Catherine did know all of her husband's movements, discretely watching him was an art she had perfected over many years of marriage. So when she saw him conversing with a young woman, she felt her heart plummet.

Of course whenever she saw a potential dalliance for him, her heart plummeted. The years had never softened that particular blow. What she did not expect was the overwhelming need to let everyone know he was her husband. She couldn't believe that this retched duke would just introduce this woman after the most interesting tidbit of gossip was she and Henry completely entwined in front of everyone just a few hours ago.

While Henry had been gaining her favor for over a month now, she still wanted to keep his interest, all to herself for at least a little longer. Personally she wanted his interest for the rest of their lives, but since he was so fickle, and that was likely to never happen, she wanted it for as long as she could.

So when Henry pulled her out of conversation with the Milanese, she tried to play it cool, and not let him know she was planning a gruesome demise for the duke who thought it ok to try and rattle their temporary peace.

"How would you know? You haven't even spared me a glance."

"I always notice you." She couldn't help but love that she could throw his words in his face. Earlier he hadn't given her time to fight back against his shocking statement.

"I can explain Madeleine" he rushed out quickly, and truly if her mind hadn't been planning on dispatching a servant to find out where the duke was staying to hasten his demise, she would have enjoyed his nervousness.

"You are already using her given name?" That had stopped Catherine cold, maybe she had to include the girl in her revenge plans. Or had she already lost him?

"Only because it was the name given to me by her blasted uncle, who practically dropped her into my lap, giving me this whole she needs a friend speech. So to give her friends, I dropped her off with Mary, someone her own age." Henry responded animatedly, trying desperately to convey that what he was saying was the truth.

Catherine gave him a sardonic look, as if that statement would make her feel better.

"You know the duke wants your support in his upcoming property dispute" Catherine responded.

"He has a dispute?"

"He believes more property should have been included in his wife's dowry, specifically the land that is generating more money. Have you really not heard?"

"Clearly not, though it makes sense why he was willing to hand over his niece for my favor, now he most certainly will not get my support."

"He'll most likely blame his niece for not being able to capture your interest."

Henry's voice got really low, "My interests lie with a certain woman whom I have been fixated on since I was fourteen, and while I know that she hides her affection for me, if I were to slip my hand around her waist," he slipped his hand around Catherine's waist, "and pull her close," he pulled her close to him, "I would see love and longing in her eyes."

Catherine looked away, hoping he didn't see any of that, but knowing how she always melted with his words, he probably did. She, however, did count him holding her like this in front of anyone who was watching a victory. Maybe now the court would let her have him for however long Henry was interested in her.

Or not.

"Pardon your majesty" an alluring female voice came from behind Henry. As he turned to see who addressed him, Catherine noticed the unknown woman's attire. Clearly seduction was on her mind with her low-cut gown and bodice covered in ornate jewels. Her hair had been expertly swept up into a stunning headpiece laced with pearls. Catherine hated her immediately, and felt the annoyance of having to get rid of two people now.

She did though, enjoy the surprise in the woman's eyes when Henry spun and she noticed the queen.

"Oh! Forgive me your majesties. I did not see the queen" she tried to recover. "I was just hoping you could point me in the direction of the east wing. That is where my rooms are located and I seem to have gotten lost. My husband usually directs me, but he is back at our estate for the next fortnight."

Catherine couldn't believe it. This woman was propositioning her husband right in front of her! She also couldn't believe the reaction that was stirring up within herself. Henry was hers for the moment, and she was not about to lose him to this unknown woman. He was even wearing blue, which was her color. Eventually he'd stray, but not tonight.

Looking up at her husband, Catherine tried her hardest to sound provocative and took a gamble.

"Will I be seeing you in my chambers tonight husband?"

Henry, who had already had been stupefied by the boldness of the lady, let his jaw hit the floor. Catherine rarely initiated their intimacies, and never in front of anyone. She just hoped that he didn't fail her this time.

"Y..Ye…Yes!" Henry exclaimed. Catherine smiled and relief flooded through her. Leaning up onto her toes she kissed Henry right on the lips. Despite how brief the kiss was, when she pulled away she could see Henry's face deepen with a blush and warmth went all through her body.

"I will be ready within the hour" and with that Catherine took off towards the direction of her chambers, hoping and praying Henry would soon follow her and not that little strumpet.

Once she reached a hallway that was unoccupied, Catherine slumped against the wall, completely taken aback by her own actions. She thought she had learned to control her jealousy, she tried so hard not to let show how the affairs affected her. Then she had to go and blow that carefully crafted façade in one night. Why could Henry still rattle her so?

At the sound of someone walking, no more like running, down the hall, Catherine straightened, no one would find her lamenting the state of her marriage in the corridor.

Soon Henry rounded the corner, almost running into her.

"Henry what are you doing?"

Henry, trying to catch his breath couldn't respond quickly.

"Why were you running?"

"Didn't you say…" Henry tried to get out his defense.

Realization dawned on Catherine, "You mean to tell me that you were running to my chambers?"

Henry looked at her as if that were the most obvious answer in the world.

"Of course I was."

Catherine felt light-headed. The past month Henry had done nothing but shower her with compliments, and they had shared a few heated moments, but he hadn't been tested. This time when the chance for a dalliance appeared, he had chosen her. Both times! She had dreamed about him picking her for most of their marriage, had wanted to believe that he would pick her, and that want mixed with the raging jealousy that had been burning inside her gave her the courage to act out. Her dream actually became real.

Feeling the room start to move and her face grow warm, Catherine slouched against the wall, causing Henry to look concerned.

"Catherine, are you alright?"

Looking up at his concerned face forced a rush of emotions to surface. He looked so much like he young prince who had loved her dearly, the young man who had promised her the moon. Tears started to prick at her eyes.

"It's just you picked me."