I hope everyone had a good Christmas and was thankful for what you received. I know I was. My chapters are going to be longer now since the holiday season is over and I don't have much to worry about. Hurray!
Now on with the show.
/
September 1529
Anne.
"Are you sure you are even pregnant?" He yelled at me. "It's been six months and you are barely showing. Did you tell the king just to give up his hopes?"
"Father, some pregnancy's take a while to show. She still has almost 4 more months to go. The child is just taking its time to grow." Marie tried to defend me. "One of my own pregnancies were the same way. I barely knew I was going to have little Harry."
"You don't matter." He snapped "You are not the queen and you are not the center of every rumor that the queen has had a miscarriage because she is not showing."
"But I am showing." I say standing up and putting my hands under my belly to cup them. "I have had new dresses made so that I don't have to wear a corset so I don't harm the child. I am a lot bigger than most think."
"Your next court appearance whenever that may be, your belly needs to be seen by everyone there and I will not hear anything else about it which will actually be tonight. The King is holding a banquet for the ambassador of France and I expect you there with a protruding belly." He ordered before leaving my chambers.
Sitting back down in my chair, Marie brought me a cup of tea that I am to drink three times a day. I don't mind the tea but the taste is what bothers me, I've been adding honey and lemon which masks the taste. I will say that even though this is my first pregnancy I think I am doing wonderful in it. Nothing is swollen and my back rarely hurts. Marie has been the most help with my constant mood swings and wanting to do things I would normally not dare to think of. I've been writing in a journal, tracking my progress with each passing month, making sure everything feels right and that I am not too tired. Mass has been quite difficult to attend with my ladies so I have been taking it privately in my chambers until I am able to attend.
"Your Majesty, your brother." Nan curtsied to me before ushering him in. He took a seat across from me with a frown on his face.
"What is it?" I ask setting my tea cup down on the table.
"You shouldn't allow him to talk to you that way." He said, taking me by surprise.
"You heard him didn't you?"
"The whole hallway heard him yelling in here." He stated. "You are the Queen of England, no one should speak to someone with a crown like that."
"I understand that but I don't want to cause conflict. I know im the Queen but I can't give him cause to plot against me." I sigh.
"With Henry at your side, no one could cause to plot against you or they would become a head shorter." He laughed, lightening the mood.
"What is the court gossip, I know I haven't shown my face in a while but I am content on being in my chambers."
"From what I hear, Mr. Cromwell has been closing some of the monasteries on the king's orders and have been transferring their goods to the treasury."
"Is that what the King ordered?" I asked.
He nodded before sighing, "Also since Thomas More won't swear to the whole oath and only part of it, the King has sent him to the tower."
"Thomas More is his closest friend, almost as close as Wolsey. I wonder what would possess him to go against his king?" I say standing up and pacing, "Why does he go against our marriage? The pope granted the annulment between Henry and Katherine, does he still believe that Katherine is queen?"
"From what I have been told by father is seems he wants Katherine to be anointed as Queen once more and that he has been trying to persuade parliament members to open up the documents about their marriage to rule in her favor."
"I knew he was always up to no good and every time he spoke to me he always had a scold on his face that would never go away." I exhaled, "I have done nothing to this man and yet he thinks I am the one who led Henry away from her."
"Aren't you though?" He chuckled.
"That's not funny brother. I know there are many here that do not want me to be Queen and would rather see me burned or hung for leading the King astray and breaking from Rome."
"But Henry made his own choice when he left Rome."
"It may be but I am the one who gave him the books to encourage it so it's partially my fault and you can't say you're not at fault either because you and father both were behind me, whispering encouragement to me to proceed." I glare at him. "And I still need to deliver my promise to the King or my head will be on the chopping block as well."
"I know you will deliver a healthy child Anne." He smiled.
"Thank you brother. I think I will speak with the King about getting you a wife." I grinned.
"Oh god no…please" He pleaded.
"Oh stop begging, im just teasing." I laughed.
/
Katherine.
"Why are you just now bringing this up with me, mother?" Mary said setting the parchment down on the table. "I could have persuaded father to rethink this nonsense."
Katherine sighed, "He thinks im going to be a threat to him and the Queen. He probably thinks that I am going to try and run back to him and become queen."
"But we all know you wouldn't do that, you're happy and content being away from him and im still a princess so your job was done." Mary smiled, "I could be Lady Mary and I don't know if I could handle that."
Katherine cupped her daughter's face, "I would have died of a broken heart, knowing that you were not a princess."
