"Love and War."

Summary: The Conversation between Catherine and Henry about him staying faithful to Diane, and the events that led up to the conceiving of the twins. The Duke of Guise and Richard both fighting for attention, and then the actions that caused Henry to banish The Duke will all take place in this. Enjoy!

Author's note: This is the first real conflict-driven story line I have attempted. Please please please…any and all feedback is appreciated! If you hate something…tell me! (in a kind way J)

Catherine's head lulled seductively to one side as his lips burned a trail across her skin. The fire building in her belly began to spread its tortuous grasp across her entire being. God how this man could make her come unglued. His hand moved swiftly towards its ultimate goal grazing a path up her inner thigh. His mouth caught her gasp just as his fingertips grazed that sweet spot between her womanhood and thigh.

"Richard…stop. We have to stop, we could be caught."

He continued to kiss her, his hands went to frame her face as she arched her back away from the wall.

"Oh Catherine..it's been too long. I have to have you now."

She chuckled slightly as his tongue reached out to tease just below her ear. Richard heard her breath hitch, as he knew all too well that one place made her do insane things.

"Oh…you are not playing fair!"

She moaned and he began to hitch her skirts of her dress up higher, she couldn't let this happen, not here. They were just outside of her chambers, he had pulled her into a small alcove of the stairs that she hadn't been expecting him to hide in.

As she was walking back to her chambers, a hand had come over her mouth and pulled her into the darkness. At first she fought and tried to scream but then she heard his voice. A voice she'd recognize anywhere soothe her and make her begin to melt.

However, right now, at this moment she had somewhere to be; they both did. The lack of presence of her husbands closest friend and advisor and his wife would be severely noticed. People would come looking for them.

"Richard…seriously. You must stop."

With ironclad strength and chivalry, he dropped the bustle of her skirts that were bunched in his hands. With a sigh of exasperation and sexual frustration he dropped his forehead against hers feeling her skin had already began to warm his hands went to her face once more. Eyes closed, chests heaving for breath, sheer composure trying to win over; he nodded

"I know, I know. It's just that," he kissed her nose sweetly, "it's been so long since I've even looked at you. Today, watching you, the way that you just exude strength and grace, I had to have you. I could barely control myself."

She shook her head as her hand ran through his hair,

"I didn't even know you had arrived yet. Why didn't you say something?"

He chuckled and grasped her chin between his forefinger and thumb, bring his lips to hers in chaste kiss,

"I'm supposed to hate you, remember?"

She rolled her eyes, "Ah, yes. An Italian….horse? Is that what it was?"

"No, my love and Italian Mule."

She giggled as did he. She began to unhinge his hands from her body, trying to straighten her clothing and clear the blush on her cheeks,

"Alright…I must go now." She kissed him several times, before slipping out of his hold as he gave a groan of disapproval.

As he watched her walk away from the darkness of his corner, she turned and blew one last kiss giving him that smile of hers that could stop his heart on cue. Three years was how long it had been since he'd laid eyes on her. The thought of that monster of a husband's hands on her; her having to bend to his will; it all made him sick to his stomach.

He would never forget the first time he saw her. Henry's marriage to this Medici girl was beyond elaborate. Her family had money that could shame kings, and they flaunted it when the Duchessina wed the Dauphin of France. Hundreds of tons of marble from Florence had been brought in; flowers from every corner of the globe, vintages of wine and liquor from the Medici's privae reserve; it was a party to shame all parties.

Henry had been speaking of her for months as if she was the sun and he was the moon, as if they were made for each other. He was in love. Richard had never heard him spout sonnets the way he had when he'd first met Catherine. Then again, Richard knew all too well how Henry gravitated quickly and speedily to his shiniest new toy; then very quickly threw it on top of the heap of dull "used" toys he no longer cared to play with.

Henry was always criticizing Richard for falling in love too fast, for not "playing" more. Richard was polar opposite of Henry. He had long-term relationships. They tended to cease to exist the moment the women found out that he was friends with the King of France. The girls would soon find themselves falling at some party for Henry, or growing bored with Richard's lack of striving for more power or more money from the King.

He officially met Catherine on the eve of her marriage. He had left the roaring party to get some fresh air, and went strolling through the lavish gardens of the palace grounds. The Medici's had outdone themselves. He'd never seen so much life in the castle, so much dancing, the liquor flowing. He'd watched all night as women threw themselves at the King, he indulged in their flirting, and Catherine played the part of the regal Queen quite well.

The sun was beginning to set. He stopped in his tracks when he saw her, copper hair set ablaze with the sun, her head hung low, silent tears marring her beautiful features. He knew he should have left, but he was glued to the spot, unable to move .

Her head shot up at the sound of his foot crunching a branch. Damn his huge feet, he thought to himself. She looked so vulnerable, so innocent, at that moment he knew what Henry had been talking about. Hazel pools stared back at him, ivory skin with a light flush from exertions of dancing, hair the color of spun gold strands, and a pouty mouth that begged a man to taste it; she was the most gorgeous sight he'd ever witnessed. With her white dress, she looked like an angel. She began to apologize,

"I'm sorry, I didn't know anyone was here."

