May 12th 1509
Henry VIII's Coronation Day
Henry admired his reflection. He had to admit the tailor maids created stunning clothing considering the time limit. Only two months ago he lost his father. Nearly three years ago his brother passed too.
Arthur Tudor. Prince of Wales. Eldest son to King Henry and Queen Elizabeth. The true King.
He heard his door creak open. "Henry?" a soft voice called.
He and his gentlemen bowed to her. "Greetings to the Queen Dowager."
"Why would mother and son need to greet each other like this?" She dismissed the servants. She studied him in the mirror. "You look exemplary, Henry. So much like your father."
He chuckled. "Originally Arthur was to stand before this mirror. I was to bless his reign. And Edward was to fight many wars to win glory."
She only smiled slightly. Yes. I wanted it that way. But God did not wish for it to be so."
He turned around. "Do you think I will be an exemplary king or a horrible one?"
"I believe you will be the king you are meant to be. You have many consorts but only one Queen. She will be the center of your inner court. The flower to stand out among them all. You can never neglect her nor the children you have with her."
"Yes Mother. I understand."
A commotion at the door pulled their attention from each other. Bessie Blount, one of Henry's consorts barged through the maids who tried to stop her.
"Your Ladyship, you can't!" they cried.
"Who dares to block me?!" she yelled back.
Henry's mother stood tall as she and Bessie eyes met. Bessie appeared shocking and gave the standard greeting.
The Queen Dowager only regarded her with little emotion. "A lady of the fourth rank behaves so brazenly?"
"Forgive me, my lady. I didn't know that you were here. I only wish to see His Majesty before the coronation."
"Only the Queen and Queen Dowagers are allowed to see the King before the coronation. Do you honestly think you are above the Queen of England?" The Dowagers voiced raised with each word she spoke.
"Mother." Henry put both of his hands on her shoulders. "I will handle this." He kissed her cheek before she left.
"I'm sorry, Henry," Bessie said. "Both of the Queen Dowagers don't like me. I'm not sure what to do."
"Be sincere and know your place. That is how you will please the Dowagers."
Bessie nodded in understanding.
XCX
The coronation lasted so long that Bessie thought she would die of boredom. Bishop Edward, the King's brother blessed his reign. From where she sat She was only Royal Consort Bessie. Not Duchess Consort or even Princes Consort but Royal Consort. Other than Catherine, Anne Neville and Cecily Hastings, she was the first to originally enter Henry household when he was a prince. Prince. The word made her smile. She couldn't wait to tell Henry the news when he visited her.
XCX
"Why is her with her?!"
"Please calm down Your Worship."
"Tell him."
The maid looked worried but she did as she was told.
XCX
"Truly?" Henry was in shock at the news. He shouldn't have been but still.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Her Worship wanted to know if you would visit her tonight."
Henry sighed. "No. I will see her tomorrow. Have a royal doctor check on her."
When they were alone Henry collapsed on the bed with a sigh. "Congratulations Henry," Catherine said.
"My first child." He looked at her. "I thought it would be you."
She smiled. "It doesn't matter. As long as the royal nursery is filled I am happy if you are happy."
He sat up. "Do you mean that?"
"Of course. I am your wife and the Queen of England. Your consorts children are my children. It is my duty to protect them."
He kissed her hand. "You are indeed humble and loyal, love."
XCX
"Royal wives are allowed an audience with the Dowagers."
With Catherine leading them all five of Henry's current consorts proceeded into the Hall of Grace. "Greetings to Her Grace, the King's grandmother. May you have everlasting peace. Greetings to Her Ladyship the King's mother. May you have everlasting joy."
Once everyone was seated Henry's grandmother spoke. "Are you all satisfied with your halls? The king spent much time putting together the arrangements for you all."
They replied that it was fine. She nodded in approval. "Good. I hear Royal Consort Bessie is pregnant. You must be very cautious from now on. You are carrying the King's first child."
"Yes, Your Grace. Thank you for your advice."
XCX
Margaret chuckled as her daughter in law paced. "What? Are you worried?"
"Yes," Elizabeth replied. "The Queen should have the first son."
"Should she? I had the first son and I've never been a Queen in all my life."
Elizabeth came closer and knelt. "I'm sorry. I said too much."
"No." She motioned for her to sit. "This Bessie Blount is interesting. We will have to watch her closely."
English Consort Ranks
The Queen is by right of her title lady of the first rank: addressed as Your Majesty
Lady of the 2nd rank: Princess Consort: addressed as Your Highness.
Ladies of the 3rd rank: Duchess Consorts: only 2 people may hold this title at a time: addressed as Your Grace
Ladies of the 4th rank: Royal Consorts: only 4 people may hold this title at a time: addressed as Your Worship
Ladies of the 5th rank: Royal Ladies: only 6 people may hold this title at a time: addressed as Your Ladyship
*Ladies of the 6th rank: Honored Ladies: addressed as Your Constance
*Ladies of the 7th rank: Royal Dames: addressed as Madam
*Ladies of the 8th rank: Royal Companions: addressed as Mistress *name*
**Serving Ladies: maids of the palace that the King graces are given this title. They may only be promoting one rank at a time. Not considered a true consort.