Chapter I
January, 1510
Catherine of Aragon was the happiest woman in England, when the midwife announced that she had successfully given birth to a healthy, baby girl.
If it was a girl this time, sons will follow.
She was sure of it.
Her husband, Henry VIII of England, was told the news at once. He was as delighted as she was, in their first child. He seemed a little disappointed that their first child was a daughter, and not a son, but he fully agreed with Catherine.
Sons will follow after their daughter.
"What shall we name her?" said Henry VIII, gazing at his daughter fondly.
"Do you have any suggestions?" Catherine inquired, sitting up.
"I was thinking of Elizabeth, after my mother, or maybe Margaret, after my grandmother. Or maybe we can name her Matilda, after the Conqueror's wife."
"Oh, Harry! May I choose?"
"Of course, my dear Catalina! You gave us this wonderful child!"
"Thank you!"
"Whatever you suggest, will be the name of our first daughter!"
"Can we name our first child Mary? After the Virgin Mary, who answered our prayers in giving us this beautiful daughter. We can always name our oldest son after you! If we name our first child after the Virgin, she might feel gratified and pleased at the honour, and will give us sons! We can always name her after the Virgin and your younger sister!"
Henry VIII smiled at the thought of naming his daughter after his favourite sister.
He frowned as he thought of his late brother, Arthur, the Prince of Wales.
Catherine had been betrothed to him, and was about to marry him, but he had unfortunately died a few weeks before the marriage of Typhoid Fever.
Henry VIII would always get angry at the thought of Catherine marrying Arthur.
His Catherine.
"Not Arthur?" he said uncertainly. "Our first son won't be named Arthur?"
Catherine looked at him, surprised.
"Do you want him to be?" she said, puzzled.
"No," said Henry VIII quickly. "We can name our second or third son after him. I was just making sure, you know, he was my brother and all."
Catherine nodded in understanding.
"Mary?" said Catherine hopefully.
"Mary it is!" Henry VIII agreed, kissing her.
Catherine laughed, and was pleased that Henry VIII didn't make a big fuss in wanting a son and despising their first daughter.
She was also happy he was still faithful to her.
Catherine knew that a man like Henry VIII, won't remain faithful to her for long. It won't be long before the nobles would be sending their daughters to court, hoping that their daughters would be Henry VIII's mistresses, and mothers of his acknowledged, illegitimate offspring. Catherine disliked that thought, but knew it would happen someday.
"Promise me one thing," she spoke.
"Anything!" Henry VIII said at once. "Anything you ask is yours!"
"Even if you have illegitimate children, promise me that you'll always love our children, no matter whether they're sons or daughters."
"Why would you think that?!"
"Just in case, Henry. Just in case. Please promise me."
She is older than me, thought Henry VIII. Catherine must know what she's talking about.
"I promise," he told Catherine. "Let's not think of that. Let's think of the feast and celebrations we need
to plan for our daughter's christening. The whole world needs to know of it! I'm sure your parents want to know what happened!"
"They do," murmured Catherine. "How can I forget?!"
Henry VIII stood up.
He had letters to write, and celebrations to plan.
"I'll leave you in peace," he said gently. "I'm sure you want some privacy. I'll write to the Kings of France and Scotland to tell them of our good news! You don't mind if the Duke and Duchess of Suffolk help me plan the celebrations?"
Catherine smiled at the thought.
She was quite fond of her sister-in-law, Princess Mary Tudor, the former Queen of France and presently the Duchess of Suffolk.
She had a liking for Charles Brandon, the Duke of Suffolk, who welcomed her graciously to England, and promised to be her good friend.
He had kept his promise.
"I don't mind," she assured Henry VIII. "I trust the three of you."
Catherine couldn't wait to write the good news to her parents.
Once Henry VIII departed, Catherine sent for parchment, quill, ink and His Excellency, the Imperial Spanish Ambassador, Eustace Chapuys.
"Infanta," said Eustace Chapuys, bowing. "You called for me?"
