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Why do you dismiss me? Because I'm a woman? I have a mind of my own.

Catherine's views on not being taken seriously

Queen Catherine and Elizabeth1

Queen Elizabeth and Catherine

In the season premiere, having been exiled from French Court by her own son, Queen Catherine fled to England and is now at the palace of Queen Elizabeth I. Catherine has come with a plan to destroy her daughter-in-law, Mary, Queen of Scots. Her plan consists of sending French delegates to the Vatican in Rome in order to inform the Pope of Mary's affair with Prince Louis Condé, which is adultery and treason. Not only could this lead to Mary being toppled from the throne of France and Scotland, it would also label Mary a whore, and she would be disgraced, forced off her throne by her own countrymen, and most importantly, she won't be able to reach for the throne of England.

The following night, Elizabeth finds Catherine sitting in a garden somewhere on the palace grounds. Catherine mentions that the witnesses have reached the continent by going through Bavaria and avoiding France, and Elizabeth replies that whether they succeed or fail, no one can know that she was behind such a personal campaign or that Catherine is in England. Catherine reveals that she has a decoy in Tuscany, who looks so much like her that even the servants believe that it is her.

That evening, Catherine and Elizabeth are talking and Catherine hints at the fact that she knows of Elizabeth's relationship with Lord Robert Dudley. Elizabeth asserts her virginity and Catherine agrees, saying that she must remain so. Catherine points out that she must find a suitable husband, one that is not below in rank nor does he threaten her country. Catherine mentions marrying a monarch, and brings up her young son Charles as a possible match for Elizabeth. This match would possibly be an alliance between England and France, however Elizabeth is not very eager about Catherine's idea.

Three Queens, Two Tigers - Catherine in a Cage

Catherine in a cage.

That night, Catherine is dragged through the woods in the dark by guards as she is gagged to silence her screams. Early the next day, Catherine is pushed on the ground and when she looks up, she sees Mary and Francis, who look stern. Francis orders the guards to take his mother and watches as Mary has Catherine tossed into a large cage, on the other side of which is a large, real, live tiger. Catherine is only separated from this man-eating cat by the bars of her cage, which is right next to the tiger's cage on a moving cart. Catherine screams in terror and when she tries to get Mary through the bars, Mary hits her with a whip sending her crashing into the bars and the tiger almost rips her leg off. The cart drives off with Catherine trying to stay as far away from the tiger as she possibly can.

Betrothed - Catherine

Catherine in the dungeon.

In Betrothed, Catherine visits with her son Charles while she is in the dungeon. Catherine talks to him about his studies, and tells him that as the future King of France he should be familiar with the country's finances; however later Charles learns that the message his mother gave him contained instructions to have the entire family of the House of Bourbon murdered to eliminate any chance of a takeover. Charles is horrified to learn this, and he and Mary confront her; however Catherine says that the Bourbons will take advantage of the situation and try to take over French Court again, and she won't let that happen to her children. Later when Francis visits her he admits his illness and its severity to his mother, she all but falls to pieces and talks about nursing him as a baby to keep him healthy, and how the nurses made fun of her for doing so. This unfortunately falls on Francis' deaf ears as he leaves. Later that night, Mary enters Catherine's cell and tells her that she and Charles will become engaged when Francis dies, the Queen doesn't take this news too well as she begins banging on the door demanding to see her son; Catherine then bangs her head into the door until she passes out and falls on the floor.

In Extreme Measures, Catherine is taken out of the dungeon to prove herself to Mary and Francis: she is to convince Nicholas, Elizabeth's envoy to withdraw his offer to Antoine. Catherine then approaches Nicholas and threatens him that if he does not later withdraw his offer to come to Antoine's aid, she will let the world know of his Queen's plots to destroy Mary which Elizabeth went to great lengths to keep quiet. The Ambassador reminds Catherine that if she does that, then her own son will have grounds to execute her. However, Catherine declares that she would die for her children. She gives the Ambassador one final warning: to cancel the deal he made with Antoine or she will burn Elizabeth's name into the ground.

