heard the doors open, fearing the rumours that my spread, or perhaps even Henry's reaction should he learn his wife had slit her wrist in her chambers with the Queen of scots as a witness.

Luckily, he was merely a guard of Henry's, and kept his eyes averted on the off chance they were indecent or indisposed. He relayed the message of Henry's summons and they exchanged a nervous glance. Bandaging her wrist quickly and in a way that was descent enough not to draw attention.

They walked into the throne room together but quickly separated, Catherine taking a place beside Elisabeth, much to her daughters delight as she took her mothers hand in her own, thankfully it was her uninjured hand. Small blessings, the Queen thought. Mary on the other hand was not so blessed, as it was she who had the Kings undivided attention for the gathering he called. It seemed that he had received word of Mary Tudors death, the best news he'd heard in months it would seem , his excitement was obvious but recent events had worn away much of his polite disposition and now his eagerness and impatience showed clearly. He demanded she marry one of his sons that very night, making it quite clear he didn't give a damn which as long as it got him closer to claiming the throne to England. Though, if he were to be honest there was a second motivation for his haste.

He had begun to come to his senses and today realised he couldn't go through with his plan to execute Catherine. She was too invaluable to him to throw her away in anger. She kept him balanced and made him a better ruler, she was a constant in his life he couldn't go without, she was an asset to France and many other reasons he had thought up that paled in comparison to his true reason. He loved her still and if he were a brave enough man to be honest, that's all there really was to it.

As she objects to being bullied Catherine felt her daughter about to intervene and start on some spiel about their being no choice to make and if she wanted an alliance with France she would marry its rightful heir, but with a firm squeeze to her hand her actions were altered and the message was received. Mother would handle this one.

She waits a while after Mary runs off to her rooms before coming to see her. Thinking of just what to say to get through to her when she is struck with an idea. Carefully she removes the Vatican seal she had stolen from her uncle in her youth, just for emergencies sake. Using it to enclose an empty parchment she would use to show the young Queen where her heart lay. It was clear Mary wasn't thrilled by her presents but she didn't wait to be told to leave or given any teenage spirit, simply bursting right into her her little speech.

"I argue you love one more."

Looking into her eyes now she was reminded of the young Queen she had once treated as one of her own, remembering her sad and indecisive ebony orbs implored her to help make the all important decision of which doll to take in the carriage for their day outing. But in this instance Catherine could not give her the answer or decide for her, it was something she alone had to discover the answer to by looking into her heart.

Puzzled at first by the blank page she opened , she looked up at her soon to be mother in law with a now knowing smile. It had been a trick yes, but she had discovered in that moment just before she opened it what she wanted it to say. Which one she loved more.

When news of Mary's decision reached Henry he was relieved to say the least. Elisabeth would now be appeased and this gave him cause to clear Catherine of all charges without seeming weak. Had it been Bash she'd chosen, well it would've made things considerably more complicated to say the least.

Deciding this was a message he would much like to deliver in person he made his way to his wife's chambers, only to be blocked from entering by six large spaniards. He was growing tired of his daughter overruling his authority in his own castle. He briefly considered having them all killed and walking over their bodies to see his Queen, but Elisabeth would surely catch wind of such drastic measures rather quickly and come down to stand between he and his wife herself.

As if sensing his presence Catherine came to the door just as her husband was threatening to have her daughters men forcibly removed.

"Henry? What are you doing here?" She snapped, her wrist still causing her trouble she was trying to find something to relieve her pain and wasn't in the mood for his taunting

"I seek your council" he answered simply, looking at the brutish men that stood in his way "alone."

"Very well" came her tired sigh, signalling for him to be let through. They had quickly taken to following her orders, she was a strong woman and her willingness to speak their language and her hospitality since they had arrived, allowing them as much food and luxury as they desired, she had earned their admiration. They trusted she knew what was best for her own safety so they stayed outside and allowed her the privacy she requested despite their Queens order not to let her leave their sight. Though they stayed ever vigilant and made sure to listen for any sound that might indicate distress.