To Eustace Chapuys, the Queen of England would always be known as Infanta Catalina de Castilla y Aragon, the youngest child of Their Majesties, the Catholic Monarchs, King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Spain.
"Your Excellency," said Catherine pleasantly. "I'm glad you can come."
"I'm at your service," said Chapuys, kissing her hand. "I hope that your pregnancy went well and your baby a healthy one."
"She is well."
"Ah, my Infanta, you had borne a Princesa! Congratulations! Her name?"
"Mary. I'm sure you approve of the name choice. I named my first baby after the Holy Mother, even though my husband preferred to name our baby after one of his female relations. What do you think, my dear Chapuys? Will Their Majesties of Spain be happy at this? I know it isn't the ideal son they had hoped for, but it-"
"Nonsense, my Infanta! Your sister Infanta Juana had a daughter first as well!"
Catherine nodded thoughtfully.
Her older sister Joanna of Aragon, Heiress of Spain and Dowager Duchess of Burgundy, had been married for ten years, and had became a widow three years before. Between her and her husband, Philip, the Duke of Burgundy, they had six children.
Their youngest child, Catherine (named after Catherine of Aragon), was a year older than Catherine and Henry VIII's own little Princess Mary Tudor.
"Yes," spoke Catherine, thinking affectionately of her nieces and nephews. "Juana's first child was a daughter called Eleanor, isn't it?"
Chapuys nodded.
For the first time in many years, Catherine missed Spain, and began reminiscing about the past. Mostly about her time with her siblings.
Her oldest sister Isabella, the late Queen of Portugal and her only brother John, the late Prince of Asturias (Heir of Spain) had died many years ago. Her parents were devastated. Isabella's baby son, Miguel of Portugal, became Heir of Spain and Portugal after his mother and uncle's deaths. Unfortunately, he died two years after birth.
Now, Joanna, Catherine and their other sister Maria, are the only surviving children of their parents, and their parents only hopes of continuing the Spanish bloodline.
"I'll write to my parents," Catherine decided. "Can you please make sure the letter gets delivered quickly? I'll be expecting a reply."
"Of course," said Chapuys, taking the letter from Catherine. "I'll deliver it myself, and take the reply
straight to your hands. I won't let any boat or ship slow me down from England to Spain. Is there anything else you desire, Infanta? Is there anything you want me to take from Spain to you? Any other messages for me to deliver?"
"No. Ask your most reliable deputy to deliver the message."
"Infanta?"
"I want you here with me in England. I don't trust that snake Wolsey. He'll try and make my husband his puppet for power."
"As you wish, Infanta."
He bowed again and departed.
"Another banquet, Harry?" said Henry's sister Mary, in mock surprise. "Why it's the second banquet in a week! What will our dear father say?!"
Henry VIII laughed.
He hated being reminded of his father and his policies.
Mary can always twist an unpleasant topic into a witty, entertaining one. Henry VIII was glad she remarried in England and her first marriage with the late King of France wasn't long. He was even more pleased that she married his best friend, Charles Brandon.
"You have a daughter," said Charles in admiration.
"Not a son though," said Henry VIII, feeling a little disappointed.
"Harry! No need to be disappointed! Sons will come along! Normally Kings who have a daughter first are more loved by the people! On the streets, people are still calling you 'Bluff King Hal'! They never called your father that!"
"What about My Pearl?"
"Your pearl?"
"My daughter. What do you think the other Kings would think of her?"
"A valuable piece to form an alliance with England. Kings would send their ambassadors streaming into England! Imagine the King of France's face!"
Henry VIII laughed humorously.
He and Francis I of France would be enemies for as long as they live.
"It would mean peace though," he said thoughtfully. "My Mary can marry Francis's first son and become the future Queen of France. His first daughter can marry my first son. A double marriage can probably end all the hatred between France and England. Who knows? Maybe in a couple of decades, France and England might be unified."
Charles nodded in agreement.
He had no particular care for politics right at the moment. He was satisfied in marriage with the King's sister, and their future children will be in the Line of Succession.
