And here I am again. Guess who sat in her garden today and got a random wave of inspiration. Yeah me. However I got the idea for this chapter while watching some odd things on YouTube last night and I just started writing. And well here we are now. I hope you enjoy this chapter and let me know your thoughts on it.

Disclaimer: I do not own 'Reign' and I don't make profit out of this Story.

Chapter 9

Sunlight gently touched the tip of Catherine's chambers.

The morning was fading into focus, and the sun was rising just beyond the large windows.

Catherine loved eating breakfast with her children, before they all had to go to their lessons and she to her stack of correspondences and so at breakfast she sat with all her children at the table and surprisingly even Henry, a pot of tea steaming by her wrist.

As the morning went on she drunk from her tea and didn't really touch the food laid out at the table, though Margot, Little Henri, Hercule and Charles ate enthusiastically beside her.

"Napkin, Henri." Catherine reminded the young boy, pointing to his mouth. He nodded his head, happy despite the stern look on Catherine's face - she really tried not to smile-. He had an innocence Catherine never had, and the youthful ability to brush over any worry or problem with a giddy smile.

"Oh, leave the boy." Henry drawled, from his own food -Sometimes he ate as terrible as the children- . "It's good to see someone enjoying their food, isn't it, Henri?"

Henri nodded, crumbs by his mouth.

Catherine didn't argue with Henry, he had a point there nevertheless she'd tell the young boy again that manners were very important particularly while eating. She looked at all 5 of them including her husband and was pleased to see that at least for now everyone seemed to be happy. It was indeed very nice to be able to eat breakfast with her children and her husband without any arguing, without the fighting. She supposed she was happy for this wonderful time that seemed to have arrived, still she was concerned too, how long would it last this time? It was already surprisingly long that Henry still tried to win her over and what was more surprising was that in all this time since he started this - whatever this was- he hadn't had any other woman, no whores or mistresses. Maybe he did change?

"The new gardener is arriving today." Henry said, "Jean, I think his name was. He seems like a nice enough lad."

"Finally," Catherine said, however she was still surprised that Henry knew about this sort of information, usually she was the one who took care of those things, particularly when it was about the gardens. Still she was relieved to hear that sort of news,

"I've spotted poison ivy growing at the base of the manor in the back garden, just last week. It's really time that we get a new gardener. Hopefully he'd do his job well." She said, trying to sound as normal as possible. The whole situation with Henry still seemed very unreal to her. However she was happy that Henry finally decided to give more attention to his children. Just seeing him talking and playing with their children made her smile.

"I still haven't given up on getting you those horses, my princess." Henry said, reaching over the table to ruffle Margot's hair.

Margots obsession with ponies, Catherine thought, had not waned over the years. In fact, it's gotten stronger. Margot's stubborn streak mixed with her childish idealism was a recipe for disaster. She wouldn't be happy until she had a full stable, Catherine thought amused. She had no doubt the little girl will get it.

She was considering this when Francis, Mary and one maid slipped inside. The maid, hovered in the doorway for a moment. When the sunlight touched her tightly knotted hair, and fell over the frills of her dress, she looked so small, Catherine thought. It was worse when she curtseyed, despite holding a tray.

"Post for your royal highness," She said simperingly, starred at the envelope for bit and laid the envelope by her mug.

It wasn't often that Catherine or Henry received post this way, usually it was delivered to their chambers. Currently Henry was talking with Francis and Mary, and the children were busy eating, so she opened the seal of the letter rather hastily because she really didn't know what was so important that this letter wasn't bought to her chambers. The paper was expensive and, Catherine thought curiously, smelled faintly of her favorite perfume. The handwriting is scrawled, as if in haste, but easy enough to read.

Queen Catherine,

I must apologise for what occurred the last time we met. Though I asked you to go for lunch with me with nothing but pure intentions, the invitation was clearly misconstrued. Tell me, what is it that bothered you about the question? Was it too intimate an event for an early friendship? Is it our difference in social stature that's bothering you? Or were you simply shy, and running from me?

Despite your behaviour I still wish to continue my acquaintance with you. It would be a pleasure if you would accompany me for brunch next week. There is this lovely little spot in the west gardens I have come to enjoy, and I am sure you would be comfortable there. Forgive me for asking again. I assure you I have only kind intentions. I do wish to be your friend, Queen Catherine. That I can assure you of. If you wish to come, I will meet you outside of the music hall in the late morning.

If, instead, you wish to sever our acquaintance before it has even started, then you may simply not attend. If I do not see you on Saturday then I will regard it as your answer, and I will thus stay at a polite distance from you and, by extension, Your husband the king. It is never my intention to force you into anything you are uncomfortable with.

However, please consider that I am not the enemy. I consider you my friend. Perhaps one day, you will consider the same for me.

Sincerely,

Lord Stephane Narcisse

Catherine paused, surprised. She hadn't expected this to read. Especially not after she left him at the masquerade a few weeks ago. This day a few weeks ago had been a day full of surprises and she still wondered what Lord Narcisse was going to say before Henry had interrupted them. Perhaps it had been something completely unimportant he wanted to say but she still wondered what he was in the end. Still she wasn't that sure if she wanted to attend this Brunch, of course it would be nice to talk to Lord Narcisse, particularly since the both of them enjoyed their time together but the thought that Lord Narcisse might have ulterior motives made her uneasy. It was surprising to be met with Lord Narcisse warmth after her behaviour.

Yet Lord Narcisse could wish to manipulate Catherine for his own gain, perhaps to get closer to Henry. He might want to lure Catherine into dangerous or illegal activities. There was no shortage of concerns that Catherine was bothered by.