"Oh mother you do not have to worry about it." Mary smiled touching her mother's hand. "Have you considered marrying someone from this list and you still haven't told me why you kept it a secret."
"Why would I want to worry my daughter about something so trifling?" She asked, taking her hand away and standing up with the parchment.
"You know father will want an answer." Mary commented, "It's been 5 months since he has brought it to you."
"But I don't want to marry someone who will be cruel to me. Since Anne became Queen most have been somewhat cruel to me and I don't want a husband who is a reformist."
"That is going too hard to do mother, most are reformist even though it's against the catholic faith, and you will have to accommodate them just like I will when I marry." She frowned but her thoughts went to him.
"Your tutors have been teaching you well my daughter." Katherine chuckled, "How is Anne? I haven't been by to see her."
"Her belly is huge." Mary laughed. "When she bends over to look at her feet she can't see them and yesterday she was wearing two different slippers. I couldn't help but laugh."
"I hope she has a speedy recovery after the child is born." Katherine smiled, "come; I need to speak with your father."
Katherine causally walked with Mary towards Henrys chambers, stopping to nod or smile at her fellow courtiers. Mary gave her mother a quick hug before leaving her side but as she turned around the Earl of Wiltshire stood infront of her in a slight bow.
"Wiltshire." Katherine said "What do I own this pleasure."
"I wanted to congratulate you on your betrothal." He said standing up straight. "The whole court is buzzing about it. I didn't think you would choose someone of his stature but I guess I was wrong."
"What are you speaking of. I haven't chosen anyone." Katherine ferried her brow. Not giving him a goodbye she left him, heading to Henrys chambers as quickly as she could. He chose a husband for her and didn't even ask if it was alright. Henry looked up as she was announced and for a moment she seen the look on his face before he changed it to the stance he was always playing.
"Your highness, what can I help you with?" He said biting into an apple.
"What is this I hear that you have chosen a husband for me?" Katherine spat trying to control her anger.
Henry waved to the page to close the door before be began, "You took too long is choosing so I chose for you. I can't have a woman unmarried with no family at my court and you being a princess is no exception. Im not going to hold you higher because of your status. Your soon to be husbands is a wonderful man. I've even giving him titles and lands."
"And who is this person. I have yet to meet them." She said gripping the inside pockets of her dress, trying to keep herself from exploding.
"You have met him many times in fact." Henry said looking past her at the door.
Katherine turned around, wanting to know who Henry was staring at and if she wouldn't have touched the wall she would have fainted. He stood before her, his hard brown hair and bean pole stance that made her cringe inside. This couldn't be the man she was to marry. From what she has been told he is almost as bad as Henry and a protestant and she would not have that as her husband.
"Im making him lord Privy Seal as of tomorrow and he will granted lands in Wales and a London house as well as fifty thousand pounds more a year." Henrys voice brought her back to reality.
"You expect me to marry your secretary." She said turning to face Henry.
"He was one of the men on the list. His wife and daughters died of the sweat last year and he is looking for a wife." Henry commented. "Mr. Cromwell would be honored to be your husband. You would be allowed to remain at court and see our daughter."
"I can sure you that I will treat you with the upmost care, princess." Cromwell stated, taking a step towards her. "I will be a wonderful husband to you and I can't wait till we are married."
"I need some time to think." Katherine said walking past Cromwell and out of Henrys chambers.
"Did I say something wrong, your Majesty?" Cromwell asked confused.
"No, she will just need time to process, im not going to change my mind. You and she would be a perfect match my friend." Henry said, "I will announce your Privy Seal tomorrow but today I would like for you to inform fisher that the pope had made him a carinal."
"As you wish mi-lord." Cromwell nodded, leaving his chambers as well.
/
Cromwell watched Bishop Fisher cup his hands together and palm the water to his mouth before drinking it. He took a step towards the small window above him looking out at the sky before muttering a small pray as the jailer opened the door. Cromwell noted on his appearance, his dirty face and torn clothing. His feed at no shoes and his cell was extremely cold.
"Mr. Secretary." Fisher said turning around to face him.
"Reverend Fisher." Cromwell nodded to him. "I just came to see if you were being treated fairly."
"As to that, my aged stomach cannot cope with the rank food the jailor brings, but that is nothing since it pertains to my body and not my soul." He answered.
Cromwell sighed, "You have not taken the Oath."
"No I have not." Fisher shook his head.
"Why not? Do you refuse to accept that the Kings marriage is proper and legal?" Cromwell asked.
