CHAPTER 9

Fooling Around

...

MAY 11, 1540

12:00 P.M.

...

Victoria, Emma, and Jenna took a seat at an arena outside of the castle, seeing people fill in the seats and the jousters getting ready to battle one another. Mr. Cortes said that Jousting was a popular game during the Medieval Era, Jenna just can't believe that she is actually going to see it herself. She wonders if it was bloody, or maybe it is modern day fighting. Now that she thinks of it, it kind of resembles fencing, but in fencing, there are swords whereas, in jousting, there are horses and long sticks. Maybe the two don't resemble. Sword fighting seems more like fencing, but jousting seemed to die off. Jenna thinks it would be cool if it lived on, but it seems too dangerous, way too dangerous. She turned to Victoria and Emma who are looking at the scene in front of them while she looked around for Andrew and Robert. She doesn't see them anywhere.

"Hey Victoria, Emma, have you seen Andrew and Robert at all today?"

The two turned to the blonde, "No, now that you mention it, we haven't." Victoria answered as Emma just sat there and didn't say anything, like usual. She's still sort of shy, but not as shy as she was when they first met her.

Jenna scanned the arena as she saw someone on a horse come up to them since they're seated in the first row. She looked up to see Thomas! "Thomas, what are you doing?" He has a wooden pole in his hand and has armor on him. Then, two others came up to them and the recognized their faces immediately.

Thomas smiled down at her, "I'm battling." He answered, but she was paying more attention to the two next to him rather than Thomas himself.

"Robert, Andrew?" Victoria's eyes widened.

"Hello, ladies." Robert stood up straight and smiled cockily as Andrew looked down at the three girls with a small smile on his face. How long have they been jousting for? Who taught them? It must have been Thomas, but how did they practice when Henry had them run a lot of errands for them? How could we not know about it?

Jenna turned back to Thomas and gasped, after giving some of her attention to Robert and Andrew. "Thomas, that's dangerous. Just be careful."

"I'm with Hazel on this one." Victoria agreed with Jenna. For someone that is highly aggressive and fights about everything, she actually agrees with me. Maybe it's because the two haven't practiced that long. Emma didn't say anything, she just sat there and stared blankly at Robert and Andrew. What are they thinking? They have never done jousting before! They'll get hurt!

"I will Lady Hazel, no need to worry, but I will be safe if I have a very special young lady put her bracelet on my stick." Then his smile turned into a grin. She raised a brow then remembered that Mr. Cortes said women would wear these dainty, woven bracelets that they would tie around the end of the sticks to wish a man good luck in battle. She looked at her wrist and saw a pink one tied to it. How she didn't notice it, she has no idea, but she took it off and he leaned his stick down to her as she tied it at the end.

"Lady Faye." Andrew smiled down at her and leaned his stick down to her level as she shrugged, smiled back, and tied her blue one around his stick. Robert, on the other hand, moved his eyebrows up and down at Victoria, who tied her black bracelet around his stick silently, and Emma and Jenna raised a brow at this and exchanged glances—which turned into smirks.

"Good luck you three," Emma said.

"We'll be fine, don't worry about us," Andrew assured and the three of them rode off near the middle of the arena.

Emma and Jenna turned to Victoria who stared at the three riding off. She then caught the two girls staring at her and turned to them with a raised brow, "Why are you two staring at me?"

"Because of your feeling towards Robert. You like him, don't you?" Jenna smirked. Victoria turned pink in the cheeks and Emma and Jenna squealed. "You do like him!" she exclaimed, causing some people to stare at them.

"Be quiet!" Victoria shushed Jenna and sighed, "Okay, maybe, just a little. I'm just worried Jenna, I don't want him to get hurt."

"They seemed pretty confident to me." Emma jumped into the conversation. "I have the feeling that they will be okay. They may be beaten up a little, but they'll be fine. I'm sure of it."

"Wow, you like Robert. That's a surprise." Jenna teased

Victoria glared at me and then smirked, "How about, Mr. Culpeper?"

"What about him?" Jenna raised a brow but felt her heart pound. Why is my heart pounding?

"Isn't it obvious, Jenna? He so likes you!" Victoria's statement caused Emma to smile and nod in agreement.

What? Thomas Culpeper likes me? He had a sexual relationship with Lady Rochford and Katherine Howard. A typical man if you ask me. He doesn't like me. "He dated Rochford and had sex with Katherine Howard. Isn't that enough?"

"Hey, men went around and had sex with many girls back then. It didn't necessarily mean that they liked them." Victoria pointed out. "It still goes on in our world, just not as much I guess."

"Even if he did like me, isn't he a bit old? I'm almost sixteen. Isn't he like twenty?"

"Back in days like this, girls your age married old men. I wouldn't be surprised if he kisses you on your birthday."

"We'll see about that," Jenna smirked and the two of them shook hands, seeing that it is kind of like a bet to see who is right. Thomas doesn't like me like that, does he? Could he really want to kiss me, even though he is in a relationship with Lady Rochford and had an affair with Katherine Howard?

"Ladies, Gentleman, royals, Duchesses, and Dukes," A man announced causing everyone to stop chatting and to focus their attention on him. "I would like to kindly say that, Landon and Carsen, helpers of his Majesty are battling Sir Culpeper and the Duke today right now as I speak."

"What?" Victoria, Emma, and Jenna screamed, shooting out of their seats, causing everyone to stare at them. If they battled each other, then that is understandable since they are beginners. Battling people better than you helps, but they are new at it and Thomas and the Duke have been in jousting for God only knows how long. They can get hurt.

"You two will hurt yourselves!" Victoria shouted, pointing out the obvious.

"We know that, but we're doing it anyway," Robert smirked smugly at her, and his statement caused the crowd to murmur and cheer, seeing that he's confident in his ability.

"Landon, if you as much injure yourself, I will come down there and stick that pole up your—" Victoria began and Jenna slapped her hand over her mouth and smiled sheepishly, "—what she means is that she hopes that you don't hurt yourself over a stupid decision, but if you do then she will hurt you herself." Then Jenna glared at Victoria and took her hand away from her mouth, and the brunette sat there silently.

The short looking man that announced them smiled and clapped his hands together. looking at them, "Well little ones, the winner versus the King!" This got the crowd wild.

"Are you nuts?" Emma called to Robert and Andrew who stood there with cocky smiles on their faces.