Yet Lord Narcisse had... written to her. And sincerely, it seemed. He hadn't called her simply Catherine, and had kept a formal tone, as if he was trying to respect Catherine's boundaries. Catherine was unsure why Lord Narcisse wanted to be closer to her so badly, but if he was sincere, then Catherine may be losing the chance of gaining a real, true friend.

Catherine folded the letter carefully and tucked it into the pocket of her dress. She leaned back in her chair and thought, and thought, her mind spinning with possibilities. Saturday was only a few days away. She didn't have long to decide.

—

In hindsight, Lord Narcisse thought, it wasn't a surprise that Catherine didn't show.

He leaned back against the chair, his shirt had yet to be completely buttoned, and his suit jacket lay over at the chair. In the mirror he seemed tired, which he supposed he was.

Lord Narcisse had waited at the music hall for about an hour before leaving. He had went there expecting the worst, but it was surprisingly painful to be faced with it. After all, he'd told Catherine he'd keep a polite distance after this. He'd lost all connection to the woman who haunted him so badly. He had managed to cut off his lovers in the past, but he had a feeling this will be the hardest yet, despite the fact they hardly even knew each other.

How lovely would it have been, to see Catherine standing by the music hall in her red dress, glowing in the sunlight. If they had walked together, and talked and laughed and ate, and spent time in one another's company... Lord Narciss sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He was foolish. He should never have sent the letter. Hadn't he learned yet it was unwise to go after the one woman who you had to chase and who was already married? Still she never got much attention from her husband so why didn't she simply took a lover?

Still, their banter and eye contact and Catherine's palm, in his own, those had been real. And they had affected both of them, in some way, Lord Narcisse supposed.

If he saw Catherine in the throne room tonight, what would he do?

Lord Narcisse took a sip of his tea, trying to, at least, enjoy the loneliness for now. The changing room was empty, probably because of the bad atmosphere he'd created around himself, rejected and angry.

He should erase the memory of Catherine from his heart. Yet he could think of nothing worse than having to pretend. He had such a special feeling when he thought about Catherine, a feeling he never experienced before. How was he supposed to act as if nothing ever happened between them? How was he supposed to act all polite while having to think about kissing her, touching her as soon as he saw her.

—

Later that day Lord Narcisse looked into the night sky and found a million stars. Light music was coming from the big Throne room he went out from. Catherine wasn't there when he exited the big hall. Now he just looked into the dark night sky and tried to find beauty in the stars.

He was unsure how much time had passed since he was there and he was about to turn away from the balcony when he heard a soft voice. Polite, tense. Familiar.

His breath catched. Could it be-

"I love the music, keep playing." The voice said, and Lord Narcisse turned sharply. Catherine was standing there, as if a dream, wearing a red dress and her eyes looking in Lord Narcisse direction.

"Catherine!" Lord Narcisse said, surprised. He tried to swallow his delight. For all he knew Catherine was here to shun him. "I mean- Queen Catherine. What on earth are you doing here?"

"I came to explain my absence, this morning. It would be rude otherwise." Catherine said, polite and friendly as always. She was always friendly and polite with her guests. Lord Narcisse kept wanting to unravel her.

"There's nothing to explain. You clearly felt-"

"Don't," Catherine said,sharp as ice and just as cold, "Speak for me."

Lord Narcisse felt silent.

"Unfortunately as I was attempting to go to the music hall I was... interrupted." Catherine pulled a face, "My husband, the king, needed me for a matter of state and we discussed this matter for hours. Can you imagine that?"

"Fortunately, I cannot." Lord Narcisse said, a small smile rising in his cheeks. Not only had Catherine been coming to meet him, but she had also come to explain why she hadn't showed up. He allowed himself a little hope. "So you intended to have brunch with me?"

Catherine paused, and met lord Narcisses eyes.

"Yes." She eventually admitted. "Your letter made me realise that you were serious about forming a friendship with me. I do think our acquaintance could be beneficial."

Friendship, Lord Narcisse thought, amused. He looked over Catherine, who was as lovely as starlight. His intentions were far from friendship, but he'll go slowly, for now. He didn't think he could stand Catherine leaving him again.

"I apologise for my behaviour last week." Catherine continued. She looked pale and uncomfortable as she spoke. This wasn't easy for her, lord Narcisse realised fondly. "I was... Well, i was needed. As you might have heard my husband wanted to have an important conversation with me and it couldn't wait. I apologize for leaving you at the garden, completely alone. I acted inappropriately."

Lord Narcisse gave her a crooked smile.

"So, if you still wish to continue our acquaintance," Catherine voice grew quieter, sweeter. She looked up through her eyelashes. Lord Narcisse was in more trouble than ever before. "Then I would be glad to go to lunch with you tomorrow, after church."

The silence was warm. Lord Narcisse stepped forward on the balcony.

"Would you still like to?" Catherine asked.

Perhaps, Lord Narcisse thought, this was their beginning.

"Yes." Lord Narcisse said warmly, his eyes flickering over Catherine's dress, her face. He couldn't wait to break down Catherine's walls, for them to know one another. To touch her. Perhaps even love her, in time. "Yes, Queen Catherine, I would."

An: I really hope you like this chapter. I tried to make it a bit longer than the last one and I tried to get a bit of Catcisse in it too :) let's see how this will go further. However I hope the chapter wasn't too messy and I hope that you all are okay with the way I wrote Catherine in this chapter. I wanted their to be a bit more in thoughts considering all the things which happened the weeks before. Anyways I hope you still liked this one and please let me know your thoughts in a review. I always enjoy reading them and knowing your opinions :)

To medic-cathry-fan : I'm so so happy that you read my fanfiction and I hope you also liked this chapter my dear. We'll see if Catherine falls for him. He does seem to try to change so maybe the both of them get a chance? But there's still Narcisse who wants her also so we'll see. So far everything's possible ,) let me know how you thought about this chapter.