"I believe the king thinks so."
"But you don't, even though the pope is the one who signed Katherine's annulment that you helped her commission." Cromwell noted.
"No I do not, for one I didn't think the pope would sign her annulment so easily. After all this actually happened, I believe what I have always believed and that is the Kings marriage to Queen Katherine is still Valid and cannot be undone by no man." Fisher said.
"Even though that man was the Pope who signed it." Cromwell stated, "I have another question, do you still dispute that the king is Supreme head of the Church of England?"
"Yes I do." He answered.
"Why is that?"
"The King, our Sovereign lord is not and cannot become the Supreme head on earth of the Church of England, only god has that right. No country can answer to one man." Fisher voiced his opinion. "I heard that Thomas More is currently jailed as well. How is he doing?"
"Well we shall see about that won't we and as for Thomas More he is being held in the cell directly below you refusing to take the oath as well and if push comes to shove and he keeps refusing to take the Oath he will receive the same fate as you." Cromwell smirked, "Also I almost forgot to mention. I have come to tell you that the pope has made you a cardinal finally."
"That is most joyous news."
"Also her highness, Princess Katherine will be getting married soon and it's a shame you will not be around to see it."
"May I ask who is she to marry?" Fisher asked.
"Me" Cromwell smiled, "Jailor."
Fisher took a seat in disbelief at the news he received, to think that Thomas more was below him and was unable to write him now because he refused. He didn't think his country would come to this. Answering to one man who claims to be the head of the Church. The slamming of the cell door startled him back to reality and for just a moment he wished all this would have ended sooner so he wouldn't have had to witness the outcome.
Cromwell went one floor lower to Thomas Mores cell, he could hear loud praying coming from beyond the door and for a moment he listened. He was praying to god in Latin. The old gospels. Instead of entering he left and headed back to castle to his office. He has many files and documents to go over as well as looking over the wedding details the King had laid out infront of him. He didn't want to marry again but when the King offers it must be done. He knew he could continue to have affairs for Katherine was Barren and wouldn't be able to bare him any children and he didn't mind that. This marriage was only for the King to rid himself of her and to make sure that no one could argue that their marriage was still valid and he would have to return to her. He would be gaining a stepdaughter though and with a teenage son he didn't have much to worry about.
He picked up the first parchment that was laid out, but was interrupted as the door to his office was opened. Quickly he stood up, bowing to the King and waited.
"Majesty." Cromwell said.
"There are more things we must discuss Cromwell." Henry took a seat, offering him one as well.
"Yes Sir, it seems there is a number of small monastic institutions I have had cause to investigate, it seems the monks there refuse to take the oath and they'd rather serve the Vicar of Rome." Cromwell handed Henry a document.
"What is this?" Henry asked.
"This is a bill for their dissolution." He answered, "The very considerable wealth of these houses will thus be transferred to Your Majesty exchequer."
"Thank you Cromwell." Henry nodded, taking the bill with him as he left.
"Father." He heard from the door.
Looking up he smiled, his son Gregory stood before him with an equal smile. "Gregory, what are you doing here?"
"I haven't seen you in months and I have started to miss you." He answered.
"I heard from my tutors that you are betrothed. To whom?" He asked looking confused. "Will I really have a stepmother?"
"And a stepsister as well." He answered. "The King has decided that I should marry again and it's going to be to Her Highness Princess Katherine."
"The old Queen" He said, "But she is so old"
"She may be older than me but that doesn't mean she can't be a good wife and stepmother to you." He reasoned with him.
"I guess you are right." He exhaled with a smile. "When is the wedding?"
"In a week so you will be moved to the London house till then. I will be gaining more lands and the title as Lord Privy Seal."
"Father that is wonderful." Gregory smiled. "Do I get to meet her before the wedding and my soon to be sister?"
"All in due time son." Cromwell smiled.
/
Anne.
"You did what." I questioned, glaring at her husband in surprise.
"I can't have her walking around her unmarried. I know there are some who still wish for her and I to be married and I can't take that chance for someone to look into It." he answered me.
"No one can look into something that was signed by the pope. No one could take you away from me or say our marriage is invalid. We were married infront of many people and I was crowned by you." I smile rubbing my belly. "And besides when our son is born no one can place her back on the throne for I fill that spot."
"Yes you do." He said leaning down to kiss me gently. "Will you organize a banquet for them from us as a gift?"
"Of course your Majesty." I smile returning his kiss. "Will you visit my bed tonight? I have been incredibly lonely these past couple of night."
