Disclaimer: I don't own Reign. This is not historically accurate. So take everything with a grain of salt. Merry Christmas! Rated M. Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Chapter 7: Pernicious Devotions
Catherine was moving all over the place and barking orders at everyone. "How come these are not yet packed? We are about to go in an hour! Seriously, should I do everything around here!?" Narcisse was just smirking by the table. He was prying on his wife's irritable phasing.
He cleared his throat and caught the servants' attention. He signaled them to leave as Catherine rummaged on some paperwork she was overseeing. They took everything that needed to be placed in the carriage and left the couple in the queen's chambers. Stéphane embraced his wife from behind. "Mon amour, you need to calm down. You are making me dizzy, and not the enjoyable kind," and kissed her crown.
Catherine became slightly calm to his voice and gave in to his warmth. "As much as I want to endeavor in turning the simple conversation to our usual sexual whims, we have pressing matters, Stéphane." She turned to him to give him a peck and went back to her papers with a deep breath to fully let out her frustration.
"I mean, this is the king's engagement we are talking about, the fate of our nation. So I don't understand why people are just sleeping on it or even agreeing on a ridiculous plan." She almost hissed the sarcasm on her last statement. "Catherine, everybody is putting hard work into this. It's just that you work harder than the rest," He turned her to him and held her hand.
"So breathe. We needed to please what his Majesty wants to lock down this engagement. And now this is happening because you made it happen, your Grace. I'm proud of you, my wife." Stéphane tenderly kissed her his assurance on their lips. A timid smile appeared but her worry won her over.
"I'm just so worried. What if something goes wrong? The Holy Roman Empire is one of the most powerful alliances we have acquired and we both know my son. And now with this demand of his. I can't believe you agreed to it!" Narcisse became alarmed.
She was starting to be shaken again. "Oh, Stéphane. He is currently in a manageable state but what if something or someone switches him back to his insane ways? Coligny's power is ever-growing. We can't disregard that even if he's on the bad side of the Crown."
He captured his wife and steadied her. "Catherine. You are overthinking again. Nothing will go wrong, trust me. I will be by your side to foresee everything. Coligny will be handled by our spies. The king and this engagement will be safe under our protection."
She was breathing heavily within his arms. "Once everything goes well, we can transfer all efforts in Lorraine as planned. I will be with you all the way, ma femme." Stéphane smiled and caressed her face lovingly.
"Let's go? I believe the king awaits us." She just rolled her eyes at him and he snickered at her reaction. He guided her out of the chambers. Everybody went to the sides as the Queen Mother and Lord Chancellor made their way in the hallway. "I'm still apprehensive with this coerced plan between you and my son."
"Don't you like that your children are bonding with your husband?" Narcisse winked at Catherine as he held her hand firmly in turn for the throne room. "I would prefer if you would all bond in my favor." Catherine mustered her practiced bitter smile.
Charles broke the couple's banter. "Lord Narcisse, I thank you for accompanying my mother in welcoming my future bride. France is indebted to you." An innocent smile was painted on the king as the couple knowingly looked at each other.
"Of course, your Majesty. All for the good of France." Narcisse struck his dashing intentions. "And the good of your masculine stupid egos," Catherine whispered with a roll of her eyes.
"You were saying something, mother? I didn't quite get that." King Charles didn't catch on here but Stéphane did with widened eyes to his wife. "I said I believe we have to get going for the journey is quite tedious. And you have a lot of things to do as well, my King." She came nearer to kiss his son goodbye in front of everyone.
"You better know what you are doing because this wedding won't happen if something happens to the groom." She whispered her warning and kissed his cheek. But before she could let go of his son, he whispered back.
"I agreed for you to find me a wife. But by law, I get the final word. So you will let me do this or else, there won't be a wedding at all. I promise you, mother, this is for the better." She swallowed hard before they broke their contact. The king smiled.
"Safe travels, mother, Lord Chancellor. I'll see you both here, tomorrow." Then the king left the throne room to his next agenda. Catherine turned to her husband. "If this doesn't work, this is on you." Her sharp eyes lingered with his gaze enough for his soul to catch her fury.