"Relax Faye, we'll be fine." Andrew assured, "We have the bracelets to prove it." Then, he held up his pole, then so did Robert, Thomas, and the Duke of Suffolk, causing the crowd to cheer in awe and for Charles' girlfriend to stand up and clap. Jenna is guessing that Emma put her bracelet on his stick.

The man continued, "Robert and Andrew love jousting now, but since they are beginners, they will battle each other first. Whoever wins will battle Thomas Culpeper. If Thomas loses, the winner will battle the Duke, and if his Grace loses, then the King will battle a young one!" The crowd got wild as people yelled, clapped, and stood up cheering on the people they wanted to win. It's a close tie between Henry, Thomas, and Charles, but some people were nicer and cheered for Andrew and Robert. The three girls stood up and cheered them on rather then sitting down worrying if they will hurt themselves.

Robert and Andrew got on their horses and were led to two different ends of the field. They put up their long poles and charged for each other. Emma dug her face into Jenna's shoulder as Victoria cheered them on, but Jenna stood there wondering what was going to happen. An echoing smacking sound was heard. Andrew went down to the hard floor and people cheered Robert on. Robert didn't hit him in the face though, he made it seem that way. He hit Andrew in the stomach and Charles ran to him to help him up. Andrew took off his headgear and sat down, holding onto his stomach.

Emma looked up and cringed, "I heard that. It must have hurt."

"Well, Andrew got lucky since Robert decided to be nice and only hit him in the stomach."

"That's terrible," Emma said and as if on cue, Andrew vomited and one of the King's men took him off the field as the crowd got wild again with booing, cheering, and screaming. Robert was led back to his side of the field as Thomas got onto the field, looked at me, smiled, and put on his face mask. Jenna felt her stomach turn, hoping that neither of them gets hurt. The two held up their sticks and they charged at each other, and it's obvious who won as the loser was thrown off their horse, spun in the air, and hit the floor back first. Victoria, Emma, and Jenna got up and ran down as the crowd got crazy again and they fell to the floor in front of Robert, who isn't moving.

Jenna shook him, "Landon? Landon!" He finally moved and groaned, removing his face mask, revealing blood on his forehead. Victoria shrieked and took out a napkin and held it to his forehead as Jenna stood up to face Thomas as he ran over. "Thomas, what was that for?" she narrowed her eyes at the older and taller man.

He raised a brow, "I battled him."

"You hit him in the face! He's only a beginner!"

"I was hit in the face my first time battling. They wanted to battle and get better. You have to learn to take hits when you least expect them." Was all he said and she stared at him and then Robert. Thomas does have a point. You only get better if you battle someone better than you and you have to be able to take their hits. Thomas then walked over to her and hugged her which made the crowd go wild for some apparent reason, "I'm sorry I worried you, but don't worry, your friends will be fine."

Jenna sighed and calmed down a bit, knowing that she can trust Thomas. She hugged him back and gave him a smile to show him that she isn't mad and he returned it. Their moment was ruined as Andrew came running by and sat next to Robert. "Are you alright, buddy?"

Aw, he called him buddy. They've gotten close, I can tell.

Robert groaned, "Yeah, my back just hurts because of the way I landed."

"I wouldn't be surprised. That was a hard fall." Victoria pointed out.

"Yeah, I heard you land from my seat," Jenna said.

Robert closed his eyes and dropped his forehead to his hand, "I feel like crap."

Thomas knelt down next to him, "Don't worry Landon, you'll be just fine. One of the doctors will take you inside to check you out." And right after Thomas said that a doctor came by and helped Robert up, but couldn't carry him since they're both the same height. Andrew helped the doctor take Robert inside.

Henry came by and patted Robert on the back, "Nice job. You did well for your first match." This caused the crowd to go wild.

The Duke ran over and smirked, "Well Ladies, you're friends may have lost, but I've got a score to settle with Culpeper."

Thomas smirked back, "Let the best jouster win."

"Kick his butt, Charles." Victoria joked.

Charles laughed, "I plan too." Then Thomas and he went to set up for their battle as Henry, and the girls went back to their seats. Robert was taken to the side and the doctor is checking him out to see if he is okay. Thomas and Charles got ready to battle and the charged toward each other, and Thomas ended up on the floor.

"Thomas!" The blonde shrieked and went running down but Victoria and Emma for some odd reason decided to hold her back. Everyone turned and stared at Jenna and many of them awed. Thomas took off his helmet and he had a small bruise forming. Charles shook his hand and patted him on the back. Jenna went running down, but her two friends wouldn't let her go. Thomas saw his and came up to where they are and hugged Jenna who returned it. If you thought the crowd was wild before, they were really wild now. People were coming out of their seats and cheering.

Jenna looked up at him and smiled, "You're okay!"

Thomas smiled, "Yes, I am. I appreciate your concern."

"I would have gone down there, but two people decided to hold me back." Jenna shot Victoria and Emma a look and they burst out laughing.

"Charles took my advice alright. He kicked Thomas' butt!"

Henry came down and got ready to go against Charles, which caused the crowd to gasp and for some to stand up. The girls stayed standing as Jenna clung to Thomas. For some odd reason, I feel overly joyed that he's okay, maybe it's because he's so damn cute. No, Jennifer, you can't fall for him. He's too old but so charming. She knows who is going to win this because no one beats the King, except those two times. The first time he got back up, the second, well many thought he was dead. It was horrible, but he lived. What no one knew was that he had a terrible ulcer on his leg for years, and the five friends will experience his pain. Some scientists and historians said that when he was mistaken to be dead, he may have hurt his head and had diseases that affected his brain which is why he acted more cruel to others around him. More people started to hate him after he hurt himself. Jenna guesses her and her friends and will just have to wait and see.

Of course, Henry and Charles charged at each other and his Majesty won. The crowd went wild and the girls cheered Henry on. No one can beat Henry, well, someone did and he almost died but he's gotten stronger and that's all that matters.

x

5:30 P.M.

Anne of Cleves is on her bed, playing with the bracelet on her left wrist when she sighed in melancholy. Her maids looked up from what they were doing, which is doing laundry and getting her ready for her bath. The four maids looked at each other and then at the Queen, wondering what is on her mind.

"Is there something on your mind, your Majesty?" one maid questioned, seeing the look on the Queen's face. Something is bothering her and as her maids and friends, the girls all want to know what's wrong.

