Disclaimer: I do not own Reign

Once Catherine was rested and recovered, King Francis and Henry hosted an extravagant celebration rejoicing in the birth of the next Valois heir. Francis, as he was christened in honour of his grandfather, was the center of the festivities until he promptly fell asleep in his mother's arms not twenty minutes into the celebration. Catherine would not have him taken away by the wet nurse, but found a comfortable place to sit and greet the nobility and clergy who had come to toast her son while he slept in her lap. Her father-in-law and husband greeted their guests formally and then Henry came to sit with his wife and son, but his excitement made it impossible for him to keep his seat. He made the rounds speaking animatedly with anyone who asked about the child. Just then Diane entered with little Sebastian at her heels.

"Oh, Henry! You will be so proud of your son! He rode on his own in the round pen today with the pony you gifted him!" She spoke loudly over the music.

At that Bash toddled hurriedly toward his father, who scooped him up and tossed him into the air with a loud 'whoop'.

"That's my boy, Bash! Did you ride fast on your pony? "

"Yes, father! He is veeeerrry fast! And everyone says I'm brave like you!"

Henry held Sebastian in his left arm and pulled Diane in with his right. When he caught sight of Catherine's face and set Bash down, stroking his hair, and released his mistress from his grasp. Diane kissed Henry and looped her arm through his, smiling at Catherine.

"You've missed your father, haven't you, darling?"

Sebastian nodded and flashed Henry a sweet grin. Diane leaned in close.

"He isn't the only one who has been missing you."

While Catherine watched Henry embrace his mistress and bastard son before the entire court, she kept thinking to herself that she was such a fool. His coming to her bed had simply been accomplishing what must be done for France, producing a legitimate heir. She had believed in the fairy story she created in her mind, convincing herself that her husband loved her. She had been senseless enough to believe that he loved her, that they would fulfill her ideation of the happy family. She held her infant son a little closer. He would be her world. She would pour herself into being a mother to him and he would love her in return.

Catherine rose and bid goodnight to King Francis, who kissed her forehead and turned to the court to announce that the dauphine and her son would be retiring, but the wine would continue to flow. He raised his glass to toast the sleeping babe and the court responded in salutation to young Francis. As she neared the exit Henry caught up with her.

"Catherine, wait! Why don't you get the wet nurse to take him to the nursery? This whole celebration is for us."

"Is it? I do not wish to stay." She replied, shooting a glance in Diane's direction.

"Must you always pout when I so much as speak to another woman?!"

Catherine was aware that they were becoming a spectacle for the surrounding nobles. Smiling she laid her hand on his chest and spoke lowly, "I am leaving. Please do not make a scene."

Catherine settled Francis in the nursery and informed the wet nurse as to what time she would come for him in the morning. As she entered her rooms she found that her ladies were not present. Turning she encountered Henry, vexed and awaiting her arrival. Henry looked up as the door closed.

"Where have you been? I have been waiting to speak with you."

"I was putting our son to bed. What would you care to speak with me about?"

"You know very well what! You made a scene all because I gave Diane a bit of attention! First she starts and now you! Why must I always be harassed by jealous women?!"

"I cannot speak to the cause of your whore's jealousy, but as for your wife's I should think it would be evident. I am made to watch as you swoon over Diane and that bastard before the whole court at a celebration in honour of my son!"

"YOUR son?" Henry was bellowing now. "I see, so he is your son?!"

"Our son." Catherine corrected herself. "But I will not allow our son to be eclipsed in the glory of a bastard!"

"I am the future king of France and you will allow whatever I choose!"

"And I am the future queen of France! As such I should be afforded some semblance of respect!"

"That title comes from your association to me! YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A RUINED ITALIAN FOUNDLING WHO HAD THE GREAT FORTUNE OF BEING A BARGAINING CHIP OF A POWER-HUNGRY POPE!"

Catherine recoiled inwardly at his words, but her years spent perfecting her mask were not in vain. The only sign that she even heard Henry speak was the whitening of her knuckles as she gripped the chaise. She saw him open his mouth to address her again, but she lifted her hand to stay his speech.

"I am tired and your whore is lonely. Assuage us both." She gestured towards the door.