REEDITED: SORRY GUYS! I didn't save the edited version on the cut and paste part of the Doc Manager and it was my rough version that I posted! Here this should be much better...My bad :(

This has been on the shelf for a long long time and now I'm ready to share with you all! I hope you enjoy it.

Disclaimer: I don't own the TUDORS

Chapter 1

She stared down on to the stoned floor, her mind reeling and her body numb. Her hands were crossed in front of her, she secretly hoped they didn't notice how tense they were. The priest continued reciting their vows.

"Lady? Lady Mary?"

Mary snapped her heard in horror realizing they were waiting for her response she then swallowed " I –I do."

She looked over at the gentlemen beside her; he was tall. dark and very handsome. Mary studied his handsome face. She was aware that he was a beautiful man although he seemed tired and slight lines in his face betrayed his age which she could guess has largely to do with the stress her father gave him. She understood why women in court chased him and the she is after all a woman but he was a stranger to her.

She was nearly half his age and he was not at all a complete stranger to her. She questioned his motives and what his true intentions were. Although she is 16 nearly 17, she had gone through too much in her short life and she had to grow up quickly and all the pain she endured; the separation from her mother and the rejection from her father hardened her. She learned quickly at a young age everyone always has an agenda and looked out only for themselves. Except Chapuys, who always seemed to show more care and concern for then her own father the King of England. Other than his Lordship, Mary found she could trust no one.

But why would he want her? She had no dowry to offer him, no lands of value or anything that would give him any gain. She is a bastard, a mistake and he was a Duke, a station away from a king. She did not understand her soon – to be-husband. Perhaps her possible claim to the throne and their children's prospect to the throne? Just as her grandfather Henry VII battled for his claim during the War of Roses. Was that the reason?

"Yes" He finally said and immediately took her hand. Her breath hitched against the feel of his hand on hers as it caught her off guard.

"Should anyone be against this union speak now or forever hold your peace.

Mary closed her eyes secretly praying to the Virgin that someone would stop this and claim it as a joke.

No one did.

"May I present to you the Duke and Duchess of Suffolk."

Silence filled the empty church, which is expected because it was only Estauce Chapuys, Lady Salisbury and Sir Anthony Knivert who were present. Finally Sir Anthony clapped his hands and gave the Duke a congratulatory hug.

"Dios me ayuda." She whispered in Spanish.

Charles thought he heard her say something and looked over at his young bride, she looked like she was going to be ill. Despite that she is her mother's daughter with her dark hair and blue pale eyes however, she was beautiful. Her pale complexion was definitely something she inherited from her father's side. Her grandmother Elizabeth of York was the most beautiful in all of England until that harlot came in and took that title herself. However, Mary looked much more innocent and exotic with her high cheekbones, plump cherry lips, small straight nose and big eyes. She seemed delicate but he knew she was by no means a flower. Her figure was slender but shapely, it was strong like a Tudor something she shared in common with her aunt Margaret and he hoped the comparisons ended there. He didn't want to suffer the Tudor temper a third time in his 30 years of life. Mary stood tall and prideful like her mother did when she walked around the court, something he guessed could attribute that to that Spanish pride.

He could imagine what she is feeling, hell he was just as uncertain. It was not that long ago he was dancing with her as a little girl and she probably does not remember that at all either. How he came to marry his dead wife's niece let alone the King's daughter still baffles him but it was his duty and honour that the king secretly asked him to marry Princess Mary.

**FLASHBACK**

Henry King of England paced back and forth waiting for his friend. He was nervous about what he was going to ask Charles to do even though he was the King and you never say no to a king.

The Duke of Suffolk walked into his chambers with a smile on his face ready to greet his King but did not get a chance to as he was suddenly shoved against the wall. The King held him by the collar, his blue eyes intense eyes fixed on Charles 'daring to say no before he made any demands and Charles immediately knew he wanted something from him.

"Your majesty." He said looking down respectfully.

"Charles I want you to marry the Lady Mary." He whispered into his ear.

"Which Mary?" He said trying to make a joke.

"Katherine's Mary. My bastard Mary." Charles felt his jaw drop in astonishment but quickly composed himself.

