Disclaimer: 3 times the drama, 3 times the fun. Last one for this chapter! Rated M for the language, angst, and a moment of relief. Enjoy!
Chapter 8: The Littest Broken Crown of Lee, Part III
Catherine cleared her throat for everyone to settle then immediately filled in known details to her newly arrived children. "Before you arrived, the lord chancellor, Lord Narcisse, was poisoned. He is currently recuperating in his estate. And now, Luc, his son and Duke of Lorraine, has uncovered who is the culprit for this matter. It is England."
The Valois family looked at each other as Luc brought out the evidence. "My father had acquired this unique wax for his letter seals. All of it would be rarely placed in a copper-tin to be directly heated. Perhaps he thought of it as convenient not to just get a chunk. Once heated, it could release the poisonous fumes of henbane, an endemic dangerous plant of England, which could leave residues of white powder in body temperature. Father had inhaled a significant amount, given he had so many correspondences for the past weeks for the royal wedding. So much so, we could already see the bottom of the copper-tin."
He showed it to everyone. "It's the English seal." Catherine pointed out. Everyone was utterly shocked. "Why would England poison the lord chancellor at this time? All to prevent my wedding? Why not poison me directly?" Asked the king. "The question is why wouldn't they? Narcisse has been prisoned there. He might have done something while he was there," said the dauphin.
Catherine breathed heavily on what Henri just said. Yes, my son. He did something there that was rather stupid. And now we're paying the price. Her thoughts were interrupted by Margot's sudden intrusion.
"Instead of speculating, why don't we just confirm it through the ambassador?" Margot suggested. Catherine felt a shot was fired to her head upon hearing the word 'ambassador'. Does this one know anything about Gideon?
"Sister, the ambassador won't just admit to anything." Claude was being reasonable. Margot tried to be cutesy. "Unless the right person acquires the needed information from him."
Catherine's thought was formulating. Oh, she meant the current ambassador... Wait, what!? So the rumor was true? And because their mother's mind was lightning speed, her exasperation was just voiced out. "Oh, dear Lord."
"Ambassador Clarke, Margot? Well done! When, where, how?" The sisters had their language when it came to their conquests. A trait Catherine cursed for they inherited that from their father. Regretfully, they also forgot that they were surrounded by their mother, brothers, and husband no less. "Just this summer, Paris, Genevieve's soiree." The Valois princesses giggled while the confused Elisa planned to seek an explanation from Charles but went against it.
"Don't tell me you are acquainted with the English ambassador, at the most..." The pious Elisa was attentively waiting on what the queen had to say so Catherine made sure she chose the right words. "...intimate way possible? The man is almost my age!" Princess Elisa was still confused so Charles whispered what she needed to hear. Elisa was visibly shocked.
"Seriously, is she that pious to not know anything?" Hercule leaned closed to Luc. "Maybe. Or your sisters are just too crude for comfort. My wife even forgot I was here." The duke and the prince hid their laughs in a snicker. But the mood in the room was no laughing matter.
"He is a very easy bachelor, both to the eyes and in general. So having an affair with him was a no-brainer. But why are you overreacting to this? I'm not the only one with issues in this family." Margot eyed everyone and inches to Catherine. "Are you testing my fury? Did you seriously think I'm going to let you continue that liaison?" Catherine turned to the familiar angry face Margot knew how to handle.
"Why can't you just acknowledge that I'm right and you need me for your answers? We all know we can't simply accuse the powerful country of this. So we need further evidence and I could give you that." It was a sound proposal but Catherine disliked it very much.
"You are a princess of his adversary country and a Valois. You can't dangle yourself like some," She didn't want to call her daughter a whore in front of her family. "You are not the only one who could acquire useful information from him. I have…" Margot smirked at Catherine's attempt.
"Your flying squads? Your network of spies? He knows all of them. He knows his way around them. They got no chance on Clarke." Catherine and her other children were so taken aback by Margot's claim. They observed in silence as Catherine was determined to stop Margot at all cost.
"And you got a chance on him? What kind of abilities do you possess that even the finest courtesan can't compare?" Catherine didn't mean to say that to Margot in front of her siblings, especially her future sister-in-law. But the princess was being so difficult that the queen mother felt she had no choice.
"He thinks that the power is within him because he bagged a princess. His guard is down so he will be an easy target." Margot squinted at her mother. "Tell me. Are you that desperate for power and attention that you can't admit to yourself that my idea is brilliant? Because I'm quite sure you are not concerned about my welfare. So stop projecting to us that you care. It doesn't suit you." Catherine's heart was freshly bruised by her final statement.
