Disclaimer: I neither own Reign, nor profit from this story.

"I hope the evening thus far has been to your liking Caterina," he said, using the nickname which she used to go by…before the years had hardened her.

Smiling softly she thought back on the past few weeks and all of his surprises she replied, "It has husband."

He led her out toward the gardens, his arm cradling hers until they came to the door where a servant waited with a cape for her and a heavier coat for him. Offering her ascent she allowed him to drape her in the cloth, his hands gently brushing the skin along her upper chest and neck as he freed a few tendrils of hair worn loose around her face that had caught in the fabric.

As they came together once more they fell into a comfortable silence, taking in the evening, each one considering what had brought them to this point. Catherine hoping that the events of the past were not a foreshadowing of what was to come, Henry hoping that the past would not taint his efforts too terribly, or that he would turn down the same path again. No, not hoping. He knew that his choice to commit to her had to be final…in or out, no going back.

Making their way along the winding pathways, Catherine began to recognize different places in the gardens where she had memories from the past. Many happy, others less so. Every now and again Henry would distinctly turn them down a particular path, rather than simply letting then wander. After a short time he drew them to a halt and grasped both of her hands in his own. Henry looked at her for a moment before breaking the silence with a question, "Do you remember this spot Caterina?"

Looking around again she remembered several events that had taken place here, one of which she hadn't thought of in quite some time. Deciding to wait on his answer instead of hoping for things that she was still not sure of she replied simply, "Remind me."

Instead, Henry reached into his pocket and concealed something in the palm of his hand before dropping down on one knee.

"Does this ring any bells my darling?"

Clenching her hands in the folds of her skirts in order to release some of the building tension and to hopefully hide her moderately shocked response, she released a breath and with a small voice replied, "yes."

Encouraged by her muted response…a rare occurrence for his Queen, the King smiled and reached out to free one of her hands to draw it between their bodies.

Delicately lifting her hand to his eye level he revealed the gift in his other hand and slid a ring onto her first finger. He let the weight of her hand rest in his as he looked up to see his wife taking several controlled breaths as she glanced first at the ring and then back at him.

The ring was made of two intertwining gold bands, one plain and one with a filigree design. In the center of the band was a large deep amethyst surrounded by smaller gems of varying colors.

Discomforted by his current position and still unused to the attention, Catherine bid Henry to rise before guiding him over to a nearby bench.

Resting her now trembling legs she took a moment to admire the gift and consider her answer. "Henry," she began, "It is not necessary to give me such a gift. No matter what has transpired between us, I am not going anywhere. I should hope the last twenty five years have given you confidence enough of that."

Choosing his words carefully Henry continued, "This is not about keeping you here, or even about impressing you with jewels. This is about me making my intentions known to recommit to our family. Not our country, not even our relationship in the sense of…of…" apparently running out of word he paused, flustered. "Catherine, Caterina, mi amour…I am choosing you, and our family as my future."

Reclaiming her newly adorned hand he continued, "The bands represent us. I am the plain solid band, while you are the crafted and more delicate band. You are my…while I am…my love, you are strong and able in your own right, but over these last years I should have a source of strength for you. You are certainly more than capable in everything that you do, but you should not need to be strong in all things, and in this I have failed you."

Taking the time to circle the center stone with his thumb, he continued, "The center stone represents your royalty and regality…not only as the Queen of France, but of my life." Abandoning her hand to cup her face he wanted to make sure she had his full attention. "Though you have already banished her from the Castle, I am formally ending my relationship with Diane and would like for you to write to her with that authority and sever our bonds so that you can be sure of my sincerity. I only ask that you permit my to continue to send her a reasonable allowance to live on and retain one of the residences she has lived in as her own. I will not visit her, and she will not be allowed back here without your permission. I hope this helps to cement the sincerity of my commitment."

Setting her jaw to keep it from trembling Catherine nodded and placed on of her hands over his hoping that he was not expecting her to speak as she might just end up bawling and ruining the whole night.

Bringing her forehead near, he kissed her temple before leaning back and reclaiming he hand to finish his explanation. "The surrounding stones are each a symbol of our children, including Mary, and Bash for whom I know you have found a place in your heart despite their origins."

At that she closed her eyes as he pushed on. "Diane was not always the most attentive mother, and despite Bash's threat to Francis's claim to the throne, there were small things, attentions, offerings which I knew came from you. You're mothering instinct is virtually without bounds, I know that. It's one of the many things which I deeply admire about you."

"Henry," she began, eyes shining with unshed tears…

But he cut her off, "I am not asking for anything Catherine," returning to the use of her formal name for emphasis, "except for your sincere consideration. I love you and want to make this work. I realize that our most recent time together in my chambers was a distraction so that I would spare your life, but it made me think. I cannot imagine my life without you, and want you to know that I am choosing you. Not Diane, not Kenna, not the many privileges afforded a King…just you."

Standing and moving a few steps away, her back turned toward him, she paused before answering, needing some distance and the chance to collect her thoughts.

"I am beginning to believe the sincerity of your intentions, Henry, although it will still take me time to trust you. As for your offer regarding Diane, I am sure you are quite capable of writing such correspondence, though I will hold you to her not returning to the Castle unless you consult me first."

She turned to face him, "As for your gestures today and this evening, I do appreciate the effort you have put forth and the sincerity with which you have spoken," she paused before continuing, "but you should know that if you hurt me again, I do not know that I will survive it another time, and certainly not with any measure of forgiveness left in me. "

"What I told you that night," she continued around the lump that had grown at the back of her throat, "when I told you I loved you I was not lying, but to this point, that love has only ever brought me pain, and eventually enough is enough."

"My love, I…"

"No Henry, you actions have been admirable, but I am done hearing pretty words…if you want me to trust you again, whole and fully, than show me amore mio…just show me."

Accepting her words, Henry stood and extended his arm for the walk back to the Castle. She accepted his arm and let him lead her back to the Castle.

It was not a loss, and it was a bigger win than he had expected.