"Bessie is doing well?" Margaret asked Catherine.

"Yes, Your Grace. The child is strong and the doctors are certain it's a boy."

She studied her. "You are fine with this?"

Catherine couldn't tell if she was testing her or not so she answered in the best way she could. "As the mother of the England it is my duty to take care the children within it. That includes the concubines children. I will think of them as my own and look after them as such."

Margaret looked up when she said this. "Do not be like her." Her voice on a harsh tone.

Catherine appeared worried. "Your Grace? Have I said something wrong?"

She repeated herself but it only made Catherine more confused. She knelt in front of her. "Your Grace. You are His Majesty's grandmother so you are my grandmother. I only wish to serve you well. Please instruct me!"

"Get out."

"Your Grace."

Katrina, Margaret's head mead tried to soothe her. "Calm down Your Grace." She scurried toward Catherine and ordered two maids nearby to come closer. "Escort Her Majesty to her Hall." She stopped Catherine at the door and turned her so they were face to face. "Her Grace's past is not good so a bad memory came back to her. I hope Your Majesty will forgive her."

"Of course. The royal doctors must care for her well."

"Yes. It's best if you and the other consort don't give greetings for few days."

"As you say."

Katrina curtsied and closed the doors. One of the maid that Katrina instructed earlier gestured for Catherine to follow her. "Your Majesty, this way, if you please."

Maria gave her a look. Catherine stopped her and gave a look of her own. "Insolent-"

"Your Majesty?"

Catherine sighed with a weariness that concerned Maria. "Both of the Dowagers are ill and you become disrespectful. Why? Did I not teach you well?"

"She can't speak Your Majesty that way!" Maria insisted.

"She serves the King's grandmother so she outranks you. You cannot speak to her that way. Apologize."

Maria curtsied. "Forgive me, milady."

"Never mind. This way."

XCX

Catherine told her other maids she leave her and Mara alone. "Maria. Don't get big headed because the King graced you."

"Your Majesty. I would never."

"Fine. I believe you." She looked her over. "I am sure His Majesty will grant you a title."

"Actually, Your Majesty, I want to marry a nobleman."

"Lower your voice," she said. "Now that you have received the King's grace you are considered his. Besides, not many men would be willing to take in a woman who slept with the King. Much less a nobleman."

Maria seemed sad. "Your Majesty is right. I'm such a fool. I would have done better with a guard."

Catherine rolled her eyes. "Please. You knew this already. Bring me sweets, will you? I am also craving meat pie."

XCX

In the middle of the night Catherine awoke and threw up on the side of her bed. Maria rushed in. "Are you alright?"

"I have not been feeling well for a while. Call a doctor."