Anne looked up, "I had a fight with Henry last night, that's all." She remembers it clearly. Henry wanted sex and she declined and said she was a horrible wife for not wanting to give him a son. "He wanted to get intimate with me but I didn't want him too. He then said I'm a horrible wife for not wanting to give him a son."

Her maids gasped, "Your Majesty, he only said it in anger." One said but the rest of the girls knew better. When Henry doesn't get what he wants he gets nasty and says the most insulting things and never apologizes for it, even if he knows he is wrong. He believes that since he is the King of England that he can do whatever he wants and can get away with it but his actions have caused some to hate him and try to destroy him. Over the years, the man has changed and no one could figure out why.

Anne shook her head, "No, my Lady, he didn't. I only married him because, well, I do love him just not in that way. Everyone knows what happens if you cross Henry. If I give him a child, boy or not he'll get rid of me. He already has mistresses, I suppose, and if he doesn't then he will soon."

June, her favorite and most trusted maid walked up to her bed, sat down in front of her and put a hand on her shoulder, "Your Majesty, everybody adores you, but just remember it's Henry we're dealing with. You're a great Queen and he's a great King but even if he is wrong, the people will choose him over you. So just be careful with what you say to him because he will use it against you. He has more power than anyone in this castle and country. Everyone has no choice but to choose him, even if they hate his guts and prayed to God that he dies, God will keep him as King and many of the citizens in England and Ireland will choose and follow him. They are blind to his infidelities and mistakes. They see him as a great and perfect ruler hat was chosen by God himself to rule which is why they ignore all the bad he does."

Anne nodded in agreement, "I know how he is, my Lady. I think the only thing I want is to have a friendship. It isn't just the love, it's his leg! I will do anything his Majesty wants but sex, and his leg, it oozes blood and its stench makes me want to gag!" Her ladies nodded in agreement. Henry's leg smells awful no one has had the guts to say it to him yet. "Let's just face it, he isn't attracted to me and I'm not attracted to him. I think it's better to remain a loyal, trustful friend."

"Well then, if that's what you believe, then maybe it's best to be just a friend of his." Lady Rochford butted in, "I personally think you two would be great friends, your Majesty. Not to mention that he has those kids he has in the castle. If anything, you can just think of them as your own. Besides, it'll get you away from his leg." Rochford joked a little and the maids all but Katherine Howard laughed. Katherine is only seventeen and her family has a lot of power but was made a high honor maid. She doesn't know much about her family but she comes from the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk where whores reside to sleep with men. She had a blast there but has better intentions now.

Anne laughed with them, "Indeed, I think I will. I won't miss his smelly and bloody leg, but I will miss the kids; they're all so lovely, including Hazel. She has so many manners and adequate. She reminds me of Mary a little bit." Anne smiled at the thought of the eldest Tudor child, the child that Henry threw to the side and doesn't give as much attention too. She feels sorry for the girl, even Elizabeth because Elizabeth may live in the castle from time to time but she never saw her father that much until a few years ago. Even after all of the bad Henry has done, the Lady Elizabeth highly respects him, but the Lady Mary doesn't seem too that much, not that she blames Mary for any resentment that she feels.

"She's more agreeable than Mary, but just as book smart as she is." Rochford nodded. Their conversation was interrupted when the doors to the room burst open and Henry appeared. Anne stared at him and got off her bed as her maids gasped and curtsied. It was a sudden startle to why Henry just barged into her room but the look on his face shows that what he has to say is urgent.

"Henry," Anne seems shocked that he's in her room. After a few moments, she gave a small curtsy to show her respect for him. "What is it that you need, your Majesty?"

Henry stared at her with his hands behind his back, seeing that they won't last and doesn't love him but still has a lot of respect for him, despite all the things she says and the decision he makes. "Anne," he paused for a few seconds then proceeded, "I have come to your room to give you some news."

Anne narrowed her eyes, "And what would the news be?"

Henry sighed, "Well, I think it's obvious that we don't have feelings for each other, so I am breaking off our marriage."

Anne didn't say anything but her maids gasped and Rochford shot up, "Your Majesty, I don't know if you are aware, but it is Hazel's birthday soon."

"Yes, I am aware. We are throwing her a surprise party."

"Please, let me stay for her birthday, please Henry. After that, you can divorce me." Anne finally spoke. "But after you divorce me, I'd like to remain a friend."

Henry thought for a moment, "Yes, I'd like that, Anne. You can stay until Hazel's party, then you'll leave. But we will stay friends. We just aren't fit but that doesn't mean you can't remain a loyal friend to trust."

Anne curtsied, "Thank you, your Majesty."

Henry nodded his head, "Lady Anne of Cleves." He turned around, "I expect to see you in my office tomorrow to sign the papers that will confirm our separation." Then he left her room, leaving her maids and her to just stare at the doorway. If Anne is gone, then they wonder who the new Queen will be. They also wonder if everyone knows about the divorce or if it's to stay quiet until Jenna's party ends.

x

8:30 P.M.

Jenna is sitting on Thomas' bed, examining his leg as he's laying down. She spotted a huge bruise forming on his left calf and sees that it's swelling a bit. She sighed, not knowing what to do. It's the 1500's and she doubts that the people in this day in age have made ice. She thinks jousting is dangerous, just like any other sport but in the modern day, there's equipment and padding that prevents injuries and if someone does get injured, it won't be as serious. "Thomas, your leg is bruised but is swelling just a bit."

"I expected that, my dear." He said not looking at her but at the ceiling. "It hurts quite a bit."

"Allow me to help you with it." Jenna volunteered

Thomas looked at her and shook his head, "My lady, it has to heal on its own. But if you want to help me, wet a cloth in super cold water, that'll help."

'So that's what they used, super cold water.' Jenna thought to herself as she entered the bathroom and wet a cloth in super cold water. As she did, she began to wonder how Robert and Andrew are holding up with their injuries. She'll just have to see for herself. She walked out of the bathroom and back onto the bed, holding the cloth to Thomas' bruise. What amazes her is that he didn't have a cut, just a bruise. "How come you don't have an open wound?"

"I wear very good padding, my lady."

"I see, and his Majesty doesn't?"

"I'm more cautious than he is." came the reply. Thomas motioned for her to come closer to him. She got up and crawled over to him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to his chest and ran a hand through her hair, which caused butterflies to form into her stomach. "Go to sleep, Lady Hazel."

She looked up at him, "Right here?" Not that she's uncomfortable but he's a lot older than her.

