The English Rose

One-shot

AN: After re-watching season 4 episode 1; I felt like writing a one-shot on Henry's thoughts about Elizabeth when she is introduced to Katherine Howard. Tell me what you think! =)

::T::

Henry waited gracefully for the arrival of his true heir, His Royal Highness Prince Edward Tudor to arrive to meet the Queen. Katherine stood next to him, and flirtatiously flipped her hair back and swayed side-to-side and smiled at the king. He smiled back and then cleared his throat when Lady Bryan walked into the room with Prince Edward. "Katherine, meet your new step-son; Prince Edward the VI."

"It's a pleasure to meet Your Highness." Said Katherine, with a child-like manner. Prince Edward smiled and hugged his new "mother". "You are the most beautiful little boy I have ever seen."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Edward said, in a sweet voice. Henry chuckled again. "And you look very pretty, Majesty."

Katherine giggled and kissed Edward's forehead. As Henry spoke to Lady Bryan, Katherine fluffed her fan at Edward, causing him to laugh from the tickling. "Come, Your Highness," Lady Bryan exclaimed.

"Good bye, Your Majesties," he said. Katherine stood up again and sighed with a smile. Henry slipped his arm around her thin waist and drew her close. Katherine shivered as he breathed on her neck but thought of Culpepper to ease the disgust of the King. Next came the Lady Elizabeth. Henry caught his daughter's gaze and immediately; unbeknownst to her, saw Anne Boleyn. A wave of nostalgia passed through him as Elizabeth walked toward the King and Queen. She curtsied to her father and new stepmother. "I am pleased to meet your acquaintance, Majesty." She said, smoothly. Henry caught his breath—she sounded so like Anne.

"I am, as well, pleased to meet Your Highness." Katherine said, smiling. As Henry continued watching Elizabeth—he began to regret executing Anne. He could have at least spared her life and sent her away to the country where she would be forgotten. Instead of Elizabeth, all he could see was Anne; her deep, dark eyes of wanting. I didn't deserve to die, Henry. I was innocent. He imagined Anne saying this—begging to live to see her daughter grow into a fine woman. She will be the greatest queen England has ever known.

Soon after Elizabeth's conversation with the queen, he was caught off guard as she left. No, come back Anne. Henry begged. Then he realized it was Elizabeth. Elizabeth, the virgin queen.

AN: I know it's not that great, but please, at least review for me =)