We were so caught-up in ourselves, I momentarily forgot to be suspicious when I was summoned by the King. I will admit I was nervous, my guard was down and I almost forgot to be focused and prepared in case of the worst.

'Lady Charity, welcome!' Henry greeted me. 'I'm glad to see you've recovered. Back to fighting form, I trust?'

'I am, Your Grace. Thank-you.' I curtsied. 'How can I be of service?'

'Quite right, let's get down to business, shall we?' There was an edge to the smile he showed me, but I returned it in kind.

'I require your talents in distracting a visitor this evening. A General.'

'How so?'

'He'll be attending tonight's feast with several men I have a proposition for. I'll need you to lure him away and keep him occupied while I meet with them. I'm familiar with your reputation as a seductress in my wife's schemes. I have no doubt you'll be able to charm him.'

I froze. Just momentarily, but I did.

'You… you want me to bed him?'

'Not necessarily. But you're an attractive girl, I'm sure you can find ways to amuse him. Don't worry, he's a handsome man, it won't be a hardship.' He grinned, smug.

'Your Grace,' I started carefully. 'I haven't- I mean... I stopped using those methods some time ago. The Queen and I agreed-'

'My wife's not the one requesting this, I am. Your King!' He barked at me. 'Unless there's some other reason you're unable to perform this task?'

I had no alternative but to play his game, especially if he suspected something. I raised my chin, intent on matching his defiance.

'Not at all. Have him introduced to me and I'll do what you ask.'

'Good woman. I have no doubt you'll do a fine job.'

'He asked you to do what?' Catherine was stunned.

'Believe me, I'm far less happy about it than you could ever be.'

I was pacing the room, unable to settle.

'He's never asked me to do anything like this before. He's never requested me for anything at all! I couldn't refuse, he's clearly testing me, seeing how far I'll go in order to protect us.'

'He can't know. He wouldn't have.' Catherine muttered to herself. My pacing stopped abruptly.

'Wouldn't have what? Catherine, has something happened?'

She glanced at me, debating with her thoughts.

'It's nothing to worry about, I'm sure.' she assured me at my look. 'But Francis knows about us.'

'You told him?' Taken aback by this revelation, I wasn't sure whether to be touched or concerned.

'He confronted me after your recovery. Evidently, he'd suspected my feelings for some time. Though not without some encouragement from Sebastian, I might add.'

She looked to me for my reaction, but I said nothing. Bash had always known of my feelings for Catherine, but we rarely spoke of it. Neither of them was the other's greatest fan and, while he'd kept my confidence from the start, more often than not he attempted redirecting my heart elsewhere. He did eventually encourage me to address my affections, but if this was because he suspected Catherine returned them and had come around to the idea, it was news to me.

Ignoring my silence, she continued.

'I guess he'd decided it was time for me to admit my feelings, to accept them myself. He was also kind enough to assure me of his support and protection, should we ever need it.'

'I'm glad you felt able to speak with Francis about this, but if Henry knows, it wasn't from him. Even if Francis had let it slip, he would have warned you. Of that, we can be sure.' I smiled at her, rubbing her cheek with my thumb. 'However, if Francis suspected your feelings, there's every chance Henry did too. Which would explain why he's doing this. He is testing us. Both of us.'

She took my hand and kissed it. I sighed at the comfort such a small action gave me.

'Catherine, you know I'm going to do everything in my power not to let anything happen. But I don't know what Henry told the General, what he'll be expecting. I cannot risk word getting back to him that his promise wasn't fulfilled. My duty is to you, I will do whatever is necessary to protect you.'

The feast was stressful but I wasn't about to give Henry the satisfaction of letting it show. Bash, bless him, did his best to keep me distracted while I waited for my introduction. We danced, much as he disliked the activity, for which I was grateful as it was something I normally thrilled at doing.

Francis interrupted us to update me.

'The General and his men have arrived. Father will greet him shortly and then introduce you. After that, it's down to you and your charms.'

I nodded in acknowledgement, appreciative of the support Bash provided by my side.

'It will be over before you know it.' Francis assured me. 'I'll keep Mother distracted. with any luck, she'll hardly have a moment to notice.'

'Oh, she'll notice.' I told him. 'Very much so. She hates this more than I do and she's been watching me all night. It's paining her, but she won't stop.'

I was wringing my hands. Despite being confident I wouldn't have to resort to actually sleeping with the General, my nerves remained on edge.

Catherine was nowhere to be found when I returned to the feast after, which unsettled me more than anything else that had happened that night.

Francis explained she'd excused herself early and hadn't been seen since. He'd tried speaking with her during my absence, but her guards had informed him she wasn't to be disturbed. Not by anyone.

I hated it and felt awful, but her guards didn't relent, they couldn't. I resigned myself to a sleepless night, knowing she most likely believed I had betrayed her that night.