Chapter 3

Catherine, who has been up since the wee morning hours, paced up and down her chambers like a captured tigress. As soon as the heavy oaken door opened she whireled around in annoyance.
"Finally, what took you so long? I'm dying of starvation!" She snapped ungraciously. Through the door, however, came none of her servants with the expected breakfast, but two strong guards who were carrying a big chest between them. With a loud rumbling noise they let the heavy piece of furniture down right in the middle of her chambers. Irritation spread across the Queen Mother's face, but recognition flared up in her eyes as soon as her son Charles entered the room behind them.

"What does that mean? You're going to send me away?"
Catherine hurried toward him but stopped dead in her tracks the moment she was faced with the grim, resolute look he was throwing her way.
"Only if you force me. I'll leave you with a choice, mother."

The King narrowed the distance between them, reached for Catherine's arm and roughly directed her to the window. Just at this very moment a black coach drove up in front of the castle."So this coach is probably intended for me. However, a second alternative is usually offered if you want someone to choose between options, Charles, "the former monarch mocked and the pressure on her arm hardened slightly.
"Don't let me regret the kindness I am going to offer you." Charles words were an angry growl.
"I am all ears." Catherine shot back as furious as her son.

"The carriage down there will take you from here to our Chateau in Alsacein in half an hour if this is what you prefer. The tower has already been set up for you. And you will remain under arrest as long as it pleases me. Far away from court and your family that you claim is so dear and precious to you."
"And you probably expect me to opt for option two. So tell me, Charles, how exactly do you intend to degrade me?"

"You will marry - the man I choose for you." The King's words met his mother like a punch in the pit of her stomach. Catherine broke loose from him in bewilderment and stared at the youthful face of the man who dared to demand such an atrocity from her with disbelief.
"I beg your pardon?! A marriage? "Her voice sounded firm, almost amused, but deep inside a panic rose she wasn't fully able to suppress. She avoid granting her son a look at her true feelings as this would equate a capitulation without any counter-defense.
"Exactly. You are getting married."

As Charles made no effort to continue, Catherine passed him silently, ripping a handful of clothes from the adjoining laundry chamber and threw the bundle furiously into the waiting chest.
"I'm packing," she announced superfluously, catching the disbelieving stare on her sons face that gave her a certain satisfaction.
"You pack without wanting to know whom I have chosen to be the lucky bridegroom?" She soaked up Charles's disappointment at her refusal to admit herself to this childish play and gave him a smug smile all the while selecting different nightgowns.
"Yes, as the role of devoted, submissive wife is not mine at all. Regardless of which man you intend to chain me to."
Without gracing the king with another look she continued in her packing rage.
"I'm sure Lord Narcisse does not have any false illusions."

"Narcisse?" She paused in her motion, skeptically raised an eyebrow and tried to hold a neutral tone. The mischievous, almost triumphant smile on her boy's face was nearly sending her over the edge.
"You understood me correctly. Narcisse. And now, mother, would you like to overthink your answer once again?"
Catherine's fingers stroked over the silky material of her burgundy cloak which she had folded a few seconds before and gently set the piece of clothing on top of her other belongings.
"This changes nothing" she muttered softly with a hint of melancholy in her voice.
"He already agreed," Charles pointed out but Catherine simply shrugged.
"Do not trouble yourself, my son."

"And what happend to your assurance that you would do everything for me? For France?", This question came out unexpectedly and so violent that Catherine nearly jumped. She furrowed her brow and paused.
"Oh, now I understand. For you my departure was never even under discussion, right?! You just wanted to point out the best possible option according to your eyes. Tell me, Chales, how much will Stephane's agreement cost you? "Catherine stood in front of her son with hands on her hips and fury in her eyes.
"No more than it's worth it. And I want you to agree as well."

"So you can keep me close but give Narcisse the possibility to take me on a leash if necessary? I AM NOT A DOG, CHARLES! "She shouted out to the King of France who involuntarily took a step back at this unexpected outburst. It took him a moment to gather himself.
"No, you are a stubborn, headstrong and manipulative woman and I hope to god that Narcisse knows what he is getting himself into. You now have the last opportunity to agree to this marriage, or the carriage waiting outside will take you away from here immediately. Do you really want to spend the rest of your days alone, secluded in a tower and without any human contact at all?", he pressed out threateningly.

No real emotion was visible in Catherine's petrified expression as she turned away silently, looking out at said coach. Charles watched as her shoulders first rose and then descended again as she deeply inhaled and then slowly exhaled. When his mother turned round again, a fake smile appeared on her lips.
"So tell me when will this wedding take place?"

at D: I'm glad you're still with me, thank you. So what do you think about Catherine's reaction?

at Em: Thank you. One more reader, I'm super happy and yes - they are a perfect match. :-)

Please don't worry, there are many more chapters to come - I'm in the flow - but it takes me some time to tanslate them. And I hope my translation isn't too bad. Please expect a delay with updates within the next 3 weeks as I'll be off for vacation.