AN: I'm very sorry about the long wait, everyone. I went to see my parents this weekend and all my files were left on my school computer. Anyway, I came back yesterday, polished this chapter up and now here it is.
Thanks for all the reviews and tips so far. I'm also happy that people are following the story. Honestly, I didn't think anyway was going to like this and I was going to be told it was absolute crap.
Anyway, enough of my rambling. Here's the next chapter. Enjoy!
The day of Margaret's departure finally arrived and Elizabeth had been dreading it for days. She didn't want her sister to leave her alone for Elizabeth knew she would be unhappy without her confidant in everything the sisters did together. She thought it was unfair of Henry to be pushing for this marriage but Margaret had no other choice. The King of Portugal was smitten with Margaret and Henry had agreed to the marriage between them. To make it even more uncomfortable, Charles Brandon was to accompany Margaret to Portugal and give her away in Henry's absence. He said he was too busy to leave but Elizabeth knew it was because of the pending divorce and his infatuation with Anne Boleyn.
Stealing a glance to her sister, Elizabeth's heart fell when she saw how miserable Margaret looked. Henry may have promised her a marriage to whom ever she wanted when the King died but if she knew her brother, he would most likely forget. Wringing her hands together, Elizabeth glanced forward as trumpets sounded, announcing the arrival of her brother. Dropping into a bow, Elizabeth waited until he stopped in front of Margaret before she stood upright again. Henry gave her a short nod before he took Margaret's face in his hands.
"My dear sister. Fair you well on your journey. Remember the King of Portugal, your future husband loves and respects you. You must honor him in return."
Margaret took a deep breath before she grabbed Henry in a tight hug. "Remember your promise. When he dies, I marry whom I choose."
Henry pushed Margaret away from him and Elizabeth scowled at his behavior. He had been acting rude as of late. As he turned to Charles Brandon, Elizabeth reached out and grabbed Margaret's hand. Her older sister smiled at her fondly.
"Charles, as you love me, take care of her."
"I will. You have no doubts. I will treat her as if she was my own sister."
Elizabeth stifled a spit of laughter as Charles and Henry turned to the young Princess. Margaret quickly squeezed her hand as Henry moved to the front of the room and said, "God be with all of you and remember your duties. To my lady and to England. Let us pray."
Dropping to her knees, Elizabeth clasped her hands together, hoping that Margaret would be happy in her marriage and would be able to return home for a happier marriage soon. When the prayer was finished, Elizabeth gave her sister a final hug before she watched Margaret and Charles depart from the gallery.
"My lady, we must get you ready for mass."
"I'm not going. I have a headache."
Raking a hand through Elizabeth's hair to put the curls in place, Bess said, "I know you miss your sister but it's only been one day and you refuse to come out. I have to get you out of this room."
Looking down to her pale hands, Elizabeth played with the ruby bracelet on her wrist. It had been Margaret's parting gift to her a day earlier. One day and Elizabeth missed her sister dearly. Besides Bess, there was no one to talk to. She hadn't left her room in hours, except to eat, and only read or paced her chamber. Henry pretended not to notice her absence and didn't seem to mind now that Anne had been made one of Katherine's ladies. But missing mass was inexcusable and Elizabeth had to suck up her pride and attend.
"There we go, Miss. No hair ornament today?"
"No. Just simple pins will do. This gown is encrusted with enough jewels and lets save the ornaments for tonight."
Sure enough, the front of Elizabeth's gown was encrusted with small jewels that sparkled when the light hit them just right. It would have been silly to clutter up her ensemble with a headdress. She would save the riches for tonight's banquet. Standing from her chair, Elizabeth looked to Bess and said, "Will you accompany me to mass?"
"You know I cannot, my lady. Don't worry, I will be here when you return and we can have a game of cards or go walk in the garden. You need some fresh air"
Elizabeth smiled before giving Bess a small nod, allowing her friend to go tidy up the bed chamber. The walk to the chapel was not long and Elizabeth decided to make the journey by herself. She didn't need a line of ladies to walk the short distance but that didn't stop Katherine, who she met in the hall, surrounded by her ladies in waiting. Her sister-in-law gave her a bright smile and said, "Good Morning, Elizabeth. How are you today?"
"Better than I was yesterday, madam. Shall we walk together to mass?"