"She's my dead wife's niece that is too close of a relation, your majesty." He tried to protest. "You can't be serious."

"Oh I am. And I want you to keep it a secret."

Charles froze in shock. What in hell is going on?

**END OF FLASHBACK**

Mary embraced Lady Salisbury who was crying and she wanted to cry with her too but did not want to show any vulnerability to her new husband just yet.

Next came the Spanish Imperial Ambassador Eustace Chapuys who took her hand and kissed it.

"His Holiness regrets you married a Duke when you are worth a match with a prince or king however, he wishes you the best and will continue to fight on your mother's behalf."

"Thank you my Lord and tell his majesty his words are comfort to me. And my mother? Have you heard from her? "

Eustace shook his head sadly and Mary felt her stomach sink in disappointment. Though she should have known better.

"Lady Mary?" The Duke said turning towards her.

Mary looked at him at surprise the term "Yes, your grace?"

"Shall we?" The Duke held out his arm and motioned towards the coach that was waiting for them outside the chapel. Mary looked at his arm as if it was alien to her and he would have almost laughed out loud finding it endearing but it was too soon to tease her.

She looked at his arm hesitating and then quickly took it allowing him to lead her into the coach. The Duke was smiled devilishly at something Sir Knivert whispered into his ear before he seated himself in front of her and Mary could only guess it was something carnally disgusting.

Charles sat back in looked at his new wife who looked down at her hands fidgeting. After an awkward silence he spoke. " It will be awhile until we get home. First I will introduce you to our servants and then you will meet my son."

"Henry?" Mary asked feeling nervous and yet warmed by the idea of finally meeting her cousin. However, he was no longer her cousin was he? She was his mother now. This role further intimidated her but she already felt her maternal nature responding strongly to the prospect of raising a child.

"Yes, as you can imagine he's very excited to have a new mother though he probably does not remember Margret much." He said feeling swell of deep regret in his throat. She was always a sore topic for him even til this day.

"May I ask, pray tell his age?"

"He is 3." Charles said proudly thinking of his son with affection. He was beautiful and everything his son did in his eyes was amazing. Henry was the only light in his dark world and even though he may have taken him and his mother for granted in the past.

"Three. " She repeated to herself already thinking about her own mother. She sympathized with the boy having to grow up without a mother. Though Mary was separated from Katherine at a very young she still remembered how doting her mother was with her. She felt a pang in her heart looking back at the memories.

"I hope that doesn't intimidate you. He's a sweet child."

"I look forward to raising our son. " Mary looked into her the Duke's dark blue eyes .

Charles stared at her and smiled pleased "I'm glad." He told her before looking out the window. Any doubts on whether Mary would be a good mother to his son seemed to be put at ease. The Queen was a good mother to her and he had been hoping Mary wasn't too damaged by the insanity her father had placed on her and everyone else.

An hour later Mary awoke as the coach came to a sudden stop. It was now dark and if she had to guess it was already 1 in the morning. She looked outside even though it was dark she could still see her surroundings clearly. When she saw the estate and was taken back at how grand it was. Clearly her father knew how to take care of his favorites. It was a massive piece of art complete with a garden and a fountain in the courtyard. Large walls were filled with green vines and big bay windows.

"Welcome to your new home." Charles said as he helped her out of the coach.

Mary looked up at the manor and suddenly felt overwhelmed. She was to manage this on her own? What if she didn't know how? The Duke would be upset. Come now Mary! You were born to rule kingdoms surely this will be fine, she scolded herself.

"I hope it is to your liking. It's no castle however it's very humble."

Humble is not the word she would use to describe it, she spent the last 8 years in a shabby manor barely surviving with her ladies. In fact before the king came to get her she was down 2 ladies and 4 helpers. Her father left her barely any money to fend for herself however, Chapuys always came with money from the Emperor to help her. Mary nodded "Yes it shall do. I like it. Thank you"

Charles studied her trying to read her but he realized Mary didn't express much emotions. Something he thought was intriguing but he was sure eventually he will find it frustrating the more time they spend together.