"And how desperate are you for attention that you are willing to bed anyone?!" Catherine threw a goblet to the floor. "Pretend that I care?! Margot, that is all I do! Every waking minute, every breathing second, I PROTECT AND CARE FOR YOU ALL! SO DON'T YOU DARE TELL ME OTHERWISE! YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I DO!"
Just like any other time, they fight. But this was probably the worst. They were fighting in front of everyone, including the king of France, and didn't care. Catherine was so furious that none of her other children were willing to break it off. Only Margot had the power to defy Catherine the hardest.
"And yet we have a poisoned lord chancellor. What's next? A dead king? Oh, mother. Spare me your sermon. We all know that the only thing you want is power and never your children!" Now, Margot just got beyond Catherine's nerves that made the queen mother lay a finger on her daughter. She slapped her face so hard that Catherine was shocked along with the rest.
She shakingly apologized to Margot. "Margot. My dear, I didn't mean to…" She was trying to reach for her when her daughter swatted her efforts away. "DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH ME!" Margot stormed out of the room. Claude followed suit. "Margot! Come back here!"
The rest were shocked and disappointed at Catherine, even Elisa. They knew how mad Catherine could be. But never have they've seen her hurt them physically. Never did her future daughter-in-law imagine Catherine could ever do that. So they left the room except for Hercule. Her tears welled up before her son.
"It will be difficult for all of us to forget what you have done and what you could do." She tried to explain to the young prince but his wisdom was beyond his years. "I understand you. You don't need to explain it to me. Just calm down and take a rest. I shall do the same. I love you, mother. I'm sorry for all of this." He kissed her forehead and left the room. Catherine was all alone in her tears and regret.
"Margot, for Christ's sake! Would you stop walking and speak to me!" Claude finally caught up with her sister. "Why are you being so difficult?! Seriously, you just came back and this happens!" As coincidence will have it, they were talking in high tension, raised voices, in front of the nursery door.
"I'm the one being difficult?! Are you fucking kidding me?! Tell that to your mother who would rather slap me than listen to me!" Claude gestured for her to quiet down and whispered her frustration. "Shhh! Margot! Someone might hear you! I know you're mad at our mother but the rest of the family must not suffer from your recklessness! Now, shut up and come with me in my chambers!"
Their shoes produced the clacking of their heels away from the nursery. But unfortunately for Claude's request, someone had heard them.
While everyone frenzied over the royal's arrival, Narcisse and Lucille frenzied to hide Damien's state from the servant who will be serving breakfast and the physician. The child's face didn't drastically change compared to his height so they made him just sit in bed with a bunch of pillows to hide his length. After breakfast, Narcisse ordered the physician to leave and assured him he could report his well being to Catherine personally.
Only just the four of them left, Lucille continued packing their belongings to prepare for their sudden departure. Narcisse thought of it a better plan to just move to his estate and see how Damien will still grow. Then they heard the royal sisters' quarreling.
"You both stay with the boys. Catherine needs me now." Narcisse made his way to his wife via the secret passageway. He finally reached her secret door but heard her sniffling in tears before he entered. "Catherine? What happened, mon amour? I heard Claude, and I bet the new voice belonged to Margot, arguing by the nursery door."
Catherine ran to him and embraced her husband tightly. She cried vastly on his chest. Stéphane embraced her warmly. "Let's sit by the bed so you could rest your head." They did and Narcisse patiently waited for his wife to speak.
"Before I speak, how are you? Are you feeling better already?" She clemently stroked his face and weakly smiled. He looked at her lovingly. You always put us first. We don't deserve you. Stéphane returned to her hand and held them protectively. "I'm feeling better now, mon amour. But enough of me. You are visibly distraught. Your children have just arrived, you should be happy. What brought about all these tears?"
He wiped her free-flowing misery as she talked softly. "We have found evidence on the English. It's your wax seal. It is the source of the henbane. At the bottom, the English seal is engraved. See it for yourself." Catherine presented the evidence to Narcisse which he quickly set aside as to not accumulate any more of the poison.
"So, she knows and hit two birds with one stone." Narcisse contemplated. "Again, Catherine. I'm sorry for my past actions." She held her husband. "It is done, Narcisse. As long as we get the facts straight, we could start on moving forward with any plan for our safety." She kissed him gently. He tasted the tear that dampened her lips. He caringly whispered. "Then what brought about your fight with Margot?" Catherine heavily sighed.
