AN: Thank you, thank you so much for my first review! After I posted my first two chapters, I was suddenly so nervous that nobody would like it, given that it's not a popular ship! I'm so encouraged that I'm posting chapter 3! :)

Chapter Three

"Word has it that there's trouble in paradise."

Jeanette relaxed against Richard's side as they finally settled themselves somewhere in the castle grounds where they had some privacy. Richard was glad she had decided to stay on last year, and truly enjoyed her company, though he had not yet summoned the courage to ask her to marry him. He could not quite trust his heart. He twisted to see her face, surprised by her statement.

"What do you mean?"

"Henry and Catherine. Don't you talk to Henry about these things?!"

"We talk about everything. What do you mean, trouble in paradise?"

Jeanette shrugged slightly, watching her fingers trace the design on the cuff of Richard's sleeve.

"Only that I was talking to Catherine this morning. She seemed… not quite herself. I thought perhaps she was with child and keeping it from everyone until they were ready to announce. Anyway, when I tried to prise it out of her, she – she snapped at me." She sighed and raised sad eyes at Richard. "I never knew she could have such a sharp temper, Richard! She told me I should mind my own business, and slammed the door on her way out!"

Richard felt quite sick at the thought of the lovely Catherine so tense and unhappy that she could lash out in such a manner. Something must be wrong – what could he have missed? It was true that he and Henry talked about anything and everything, but perhaps he had neglected to ask his friend more in-depth questions about his situation lately? It was no secret that 18 months into their marriage, the young royals had yet to conceive a child. As far as he could tell, Henry was not bothered by it in the least. He seemed much the same as always. Catherine, however, had begun to lose her sparkle, and it pained him to see it. He hadn't expected to hear of her short temper, though. He was seized with an urge to go immediately to talk to Henry, to try and find out what the problem was. Perhaps there would be a way he could help?

His thoughts were broken by smooth fingers tracing his beard.

"Richard?"

He turned his face to hers. She waited, questioningly, for his response.

"I'm sorry! Of course, she should never have treated you in that way. It – it bothers me that Catherine could behave in such a way. Towards you, I mean." He shifted uncomfortably, impatient to leave his lady. "Perhaps," he picked up her hand and kissed it languidly, "perhaps I could comfort you more effectively over dinner? Tonight, by the lake?" And he dropped his lips to her hand once more.

His lady giggled. "Oh Richard… you know, I don't think it's warm enough yet to dine by the lake!"

Turning her hand so that the inside of her wrist faced upwards, he kissed her there.

"Well in that case, perhaps we could dine in the walled garden? It's more secluded there… If you would release me to alert the kitchen to make preparations? How about seven o'clock?" He gave her his most alluring smile, hoping she would happily allow him to attend to his concerns over Catherine.

She gave another bashful giggle, and retrieved her hand from his.

"Of course, that sounds lovely. Thank you, Richard."

He stood, and turning, strode hastily across the lawns to the castle. He had to get to the bottom of what Catherine's unhappiness was about. He could not bear to see her troubled. Heading straight for Henry's chambers, his fast pace brought him to the doors in no time. He was about to raise his hand and knock, when he heard Henry's voice, raised and impatient, from inside the room. He stood still and listened.

"You said the same thing last time we spoke of this! I will NOT subject myself to the humiliation of some physician prodding at me, just because we haven't conceived a child yet! News travels fast in this castle, don't you know?!"

Then came Catherine's voice, tense and strained.

"Don't I know?! I am already dealing with humiliation, Henry! Hasn't it occurred to you? It's all very well for you, but my very worth is at stake here. I have to provide you with an heir - "

"It has only been a year, Catherine! For goodness' sakes!"

"A year and a HALF, husband."

"Fine then, a year and a half. It truly isn't very long in the grand scheme of things. And it's not as though we need heirs for the throne of France." Henry's voice softened, and footsteps were heard within the room. Richard hoped his friend was crossing the floor to his wife, not walking away from her. "You worry too much, my love. It's not right to cause yourself so much tension over something – even this. Give it time, eh?"

There was a pause, and then Catherine's voice came again, quiet and subdued this time.

"Yes, but what IF, Henry… What if by some accident or divine intervention, the throne passes to you one day? What then? You would need an heir. Even without that level of responsibility, you deserve an heir." Richard thought he caught the sound of a soft sob. "And I can't help worrying… Why can't I give you a child? Something must be wrong, after all these months, whatever you say." Her words muffled, and Richard heard no more. He assumed that Henry must be comforting her, though his own arms ached to hold her in her time of distress, and he hoped he never again had to endure the pain of hearing such unhappy emotion in the voice of the woman he loved more than life itself.

Turning from the door, he began walking soberly towards the kitchens. He no longer needed to talk to Henry to find out the cause of Catherine's unstable mood. And there was nothing he could do to help. He had better just hope that Henry would comfort her well, and continue on his way to arrange dinner for his own lady later this evening.