[Bolded text are exact quotes from Reign]

The first day back on the road was quiet. Neither Bash or Catherine made a move to speak to the other, afraid to do so while having two new traveling companions. They couldn't take the chance they would be overheard. So they just sat in their awkward silence once more.

On the final morning of their trip, Bash woke to find Catherine sitting on the edge of the carriage, staring at the casket. He slowly walked over to her. She looked exhausted. She had obviously not slept well.

"How am I supposed to get that picture out of my head? How am I supposed to keep moving without that thought creeping into my every nightmare or daydream? It won't stop replaying in my head." she said in an even tone, without looking at him. He didn't know how to answer her, or even if he should, so he just put his hand on top of hers and they looked at each other knowing that nothing need be said.

When they finally arrived at the castle, Narcisse and the Cardinal were not pleased to see them.

"Take the queen mother into custody. You didn't seriously think you could return here and retain your freedom." said Narcisse.

"I've returned to earn my freedom." said Catherine.

"Unload the king." said Bash.

"The king?" said Narcisse.

"I have endured many trials, but nothing as painful as being forced to look upon the decaying corpse of my firstborn son." said Catherine as Mary and Lola entered the courtyard.

"Dear God, Catherine." said Narcisse.

"That is an image that I can't get out of my mind, Stephan. And it was you who put it there. You gave me no choice. I'm innocent, and my son's body will prove it. Open the coffin. Mary, avert your eyes." said Catherine as Lola ushered Mary back into the castle.

"The body has not been cut open." said Narcisse as he looked into the coffin.

"His organs were never removed. The liver used in this witch hunt did not belong to my brother." said Bash.

"Francis wasn't poisoned by me or anyone. I was framed. And you are responsible for every bit of my suffering." said Catherine.

The Cardinal apologized and Narcisse said he would reverse the decision, but Catherine didn't care. She stormed off as Narcisse called after her. Bash was infuriated seeing the look on her face as she accused him. He caused all of this. He was the one that hurt her. He stared him down, wishing he could tear him apart for what he'd done. How could he do such a cruel, vile thing to someone he once swore loyalty to? He'd known she was innocent and he purposely handed them false evidence, knowing full well it could cost her her life. He then vowed to himself that he would find a way to make Narcisse pay.

"This isn't over." He snarled at Narcisse. Then he helped the men put Francis's coffin back on the carriage and ran inside after Catherine.

He saw her heading down the hall and sped up to catch her.

"Catherine wait." he said as he came up behind her.

"Bash?" she said as she looked around the hall, a little confused as to why he'd run after her.

"I just want you to know, what he did...you didn't deserve that, and will help you in anyway I can to make him get what's coming to him. I won't let him get away with it. I promise you." he told her as he took her hand again, the same way he had earlier. She found herself gazing into his eyes, and was surprised to see him gazing back. It was like they were trapped in some sort of magic spell. They couldn't look away. Catherine's heartbeat sped up and she could feel every nerve ending in her body. Gid he had beautiful eyes. She tried to answer him, but she couldn't speak. She forced herself to nod and gently pulled her hand back. She gulped.

"Th...thank you Sebastian." she stuttered out and slowly turned, leaving him standing in the middle of the hallway, watching as she walked away.

She practically ran down the hall. What the hell was that? She couldn't breath. She could still feel his hands on hers. And now the thoughts were back...was this what it was going to be like from now on? Was she going to just get all hot and bothered every time he spoke to her? How was she supposed to deal with that? That just wouldn't do.

She got back to her room and took off the cape she'd been wearing and tossed it onto the chair and sat down. Bash had been so forceful, so strong in his want to help her. God that was sexy. She closed her eyes and remembered his naked body, dripping wet. She ran a hand up her leg...maybe she could just...NO...no she wouldn't let herself lust for him. Touch her body while she thought of him. Not him. She couldn't. She heard a creak and when she looked up, Christophe was there.

"Christophe?" She wondered what he was doing there.

"I saw you return." He said. There he was. Her young lover. She didn't need to dream about Bash. She had Christophe. That's right, she didn't want him, she wanted Christophe. Yes. She'd show those thoughts in her head a thing or two.

She got up and rushed to him, grabbing him and kissing him hard.

"Why don't you welcome me home." She said. He grinned devilishly. She walked him backwards toward the bed as she kissed him and started removing his clothes feverishly. She pushed him roughly onto the bed and removed her dress then climbed on top of him. She started undoing his pants as if her life depended on it.

"Someone had a bad trip." He said as he went to switch their positions. She stopped him and pushed him back down.

"Yes. Someone did." She said. She placed him over her center and moaned slightly as he entered her. He ran his hands up her thighs as she rode him hard. She stared down at him. He was hers and he was enjoying it. And then it happened, flashes of Bash's naked body reentered her mind, then him touching himself and moaning her name. Oh god no not now. She closed her eyes and it was clear as day. And now Christophe was Bash and he was touching her. She started moving faster as her desire increased ten fold. She could see his ice blue eyes staring at her. Her body was on fire. She threw her head back, imagining his hands and his lips on every inch of her skin. This couldn't be happening. She couldn't be...oh god yes she could...she almost screamed Bash's name, but she bit her lip to stop herself as she started to pulse around him. She pulled off of him, rolling on her back onto the bed, breathing hard.

"Maybe you should go on road trips more often." Said Chrisophe, breaking her out of her daydream. She almost looked startled at the sound of his voice. I hadn't been real. She'd imagined it all in her head. Good lord, what had she done? She'd just...

"You should go." She said. She needed him to leave. She couldn't look at him knowing how she'd just...and it was good. She was ashamed of herself.

"Go? You practically attack me and then you throw me out?" He said confused.

"Someone could catch you. You can't be here right now. Go."

"But Catherine..."

"I said go!" She snapped. He looked at her confused, but dressed and left anyway. What was she supposed to do now? Surely that little stunt would not help the thoughts in her mind. But she sure did feel better. Or did she feel worse? One thing was certain, she was in big trouble.