Scorn and Neglect Ch 10.
Rating: M for language and sexual content (not what you think, people minds out of the gutter! Or keep 'em there...whatever works ;)
Summary: Bash and Catherine arrive at Chenonceau and things get interesting :)
Disclaimer: I own nothing about the show "Reign."
AN: For demedicigirl-ask and you shall receive.
Catherine soaked her aching muscles within the soothing, lavender-scented, bath water. The doors to the balcony surrounding her rooms stood open, allowing in the cool night air. She leaned her head back against the cold metal allowing the sound of the flowing Cher river to rock her into a meditative state. Candle Light flooded the room as she sank lower into the welcoming depths of the water. The entire setting was a harsh contrast to the very real danger she knew she was in; but just for this night she'd decided to forget about it all and simply be, Catherine. She had a book waiting on her to read, more wine to drink, and no expectations of her as far as courtly duties were concerned.
The two day ride to Chenonceau had been grueling, to say the least. They had collectively made the decision to push through the night and get to their destination as soon as possible, due to the impending threats on the Queen Mother's life. Bash had made that brilliant decision despite Catherine raging at him that she needed food and sleep.
Her thoughts turned to the bastard in question. There was something about him that had changed. She couldn't quite place her finger on what it was, but to her, he seemed more tangible. She didn't look at him and see a child any longer, but what unhinged her more was the way he looked at her. It was as if his eyes pierced her very soul and that was precisely what he wanted from her. Her soul. His eyes on her frightened her and comforted all at the same time. As matter of fact, he was the one man she could honestly say she truly did trust. He seemed to understand something about herself that at times she didn't even quite understand.
She had to admit, she did feel better. Being away from the castle and the pressures that seemed to always be weighing on her shoulders, her head already seemed clearer. This would be good for her; to have some time to think and relax was just what she needed. She'd spent every waking moment since Henry's death making sure Francis was taken care of; that the Valois line was secure and unshakeable. That, however, had not come without a very heavy price. She reached for her wine glass and took a generous drink, enjoying the burn of the thick liquid all the way down to her belly. Perhaps this sojourn wouldn't be such a bad thing.
Bash walked the grounds with his men one last time before turning in for the night. He had the night-shift guards up and ready and had already given them specific instructions. The remaining men had split up to walk the grounds and make certain everything was secure. He was given the chapel on the east grounds of the estate. After checking doors, making certain they were locked, he turned back towards the castle. His eyes were drawn to the light piercing through the heavy night sky. He moved closer and could see, it was Catherine's room. The doors to the balcony were flung open and he could see her relaxing in the bath. He groaned in frustration despite the growing tightness he suddenly felt in his pants at the thought of her naked body lazily soaking in that very room which was an unexpected idea that flew to his mind.
"Is she trying to get herself killed!?"
He marched quickly in the direction of her rooms, passing Frederick a fellow guard, "all clear out here Sebastian. What shall I do about-"
"Not now, Frederick."
Frederick fell into step with Bash and noticed where his eyes kept going, "Bash what are you doing? You can't just barge in there angry, she'll kill you! She is just trying to gain a sense of normalcy-"
Bash turned on the younger man, grabbed him by the color of his jacket and shook him, "Don't talk to me about her! You know nothing about her. Don't presume otherwise." He dropped his hands from the man who stood stunned at Bash. As he turned his eyes went to her room again, "If she wants to act reckless-that's what she'll get in return."
After the almost half a mile long journey up winding staircases, he came to her room. His frustration had now boiled over into full anger. Without stopping to knock, he burst through her doors sending her into a frenzy as water sloshed everywhere from her tub.
"Oh my! I beg your pardon!? Sebastian! How dare you just barge in!"
He strode past her with purposeful steps, trying desperately not to notice her naked form just below the water's surface, or her ample bosom that rested just above it. He moved to the doors of her room and angrily began to shut them before turning on her.
"Need I remind you, your Majesty. That this is not a pleasure-filled vacation, but rather allow me to remind you that there is a man out there who wants you dead, Catherine!"
She glared at him, trying to no avail to cover her breasts from his eyes. "Divert your eyes at once! You have no business bursting in here unannounced!"
She reached over for her robe and clutched it as he at least had the decency to turn around so that she could properly confront him. That, however, didn't stop his tirade of angry scolding of her.