To him, it'll be best for Henry VIII to discuss politics with his ministers, not him.
To Charles's relief, the three of them spent hours discussing the banquet.
"Your Majesty."
Henry VIII's most trusted advisor, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey appeared. Charles had nothing against him, but disliked him for no particular reason.
"Thomas!" said Henry VIII, jumping up from the ground.
"Your Majesty," Wolsey said again. "Your Grace."
He nodded curtly at Charles.
Just as much as Charles disliked Wolsey, Wolsey disliked him.
"Your Highness," said Wolsey, kissing Mary's hand.
"Cardinal," said Mary, her tone full of false sweetness. "I suppose you wish to talk to my dear brother privately? My husband and I will leave."
"That would be for the best of things, Your Highness."
Mary smiled at Henry VIII and pulled Charles away to the gardens. Mary knew that nothing would end well in a conversation between the Cardinal and her husband. Both of them are close friends/advisors to her brother, but none of them are willing to be allies for the good of the kingdom. Wolsey would be grateful to her for this.
They met Catherine in the gardens.
"Your Majesty," said Mary, sinking to a curtsey.
Charles bowed.
"Oh please no!" laughed Catherine. "Not with all those formalities! We're family! Even you, Charles, no need to curtsey and bow! Mary, my baby's named after you and the Virgin Goddess. You're my sister-in-law, and Charles, you're a person I can trust."
Happiness flowed in Charles's heart.
Being trusted by the King is one thing, but by the Queen too?!
"What can we do for you?" said Charles pleasantly.
"I was just walking around the gardens," explained Catherine.
"I hope your pregnancy went well?"
"It did. I'm sure you have heard that I have given birth to a Princess. Have you seen my husband? I'm sure you have finished planning the banquet."
"Ah, I think he prefers to be alone."
"Why?"
"Wolsey's with him."
Catherine was silent.
If she ever wanted to launch a war against Wolsey, Charles and Mary would be her staunch allies, despite the fact that Wolsey helped save Charles and Mary's lives when their secret marriage was revealed, and many ministers wanted Charles executed or imprisoned. Catherine was certain that she'll earn herself more allies once Wolsey becomes more pompous in his position as the King's closest advisor and abusing the use of the power of Cardinal.
"Do you think they're arranging a marriage?" murmured Catherine.
"For?" inquired Mary.
"My daughter. Do you think they're already creating one?"
"Well, the King and the Cardinal arrange matches for nobles as well! It's hard to say what they're up to right now, but-"
"Mary. You and I both know that betrothals are mostly arranged when royal Princes and Princesses are only in their cradles."
"Yes, but most of them don't actually happen."
"Like yours with my nephew, Archduke Charles of Austria, the Duke of Burgundy."
"I married the old King of France instead."
"Which probably wasn't worth it. I guess you're right. I was betrothed to your late brother Arthur when I was two, but I never ended up marrying him. I married Henry instead. Then again, I fulfilled my destiny in becoming the Queen of England."
Charles shifted uncomfortably.
He loved his wife and respected Catherine, but he hated moments like this.
He wanted to think himself equal in his marriage, but hated when Mary and Catherine discuss matters which he doesn't understand well.
Mary noticed him shifting uncomfortably.
"We'd better go," she told Catherine. "If it is a marriage Wolsey and Henry are planning, Henry will tell you tonight or sometime private."
"Of course," said Catherine, who was deep in thought.
Mary took hold of Charles's hand and dragged him away.
"We have a problem," Mary muttered softly. "I don't know if Catherine should be told of this, but I can bet you ten florins that she won't know."
"Know what?" hissed Charles.
"Henry's past! When Arthur was alive! Catherine came to England to marry Henry! My father didn't want to break the Spanish Alliance!"
"I'm sorry, but I still don't understand what you're saying."
"Think, Charles! Think! My father changed his mind of sending Henry to church! Remember? He was supposed to be Archbishop of Canterbury!"
"Oh God. You sure?"
