The Queen and her Lord.

The First Encounter

A seventeen year old Stephane Narcisse strode through the corridors of French Court. He was tall, well built, dark haired and had the biggest blue eyes. He had just returned from a morning out with his horses. Spending time with his horses was his favourite thing to do, well favourite thing to do apart from spending time with beautiful women that came to court. He quite enjoyed the privileges that came with being a close friend of the Dauphin. The lavish parties, the never ending supply of fine wines and staying out till dawn were things he had grown accustomed to. He was deep in his own thoughts about the woman he had danced with the night before when he saw a golden haired beauty.

He had never seen this woman before. Her soft curves and golden curls distracted him for a moment. Perhaps she was a lady to the new bride that was due to arrive for Henry later that day. He didn't know it yet but that golden haired beauty would be the best thing that ever happened to him. This golden godesss was none other than Catherine de Medici. Although she was essentially an orphan, she came from a wealthy family that could help to pay the war depts that France had to pay to the nobels. Stephane bowed his head and flashed her his infamous charming smile. Catherine, who was a shy and reserved bowed her head in return and smiled at him. He decided that it might be best to wait until the party that night when he didn't stink of horses to properly introduce himself. He went for a long hot soak in the bath and for ready to go to this evenings entertainment.

The Dauphin was in the throne room meeting his new bride when Stephanes found him. He acknowledged Stephane's presence with a nod before gesturing for his friend to come over. His jaw hit the floor when he saw that his golden haired beauty was standing with Henry. "Stephane I'd like you to meet the futue queen of France" Henry said and gestured to the not at all impressed by the situation Catherine. Stephane took her hand in his and kissed it gently. "Nice to meet you Catherine" he said and looked up at her with his big blue eyes. "Lord Narcisse" Catherine said and respectfully bowed her head. "You must let me know if I can be of service" Stephane said with his infamous charming smile before finally letting go of her soft hand.

A few hours had passed and Stephane went out onto the balcony for some fresh air. He put his hand on the balcony and looked out over the lake and he couldn't help but smile as he felt a hand on his. He looked up to see that it was Catherine by his side. "Hi" Catherine said in a friendly tone. This time it was her turn to smile. She then looked into his eyes. "I want to be a good wife. I want to get to know Henry and make him happy" she admitted. Stephane was a bit taken aback by her confession but he was willing to help. Although he was a little bit jealous that Henry was getting to marry the golden goddess he wanted his friend to be happy so he agree to help without hesitation. The pair agreed on a time and place to meet before going their separate ways back to the party.