When May of 1511 came Henry had more than a few noble families voice concern over Catherine's dismissal of their family members. Henry relayed this to Catherine while they ate breakfast.
"Catherine. I need to speak to you."
"What is it Harry?"
"Some of the noble families have voiced concern over you dismissing their family members. Mainly their daughters."
Catherine sighed. "The safety of the Prince of Wales, their future King, is a top priority. Surely they realize this."
He put his hand over hers. "I'm sure they do. I just think you should slow down and investigate properly before dismissing anyone."
She stared at him. "Is there something else?"
"I've decided to have Henry placed at Hatfield."
"No. He's only four months old."
"He'll have a dedicated staff to attend him. He'll be well cared for and looked after. Lady Salisbury will be sure of this. I've known her since I was very young. I trust her."
Catherine pulled away from him. He sighed. "Catalina. Please."
"Do what you will," she replied. She curtsied. "Your Majesty."
Henry told Lady Salisbury what happened.
"I'm sure she'll come around. Give her time." She organized everything and made sure that Hatfield was fit for the young prince.
Catherine was sad to see her son go. Henry comforted her. "He'll come back for Christmas and his birthday. The time will fly by. You'll see."
Catherine didn't reply. Two months passed and during that time she hardly ate anything and wished to be left alone constantly. Henry became concerned and called for Doctor Butts, who examined the Queen and asked her questions.
"How do you feel, Your Majesty?" he asked.
"I feel sad and alone. Like there's something crushing me. A weight of sadness."
"Do you know why?"
At that she became angry. "How can I?! I do not know the will of God!"
"I apologize, Your Majesty. Let's move on?"
"Fine."
He cleared his throat. "How long have you felt like this?"
"Ever since my son left."
"Hmm. I will speak to the King."
Catherine said nothing and pulled the covers over her head. Doctor Butts felt a twinge of sympathy for her.
"Well?" Henry demanded. "What of the Queen? Is she ill?"
"I believe it is melancholia."
"Melancholia? What are the treatments?"
"Her humours are most likely out of balance. I recommend bloodletting. Perhaps a bit more exercise."
"Very well."
Maria came out of the apartments. Henry dismissed Doctor Butts
"Your Majesty."
"Maria. What is it?"
"I believe a visit from the Prince will cheer my mistress up."
"It's only been two months."
"But she misses him so much."
Henry sighed. "Fine. I will arrange a visit to Hatfield in two weeks."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
XXXXXXXXXXX
After the doctor bleed her the last thing Catherine wished to do was walk. Elizabeth urged her.
"My Lady. You must walk. It will help you feel better."
She tried to stand but everything felt like it took too much effort. Maria and Elizabeth helped her up. The first step she took she fell.
Maria gasped. "Your Majesty!"
Elizabeth saw something and screamed. The Queen was bleeding. "William! John! Help!"
XXXXXXXXX
When Catherine woke up Henry was at her bedside. "Harry?"
"Catherine! Thank God! I thought I lost you."
"What happened?"
"You almost miscarried."
Confusion showed on her face. "I'm pregnant."
"Yes. You didn't know."
She tried to think back to when she had her last monthly course but couldn't recall. Even thinking required too much effort. "No. I can't remember when I had my last monthly course. How far along am I?"
"Three months now."
She began to cry suddenly. Henry became alarmed. "Catherine? What's wrong?" He hugged her.
"I don't know. I just feel sad and alone."
XXXXXXXXX
News of the Queen's condition spread throughout court. The courtiers felt a surge of sympathy for their Queen. Henry consulted with his most trusted physicians.
"What is wrong with my wife?! You've done everything and nothing is working!"
Doctor Butts flinched a bit. "You must give it time-"
"I have!" Henry yelled as he banged his fist on his desk. "I've given it time. And I've given you time. Three weeks. It's been three weeks and she's still not better. We were supposed to visit the Prince of Wales over a week ago."
Master Valtore, a physician studying under Doctor Butts, spoke up. "There is something else that we haven't tried, Your Majesty."
"Go on," Henry nodded.
Doctor Butts stopped him. "It's useless. There's no need to-"
"Be quiet Doctor! Let Master Valtore speak. Continue."
"As I was saying, there's this mixture of herbs and leaves that the Howard family uses in cases like this. I'm sure Lady Elizabeth Howard knowns it."
"Hmm... Very well. I'm willing to try anything."
XXXXXXXXXXX
When Master Valtore came to her about her family's cure for melancholia Elizabeth felt honored. She knew the recipe by heart.
"What do you need?" he asked.
"Rosemary, garlic, saffron, lavender, and St. John's wort. Also sweet wine."
When Elizabeth had her ingredients she made it in a pitcher and let it sit for a day. She told the King that it could take two weeks to two months.
Henry groaned in annoyance. "Fine. How often will she need to take it?"
"Twice a day. Once in the morning and once at night."
Henry nodded. "Very well."
XXXXXXXXXXX
A month passed and Catherine slowly improved. She didn't feel as sad as she normally did and moving didn't take too much effort. She also felt an overwhelming need to see her son.
"Maria?"
"Yes, my Lady?"
"My clothes."
Maria smiled. "Of course, Your Majesty."
When she was dressed she walked to her husband's rooms. He was currently in a meeting with the Privy Council.
"Her Majesty, the Queen."
"Catherine?" He walked towards her and looked in her eyes. "How are you feeling?
"Better. I wish to see my son."
"Of course. I'll arrange a visit to Hatfield soon."
"No. Now. I want to see him."
Henry dismissed the Council. "Catherine. Be reasonable."
"I want to see my son."
"And you will. But we must also worry about the child inside you." He rubbed her belly. "You almost lost the baby."
Her eyes welled up. "I miss him." She cried into Henry's chest. "I miss him so much."
Henry wanted to help her but he wasn't sure how.
