Disclaimer: I neither own Reign, nor profit from this story.

Ch 11 - Reality Summons

Henry called the boys attention back to the fire as the fish was just about finished. With a few more slow rotations they could remove the meat from the sticks and bring them inside.

Sending Francis in to retrieve a plate to serve them Henry noticed, not for the first time that evening, that Bash seemed troubled. Contrary to Henry's initial guess Bash had accepted their invitation to stay for dinner but had remained slightly solemn this whole time.

As this was unusual for the young man Henry finally decided to question him directly now that they were alone.

Bash stayed silent for a moment before answering.

"I don't know that this is anything to be truly concerned about, but for much of the way back her today, there seems to be a group of men following us."

Henry stayed silent, but internally bristled. Though they had created a little piece of heaven here at their home, he was far too well aware of the harshness of this world, and what men would sometimes do to destroy another's version of heaven.

"They kept their distance, and never once moved to approach, but this is not a populated area, or one where there should have been any need for them to travel as they did. They kept pace with us when they easily could have moved one much faster."

"And you are sure that it was the same men the whole way?" Henry questioned, more so because he didn't want it to be true than that he did not believe the young man.

"I am sir."

Nodding subtly Henry began considering the ramifications, both as to why they might be there and of what he could do to defend his family if need be.

Henry may be a man who preferred a gentle countenance and temperament to a riotous one, but that did not mean he would not protect his family if need be.

If was for this reason that several of Francis's pieces that he had crafted were kept at the house, under the guise of being displayed out of pride. They were indeed works of art, but deadly ones, and Henry would have no problem using them for their original purpose should the need come about.

"Bash," Henry inquired. "Have you even been taught to wield a sword?"

Pausing for a moment at the unexpected question, the young man searched Henry's face for any other clues as to what he was really thinking.

"No sir I have not."

Humming to himself it took a moment for Henry to answer, but when he did his tone belied nothing but the seriousness of the protector that he could be as needed.

"Then perhaps it is time that I taught both you and Francis how to fight."

-/-/-/-

Once the fish was gathered onto the plate Francis had acquired the older boys and Henry returned to the house. Mary and the girls were settling everyone at their table, the very youngest would be settled on the laps of Mary and Francis.

Catherine was nowhere in sight, but Henry was sure that she would be along shortly so he settled himself at the table too.

Just as he was about to ask how everyone's day had been he saw Catherine enter into his peripheral vision before her eyes widened and she disappeared back into the doorway from whence she came.

Now somewhat concerned he instructed the older ones to begin serving the meal and with long strides he went to find his wife.

What he found made him worry all the more as she was partially propped up against the wall outside having left through their back door, retching the contents of her stomach onto the ground.

Finishing he intended journey he helped to support her gently while drawing a few escaped tendrils away from her face, murmuring words of comfort as the purging subsided.

Catherine took a moment to catch her breath and make sure her stomach was settled before returning to the vertical and taking a few gulps of fresh air.

So many thoughts and desires were whirling inside of Henry's head now that he was unsure which he could do first. Instead he decided to simply remain there and wait for a cue from her.

"Thank you Henry. I would appear that my tiredness may be coming from more than simply my aging body, though I feel fine now."

Not knowing what else to say Henry simply asked her, "Is there anything I can do for you my love? A cup of water, or a wet cloth?"

Smiling gratefully at her ever doting husband she answered, "Yes, I believe I will go and lie down, perhaps you could bring me both in our room. And then go and eat you dinner."

Henry looked at her slightly pained, to even consider himself like that when she felt so poorly was…

"Henry please, I can see the conflict in your eyes, but I assure you I will be fine."

Placing one hand on his chest she continued. "Above all else it is my wish that this incident not be the cause of you missing dinner. And…"

She continued as he began once again to protest, "And I will feel much better once I know that you have eaten instead of sitting next to me when there is nothing else to be done here except to allow my body to rest."

Knowing that she was right and being ok with her request were not even near the same things, but he could see her point.

Nodding in acceptance he kept one arm around her waist as he led her inside.

They parted as she turned to go into their room and he went to retrieve one of the pitchers of water from the table.

Catherine always set out at least two which would have already been boiled and much faster to retrieve than acquiring new water for his ailing wife.

On the way he grabbed a cup and a clean cloth to bring them both to Catherine. She gratefully accepted them, waiting patiently as he wet the cloth and poured her a cup of water.

Once she had consumed most of the cup she placed it down on the nightstand he had made for her not so long ago and took the cloth from him, lying back in their bed and making herself comfortable in a reclined position.

Leaning down to kiss her on the forehead as he had seen her do many times, his heart warmed a little as she responded to the gesture with a smile.

Finding her hand and squeezing it he bid her rest well and that he would be in shortly to check on her.

Catherine squeezed his hand back and answered simply, "Thank you husband."

He was nearly to the door when he looked back and spoke in a low tone, "I love you Catherine."

Not expecting a response he continued on his way, sending up a quick prayer that this was not anything serious, and that she would return to full health quickly.

Returning to the children he made sure to put a smile on his face so as not to worry them.

He believed that Catherine would get better, she had to.

He cold not imaging having to go through the whole rest of his life without her.

His queen.