Extreme Measures - Catherine

Catherine

Later that day, Catherine is in Francis' bedchamber, thanking him for her release, but he tells her that she has Mary to thank for that. Catherine then has a tender moment with her son when she promises him that she will look after Mary, Charles and the rest of her children, she next apologizes to him for not being the mother he needed her to be, and though she knows that she has done horrible things she always tried her best to be a good mother and Francis acknowledges that in her own way she has done her best. Mary enters the chamber and as Catherine is about to leave, Mary stops her and asks if it was her who arranged a match between her and Don Carlos of Spain. Catherine admits that she did because she had to make sure Mary was taken care of. After leaving Francis' room, Catherine comes across a newly married Lord and Lady Narcisse. The pair are shocked to see Catherine who tells them that they misplaced her invitation, she then wishes them health and a happy life. Lord Narcisse puts a protective arm around his bride and leads her away. Catherine then goes into the throne room and sits on the throne.

In The Price, when Catherine hears about the ships that France sent to rescue Scotland's supply routes; she wonders why Francis and Charles didn't seek her advice, because she could have advised them and avoided defeat. Francis tells his mother that if she doesn't get enough votes from the Privy Council then he will throw her back into the dungeon. Later that evening, Catherine enlists the help of her daughter to please Lord Clavell, who is a high ranking member of the Privy Council, in order to get his vote.

Queen Catherine & Claude17

During the dinner, Lord Clavell tells Catherine that he will never grant her his vote to be Regent, because of an incident that happened many years ago when Catherine was Queen and she and Henry visited his home: apparently the Queen insulted him, and then ran over his daughter's foot with their carriage. Lord Clavell then says that his daughter's prospects for marriage were ruined forever; however when Catherine apologizes and offers to help his daughter find a suitable marriage match, Lord Clavell reveals that his daughter is dead as she committed suicide after being rejected by another suitor. Lord Clavell then insults Catherine by calling her daughter a common whore for flirting with his son to help her mother; Catherine and her daughter then get up and leave the dinner together.

For What is France Without My Francis

In In a Clearing, Francis enters his chambers to find his mother, a very happy Queen Catherine hard at work ordering servants around as she redecorates her son's chambers. A short time later, while going over decorations, Catherine runs into an old friend Nostradamus, who has had yet another vision of Francis' death. Nostradamus has always had about his death. Nostradamus describes his vision: he sees a tree in a glade with snow on the ground which reveals itself to be white flower petals, and these petals have blood dripping on them from above. When Catherine asks how often he has this dream, Nostradamus admits that he awoke from this dream that very morning and that the threat has not passed. That afternoon, in Francis' undone chamber, Catherine tries to talk her son out of leaving the castle, and fills him in on Nostradamus' vision. She believes that there is something ominous in his future. Much to her dismay, Francis doesn't believe a word of it, in spite of his very worried mother urging him to be safe and not leave the castle. However Francis will not be confined in a cage, even a cage made out of love and tells his mother that he will not hide waiting for his death, but that he will live his life. Francis looks into his mother's eyes, seeing her love for him and gives his mother a kiss on the forehead before he leaves, causing her to tear up.

In a Clearing - Catherine

Catherine watching

A while later, Catherine watches out of a window as Francis and Mary prepare to get into a carriage and leave the castle with plenty of guards. She sees a little servant girl give Mary flowers, and she notices that as Mary and Francis get into the carriage white flower petals fall on the ground. As the carriage and it's escorts leave, Catherine watches and has a look of worry on her face as if she is thinking about Nostradamus' prophecy.

In a Clearing - Catherine

Catherine and Mary clinging to each other in grief.

Later that afternoon, while working in her private study, Catherine gets the news that something happened to Francis. Moments later, Queen Catherine along with Bash, the guards and Nostradamus enter the glade and she gasps in the shock of seeing her beloved son on the ground dead with Mary over his body. One of the guards tries to stop her; however Catherine holds up her hand to silence him and walks over to Mary who says that she can't let him go. Catherine says that this isn't Francis as he is gone, and tells Mary to let him go and hold on to her; Catherine then gently takes Mary's hands off Francis' body and while holding back tears of her own comforts her daughter in law who sobs in her arms. The grieving Queens watch as Bash, Nostradamus and the guards pick up Francis to bring him back home.

Francis' Funeral - Catherine

Catherine at Francis' funeral.