"Stéphane, I have hurt her. You know that for the life of me won't ever hurt any of my children intentionally, never physically." She paused to catch a breath as her cry made her feel like she was drowning. "I don't know what came over me but I lost all control and slapped my daughter in front of the family." He rubbed her back in comfort. "What did she do to make you react like that?"
Narcisse was so patient with her. He never gave out a tone that she was to be blamed for her rushed decision. She smiled at that comfort but was brought back by her trance. "She wanted to help actually. But she was willing to taint her reputation further into the English ambassador's bed just to get information. Of course, I objected. Narcisse, she is having an affair with a man almost my age and a possible spy for the enemy. Then she accused me of just caring for power and pretending to care for them? For her? How could she say that?"
Catherine was always considered an Iron Lady in court. But with her husband, her vulnerability comes out naturally. Stéphane just hugged her. "I believe you know what to do. You just need someone to remind you of the truth." He held her hand.
"I love you and you love your children more than anything in the world. Catherine, you are strong and brilliant. You will make the right decision for this country and our family whether you like the idea or not." He assured her by placing a chaste peck on her knuckles.
She breathed calmly and laid out her plan to fix this. "We will inform the Holy Roman Empire of this treachery and they might help us in gathering more evidence on England. We announce the postponement of the wedding with the reasons we came up with and let them think they have succeeded. If indeed they are behind this, their plan will reveal itself to us. I will apologize to my daughter. It will be hard to stop her plan so I'll just protect her from the repercussions of her actions. I will do my best to get her by my side again."
Narcisse embraced her in congratulations but started to open his current concern. "See? You had it all along. You do all that while I take the boys to my estate and be back by the wedding." Catherine abruptly broke their contact as Stéphane worriedly smiled at his wife. "We might have a problem, mon amour. Damien grew twice his height overnight. I fear he will grow tremendously in the next few days, including his facial appearance and maturity. We need to hide him and keep him safe."
Catherine's facial expression was overwrought. She slumped back by the headboard of the bed in exhaustion. "Good God, what's happening to all my children?" She buried her face in her palms. "So you will leave at earliest tonight, I presume?" He hesitated melancholically. "Earlier than that would be a better time. When I heard the princesses quarreling, I ordered Lucille to pack the boys' belongings and was about to go to you, to tell you the plan. I wanted to be with you so bad. Especially now,"
His words were melting into the background as Catherine was overwhelmed with all that was happening to her family. A poisoned husband, demon children, England, France! I just need a break from all this. She lifted her head from those tired hands and welcomed how she missed her husband. Oh, your voice is just the most soothing thing. You are the sexiest being when you care so much for me.
And just like that, his speech was halted when Catherine pulled him to a torrid kiss making him topple over her on the bed. Before he knew it, she was already undressing him. God, how will I leave now? His thoughts were scattered on the bed. She was relentless. Her mouth captured his lips very well intact then moved to his neck then to his ear.
"Catherine… Mon amour… What are you doing," Then she stopped and pulled him closer. "If you are going to leave me in this hell of a week, give me a heaven to cling on to until your return." Only Catherine de Medici could beg authoritatively and come across as a needy yet threatening sex goddess. Stéphane just swallowed a lump of being torn.
Her terms were quite simple. As much as he wanted to think about it, his wife didn't give him time. "I assure you, it won't take long." She enchanted him and now he's trapped. Her hand was already inside his pants, doing heaven's work in the name of stress release. Her mouth nibbling his ear. Her legs apart encouraging him to come closer.
He gave in and eagerly lifted her skirt to the waist. His fingers found her center as his mouth found hers. Their hands pumped on each other's slice of heaven while their tongues danced to the tune of immense hunger for relief amidst their burdens.
"Stéphane, I need you now." It sounded like a growl of a tigress in rage but the lion was more than ready for her. In a moment, he entered her with ease. "Oh my God, Catherine how I've missed you." Their faces were contorted in pleasure as their bodies slammed in earnest.
They fucked their brains out while he sucked her breasts and made her wanting more. Positions were tested for pleasures beyond their wits. They rolled and she rode him. They rolled forward and he regained control. She turned beneath him and he took her from behind. They were going wild. This was the best afternoon delight they ever made. And they both never stopped fucking until they reached the climax, twice.
Breathlessly heaving to the scent of sex all over the room, the couple chuckled to the zenith they both just achieved. "Why didn't we figure out that sex with you can be a healing I need for this poison?" Catherine laughed within his neck. "Don't be ridiculous. Sex with me is the only antidote you need. So please just stay. We'll hide Damien well." She jokingly reiterated followed by the sweetest kiss.
