And there it was. The truth, brutal and sharp like a dagger scratching against her skin. Not so cruel as to knock the wind from beneath her, but enough that even the thought of leaving Catherine physically hurt. She had known no life other than the one with Cat, and despite the fact that parting was so far – if it ever happened at all, it was a brutal reminder that they were no longer the children they had been. Innocence had been lost, never to be returned. There was no niceness to the words, but it was not a surprise. In her heart, she had known that Catherine could not promise, and would not promise something she could not deliver, but she had hoped that their blood bond would be able to surmount royal precedent. Hope however, was a fickle mistress. “I understand”. In her voice there was undeniable sadness, a sadness that she tried to disguise and push away, for this was not the time, not whilst there were dances to be had, and celebrations to be enjoyed. More to the point; there was no point in fighting, for she would not just be fighting her sisters wishes, but the wishes of the sovereign. “And James of Scotland is, as you say, a handsome man”. A stray hair fell across her features which she pawed it away, and taking the opportunity to compose herself, she reached out with her other hand to take Cat’s, holding it in hers for a few moments as she leaned closer to Catherine, her voice dropping so only she would be able to hear. “And Lucian is a compromise I believe that father would have approved of”
catherine could empathize with her sister’s fears. . those same ill thoughts had been part of the reason she had disregarded the idea of louis as soon as a crown was placed upon her head. but alexandria was not allotted the same privileges as her. her station, though nearest to catherine’s would condemn her to a life of little freedom. she would know no real will of her own. . . perhaps catherine could mask alex’s will with her own. “my sister, when i say i will exhaust every effort to keep you here, i do stand by my word.” her voice was hushed, a moment shared between them and only them. . . a promise from one sister to another. the smallest of smiles pulled at her lips when her sister spoke of james, hopeful that such a match would bring her the smallest bit of solace. “he is, alexandria. very handsome. perhaps the most handsome man currently in english court and he’s to be yours.” her hand in alex’s felt like home, a warm reminder of england and more so their father. with a squeeze, catherine found herself speaking again. “i do believe so as well, sister. the english may want an englishmen but i am optimistic about this french son.”