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

Ch 15 - The Sharing of a Soul

Laying in bed that night Catherine was still affected by her conversation with Mary.

As Francis and Mary were growing up, she had periodically dreamed of the two of them one day marrying. It would be unconventional, but the whole town knew that Mary was not flesh and blood and would accept it.

They had certainly become companions to each other, but she did not think that either of them had considered any relationship beyond that of siblings.

She certainly wouldn't mind Mary continuing to be a part of the family as her daughter-in-law.

But she had no desire to force anything upon either of them, and knowing the personalities of both of them it would not go well…meddling they would call it. They might not even see it as well intentioned, as a way of protecting them.

And they were young enough still that they did have some time.

According to accepted practice they both could marry if they so chose, though Mary would more likely be married first as the husband would be the one expected to provide and Francis would have a hard time doing that for a while.

In different circumstances he could have opened up a sword shop in a few years of he became accomplished enough in the mean time, but there still did not seem to be a high enough demand for them to even consider it.

If he desired he might be able to seek another apprenticeship in a larger town where there was the opportunity and the demand.

Trying to shake herself out of her thoughts she turned bodily into her husband and breathed in his scent.

She had tried to encourage Mary as best as she could but the reality of life was that the future could be very unknown and very scary, especially when choosing your fate.

-/-/-/-

For a time things quieted down.

As far as Henry could tell Catherine was feeling better, Bash had seen no new sightings, and Henry and Francis had just enough work to keep them occupied and in business.

One afternoon Catherine had preemptively sent all of the children out to play with the others as the rain had been incessant the last several days and everyone was anxious for a reprieve from the close quarters.

The older ones did not even make one complaint at having to take their siblings with them as it was likely there would plenty there to help keep them out of trouble.

Enjoying the peace and quiet, Catherine decided that she would take care of some of the clutter that accumulated first before beginning preparations for dinner.

It still astounded her the hurricane that children could induce.

As she was clearing the last of the wayward toys away and into their chest she head several horses whinny from the front of the property.

Henry had sold his stallion years ago and as far as she knew had not been getting anywhere near the business he would have needed to purchase another. Few others would even consider such as thing so she did not think this was a friendly visit.

The one days she had sent everyone away…

Taking a deep breath and grabbing the broom she prepared herself for the anticipated guests.

It was such a nice day she had not even closed the door.

Deciding to give herself a slight upper hand by initiating the confrontation, Catherine walked through the door to address the visitors.

"Good afternoon gentleman, and what brings you all the way out here?"

Two of the men were still dismounting and looked over at her surprised. One of them was already on the ground and looked at her with an uncomfortably sly grin.

Oh this was trouble if she ever saw it.

"Good afternoon," he replied. The tone of his voice sending shivers down her spine.

"We come bearing no ill will. Indeed we are in search of a lass who was lost to us some years ago and we are seeking her safe return to her family. We heard she might have been seen in these parts and are asking all the locals if they know of her."

Catherine's insides twisted at his words. This was a most unusual request and knowing that there had been strangers around for some time now, particularly as they had followed the children home not long ago, she could think of no other reason.

They must have been searching for Mary.

"I'm sure I don't know of any girls around here who are misplaced."Catherine began cautious of her words. "There were some traveler who passed through here many years ago, but they have not returned."

Switching the broom hand to hand she discreetly allowed the blood to run back into the fingers. Gripping it as a makeshift weapon she held it so tightly that she was sure her fingers must have had a tinge of purple in them.

Taking up the offensive she stated continued. "We have not much around here that traders or merchants desire so we do not see many that stay for more than a night to two."

"I see," the man said, clearly disbelieving her. "It is odd then that have seen a girl around in these parts with hair that seems unusual for this region. A red that is far more common north of here."

Catherine was about to answer when she saw Henry walking towards her.

"I see, well I am afraid gentleman that I have no more time to speak at the moment. My husband," she emphasized, "had just returned he will want me to attend to him."

Henry had seen the men from a short distance away, but Catherine seemed to be handling them perfectly well on her own.

As he approached he saw more clearly the signs of anxiety in her body and then on her face.

Quickening his pace but not so much that he looked harried, he tried to discern what precisely was the matter.

She turned to him and smiled, but the expression did not reach her eyes.

Walking up to his wife he put one arm around her shoulders and drew her in tightly to try be of comfort, while keeping his eyes trained on the strangers.

"May I help you gentleman?"

Turning to eye the newcomer the leader grinned and answered, "We were just leaving,"

Turning distinctly to face Catherine though, he finished before leaving. "But if you see a young lady who does not belong we would appreciate any information you might be able to provide." And belatedly, "Her parents are quite anxious to be reunited."

Pausing for just a moment Catherine replied with a fake smile pasted on her lips. "Yes of course."

Henry eyed the man as he remounted his horse, leaving no uncertainty in his gaze that the men were not wanted.

As they rode off together Henry's mind ran wild as to what had gone on, and what their agenda was. Once once they rode past the next house he turned to Catherine concerned first and foremost for her wellness.

His concern only amplified when she faltered slightly.

"Catherine…"

Recovering quickly she tried to assure him, "Fine Henry, I am fine it's just my nerves. But I think they were looking for Mary."

Henry had not been expecting that.

"Do you know why?" He inquired, now more seriously concerned.

"I don't, but they said they were looking for a long lost relative, that her parents were looking for her." Catherine's brow furrowed, "But if that is the case than why now, and why were they not with her six years ago?"

Shaking his head slowly, Henry tried to process this information.

"I don't know, but I do not like this."

"Neither do I," Catherine agreed.

Turning them both, Henry's hand stayed on her shoulder as he guided them inside.

"Where are the children?" He finally asked, realizing that he had not heard a single shout or chatter since he returned.

"I sent them all out," Catherine replied, her mind still processing all that had transpired.

"I see, but of course I should still assume that you wouldn't be interest in…"

Finally hearing him for the first time since they entered she cried, "Henry! At a time like this when Mary night be at risk!"

Clearly not as angry as her voice might suggest, Catherine merely crossed her arms and glared at him.

"I know, I know, I just…we so infrequently are able to be alone together."

Softening slightly she answered, "I know. But this is really neither the time or the place to be thinking of such things right now."

Pleading with her eyes, and hoping the her husband would understand.

"Yes of course my queen. First we shall save the princess, then we can consider making more."

He grinned as he added the last part, and to that she slapped his arm playfully but enough that it stung.

"Says the man who comes crying to me when his finger gets jammed with his hammer…are you planning on carrying and laboring with our next prince or princess?"

"No my love," he began, then lifted her up as a squeak escaped her throat, " I believe you are the expert in that department, and will leave you to that well practiced skill."

Beginning to scold him again, her words were cut off as he swallowed them whole.

They may not be able to go as far as he desired, but kissing they could do, and it was something he would never tired of doing with his beloved.