"Catherine, don't make this hard for me." She smiled childishly at him. "Oh, but with just a stroke it becomes hard in an instant." And so she did with his member. He realized his poor choice of words at once and took her hand. He brought it to his lips. He became firm with his words now. "Catherine. God knows I don't want to leave you in your state but the boys and I need to go."
She snuggled to him tighter and gave out a heavy sigh. "But I need you to be close. You are the only one that's keeping my sanity intact. What will I do without you?" She always knew the answer but it solaced her ego hearing what she needed in a husband. "You will do you, Catherine de Medici. You will keep running France like no one's business and be the best mother that you are."
He gave himself time to savor her angelic face before he left. Catherine was wearing the necklace and the ruby ring that he gifted. He gently pulled the necklace and tenderly held it. "You are my sun, Catherine. And I am your moon." Then he took the hand with the ruby ring and kissed it softly. "I am your husband. You will never be without me."
Catherine smiled and was reminded of her gift for Stéphane. She walked to her dresser and brought out a box. "I have something for you. I was meant to give this to you at the wedding celebration but it can't wait." He looked at her in questioning. "Go on, open it."
He hid his excitement but kept a timid smile the entire time. A satisfying click of open was heard and the gift was revealed. "A pocket watch." He whispered joyfully. He took the intricate metalwork and delicately ran his finger on every detail.
When he opened it, a tiny portrait of her face was painted on canvas and craftily placed on the lid of the watch. Then it was bordered by what looked like vines. But upon close inspection, it's a repetitive design of their initials intertwined. "I am your wife and now, you will never be without me." He kissed her in earnest. "Thank you so much, mon amour."
"I love you so much. Come back to me in time, you hear?" She whispered. "I love you too. I will be back into your arms before you know it." He secured her. They kissed goodbye one last time. Stéphane left her chambers as Catherine prayed for their safe travels.
Catherine's plan was put into action. She met with the trustworthy delegates of the Holy Roman Empire through Elisa. The queen mother and the princess detailed why the wedding should be postponed and Narcisse's poisoning. The empire promised to help with their good spies.
Then it was announced the wedding was postponed for a week to entertain more foreign dignitaries that confirmed arrival. Upon the announcement, Catherine observed the English delegates without their ambassador, who was due to arrive on the wedding day itself. They sure looked shocked by the news. They may know nothing or they are good actors. Margot's plan might be a strong option to confirm. She thought.
Catherine meant to see Margot. On her way, Claude caught up with her. "Mother? I was looking for you. Are you headed to Margot?" Catherine was pleasantly surprised by her daughter who walked alongside her with a smile. "Yes, darling. Why were you looking for me?"
Then Claude pulled her and they almost ran to her chambers. Catherine was taken a bit but it was near Margot so she didn't mind. "This must be some big news or gossip for you to make me run to your chamber."
Claude giggled. "It is big news." Then she brought her mother's hand to her tummy. "Claude?" Catherine has so much on her mind but she knew what this little gesture meant.
"Yes, Maman. I am with child! I wanted to be sure before I told anyone. And now, I'm certain. That's why I came looking for you." Catherine was excited. "Oh, Claude. That is indeed good news! When will you tell Luc?" The queen embraced the duchess.
"I'll probably talk to him today. It will be just in time before we reside in Lorraine after the wedding." A particular gloom was depicted on their faces. "Mother now is not the time for sentimental goodbyes. I'm not the first daughter who needed to do the duties away from home. And I won't be the last."
"But we've grown so close. I didn't just find a daughter in you. I found an ally." Catherine held Claude's hands daintily. She imagined the little girl she cared for. Now, her daughter was to care for a tinier hand. Claude brought Catherine back to the reality she must face.
"And you have another daughter to make your new ally." Claude was firm on her grip. "I will apologize. That was my agenda before you shared your news. But Claude, she is a princess. She has duties to fulfill, she knows that. And her reputation is not something to be damaged further. You were once like that. But what has that led you?" Her mother replied.
Claude contemplated. "I have talked to Margot. I knew you'd say that and that's what I told her. If she wants to live a carefree but safe life, she needs to abide by your guidance and give in to certain sacrifices. I think she got my point because she agreed to talk to you."
Catherine's features softened but nerves stroke her core. "It saddens me that it gives us a glimmer of hope but we all know that only arguments come out from a talk with your sister." The queen sighed and the princess just shared her sentiments. "I know, mother. But you have to go to her now. But don't handle it like you used to. Try a different approach."
Catherine felt a slight relief with Claude's assurance. "Thank you for your good news and confidence in me, my dear. I will try your suggestion. Wish me luck." They embraced and Catherine left for Margot.