"It's no castle but its home." He told her thinking at how ridiculous this must have been. It was sad what her situation has become since she was once engaged to the Dauphin and Kings Charles of Spain expecting to rule kingdoms. Now she was reduced to marry him a mere duke an old widower with a child.

As they entered the manor they were immediately with servants and maids. An older maid that seemed to be in her mid 40's stood up and greeted them warmly.

"Your grace, Lady Brandon welcome!"

Mary watched her husband look on to her very affectionately.

"My lady, may I present to you Lady Bryn our housekeeper and my former governess. "

"Please you meet you Lady Bryn" Mary said nodding her head in acknowledgement.

"We are all here to help you in this transition, your grace. We all wish you great happiness and are honoured to have you. " Mary began to like Lady Bryn she reminded her sorely of Lady Salisbury whom she was not allowed to take with her.

"Thank you all for your wishes. I will do the best I can." Mary responded curtsying. Charles breathed out in relief feeling very at pleased, now that he finally introduced her to their home.

"There's one person who wanted to say hello." Lady Bryn said knowingly as a nursemaid came with a sleepy child in her arms. The boy who was already in his nightgown had brown curly hair the same shade as his mother Margaret. Mary approached him. "Hello" She said to the small boy who looked up from the nursemaid's shoulder revealing shockingly large blue eyes, it was if she was staring into the Duke's eyes. The boy blinked in confusion his face was nice and plump with rosy cheeks, pale skin and large curly eyelashes. He looked like a living doll and she felt completely enamoured by this child.

"Do you know who I am?" She told him gently as she reached to smooth his hair. The boy shook his head.

"I'm Mary. I hear you have been waiting for me?" The boy suddenly perked up realizing that she was indeed the one he's been asking about. He nodded shyly in response and then Mary smiled reaching out her arms. "Good because I have been waiting to meet you for a long time too." The boy shifted himself into her arms and wrapped his arms around her neck.

Charles felt himself feel delighted at the exchange first at the fact at how quickly it took for his son to warm up to his new mother and the fact Mary gave a genuine smiled so far she had been very stoic and serious.

"Hello, son." The boy whipped his head around at his father finally realizing he was in the room. "Papa!" He squealed and launched himself at Charles. Mary stifled a laugh at the boy's reaction clearly suddenly feeling very relaxed and happy. Something she hadn't felt in a very long time.

"Well?" Charles asked his son. "What do you think son? Shall we keep her?"

Mary gave him playful glare and put her hands on her hips. "Keep me? I didn't know I was a pet!" She joked.

The boy laughed. "Yes."

"Do you think your mother is beautiful?"

"The most beautiful" The boy agreed nodding his head. The whole room melted.

" A charmer. No doubt he gets that from his grace." Commented Lady Bryn sounding like a proud grandmother.

"No doubt." Mary agreed.

"The young master should be going back to his bed." Lady Bryn said motioning the nursemaid to take him.

Charles stopped her "I'd like to tuck him into bed myself."

Mary was surprised at the Duke not many men in his station put their children to bed.

Charles looked at his servants "It's been a long day we should retire and I'm sure the tour can wait until tomorrow. Lady Bryn I will leave it to you to show her." Charles took Mary's arm with one hand and his son in his other arm. Leading both up the stairs, suddenly, he grimaced this was something he had missed the opportunity to do with Margaret. Taking his son and wife to bed.

He entered into his son's room and placed him on the bed. While Mary waited outside the door but she could see through the crack as Charles blew off the candles and got Henry's his night cap. After pulling the covers over him Charles sat down beside him.

"I know you are excited." The Duke told him as he shook his head and smiled knowingly.

"However, you must rest." Charles softly stroked his forehead after five minutes the boy succumbed into his slumber.

Mary watched on and remembered she always enjoyed it when her mother would tuck her into bed. Singing hymns and rhyming songs in Spanish. As all the memories flooded her mind she suddenly found herself staring at the Duke's chest. When did he move?

"Is there something the matter?" He questioned unsure of her behavior.

"No, you grace I was just thinking...how natural you are with him."

Mary looked away and back at Henry's room.

