Chapter I
December,1539
Philip, Duke of Bavaria stood in front of King Henry VIII of England and his fourth wife, Anna of Cleves, his heart pounding a thousand times more louder than usual.
"Your Majesty," said Philip, bowing.
"Your Royal Highness," acknowledged Henry VIII, gesturing for him to rise. "I hope you have settled in well. How have you enjoyed England?"
"Very well, Your Majesty. It is a beautiful kingdom and the people are so friendly! Your Court is magnificent! The most splendid I have seen in my travels through Christendom! The French Court is more lecherous and full of indecent actions that shocked me and my entourage when we stayed a couple of days there. The King of France is a lustful man."
"All men are lustful creatures like yourself. How may I help you?"
"I met this attractive lady upon my arrival. Who is she?"
"Many women here in my Court are beautiful! Perhaps a description?"
"Medium height, stunning blue eyes and locks of auburn hair. She has a charming voice and behaves like a proper lady. I wish to thank her for her aid to me in directions."
The King knew at once who he referred to and smiled.
"Mary," he said simply. "Lady Mary. She will be in her chambers. I will have a servant lead you to her if you like." He waved his hand and a servant stepped forward and bowed.
"Take the Duke of Bavaria to the Lady Mary's chambers!" the King ordered.
Lady Mary, thought Philip, as he followed the servant through a labyrinth of corridors and inquisitive, staring eyes of the English nobles. There seems to be a great deal of Marys here in England. Wasn't the King's eldest daughter a Mary too? Anna wrote to me about her and praised her beauty and virtue. Perhaps at tonight's feast, i shall meet and dance with her. Many stories spread about her through my land and even though she's a Catholic, I can't help but admire her.
They stopped in front of a mahogany door.
Tentatively, Philip knocked on it.
It opened, and a lady-in-waiting looked at him curiously.
"I am Philip, Duke of Bavaria," said Philip nervously, not knowing what else to say. "Err, the King says that a Lady Mary lives in these rooms?"
"Lady Mary?" said the woman, puzzled. "Oh yes"-she quickly recovered and smiled at him-"the Lady Mary is praying at the moment, but I am sure she can attend to you in a couple of minutes, Your Royal Highness. Perhaps you should come in and I will see to it that she sees you?"
Philip nodded and went in, gasping in wonder at the rich tapestries hung on the stone walls and the embroidered carpets and plush, velvet cushions on chairs.
He heard Latin murmurs from another room.
The lady curtsied to him and went in.
The Latin words stopped.
A few minutes later, she returned with another lady, her blue eyes sparkling like sapphires, her lips smiling at him kindly and a silver tiara decorated with rubies resting on her auburn hair tumbling lustrously on her back. She floated to him like an angel in her gown of dark red, gilded with gold. Philip stared at her, speechless with wonder.
"Your Royal Highness," she greeted, curtseying. "You wished to see me I believe? How may I help you, if that is why you are here?"
"Lady Mary?" he asked uncertainly.
She furrowed her eyebrows and frowned a little.
"Yes," she said finally. "I was the Lady Mary for some time."
Philip's heart sank like a stone in a pond in the royal gardens. She was the Lady Mary...she was now married? He had became infatuated with a married woman?
"I want to thank you for earlier today," said Philip, stumbling through his words. "If it wasn't for you, I would've been a wandering Duke for a couple more days! How can you walk through this palace without being lost? There are so many stairs and corridors! I thought the King would be tired of waiting for me, but he was a patient man! You said you were the Lady Mary. What shall I call you now? You are no longer the Lady Mary, I believe?"
"You may call me Lady Mary, Your Highness."
"Very well. There is a masque ball tonight in my honour. Will you attend? I cannot thank you enough for aiding me in this maze."
"Of course I shall go. It is expected of me, and I'm pleased you have arrived at your destination. If you need help again, just ask and I will be happy to answer your queries."
"Queries?"
"Questions, Your Highness."
"Ah, I see. I hope my cousin, Queen Anna, is well and loved in England."
"She is a generous Queen and has offered me advice a numerous amount of times, and I have taught her a little English during our conversations. If only I learnt German, I'm sure the difficulty of communications can be solved more easily."
Philip nodded, impressed with Lady Mary than before. He understood English quite well for a German Prince, but there was something she said that confused him. He only met her twice (including their current conversation), but fell in love with her wit and beauty.
What does she mean by she was the Lady Mary and was still unmarried?