Once she arrived by her door, her mind shouted at her. Try a different approach. The goal is to apologize and win her back. She took a deep breath before entering. Margot's ladies all stood in attention upon seeing Catherine while the princess remained by her dresser. She gave a stern look at her mother through the mirror.
"Leave us," ordered the queen mother. "No. All of you stay. You all serve me, not her. And I need a witness in case she hurts me again." The ladies looked at each other and panicked. Francine, the eldest lady-in-waiting, and Margot's right-hand collected the other ladies and went to the farthest end of the room.
Catherine sighed in exasperation and sat in the nearest chaise to her daughter. She observed Margot who started styling her hair. The queen reflected on the vibrant princess that only wanted to learn the hairstyle of her mother. "Why are you here?" The princess took her mother's reverie.
"I came here to talk. Claude told me you're now quite inclined." It was a farfetched idea but Catherine could attempt to try. She stood behind Margot and asked her permission. "May I?"
The princess gave an icy look at Catherine. What are you up to? The young mind was trying to decipher. But handed the brush she was holding as to give her mother a chance. The queen smiled discreetly at Margot's willingness to repair their relationship. "I don't know if you remember but you had tantrums when your nannies fixed your hair. You specifically want your hair done like mine."
"And I will only calm down when it was you brushing my hair, braiding it to perfection. I remember." Margot got lost in that tender memory as she looked at her mother through the mirror. But her expression shifted quickly. So you are trying to take me back to my childhood innocence? Good luck with that. The princess's that brain was also speculating. "I also remember how you sent us all away. That one I will never forget."
"Margot. I," Catherine tried to regain the peace they had seconds ago. But her daughter was not having any of it. The princess turned to look her straight into the eyes. "Just wanted to protect us? By placing us in different parts of the country, away from each other? To grow up lonely without our parents or other siblings around? Just keeping the boys closer because they will be kings someday and sending the girls away because they are to be sold to the highest bidder? Is that what you wanted to say?"
Catherine was stunned. She partly felt she deserved that. But Margot was not yet done. "Oh, or you want to say how sorry you are that this is the reality that we have to live in because we are The Crown? Because we were born into this and we got no choice?" Margot's voice cracked as her tears welled within her lids.
Catherine felt the guilt in Margot's every word. New approach, new approach, new approach. She kept telling herself, restraining her tongue to answer back. She carefully placed the brush back on the dresser to think about what she could say.
"I'm sorry, my dear child. But you are right on all of it. Henry and I were the worst parents because we didn't have good parents to look up to." Catherine was not sure where she was going with this but her mind was calculating as to how she'll get her daughter. She sat down by the chaise again and invited Margot to sit by her side. The princess hesitantly followed but she found this visible vulnerability from Catherine de Medici quite refreshing. This is could be a trick or this could be real. But I won't mind if that meant finally understanding you. Margot was not going to let this opportunity pass her by.
Many of Margot's nannies have told some stories about her parents. But none of them was ever confirmed by Catherine nor Henry. And the queen realized that perhaps the reason why her children misunderstood her as a mother was that she never shared anything personal deliberately.
The people she had confided in about her tribulations were Mary, Queen of Scots, Narcisse, and thanks to her abilities, Lucille. Claude just figured out things. Her boys didn't care about her feelings. So maybe if she opened herself now, Margot could finally understand where her mother was coming from.
She didn't mind if her daughter's ladies were there. Whatever she was about to say were intimate details of her life but known facts by many. So gossiping about it was going to be pointless. All that matters to her now was Margot. She lightly stroked her daughter's hair and started gently styling it as she told her story.
"I became an orphan when I was just an infant. The whole of Italy wanted me dead because of my family name. I was passed around to family members to be cared for and protected until I landed in the graces of my uncle, who was the Pope at that time. Your grandfather and my uncle arranged the marriage between your father and I."
Catherine reminisced like it was yesterday. She skipped the part where her innocence was scarred for life and violence wreaked havoc on her virtue. She felt it won't help her cause. She breathed heavily to lean on making her daughter understand that she was not the only problematic soul that may have caused the misery of their family.
"Upon arriving here, everybody treated me as an outsider. Except for your grandfather. He was a kind man. But his kindness was limited, even to his own blood. I learned that your father, together with his brother, the original dauphin, was used as a ransom exchange by France to Spain." Everyone was attentive. I could make this work. Catherine thought and continued.
"Upon his return, he just wanted to be loved by his father. But unfortunately, he found that in Diane." Catherine felt invigorated now that she could vilify her long-dead rival to her daughter.
