AN: Thankyou to everyone who reviewed! The positive response to this fic has been amazing!

Also, in answer to Historyfan's question.

The reason why Margaret Beaufort did not claim the throne for herself was because her claim was too weak and since she couldn't produce more children. The claim of Henry VII historically was extremely unstable and they needed Elizabeth not only to unite the two houses, but also to strengthen his claim. If Margaret became Queen, it wouldn't unite York and Lancaster and would most likely lead to more war.

In answer to Anarra's question.

I have decided not to include Mary and Margaret Tudor. They don't exist. Sorry but I found it was better that way.

Madre is Spanish for mother and I have also altered the date of Isabella of Castile's death from 1504 to 1503

1488

It had been two years since the birth of Edward and Elizabeth was finally pregnant again. She felt a sense of almost, overwhelming relief. Ever since Edward was born there had not even been a hint of pregnancy. Elizabeth had been so concerned that she had even summoned one of the few male physicians in England to perform a full physical examination.

As Queen of England, her body was sacred. However Henry's was not and so he had to endure weeks of being poked and prodded and packed full of awful treatments.

"It is nothing personal", she explained to her less than happy husband, "but it is my duty as Queen and ruler of this country to provide more than one heir and we both know that it is the husband who determines the sex of the child."

So everyone was very disappointed when they bore another son. Of course, it did not particularly matter with Edward being their heir anyway, but children did die young. Several of Elizabeth's siblings had died, but her mother had always kept the nursery full of daughters. She did not understand it.

" We will call him Henry." She tried to smile at her husband. "Henry Tudor. Our son." She laughed off the disappointment that she felt, but the male physician was summoned again and the tests on Henry continued for many weeks afterward.

Elizabeth wondered what on earth was wrong with Henry that they could not have a daughter.

Or, said the little voice in her head. What on earth is wrong with you?

1503

It had been that way for hundreds of years. The women ruled the men not the other way around.

Henry still didn't think it was right. In his opinion women were far too emotional and weak in both mind and body to govern a country. After all, was it not Henry who had the claim to the English throne, not Katharine?

Why should he not be allowed to rule?

He was fifteen now. A man.

Henry was still privately sulking over this when, a few short weeks after the death of his mother, he and Catalina (Katharine as she was to be called) of Aragon were married.

He liked Katharine. She was witty and charming and beautiful. She knew how to govern a country after watching her mother do it for years and she was described as being one of the best Princesses in Christendom.

But he did not like playing second fiddle to his wife.

It just was not in his nature.

Henry liked being the centre of attention, to be in control and hailed as the very best at everything. The one whom everyone loved the most.

They were crowned together in a splendid joint coronation. However the occasion was spoiled by the obvious annoyance of the new King.

Everyone in England was well aware that Henry was nothing more than a spoilt boy who never wanted to accept the fact that he would never rule.

Katharine liked Henry.

Although he was a sulky young man with a quick temper who was stubborn and thought far too much of himself, he was very handsome and his smile could light up a room.

He was also an intellectual, though it was often masked by his arrogance.

Her mother had told her to not fall in love with her husband.

1501

"It may seem harsh Catalina, but there have many instances in which the wife loves her husband and in due course she might as well give up her crown and kingdom for it is he that controls her. It is unnatural and I do not want you to suffer the same fate."

Young Catalina nodded solemnly.

" Like it or not, England shall soon be your country. You must protect its interests above anything else, before your husband, before your children and even before your family here in Spain. Otherwise you are not a true ruler." Isabella looked at her daughter.

" They say that Edward of Wales is a quiet, studious young man, who is quite willing to hand over the reigns of government. Praise God that he is not like his younger brother Henry, a spoilt and arrogant child apparently."

Catalina refrained from mentioning that her parents shared a loving and caring marriage and that, on the few occasions when Ferdinand had been left in charge he had done quite well.

It was not the way things were done. Not in Spain and not in England.

" At any rate, it is not for a little while yet Catalina, you should not concern yourself with such matters now." Isabella smiled at her daughter.

" Just remember what I told you Catalina."

" I will Madre." Catalina promised.

AN: Sorry for the shortness. It just seemed like the right place to end it. Please keep up all the reviews!