This is going to be an interesting carriage ride. He thought and they were off to meet the future queen of France.
It was truly a tedious journey to Provence. But Stéphane did everything to entertain his wife who sat by his side instead of the other side of the carriage. Catherine finally relaxed in his arm as she rested her head on his shoulder.
"What will I do once you go in front of the line with Charles? The last hour of this journey will be so boring without you." She pouted and adoringly moped to her husband. Her glow after her climax was very evident.
"I know, mon amour. But you know we have to do this for the king's safety, whether we all like it or not. Besides, sleep will probably take you over after what I did to you." He lifted his glistening fingers from her release. She giggled and sucked his fingers.
Stéphane was immediately aroused. "Oh my, I hope I didn't cause any trouble?" Catherine teased him and stroked his evident bulge. Just as his fire was about to be tended by her, the carriage stopped. Catherine expertly removed herself from him and moved to the other side of the carriage. She grinned and winked at him before pretending to be asleep.
Narcisse was left astonished at his wife as a soldier came by the carriage and just bowed. "Yes, I know. I'll be out soon." Stéphane informed him.
When alone with her once more, he kissed her passionately and warned her playfully. "You'll pay for this." She pulled him to a more ravishing kiss. "Don't worry, I'm rich," and winked. "You naughty, naughty queen." He sparkled at her.
"Take care of our son." Her devilish grin turned into the most angelic facade and the way she referred to her son as his as well warmed him unexpectedly. "Yes, I will." Then, he kissed her forehead before going out.
Arion was on the frontline and was being petted by the King. "Lord Narcisse, Arion is a fine stallion." He looked around before addressing Charles. "I'm glad you liked him, your Majesty. I believe we should get going now." A soldier handed a black stallion named Shadow to Narcisse. Both aristocrats mounted their respected horses and resumed the journey.
Charles wanted to meet his bride without the latter's knowledge. He wanted to make sure that she was worth it to be the queen of France behind all the finery and power. So the king decided to disguise himself as a soldier in welcoming the daughter of the Catholic Emperor. What the whole court saw in the throne room that morning was a decoy for Coligny's spies.
The soldiers they brought were proven loyal to the Valois and knew they were with their sovereign leader. They protected him at all cost while the Lord Chancellor was inside the carriage. "How is mother back there?" The king asked.
"She's resting now, Your Majesty. She had quite a ride." He cleared his throat knowing what happened in the carriage. "Oh, good. I want her mind to be well-rested. She had quite a temper at me this morning. I mean, as of late, I truly want to take into account her opinions on state matters. She knows better than any of our privy council. Or even you, no offense." The king timidly smiled at his Lord Chancellor. Narcisse acknowledged his stepson's praise for his mother.
"You're right, your Majesty. The Queen Mother is a worthy ally in all aspects." The young monarch looked at Narcisse intently as the noble forwardly looked ahead while speaking. "You know, I've always wanted to ask. How did you do it? How have you captured a woman such as Catherine de Medici?"
Narcisse was staggered by Charles. "I beg your pardon, Majesty?" He smirked back at the older man. "Lord Narcisse, it's no secret that you and my mother are more than just acquaintances. But how do you keep her on your side? How do you appease a woman of that caliber?"
"If I could be frank, King Charles. Why are you asking these questions?" He wanted to understand him. "Please, call me Charles in our private talks. And with that, this is me asking for your advice. I don't know what kind of bride I'll have but no matter what happens, she has power, just like my mother." They are now looking at the road ahead, seeing the chateau that will bear witness in welcoming an empire. Charles continued.
"If for unfortunate reasons I may not find love in this impending marriage, I hope to have something remotely close to what you and my mother have. The way your partnership grew in front of the court is quite remarkable. I want that." A sense of earnestness and admiration was heard in his tone. Narcisse found it a promising insight from the young ruler.
"I appreciate that, Charles. I may not be truly the best choice for such advice, but I shall help you nonetheless." He was flattered by the king's intentions. "Try your best to know who she is and treat her with respect. As you said, it is a partnership. So treat it as such, in dignity and equality." He was not sure if he would advise him on love but he knew the lad was expecting.