He bowed to her, "Malady, do not apologize. I am terribly sorry for the intrusion. "

They simply stared at each other; her eyes brimmed with more tears. Richard finally broke the silence,

"My Queen, I should not be so bold as to ask, but are you alright? Why are you crying on such a joyous occasion?"

She shook her head and looked down at her fidgeting hands. Those tears spilled over their damn. He fought the urge to reach out to her, to take her sweet face in his hands and kiss each of those tears away.

"I should not discuss such issues with anyone, but I'm terrified."

His brow furrowed as he moved to the bench across from her. He motioned to it,

"May I?"

She nodded and granted him permission to sit as he continued,

"Terrified of what? Or rather whom? Henry?"

She gave a small laugh.

"Yes, and also no. I love Henry. He's made me so happy since my time at French court having the opportunity to know him. I am not afraid of him."

"Oh." He searched her face for answers, "Then what could have you this upset my Queen?"

She smiled at him, "Please, call me Catherine?"

He smiled back, "I'm Richard Devereaux. I'm…"

Realization struck her as she cut him off, "You're the kings best friend."

She began to stand shaking her head slightly as if scolding herself, "I'm sorry..I shouldn't burden you with such things."

He stood with her. It was as if she realized she'd been caught doing something. He didn't even know why he kept pressing her, but she looked as if she was in abject pain.

"It's no burden, really. Forgive me, I understand if you would rather not speak of it, but I am good at listening."

That sounded so stupid and boyish to him, but he didn't know what else to say. His heart felt as if it was ripping from his very chest with each of those tears that fell to the cold ground. She turned to him with haunted eyes as they began to darken with fear and dread,

"I am terrified of tonight."

It was barely a whisper. Richard looked completely dumfounded.

"Tonight? What's to…." Realization hit him like a ton of bricks. She is scared of lying with her husband. Not just that, but he consummation of a royal marriage between Kings and Queens was a spectacle. Nobles and regents flooded the room to make sure it was done. That the King actually penetrates the Queen and consummation is guaranteed. Richard had never been in the room, he personally felt as if things such as that should be private and sacred.

He understood perfectly well her being afraid of such an act.

"Oh….I see."

He sat back down along beside her as her face still held fear. She was staring at him wide-eyed, begging for answers.

"Your Grace, forgive me but you needn't worry about such matters. Henry Is an experienced lover, he will make sure you are…"

She stood and began to pace interrupting him harshly,

"Oh I'm not worried about Henry! I know he will be kind towards me. It's the whole act, really."

Again, confusion etched his face.

"The wedding night?"

She shook her head vehemently.

"No…. sex! The whole act of sex terrifies me!"

He held his hands out to still her,

"Why on Earth does it scare you so?"

She was going to spill the beans, tell him everything. The King knew of her past, knew she was not pure. He knew of her time in Florence, the horrors she endured there. He accepted her anyways, and she loved him for that. She didn't know this man, though. She couldn't be so honest with him.

"What if I'm no good a it? What if the King doesn't like me…you know…like that?"

Richard's eyes widened and he threw his head back and began to howl.

Her mouth dropped open at the brashness of this man, laughing in the midst of her pain.

"I beg your pardon, sir, but why are you laughing!? I believe I've said nothing that should be so entertaining as for you to need to laugh at my own insecurities!"

She began to turn and walk back towards the castle. He reached out and grasped her hand as his laughing ceased. Soft and cold, she was trembling. She really was frightened. What he said next slipped out without him even thinking,

"My dear, I'm sorry. I don't mean to badger you, it's just…I don't see how a woman who is as beautiful, vibrant, and enticing as you can think for one moment a man would be displeased with you in his bed."

Blush rose to her cheeks, then she realized he was still holding her hand. She pulled her hand away from him and lifted it to hide the heat that had risen to her cheek.

He continued talking to her, trying to calm her and clarify that he wasn't trying to make her think that he was speaking of himself.

"Look, sex isn't something that you become "good" at as you put it. It's two people, learning each other in the most intimate way. I know for women, especially in your position of power, It can be a most terrifying act. Especially the first night, but as long as you remember it's just you and Henry, you will be fine. You love him, don't you?"

She smiled, her whole face lit with happiness.

"With all my heart."

Richard smiled back.

"Then everything shall be fine. Don't worry yourself with such things."

He offered her his arm, she gratefully took it after trying to clear her smudged makeup away. He patted her hand,

"You look magnificent Your Grace. Shall we?"

She smiled at him again, "Please, call me Catherine."

"Catherine."

The word was like a sweet song. She was like sunshine in a darkened room. Richard was a lost man after that. He coveted what the King had warming his bed every night since then. He knew Henry. He would love her for a time, then grow weary of her. He hated that for her. She deserved all the happiness this ugly world had to offer.

The sound of her door closing behind her pulled him from his reminiscent thoughts. He needed to go in search of the King, and fast.

***First chapter down kids, stay tuned for more! You are all wonderful!