"You see, people kept forgetting that Diane was twenty years older and wiser than Henry because the parental love turned into a full-blown affair. In my eyes, she took advantage of Henry's vulnerability to manipulate him to her advantage. How that viper did that for even the entirety of my marriage with him, we will never know." Margot let out a very soft 'good lord' under her breath. Catherine privately smirked as she could see Margot construed with the truth.
"But having been a child captive myself, I inferred how hard it was for him growing up. So when we had a chance to finally get to know each other, we understood that we were two lost broken souls. Before we knew it, we were falling in love with each other."
A silent gasp escaped her audience. The ladies-in-waiting and Margot felt gutted sympathy. They knew how that love story ended but never understood how it began.
"At the beginning, we were madly in love. He even got the courage to remove Diane from court just to prove that he did love me." Margot was shocked to hear her parents were devoted to each other at a point, especially her father. She always knew the many mistresses Henry catered and the constant fighting that marriage constituted.
"But everything changed when he became the dauphin. The Crown changes everything. His job was to succeed as that king. My job was to help him have a successor. The world watched as we desperately tried for an heir for ten years. To them, he did his part while I failed in mine." Catherine released an unexpected scoff for it was a complete buffoonery that the world would think that an issue of fertility should always be blamed on the woman.
"He just needed a son from me. I just wanted to survive. I could have been tossed aside or beheaded for being barren for a decade. But believe it or not, I was lucky your father loved me hard enough to not do that. Sadly, great things must always come to an end." Catherine lowered her head and cleared her throat. She still focused on doing her daughter's hair. Margot felt more pity as her mother continued.
"We tried everything until we broke our trust to one another and he found his way back to Diane. It didn't help that he claimed Bash as a son." Catherine saw the disbelief in her daughter's face. It comforted her a little that Margot's empathy was evident.
"Then the miracle of having ten children came to our lives. It was as if every barren year was equivalent to a perfect angel. I felt renewed and secured whenever I was pregnant. All my children reminded me that my husband loved me for a moment. It may be fleeting but it was a love that I treasure nonetheless. And when the hurt of your father residing in the arms of another became too painful, one of you always saved me in your arms." She looked at Margot's soul. She wanted her to know that power was not the only priority in her mind.
"You are all my purpose for living. So you could just imagine when I lost your brothers, Francis and Louis, and your sisters, Emone and Henriette. I felt like dying. And to top it all off, I had to send you after an attack here at court. It was the hardest decision of my life. But I knew it had to be done or else, you will all die. I wanted you all here when your father died, when your brothers were crowned. But at the cost of possibly losing you all? I can't risk that." Catherine was in her element. She was winning Margot.
"That is why I'm very protective of all of you in my way, boys and girls alike. In case you were unaware, your return is timely, well-crafted, and highly strategized. Now, you are all of the right age and strong enough to at least fend for yourselves. And in a divided nation, they must see a united front from their monarchs." Catherine thoroughly explained but emphasized the next point.
"But I want you to understand that we live in our cruel world where a nation cares less for a queen. Even if the best king they need is always that queen." Margot perceived the hurt in Catherine's bitter pill of reality.
"I'm not favoring my sons just for the sake of it, but they are meant to be the kings that will rule and protect all of us. So I need to make sure they are going to do just that. And you are not sold off to the highest bidder. You are meant to be aligned to the power that will secure you once I'm gone or the rest of your brothers can't help you. I will never live forever, my love. So you have to learn to be the great woman that you are destined to be." The last statements hit Margot differently. She could not imagine a world without her mother but she rationalized she was destined for greatness being the daughter of a great queen.
Catherine felt victorious as she finished styling Margot's hair then her daughter held her hand surprisingly. She might have used a pity as a divisive plot but it worked. She smiled at this fact and Margot. "I hope now you understand where our misery is rooted. Your parents didn't know any better, my dear. And you know I never meant to hurt you. I was just overwhelmed with emotions and utter shock with your idea." Margot looked down to the hands she held then to the mother that bared it all for her to care for.
"But we shall grow in time and me apologizing to you is my first step towards our peace as a mother and daughter. I hope you could forgive me." Now, this is where my real work would start. Catherine reminded herself.
Margot took a deep breath and considered everything Catherine said. I still feel the whole story was a trick in some way but peace between us would mean more freedom for me, at least for now. But you have not won me. Not fully. The princess gave in. "Alright, I forgive you. And I do understand now where you're coming from. But I will not be tamed easily, Mother. Especially if I know my plan will work." Margot leaned into a hug and whisper. "You won't stop me on this one because I have started on it already."
