"Love and War" Ch 24

Rating: K for Language

Summary: A moment of closure for our King and his mistress…hopefully J

Disclaimer: I own nothing about "Reign."

AN: Last chapter, my loves. I will be starting new stories oh so soon. A few that are following current events of "Reign" and a few that are , of course, Cathry.

Rounding the corner to the door of the room that concealed his wife he stopped as she saw Nostradamus walking out and closing the door behind him. Making eye contact with the wizard prophet and Catherine's lead physician, the taller man bowed to the King of France before Henry spoke.

"How is she?"

"Awake, your Grace. And asking for you, of course."

Henry's eyes widened, "She's awake?"

A ghost of a smile touched Nostradamus's lips as he nodded, "Yes, Your Grace. She's a fighter, very strong. However, her condition is still very delicate."

Henry felt relief flood his veins; felt as if air was finally rising back into his lungs again. With that relief came tears, hot and unending. He clutched Nostradamus on the shoulder briefly, "Thank you…really."

Nostradamus nodded in acknowledgement of the King's gratitude just before Henry impatiently pushed open the doors to Catherine's room.

Peering around the door before he fully came into view he saw her. She sat against the headboard of her bed, propped up by pillows. Henry walked in and their eyes met. Catherine's lips formed into a tearful smile at the sight of Henry, but Henry's very heart almost stopped its' beating right then and there. She was alive. She was going to live. Their babies were going to live. He moved towards her as she whispered, "Henry."

Sitting beside her on the bed, he allowed his tears to fall as he embraced his wife. He kissed her hair as she laid her head on his shoulder her own tears drenching his shirt.

"I thought I was losing you…"

She soothed his back with her hands, "Shhh…shhhh. I'm here, my love. I'm here."

Pulling back from him slightly, Henry cupped her face in his hands. He studied her features, as if he was etching every detail of her beautiful countenance into his mind. His lips captured hers softly, sweetly, as if it was the most reverent of prayers thanking God for sparing what he treasured most.

"Henry?"

"Hmm?" His lip stayed against hers even as she spoke.

"Henry, darling, we need to talk."

He pulled back slightly and searched her hazel eyes. She gave him a reassuring smile as she scooted over, making room for him in her bed. He moved to recline beside her, tucking her against his chest as she spoke.

"Did you speak with Nostradamus?"

"He only said that you were awake but your condition was still delicate."

She scoffed, "You could say that."

Henry brought his forefinger beneath her chin, forcing her face to meet his own so that he could look into his wife's eyes. "What's wrong? What should I know that I don't know?"

A small glimmer of fear shone in her eyes as she took a steadying breath before speaking, "Henry….with my age and the very high risk of carrying twins, Nostradamus has said that it's absolutely necessary that we….' She paused fearing what she was about to say, 'abstain from carnal relations for the duration of the pregnancy."

Henry's brow furrowed even as he nodded in understanding, "I see, and what do you think of this?"

"Of course, I'm not pleased about it. However, the safety of our babies is at risk. I think we owe it to them and to ourselves to try and do what's right."

"My love, why are you telling me this?"

Catherine's face fell, "It's just that…I know that's quite a long time to not bed a woman and…."

Henry's finger flew to her lips as he realized where her conversation was going, "Shhh, Catherine. I'm not bedding another woman. Please try and get that through that very stubborn head of yours. I love you. When I told you this would be different, I meant it. I'm not going anywhere."

The smile that she gave was one that Henry knew he'd work every day for the rest of his life just to see.

"I love you too, Henry. So very much."

She gave a small gasp, her hand reaching to her stomach. Henry started to sit up and run for Nostradamus, but Catherine grasped his hand instead and placed it on her belly.

"Apparently you've made your children very happy as well."

Henry's eyes widened as he felt the very distinct kicks and rolls of his unborn babies. Looking at his wife he kissed her cheek, "I want two girls. Two perfect princesses to be as beautiful, headstrong, and fearless as their mother. Nothing would make me happier."

"I'll do my best, My King."

Henry chuckled before bringing his lips to hers one more time. He couldn't help but think that this was the start of a new life for them both, and knowing that they'd be bringing two more lives into this world made the entire moment so very special.

AN: I know, I know! Historically, we know how the birth of the twins ended, and in the show we know how that went as well. I am not so crazy about either one, so I left it un-answered. I will happily allow someone else to pick up with that if they'd like, also how Henry made it back into Diane's arms. However, for my Cathry loves, I cannot stand having her in too much of a story. Hahaha! To all of my readers who have been with me from the start of this story, thank you from the bottom of my heart! You've grown with me as a writer, and have been so abundantly supportive. I hope that you'll continue to indulge me in my wonderful "Reign" fantasy world. On to the next, dear friends. Cheers!