He nodded his head at me before leaving and I felt my heart swarm with joy. Standing up I waited till his footsteps were far away before I ushered Nan and Marie to follow me towards Katherine's chambers. I knew she would be devastated and that she wouldn't want to go through with this. Cromwell was a good man but a Princess marrying a Kings secretary was just plain wrong. A page opened the door, moving to the side allowing me and my huge belly to pass him. Lady Darrell quickly left my site to inform her lady I was there.
"Your Majesty" Katherine bowed to me. "May I offer you something to drink?"
"Yes that would be wonderful." I smile, I could tell she had been crying, her face was puffy and her eyes were bloodshot. I take a seat near the fire as she hands me a goblet and sits down beside me. "Henry told me this evening that you are betrothed, may I ask to whom?"
"Mr. Cromwell." She whispered staring at the fire.
"My family has known Mr. Cromwell many years and he has been a wonderful friend. He would be a wonderful husband but I can tell you don't want to marry." I say and I know she is not wanting to speak about it but bottling it up won't help her. "I know he isn't a man of your choosing but I believe it will be a great match."
"I don't want to marry him." She blurted finally after a few moments of silence. "After Henry I didn't want to marry at all after everything I went through with him. I would rather be alone and live out my days alone, I thought if I waited as long as I could he could give up this notion of me being married to someone else and leave me be but it doesn't seem that way." She looked up at me and a tear ran down her cheek. "Is he doing this to spite me?"
"I don't know why he is doing this really. He hasn't given me an exact reason even though I have asked many times. I don't think you should have to marry anyone if you do not want too, I believe you have served your time as a wife and have a right to be alone if you wish." I gently touch her hand to comfort her.
"Thank you Mi-lady." Katherine smiled through her tears. "After crying about it since yesterday, I understand why he is having me marry."
"What do you mean?" I asked confused.
"He is making me marry so no one could say him and I are still married." She said the same thing Henry spoke earlier. "But enough about me, your Majesty how are you and child fairing?"
"It gives me no rest. One moment im almost asleep and then it kicks me in the ribs or I have to pee." I laugh. "How was carrying Mary?"
"I had to pee a lot when I was in my seventh month." She joined into my laughter, "I ruined quite a few dresses because of her." She set her goblet down. "What are you hoping for your Majesty?"
"Katherine please call me Anne." I smile, "I know the King wants a boy but I wouldn't mind a girl."
"What would you name her?" Katherine asked me.
"I don't know really, I've always loved the name Elizabeth or Beth for short." I smiled. "I've always wanted a daughter."
"Im sure she would be just like her mother. Kind and very smart."
"I would make her that way too." I say with a nod. "She would look wonderful by her older sister at the court functions. I will admit to you Katherine that I didn't try to get the notion of you marrying Cromwell off his mind. I suggested others, single men with titles and grown children but he was not going to hear it from me but I did try."
"It's quite alright Anne. I understand that the King is law and we must obey. I may not agree with the match but I can't fight it. There is no way I can." She sighed.
"Henry and I have decided to throw a banquet for you in honor of your marriage I would like your help in selecting the food and drink." I smile, hoping it would lighten the already darkening mood. "I know you have a favorite wine from Spain I would more than love to have it imported for you."
"Oh your Majest- I mean Anne that would be wonderful." Her eyes lit up at my suggestion.
"It would be my pleasure Katherine." I smile again.
/
3rd person, a few days later.
Henry stood near the window watching the water on the pond ripple from the rain drops. Two swans slowly made their way from one end to the other, enter twined and constantly in motion never faltering. He wanted something like that; he wanted his Queen and himself to like those swans. Ever in motion and never changing. His chamber door opened but a page never announced the person. His boots echoed on the wooden floor near the end of this table but stopped short.
"You wanted to see me Your Majesty." He spoke.
"We need more swans in the lake." Henry commented.
"Majesty?" He answered, "If that is what you wish I will have as many as you like in the pond."
"Thank you Cromwell but that is not why I have summoned you. Thomas More won't sign the oath and I want to know why. He has been my dearest friend but I am a king first and my word is law. If he wants to stay alive he needs to swear the oath and not just part of it. I mean the entire thing. If one thinks they can swear to part others will think the same as well." Henry turned around to face him. "Also, Queen Anne is organizing a Banquet in honor of your marriage to Princess Katherine. Sort of a wedding gift from us."
"That is such an honor, your Majesty." He bowed in appreciation.
"Also from this day forward you will be known as Lord Pricy Seal. I will make sure that my advisers and courtiers will know of your new title by this evening."