The next day, the whole French Court comes together to bid farewell to King Francis. Catherine cries over the loss of her son as she tells Nostradamus that when she comes back perhaps they can discuss his return to French Court; however Nostradamus has no intention to stay. Catherine says that she needs him, because now with Francis gone she will have to put all of her energy into the fight for the regency and that she cannot do that alone; however her old friend gives her one last vision to help her: Only with the help of Mary will she be able to rule. He then bids her a long life and leaves her to face her own fate. When Mary returns the crown of the Queen of France to Catherine, she tells Mary she doesn't blame her for Francis' death because Francis made his own choices and his love for Mary made him happy. She tells Mary that she is strong and that she will have to remain strong.

In Fight or Flight, Bash and Mary inform a grieving Catherine that the privy council has met without her three times and a new candidate, Lord Grenier is angling himself for the position of regent by wooing Charles with gifts. Mary vows to fight for Catherine to be elected as Regent of France because she made her husband a promise, and she intends to stand by it. Later that day, Catherine walks in on a privy council meeting with Mary by her side. The men bow in respect as Lord Grenier offers her the council's condolences. However, Catherine says that she doesn't need their condolences, but their cooperation. The meeting ends there and the men leave the chamber. Mary comments on how confident Lord Grenier seemed, and Catherine adds that Lord Grenier recently sold off one of his most profitable vineyards, so perhaps he's using the money to bribe the council. That afternoon, Catherine finds two servants having sex in the music room. She asks them to untangle themselves and leave. The girl runs off, but Catherine blocks the man's way and asks him for his name - Christophe, who is a valet de chambre who tends the castle fires. Catherine advises him to exercise discretion and he bows and leaves.

Fight or Flight - Mary and Catherine

Mary and Catherine

Early that evening, Catherine is sitting at her dressing table as Mary fills her in on what she learned from Lady Grenier, and tells her that there may be a way to take Lord Grenier down. The two enter the gathering chamber and confront Lord Grenier about his treachery; selling off vineyards to bribe the privy council members to vote for him. It also turns out that Grenier has quietly become the largest most secretive owner of mercenary armies in the entire country, and while that may not be a crime, Grenier is also taking pay from dead soldiers and under reporting their numbers, profiting from each life lost. Grenier claims that they have no proof, but Catherine states that she has proof and threatens that if Grenier does not resign then she and Mary will expose him for what he is, a war profiteer and a traitor. He then leaves the chamber, essentially forfeiting his chances of being regent.

Once she and Mary are alone, Catherine begins to doubt herself again, but Mary promises that she will get the votes. However, Catherine says that a Regent must honor the will of the people, and bring the troops home from Scotland which would leave Mary's country defenseless. Mary allows her to do so, even if it costs her Scotland. In the throne room, Mary announces to the council and Nobles that until a new Regent is elected the word of the late King Francis remains law since France has always protected Scotland. However, she says that Catherine has convinced her to allow France to move into the future, and therefore as the other half of the alliance she relieves France and her armies of their duty to Scotland. This news is met with cheers and applause from the council. Catherine is informed of the next council meeting, and how they owe her an audience, and she takes advantage of the opportunity and starts cajoling the nobles.

That night in Mary's chambers, Mary cries and mourns her husband's death in Catherine's embrace. The next day, Catherine enters Lord Narcisse's chambers, where he is in the middle of changing clothes. Catherine brags about her success in pursuing the position as Regent of France, but Narcisse spites her by telling her that he has a seat on the privy council as John's guardian and proxy. The Queen then grabs Narcisse down there and tightens her grips as she warns him that she will get the votes all of them. Narcisse then asks her to either stop her threats or "finish the job". The Queen decides to go down and finish the job. Late at night, the Queen is heading to her chamber with one of her ladies. However, when she enters, she finds Christophe tending to her fireplace. She says that she has another fire that needs lighting, and asks to be brought back to life. Christophe then unties Catherine's gown as the two begin undressing each other, kissing and proceed into making love.

In The Hound and the Hare, Catherine is convincing privy council members to vote for her to be regent. Later that night, Catherine helps Mary whip Don Carlos on a sex horse, but when he discovers that Mary tricked him, he falls down on the horse and cracks his skull, sending Catherine and Mary into a frenzy.

