AN: I really wanted to work things into my story that have been mentioned in Reign, especially from that scene with Catherine and Henry in Inquisition (Season 1, Episode 11) where they argue and then kiss. Soooo many clues from the past in that scene! She mentioned the time that he had Diane pointedly in his lap during the meeting with the German ambassador, so I wanted to be sure to include that. I know this story isn't drawing much interest but I have so enjoyed writing it, and I hope it will be enjoyable to read as the story builds more.

Chapter Seven

The weeks passed into months with Diane at Henry's side most of the time, but the talk of French Court was Catherine, who was struggling to adjust to her new situation. Richard knew that she hated the fact that her private troubles were announced for all to know by her husband, and that all eyes were on her every time Diane appeared with Henry, to see what her reaction would be. At first, her feelings were quite clear on the matter, for she would cope with banquets and public settings with obvious difficulty, unable to help herself giving venomous looks in Diane's direction. People were unkind about her jealousy, even though it was a natural and just reaction to Henry's adultery, and Richard hated it for her.

Over time, she improved the walls she had been building around herself, and it became less and less obvious as to how she felt when thrown into a difficult public situation. Now, instead of complaining that the Dauphine was jealous and vengeful, society seemed bent on bemoaning Catherine's lack of feeling. Poor Catherine! Richard wished she didn't have to be so harshly observed – she simply couldn't win.

Her friendship with Richard blossomed during this time, and she appeared to accept his offer of companionship. Certainly, she seemed to need it, for she had very few friends at court, and likely none that she truly trusted. Henry apparently ignored her completely at this stage, focusing all his attention on Diane, and visited her but once or twice a month to fulfil his duty of trying to conceive an heir for the throne of France.

Henry knew of Catherine's friendship with Richard, but since they had been part of the same circle of friends since Catherine's arrival, there was nothing out of place about it. Richard was careful not to give away any sign of his true feelings for Catherine, and simply remarked to Henry that they had similar interests in common and he enjoyed her company.

If Richard and Catherine came across each other in the castle or in the gardens, they would take a walk together for a while, and talk light-heartedly. They sometimes played games - cards and chess, which Catherine enjoyed but did not get to play often, since she did not often have company. Richard had numerous possible companions to join him in such entertainments, but he forwent them without a backward glance for the chance to spend time with Catherine.

Catherine had chosen to study poetry over the years since she had arrived in France, and she loved the arts with a passion. Richard, too, appreciated the arts, and learned a lot from Catherine as they talked on their walks. If he came across her studying poetry in the library, he would sit down and join her, and they would learn together.

Once, Richard arrived back to his chambers mid-morning, to discover a note pushed under his door from Catherine! She asked that he join her before lunch for an impromptu archery contest in the courtyard, and they had enjoyed a very amusing hour of testing their skills as a result. Catherine won of course – Richard was delighted to discover how many things she had a talent for. He would sometimes lie in bed at night and recall the wonderful sound of her laughter from that time. She seemed happy, and that was a rare thing outside of their friendship. He kept her note tucked under his mattress, so that he could always bring a smile to his face by pulling it out to look at, any time he wanted to.

Richard enjoyed every moment of the time he spent in Catherine's company. He loved her intelligence, and her sense of humour; the way her eyes shone when she defeated him at a game or contest, and the glow that came over her beautiful face when she immersed herself in the arts. He felt that he could be content to spend the rest of his life in her presence.

In the spring, the German ambassador came to French Court to discuss the particulars of the trade agreement between France and Germany. The King was increasingly keen for his son and heir to be involved in the ruling of the country, and sometimes delegated certain official tasks to Henry, or chose to have him present at meetings and events that the King oversaw. To this end, he had arranged for Henry to conduct the meetings with the German ambassador regarding their trade agreement. Henry was quite confident about such a discussion, having participated in these sorts of meetings with his father before, and chose some of his noble friends as additional advisors for the first of these sessions, including Richard. The King insisted that Catherine should be present also, for she would be beside Henry ruling as Queen one day, and it would be good for her to be exposed to these things.