"Thank you, your Majesty." He bowed once again. "I will visit Thomas More in the tower at once and report back to you later this evening."
"Do not disappoint me Cromwell." Henry warned.
"Majesty." He nodded his head and left the chambers.
A day ago he was walking through the same gates, heading to the beheading of Cardinal Fisher at the Kings command and now he was to visit or more like bully Sir Thomas into swearing the oath. He knew he wouldn't. He thinks he is damning his soul to swear an oath to a man to think of himself as a heavenly King. Cromwell knew what the king closest friends fate was, it was evitable and he knew he would die by beheading just like the cardinal. Lord Kingston opened the door, greeting Cromwell once again for the second time that week.
"Who are you here to visit today Mi-lord?" He asked, jingling the jailor keys.
"Thomas More." He answered. Kingston nodded to him, ushering for him to follow him up the stone steps to the nicer cells. "How is he being treated?"
"With the upmost respect Sir." He answered, fetching the key from the ring and opening the door. "Just yell for the guard when you are ready to leave."
"Thank you master Kingston."
The cell was small but not too small for him. A wooden bed lay to one side with many blankets and pillows as well a few papers and quills lay on top of the blanket. Many candles lined the windows and a few scattered here and there. Thomas sat at the desk near the wall facing the door. The guard gave Cromwell a stool before closing the door.
"Mr. Secretary." Thomas said without looking up.
"It's Lord Privy Seal now." Cromwell corrected him.
"Congratulations on your new title. Have you come to banter me into submission, just like the many before you?"
"I come because of a friend actually. I'm sure you seen Cardinal Fishers execution yesterday and it would pain me to see you go through that same thing." Cromwell said. "It is still rumored that even though you are in here you still refuse to take the oath. I say this to you very openly and sincerely, that I wish no harm to come to a great man who has for years enjoyed and deserved His Majesty's good graces. But I must ask, what is your opinion on the king's new marriage?"
"I have no opinion of it; I neither murmur at it nor dispute it." Thomas said leaning back in his chair, "I never did and never will and I certainly can't do it while I am locked up and barely receive visitors."
"Then what of His Majesty's claim to Supremacy over the Church in England?" Cromwell asked, listening to his answer very carefully. This could either condemn him in his eyes and he would report it back to king or it would label him as a picas old man just speaking his mind.
"I was unsure about this matter until I re-read His Majesty's own pamphlet: the Assertio Septum Sacramentorum. Infact I have a copy right here." He said pulling the parchment from the desk draw and setting it on the desk for Cromwell to see. "Of course, in the pamphlet, the king asserts the divine origin of the papacy and that the Pope's supremacy descends directly from the Rock of St. Peter and I think you'll find his Majesty's arguments are as persuasive and powerful now as they were when he first wrote them."
He just condemned himself. Cromwell thought, "Will you take the oath? I need hardly remind you of the consequences of not doing so?"
"Mr. Secretary, I am the Kings most loyal subject. I say no harm, I think no harm but I wish everybody good and if this be not enough to keep a man alive in good faith, I long not to live."
"Sir Thomas, you should know the King himself has no mind to coerce you, he simply asks you to relent and condescend to his request that you take the oath." Cromwell tried to reason with him.
"Mr. Cromwell please impart to the King my utter faithfulness, truthfulness and loyalty to him and Queen Katherine." He stated.
"Katherine is a princess, and will remain a Princess, but soon she will be Mrs. Cromwell and the Kings marriage to Queen Anne will never be doubted in the hearts of the English people like you think." Cromwell stood up, "Only the King can spare you and since you think your conscious is better than the Kings law, you will die for it."
Once outside of the tower, Cromwell looked to the window of Sir Thomas once more praying that he would come to his senses but he highly doubted it. He would be walked to the scaffolding and cut a head shorter for what he thinks is right. The walk through Whitehall was that of silence. He stood in front of the Kings chambers, not wanting to report the conversation he had with the dearest friend of the King but he must. He knows the King wouldn't wait. Opening the door he heard laughing and conversation as well as light music playing. Taking a few breaths he entered to see Queen Anne and the King having supper.
"Cromwell, what news do you have?" Henry asked once he bowed to both of them.
"I spoke with Sir Thomas as you requested."
"Will he take the oath?"
"He said that would swear the oath to your marriage to Queen Anne but he will not accept your validity as the Supreme Head of the Church."
"Who did he say as the power on earth?" Henrys mood darkened.