"As for romance in your union, be open to it. Yours will be a marriage so it is expected. But don't force it. Just follow what I said earlier. Because when you come to know someone you respect and treat as equal, you might find yourself falling in love." Narcisse contemplated his wedding with Catherine.
The shimmer in his eyes couldn't hide the radiating love he was feeling for Catherine but Charles finally caught on. "Narcisse, are you still speaking from experience?" He squinted his eyes on the lord. "Am I understanding this correctly? You're in love with my mother?" His eyes widened upon the king's inquiry. Good lord, Stéphane. What did you get yourself into?
He shyly smiled. "How perceptive of you. But there's no point in denying it now, is it?" He let out a nervous laugh. Charles was astonished. "Does she know about this? I've always thought that you have a strictly pure work and play relationship with her. Never did it occur to me that you would harbor romantic feelings for her. I mean, I say this with all due respect and honesty, but my mother scared men."
Narcisse just had to snicker at that. "Oh, most definitely. She did and still does." His mind replayed all the things Catherine put him through and still made him fall in love with her. "She does know, Charles. And I'm lucky that she does feel the same. I just did what I told you. I did my best to fully know her until it was clear that no one understands and cares for us but each other."
The strides of the horses were in rhythm to his heartbeat as he proclaimed his love for the Queen Mother. "Interesting," was all the king said with a smirk. Narcisse became unnerved with that response. As he was about to further question, their advance party was closing in on them.
"My Lord, your Majesty, we have coordinated with the Royal Guest's advance party. We've seen the Holy Empire's company coming closer to view from the chateau. All perimeters were guarded by the joint guards of France and Austria." The king nodded as Narcisse took the reins. "Good. We shall hurry then, we need to arrive there first."
Their speed gained as the chateau were minutes away. As the French Royal company arrived at the chateau, King Charles blended in among the soldiers in attendance. Stéphane fetched Catherine from the carriage. They exchanged radiant smiles. Hand in hand, the Lord Chancellor and the Queen Mother's ethereal presence graced the soldiers and Charles saw them in a different light.
The couple placed themselves in front of the pact, anticipating the arrival of the princess. Charles was strategically placed at the queen's side. "So you and Narcisse love each other. It's quite unbelievable as I say it." Charles spoke within hearing of his mother and her partner. Catherine shot darts at her husband, internally screaming at him with What in the world did you say to my son!?
Stéphane anxiously cleared his throat and looked away from her. She rolled her eyes and responded to her son. "What part is unbelievable? The fact that the unlucky man is Narcisse or the fact that I'm capable of loving someone else other than my children?" She was smiling at the arriving party from the distance and left the sarcastic remark for her son to relish.
Charles did his best not to chuckle. He grew accustomed to his mother's sarcasm. "I guess both? But he thinks of it otherwise. He said he was rather lucky that you love him. Is he wrong?" Charles was still in character as a soldier. Catherine turned to her husband who was not looking at her but knowingly smirking at the king's opinion.
"He's not wrong. Best believe you're both lucky to have me in your lives. Now, both of you better know what you're doing 'cause I have a country to save and a princess to welcome." The queen held her pride and stood her ground.
Both men were astonished by her will. They exchanged knowing glances behind her. "God save the Queen." Charles expressed beneath his breath. Narcisse couldn't resist whispering to his wife. "God save my wife." She swore he kissed her earlobe then winked at her before the Holy Roman Empire had arrived.
The moment finally arrived when the princess was escorted down the carriage. A beautiful young maiden emerged. She had a chaste appearance that mesmerized everyone. The king has seen her portrait but was stunned to see her in person. Catherine and Narcisse moved forward to welcome her future daughter-in-law and her uncle.
"Princess Elisabeth, Archduke Ferdinand. I am Lord Stéphane Narcisse, Lord Chancellor of France, and this is her Majesty Queen Catherine de Medici, the Queen Mother." The guests curtsied at the queen and acknowledged the noble. "Please call me, Elisa. Thank you for your grand hospitality, your Grace. You are so beautiful." The young lady was truly astounded with Catherine's beauty. "You are also looking very lovely today, Elisa. Shall we?" She held Elisa's hand and went inside the chateau.