"Why not?" he raised a brow.

"Isn't that a bit inappropriate?"

Thomas laughed, "Not in the slightest. Most girls your age are married to men around Henry's age—count yourself lucky."

Jenna turned and rested her head on his chest as he turned off the light. She laid there with Thomas in silence and closed her eyes, wondering about Robert and Andrew, her classmates, Mr. Cortes and her family. But one thing that's bothering her is why they were the ones that felt weird about going on the trip. She has the feeling that Mary picked her for a specific reason because the pages in the diary won't allow her to read pages further ahead of the day she's on. The diary only lets her read a certain page on the day it was written on and she can only read it on that day. After that, it gets stuck to the pages before it. Jennifer is still putting clues together to why her friends and she were chosen, but she thinks that the answers will come when Henry marries Katherine Howard.

...

MAY 12, 1540.

9:00 A.M.

The Anne of Cleves is in her room sitting with one of her maids when Lady Rochford entered the room and invited Princess Mary in. "Your Majesty, Princess Mary is here." She stepped to the side as the elder Princess of Henry VIII entered the room in a beautiful red and gold gown with a red top hat to match it. Anne smiled and stood up as the maid sitting next to her moved and the maids gave a curtsy to the Princess, even though Henry doesn't treat her like one everyone else does and it doesn't satisfy Mary because she wants her father to have her treated like one. But it is what it is.

Mary curtsied to Anne causing the Queen to smile and her respect, "Your Majesty." Mary generally looks like she doesn't mean her curtsies but Anne knows that the girl does. She just hides her emotions.

"Princess," she held her hand out to one of the chairs, "if you please." The two sat down and faced each other. Anne smiled at Mary, very excited to give her the great news she had in mind for her, "I have received a letter from a cousin of mine. He is Duke Phillip of Bavaria." She stopped for a second but continued when Mary stared blankly at her, "Phillips would like to come to England and make God to you!" Anne grinned and her maids quietly smiled to themselves. Mary sometimes talks about not having a lover and how she longed to have one so Anne decided to help her out.

Mary thought for a moment and felt happy, but doesn't know the guy and Anne being a Heretic is a big problem. She's heard rumors from Charles and Thomas that one of the reasons why their marriage has failed is because she is a Heretic. Her being a Heretic put Cromwell in for treason and to be beheaded. "Why?" She asked

"He has heard many things about you, Princess. Many good things." The Queen added the last part because it is true.

Mary sighed, "I suppose he's a Lutheran." She replied, seeing that being with his man won't last long. She's a devoted Catholic and will only marry a Catholic but even if she gains feelings for this man her father won't accept it no matter how good of a friend Anne is.

Anne looked down and smiled. Then she made eye contact with the younger girl and kept the smile on her face. Mary doesn't know what she is missing out on. "He is charming and very good looking. I seek that you may like him." Anne's smile grew wider. She knows Mary more than the young girl thinks. "What would you like me to tell him?"

"Tell him...tell him that he may come if he pleases and if the king wishes," Mary added the last past, "but not to expect anything."

Anne smiled and got out of her chair and Mary did the same but not before giving a curtsy and then leaving quickly. When the Princess left, Anne frowned to herself and thought about what Mary said. Mary seems to want to meet her cousin but is scared that Henry won't approve of it. He's never approved of any man for her, but Anne will make sure to change that. She is still Queen of England, she has some power.

On the second floor, Andrew and Robert are walking down the hallway, nodding their heads in respect to those that bowed or curtsied to them. Within a few months, they've become favorites of the King and even though that's what they're supposed to do in order to change history, they enjoy being around him. He isn't as bad as historians said he is but his temper does get the best of him at times just like some people but he still is a great and loyal king, at times.

"Andrew," Robert turned to his friend, "Where exactly are we going? We don't have much time to find Henry a new wife and if we don't get him one soon he'll be very mad.

Andrew rolled his eyes, "Did you pay any attention in class?"

"Somewhat." Robert shrugged

Andrew sighed, "Well, Charles is going around England to search for Henry's new wife, but she's right in this castle."

"Wait, Katherine is here?"

Andrew nodded and then smirked, "If you paid attention in class, you would have known that Katherine was a maid of honor to Anne of Cleves. We don't see her because she's a maid so if she saw us before then we wouldn't have seen her. We visit Anne and we don't talk to her maids because, well, they aren't important to us."

"Do you think the girls have seen her?"

Andrew shook his head, "Jennifer works for Thomas, which I'm suspicious about, Victoria is with Mary at all times and Charles thinks of Emma as his daughter so he always has her with him. If anything, they haven't because none of us have visited her majesties chambers, but we will soon." He then whispered lower than he was and said, "Charles is the one that introduced her to the king so he has to be the one to do it. We can't change all of history or we'll change the future and we can't have that."

Robert nodded in agreement, "Well, should we at least look for her and talk to her for a bit?"

"Why not? I don't think to speak to her will change anything." Then the two of them walked off, searching for Katherine Howard but not before going to Anne's chambers to see if she is there.

After talking to Katherine Howard for a bit and pretending to not know anything about her or where she is from. They then asked her if she is interested in the king and she said she would make good to him but the two of them know she means sex wise, not wife-wise. The two then went on a mission to find Charles and stumbled upon him as he exited his room.

"Duke of Suffolk." Andrew bowed

Charles smiled, "Sir Carsen, it's Charles."

"We've got news." Robert grinned, "We've found a new wife for his Majesty."

Charles' eyes went wide. How could they have done it so fast? "And who is the young lady?"

"Her name is Katherine Howard and she is one of her Majesty's maids. She said she would make good to him." Robert winked, giving the Duke the idea that it isn't much of a love relationship but only for sex and to give Henry children. "But we think it's better if you talk to her. You know his Majesty more than the two of us do."

Charles nodded, "I will speak to her when I can but I am very busy right now. Thank you for letting me know." Charles bowed his head and walked off and the two ten boys high fived each other, seeing that their job to find Henry a new wife was a success, they just hope that them telling Charles won't change history.

Meanwhile, Victoria is in Mary's room, sitting across from the princess in two chairs. A few minutes ago, the Princess called for her and has told her other maids hat she needs to speak to Victoria privately. She hasn't said anything to Victoria yet but the small smile on her face is telling Mary that something good has happened. "Your Highness, are you alright?"

"Lady Maria, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Mary?"