Katherine gave Elizabeth a small nod as both woman turned and began to walk together, with Katherine's ladies following closely behind. This included Anne Boleyn, who was at the front of the line. Turning back to Anne, Elizabeth gave her a small smile and Anne returned it. Out of the corner of her eye, Elizabeth saw one of Katherine's other ladies give her a disapproving glare but she ignored it. In any case, Elizabeth thought Anne seemed like a nice enough woman and wouldn't be stupid enough to take a relationship with her brother seriously. As everyone of the court knew, Henry's infatuations didn't last long.
As the small group entered the chapel, Elizabeth shivered at the chill and rubbed her hands together for warmth. Her brother and his entourage had just arrived as well, minus Charles. Elizabeth stayed in place beside Katherine as Henry stopped in in front of his wife and said, "My lady."
"My lord," Katherine said, giving Henry a bright smile.
As they turned to the side, Elizabeth saw Henry's eyes snap to Anne who was standing a few feet behind Elizabeth. As she turned her head slightly, the Princess could see Anne staring straight ahead, not noticing the King staring at her intently. Henry looked away from Anne as he and Katherine walked up the small flight of stairs and sank into the two chairs in front of the alter. The ladies of Katherine's court, Henry's men and Elizabeth stepped forward and off to the side. From behind her, Elizabeth could hear William Compton and Anthony Knivert speaking quietly to each other. Speaking of how Charles was rising in power. She bit her tongue, trying to pay attention to the mass but found she could not. Fed up with the distraction, Elizabeth turned her head slightly and said, "Enough."
"Sorry, my lady," Anthony said.
Turning back around, Elizabeth concentrated on the Cardinal but didn't notice Anthony nudge William in the chest. William turned to Anthony and he said, "What?"
"She's feisty today."
Later in the evening, the court was all in attendance for a small banquet Henry was throwing in honor of Princess Marguerite of Navarre, who was sister to King Francis. Elizabeth was required to attend and at the moment, she was moving in between the crowd and stopping to talk with people she knew. Bess had stayed in her chamber, for she was very tired from the walk earlier in the day through the garden. However, Elizabeth was still reeling from her time with Bess, for her friend had informed her that what Anthony Knivert said about William was true. He indeed had feelings for her but Elizabeth was adamant that it was just a infatuation and that he would move on in time. But now that she knew, a small part of Elizabeth hoped he would not.
Shaking her head, the Princess grabbed a goblet of wine from a servant and walked up to her brother, who was sitting at the front of the room with Anthony and William. She gave a short bow and Henry stood from the table and came around the side to embrace his youngest sibling. Elizabeth returned the short hug before Henry broke away and said, "Are you feeling alright, Elizabeth? You look a bit flushed and almost the color of your dress."
Looking down, Elizabeth replied, "No, I'm fine. Just a bit tired from this afternoon's walk."
Henry nodded before kissing her on the forehead. He then noticed Thomas More a few feet away and excused himself. Elizabeth watched him go before she turned and noticed her reflection in the window. She was a bit red but Elizabeth hoped it was only from the wine. The gown she currently wore was one of her favorites and it was a bright red with long sleeves. On her head, Elizabeth wore a small headband made of red garnets and around her neck was a long chain, with a cross made of ruby's, disappearing into her bosom, that Henry had given her on her last birthday. In all accounts, she looked beautiful but Elizabeth hated to dress up for these banquets. Turning back to the court, Elizabeth noticed Thomas Tallis sitting by himself, hunched over notes of music.
"Thomas," Elizabeth said.
Thomas looked up and smiled as the Princess joined him at the empty table. As she took her seat, Elizabeth picked up a small grape from Thomas' plate and popped it in her mouth. Thomas stifled a laugh and Elizabeth smiled as she set her goblet down. She enjoyed Thomas' company very much. He was a tad shy when she had first met him but Elizabeth had gotten him to open up around her. She told him that when they talked, to not think of her as a Princess.
"How is your newest masterpiece coming?"
"It's coming along. I've nearly finished but not quite."
"I'm sure it will be wonderful, Thomas."
"Thank you, your highness," Thomas said.
"You should play for me sometime. If you're ever in the chapel, let my lady, Bess, know. I find reading with comforting music to be relaxing."
"You read," Thomas asked.
"I do. It's one thing I have complete control over," Elizabeth replied, sadly.
As the young Princess began to pick at her goblet, a rustling of dresses made Elizabeth look up. Stifling a laugh, she saw two twins staring intently at Thomas, who was once again hunched over his music. The twins finally made their move and sat down next to Thomas, who looked up in shock. Elizabeth simply took another drink from her goblet and settled into her seat to watch the hilarity that she was about to witness.
"Thomas? Thomas Tallis?"
"Hello."