In Our Undoing, after the accident with Prince Don Carlos and the sex horse, Queen Catherine and Mary hurry through the underground passages of the castle. When they make it to Catherine's chambers, they agree that until they know the fate of the Prince, they need to come up with a cover story for their whereabouts during the evening; as they hurry to burn their blood stained clothes their cover story is that they were in the Queen's chambers playing a game of chess...which Catherine won. Since no one knew Mary was visiting the Prince, her servants can back the story up; Catherine soon begins going through her chest of potions and poisons looking for ones to burn since she has been accused of murdering her own son and a stockpile of toxins along with her extensive knowledge of them will not help her cause. Mary tells Catherine that her son died a hero and not a victim, and asks how she can help her beat these charges?

There is knocking at the door as Catherine hurries to put on a robe, and Mary sits down at the chess table with her; the Queen grants entry and Lord Narcisse enters the room asking if he may enter and Catherine asks if she has a choice since he is Regent. Narcisse says that with his new position he has decided to order an inquest to see if there is enough evidence for her to stand trial; Catherine interrupts this as she says that Narcisse stole the regency from her when he decided not to defend her when she was accused of regicide. Lord Narcisse however, says that he's not the one who made the accusation, but rather it's the Cardinal who is accusing her; Catherine tells him to look no further than her son King Charles who will gladly testify that she would never do anything to harm Francis.

Unfortunately for Catherine, and much to her shock; Narcisse tells her that the Privy Council has sent Charles away to some secret location; Mary says that without her son she's as good as convicted. However, Narcisse says that it is neither his nor the King's job to try her as that job goes to the High Court of France; he further says that since Francis had her locked in the dungeon when he was ill then she had motive to kill her son to become Regent. Catherine asks how she could possibly poison her son from behind bars with no access to them...Narcisse stops to ask her what she said and Catherine realizes her misuse of words as she reminds him that they were once friends and lovers as he agrees that her incarceration would suggest a lack of means. Narcisse further says that were it not for the rat and threatening not she left his wife in her bath then he would believe that she could do noting from behind bars. Catherine insists on her innocence and that Narcisse knows that she did no such thing. Mary comments that Narcisse is trying to put Catherine away forever; however Narcisse says that he's trying to protect France, but the Queen says that he is trying to protect his role as Regent of France.

Catherine then gets up from her chair and grabs Narcisse as she begs him not to do this; however Narcisse says that he cannot ignore what happened to Lola, but Catherine knows that if Lola testifies that she planted that rat it would show that she is capable of poisoning her son from prison when he did it himself to scare Lola into his arms. Narcisse then orders the guards to search the Queen's chest where she keeps her poisons, then orders Catherine and Mary to leave the room; Mary and Catherine walk down the hall as she denies putting the rat in Lola's bath. Mary says that she knows Catherine didn't do it, as she knows the glint Narcisse has in his eyes when he lies as well as the fact that he seemed strangely conflicted with the charges against her. Catherine replies that Narcisse may not have framed her for Francis' death, but he'd be happy to see her hang by the tail of a rat; she also asks if there is no poisoning conspiracy then what does she make of a mysterious bottle she found and hid before Narcisse arrived.

The bottle contains Oil of Vitriol which darkens the liver, and does not belong to her; Mary looks at her with suspicion at first but the Queen insists that it's not hers. Mary asks Catherine if she thinks that Narcisse planted, but the Queen replies that she doesn't know; Mary says that it would be difficult since there are guards outside Catherine's doors at all times and it's not like he's welcome in her chambers. Catherine pauses before admitting that she and Narcisse rekindled their love affair...a liaison that is clearly over now; Mary is shocked as she asks exactly what she is expected to do with this information since Lola is like a sister to her. Catherine says that she understands if Mary is no longer her ally but it won't be long before news of Don Carlos's accident spreads through the castle, and that the nobles and delegations from Spain will be looking for someone to blame and it cannot be them. Mary agrees to talk to Lola and try and convince her that the rat was not Catherine's doing, which won't be easy unless Mary mentions the infidelity of Narcisse; however Mary doesn't want to inflict unnecessary pain and insists on doing it her way...she then walks away leaving Catherine alone.