That whisper gave Catherine chills but with a hint of pride for the cunningness her daughter inherited from her. She just wished it was indeed a brilliant plan and it will be salvageable if need saving. She calmed herself down to think fast. "I trust you with your plan. But do trust me too and let me help you improve on that plan of yours. Does the ambassador know your ladies?"
Margot glared at her mother. "We are not using my ladies! I could handle this on my own." She still whispered but firm with conviction. Catherine bit her tongue. Don't answer back. You just won her. The queen took a deep breath and exhaled her thoughts. "Alright then. But could we speak freely about it and let your ladies go if you don't want them involved?"
Margot looked at her ladies and asked them to leave. Catherine sighed a relief. "Finally. So you said you've started? What have you done?" Her tone was direct but not accusing. Margot appreciated that.
"I sent word that I could meet him after the wedding. Then, I would rummage through his documents while he rested. I'll make sure he'll be rested for a long time." Catherine looked dubious at Margot.
"By grinding on him relentlessly, you mean? Then you'll also be tired once you start to look for anything significant? And only documents? Did seriously think he would leave a paper trail for a crime this grave?" Margot gave her mother a condescending stare.
"First, he will be tired in no time. Trust me, I know. Second, I will not be that exhausted. I'm still young. Don't underestimate me. Third, I will search for anything and not just the papers. I'm not that dumb, mother."
Catherine sarcastically smiled at her. "But you are not that experienced either. I say that out of love and consideration that you are young, my dear. And I will never underestimate you. You are my daughter after all." They hid a giggle at that fact. It's good to find a common ground after all their fights.
"So, let's ameliorate that plan. I suggest you start looking for clues the moment you see him. Body language without sex and a random see conversation always go a long way. Talk to him about flowers and how it fascinated you. Observe how he reacts to the topic. If he knows so much, he might fancy sharing a secret or two." Margot was beyond intrigued. Her mother continued her lecture.
"Once in his chambers, don't look for a paper trail. Look for ciphers. A mission of this caliber could have been sent in codes. My spies found it difficult to get those coveted English ciphers. But now, we have a chance through you." Catherine liked that she fed her daughter's ego for an amicable solution for this.
"And to buy you more time to do all of that, put this in his drink. It is not poison. It's just a potion that would make him perform faster and sleep heavier. Heck, you could even opt to not have sex with him if he strikes unappealing after you've proven him a traitor." Catherine handed the vial with wishful thinking that Margot will adhere to everything she said.
Margot looked at the vial and kept it in her pocket. "Fine. All you said made the plan better, I guess." Catherine smiled at her daughter as she lowered herself to her shoes. The princess was curious when she heard a metal slashed sound. Her mother brought out a small, bejeweled dagger with a tiny scribble of Catherine's initials.
"I have one in every shoe. I will have one made for you too. God forbid you will need to use it but one must be ready. If that man dare hurt you and you haven't killed him yet, I will help you do so. And help get you away with it too." Margot ascertained what a polarizing person her mother could be on any occasion but she was eternally grateful for it despite their difference in opinions and views. But just like Catherine, Margot was a stubborn lady and reminded herself she was not completely won.
"Very well then. I will wait for those shoes and I'm doing this for my siblings. I'm not doing this for you. It was nice talking to you. You may leave now." Margot stood up and returned to her dresser, looking at the mirror and seeing Catherine's creation for the first time.
As much as she wanted to embrace her daughter once more, Catherine resigned to the momentary peace they have agreed upon. She returned the dagger to her shoes as she said, "Yes, it was nice talking to you. And I meant what I said when you arrived and my apology. I truly have missed you and I'm sorry for everything." Catherine gave a last glance on her before turning her back towards the door. Margot observed her mother through the mirror.
Just as she reached the door, the princess spoke. "Thank you for my hair, Maman." Catherine was caught off guard. It's been ages since she heard Margot call her that way. "Anytime, my darling," she replied. Then headed out. No matter how much they hide it, hopeful smiles were painted on their faces.
Finally, the wedding day has arrived. All of Catherine's plans were enacted within the week of Narcisse's absence. The Holy Roman Empire and her spies did their job on the English delegates, including the ambassador who was still in England. They found nothing compelling or implicating enough for the poisoning.
So the whole scheme rests on my daughter. Great. She was preparing the special shoes to be given for Margot. Then she moved by the window of her chamber, hoping she would see her husband. "Are you waiting for me?" She immediately turned to the voice she had been craving to hear. "Oh my Stéphane! You're here!"
