Chapter 7

Whitehall Palace

Five Months Later

The progress had only ended within the last week and the court had returned to Whitehall. Construction of the new chapel at Whitehall had been underway for the last six months and was nearing completion and Wolsey had returned to court. The king had considered sending to the emperor to invite him to visit England. However, Arthur didn't like to think of him so close to his family affairs. So, the king merely kept him busy with trivial tasks to keep him away from his brother. However, today was the first meeting of the council since his return.

"My lords, we thank you for your attendance. The queen and I are eager to hear of all your news." The king turned to sit upon his throne next to Katharine, still a valued member of council and advisor to the king.

"Your majesty, may tell of the great success of your late progress?" The Arch Bishop exclaimed and waited for the king to nod in response. "All the servants of the Church and your offices in those parts you visited have reported the increase of productivity and praise for your majesty and of your family, which one would have thought was impossible before your progress."

"Indeed your majesty." The Arch Bishop seemed to be grieved by the interruption from the Duke of Norfolk but tried not to show it.

"Why so ... my lord Norfolk." The kings comment seemed to cut his brothers ego.

"It is strange you could be any more popular, surely you are our most glorious king."

"Thank you Norfolk for that glowing assessment is there anything else." Arthur said this with a great deal of sarcasm and everyone noticed.

"... Ah my lord, there has been suggestions that those who have distinguished themselves to be promoted into greater positions." These claims came with trepidation, all the council knew why. The silence was broken by the queen.

"My lord Norfolk the king will elevate those whom are deserving."

"Who do these whispers suggest my lord." The king already knew the answer as he had heard them while on progress. Although he wondered all those the duke would mention because the whispers came from all factions of the court.

"Some say, William Dacre the Baron Greystock, Charles Brandon..."

"Brandon my brother's friend?" the question was somewhat disparaging.

"Yes my lord it seems he has distinguished himself in battle."

"Brother Henry, what do you say?" the kings mood seemed to be unforgiving.

"Yes your majesty Mr. Brandon has served your forces in France and I believe he wishes to return home to serve your majesties government." The king merrily repositioned himself and turned back to the duke.

"Anyone else my lord?"

"... Sir Thomas Boleyn your grace." At that moment Arthur saw Wolsey fidgeting behind the Arch Bishop.

"What whispers have you heard your eminence?"

"Your majesty ... I have heard the praises of course of Mr Thomas Moore but also of Mr Thomas Cromwell. A well trained legal clerk and I am sure he could serve your majesty will great efficiency if you so will it." The king pondered for a moment, smiled at his council and said,

"Thank you my lords. That is all for today. My love." The king rose and held his hand to Katharine who quickly took it. The crowd bowed and Arthur and the queen quickly retired to his privet chambers.

"Arthur, husband, please tell me what is wrong. You were so tense in council." Katharine's eyes were full of worry and concern for her husband.

"It's happening, they are dividing my power between them. Sneaking their worms into my court ..." The king crumpled to the floor next to his wife, hand grasped his shoulder and she pushed him straight so that he would look at her.

"Let them worm themselves in and we will watch them destroy one another."

The Next Day.

"My lords I call council to review the suggestions of those to enter court life. Baron Greystock and Brandon shall be made the captains of my court guards. Moore and Cromwell shall be my personal secretaries and Thomas Boleyn, will be comptroller of my household. All according to their talents and training." The factions of the court were clearly divided by the decision. Both wanted their men to be sponsored by the king but not the others. "My lord Norfolk, Cardinal, you will tell these good gentlemen of the fortunes and have them all come to court as soon as possible."

"Yes my lord." Norfolk was the first to answer.

"Of course your majesty, is there anything else i could do for your majesty?" This time it was Wolsey in an almost begging manner.

"No your eminencies, not you." The cardinal bowed and quickly stepped back. "Arch Bishop, what news do you have on construction?"

"Your majesty, construction at both Hampton Court and here at Whitehall is almost complete. The final touches are being made and then they are ready for your inspection." Henry said this with great conviction and achievement.

"Good. Now that you have finished the task you and Devon will go and finalize the arrangements for the emperor's visit to England. And Henry, I want Charles to understand that this will be grandest affair of his reign and make sure he gives us his best suggestions for the marriage."

"Yes my lord, I shall do this with most diligence and will find out as much information about his candidates."

"Thank you my lords you may leave us now." The council then left the throne room and the doors close behind them. "How was that my love?"

"Very well husband, neither side can claim that you favor one above the other. Plus you have continued to weaken Wolsey's hold on brother Henry." The queens comments were clearly constrained. Even though she was Arthur's most trusted advisor she was always careful stress her involvement but instead enforced the king position.

"Very good we will continue to monitor the situation but for now we shall await Charles' visit and our son's marriage."