Victoria did not plan a long chat with Ewan. She was the mother of the groom and the hostess of the party. She had to take the time to talk to her guests, after all. Of course, in such a public setting and with her husband not far away, it was a far more formal conversation.<br/><br/>"I am glad he did and you are welcome."<br/><br/>Victoria was very happy to hear that little Carrick was off to bed. Not that she'd ever tell her secret lover that she thought his son needed a far shorter leash. She would tolerate the boy and pretend his little antics were amusing. Even if what she thought was far from the truth. She smiled when Ewan commented he was enjoying himself.<br/><br/>"I am very happy to hear that, my prince. I agree a toast is needed on such a joyous day."<br/><br/>Victoria replied and accepted the glass of wine. To anyone looking, it would look like the Prince and the Duchess were just having a polite conversation. No one was close enough to hear what was being said.<br/><br/>“Your highness, I apologize for that. I will see what I can to make sure you sleep well tonight."<br/><br/>Victoria replied quietly back, knowing exactly what he meant. Of course, to make sure his bed stayed warm with her presence, she'd have to make sure that Henry was quite passed out from consuming far too much wine. Not that Henry was ever one to turn down wine. It wouldn't be hard to make him so drunk he passed out.<br/><br/>"You are very welcome."<br/><br/>Victoria said and whispered back.<br/><br/>"I will be there."<br/><br/>She wished the prince off and went back to attending to the guests.<br/><br/>--------------------------------<br/><br/>By the time Ewan had found her, Katherine had had more then enough time to think about things. Like what had happened the night of Aeronwen's funeral. Mother had lied, it wasn't just one night. She had been cheating on her father for at least a decade. Nicholas looked more like the prince then Henry. The younger ones too...She had just never noticed it before.<br/><br/>Katherine thought of confronting her mother but then decided not to. Partly because she was afraid of Victoria, but also because she wondered how deeply the prince felt for Victoria. Nicholas was nine, and there was Rebecca and David. Obviously he wanted more then just sex with her. Katherine could use this, she thought. If he loved Victoria, he wouldn't want the affair exposed. Being a man, he'd be protected mostly from the scandal. Especially since he was the brother of the king. Victoria, however...This would ruin her. If she threatened to ruin her mother's life, then maybe, she could have the life she wanted with Simon. It was well worth a try.<br/><br/>Katherine saw Ewan and made sure they made eye contact. She wanted to make sure he had to talk to her.<br/><br/>"Good evening, your highness. I am but..."<br/><br/>Katherine sighed for a moment. She lowered her voice and said.<br/><br/>"I am afraid I need to speak you on a quite important and very private matter."