She ran to him and he lifted her to an embrace. "I missed you too, mon amour." They kissed fervently and giggled like teenagers. "What time did you return? Why didn't you tell me what time you'll return? How are you? Where's Damien? I missed you so much. Your letters barely helped me survive the week." She showered him with lovely pecks all over his face.
"And yet you welcome me like this fantastic weather for a royal wedding. You look absolutely lovely, my Catherine and I missed you too." He smiled brilliantly. He carried her to the nearest chaise and placed her wife comfortably on his lap. "Now, to satisfy every question of my gorgeous queen, I wanted to surprise you so we returned at dawn unannounced. I'm fine and just excited to be with you again. And Damien..." His face was filled with worry. "...is safe. But as I've written, you will not recognize him. It felt like I raised a different boy every day. I really regret that you were not there with us. He is now a young man, a bit taller for what I assumed his age is."
Catherine gave in to the heavy feeling that conquered her heart with Narcisse's every letter for the past week. "I want to see him." Narcisse took her hand and looked her in the eyes. "I don't want you to be distracted by this. Your other son is going to be married today. We should be focused and celebrate that."
She rested her head on his. "Alright. I guess we could focus on a lot of celebrating since we are going to welcome new additions to our family." slowly, she gave him those killer dimples that melt his heart every time but he did hear what she said. "Additions? Does the princess have a twin and Charles will marry her too?" Stéphane joked around and tickled her wife. She laughed heartily and played with his words. "Don't be ridiculous. But maybe you're right. A princess could have twins." Catherine widely grinned at his husband's befuddled face. "Catherine, you lost me. What do you mean?"
"I mean, you are quite slow, Grand-père." He looked more confused. Catherine gave him a meaningful look. "Did you not get what I just said, Grand-père?" She emphasized the endearment name. Then it clicked to him with big eyes. "Is Claude expecting?" She nodded eagerly. "Oh, mon amour. I can't believe we will be grandparents together now. We are old." She chuckled and he was overjoyed.
"But we shall be growing old gracefully and…" He slid his hand under her skirt, surprising her and making her hold on for balance. "Always excited." Catherine hitched to his slithering hands. "Well, aren't you making fast for work for a silver fox?" They shared a very aroused and starving kiss. "That happens when I miss my golden lioness. Can we play a bit before the wedding?" And so they did. Their love reunion was blazing hot like the shining future that the royal wedding promised.
After an invigorating joust on their bed, the couple prepared for the wedding. The family pleasantries were skipped before the wedding because of their respective duties. The morning's goal was achieved as the ceremony was intimate and divine. Charles and Elisa were clearly enamored by each other. It was witnessed by the whole court and was rejoiced. Among present in the ceremony were foreign dignitaries, other royalties, and the congregation of Lorraine who resided in Chenonceau. Elisa specifically wanted them there the moment she knew of their condition.
Catherine informed Narcisse of the congregation's presence in the wedding through one of her letters so Lucille begged for the lord chancellor to let her be with them at least for the celebration. She promised that Damien will be safe by her side and will be introduced as her brother. Narcisse finally agreed and set that Lucille would only show up in the celebration.
After the ceremony, the family welcomed Narcisse back. Immediately, his son told them about the pregnancy news and they were congratulated. Then he was finally introduced to Margot and Hercule. As expected, the princess can't take off her eyes on the lord chancellor. That didn't go unnoticed to Catherine and winced him away towards the other dignitaries he needed to meet.
The celebration was in full swing when Lucille and Damien arrived. A lot of mingling and interaction was happening in the grand hall. Due to the sheer energy of the room, Damien held Lucille's hand and a vision came through.
Everything in the grand hall froze then the black and purple glow enveloped the banquet. She observed that the glows' ends were leading to the other side of the hall. She moved and followed where they would end. When Lucille reached the middle, she suddenly stopped. There was a force field protecting that other side. Then she heard the clicking of heels nearing her.
She felt an entity behind her. "So you are the one who tried to save them from my curse. It must have been difficult because it's just one of you and two of us. Are you sure you could handle this?" Lucille immediately turned around and was greeted by the devilish smile of Emmanuelle. She was decked in a black fancy gown and the very black glow that bothered for the past nights.
"Lucille? What's the matter?" As soon as Damien's voice was heard, Lucille's vision swooped out her mind and made everything return to the party. "Good Lord, she is here." Lucille's tears were collected as Damien asked. "Who is here?" The nun nervously looked at him and said, "Your other mother is here and we need to find her. NOW."
Told you this part was crazier :) See you in the next chapter! Can't wait for your comments :)