Disclaimer: I don't own it

AN: This is the final chapter.

Henry strode past the guards and into her apparently deserted chambers. As he moved through the sitting room he took note of the little details- the book on the edge of her desk marked with a ribbon, lilies freshly cut from the gardens, light streaming through sheer window dressings, and something else. He inhaled deeply. Her scent.

Trailing his hand along the back of the chair, he made his way into the bedchamber where there was still no sign of Catherine or her ladies, but he detected a rustling sound.

"Catherine?" His attention was drawn to a suspiciously squirmy lump in the centre of her bed which giggled when he called his wife's name.

A grin spread across his face as he made his way to the bed. "I suppose I'll just have to wait here until she comes back." With an exaggerated yawn, he plopped down on the edge of the mattress. "But waiting makes me so very tired."

The King laid back, making sure to keep most of his weight balanced on his elbows. Muffled shrieks and laughter erupted from beneath the blankets until Henry pulled them back to reveal a slightly rumpled princeling.

"Why, Henry, however did you get there?"

His giggling, breathless namesake situated himself in his lap before responding. "I hided to scare Mama like this!" The little prince pounced and gave his best roar.

Henry jumped, placing his hand over his heart for his son's benefit. "Your poor mother would've been terrified!"

"Uh-huh, but I heared you say 'Cafrine' and then I was gonna scare you, but you squished me, Papa!"

"Really?" Winding his arms around the child, Henry dropped back against the mattress. "Now who's doing the squishing?"

"Me!"

Lifting the little one high over his head, Henry groaned. "My goodness, you're getting so big!"

As he lowered his son back down to rest against his chest, an inquisitive little hand ran along his stubbled jaw. "When I get all the way big I'll have face-fur. Just like you."

He felt a tinge of guilt, knowing that he hadn't earned such admiration. He bolstered himself with the thought of all that he had planned for when they returned- forts and snowball fights, treasure hunts and riding lessons. Playfully nipping at the little hand that ventured closer to his mouth, Henry tapped his son's nose. "What brings you to your mother's chambers in the middle of the day, besides scaring her, of course? Skipping out on lessons, are we?"

"Non, Papa, on naps."

Henry yawned again, tucking an arm behind his head. "When you get to my age you'll want all the naps you can get."

"I got a idea." Little Henry whispered as he reached up to cover his father's eyes. "You have naptime. I'll be King."

They shared a laugh. "Does your mother know where you are, Your Majesty?"

The princeling shook his head. "Mama's getting ready for our adbenture, Nanny sayed so. That's why she couldn't tuck me in. Me and Mama's going to see Lizzie. Charlie and Francis can come, too."

"And you're excited to go, aren't you?" Although the little face currently inches from his own held no sign of the fear or sadness, Henry remembered the tears that had filled those precious eyes.

"Très, très , très excited! I get to ride in the carriage wiff Mama and we'll see big mountains and maybe a sea and-"

"There you are, Henry. Your nanny has been looking everywhere for you!" Francis stood in the doorway wearing a poorly masked scowl that was not directed at his little brother.

Henry tousled his son's locks before setting him on his feet. "Sounds like it's back to the nursery for you, little man."

Once Little Henry had scampered off to cause some more mischief elsewhere, Francis turned to go.

"Wait."

"Yes?" There was a stiffness to his son's voice that hadn't been there before.

"Perhaps later today we could go for a ride together?"

"There's still a great deal for me to do before departing."

"Oh yes, of course." Henry was quick to hide his disappointment behind an excuse of his own. "Probably for the best, my horse needs to be re-shod. When you return we'll make a day of it, like old times."

"It's only ever been you and Bash making a day of it." Even just speaking his brother's name, Henry could hear Francis' resentment. It was hardly Sebastian's fault, but to defend his bastard would only deepen the rift between them.

"Francis, about Mary, I know that I am somewhat to blame for-"

"I don't hold you responsible for Mary's decision. She has her own mind and her own reasons." His speech was clipped, but Henry couldn't let it drop.

Mary surely had her reasons for choosing Bash, reasons he suspected his wife may know something about, but one thing was exceedingly clear. "Mary has her own heart as well and we both know it doesn't beat for Bash. With such little effort you could win her back."

"I am not in the habit of toying with hearts."

"Good, I don't recommend it. I've come to realise that toying comes at a price."

Francis fixed him with a look of contempt. "You needn't tell me. I-"

His heir's reply was cut off by the click of the antechamber door and that bright voice that was reserved for the children. "Francis dear, have you seen your brother anywhere? The nannies are in a panic."

"Yes, he was here, but I sent him back."

"I suspected as much. I don't know why they don't check here in the first place. That boy is so like- Henry?" Catherine startled when she turned to find her husband sitting on the edge of her bed, but was quick to cover it with a wry smirk. "Had I known my chambers were such a popular place to congregate, I would've sent your advisors here. They're looking for you, nearly as frantic as the nannies."

"Let them look."

"Are you feeling unwell? Another headache?"

He selfishly relished the way her tone softened and her brows knit together. When the pads of her fingers traced lightly over his temple, he considered feigning ill. She would stay, he knew she would. And he would tell himself that it was for him. Not for the good of France. For him.

But as much as he wanted to keep her near, Henry refused to trap her with another lie. "I'm well. It's simply that you leave in the morning and I don't intend on wasting hours listening to pretentious squabbling."