That same night, Catherine visits the chambers of her daughter Princess Claude who is getting ready for bed. Catherine says that she came to say good night; however Claude shows her mother the summons she received to be at the inquest, and asks if it will occur to them to ask point blank of she poisoned any of her other children. Catherine takes the summons and says that she wasn't in her right mind when that happened as she was being poisoned herself, but Claude says that this comforts her little as her mother replies that she must know that she would never raise a finger against Francis. The Princess say that of course her mother wouldn't harm Francis, because he was her favorite but her...Claude sits on her bed as Catherine says that from the moment her daughter was born their relationship has been complicated, since they live in a world that undervalues women. The Queen sits next to her daughter, and further says that while she may be guilty of favoring her sons over her daughters; Claude interrupts her to say that she is nothing more than an annoyance to her mother, a problem, and a thing to be given away in marriage. Catherine admits that while her daughter is a handful, she swears that she truly does love her; she further says that when Claude marries that she'll break her heart and beg for a letter and a visit just as she is begging for her forgiveness now. Claude looks at her mother and agrees not to tell the council of how she poisoned her...if Catherine convinces Charles to allow her to choose her own husband; Catherine is curious and asks since when does she want to get married however Claude says that she doesn't want to get married now but when she does then she wants to choose the man. Catherine agrees and asks if she has someone in mind, but Claude doesn't answer and bids her mother good night.

The next day, Catherine is dressed in a gown and a black cloak as she exits a door and heads for the gates. However there are guards at the gates and two ladies distract the guards as the Queen makes for the gate; Catherine doesn't make it though because she is soon caught by Bash who says that as an accused murderer she can't leave the castle. Catherine insists that she was trying to do nothing of the kind as Bash grabs her, and she demands that he unhand her; however luckily for Catherine Bash is on her side since Mary wanted him to offer his assistance.

Bash asks how he can help, and Catherine says she has a theory that requires travel from the castle...something she clearly cannot do. Bash offers to go in her stead and Catherine proceeds to tell him about Saint Denis where Francs is buried: she wants him to find the embalmer who removed the King's organs and find out if Francis' liver was already black when it was removed...if it wasn't then it would prove that she was innocent and that Francis wasn't murdered. Catherine asks Bash why he is showing her kindness and compassion that she has rarely shown him over the years; Bash replies that he feels love for his dead brother, and anger that someone could think that she would harm Francis, and those feeling have lead him to be with her. Catherine thanks him and turns to leave, when she is suddenly met face to face with a messenger who has news about Don Carlos' condition and had orders to inform Catherine immediately.

In Wedlock


In Bruises That Lie


In Succession

In No Way Out, Queen Catherine welcomes Mary home from her trip to Rome, which was to gain funds to help her get an army in order to return to Scotland and reclaim her throne. The Queen states that she saw Mary arrive and talking to the English Ambassador at length. Mary explains that she was lying to him saying that her plea to the Vatican was refused when actually it was received happily with an agreement to help gather any forces she may need. Mary comments that her enemies in England and Scotland can't stop her if they don't know her plans. The Queen agrees that the element of surprise will help Mary greatly since she has many Protestants against her like the zealot John Knox, and the Highland Tribes who have a detest for any type of monarchy. The Queen mentions that she has seen Gideon and Mary spend a lot of time together, and Mary asks if she is suggesting that she take an English spy as her lover. Catherine then says that while she should take comfort in Gideon, she should never trust him, because if forced to choose sides, he will always choose Elizabeth.

Later that afternoon, Catherine has just finished a meeting with the privy council, when Lord Narcisse walks in, claiming to have news. He defends himself by saying that he did not frame her for the poisoning of Francis, and has proof; he pulls a paper from his pocket. The paper is a signed confession from the Royal Embalmer who admitted that he fled without removing Francis' organs, and that he'd been bribed by Cardinal Morel. Narcisse suggests that the Cardinal has been bribed by someone who doesn't want Catherine to rule France. The Queen then tells Narcisse that if he wants to earn back her favor, then he is to find Cardinal Morel and bring him to her. Later, Catherine has to deal with Christophe as she shows up in her chamber. She tells him that she has assigned him to the Chateau du Chambord to take care of a wolf infestation on the grounds. Catherine then asks if there is no way he can stop killing and he admits that there is not; however he declares that though he will enjoy hunting in Chambord, he will miss Catherine, and with that, he leaves.