Philip walked to Anna's chambers in a lovesick daze. He had never felt this way to any woman before, and he wondered if it was just a dream, meeting the lovely Lady Mary.
"Philip!" said Anna, smiling broadly at him when she saw him.
"Your Majesty," said Philip, kissing her hand and sitting down on the prepared chair opposite her. "I have met the Lady Mary, and I have to say, I am smitten by her elegance, charm and exquisiteness! I think I must have fallen in love with her!"
"That is wonderful, dear cousin! You are a Duke and must have heirs! I am happy that you have the chance to marry for love that not many of us have! Now tell me about this Lady Mary. There are many Marys in Court. What is her family name?"
"I...I don't know."
"She did not tell you?"
"She told me that she was the Lady Mary. That was it. She seemed reluctant to pursue the topic about her titles or family. Another matter I found odd, was that when I asked for her, the lady-in-waiting was surprised. I do not understand. Is there something about her that isn't real? Is she promised to another man? If she is, I will not pursue and court her."
Anna smiled, knowing exactly the woman he had fell in love with.
"You know her?" pressed Philip, his eyes widened. "Anna! Please! My brother wants me to marry Princess Christine of Saxony for an alliance and to have heirs! I want to marry for love! Lady Mary claims that she teaches you English from time to time! I want to know if she reciprocates love for me. It will take time and I am willing to wait, but you will let me know about my feelings towards her, will you? I doubt I will be able to marry her, but please!"
"You will see her again," said Anna mysteriously."I am sure she will love you too. By any chance, did you bring gifts with you? I am sure she will appreciate one."
Philip nodded enthusiastically.
"I must prepare myself for the feast," said Anna, kissing him on the cheek. "You should too. The King has decided for you to sit beside him. I'll send a few servants to help you."
"Of course, of course," said Philip, jumping up."Can you ensure that the Lady Mary will be there? I wish to at least have one dance with her before I depart back to Germany. If I cannot find what I am looking for here, I will return and marry Christine of Saxony."
"Will your brother approve of you marrying the Lady Mary, if allowed?"
"We are both co-rulers and if I marry an English noblewoman, it will solidify an alliance between Bavaria and England, even if she isn't a Princess. My brother married Princess Susanna of Bavaria for love, and I am sure he will agree to allow me to marry a lady of my dreams. If he desires to rule alone, I will grant it to him on the condition that he gives me permission to marry Lady Mary. I will not object to be a penniless Duke and to live here in England under the King's good will. I am a man that is willing to relinquish his claims for the love of a woman."
"You are a brave man. No one will give up land and titles for love."
Philip smiled like a love sick boy and went to his chambers to change into more suitable garments for a royal feast and masque ball.
"His Royal Highness, Duke Philip of Bavaria!" announced the herald as Philip entered the feasting hall under the directions of a servant.
The nobles bowed and curtsied as he joined the King and Queen at the high table.
As he sat down, his eyes fell to Lady Mary, who had arrived a minute after him. He silently cursed himself for being so distracted and quick on his feet!
She had changed into an exquisite green dress and bedecked with simple, yet elegant jewels. Around her neck was a plain Cross and she wore a bracelet, studded with emeralds. Her auburn hair was coiled into an elaborate hairstyle and was adorned with a silver diadem ornamented with emeralds. Philip stared at her, enamoured more than ever.
He was clearly poisoned with love.
"Her Royal Highness, the Princess Mary Tudor!" declared the herald.
Philip's mouth dropped open.
He was in love...with a Princess?!
The King's daughter?!
His surprised eyes followed her as she curtsied and sat next to Queen Anna. She looked at him and offered him a sweet smile.
He glanced at the King and saw him grinning back at him.
He knew! Philip thought, his mind whirling with different emotions. For the love of God! The King knew I met the Lady-I mean Princess Mary when I was lost! He wanted me to talk to her! Is this the Henry VIII that was cruel enough to execute his second wife?
"The Lady Elizabeth!" called the herald.
The King's only daughter with Anne Boleyn (his second wife), the Lady Elizabeth Tudor, pranced in, wearing a lovely red dress and a broad grin on her face.
"Your Majesty," said Philip, turning to the King.
"Please, call me 'Henry!'" insisted Henry VIII, chewing a chicken leg.
"Henry," said Philip carefully. "I have heard that you have two daughters. Is it a cultural thing to have the oldest daughter a Princess and the younger ones Ladies?"