The royals were dining when someone finally voiced out the elephant in the room. "It's unfortunate that the King is not here to personally greet his future bride." Archduke Ferdinand expressed with a distinctly disappointed undertone. Catherine returned a raised eyebrow to the remark. Her husband was alerted and captured her hand from under the table. Stéphane spoke to Catherine with his eyes. Mon amour, he's not worth the tongue lashing. I'll put him in place. Catherine replied with a knowing eye-roll and classic wine intake. You better. He's no match for my onslaught, poor thing. He swallowed a chuckle to his wife's antics and eyed on Charles who witnessed everything.
Narcisse salvaged the situation. "King Charles would love to be here but is preoccupied with more pressing matters." Catherine nodded in agreement. "More pressing than the union of two nations? Hmmm, interesting." Ferdinand nonchalantly followed up. They were taken aback by the archduke's instigation.
Displeasure was written all over the king's face and his soldier disguise. He was situated at the side of both parties. Unfortunately, it was not gone unnoticed by the pompous archduke. "You boy, why do you look at me with such a distasteful gaze? Is that how French soldiers treat your guest?" Catherine focused on his son and gave him a pleading look to say nothing. Before the French could say anything, Elisa intervened.
"Uncle, your statements refer to a king of a nation. Marriage is just one of the many important things he needs to attend to. But the Queen Mother and the Lord Chancellor are already here. He has delegated the right people for this matter. I believe that is very admirable and desirable in a husband and a ruler. And please, the soldier did nothing to you. Act respectfully as a guest."
She then turned to Charles to everyone's shock. "My apologies, good sir." Charles turned red and bowed to Elisa. She returned a precious smile then addressed her future in-laws. "Please excuse my uncle. The ride was quite long. I hope you understand. And with that, let's continue eating this scrumptious meal. Uncle?" She eyed Ferdinand to urge an apology which he struggled to adhere to. "My apologies. My niece is right, it was quite a journey." He shamefully lowered his head.
Catherine served him the best dessert of spicy words. "No offense taken, Archduke. You're quite lucky your niece is here to save your poor taste of judgment. At least there is evidence that kindness runs in your family. The unfortunate part is that it skipped your veins. However, royalty runs in yours so you will still enjoy this meal and the impending union of our families." She gladly turned her attention on Elisa. "I am more than happy to welcome you to the Valois family, my dear. Charles will adore you as his queen." Elisa's smile was sweet and hopeful. "You think so, your Grace?"
"I know so, Elisa. And soon, you can call me Mother." With a raise of glass, the Queen finished the conversation with "For the good of our nations." She then sneaked a gaze at her proud son who bowed at her and at her husband who beamed pride to her accomplishments.
After that meal, the royals arranged the conditions they wanted for the marriage. All were to be finalized once presented to the king. Charles in disguise allowed him to study the nuptial agreement beforehand.
Throughout the morning, Narcisse accompanied the archduke in some lawn games as Catherine and Elisa spent time together watching the men and having chats over tea. Charles was still disguised as one of Catherine's guards so he was just close enough to observe and immediately was taken by Elisa's pure heart and warmth.
The afternoon was free for all and Catherine suggested that Elisa may roam around the estate as long as she was accompanied by a guard. "You, accompany the princess around and properly thank her." Catherine addressed her son in disguise. Charles simply bowed and smiled at the princess. "Thank you so much, your Majesty. I hope to talk to you more later. Shall we, good sir?" Charles bowed once more as the princess went ahead. He turned around where he saw Narcisse standing by his mother. The gentleman winked at his stepson and was returned with a wide smile from the king.
"Finally got rid of that pompous ass with some courtesan so I could have some afternoon delight with my wife." He basically purred that in her ear and pulled Catherine closer. The queen knew his intention and beat him to it by grabbing his hand and running away to the nearest chambers. Once the door closed, all hell broke loose. The couple was hungrily kissing each other and frantically undressed. Stéphane did his best to stifle every moan Catherine created. He locked her by the wall as their kisses and contact became fire.