"We just wanted to say we love your music."
"Thank You," Thomas said, quietly.
"We share a room. Do you want to come back with us," the twin, named Jane, asked.
Elizabeth bit her lip to keep from laughing as Thomas sent her a frightened look. "I want to finish this song," he replied, looking back down at his music.
"You can finish it tomorrow."
"I will have forgotten it tomorrow."
"Then you will forget us, too."
The two twins stood from the table and walked away, quickly. Their plan had obviously not worked out to their advantage. Thomas looked highly embarrassed and he tried to hide it by leaning over his sheets of music. Elizabeth leaned forward and said, "I think they liked you."
Thomas turned bright red and said, "I'm sorry, Princess, but I wonder if I could have some time alone. I really must finish this song."
Elizabeth nodded and stood from the table. As she came around the side, Elizabeth bumped into William Compton. She looked up at him and smiled nervously. He smiled brightly at her before he moved to the side and said, "My apologies, your highness."
He then turned and continued on his way back to Henry's table. Elizabeth turned and watched him go as Thomas looked up from his music and noticed her gaze. He smiled and whispered, "I think he likes you, too."
Turning to Thomas, Elizabeth jokingly said, "Enough, Tallis."
As Elizabeth swept past Thomas, with a smile on her face, William had just sat back down with Henry and Anthony. Unbeknownst to him, Knivert had noticed William's little rendezvous with Elizabeth but made no mention when William returned to the table. He thought it was best not to alert Henry to what was going on. However, Anthony wondered how the King had not noticed. As William grabbed another goblet of wine, Henry leaned forward and said, "Compton, my friend. What do you think of Princess Marguerite?"
William turned and looked over to the Princess of France, who was seated a few tables away. Behind the Princess, he saw Elizabeth speaking with a young man and she was laughing at something he had said. Suddenly, she looked across the room and caught his gaze. Elizabeth turned away as quickly as she could and excused herself. Anthony noticed the Princess' haste and kicked William in the leg. William turned and said, "She's well built, your majesty. A little heavy on the top decks for my taste."
"And what is your taste," Anthony retorted.
"None of your concern."
Henry ignored the banter between the two men and leaned closer. "She's Francis' sister. I happen to know that."
William smirked at his friend, knowing exactly what was on his mind. It was true that Princess Marguerite was a beauty but she was no where near William's taste. In fact, none of the women at court seemed to stir any feelings of desire within him. All except one red headed Princess.
"This is so juvenile," Elizabeth muttered.
"My lady," Bess hissed.
"What? Are you ready to argue that grown men on horse, hitting each other with pieces of wood is entertaining?"
"That piece of wood is called a lance," Bess replied.
"I prefer piece of wood."
Bess gave her mistress a small smile before turning her eyes back to the field. The Princess was right; the game of jousting was a bit silly. But, Bess knew that Elizabeth was not only there for her brother. She was there to keep the Queen some company, as a member of the Royal Family. To Bess' left, Elizabeth watched as her brother entered the field with his helmet tucked under his arm. The people standing began to clap and shout cheers at her brother as Henry approached the box where Katherine and Elizabeth sat. He stopped and lowered his lance in front of Katherine.
"My Queen."
"My Lord," Katherine replied, as she stood and untied her favors from around her wrist. Katherine's favors were a darkish pink, while Elizabeth's favors were a deep shade of green.
As Katherine tied the ribbon around Henry's lance, Henry gave a smile to all the women and said, "Ladies."
Half the women blushed red as Henry then turned to Elizabeth. "Sister."
"Brother. Good luck."
"I'll need it. Our dear Compton is the challenger."
Before Elizabeth could reply, Henry turned and sped off towards his side of the field. Gripping the chair she was sitting on, Elizabeth felt that deep down, Henry knew something was going on. Her brother was never one for surprises and knowing Anthony Knivert, that fool would let something slip. However, Henry couldn't possibly know and Elizabeth found herself arguing back and forth with her inner voice. There was nothing to suggest any kind of love on her part but perhaps her half glances at William were proof enough. Katherine noticed Elizabeth's uneasiness and she reached over to grasp her hand. Elizabeth looked up as Katherine said in a low voice, "I'm sure William will be alright."
"What? I don't know what you mean."
"It's no secret, Elizabeth. I know of his feelings for you. It's hard not to notice the subtle glances here and there."
"He does not love me, your Majesty. It's just an infatuation."
