It was very hot in Florence that day. A little girl with long blond curls crawled giggling under a long table.
- Caterina - a young male voice called her - Caterina, I'll find you.
The little girl covered her mouth with her hand continuing to giggle. A small hand touched her back. Catherine turned around and smiled. Her cousin Romano made a sign to remain silent.
- Did you lose something,Hippolyte? - asked Aunt Clarice's voice.
- No, Aunt - replied the blond cousin.
- No? - asked Alexander, very close to the table - Not even... - he bent down and grabbed Catherine who cried out in amused surprise - a naughty cousin?
- Maybe - Hippolyte joked, starting to tickle the girl. Romano popped out of the table, immediately grabbed by Clarice. At that moment Hortence and Lorenzo ran at Alexander to make him leave Catherine. The two older cousins and their aunt began to tickle all the children. Catherine laughed, delighted.
The queen woke up with a start. Her hands were still tied to the headboard but she was naked. Henry was carefully reading some papers pulled from his wife's vanity. Catherine looked out: it must have been late at night. She had not retired from the wedding party until about eight o'clock, and if her husband had come to her shortly thereafter... Even those brief thoughts hurt her head. The tobacco smoke had almost totally dissipated; Henry had had the foresight to open the window. Catherine felt dirty, and she knew very well why, and it made her feel worse. The king gave no sign of noticing that she was awake, and the woman took advantage of this to enjoy a few minutes of quiet. But the man knew.
- I have to give Richard some poetic talent- he said bringing the letter he was reading closer to the candlelight.
"How did you find Richard's letters?" thought the astonished queen.
Henry looked at her quizzically.
- "My beloved Catherine- he began to read- I hope my delay in giving you my news has not been particularly unpleasant for you. Henry was particularly insistent on going to look for a herd of deer spotted by Lord Kart last night, involving us all in a grueling hunt. I can't lie, it was fun, but I suppose it would have been better if your husband had allowed you to come, instead of inviting Diane. I know how much you love to ride and how divinely you do it. The blossoming trees in the woods, reminded me of the beautiful walk we took together last week and how much more beautiful you looked in that delicate red dress you were so thoughtful to wear since I love it worn by you. I can imagine you now reading this letter in the light of the window of your room, I can see one of those magnificent curls of yours falling on one side of your face, giving light to that delicate skin of yours. Forgive my sappiness but your beauty is the light of my days. I give you my heart and my loyalty forever. Richard-.
Catherine felt her eyes burn with tears. Strangely, Henry did not speak. Instead, he looked at the letter he held in his hands. After a moment of indecision he burned it in the candle flame.
- Henry, no! - the queen let slip. Her husband looked at her with eyes veiled in anger and pain.
- I remember that hunting trip- he said - Richard had wandered off so quickly after it was over. I had teased him because I thought it was because of too much blood.
He flipped through the other letters casually.
- I hate to admit it but I feel stupid- he continued angrily- The jewelry you wore that wasn't a gift from me, the dances together at parties, the too frequent afternoon rides, it was all right in front of my eyes and I never noticed-
- Ask yourself why- growled the woman. The king approached her.
- You were very clever, I'll give you that, snake- he hissed. He leaned over her - but you know how I can become evil.
Even though her heart was beating wildly, Catherine raised her eyebrow sarcastically.
- I think the guard whose head you cut off knows better - she said with a smirk. Henry glared at her then untied her hands from his belt.
- We two are not finished - he said firmly.