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Soon, Henry and Catherine were meeting every few nights to discuss plans for taking and keeping Calais. Since Catherine was not allowed during in council he would debrief her and keep her updated. He fully trusted her judgment, but convincing the rest of the gentlemen, especially those that still viewed her as a foreigner, would not happen overnight.

Tonight was no exception. Currently Henry was sitting down at a table, looking over a military map of Calais, trying to figure out the best plan for attack. Catherine was turned around leaning against the table to Henry's left, pouring over letters written by generals and spies about the English's movements.

Spain was practically surrounding them, with influence in England, the Holy Roman Empire, and Italy. Henry wanted to make a statement, and let Spain know that France was just as mighty and taking back Calais felt like a step in the right direction.

He knew he needed to tread carefully and make only prudent decisions, hence why he needed Catherine's advice, that and it was a perfect excuse to be alone with her.

Actually at this very moment Henry was struggling to concentrate on the project before him. Every little twitch, sigh, movement, anything Catherine did would distract him. Normally he could keep his affections at bay but right now, his desire for her was coursing through him. He found his eyes constantly being pulled in her direction, which was nonsense really, Catherine was just standing there, not doing anything provocative, except existing.

"Henry what do you think…" As Catherine spoke her hand came down onto Henry's, and he was lost. The world actually stopped. He heard nothing that she said. All that he could focus on was the energy between their two hands. Her touch, innocuous as it was, had Henry reeling.

Blinking, Henry slowly lifted his head to look at her. Oh, the world was spinning he noted, that would explain the dizziness he felt. Once his eyes finally beheld her face, the air was knocked right out of him. Despite the concerned, confused expression, he realized she was the most spectacular thing his eyes had ever beheld.

In this moment he fully understood the true depth of his emotions for her. He had always been attracted to her, always known that he had loved her, always craved peace within their union, but now he knew, he felt the enormity of his love.

Continuing on without her wasn't an option at this point. Catherine made him a better king and father, in return he knew he had to be the best of husbands. Even the possibility of going to war with England didn't scare him. He had nothing to fear, as long as Catherine was right there he knew things would be ok. There was no way he could give up on them.

"Henry are you alright? You look as if you might cast up your dinner?" Catherine asked tentatively starting to withdraw her hand from his grasp.

Coming back to the present, Henry tried to process her question. His grip on her hand only tightened.

"I'm great! I'm wonderful! In fact I've never felt better!" He responded enthusiastically, standing up with a new found energy. "I've just realized the most monumental thing." He reached around and grabbed her other hand, making it so they would be face to face, or they would be if Catherine weren't quite so perfectly short.

Chuckling at his antics, Catherine asked, "And what military strategy have you come up with?"

Realizing that Catherine believed his outburst to be related to Calais, he wasn't sure how to tread next. He knew that just coming out and declaring his love would be a waste, she would never believe the authenticity of his words, not that he could blame her. Her walls that he was slowly trying to break would come back up.

He also knew that he wasn't quick enough to come up with even a flimsy attempt of a strategy to share with her.

Who knew talking to one's wife could be so difficult.

"I've just…that is to say…" he blundered, "I've come to realize something and I've got to tell you."

"Go on" Catherine replied hesitantly, as if she knew where this was going and didn't actually want him to go on.

"It struck me how remarkable you are" Henry started, deciding show her how much you respect her would be the best approach. "I mean here you are poring over documents to try and help your neglectful wastrel of a husband. Despite everything I've done to you, the affairs, Diane, doubting your intentions, making mockery of you in front of the court, everything, you are still here."

While finding a spot to look at on the floor, Catherine whispered, "I don't want Francis to inherit a ruined kingdom."

"What I really mean to say is, I'm sorry" that got her to look up, and once she did Henry was punched in the gut. Her eyes showed her shock at his apology, but also years of hurt, all by his hand. "I'm sorry for turning to Diane, I'm sorry for all the other little dalliances, for undermining your position, for allowing Diane to undermine you, just," he paused trying to gather the right words, "I'm just sorry for not being the husband you deserve."

After what felt like hours Catherine finally responded, "I'm….I'm not quite sure what to say." She was clearly trying to process everything he had just said, and probably was also trying to gauge his authenticity.

"You don't need to say anything" he said taking a step closer to her while lowering his head so he could whisper to her, "Just know that I'm not giving up on us, I won't ever give up on us". She shivered at his words, causing Henry to smile. He loved knowing that despite everything he still had some sort of effect on her.

Of course he wanted that to involve more than lust. He wanted her to know that she could trust him with anything. He wanted her eyes to light up with love and laughter when she saw him, not pain and anger. He wanted her to need him like how he needed her. In that moment he would have sworn that even his breathing depended on her, so strong was his love for her.

Bringing her hands up to his face he kissed both knuckles, "I'll prove it to you." And with that he turned to leave and let her collect her thoughts. He wanted to declare everything to her, truly let her know how much he loved her, but also knew that overwhelming her would send her fleeing in the other direction, and his apology already had her head spinning.

He could do this. He could win back his wife's affections. Her guard was already slipping. Certainly Catherine kissing him after the banquet, and their moment behind the tree was proof of that, both of which he often relived. Yes, he could win her back.