Catherine's gown was not completely removed as Stéphane hungrily licked her breast and gathered her skirts up to the waist. As for Stéphane, he was completely naked with no care for the world. They were so engaged in their sex that a knock on the door didn't bother them. But they stopped every movement when they heard the voice after the knock.
"Your Grace, it's me, Elisa. I saw some orchard in the gardens. I would like to ask Charles' favorite fruits? Perhaps I could pick some for him." The couple did their best not to laugh at the current situation. But to return back to the abrupted pleasure, Stéphane started to move back inside Catherine. "I told you I'll make you pay. You better answer the princess, mon amour." To the queen's shock at her husband's action, her face was a mix of pleasured and pleading. She didn't know if she wanted him to stop or continue all the delightful things he was doing to her body. She braced herself to speak as Stéphane continued to fuck her. "My dear, you could simply ask the guard I assigned you with for any inquiries you have about Charles. He is quite close to him, so close." The whole statement was breathily said. Her last two words were pertaining to her climax.
"Oh, but I'm quite shy to talk to the guard, your Grace. I don't want Charles to think I'm just inclined to talk to any man." Catherine rolled her eyes in pleasure and exhaustion towards her daughter-in-law as Stéphane savored every moment of it. "I assure you, my dear. He won't mind. All the information you'll get from the guard will make you satisfied, so satisfied." Stéphane was aware that her last words were pertaining to their impending release.
"You think so, Queen Catherine?" Catherine and Stéphane's pace was like the speed of light and she simply answered the princess with an empathic, seductive, and lustful "Yes, yes, YES!" Together, the couple reached their climax and quietly panted to each other. "I see. Thank you so much for your insight, your Majesty. I'll see you at supper." said the naive and pious princess. "No problem, my dear. See you later." replied the queen.
After a few minutes, the couple laughed hysterically as Stéphane struggled to get dressed. "I don't know how you pulled that off, but you absolutely did it, mon amour. You are fantastic in everything you do." Catherine captured him in a passionate kiss. "Communications under any circumstances is one of my expertise. I surprise myself sometimes, it's unbelievable." Stéphane kissed her once more and both prepared for supper.
Supper went by fast and the king's face definitely glowed in happiness. His parents were happy to see that everything is falling into place as they planned. Everybody rested for the night. The next day the two companies made their way to the French court.
Charles was part of the advance party and was immediately escorted out from the troops to ready himself for Elisa. Henri, Claude, and Luc welcomed the arrivals in the throne room. The Queen Mother and princess arrived first then Narcisse and Ferdinand followed suit.
"Welcome to the French court, Princess. These are my other children, Claude, Henri, and Claude's husband, Luc. And children, this is Princess Elisa and her uncle, Archduke Ferdinand." They respectfully greeted them. "It's good to meet you all. Your mother has shared amazing stories about all of you." The princess had an immaculate smile.
"Oh, dear. Mother, what did you tell her?" Claude dubiously asked. In a naturally sassy remark, "Don't worry, Claude. I left out the laughable, tamely vexatious parts. We don't want to scare away your potential sister-in-law." Catherine smiled sarcastically. Instead of a Valois answering, Elisa pounced on the opportunity to leave a greater impression. "I won't run away, your Grace. As long as Charles would want me here, I shall stay."
Henri was now rather fascinated by the beautiful guest. "Such sentiments make you a keeper, my lady. You are loyal already and you haven't even met him yet. My brother should know how lucky he is." Then the horns blew, signaling the king's arrival at the throne room. Charles finished Henri's statement.
"Don't worry, brother. I know." Then the king went to Elisa's side. Her astonished face recognized the fully embellished man. "You are," Elisa was rendered speechless as the shocked face of Ferdinand came to light. "The soldier?" Charles smiled at the man. "King Charles. And yes, the soldier with a distasteful gaze."
Claude, Henri, and Luc were confused. Luc whispered in his father. "What is happening, father?" He looked at his wife first for permission before speaking. "The king decided to join the welcoming of the princess incognito with the soldiers." Claude intervened. "Why on earth would you do that, Charles?"
