"Well husband, after all these years your flattery is as great as ever, though you've probably had practise", she laughed bittersweet. "No I haven't, not since us, not till now. You, my Queen, are the only one I have ever serenaded with my words ".

Changing the subject Catherine started to talk about the ball, her plan and affairs of state to get her mind of Henry words, she didn't want her sharp mind to over anylase them. Henry sensed she needed time alone and left her to her thoughts, "Bye Caterina", he gave her a small peck on the lips and forehead.

"Your majesties, I humbly present myself and my family six days before the ball", Marquis Andre Dupont bowed quickly, generations of Dupont have supported the Valois line, making the idea of their treachery sting even more. "You remember my sons, Andrew, Federic and Alexi and my wife Elina", Andre presented his family. "Yes of course, Federic and Cluade nearly tied the knot", and as Henry mentioned it Catherine saw Federic flinch.

Claude while not aware of her mother's plan, knew Federic would be there so she miss the 'Noble Presentations' as they were called. Though no noble who constantly frequented the castle bat an eyelash at her absence as the princess had once quite openly called it a tedious gesture designed so the nobles could kiss up to the monarchy. However the Dupont's knew no better so the Marquis lowered his head further.

"I hope his Majesties nor the princess are offended by our presence here due to the broken engagement", the Marquis said as evenly as he could. "They were mere children when it was set in motion and like children do with most things from their childhood they grew out of it, fear not Marquis Dupont ".

Catherine's words were not enough to convince the Marquis and so he looked to Henry, an action which while not surprising, as nobles had always deferred to Henry, caused the King to steam with anger now. It reminded him of the fact that he had not only disrespected Catherine in public with his women and comments but showed to what extent his constant disrespect had trickled down to the nobles. How easily members of his political council cut her off in meetings and situations like this.

Catherine could sense this and so she caressed his hand with her fingertips breaking his spiral into self reflection and subduing his anger enough to quell an out burst.

Henry POV

I can hardly blame the nobles, they take their queues from me after all and I haven't been good to Catherine. I need to do something. "The Queen has made it clear were we stand Andre, if I thought differently I would have already chimed in, excuse us there are many nobles coming after you, we are busy people", I firmly stated and by the looks on the nobles faces and their gasping my irritation was clear.

It must have been the fact I discorded his title and last name in a regal setting because he paled and the nobles shock didn't cease. He barely regained his composure, just enough to apologize and turn to exit the throne room, his family going with him as the nobles watched what surely would be castle gossip.

I felt victorious, like I had dealt the first blow to the Duponts , though the Marquis walked right into it. I looked beside me to see Catherine looking emotionless with a tiny smirk adorning her face.

This caused more euphoria as I gripped her hand tightly and a few nobles seemed to notice but more importantly Francis was glaring me down from his spot on the thrones' platform .

Catherine POV

Henry's public defense of me was unexpected, I couldn't help but smirk. I am the Queen of France, in comparison Marquis Dupont is a mere flea.

The court looked stunned making it all worth it. The nobles disrespect of my authority was often more subtle however some were also very bold, knowing Henry wouldn't intervene. They used the state of me and Henry's relationship as an excuse, a crutch to stand on in their dislike for me. They were pariahs, just waiting for blood in the water.

Henry's intervention would hopefully signal it would no longer be accepted. He was showing his support and I couldn't be happier. The nobles could no longer ignore my opinions or my word, less they face the embarrassment the Marquis just did; Then leave running with their tail between their legs.

A warm feeling overcame me as Henry gripped my hand, I swear I nearly smiled in that moment but the nobles eyes were on me so I held it in. He really came through fortoday.

I glanced at him thinking, 'Thank you, my love' .

"Father may I speak to privately once the garden party begins", Francis inquired as the royals were being escorted separately from the nobles to the La Regina Gardens.

The gardens were just off the south wing near the Royal Lounge, reserved only for royalty local and foreign and once used as a safe house during a siege of the castle generations pass. Though none of this mattered as Francis and Henry entered.

"Father you and Mother have been acting strangely"

"Strangely ho..."

"Disappearing from the castle at same time"

"Well..."

"Diane in chambers away from yours and before you say that you can be with whoever you want, Kenna hasn't been with you either, she complained to Mary about it. The maids have also made it clear the only woman to enter your rooms has been Mother".

"Francis"

"What game are you and Mother playing, better yet what game are you playing with Mother", Francis asked irritatedly.

"I really think we should talk about this with your Mother here..."

"Why"?

"Because I don't know what to say to calm you and we can't have a real discussion like this, it'll only make it worse"

Francis shoulders lost their tension as his Father took a deep breath. "It's strange, I expected a different reaction from you, not this calm and care", Francis mused as he turned to walk away.

"Francis", Henry called, "Don't think we're done Father, I still want answers but now isn't the time, Mother should be here too", Francis answered over his shoulder.

"I promise you will get them from us son"

Francis couldn't shake his surprise at this. His Father was willing to be questioned. He hesitated but as he walked out he muttered loud enough for Henry to hear.

"Thank you, Father".