Chapter Text
The castles physician unbuttoned the French queens sleeve to access her shoulders wound. Mary took her future mother-in-laws hand into her own as the woman flinched at Nostradamus' touch.
"This may hurt Catherine but I will try to be quick."
The Medici didn't say anything, just held Mary's hand tighter and closed her eyes, breathing deeply.
"Catherine?"
"I understand both of you, my hearing wasn't affected, just hurry up."
Nostradamus carefully unwrapped the bandage from Catherine's shoulder, who winced when it came to the last layer of it. The cloth had because stuck to a thin layer of blood and skin which had to be peeled off before a new dressing could be placed on it.
"How is the court today Mary?"
"Sorry?"
"I asked how the court was."
"Why, do not trust your son and I."
The Scottish queen joked as the French on gritted her teeth in pain.
"I'm not sure how to answer that. I was asking you about the court so as to be distracted."
"Oh. Right, sorry. Erm... well no one was hurt in the coup, which you knew, but a few servants are still a bit skittish and I think the remaining guards are having some trouble trusting each other but hopefully when the rest of the men get back it'll be better."
"Rest of the men?"
"Yes. The king and his men are expected back tomorrow."
"Oh."
"Mm. Anyway once Nostradamus is done Francis and I thought it might be a good idea for you to address the court since you're allowed out of here."
"Of course. Do they still think I'm doing paperwork?"
"Yes. We told them that there was more now that the soldiers were coming home."
"Ok ladies. That's Catherines dressings finished, you can go now. But if any of them re-open before tomorrow come straight back."
"I will do, thank you Nostradamus."
The physician nodded at the ladies before retreating into a back room to burn the old gauze and bandages. Mary helped Catherine as she struggled to stand up before they too left the room in favour of the courtroom.
"As you all know there has been much organising that has had to take place since count Vincent tried, but failed, to take over our castle. I apologise that I have not been able to address you myself since the attempted coup, however, I am thankful to the dauphin and his fiancé, queen Mary, for their exemplary leadership at this time. Your king is due to arrive tomorrow and will also address you then. For now however, on behalf of France, I thank you all for the courage, the bravery, and the loyalty towards your monarchy and your country that you have shown."
The queen of France nods in respect to her court before leaving the hall with her son and daughter-in-law.
"You two should retire early today, if Henry is coming back he'll bombard you with questions and tasks which you will need your rest for."
"Goodnight Catherine."
The Scottish queen nods at her before turning away walking slowly so as to give her fiancé time to say goodnight before catching up."
"Will you be ok tonight mother?"
"Of course I will Francis, don't be silly."
"I know. Just promise me that if you do need help, you'll seek it."
"Go to bed Francis."
"Yes mother."
The queens golden boy places a kiss on top of his mothers head before following his wife to be. Catherine makes her way towards her chambers fearing the day to come. If her husband was to come home tomorrow she would be in trouble. She had allowed their castle to be taken over and had then killed the Italian count and his men. Her failure to lead would not go over well with the king.