"I will enter wherever I like as long as I am trying to keep you safe. I don't know what this need for self-destruction is on your part, but I need you to get this out of your system, Catherine!"
He turned around just as she finished tying her robe and moved in front of him, "You forget your place, Bash. I am your Queen!"
He leaned forward, teeth on edge, fire shooting from his eyes, "You were my Queen. Now it's my job to make certain you keep your life. The man who stole your innocence and your virtue is out there plotting revenge against you -and you!? You act as if nothing is wrong and that this is some sort of joke!"
She scoffed as she moved past him, "This is not a joke to me, Bash. You're out of line speaking to me in such a way."
The moment she moved past him, he grabbed her arm and twirled her back towards him, "I'm not done with you yet, Catherine!"
Her hand came up swiftly, and with practiced perfection made sharp contact with his face. The crack resounded off of the stone walls as she seethed at him, "Yes. You. Are. Take your hands from me"
He didn't know what came over him, but In a flash his lips crushed against hers. Her body tensed. Raw emotions flooded his senses. It was as if he was no longer in control of his own body. He'd never felt such conflicting feelings. He began to pull away, trying to stop himself, but Bash felt her wind her arms around his neck and push her hands through his hair. God help him, he was lost in her. He deepened the kiss, licking past her lips, hungrily tasting the depths of her mouth. He caught a small moan from her, as his hands went to her backside gripping her against his erection.
She smelled heavenly. Her skin was softened from the warm bath water, and he could feel heat flooding from her body into his own. She tasted of bitter wine and sweet cinnamon. Bash thought, the taste of her had to be the most delicious thing on Earth. He needed to stop this. He knew it. But her arching her hips into him and moaning against his mouth had his hands flying for the front of her robe instead.
A sudden knock on the door caused them to flee from each other's embrace. Catherine kept her back to him as he looked towards the door trying to steady his breathing and gather his wits, "Come in, " he'd said it more gruffly than he'd meant to.
Charlotte poked her head in, "Pardon me, sebastian, but I was just coming to ready the Queen Mother for bed."
He smiled at Charlotte, and moved his hands in front of his body to shield his obvious erection from her view. "Of course, I was simply informing the Queen Mother that the grounds are secure, the night guards are up, no one is to leave the castle until morning."
Charlotte nodded and shut the door behind her. Catherine stood with her arms crossed staring out at the balcony.
He turned to her and saw the regret etching her features. His shoulders fell in defeat. He knew kissing her was wrong, but did she always have to be so goddamned controlled all the time? He could see the fear behind her hazel eyes. For those few small moments she was just as she wanted to be, she lost herself in simply being a woman with a man who desired her. However, just as quickly as the moment had been gifted to him, she stole it back away because of a soul that had heard the words 'you are unloveable' too many times.
"I'm sorry, Bash. That was a mistake, I should have….we shouldn't have ever…." Her fingertips continued to brush at her lips that were red from his assault on them. It was as if she were savoring the taste of him on her still; holding on to him for a few seconds longer; her words dying on those lips as she found herself craving the taste of him all over again.
Her eyes met his and he nodded, "The fault is mine. I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me. I'll leave you, if that's what you want." He stood waiting for her to tell him. He needed to hear her say she didn't want him. He needed to convince himself that what just happened between them was wrong, because it certainly didn't feel that way.
"Catherine?"
She turned to him, "What do you want me to say, Bash? Do you want me to ask you to stay? I can't-we can't-and you know this. Just….go, Bash. Please, Just go."
He bowed to her, fighting the ache that clutched his heart and the need to go to her, lay her down on the bed, and make sweet, passionate, love to her for the rest of the night. As he moved from her chambers back to his own he allowed his tongue to trace his bottom lip. God, he could still taste her. He could still smell her on him and feel her soft body pressed up against him. Bash suddenly felt the need for a Bath himself-a very cold one.
AN: Alright lovies, hope you enjoyed. I packed a lot into this chapter-but oh well! Too much to play with!
To CallmeCordelia1: Glad to hear your wonderful review, dearest! Glad you enjoyed that part, it was actually the easiest part of the whole chapter to write for me. i feel that's the nature of Catherine's survival mode. CHEERS!
To: Lizz204: I'm glad you enjoyed, love. More to come!
To: demedicigirl: Welllll?! Hate it or like it? Suggestions are always welcome!