"Because I wanted to know who I'd marry without the finery and expectations. And I'm quite glad I met her beautiful true colors." Charles smiled brightly at Elisa. "Do you show no confidence in us? Do you think that this union is a joke? Why would you ever put us in some game of espionage?" Ferdinand was beginning to sound defensive as Catherine started to doubt this plan Charles and Narcisse concocted.
She pulled her husband quite forcefully. "My goodness, Stéphane. We can't lose this alliance. FIX THIS NOW." That was a whisper but a raging order from her wife. Charles saw the anxiousness of his family and held a hand for Narcisse to stop his tracks and spoke.
"Good Archduke, on the contrary, I take this matter very seriously. I just have my way of leading myself to the truth. Unlike you that have placed your spies in our court weeks before to observe me and know if this marriage is advantageous for your country." The archduke cleared his throat. Catherine and Narcisse were anxious with this speech, already formulating what they could say to remedy this mess.
"I hope you agree with me, the true test of character only happens when presented with the unexpected. I have no intentions of undermining the Holy Roman Empire. But I did what I did to personally understand this alliance and nurture it to its potential. And you would think that your actions yesterday will make me think twice."
He looked down on the floor to contemplate. "Honestly, it did. And luckily, your niece saved you. It led me to the conclusion that I want this alliance to work. I want the Holy Roman Empire and France to face all challenges together. Most especially, I want you." Then he turned to the blushing Elisa.
Charles offered his hand as Elisa's hand. "You are the kindest person I have ever met. You act like a true queen even if you are just a princess or when no one is watching. So can we make this official?" He knelt on one knee to everyone's confound.
"Is this still part of the plan?" Catherine was just grasping whatever was happening. "No. But he is our son, a man full of surprises with the best intentions. Let's trust he's doing the right thing." Narcisse whispered assurance to her. "I guess so. Your words truly resonated with him. But he knelt without even offering a ring?" Catherine wittingly whispered to his delight.
"Princess Elisabeth of the Holy Roman Empire, I'm proud to say that I would love to marry the person that you are and not the title that you have. Will you be my wife and the future queen of France?" The hearts in the room melted and everyone was glued to their places except for Catherine who realized her joke was the truth. So she walked towards the middle of Charles and Elisa. All eyes were on her as she removed one of her rings.
"This is to show that he didn't plan this at all and you both have my blessing." The Queen Mother shared the incoming queen and winked at her son. She handed the ring to Charles who mounted the words thank you and proceeded to present the jade ring to Elisa. Catherine went to the Archduke's side while tears formed in Elisa's eyes and tenderly accepted the ring.
"Yes, my King. I would love to marry you too." Cheers were heard all around as the newly engaged couple embraced. Charles formally presented his fiancé. "Ladies and gentlemen, the future queen of France, Princess Elisa!" More cheers were heard but Catherine was louder to the Archduke's ears.
"My son is a lot of things but when he sets his mind into something he believes in, it will push through. You're lucky he requested that none of your actions be known to your brother, the Emperor, for everyone's sake. And with that, I hope this is the start of a harmonious relationship of our nations." Ferdinand gave in to Catherine's news and bowed in respect.
She went back to her husband's side. "You must be proud of yourself." He pulled her closer by the waist. "Not as proud as I'm of you." They exchanged loving looks and ordered the engagement party to commence.
The engagement agreement was sealed with all conditions that satisfied both parties. When everything was settled, Charles met with Catherine and Narcisse.
"Narcisse, I will take your words into the heart and put them into action for this marriage. I hope to find love in this. Thank you for making this happen. You and my mother did a fantastic job." The couple looked at each other with pride and love as Charles went back to celebrating.
"Now, I'm curious. What did you say to him?" Catherine cornered her husband. "I told him to treat her with respect and he might end up having the love of his life just like I found you, wife." He whispered and discreetly kissed her cheek. She moved ever so minutely and held Stéphane in his current position. "And I love you too, husband." was her voice in his ears.