"And how many times do I have to tell you that I am calling you, your Highness?"

Mary laughed a little, "Alright then. I am alright actually. I am very happy."

Victoria stared at her, "And what's the news you want to present to me?"

Mary grinned at her, "Anne of Cleves' cousin, Duke Philip of Bavaria, wants to meet me. He wants to make good to me."

Victoria gasped, happy for Mary but also remembering about him and that her father wouldn't allow their relationship. "I'm so happy for you, Mary. If you marry, you'll name your daughter after me." Mary then laughed and Victoria hugged her, "That's amazing your highness! He certainly is right. You must dance with him at the ball."

Mary grinned, "I'd love too," then she sighed, "but my father may not allow it. He is a Lutheran like his cousin Anne. My father hates Lutheran's because of Anne but that's just because they don't love each other."

"You're a grown woman, Mary. He has to realize you are entitled to your own decisions whether he likes them or not. You will make decisions that he doesn't like but if they benefit you and make you happy, then you can make them. If he makes them for you then you won't be independent like Catherine of Aragon was. She was stubborn, come on Mary, you're her daughter, have some stubbornness." Victoria playfully punched her arm and Mary smiled.

"Alright, you convinced me to dance with him. But I have to meet him first. I don't know what he looks like, I don't even know what to expect." Mary put a hand to her chest, showing her anxiety and nervousness.

"Don't think so much about it. Believe me, I know you more than you think. You'll like him. If you wouldn't why would Anne have him meet you?"

Mary's smile turned into a smirk, "You better be right or I just might have to have you beheaded." She joked and the two laughed and hugged each other. Victoria smiled to herself. Mary isn't as emotionless and cold as many people think. She's just a third wheel and no one listened to her, no one but Anne of Cleves, Jane Seymour, and Catherine Parr. They were real mothers to her when her real mom died but Victoria can tell that she didn't really care for them that much, except for Anne at least. Victoria wants to try and keep Duke Philip in the hoop of things, to make sure that Mary has a love life, and that's exactly what she is going to do.

Simultaneously, Jenna is in her room with Emma, showing her the diary. The two of them are reading the page where Mary talks about Duke Philip of Bavaria. She says that she does want to meet him because he sounds charming, but she's scared her father won't allow them to be together. She also worries that they won't be together because he is a Lutheran and she is a Catholic, but they will have to see what they can do. Emma tried to turn the page but it wouldn't budge. "Hey, why won't it let me turn the page?"

Jenna shrugged, "It always does that. It stays on a page depending on the day it was written then after that, it sticks to the other pages before it. The pages before it never allow me to open them again." She tried to explain it in the simplest way she could.

She blinked a few times, "That's weird. Why doesn't Mary want us to read ahead?"

"Because she's hiding something, I just don't know what. But don't worry we'll find out what she's hiding soon."

"And when you say soon, you mean a year."

Jenna smiled sheepishly, "Yeah, but it'll go faster than we think. All I can say is, I can't wait to wear my actual clothes, eat junk food and have a proper shower. I feel dirty all the time." Emma laughed in agreement and then Jenna asked, "What should we do now?"

"Maybe we should find Duke Philip and see him ourselves. I hear that Henry is throwing a ball, we can search for him then and talk to him."

"That's a good idea, Emma. We should go and tell Victoria first though."

"She's Mary's maid, she'll talk to him as much as she wants too. I think the two of us are taking this a bit more seriously, so we should dig up some information on Duke Philip and Mary."

Jenna nodded, "You're right. Well, let's go to the ballroom and see what's going on. I want a seat in the middle of the table this time. First come, first serve." The two then ran out of the room and to the ballroom to see some of Henry's servants setting the tables of food and decorating the room for the ball. Everyone will have fun and Mary will meet Duke Philip, this will be interesting.

x

8:30 P.M.

It's later on in the day and the ball in the castle had just started. Jenna and her friends never really participated in them until now and even though that have been to about one or two of them, they find them fun. They watched as a crowd of people entered the center of the room and began to dance. Jenna was sitting with the boys and Emma since Victoria didn't come yet the seat they reserved for her was taken from one of Henry's friends. They were suspicious of why Victoria didn't show up yet, but they shrugged it off thinking that she didn't want to come. Jenna and Emma kept a close eye on Mary and raised their suspicions when one of her maids quietly led her away from the ball.

"Oh my, I've got a stomach ache." Jenna faked a moan and got out of her seat, her friends turned to her.

"Want us to show you to your room?" Robert asked.

Jenna shook her head, "No, I'll go myself. Thank you."

"I've got to use the ladies room anyways, Hazel. I'll take you." Emma took my arm and led her out of the room.

Emma walked off with Jenna who was pretending to groan. When the two left the room they looked around the hallway and saw Mary and one of her maids turn a corner. They ran after them and saw a stairway. They then ran down it quietly and opened a door to see them enter a secret hallway which isn't far from the ball because the music was loud enough for us to hear it down here. They followed them to a doorway and hid behind the wall to see her maids gathered around the entrance, blocking any entry and exit. A man came from the other side and took off his hat and revealed his face before bowing, Mary's maids giving a curtsy to the two. Emma and Jenna's mouth dropped.

Damn, he's handsome, but not as handsome as Thomas. I can't believe I just thought that. Jenna nearly slapped her forehead.

Mary walked up to him to get a good look at his face, "Sir?" She asked.

"Princess Mary, I hope you can forgive my impetuosity." The man said smiling. That's when I realized that it is Anne's cousin, Duke Philip of Bavaria. "I know that we should have been formally introduced but I couldn't wait. I wanted to meet you."

Mary stared at him in awe, "You're Duke Philip?"

He smiled at her which gave her the impression that he is the Duke. All he said was, "May I kiss your hand, Princess?" Mary held out her hand and he took it and kissed it lightly. The Princess felt a jump of adrenaline and felt her heart beat out of her chest. She tried not to smile but a small one formed on her face. He is nothing like she expected. "I hope to meet you again, my Lady. With my cousin the Queen present, of course."

"I had thought to leave court tomorrow for the country. I may delay my leaving if it pleases you." Mary smiled at him seductively which caused Jenna's and Emma's mouths to drop open. "For a day or so."

"Oh no she didn't." Jenna stared in awe. She never knew Mary would be so inviting.