Anna shot him a warning look.
"A long story," said Henry VIII with a forced chuckle. "Are you not hungry? You must go and dance! I insist! Musicians! Play a tune! Philip! Go and dance with my daughter! What are you worried about? I am sure she can't wait for an invitation to dance!"
He waved his hand and his childhood companion, Charles Brandon, 3rd Duke of Suffolk, immediately asked a noblewoman to dance. Slowly, other nobles began joining in and the chairs became emptier by the moment. Philip gathered up his courage and walked towards Princess Mary, noting that both Anna and the King had their eyes on him and nodding encouragingly.
"Your Highness," he said, approaching her. "May I have this dance?"
Mary smiled and accepted his hand.
"Why didn't you tell me you are the Princess?" said Philip, twirling her around.
"You asked if I was Lady Mary," Mary replied, blushing slightly as she had never had a proper conversation with a witty man (let alone a Duke) before. "In truth, I was. Are you here for diplomatic reasons, or to visit the Queen?"
"Neither, Your Highness. I wanted to stay away from Germany for a while and travel through Europe before I am to be tied down in marriage. I am not implying I wish to sire bastards, I can assure you, but I have heard so much about France, Spain and England, and I wanted to visit the splendid Courts of the greatest kingdoms since my boyhood. My brother was delighted when he heard of my plans to see other kingdoms. He would rule by himself for a while."
"Your brother is your co-ruler?"
"Yes, I am sorry if I bore you with my family history, Princess Mary. You probably wish to talk about gowns and jewellery. My apologies."
"No! Please continue! I am fascinated by the idea of two brothers ruling in harmony! Call me 'Mary'. It sounds so formal when you call me 'Princess'!"
"We don't always agree, and I assume he is greedy for more power."
"Have you found a wife yet? You mentioned being tied down in marriage."
"Ah, my brother is quite insistent for me to be contracted to marry Princess Christine of Saxony for an alliance. You yourself, Mary? Do you have any plans to be married? You must desire having children of your own when you see your half-siblings play."
"Indeed."
A tear slipped from Mary's cheek.
"You're crying," said Philip, surprised. "Have I offended you?"
"No," said Mary, who was certain she had strong feelings for him, even though she had only met him a couple of times. "I do wish for children, but when you talk, you seem to long for freedom and love, not power or wealth like the majority of courtiers here! I also know that this conversation between us may be the last, before the King sends you back to Bavaria. Your cousin the Queen, is well-liked by the people, but the King loathes her! He will want a divorce and you will be forbidden to be here and forced back home to marry a Princess of Saxony while I will remain an old maid!"
Bitterness embedded her tone.
Philip felt sorry for the suffering Princess and wanted desperately to embrace her and tell her that everything will be alright and he will never leave her heartbroken.
"Oh!" said Philip, wincing in pain.
"What is it?" said Mary at once, concern spreading on her face.
"You stepped on my foot."
"Oh! I am so sorry! Will you be alright?! I was so wrapped up in my own worries that I mustn't have been looking where I was dancing!"
"Mary-"
"I am so sorry, Philip!"
She helped him limp out, unnoticed by other courtiers who laughed, danced, conversed and ate as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.
"Philip! I am so sorry!" Mary apologised again.
"You didn't step on my foot," said Philip, grinning and straightening up. "I only wanted a moment with you. How on earth could you have possibly stepped on my feet? You were so graceful and angelic that your feet never touched the ground!"
Mary stared at him, shocked.
"I know this is too early," said Philip, grasping her hand and staring into her love struck eyes. "But in case you are right and this is my first and last visit in England, I want you to know that you are the most beautiful and intelligent woman I had ever met. One that speaks truth and sees reality and has a heart of gold. I came here to see you, Princess Mary. I had heard rumours about your virtue and generosity, and wanted to meet you in person before I am forced into marriage with the witless Christine of Saxony who only sought me as a potential husband for my wealth. When I saw you, you were an angel to me. I have to confess that I believe I am falling in love with you. Have this, as a token of our friendship."
With his other hand, he handed Mary a silver ring, encrusted with pearls.
"It is beautiful," said Mary, her spirits soaring in the air like the birds in the sky. She had never felt this happy and content in many years!
