Sorry so much for taking so long, school and things have been crazy

England stared at his counterpart. "So you want to know about Bess then?"

"I guess so, maybe then I'll understand, so how did you meet?"

Arthur sighed; Alfred was going to try to turn this into one of his Hollywood romances wasn't he?

"Well, it wasn't much really, I mean I was not aware that she would definitely be my boss never mind, well, you know. "

England stood nervously in the palace waiting to hear the news of his boss's child, his own potential future boss.

The King when he had talked to him had seemed sure it was a boy (and a healthy one at that)

"It will be a boy this time for sure, good English stock is this one, not of that continental blood to mess it up" he had told him but last week.

England however was wary, he had enough birth's go wrong, so many children sicken and die before. It was simply part of life and Death was a great equaliser casting his scythe over both rich and poor.

He was startled out of his reverie by a cry. He felt some relief for at least the babe was live (and goodness knows that was something to be thankful for after the debacle with his boss's last wife). No sooner however had he thought this than he heard what appeared to be yelling. One of the King's advisors came out looking harried, catching sight of the nation he stopped.

"I would make myself scarce if I were you, the King is not in a good mood"

"A girl then?"

The man gave a slight incline of his head. Talk was dangerous in Henry's court.

"Although perhaps that first meeting was not much of a meeting really, I didn't really see the girl too much during her childhood"

England turned to see who had called him, a young red-haired girl stood behind him. The Princess Elizabeth, the King's younger daughter. He felt pity for the young girl, she had already lost her mother (whom admittedly England had not been very fond of) and now with the birth of the son she would lose whatever small standing she had in her father's heart.

"Lord Kirkland, do you know the news of my new sibling? Are they healthy? A girl? A boy? How fares the Queen?"

Arthur's heart sank. She hadn't been told? It looked as if he must break the news.

"You have a new brother" He said, purposely ignoring the questions about health, the King had said nothing on the subject and he had been allowed to see the child for a short time but he had not looked well to him but such talk was, as he well knew, dangerous.

"The Queen though is ill still"

"The birth of my brother is brilliant news, father must be so happy, I'm sure we'll be the best of friends. The Queen's health though is...unfortunate."

The was he noted a measured sort of pause before this last word which seemed out of place in one so young, but then one growing up in a situation so dangerous and filled with intrigue needed their wits.

"She did get on surprisingly well with her brother, although I supposed perhaps that was political judgement on her part. Her sister though was a different matter. Partially the problem was due to the fact that she staunchly Catholic whereas Bess and Edward was protestant. Still it made Edward's choice of heir even more strange"

"My King"

He bowed his head, this man, well boy was still his monarch, his boss regardless of the fact that it was in truth a nominal post. The Duke of Northumberland held all the power. Edward had tried but he was simply too ill. He had achieved his aims in religion though, something England had adapted to and in the end had decided he was glad of. He didn't want to be look Spain (or heaven forbid France). Despite the tangent England's thoughts had taken since greeting his monarch the boy had still not responded. He lay in feverish sleep on the bed.

"Lord Kirkland. Or should that be England." The Duke of Northumberland entered. "His majesty was worried that he might be unable to greet you properly. He asked me to draw your attention to the document by his bed. It has now been signed and passed by Parliament"

England picked up the paper; The King's declaration of secession; he was leaving the throne to...Lady Jane Grey? Arthur had nothing against the young girl, a cousin of the King, and Northumberland's daughter-in-law he suddenly realised. It was understandable that Edward didn't want Mary on the throne. After all their difference in religious matters was well known. Yet, he had restored her titles as a princess of the kingdom. Besides what of Elizabeth? And how had he not known? The declaration had gone through Parliament after all. He had heard rumours but little else and Northumberland had indicated had it in play for months. England was really sure how he felt about it. Surely the throne should go to Mary? She had the right did she not? The previous King had wanted her to be next in succession after Edward. If her religion was a problem why not Elizabeth. Northumberland had, he saw left after dropping the bombshell. France would be happy as he wouldn't want Spain and the Holy Roman Empire's boss's cousin on England's throne. That it itself was almost an encouragement to support Mary, England mused.

"England" his liege was calling weakly from the bed. "England, take care of Elizabeth, couldn't let her or Mary have the throne. Born out of wedlock. Bad for people's morals. For your morals. Could not let the country slide back into Papacy. Still, keep them safe. Especially Elizabeth."

That was the last time Arthur saw Edward. The next day the King was dead

"Sooo, Iggy c'mon what happened next? I mean I know Elizabeth got the throne eventually but it's different hearing it from you"

Alfred may have a been a grown man but he still found Arthur's stories as enthralling as he had when he was a young colony.

"The next part is not a part of my history I particularly enjoy recalling and it's getting late. How about I finish tomorrow?"

"Guess that would be OK, wouldn't want you getting tired old man. You know where the guest room is."

A/N: So a filler chapter after such a long wait...I'm sorry. I've had mocks and stuff on my plate at school and when I'm free I've been distracted by the UK election ( and things like this related to it: . )

I've tried to keep the history in this accurate. In my head!canon a lot of the political stuff (like who their boss will be etc) that the nations know are what well the nation knows and I don't think Lady Jane Gray's succession was well known ahead of time. I chosen perhaps wrongly to keep Spain as completely his own kingdom having than living with Holy Roman Empire based on the history I had available but I haven't done this stuff since year 8 (or originally in year 5) so I did internet check. Again England's reaction's is partially due to the reaction of England's population to the news. Also shall I kept the USUK relation familial or move it up a level; let me know. Thanks for reading.