"She just did," Emma whispered so no one would hear them. The two looked around the room to see Mary put her head down and walk past Duke Philip who stared at her in awe. Then, one of Mary's maids led him out of the room near Jenna and Emma who ran and hid in a corner. When the Duke and the maid disappeared the two girls went back to the room to see the other maids gone.

"That was cute, wasn't it?" A voice asked. Jenna and Emma turned around to see Victoria grinning at them.

"So, this is where you were all this time?" Jenna asked, but it was more of a statement.

"I want to get more of a glimpse into Mary's love life."

"It's too bad their love won't last long." Emma sighed

"We should get back." Victoria quickly changed the subject and left just like that. Jenna and Emma exchanged a look to each other and walked off right behind Victoria, wondering what just happened and why Victoria just changed the subject and acted weird about the whole thing but they didn't question it.

...

MAY 13, 1540

Mary and Victoria were talking about what occurred last night and decided to reside in the Queen's room. Mary wanted to see the lovely and charming Duke again while Victoria wanted to more about him and the entire thing. She thinks it'll be useful to know why her friends and she are back in the past. After she hears everything she will tell her friends about the whole conversation. The two walked to meet the Queen and entered her room.

Victoria curtsied, "Your Majesty."

Anne smiled, "Lady Victoria, Lady Mary. Princess, did you talk to my cousin?" The Queen and Princess slowly walked toward the chairs.

"A little, yes." Came the reply as Victoria walked up to them quietly, listening to more of their conversation. Mary seemed very happy and Anne noticed it.

"I believe that he is such an intelligent man."

"I couldn't tell," Mary replied, trying to make it less obvious that she's interested in him but Anne can see right through her white lie.

"He's extremely good looking. He likes you a big deal." Anne grinned and Mary looked at her, hiding her happiness and joy. When her father sent her away she learned to his her emotions so most would say she's emotionless but she became that way to survive.

Mary sighed, "He barely knows me. We have nothing in common."

"For goodness sake, Mary, stop denying your undying love for the man," Victoria said which caused the girls to giggle.

Mary began to blush, "I'm not hiding anything."

Victoria smirked, "That blush says otherwise."

One of Anne's maids appears from the door, "Your Majesty, Duke Philip asks for an audience." Anne smiled, Victoria grinned and Mary seemed embarrassed for whatever reason. She's trying to hide her feelings but everyone can read right through her, well, everyone but the King because he doesn't know anything yet.

Mary turned to look at Anne, "I don't want to see him."

Anne looked at the curtains and held out her arm towards them, "Then go in there, quickly." Mary then grabbed Victoria's arm and dragged the protesting girl with her. When they were by the curtains, Mary pulled them together to hide Victoria and her. Anne smiled to herself seeing that Mary is shy to talk to him but Philip is a confident man and has a lot of interest in her. He'll find a way to talk to her. Duke Philip entered the room and bowed as Victoria and Mary looked through the curtains, hidden from sight and Anne walked over to hug her cousin, "Ah, Philip. My dear cousin."

The Duke of Bavaria smiled and hugged his cousin who is just as tall as him. "Majesty." Anne let go of the hug and they began to talk.

"How do you like this country?"

"I love it. I think I could happily live here. It's so beautiful, nothing like Bavaria."

Anne quickly changed the subject, "So, you've met Princess Mary?" She smiled as the two took a seat in chairs.

"It was just for a quick moment, but I relive that moment over and over again." The Duke began and Anne smiled to herself, feeling happy that she had her cousin and Henry's daughter and her stepdaughter find love, even if Mary won't admit it she knows the eldest Tudor daughter feels the same way her cousin does. Anne figured because of the lack of love and attention she got as a child she was just emotionless and afraid to show love. "I was told before that she was intelligent, charming, gracious, well-read. The true heir of Catherine of Aragon. A true Princess. But nothing prepared me for her beauty, her beauty on the outside and the inside." Mary looked down as he finished, "She's the most beautiful creature on God's earth."

Victoria quietly awed to herself as Anne smiled at her cousin. Mary just stared at the floor and looked up, a smile lit onto her face. She'll finally be happy. She'll get married, have kids and have her own reign, but a part of her knows her father won't allow it but she'll make it happen. At least she'll try too. All she wants is love. Victoria stared at her and smiled as Duke Philip and Anne hugged and she saw Philip leave the room, but Mary stayed where she was until she did the unexpected, she turned to Victoria and hugged her tightly, and Victoria hugged her back.

Meanwhile, Robert and Andrew entered the King's chambers on an order from his Majesty himself. Henry wants to talk to them and had Thomas deliver the message. The two stood before him as he glanced at them and got up off of his chair and away from his desk. He put his hands behind his back and stood in front of them, "I've called the two of you here to tell me about my new wife."

Robert and Andrew looked at each other and then at Henry, "Well, we want Charles to talk to her because he is loyal to you. He knows what's good for you and what isn't." Robert began.

Henry smiled, "You know him well, but I want to know what she looks like and what she's said about me."

"She's one of Anne's maid of honors," Robert said.

"Oh, really?"

"Yup."

"She's blonde, a few inches shorter than Anne of Cleves, she has blue eyes and she's seventeen." Andrew wiggled his eyebrows up and down for the last part.

Henry's eyes widened, "Seventeen? Wow, she must be very fertile."

"Oh, your Majesty, she will be. She told us herself she wants to make good to you. But let's wait until Charles sees her. He'll make a good judgment of her. If you're interested in then, you can see her after Jenna's party." Robert added.

Henry nodded and patted them on their shoulders, "Very well. Thank you, you two. I'll get another son to live on my legacy." He clapped his hands together. "Well, I've got paperwork to fill out. Tell Charles, the Duke of Suffolk I am very interested in this Katherine Howard."

"We will, your Majesty." Andrew and Robert bowed and then walked out. What did they just do? Were they supposed to tell him? He's the King of England, they had too, but what if it changes history? If anything, they were brought back to change it for a reason so them telling Henry about Katherine probably isn't a bad thing. But Henry will get what he deserves, either way, it's only a matter of time before he gets slapped in the face for his infidelities and he won't like it when Katherine and Thomas have an affair with each other. He'll see how it feels to be used, thrown around, treated like crap, and unloved.

...

MAY 20, 1540

8:00 A.M.

Andrew and Robert are with Charles outside the castle, waiting for Katherine Howard to meet them. They didn't want everyone knowing who the new Queen may be, so they have decided to meet her off of castle grounds so no one suspects anything. They saw a young girl with long blonde hair come up to them. Charles looked her up and down, "You must be Katherine Howard."