To make the meeting more agreeable and relaxed, it was to be held after a shared dinner one evening. Catherine and Henry arrived together, as it was an official engagement, and the meal went very smoothly. Afterwards, everyone retired to another room, lit comfortably with many candles and a large roaring fire. They relaxed on the various chaises and comfortable chairs for an informal discussion over the terms, around a low table.

"Herr Wechsler!" Henry gestured amiably towards the German ambassador. "How have you been enjoying our fine wine since our trading agreement began?"

"Very well, thank you. Our country is glad of the agreement, and we are pleased to increase our trading with you for our mutual benefit."

The man settled himself comfortably in a chair. Richard glanced at Catherine. She was seated on the chaise nearest to the fire, her face cast in golden light as she looked across at Henry. From his position, Richard admired her profile. He had truly never seen one so beautiful in his life before.

As he watched her, he thought about the walk they had shared the day before. Catherine had had a heated exchange with Henry again, a common occurrence these days, and Richard had been happy to let her speak of her anger and her frustrations over her husband, as they sauntered along the lakeside. She loathed Diane, and had told Henry as much, fairly insulting his choice of mistress, and his smug response had infuriated her. There was little that Richard could do for Catherine about her circumstances, but he was glad to provide a friendly ear, and she seemed to appreciate being able to talk about it.

She turned her head slightly as Henry caught her eye, and lifted her chin with a hint of indignance. Richard almost smiled at the determined curve of her chin, and the sweet tip of her nose – he really seemed to feel more affectionate towards her with each day that passed. Shaking himself mentally, he looked away, just in time to see Diane slinking over to where Henry sat. Henry turned, smiling at her approach, and reached out his arm, grasping her wrist and pulling her in an almost playful manner to his side. He seated her right in his lap. Richard almost gasped aloud. It was hardly the place for such behaviour, and he was sure, going by the infuriating expression on Henry's face, that he was doing it purely to get under Catherine's skin. Diane, as always, was happy to be involved.

"Have you met Diane de Poitiers?" Henry asked the ambassador, good-naturedly.

The man looked uncomfortable, and after a flick of a glance at Catherine, whom he knew must not be happy with the situation, he uttered, "Uh, no my lord, I have not had the pleasure." He nodded respectfully in greeting, and Diane's lips curved in a smile of approval.

"She makes my work much easier," Henry added with a laugh. "She keeps my mind clear and relaxed, so that here I am able to discuss things so productively with ambassadors such as yourself!" He smiled, giving Diane a squeeze with his arms around her. She squirmed playfully in his lap, and he beamed around at the company in the room. Richard looked at Catherine, as did many others in the room, unfortunately for her. She would not meet Henry's gaze when it fell on her, and remained admirably regal and dignified in her appearance. Looking over at the ambassador, she spoke, her voice rich and steady.

"Herr Wechsler," she inquired of him, "Do you enjoy poetry?"

The ambassador sat back, visibly relieved at both the distraction and the assurance that the Dauphine of France was unperturbed by her husband's inappropriate behaviour. "Yes," he replied, "I do!"

Catherine smiled at him. "Then I would greatly value your help in translating a poem that I came across in the library this afternoon. I believe it is about the German landscape, and having never been there, I would like very much to read about it. I hear that your country is very beautiful."

The man smiled at her compliment, "Indeed it is. I shall be only too glad to translate the poem, perhaps tomorrow afternoon before my departure?"

Catherine stood from her seat elegantly, the picture of diplomatic charm. She gave the ambassador a warm smile. "Thank you, I appreciate it."

She looked up at the other occupants of the room, avoiding glancing at Henry with his lapful of Diane. "Well, gentlemen, if you would excuse me? It's been a long day. Good night." Her glance lingered at Richard, just for a moment. He almost felt as though it was purposeful, as though she was asking him to follow her, but he couldn't be sure. He watched her leave, and then excused himself quietly as the conversation in the room picked up again.