Disclaimer: I still do not own Reign even in these months I've been away from this piece.
AN: IT'S ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE! A few of you may have known that this was still in the works, but for those of you that didn't, SURPRISE! This chapter takes place a week or so after the last. Hope you'll all enjoy the read!
The din of the night's festivities was a low roar in the back of his mind as all he could hear was her voice over the crowd. She'd never quite lost her Italian accent and the way she spoke rolling her tongue ever so slightly on the words was completely endearing to him. If it wouldn't earn him a glare, he'd say it was adorable, but he knew his proud wife wouldn't be as receptive to such a description of the voice that she still pained to correct. The King couldn't understand why she gave it so much effort when her voice pleased him more than any other at Court. He knew she'd say he was biased, but to hear her speak - and oh, how her eyes were sparkling tonight. His wife's eyes were honey and gold framed by lashes as long as shadows at twilight. He was becoming versed in the language of her eyes by the day and rediscovering every fleck of sunlight she held in them. He'd find himself staring at her and under his gaze, his Catherine would have acquired a flush. The roses at the apples of her cheeks were a welcome sight from so long ago that perhaps one might say his looks and lingering glances were intentional. She still turned herself away from him, but he knew now that it wasn't out of rejection, but out of her learned embarrassment.
Now with his nobles around him, Henry still couldn't take his eyes off of her. Why would he? But it wasn't enough. With his excuses mumbled, he broke from the group intent on being at her side once more. He'd entered the party with his wife on his arm, the two of them speaking in hushed tones before having gone their separate ways once inside the door. It was expected that they mingle and speak to whichever lords and ladies sought out their ear, but to have her so far was an unwanted distance. In recent days he found that he couldn't be with her enough. Just yesterday he'd asked her to sit in on one of his council meetings and it seemed his wife had been more engaged in the discussion than he had been even though she'd not spoken a word. He'd wondered at how it was she could captivate him so wholly. Was it their understanding? The newness of it? Their relationship as of late was unlike anything he'd ever had, even with Diane. He felt as though he was a teenager once again, just the sight of her making his heart flutter and a smile appear on his face. Perhaps he could just -
"Henry?" She'd given a jump at her hand being taken until she'd realized it was only her husband. "Is something the matter?"
Lowering his voice and leaning down slightly so that she might be the only one to hear his words, the King spoke against her cheek. "My hand was missing yours."
She leaned slightly away at the onset of a blush she knew was making its way across her face. "Henry, really, the things you say…" Oh, how she did detest how he made her feel sometimes.
"I'd say the other thing, but my wife has banned me from it." His voice held every ounce of the smile he was holding back to her as he said, "She's ever so unkind to me."
Catherine lifted her chin in defiance of her supposed unkindness towards this man who held her hand and heart. "I'm sure she has good reason."
"She does, but if I had my way I'd tell her every moment just how much I - "
"Henry." At the sound of her tone, the King decided against finishing his first thought.
" - Love when she gets annoyed with me. She tilts her head just so and her mouth sets right here." His free hand lifting to dance fingers across her bottom lip, he was nearly able to meet her mouth with his before she turned her head away.
"Henry, please." Catherine hissed, all too aware of the eyes of Court. "We're not ready." At least not here.
His brow was furrowed in his confusion, and at any other time, she would perhaps allow it, but not right at this moment. "We aren't? I meant what I said, Catherine. You needn't be afraid anymore - "
"Must we talk about this now?" The Queen made to leave his side, but he simply followed her along to a clear space along the wall.
"No, but I don't see why we can't." His answer was so very honest, so sincere. Why must you pick the most difficult of times to discuss things?
"We can't because we're at a party and I'd rather not publicize our personal life." Her voice was hushed even here in the relative safety away from the others.
"Then let's find somewhere quiet so we can talk." The gentle squeeze to her hand was tempting, but then again, her husband was always a temptation.
"Henry, you promised you'd be patient - "
"And I am, I promise. I just… No. No, you're right." Letting out a little sigh, the King nodded his realization that he'd been in the wrong, in breach of their agreement. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to push – I just miss you, I miss kissing you. Must we keep from that as well?"
Her nod was the finality of it. "You know we do. Be my friend first, Henry. That's what this is about. We want to learn about each other since we never did the first time."
"I know irises are your favorite flower." He replied, brightening at the thought that perhaps he might have a second chance at stealing a kiss from his beautiful wife. "Now might I – "
"Where did you learn that?" She asked, her words full of wonder.
Henry smiled at how very sweet his Catherine looked in this moment, all bright eyed and curious. "I know this may surprise you, but I'm not one to know much about flowers and it's taken me this long to connect the perfume you usually wear to those flowers in the garden. I remember you smiling down at them the other day when you were reading to me at our bench."
"I did?"
"You did."
If she weren't blushing already, her cheeks would begin to compete against the red of her hair. Truthfully, Henry had been doing brilliantly in becoming more than a husband to her - he was becoming her friend. She wasn't even sure if Nostradamus knew her love for irises. Of course, she'd never tell His Majesty that lest he get ever so smug. It wasn't as though she hadn't seen his ardent glances all through tonight, she was his wife, after all. His attentions were wanted and adored, but they'd promised each other nothing so amorous until after they learned everything of the other. Still, the way he offered himself nearly every chance he got was beginning to wear on her resolve. She missed him. She missed him just as he seemingly missed her. His sights were set for her alone, and she loved it. That look in his eye since their truce was the look he'd once given Diane for so many years. Complete devotion. It was overwhelming and exhilarating and – casting a subtle glance to those surrounding them, Catherine pressed herself up to lay a chaste kiss against his cheek. The rough of his short beard prickled her skin, but she didn't mind so much as she found her footing once more, her hazel gaze religiously avoiding him.
"Will that tide you over for now?"
"I'll dream of it."
AN: There we go! Next chapter is being drafted slowly. Leave me a line and let me know what you thought of this one!
PopRockShawty: It is sad, but she's going to get over it, I promise. It's part of the whole arc of this story!
CallmeCordelia1: SHUSH WE DON'T TALK ABOUT HOW LONG IT'S TAKEN THEM TO GET TO THIS POINT SHHHHHHHHUSH *sobs quietly*
FaerieBreath: Thank you for liking the last chapter, and here's the new one!
lizz204: Let me know what you think!
Guest Reviewer 1: Henry is her love and they're always so cute together! I'm hoping to get another one where it's just the two of them alone together soon!
Guest Reviewer Katie: I'M RIGHT HERE, MY DARLING! I suck at updating, I know. Love me anyway xx
Guest Reviewer 2: I hope you're still here and still reading! I hopet this chapter was worth the wait!
chelseall83: This one is finally coming out yay!
Lowkey, this chapter's final edits were made around 4AM so…please bear that in mind if it's dicey and weird. Xx LINA LOVES YOU.