"It is a family heirloom," explained Philip, moving closer to her. "Not exactly one, but similar. My father told me before his death, that every Duke of Bavaria crafts one for the first woman he falls in love with, no matter whether she is a Princess or a Lady. For many decades, every woman received a replica of the original, but somehow this ring returned to us. My great, great, great, great grandfather gave this to his wife, whom he loved with all his heart, and they were blessed with many children and had a happy marriage and a peaceful reign. This ring was full of luck and good fortune. It is the real one and I am giving it to you, my Mary."
He slipped it on her finger and leant closer.
Like a wind pushing them together, Mary's lips met Philip's and they kissed, both knowing they were deeply and suddenly in love with each other.
Anna summoned Mary to her chambers the next morning.
"Your Majesty," greeted Mary, glowing with happiness, and joy radiated from her like the warm rays of the golden sun. "You have called me?"
"You are in better spirits today, Mary," noted Anna, gesturing for her to sit down. "Much happier than I have ever seen before. What may have changed your mood?"
She noticed the ring on her finger.
"Was it Philip?" she asked.
"He is the most handsomest man I had ever seen," Mary confided, a smile permanently formed by her pink lips. "Last night, I felt so content and peaceful. I will never forget it. Do you know where he is? I long to see him and be by his side all day!"
"You are in love," said Anna, enviously wishing the King would be affectionate to her. "That is rare amongst us royals. You are lucky, Princess Mary."
"Luck has not been on my side for quite some time."
"The wheel of fortune spins and you have risen."
"It won't last long. Soon, last night will only be a memory in my mind when I am plagued by Protestant heretics, wishing me dead."
"Don't think that, Mary! Do you love Philip? Even if he is a Lutheran?"
Mary bit her lip. Her mother, the late Queen Catherine of Aragon had stressed in the utmost belief of Catholicism and was vehemently opposed to the idea of Reformation or Protestantism. Mary knew it was wrong and there was only one true God, but what if her mother was wrong? Would a devout, pious Princess be loved by the people, or would an accepting Princess be more?
"I don't know," said Mary truthfully. "I am a Catholic, but what if I accept Protestantism? The King's marriage to my mother would be acknowledged fully as null and void and I will be declaring myself a bastard. I cannot do that."
"Your father loves you," Anna assured her."He would always speak proudly of you. He even declared you a Princess and second-in-line to the Throne after Prince Edward! He legitimised you because he loves and respects you, even if deep in your heart, you are a Catholic. From my observations, you have to survive Court by praising the King and following his orders. Even if you disagree on grounds of religion, pretend to accept his commands fully."
"Will he annul your marriage?"
"Not yet. I suspect he is planning to."
"You are a good Queen, Anna. Even if you are a Lutheran, you are a kind and wonderful friend as well as a stepmother. It is thanks to you that Philip is here."
"I thank you for helping me settle in."
"Do you know where Philip is?"
"He told me a few minutes before you came that he wishes for an audience with the King. I suppose he has gone to see him now."
Mary's heart stopped and her spirits froze.
"He has probably gone to bid goodbye," she said mournfully, her hopes crashing down. "He professes his love, but of course he has to do his duty and marry a Protestant legitimate Princess! That is probably the reason he gave me this ring."
"It is a symbol of his undying love for you," said Anna adamantly. "I have heard the stories of the Wittelsbach ring and this is the true ring!"
Mary shook her head, tears threatening to fall from her eyes. She was deceiving herself! Philip's love to
her was obviously temporary! She was an old maid and will have no hope of marriage or children.
"Have hope, Princess Mary!" urged Anna. "Never give up!"
"I wish this will end!" Mary sighed, standing up and looking through the glass window. "I want to return to my childhood, when everything was perfect and safe! I did not need to fear poison or assassins and I was assured of my destiny as Queen of England! Now I am nothing but a discarded Princess. Edward will be King and Elizabeth will be more loved than me."
Anna instantly embraced Mary, who only craved to be truly loved.
"You are more beloved," she told Mary. "Elizabeth is only a child and it is natural for her to be wanting attention. Your story is told throughout Europe, and hailed as a saviour for the Catholics and a determined survivor by even us Lutherans! Your mother will be proud of you. Follow your heart, not mind. Forget about religion and politics. Your heart knows what's best."
Mary nodded, smiling at Anna.
She bid goodbye and went for a walk in the gardens, her spirits rising slowly again like the wheel of fortune, constantly spinning from good luck and downfall.
Little did she know, that she was being watched.
I never wrote a Philip of Bavaria/Mary Tudor fanfiction before, so I don't really know how it will go...please review! :) No flames please.