"Ah I see."

"Your grace seems quite involved with your son."

Charles smiled sadly "Well I have to admit. I wasn't always like this even after Margret's death. I just left him to the care of his wet-nurse and Lady Bryn."

"What changed?" she was curious to hear his response.

"I grew up" He said simply.

"Sons are very precious they should never be taken for granted." Mary said thinking how her situation would have been if she were the son her father always wanted.

"No, all children are equally important regardless of their sex." He told as he turned away.

Mary flushed in embarrassment and continued to follow the Duke down the hall. She was glad he didn't see her face.

"Well. Here we are." He said pushing the door entering into her room.

It was massive with many windows with royal blue silk curtains embroidered in silver; although it was quiet severe looking she saw a vase of flowers she guessed were picked from the garden. The bed was huge with beautiful carvings of flowers, grape vines and pomegranates. Mary swallowed nervously this bed screamed fertility. She felt her heart beat wildly, this was it. Lady Salisbury told her what to expect and how she should react. Let him lead you and do not resist as you do not want him force himself. It is painful the first few times but pretend to sound as if you enjoyed it. The most damaging to any man's pride is when a woman does not react satisfied to his performance.

Charles saw Mary fixated on the bed and wondered what she was thinking. Did she think he expected they sleep together this very night? Not that he was opposed to it but he had to consider her feelings and youth. He in truth did not desire to sleep with her, at least for now only because he still saw her as a child not a woman. Though everything about her was in fact very womanly but he wanted them to now each other comfortably. After all they did have the rest of their lives together. Nor did he desire children with her just yet as that brings more complications should they have a son but he also found the younger the wife the more dangerous it was to give birth.

"This is will be your quarters." Mary snapped her head to look at him.

"Mine?" Charles nodded he watched her face begin to relax as the thought sunk in. Although he could not help but feel slightly offended at her relief with the realization they will not be having sex. His vanity could not help feel a bit wounded as he never had someone respond like that.

" My room is adjoined to yours through this door so if there was anything you needed or when you become more comfortable I'll be happy to share it with you."

Charles opened the door and showed his room. It was nearly identical but with more personal touches clearly from a woman had a hand in could tell it was her Aunt Margret's taste with the red and gold accents.

"It is well decorated. "

"Haven't I impressed you yet?" He told her lightly.

Mary looked at him alarmed. Had she offended him yet?

"I jest my lady. In fact I do like the fact you have my work cut out for me. I'm sure as we get to know each other, I will find out what pleases you." Charles grinned and sat on his chair mentioning her to join him. Then his face turned serious. "I know we haven't really had the time to discuss this situation as this happened all so quickly."

"Yes."

"Do you know why His Majesty ordered me to take you as my wife?" He looked at her questioningly.

Mary hesitantly stared into his blue eyes "I'm a complication."

Charles was taken off guard by her insight, Mary was a clever girl and those words never rang so true.

"The King wanted to make sure that I kept you away from court and keep you in your place that if you ever plotted against him that I will be close by to prevent that. "

She was raging inside but did not let her body betray her. How could her own father think of her like that? He used to call her his little pearl at one time. It stung her that he truly did not think much of her nor know her well enough that she didn't have it in her to turn against her father.

"He's just being cautious." He told her as if he read her mind.

"Or paranoid."

"Perhaps." He chuckled thinking that was more the case.

"So this was all done to degrade my status." She said bluntly.

Charles flinched at her words not expecting her to voice what he was already thinking. She was very a straightforward girl and he respected that. Not many men do appreciate that quality but then she wasn't just any girl she was the Princess of Wales at one time. "Yes that is also another possible reason. In the event that Lady Anne has bares him children then it will further promote their legitimacy if they received a match with Royals of Europe. However, if you are still available to marry then it's very likely that they'd prefer to marry you since you are legitimate and true heir in their eyes. "

"I see." Mary looked on the ground. "Is this a secret marriage?"

"Yes. No one in court knows about us yet and His Majesty plans to keep it like that for awhile."

"No one?"