Henry walked passed them a smug smirk and followed his wife into her bedroom. "Has Mary made her decision?" She asked, assuming that was his reason for visiting. "Indeed she has" he answered, his hand gliding over the trinkets on her dresser, his eyes searching for one in particular but coming up short. "Though, it is my decision I came to inform you of"

"Oh? And which decision would that be, my lord?" He smiled at that, he swore she knew but she was going to make him say it, make him squirm for his latest discretions.

"I have called off your execution"

She was overwhelmed with relief at his words but as always, she hid her emotions with her one of her infamous snarky remarks, her arms folding over her chest "meaning that Mary has chosen Francis and so there is no reason for you to risk your children's wrath?"

He shook his head, not bothering to hide his amusement at her antics "meaning that I was recently reminded that as King I don't have to do anything that I don't want to" he explained, looking into her eyes pointedly as he began to walk over to her.

As he got closer she started to walk backward, though he continued to stride forward, undeterred by her attempt to put distance between them. A few more steps and her back hit the wall, his hands came to rest on the stone either side of her head, looming down over her in a way that made her breath catch in her throat "hmm and whom may I ask brought on this little..revelation"

"I think you know" he smiled softly, brushing the bridge of his nose against hers.

"Henry..I don't want to upset you" she managed, her voice shaking slightly as he kissed the base of her jaw, inhaling the scent that was so distinctly her.

"then don't" came his husky reply as he bit down on her earlobe. His touch was intoxicating, like a drug to a recovering addict. Her husband had always been her chosen poison, hence why what she did next almost killed her.

"I must get ready for the wedding" she answered firmly, pushing his chest softly so he'd understand. After a moment he nodded and backed away slightly, his hand coming to cup her face briefly before letting it drop with a single chuckle. Of course she had denied him, she could never let things be so easy. For a moment he wondered if perhaps he was losing his touch. Seducing her and never been much of a struggle in their younger days. Alas, she was right. The wedding would start soon and he too had to be ready and so he didn't press her further.

" I shall leave you be, my Queen...for now" he smirked, before leaving without another word.

They spent much of the wedding exchanging glances, if he were honest the King barely looked at anything else all night. Catherine however did everything in her power not to make eye contact, standing between Mary's mother and Elisabeth she forced herself to focus on the young couple as they signed their marriage contracts. She was so proud of her Francis, he had grown into a fine young man and she knew he would be a devoted husband. They were a lucky pair, to love each other before they were wed. The case had not been the same for she and Henry, granted they were married mere days after their meeting. Though her eyes drifted to his, pulled to him almost like a magnet proved that didn't make the love they did develop any less powerful. He couldn't keep his mind off of her all night, she consumed him in a way he had almost forgotten her capable of. Henry dominated Catherine's thoughts also, though hers were filled with more turmoil than his own. She may not be losing her head but it didn't stop her heart from stinging from his continuous mistreatment. She loved him dearly but she couldn't give in to him again the way she had recently, the way he wanted her to today. To reward him with her affections was a mistake she wouldn't allow herself to make, letting him in again so that he could crush her with his inevitable betrayals..was something she simply couldn't do again.

Finally seated at the reception Catherine turned to her ebony Queen. "So, I must know, how did you manage to find out so quickly about your fathers plans?" Elisabeth smirked as she took a sip of her wine "Letters. From Claude" she answered quietly, watching in amusement as her mothers face contorted in shock "Claude?! But she-"

"has spies all over the castle keeping her informed even from afar" she interrupted with a chuckle "she's much more like you than I believe you're aware, mother"

Henry watched from the other side of the room as his wife laughed true night away with their daughter, finally accepting that she was avoiding him for a reason and that she would likely continue to do so the rest of the night. He decided to retire for the evening, though he had not half an hour to himself to relax and reflect before his thoughts were interrupted by the Lady Kenna. At first he tried to resist her charms as he knew it would most likely only cost him later, but he was only a man and when it came to beautiful women he was weak. As he ravaged her body though it was Catherine that filled his thoughts. He closed his eyes and he saw her face, imagined that it was her hands on his writhing body, pretended it was her voice screaming his name and in the height of his passion it was his Queen his called out for, to the shock of both the King and his mistress.

TBC