Reassured of his health, she stepped away, all edges once more. "It isn't a waste, it's your duty."

"Surely France will survive if I devote one afternoon to my family. I have an important matter to discuss with you before you go."

"Francis," she adjusted the unruly curl over her son's left ear, as she always did, "You need to go look through the artisan's wares and choose a gift."

"Another? Mother, don't you think this a bit excessive? The trunks are overflowing."

"Those are for the babe. This gift is to be for your sister. Now, go and let the trunks be my concern."

"Oh, very well." Francis smirked as he kissed her cheek and moved past her.

Catherine began bustling as soon as the door closed behind their son. She was rearranging the items still to be packed, moving this stack here and refolding neatly folded garments. "What is this all too important matter that requires my attention?"

"I've given a lot of thought to what you said yesterday."

"I said a great many things yesterday."

"You said that you don't want or need my extravagance, but I wanted to give you something."

"Don't do this." Voice just above a whisper, she shook her head, willing him not to once again bait her with his gifts and false promises.

"Catherine, it isn't what you think." He stayed her hand as she reached for yet another stack. "As we speak there is a burial place being prepared in the churchyard for the- for Clarissa." There was no place for Clarissa in the family tomb at Saint Denis where her half-brother and -sisters were laid to rest, but she would be granted a little patch of hallowed ground close enough that her mother could visit.

The thought, the very existence of a love child born of his wife and his oldest friend sat like a stone in the pit of his stomach, but he could show the girl this one kindness for Catherine's sake. He owed her that and so much more.

His wife was an enigma, keeping the world, himself included, at arm's length. But there was one thing she could never hide- the fierce love she held for her children. He suspected that even the feral bastard daughter she scarcely knew, a girl who had sought to break her in the surest of ways, had a share of her maternal devotion.

Catherine stared blankly, her mouth moving in search of the words that escaped her. Just as moisture began to collect in those deep hazel eyes, they snapped shut. Her lips pressed into a thin line and there was the slightest tremor of her chin before she swallowed, clasping both hands over her abdomen.

It seemed an eternity before her eyes opened again, but when they did she drug them up to meet his own. Henry was reminded of the thousand glimpses he had caught, snippets snared out of the corner of his eye, usually too fleeting to be believed, and then of that moment not so long ago when he'd asked her to let her hair down and was awarded a similar look. This time was different. This time she wasn't on trial for her life. This time she didn't look away.

She held his gaze- candid, open, allowing him to see her, to see the depths of love that had somehow survived the years. So entranced was he that Henry didn't notice the tentative hand stretching toward him until the tips of her fingers brushed his cheek. Her gaze flitted to his mouth and he felt his breaths coming quicker.

Just as he leaned in, there was a knock at the door. That interruption, brief though it was, was enough to set her turning on her heel and spiriting away from him. Before he could blink Catherine was at the door receiving the news that the carriages had been readied for their departure.

Once the door closed behind the servant, there was an awkward stretch of silence. Catherine turned once more to the trunks.

He should've expected the retreat.

He could tell by the tension in her posture that Catherine was acutely aware of his advance. Henry was close enough to draw her into his arms and finish what they'd begun when he paused, trying to decide if his touch would he welcome. Would she feel wanted or pressured? Before he came to a decision he felt her little hand slip into his own.

"Henry," her fingers entwined themselves with his own, "take care of yourself… please."

He had let himself hope for passionate displays of love and devotion- promises to write daily, to think of him by the hour, to suffer every moment of their parting- but such protestations couldn't compare to her simple, earnest affection.

AN: Thank you to all of you who stuck with me through this story. I know it's taken me age and I am so, so sorry! It means a lot to have such steadfast support.

Also, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry for letting her go to Spain. I thought that it would mean a lot more for Henry to allow her the distance and time she's asked for and I also thought that in keeping with the title, a lack of resolution was appropriate. I'm considering writing a continuation of this story so that we can see how they begin to build a new life, but I make no promises as it has been a real struggle for me to find time to write and I always feel so guilty for not updating more quickly, not to mention I have a few other stories that need wrapping up before I start on a new one.

As always, Linaoso, is a wonderful darling! Without your encouragement and betaing I would be lost! Xx!

Martina and Corinna: Thank you both for always being so kind and supportive! It means so much to get your sweet tweets! Xx!

FaeireBreath: Thank you so much for sticking with me! I thought I'd end things with a bit more velvet than thorns, so I hope you enjoy!

Napstercatster: I feel so guilty for not having Catherine stay, but I hope you enjoyed the little romantic moments between them! Thank you so much for reading and commenting!

Chelseall83: I can't thank you enough for your sweet comments! You have no idea how much they brighten my day! Thank you for reading and for encouraging me! Xx! I have a few chapters of my other works in progress in the draft stage and I hope to get them finished soon. I'm so glad you've enjoyed them!

Demedicigirl: I'm so sorry, Issi! I know you wanted her to stay! I just thought Henry keeping his word and letting her go was part of their healing process, so we can have a happier Cathry in the long run. Thank you as always for your sweet words of encouragement! Xx!

Lizz204: So sorry for making you wait! Thank you for reading and commenting! I hope you like this last chapter!

EmmatheEvil: Your sweet comment made me smile! I apologise for making you wait such a long time for this new chapter! I love writing the family moments, especially those between Henry and the children and I'm glad you've enjoyed them! Xx!