"Let me clarify." He said quietly inching closer to the table so she could hear. "The only ones who know about us is the King, the Queen and those who were present at the church. The servants and Lady Bryn are not aware of who you are. This is just a precaution against any bribes from rivals or possible spies. The story is that you are the daughter of an English diplomat at the Spanish court and that your family died of the plague in Madrid. So out of pity the King arranged a marriage with me."

Charles stopped for a moment to study Mary who seemed to have sunk back into her seat. Her face was unresponsive and he wondered what she was thinking.

Then he continued. "That is the story as least until things have become more stable at his court and when the Lady Anne's position becomes popular and loved. You then may come and join me as Lady Brandon the Duchess of Suffolk."

" So I am to fade into background as just a wife of a mere Duke." She said tonelessly.

Charles hesitated before he answered. "Yes that would be correct."

" It is for the best." Her response sent him a rush of relief over his face.

After a long pause Mary finally stood up and Charles also followed suit. "We should retire." She told him and Charles nodded in agreement. " But before I go I wanted to say something."

"What is it?"

Mary stepped closer to him. "You have been very generous to take me on as your wife. Since I do not have a dowry of anything to offer you as I'm sure there are better matches out there for you. However, I can only swear to you that I will be a good wife and devoted mother to your son and the children that will follow."

He was a little taken aback by her sudden show of appreciation. Up until this point she was cold and unreadable never exposing her true emotions. "I promise to take care of you and protect you. I hope to make you very happy but inevitably I'll also make you sad." Charles told her truthfully. He learned from his last marriage that he shouldn't say promises he can't keep.

"I'm under no illusions your grace. After all I know full well the burden of being married to a great man. " She looked into his eyes assertively. Her silver eyes flashed intensely into his and Charles felt himself drawn in.

"I have one more question, your grace."

"Yes?"

She hesitated nervously. "Is there any way you can convince the King to allow me to visit my mother? Or even write to her?"

Charles looked at her sympathetically. "His majesty has instructed me that I keep you from any contact with the Queen."

Mary nodded feeling her heart ache, she should have known better.

"And before you go, I should tell you that I'm leaving for France in the morning. "

"France?" She said caught off guard.

"Yes for a month or so. I know it's sudden but I must go for official state business."

"I see. I'm assuming it's to gain France's support of his- " She caught herself because she actually had another name for her but it was unchristian to use such words and she did not want to offend the Duke. "- mistress." Mary said with finality.

"You know, in my presence you may call her whatever you like." Sensing Mary's unease.

" I rather not."

"You won't offend me I can assure you." He found it amusing how his young wife seemed determined not to speak so ill and freely of a woman who ruined her life. Whether it was for religious reasons or not he wanted her to express her thoughts with him."She is the reason you and your mother are separated. The reason you are now considered a bastard." He egged her on wanting her to say something she seemed so incorruptible. "So I believe my lady you have every right to call her whatever you like. At least within our home."

Mary stayed quiet.

Charles gave a light chuckle at her reaction and Mary looked at him confused. Was he playing with her? What was he trying to do?

"Your grace? "

"Is it so difficult?" He smiled at her stubbornness. "I never want you to think you can't speak your mind around me for fear offending me or that I will report you for treason."

Mary stared at Charles for a moment. "I don't trust you" She responded.

He smirked impressed by her honesty " I don't expect you to." He said reaching for a lose strand of her dark hair placing it back. " This fortitude you have is what will help you survive. The court is a toxic place and His Majesty's subjects are leeches. I don't believe I need to remind you of that. Especially, during these turbulent times people will target you simply because of who you are or they will target you because of who I am. Do you understand what I am trying to say?"

Mary held her head high and looked dead into his eyes. "Yes."

He looked into her eyes sadly once again and then kissed her forehead; he opened the door behind her.

"My Lady." He bowed.

Mary curtsied in response and turned her heel to leave. As soon as the door closed behind her she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.

Charles stared at the door in deep thought then slowly began to undress himself. Suddenly he sat on his bed rubbing his face in exhaustion. Then he heard her say her prayers in Latin and suddenly felt comforted. He leaned back onto his pillows and listened to her finish.

"Amen." He whispered.

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