"I saw them when we were talking to Catherine."
"What can they do? They can't declare a divorce on the grounds of infertility. Catherine had already proved herself in giving birth to Princess Mary. They can't declare a divorce on the grounds of infidelity, because Catherine is never unfaithful! They can try and declare the marriage unfit in any way possible, but it won't work!"
"How about on the grounds of pre-contract?"
"Arthur died."
"On Henry's side."
"Henry won't let his daughter be bastardised and become sonless and childless just to marry that black-eyed vixen who's up to no good!"
"What if he finds her attractive?"
"Mary! Don't worry! The last time he saw her was when he's, I don't know! Fourteen?"
Mary sighed.
Charles patted her hand.
"She'll be fine," he promised. "Catherine will always be Henry's Queen."
That night, Henry VIII visited Catherine in her chambers.
"Hello Henry," said Catherine pleasantly. "I didn't expect you here tonight. I thought you would be with your ministers or friends."
"Ah," said Henry VIII uncomfortably. "We need to talk."
"About?"
"Our daughter, Mary."
"Have you finished planning the banquet? I was hoping we can hold the christening and banquet tomorrow. It's better to christen our baby earlier rather than late. I've decided that the Countess of Salisbury should be one of Mary's godparents. Have you decided on the other one? Are you alright? Do you need a cup of ale?"
"It's not to do with her christening."
"Oh?"
"It's about Mary's…betrothal."
"Did you say betrothal?"
"Oh, come now, Catherine! You know as well as I do that our children are important in politics! You married me for the good of Spain and England!"
"Who?"
"Excuse me?"
"Who's Mary betrothed to?"
"It hadn't been formally decided, but Wolsey and I thought it was a good marriage alliance. We thought of an alliance with France, and decided it's a good idea for Mary to marry Charles de Bourbon, the Duke of Vendome. He's a cousin to Francis I and part of the Line of Succession."
"I never heard of this de Bourbon before."
"His father is a close advisor of Francis I and the previous King of France."
"How old is he?"
"About ten years, Mary's senior."
"Ten! Henry, why not have a renewed alliance with Scotland? Mary would be happier marrying Margaret's son, James, the Duke of Rothesay!"
"Why? France is England's worst enemy!"
"Scotland and France had always been allies against England! Why not our son marry a French Princess and Mary marry into the Scottish Royal Family? Think about it, Henry. We can keep our family close and political. We can form other alliances via our future children. Who suggested it, Henry? Wolsey or you? I think I know that Wolsey thought of this, not you. He knows you'll fund his expedition to France to tell the King of France about the possible betrothal!"
"Catherine! That's not all!"
"That's not all?!"
"The French ambassador had hinted that if Mary marries the Duke of Vendome, Francis I will cede Champagne, Blois and Bordeaux to us!"
"You can't believe the French ambassador."
"Think about-"
"There's nothing for me to think about. You and Wolsey will go ahead with it."
Henry VIII said nothing.
"Please support this idea!" he pleaded. "Why won't you support me?! You supported all my ideas before this! Mary won't have to leave England straight away! She can leave when she's fifteen or sixteen like you did! The Duke of Vendome will be a good husband! The French ambassador assured me that if Mary marries him, they'll be welcomed in the French Court and Mary will have the precedence over every woman in France except the Queen and the Enfantes de France!"
"Alright," relented Catherine. "But promise me you won't declare war against Spain and one of our children will marry a Spanish Infante."
Henry VIII kissed Catherine.
He was happy.
Wolsey had challenged him to ask Catherine for her support, and if he receives it, Wolsey will hand his palace, Hampton Court, to Henry VIII.
Henry VIII smiled at Catherine and left.
On his way out, he glanced at Catherine's ladies-in-waiting and the thought of having an affair with one of them occurred to him.
They're all so pretty, thought Henry VIII. Will I be unfaithful to Catherine?
Just to let you know, this is a rewritten chapter of the previous A Twist In Time: Ghosts of His Past. Please review and let me know if you want me to continue! :)