"He stated only the Pope has the anointed power on earth from god." Cromwell reported
Anne jumped as Henry quickly rose from his chair and kicking the wood causing the chair to fall over backwards and break. She shifted uncomfortable in her own chair and rubbing her belly protectively. He glared out the window, trying to calm his nerves before turning back to him.
"Move him to different rooms and take away every good grace I have given him. He thinks the pope can rule in my kingdom he has another thing coming." Henry ordered.
"At once your Majesty." Cromwell nodded. "Mi-lady."
"Cromwell." Anne nodded back to him.
/
Katherine.
Today is the day. My face may not be as rosy and my lips may not be as full as a young bride but I will have to do. I have remained in my chambers for a week now and some say I refuse to leave but it's more like I just don't want to be seen. Last evening, Henry appointed Cromwell as Lord Privy Seal to the entire court and that he would be granted lands and more pounds a year for marrying me. I can tell he is just as aggregated by this union as I am. What do I have to offer him, he wouldn't even become a prince he would be my consort and nothing more. I was told that I would be allowed to keep my chambers and wouldn't have to share with my new found husband.
"Katherine are you ready?" He asked.
Turning around Henry stood in my doorway with a smirk on his face and I know he is using this as amusement. To see me in such despair to marry a man I do not want too. These men he surrounds himself with have made him into one who is so cruel.
"Your new husband waits for you and the Queen is excited to see you in a gown of white." He commented and I knew it was an insult because I didn't wear white on our wedding.
"Are you don't belittling me?" I ask turning around from the mirror.
"I'm not belittling, I'm simply commenting of the events to come." He said.
"Yes events I can't control even though you promised me I could have my own future and live out my days as I wished." I said.
"I made no such promise." His voice rose.
"That's the same excuse you gave your sister when she married Suffolk." I said pushing past him. "I'll give myself away; I don't need a king to do it."
I didn't hear him turn and follow me, no thud of heavy boots at my heels. I either angered him or stunned him with my words but I am done being kind to a King who has shown me nothing but sorrow. The choir hit my ears first and I knew I was at the chapel, I wanted with all my might to run the opposite way to hide so no one would find me but I couldn't. It was too late, the rows of people stood waiting for me to make that walk down the aisle to the man waiting for me at the altar. In protest my foot stepped in front of the other, only stopping when Thomas held out his hand to me. From the look on his face, he didn't want to be here either, kneeling down with our heads bowed and praying to god that our marriage would be a fruitful one and we would be happy.
Leaving the chapel was silent, not even my own daughter smiled or uttered a word to me. I felt lost and lonely through our banquet. The music and food were wonderful. Queen Anne did a wonderful job and I thanked her many times for putting it together for I was truly grateful for her. The only thing that plagued my mind was the horror I would be a witness to later that evening. My ladies took my jewelry, preparing me for bed and I truly hoped I would be going to bed alone, but my heart sank when I heard the door to my chambers open.
"My Lady, your husband is here." Darrell announced him before pulling back the blankets from my bed and straightening the pillow.
"Thank you." I mutter, turning to face him in the doorway. "Husband."
"Wife." He said as he went to the other side of my bed. "May I call you Katherine?"
"You are my husband now so I guess you must." I say, my fingers playing with the hem of my chemise.
"Thank you Katherine, you may call me Thomas if you wish." He smiled. "I don't expect formals or anything. I keep my personal life and the Kings Privy Seal separate."
"That is nice to hear." I nod.
"I'm not going to force you into anything, I know others might say I am harsh and cruel but that is not the case. I'm a very sensual man and I will not rule you like most husbands do with their wives. You are free to do as you please; I expect anything to you except when we are asked about."
"And if they ask about us?" I asked, curious to know his answer.
"Then we are a happily married couple and are grateful to the king for choosing each other as husband and wife." He stated clearly. "Do we have understanding Katherine?"
It took me a moment to realize that he doesn't want anything from me. He only agreed because the king said this was how it was going to be and now I finally understood. "I understand complete, Thomas. Thank you." I heard myself say.
"Shall we sleep?" He said getting into bed and blowing out the candle near him.
I crawled into bed near him, covering myself up and smiling to myself. I didn't have to be a wife truly, our marriage was that of a political one and I could live with that.
/
6121 words. Oh yeah!
Yes I know I gave everyone a curl ball but it was needed to make the story a little more interesting. Next chapter will be posted in a few days and there will another time jump just like this one a few months. Thank you all who has reviewed and favorited. I appreciate you very much.