A few days later, Catherine introduces her son Charles to Arturo, who is a family friend and leader of the finest theater troupe in Italy. Arturo is to perform an Italian Comedy that night, and expresses his gratitude to Charles for being able to perfom for his court. Suddenly a messenger appears and tells Catherine that Queen Mary wishes to speak with her privately. In the meeting room, Mary and Catherine realize that the Vatican wants Mary to have Elizabeth assassinated, so that the world will strike Mary down in retaliation and the Vatican will be able to install their own king on both English and Scottish thrones. But if she defies the Vatican, she will lose their money, armies, and support she needs to reclaim Scotland.

That evening, Queen Catherine joins her children, Bash and the rest of French Court as they watch the play and Claude asks what the play is about. Bash answers that it's a comedy about the love lives of royals. Catherine silences her children as the play begins and they are quite amused by the performance. Suddenly, during the performance, a horn blows and a figure in a black costume wearing a mask of the devil appears on the stage speaking about: how an evil Queen and King built their kingdom on the blood of their subjects, how 13 Red Knights valiantly served the royals and were falsely accused of worshiping a demon known as the Baphomet, he says they were all executed by their evil Queen and points to Catherine who is terrified by what she is seeing and hearing as her children and Bash look at her expression and are more than confused; he further says for the kingdom to heed his warning that these 13 knights shall rise again and the debt shall be paid. The other actors on stage are just as frightened as the audience, as Arturo looks out from behind the curtain highly confused by what is going on. Catherine whispers to Arturo to stop him, and he runs after the figure as the curtain drops and the audience applauds. Backstage, Catherine meets with Arturo and demands to know what happened, but he swears that he has no idea what happened, that this was not part of the play, and that the figure was not one of his players. The only clue they find is the mask the figure wore, and Catherine picks it up as Arturo swears that he has never seen is before and that the figure could have been anyone. Catherine is left with quite a terrified look on her face.

Later that evening, Lord Narcisse is in his chambers working at his desk when a furious Queen Catherine bursts into his room. She confronts him about the play, believing he was the one who orchestrated it, because it all seems too convenient for him. Narcisse has no idea what she's talking about, because he wasn't at the play. He was tracking down Cardinal Morel, whose body washed up on a riverbank with his throat slit and it was apparent that he had been dead for several weeks. The Queen reiterates that Cardinal Morel was killed by someone with a penchant for loose ends, who uses terror tactics and wouldn't hesitate to kill a Cardinal, alluding to the fact that suspects Narcisse. Narcisse swears that he's not behind the incident and that he is her ally, but Catherine simply leaves the room.

The next day, Queen Catherine is working in her chambers when Bash enters to speak with her about the play, as he saw her reaction to the figure in the black costume. He recounts a time when he was a child, and Henry woke him up in the dead of the night. He took him to the parapet to show him a field of pikes with a severed head on each one, 13 to be precise. Henry told him that they were soldiers accused of devil worship, and their faces painted with a red cross. However, after denying it some more, Catherine admits that she and Henry owed them money and could not pay it back, so Henry had them executed and Catherine went along with it.

Late the next night, Mary talks with Catherine about a way she has come up with to save both Scotland and Elizabeth with the help of an ally, Gideon. Catherine questions if she slept with the englishman, and Mary admits to doing so. After talking with Mary, Catherine bumps into Christophe, who is supposed to be in Chambord. Christophe admits that he is worse when he is away from Catherine. However, they soon hear the sounds of a horn blowing and head to the balcony to see a group called the Red Knights on the castle lawn. One of the Red Knights hurls a spear at Catherine, but Christophe saves her life by knocking her to the ground. Catherine is uninjured, but when she reads the sash that was tied to the spear which says "Your debt will be paid", she realizes that her life is indeed in great danger.

In Strange Bedfellows, Charles learns of Catherine and Henry's treacherous decision to kill thirteen men simply because they could not repay them. He fears their sins will come back and ruin his reign. Catherine promises to handle it. Later, Mary inquires Catherine about Joseph Tudor. She learns that Joseph appealed to her and Henry for asylum and they granted it to him. She also asks about Archbishop Ridolfi. When asked as to what she is up to, Mary insists on keeping it to herself.

Later, Bash, Catherine, and Charles discuss whether it may be possible that the current Red Knights threatening her are descendants of the original Red Knights whom Henry had killed. Bash is sent to a brothel to examine the theory and ends up tracking down a man who is said to be the son of a Red Knight. He ultimately captures one of the Red Knights and brings him to Catherine.