Everybody was busy celebrating to take notice of their love except for one of Coligny's spies who were close enough to hear their whispers and immediately reported back to his master.
A goblet flew across the room as he read the contents of his spy's letter. "An engagement to a very Catholic alliance and a secret marriage!? This is not what I wanted! I thought you took care of them!?" Coligny angrily shouted at the woman in bed.
"I left my son to be my eye and placed the curse on them. I could still sense them but I didn't see this coming. They must have found a way to block my visions." A naked Emmanuelle was now sitting upright. "But don't worry, I could still do something about this."
"Well, you better. We want to die in impunity. And I'm the only one that could help you with that." Coligny joined her back to bed. "I can't let my efforts put to waste. I killed an entire dukedom in Lorraine and destroyed that monastery to challenge the worthless Catholic religion. My progress and my beliefs have come a long way. They can't win. I won't let them win."
Emmanuelle smirked back. "We will both get what we want. You have to be patient. Everything happens for a reason. I will find out what happened to my son and make this right for us." Coligny looked at a witch questioningly. "What are you planning to do?" Emmanuelle caressed the usurper's face. "It's best you don't know at this time. But I assure you, the Lord Chancellor will experience an unworldly pain that will haunt him for the coming days. It will shake whatever foundation their so-called marriage gave them." Her hand traveled on his body and landed on his hand.
"It was wrong of them to think that they got rid of us in their brief sense of happiness. Unfortunately for them, we are just getting started." They shared a hauntingly devilish look and kiss. They proceeded to have sex while Emmanuelle chanted the words of harm.
Venient super ultimum lapso metus (Come lay upon the weary man his ultimate fear)
Eo quod intra eum et interficite eam edunt carus (Let it eat him inside and destroy what to him is dear)
Frange est unio, quae fortior est illis (Break the union that made them stronger)
Paulatim, donec non amplius possit (Little by little, until he can't take it any longer)
Unbeknownst to Emmanuelle, another soul was affected by her ritual. Lucille was suddenly awakened by a stinging, burning pain in her nose and her hands. Visions of intertwined purple and black glow were invading her. She felt breathless and shot up from her bed. She immediately went to check on Damien and found no child on the bed but rather a surprise that took her heart from the normal rhythm. "Oh dear, Lord. God help us all," were her words as she ran to her table to immediately write to Narcisse and Catherine.
Something landed on Narcisse's hands that night. "What is that?" Catherine was reading some documents for the wedding preparations on their bed in her chambers. "It's a parcel with a new set of wax for my seal. It has finally arrived." Catherine noticed a paper he was holding. "And what's that paper?" He moved forward to show her. "It's just the name you love saying when we make love, or when you miss me so much." He kissed her temples and embraced her laughter and body.
"You really love yourself, don't you?" Catherine gave in within his arms and set the document aside. "But I take care of everything that matters to you. So, I love me 'cause you love me." Narcisse charmingly responded to his wife. They kissed passionately and was starting to undress her already. "Stéphane, wait, the documents needed for the wedding might be crumpled." He was not about to follow her request but he was also reminded of his duty. "Oh, that reminds me as well. I need to send a letter to the orders needed for the wedding. Set all this aside and don't you get out of this bed." She giggled and nodded to him as he went back to his table.
Catherine made fast on her work to tempt his husband back to bed. Little by little, she lured him by slowly removing a garment from her body. She observed him as he wrote the letter fast, melted the new wax he received, and sealed the letter before almost running back to bed to say "Now, where were we?..."
That was the echoing statement that loomed over her head almost two weeks after. They made love that night. Then all of a sudden he has been acting strange five days after. She fully can't understand. First, he asked that it would be best that they don't sleep together or share a bed during the wedding preparations. She thought nothing of it because they needed to focus on the task at hand. Then, when she invited him for an afternoon tea or just a simple stroll in the gardens, he simply rejected or would excuse himself in trips for the wedding or his lands.
