Disclaimer: I own nothing of Reign, this is for entertainment purposes only and I have never made a cent from this work.
AN: Here's the beginning of Catherine's birthday! Enjoy the read!
Open. Close. A shuffle of feet. A little hand slipping out. A whispered plea.
"Henry, no!"
But it was too late.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAMA!"
Little Prince Henry jumped into the bed of the Queen of France, plopping himself right down beside her. Sitting up in shock and confusion, her hair flying wildly, Catherine looked about. Her little golden boy was snuggled into her side with her Charles climbing in as well. Mary, off to the side and holding a tray, looked both amused and upset by all this. Was it her birthday? Catherine supposed it was if all this hullabaloo was any indication. Sitting up properly and giving her sons their morning kisses, she hugged her boys to her. Her daughter in law came forward with a tray, shifting little Henry's legs out of the way so she could set it down. Laden with all of her favorite delights, Catherine couldn't help but smile.
"The boys wanted to do something special for you and they asked me to help. Did we get it all right? Did we miss anything?" Mary asked, slipping Henry the bowl of glazed berries.
Catherine just smiled as Charles took the plate of honeyed rolls. "Everything is perfect, Mary. Thank you for helping the boys… even though they seem to be eating my breakfast themselves." She added with a wry smile.
Charles swallowed his mouthful of roll. "We…just want to make sure everything tasted alright."
"Oh, is that so?" His mother asked amusedly.
"Yes, Mother!" Henry piped up. "See, this berry could be bad. Let me just eat it and make sure." Henry popped the berry in his mouth, his face scrunching up in delight. "It's good! Maybe I should try another one just in case…" Catherine laughed, a happy sound.
She pushed his bangs out of his eyes. "Go ahead, sweetheart. I won't begrudge you your favorite treat, though please do take care and don't get any on my blankets, will you? That goes for you as well, Charles."
Her boys nodded their heads. "Yes, Mother!" The boys and Catherine munched away happily at their breakfast, Mary taking some fruit herself.
"And where's Francis this morning?" Catherine asked. Her eldest usually showed up around now on her birthday.
"Oh, he's…" Began Henry before being cut off by Charles.
"Shush, Henry!" Charles said with authority.
Mary smiled as Henry clapped his sticky fingers over his mouth. "Francis is setting up a surprise for you, Catherine. He gave Henry and Charles the strictest instructions that they weren't to tell you about any of it."
"Not even the boat ride!" Charles groaned.
"Henry…"
The little prince sighed. "Oops."
Catherine kissed his head once more. "Well, I promise to be surprised for whatever happens today." A knock on the door. "Enter." She called with all the elegance in the world—even though she was still in her nightgown surround by her children with her hair a mess.
The servant bowed, holding out a large box in his hands. "Your Grace, this arrived for you today from your daughter."
"Marvelous! Elizabeth told me she was going to send it. I'm so glad it came in time!" Mary stood from the bed excitedly and took the box into her own hands as Catherine waved off the servant. "Shall I open it, or would you like the honors?" Catherine gestured with a shrug to her armfuls of little boys. Mary smiled and slipped the lid off, reaching inside for the gift.
A blue the color of the spring sky at twilight with ivory embroidery, a gorgeous gown fluttered before Catherine's eyes. The detailing of the needlework at the hem and cuffs and neckline was exquisite, beyond perfect. Threads of gold were worked into the ivory, giving the dress a subtle shimmer. The blue was a wonderful, vibrant shade, one that she didn't possess in the whole of her wardrobe. Catherine thought fondly of her daughter away in Spain and prayed for her health and good fortune. She loved all her children, but she did worry so for her daughter. The Queen made a mental note to write to her darling girl as another knock sounded at her door. Bidding the servant entrance to her chambers, once more Mary clambered up to receive another package. This one was much smaller, but Mary still had to use two hands for it. Catherine gave the order to have the dress from Elizabeth pressed as soon as possible, she wanted to wear her present.
Mary's face lit up like the sun. "I'm so glad you liked the gown, Catherine, and that you'll be wearing it today. Francis and I coordinated with Elizabeth, and…well, happy birthday!"
Snapping open the lid of the box she held, Catherine gasped. Gold earrings inlaid with pearl and a matching necklace? Oh, it was beautiful. The earrings were reminiscent of her favorite chandelier style and just the right size. The necklace was stunning, but not over the top. The jewels really did go so well with Elizabeth's gown! Giving Mary a smile, Catherine thanked her for the present. Moving the now empty tray off of her legs, Catherine nudged her boys off of the bed and swung out her legs. Giving them all kisses, she assured them that she would be out and ready quite soon for whatever it was that Francis had in store. As her ladies rushed in to dress her in the gown that Elizabeth had sent, Catherine thought about what the day would bring. Francis always had the loveliest surprises on her birthday, and it was just so darling for the boys and Mary to surprise her with breakfast. As she was being dressed and primped for the day, another gift arrived, this time from her husband. A few song birds and the classic canary. Henry always got her a canary for her birthday. With her hair swept up and her new jewels on, Catherine wondered if she'd even see him today.
AN: I'm not sure if I'll have more time to write again today, but if I do, it'll be around midnight Pacific. I always write the best stuff around then. I'm hoping to do a whole round of updates for everything before going back to Late Nights. It's my personal favorite, to be completely honest. Tell me what you thought of this chapter!
To Maya: I love the little boys too! Ooooh, that prompt. We'll see where that comes into play. It WILL be addressed, I just don't know how soon. Thank you for reviewing, sweetie!
To CocoRocks: Glad you thought so :) Let me know what you thought of on this chapter!
To Catherine Woods: More family time coming up!
To smacked lover 22: Yes! *punches air with fist* I'm so glad you think the boys are adorable. I'm the youngest out of two girls, so I don't know how a band of boys would act together. Thank you for that :)
To Beawild: He is, isn't he? *sigh* I think Francis would be a wonderful father as well. I realllly hope that they bring in the boys for next season. I mean…You're bringing in Princess Claude, okay. Cool. Bring in my Valois princes as well, please!
To nainachica: SHUUUUUUUUUSH! Gracious, you're going to give the game away! Definitely some family fun times coming up! I have some sweetness for our favorite family. By the way: would you like to dance? It's coming up ;)