Disclaimer: I own nothing of Reign, this is for entertainment purposes only and I have never made a cent from this work.
AN: Part two of Catherine's birthday! Put your floaties on, we're going on a boat ride! Also, thinking on it, it seems like Catherine usually wakes late, so when they finally get on the boat, it's around eleven in the morning. Francis has some entertainments for his mother's enjoyment during the afternoon. He's such a good son. Enjoy the read.
"Mary, hold onto Charles!"
Catherine had her arms full with her youngest and was worried that Charles would tip into the lake. After changing into the presents from her children, she'd been hustled out of the castle by the boys, Mary going ahead to tell Francis they were coming. It seemed that Francis had asked the boys to stall her in the time that she was putting on her dress because her sons had her traipsing all over the castle before they finally got out and made their way down to the dock. Once out on the grounds, the boys gave her a little acrobatics display of synchronized somersaults and cartwheels. They tumbled over the grass in loops, Henry a little bit more wobbly than Charles was. Catherine clapped her hands as her boys gave their bows—Henry did end up falling over at this point, dizzy as he was. With a fond smile, Catherine picked up her little prince and cradled him against her. The trio led by Charles went down to the dock and at the sight of the water, he sped off. He did so love the water, but she wasn't sure it was warm enough yet for him should he fall in. Mary caught up with Charles and guided him into the boat. Francis hopped out to take his brother from his mother's arms before helping her into the boat as well. Kissing her cheek, Francis greeted his mother a happy birthday, complimenting her on her outfit.
"I should look nice, half of this is from you and Mary." She countered with a wry smile.
Francis just shrugged. "Nonetheless, you look wonderful, Mother."
"Thank you, dear." She kissed his cheek and patted his shoulder. "Now where are we going, Francis?"
"That's still a surprise? Well, I'm impressed. I thought Henry had given it all away!" He ruffled his brother's hair. "You'll see when we get there, Mother. I promise you'll love it."
"I'm sure I will, Francis. Mary dear, careful!" Catherine called, seeing the young girl getting a little too close to the edge of the boat for her comfort.
Mary sat back with a sheepish grin. "Oh, sorry, I just haven't been on the lake before."
"Francis, you haven't taken your wife out onto the lake? Shameful!" Catherine swatted her son's arm in mock upset.
He just ran a hand through his curls. "Well…"
"Mother, does Father take you out on the lake a lot?" All eyes turned to little Henry.
Francis and Mary gave each other a look.
"He used to, sweetheart, not so much anymore." Replied with her best smile.
Henry tilted his head to the side in confusion. "Why not?"
She smoothed down her dress, not knowing exactly what to say. "He's much busier now than he used to be. Being king is a lot of work."
"Oh. Is that why Father isn't with us right now?" He asked, those innocent blue eyes shining up at her.
"Yes, he is working. We mustn't bother him when he's working, France needs him." Catherine said, hoping this conversation would come to an end.
"But don't you need him too?"
Francis hopped up as their boatman called out to hold onto something as he docked their raft, taking Charles into his hold as he leapt onto the shore. Mary passed Henry along before she too met the land. Catherine once more took her son's hand as she raised her skirts to step off of the boat. There was a slight rise, one that the boys were already scrambling up, Mary behind them. Francis wrapped an arm around his mother's shoulders as they brought up the rear. He really hoped that what he had planned would make her smile. He got his wish. Francis had created an outdoor theatre for her! There were blankets and pillows laid out for their use, an elevated stage, an army of performers and servants. Turning to Francis, she brought her eldest child into her arms with the largest of smiles on her face. What a present this was! Francis hugged her back and lifted her off the ground, swinging her around with a laugh as his mother called for him to stop. He settled her onto her feet just as Charles and Henry came to take her hands. The boys hauled her off to the pillows where they promptly fell into the squishy softness of the cushions. Mary brought over some snacks and Francis waved for some drinks. The performers and servants bowed at Catherine's approach, a few of them even calling out birthday greetings. She smiled and waved, once more taking in the air of a queen. Her boys settled in around her with Mary at her side as the first group took the stage. This was definitely one of her best birthdays.
AN: There's still the night, everyone :) Thank you for reading!
To Alex: You crack me up. There's a LITTLE something coming up, no worries on that.
To nainachica: Mmm sexy tango? We'll see in the next part! ;)
To CocoRocks: I hope you liked his surprise! If you've ever seen Finding Neverland with Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, that's where the idea for the outdoor theatre came from, though Francis' idea was a bit more elaborate.
To Catherine Woods: I love her in blue myself, so…hahha :)
To demedicigirl: There's definitely some Henry coming up!
To smacked lover 22: Henry…doesn't tends to have plans. He kinda just goes with it. That's gonna be a hint. A really, really bad hint, but a hint. Oh! Here's a better one: Catherine does enjoy music. Do with that what you will.
AN: Not sure if I mentioned it before, but the shade of blue that Catherine is wearing is from this interview she did on Strombo. You can look it up on YT if you want, I can't even remember what the interview was on, all I remember was the dress. She was in a blue dress there and LORD HAVE MERCY! I was floored. Megan needs more blue dresses on the show…