So she had him followed with cheating speculations running in her head. As much as she doesn't want to think of such, she couldn't help it. If this was true betrayal from Narcisse, it was not the first time. But her instincts were convinced, he was not cheating. But she had to be sure. Thankfully, the reports supported her instincts. No other women were coming to his chambers or going with him on his trips. They reported that after privy council meetings and said trips, he would just isolate himself in his chambers. He never finished the food prepared for him or would even forget a meal on some days. The most bizarre report she got was that his guards heard him sob or cry inaudible names in the middle of the night. They were not sure if he was dreaming or talking to someone. That report came to her that morning. If it was brought to her attention earlier, she would have done something already.
Now, she observed him from across the hallway. He was looking outside the window, paying no attention to the nobles talking to him. His eyes were quite reddish and dry. Dark circles of eyebags were also evident. You are not sleeping nor eating right. But you cry? Why, mon amour? What's happening to you? I just want you to come back to me. I need you now more than ever.
She must have thought of it loud enough for him to look back at her. And just like the other times for the past two weeks, she gave him a concerned smile while he returned a timid one. But this time around, he looked in her direction with fear like she had never seen before. It seemed he was not looking directly at her and made her look behind to check if someone was there. When she discovered no one there, she looked back in his direction but he was gone. She found him walking away, assumingly to his chambers. Just as she was about to follow him, a voice and a familiar hand halted her tracks.
"Your Grace, I'm sorry for my sudden appearance but I have urgent news." Lucille looked anxious. "Lucille, what are you doing here? Why did you not send a message first?" Catherine was already starting to walk and urged the nun to walk with her. "I have sent word, your Grace but it seemed it has not reached you both. So I took it upon myself to come here and fetch you. It's Damien. You need to see it for yourself. He has grown into an older child. Almost the same age as your youngest royal son."
"What!? But that is ridiculous!" Catherine was so flustered and didn't know what to think first with so much going on. She didn't shout it but a raised voice was within Lucille's hearing. "I'm sorry, your Grace. I know you must be really busy as the wedding is fast approaching. But I have a bad feeling something wrong is happening." Just as the last words came out of Lucille's mouth, they finally arrived in front of Narcisse's chambers. The Queen Mother dismissed the guards.
"Your Grace, my lord ordered not to let anyone in." Catherine furiously looked at him. "If you value your lives, be gone, NOW." The guards immediately went out of the way. "I feel the same way, Lucille. Stéphane has been acting differently in the past few days. We need to," Catherine didn't get to finish his sentence because they heard him talking.
"I beg of you, just leave. I have been avoiding her already. Please, don't hurt her. Hurt me instead." The voice was trembling and was accompanied by distinct sobbing. They waited for someone to respond but no voice was heard.
That was not the case for Narcisse. The person he was talking to was very much alive in his view but not for the rest of the world. He was sitting by the window playing with a dagger, the very weapon he pointed at Catherine's side. Narcisse was horrified and didn't know what real is anymore.
"And yet you dare to see her eye to eye. That is not avoiding, my friend. You saw what I can do, so I suggest you don't dare my capabilities, my friend." Only Narcisse heard his guest speak.
"We should get in!" said Catherine but Lucille held the queen firmly. "It might not be safe, your Grace! I'll find a guard. In the meantime, please don't enter the room. I'll be back soon." Catherine nodded. "Hurry!" She listened carefully to her husband who spoke once more.
Inside the room, the tension was palpable that Narcisse didn't hear the commotion outside. "Yes, I know. I… I just happen to have a glimpse of my wife. It meant nothing, I swear. Please don't harm my family."
"Funny how you claim them all. Was that your plan all along? Help poison me, steal my wife then my family? How convenient for you, Narcisse. But do you think Catherine will still accept you after you hid the truth from her? I highly doubt that, don't you?"
The next words her husband uttered brought chills to the couple's existence. "I didn't poison you! It was not me! I didn't steal your wife, she married me in her own will! Your children never saw a father in you, you neglected them! I have no idea how you came back to life and how do you have those powers over the people I love but please, I beg of you. I will stay away as long as you won't hurt them, Henry!"
There you have it, folks. What's happening with Stéphane? You tell me. A new queen, new curse, new soul. See you at the royal wedding! Can't wait for your reviews :)