Katherine simply smiled with a knowing look on her face. Elizabeth knew that the Queen was older than her and probably knew love when she saw it. After all, the Queen had been married to her older brother Arthur at only fifteen before Arthur died suddenly, leaving Katherine to be married to Henry years later. Katherine had loved Arthur and they seemed happy before his death. She also loved Henry and had for all the years they had been married.
"And my brother," Elizabeth whispered.
"He does not know of William's affections. As we both know, Henry is preoccupied with other things."
Before Elizabeth could reply the sound of hooves on the ground came thumping towards the middle of the field. Elizabeth and Katherine watched as Henry hit William spot on and the pitch erupted in cheers and claps. The Queen and Princess clapped politely but Elizabeth was concerned for William. She knew he had taken harder hits then that but she knew the lance must of hurt. Stop it, Elizabeth, she argued with herself. Elizabeth knew better than to be concerned with a married man. She watched as Henry and William charged each other again, with Henry hitting the mark.
"Two points for His Majesty."
Turning to Bess, Elizabeth said, "Who else knows?"
"About what, my lady?"
"About William Compton and his infatuation. Does his wife know?"
"My lady, his wife does not know. As for who knows, be glad your brother does not and I leave it at that," Bess hissed.
Knowing Bess was right, Elizabeth turned in time to see William lugging a tree trunk towards her brother. Bess smiled before she turned to Elizabeth. The Princess' face was set in a stony expression. Turning back to the pitch, Bess wacthed as Henry let out a laugh that echoed across the pitch and he said, "What is this?"
William dropped the tree trunk and replied, "Just a trick, your Majesty. Just a trick."
Henry laughed once more and clapped his hands at the gesture. As William exited the match, Anthony Knivert took his place and slammed his helmet down on his head. Elizabeth turned towards her brother, who was being handed a new lance. He then kicked the horse slightly and set off towards Anthony. Anthony charged forward and that's when Elizabeth noticed Henry had not closed his visor. Turning to Katherine, she saw the Queen's eyes widen and she stood from her chair. As every one in the crowd screamed for Henry to stop, Elizabeth did the same and watched as Anthony's lance slammed into Henry's face.
"Harry!"
Without a second thought, Elizabeth turned and ran down the small flight of stairs and across the dirt field towards her brother. He was being helped from his horse by his attendants and as they set him down on the ground, Elizabeth held him underneath his arms as Thomas Boleyn came running over. From what she had seen of the elder Boleyn, Elizabeth didn't like him. He seemed hungry for power and very manipulative. Pushing the negative thoughts away, she concentrated on her brother. He was bleeding and he ripped his helmet off in frustration. Looking up at Elizabeth, Thomas Boleyn said, "My Lady, you should not see this."
"Elizabeth?"
Looking up, she saw William Compton looking down at her with a worried expression on his face. Elizabeth stood and pressed herself up against his horse. William placed his free hand on her upper back as he watched the scene from up on his horse. Katherine had also made it onto the field and was watching with a worried expression. Anthony had jumped from his horse and was rushing to Henry's aid, as he was trying to stand up. William's hand on her shoulder stopped Elizabeth from stepping forward when Henry finally stood. Wiping the blood away, he grabbed Thomas' face and said, "See? See?"
Suddenly, Henry fell to his knees again and Anthony Knivert held his friend upright. He began to apologize profusely and Henry said, "It's my fault. Not yours. You can't hurt me."
Henry then got to his feet and walked to Katherine to comfort her. As he whispered loving words to Katherine, Elizabeth saw Thomas scowl at the scene. Obviously, he did not like the Queen very much and Elizabeth had heard rumors that he was up to something; and it involved Anne. At least, according to court gossip. Giving Katherine a short kiss, Henry then turned and said, "Let's go again."
Anthony nodded and walked back to his horse as Henry grabbed Elizabeth in a tight hug.
"I was so worried. I thought he had hit your eye."
"Elizabeth, there is nothing to be worried about. I am fine," Henry said as he pulled away from the hug.
As Elizabeth squeezed her brother's hand tightly, Henry looked up at William and said, "Compton, take my sister back to the stands, will you?"
"Your Majesty," William said, as Elizabeth turned towards him.
Henry noticed the look that passed between the two but ignored it as he helped Elizabeth onto William's horse. She settled herself in front of him to ride side-saddle and when she felt one of his arms go around her waist, Elizabeth grabbed his arm and said, "Don't let go. I don't feel like ending up in the dirt."
"I won't drop you, my Lady. I'm not that dense."