Katherine smiled and giggled, "Yes, I am."

"Where are you from originally?"

"I am from the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk. A lot of the girls there, including myself ran a little wild." She said seductively. Charles, Andrew, and Robert just stare at her. She is flirtatious alright, but it's Jenna's birthday today and they want it to be special for her. They see that she won't be grateful to Henry and he may not be grateful to her, but Charles wants her to be Queen.

"If you are up to date with current events, you would know it's Lady Hazel's birthday. We want it to be special for her. Anne and his Majesty will divorce after the party, so you will meet him then." Charles said and Katherine smiled and ran off. Andrew and Robert exchanged looks, seeing that everything is going to plan.

x

8:30 A.M.

Jenna woke up and stretched, letting out a yawn. She sat on her bed, trying to fully wake up until she was coincidentally interrupted by her friends running in and jumping on the bed, all of them hugging her at one time. "Happy birthday!" they screamed. Her eyes widened because she just woke up and have been so busy gathering clues to why they're here she totally forgot that today is her birthday.

Ha, how silly of me. "Thanks, guys!"

"Sixteen, eh?" Robert smirked and she nodded, "It's about time too." SHE went to slug him but he grabbed her wrist and engaged her in another hug. "Happy birthday, Blondie."

"Thanks, dick." she laughed then saw the look on Victoria's face. Robert and Jenna looked at each other and let go of one another, not wanting Victoria to murder the two of them. Emma and Andrew noticed and exchanged glances like they were up to something. It was an awkward two minutes.

The silence was interrupted when Thomas and Charles entered the room. They smiled at the birthday girl and bowed, "Lady Hazel—" Charles began.

"—Happy birthday," Thomas finished.

She got off her bed and hugged the both of them, "Thank you, I have the feeling that today will be a lot of fun."

"Oh it will be, Lady Hazel, just you wait." Thomas quietly smirked at her and she blushed. Her friends got up and greeted the two men but not before saying goodbye to Jenna and that they'll see her later. They then left with Charles and Jenna raised a brow. What secrets are they hiding?

She turned back to Thomas who is staring down at her, "Well, you must get ready now. You aren't decent yet. I am taking you out."

She raised a brow, "Where are you taking me?"

"Just for some quality time, my dear. Nothing dangerous. You do work for me and help me around the castle, I just want to give you a proper thank you, that is all."

She nodded her head, "Yes Thomas, I will get ready. Don't worry, I'll be quick about it. Give me about five minutes."

Thomas bowed his head, "Yes, my Lady." Then he walked out and closed the door and Jenna sped to her bathroom, brushing her teeth, washing her face, and brushing her hair. She went through all the dresses she has and decided on a simple light pink one. She never really wears pink but Thomas suggested that she get the dress because he said it would look good on her, but she hasn't worn it yet. She wanted to save it for a special time and boy was he right, it looks amazing on her. She put on some eye makeup and slipped on her shoes and exited my room, seeing Thomas fix his hair. He stopped when he saw her and grinned, "My Lady, isn't that the dress I picked out for you?"

"Yes, it is. I wanted to save it for a special time and well, today is special."

Thomas smiled and took her hand and they walked out of his room with people bowing or giving a curtsy and saying happy birthday to Jenna, who said "thank you" to all of them. Today feels so magical. Thomas led her outside and they went into a carriage and rode off away from the castle, into a guarded forest that belongs to the castle. After they exited the forest, they saw a cliff with trees, flowers, and a beautiful view. If they looked up, there was the sky but down below was a beautiful river with people settled before it playing, laughing, and living their life. The people below are oblivious to Thomas and Jenna. Jenna took a seat with her legs hanging off the cliff and Thomas took a seat next to her.

"Do you like it?"

She turned to Thomas, "I love it. It's so beautiful. Why does Henry have it guarded?"

Thomas leaned in, "This is a hunting ground. He uses it to hunt but to practice or ride around with friends. It's like a secret passageway to the castle."

"You mean like a shortcut?"

"Precisely, but the only thing is that people that don't live in the castle of aren't friends of his Majesty may be executed for using it. Everyone knows that it's guarded and no one dares to go through it." Jenna nodded, showing that she understands and Thomas took a small beautifully wrapped gold box out of his pocket and handed it to her. She opened it and gasped, it's a gold necklace with her initials carved into it. It also says in small writing, 'From a loyal friend, T.C.' "Do you like it, my Lady?"

"Like it? I love it!" she squealed

Thomas gently took the necklace from her hands and placed it around her neck, it felt cold against me. I feel like I'm in a romance movie. Thomas leaned in close, "Happy birthday, Hazel." His arm slithered around her waist, and then he hugged her.

She smiled up at him, "Thanks Thomas, I had fun being alone with you." That came out wrong.

Thomas raised a brow and smirked, "I'm happy to hear that." He leaned in closer to her and Jenna became paralyzed. It seems like he's going to kiss her. But isn't he too old? He is young but in her era, he'd be put in jail and labeled a pedophile or a sex offender, but this is a different time period. If he does kiss her, no one has to know about it. She leaned in a bit too but all of a sudden, one of Thomas' friends rode by and the neigh of his horse catches their attention.

"Come on, lovebirds. Henry wants to see the two of you. He said its urgent." His friend seems to have caught on to what they were just about to do.

The two lovebirds looked at each other but not before blushing and got on a horse, riding back to the castle. If Henry needs to see us immediately then it can't be good. It's my birthday today! Today has to be perfect, and it's even bigger because I'm sixteen now! Only two more years until I'm an adult. I feel so old. They got to the castle and went inside. Jenna looked around seeing that the castle is empty. There is no one in the hallways and she is getting a bit worried. What's happening? They turned a corner with Thomas' friend in front of them and stopped at a door where two guards were standing before them.

"Hazel Goldwine, their Majesties need to see you immediately." one boomed

She gulped, wondering what she did wrong. They opened the doors and there was a loud "Happy birthday, Hazel!" She gasped, seeing the entire castle in the beautifully decorated room. Henry and Anne are with Mary at the front, sitting on their thrones and smiling at her, and her hand went to her mouth in shock. "Hazel!" Her friends shouted and ran over to her, engaging her in a group hug.

"Guys," she teared up, "you had me scared for a second! This is amazing! Thank you so much!"

