The room was slowly filling and so was my anxiety. I was in the adjoining chamber, taking off my wedding gown and getting ready for the consummation. Technically, that particular ritual had happened months ago and there was a blessing at that, because I knew what to expect. I felt embarrassed but not afraid. I knew what it was like to be with Francis. It was heaven.
Suddenly, my door opened and Catherine stood before me. seeing her smile fondly at me after what our relationship had been like was a bit uncomfortable. She signaled to Greer to get out and took her place behind me, tying up my consummation robe.
"The nun that was charged with confirming your status as a maiden was happy to inform to Henry that everything is well."
I froze at that. I had no knowledge of the ritual required to confirm my virginity and assumed that my station would spare me from the humiliation of such a test. I was wrong, as it seemed.
"Do not be so alarmed my dear! Even if she was to perform the test, I doubt she would be brave enough to defy the honor of a Queen. It was merely a formality."
This bought up another question in me.
"How… how did you know.."
"That my son had been a little too impatient with his young fiancée? Did you really think no one knew?"
"I thought we were careful.."
Catherine chuckled.
"Oh Mary, you are so young in many ways. You still have so much to learn."
I turned to look at her.
"You have to know it has only been Francis. After the siege… I thought we were going to be… I wanted to give myself to the one I loved while I had the chance…"
"My dearest do not panic! I believe you. A woman of your worth does not replace the man she swore herself to in mere months. At least not in her bed. I knew all along where your heart was. If it wasn't for that damned prophecy… I would have been your main supporter during all this. You are a perfect match for Francis."
I found the opportunity to ask what had sparked my curiosity all along.
"How were you so certain that I would choose him? I told you I loved them both and yet… you knew what I felt better than I did."
"When I was released from the tower and saw my belongings again, I noticed that a lock of my children's hair wasn't there. There was Henry's and Elizabeth's dark locks, and Henry's platinum one and that sickening scalp…But the golden lock of my eldest son was missing."
I stood pointedly silent and Catherine chuckled.
"The little thief could only have been you. This is why I resented that prophecy so much. Because besides me, there is only one other person that loves Francis so deeply. And that is you."
I looked at her and for the first time, the space between us filled with a tender feeling. At that moment, the door opened again and there he was. The blue eyes and sweet smile and golden locks I loved so much. One of which resided in my drawer since the moment I stole it from Catherine without hesitation…
"Go to him." She whispered and left the room quickly.
Who was I to disobey Queen Catherine?