In the dungeon, Christophe tortures the man while Catherine asks the questions. The man refuses to speak except to say that the Red Knights aren't coming for Catherine but for the entire House of Valois. Christophe runs his sword through him.

Mary meets with Catherine and asks for help saving Gideon from the Vatican. Catherine comes up with a plan that will save Gideon's life, but it will involve Gideon going back to England and Mary losing him. Mary tells Catherine to make the trade. Dudley tells Elizabeth the truth about Gideon's involvement in uncovering the assassination plot.

Catherine intercedes with the Archbishop and when he gives her pushback about whether or not she asked the men of court for permission, she stands up to him. Then she makes an appeal to Narcisse to have him on her side knowing he loves his country more than he hates her.

Later that evening, Catherine receives a visit from Christophe who has disposed of the body of the man they killed. For him, their encounter with the man in the cellar was foreplay.

In To The Death, Catherine is talking with General Gaghan about the threat against her and her family, which she claims is very grave. She therefore needs the French army to secure the throne; but General Gaghan warns her that his men will desert unless they are paid soon. Charles enters his mother's chambers and listens to the rest of the conversation. Catherine concludes the meeting by promising Gaghan that his men will receive the money they are owed at the feast in two weeks' time.

Immediately after, Catherine asks Archbishop Ridolfe for financial aid, he refuses her, claiming that they do not have the resources to help France. Yet when Mary asks for money to help reclaim her country from Protestant rebels, the Archbishop gives her a deed to 100,000 livres.

RE314a 0306b

Catherine giving Mary a gift

Later, Mary and Catherine enter Catherine's chambers. Mary is happy to share the Vatican's gold with her, and Mary thanks her for the gesture, but that it will cost a lot more than the mercenaries Mary will require. Catherine then hands a beautiful white winter coat, as she says that the weather in Scotland will be rather chilly. Mary is touched by the gesture and tries it on. the coat on. As Mary changes, the two discuss further. According to Catherine, she was cut off from the Medici purse strings after her look alike cousin hanged herself after her lover had a sexual mishap. The cousin was a favourite of the keeper of the purse strings, hence why she was cut off. Mary then comes out in her new coat and Catherine tells her that she looks like "a queen men would die for". When Mary asks where to look for such men, Catherine sends her to Bash, who recruits the very best kingsguard.

Later, Catherine, Charles and Narcisse brainstorm how to acquire the money needed to pay the French army in only two weeks. Narcisse has an idea, which he is quick to deem unseemly for a young king to authorise so early in his reign, but Catherine tells him to go ahead with it anyway. When Catherine and Charles' carriage is attacked by a mob of angry peasants later that afternoon, they realise what Narcisse must have tithed the peasants.

Back at the castle, Catherine and Charles confront Narcisse about him tithing the peasants, which only angered the peasants and didn't even lead to the money being raised. Catherine, discouraged and out of ideas, leaves the room to go and think. A few days later, Catherine visits Lord Narcisse in his chambers, where he is recovering from his injuries after fighting the gladiator to get the money. She thanks him for risking his life to save her son and France. She then offers him a position as Lord Chancellor, and he accepts.

At an evening feast, Charles announces to the generals present that the Valois are pleased to present them with the payment they are owed. Catherine adds on his speech, saying that the threat comes from anarchists today and tomorrow's abroad, but with them in their service, France shall feel no fear. General Gaghan affirms that they will dedicate their lives to defending their realm and then proposes a toast to King Charles. A messenger soon informs Catherine that a tribute was just left in her chambers. Upon entering her room, Catherine discovers a box on her desk with a note that reads "History repeats itself."; the Queen opens the box and is shocked to see the mask of the Red Knights she first saw during the play. Catherine is immediately filled with fear as she realizes that the Red Knights are in the castle and her very first thought is her son Charles; she immediately runs back to the banquet praying to find her son alive.

However, when she gets back, she finds Charles hunched over General Gaghan's lifeless body and everyone at the table dead. Catherine gently goes to her son and gets him to let go of the general as he is dead and tells him that he's been poisoned by the Red Knights, who just left a calling card in her chambers. Since only she and Charles were spared, Catherine deduces that the knights want the world to think that they killed the generals to get out of paying them. And when words gets out, Catherine speculates, the army and the people will rise up against them.

In Safe Passage

In Clans

In Intruders

In Spiders in a Jar


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