Disclaimer: No part of Reign is mine.

AN: I really want more Catherine and Henry background...

The castle was alight in the glow of thousands of candles. It was First Light, a time for men to make themselves known to his lady of interest. Catherine couldn't help but think everything was so beautiful and romantic. A lovely tradition. Standing off to the side, the young girl watched other couples dance. Men and women done up in their finery circled one another, weaving in and out of others to find their partner. She thought she looked rather fine as well. Her copper curls lightly pinned with a few locks bouncing freely, her new silk gown swishing about her legs, she felt wonderful. Walking over to a table groaning from its burden of food, Catherine picked herself up a plate. Nibbling on the delicious morsels, she made a note to compliment the chef. Lost in her musings, she felt someone tap her on the shoulder.

"Oh, I'm sorry, am I in your way?" She asked, turning around to apologize properly.

Standing there before her was Prince Henry, looking rather confused.

"Um…good evening, Catherine."

Oh, she'd been speaking in Italian again.

"My apologies, My Lord. I'll be out of your way." He stopped her with a hand on her arm.

"You're not in the way, I was coming here to find you."

"Were you in need of something, Prince Henry?"

"I was just wanting to ask if you would accept my candle."

The Prince presented her with a beautiful purple candle, molded artistically into the figure of a shooting star. Their wedding would be in a few months, but still, the two were rather strangers to each other. This was perhaps their third appearance together, and maybe their sixth meeting. Catherine held out her hands to accept his gift.

She smiled at him. "I would gladly accept your candle."

He gave her a small smile back. "I hope you like lavender?" She nodded, her smile growing wider.

"I'll light it tonight and think of you." She blushed prettily, embarrassed. "I mean…"

"I know what you meant." His smile softer. "It is good to know that you would so readily light my candle."

She ducked her head down, saying quietly, "I would readily embrace any such gift from you, Prince Henry."

"Just Henry, please." The prince waved over a servant who brought cloaks. "Would you like to take a turn about the gardens?"

She accepted the cloak given to her. "In the dark?"

"Well, it is First Light."

AN: I hope you enjoyed it!