William then led the horse a few feet away and both watched as Henry and Anthony charged towards each other again, with Henry's visor down. It seemed her brother held some animosity toward Knivert for when he hit the mark, Anthony went flying off his horse. Cringing, Elizabeth heard William behind her say, "Not again."
He urged the horse forward and Elizabeth watched as her brother leapt off his horse and knelt by Anthony's side. Blood was leaking from his helmet and the Princess instantly became concerned. As William maneuvered the reins, Elizabeth felt his armor graze the side of her chest, which caused the young Princess to smile. However, it was not out of lust, it was because it had tickled. Over in the stands, Bess clasped her hand over her heart as she saw the one person who shouldn't have seen what William had done. Henry.
"I can't believe you. He saw that? It was completely innocent, an accident," Elizabeth said, later that night.
"I'm not sure if the whole court saw what happened. My Lady, I hope, for your sake, your brother does not ask you about it."
"If he does, I'll just lie to him."
"He's the King of England, not a fool," Bess replied.
Putting her head in her hands, Elizabeth almost ripped the headdress from her head. This was getting out of her control. Now the entire court was going to be suspicious and because of it, Elizabeth had refused to attend when Anthony and William were knighted. She informed Henry she would be down later for the banquet but a headache had overtaken her at the worst time. Right before the banquet and all Elizabeth wanted to do was crawl into bed and never come out. A knock at her door caused both woman to look up. Bess excused herself and went to answer the door. As she waited to see who it was, Elizabeth heard a familiar voice and she stood up from her chair.
"Mary!"
Running into her sitting room, Elizabeth knelt as Mary rushed into her arms. The little girl had grown in the past few months and Elizabeth had missed her terribly. Between Margaret leaving and Mary kept far away at Ludlow Castle, it was all too much. Letting go of her niece, Elizabeth led Mary over to the small couch by the fireplace and said, "My dear Mary, how are you?"
"Well," Mary replied.
"That's wonderful. Your mama tells me that you can speak fluent French and your music skills are improving."
"I'm almost fluent in French and my music is improving, Aunt Elizabeth. Are you good at music, too?"
"Yes, but I think I dance better than I play music."
"Are you going to dance tonight," Mary asked.
"Of course. I have to keep my reputation of dancing better than your father, the King."
Mary smiled before giving her Aunt a tight hug. Elizabeth stroked Mary's soft hair and smiled, thinking how much joy it would bring if she had a child as sweet as her niece one day. Soon, Mary's governess whisked her away and Elizabeth made her way down to the banquet. The hall was full of people and the court was alive with drinking, singing, dancing, and music. Henry and Katherine were seated next to a fire and Elizabeth was soon whisked into a dance with two gentleman and Anne Boleyn. Before the music started, Elizabeth turned to Anne and said, "How are you enjoying court, Lady Anne?"
"It's wonderful, your highness. His majesty was very kind to allow me a place in the Queen's ladies."
"That's my brother. Always a kind soul," Elizabeth said, only half serious.
Anne smiled before she leaned in and whispered, "Speaking of the court, your highness, is it true?"
"Is what true?"
"The rumors about you and William Compton? That you are his mistress?"
Before the Princess could reply the music started and Anne was whisked into the dance by one of the men. Elizabeth herself was also whisked off and she soon forgot all about the rumors and laughed as she was twirled and picked up by the man who was her partner. Across the room, Henry watched with amusement as his sister laughed and danced with Anne and two other men. After this afternoon, and what he saw between Elizabeth and William, Henry hoped it was his mind playing tricks on him. Henry knew William would never defy him by entering any kind of relationship with his sister. He turned to Katherine and smiled before turning back to the dance, his eyes focused in on Anne Boleyn.
A few tables away from Henry, Anthony Knivert and William Compton watched the two women dance back and forth with their partners. William pretended to not be interested but Anthony was not so easily swayed. As Elizabeth and Anne stopped next to each other, their partners grabbed their hands and the four began to dance in a straight line. All of a sudden, Elizabeth's eyes landed on their table and he watched as she sent what seemed like seductive looks towards William. Anthony smirked, before taking another drink from his goblet of wine. He saw William glance up a couple of times, before he would look back down, suddenly becoming interrested with his wine.
In the next chapter, Margaret comes home for Portugal and Elizabeth gets closer to William. I hope you all like that I made Thomas Tallis a close confidant. I know he is below her but I figured that Elizabeth could converse with him. Considering her will be teaching her some music in later chapters. That's not for a while, though.
I'm hoping to have the next chapter up by Saturday. So, until then, leave me a review if you wish. Thanks.