"You can thank us by dancing till you die!" Victoria shouted and music began to play. People filled the dance floor while Jenna got something to eat. Victoria and Emma came running up to her, "Happy sixteenth girl."

Jenna smiled, "Thanks, Victoria."

"If we were back home, would you be having a sweet sixteen?" Emma asked her.

"Most likely not. I'm not huge on parties."

"That's why you're so smart." She heard from behind her and turned to see Robert and Andrew.

Jenna smirked at Robert, "It's nice to know you think so highly of me."

He slugged her, "It's your birthday, I'll let you get away with that comment." She let out a laugh and the two of them proceeded to the dance floor and started dancing like weirdos, but people began to follow their lead and the party went from modern and conservative to like a rock concert. Jenna was talking to people in the room, learning more about Henry's courtiers and friends, trying to find any lead to why they may be here but so far she has found nothing. She decided to take a break and enjoy her party but is trying her best to avoid the center because she can't do the type of dancing that was popular in the 1500's.

She saw someone coming up to her and turned to see that it's Thomas. "Hey, Thomas!" she greeted.

"Hello, Hazel, how are you enjoying your party?"

"It's amazing! Thank you!" Jenna hugged him and he returned it. At that moment, the music changed and everyone began to grab a partner. Thomas took her arm, "Let's dance."

"What?"

"Let's dance," he repeated.

"Thomas, I don't know how too."

He smiled, "I'll teach you." Jenna turned to see Robert drag Victoria to the floor and Emma walked out with Andrew holding onto her wrist. Aw, that's adorable. Thomas led her to the dance floor and they were in the center. He took her hand and they moved in, almost touching one another and then away from one another. Jenna just looked around to see what everyone else was doing so that she can do it right and not make a fool out of herself, especially on her birthday. Everyone began walking in small circles with their partners and Thomas and she did the same. The people changed partners and she coincidentally got Robert as her partner, Victoria got Charles, and Emma got Thomas.

"Hey birthday girl," Robert grabbed her hand and put an arm around her waist. They began to dance in circles, "Enjoying yourself?"

"Yes, I am, thank you."

He then saw her necklace, "Where'd you get that necklace?" He's the first of her friends to notice.

"Thomas gave it to me."

Robert smirked, "He likes you, Jenna." She heard her real name for the first time in months, and it felt weird to hear it again. "It's so obvious that he does. And I think you like him too. You've forgotten all about Tristan, haven't ya?"

"Not entirely." She whispered as he grabbed her waist, lifted her up, and put her down. They danced in circles again, holding onto one another. Someone has been practicing.

Robert stared at her, "Jenna, it's okay to have an interest. He's a good looking man, I'll say that myself but he's a lot older. And don't forget the reason we're here."

"Look, maybe if I get extremely close to him I'll find out more about the affair," Jenna whispered, hoping no one heard me. "I don't know if I actually like him, but I will say that he's very handsome. I've talked to some people here, nothing seems out of sort or suspicious."

"We have to wait until Katherine and Henry marry." They looked over to see Katherine dancing with a tall, dark-haired man but kept staring at the king. Robert looked at Jenna, "Good luck with it."

Then just like that, they switched partners like everyone else. She got Thomas again while Emma got Robert and Victoria got Andrew. Jenna glanced at Mary who was dancing with Duke Philip but not before he groaned and walked out of the room with Mary following him and saying, "Philip, I'm so, so sorry, Philip." Then they disappeared. Jenna looked over at the king who raised a brow at the scene that happened with Duke Philip and Mary but turned away to Anne and they began talking. They're up to something and Jenna is going to find out what it is but first, she is going to enjoy the rest of her party.

It was after Jenna's party that the servants were left to clean up and Mary and Duke Philip came by. Mary smiled at him, realizing that she is interested in him. A few hours ago, they were dancing that Jenna's party and he claimed to have been stepped on her. It was all a lie to be alone and they kissed. They then left, forgetting the party and having some fun. Mary replayed everything in her head over and over again. The Duke smiled at her and bowed his head, "Good night, Princess."

"Good night, Your Grace." She whispered and with that, he smiled at her again and left the room slowly, leaving her there to smile at him as he walked off. Mary turned around and quickly ran to her room, feeling her face heat up. She breathed in and out and felt happy because she has a man in her life.

Meanwhile, Henry is in his room, on his bed. He let out a yawn as his door opened to reveal Charles, the Duke of Suffolk. "Your Majesty, I don't mean to intrude, but I've got a guest for you."

Henry nodded his head, "Let them in."

Charles moved aside and a young, long blonde haired girl stepped inside, smiling at him flirtatiously. His eyes nearly gouged out of his head and he looked her up and down. Charles smirked and said, "This is Katherine Howard, the girl you've been told about." Henry just stared at her and she sat down by him. "I'll leave you two at it." Charles then closed the door and left quickly. The two just stared at each other and were about to kiss when someone barged in. The two pulled away to see one of the King's servants at the door.

Henry smiled at Katherine and put his arm around her tiny waist, "Katherine, my dear, I've got to talk to one of my servants." His hand went even lower and she didn't seem to care, "Please excuse me." Before Katherine could say anything, the servant and the King went into another room and closed the door.

Katherine puffed and crossed her arms, "Stupid servant."

Henry faced his servant. The servant was one of his less popular and talkative ones. A few hours ago, he saw Duke Philip and Mary leave the party and had this particular servant do some digging for him. He wants to know what's going on. "Well, what did you find?"

"He pretended that Mary stepped on him to get them alone. He then kissed her and they walked off down the hallway. I quietly followed and they went to her room. She then closed the door."

Henry tried his best to keep his cool. If the Duke and his daughter Mary had sex or did anything sexual he will not tolerate it. "I am the King and I will choose who she will be with. We don't know for sure what they did in her room but I have a good guess she gave away the one thing that made her pure. He is a Lutheran and she shall not marry one!" He shouted, "He's to be sent away in the morning."

The servant bowed, "Yes, anything Your Majesty." Then he sped out before Henry could say anything else. Henry looked up at the ceiling, feeling his blood boil and tamed himself from throwing objects and screaming. He will not allow his daughter to run around with who she pleases and if she does, he won't ever allow the man to be a heretic.

...

MAY 21, 1540

The next morning consisted of Mary waking up in a great mood and quickly getting ready to meet Anne and tell her everything that has happened with the Duke and her. She quietly walked toward the door of her room but not before quietly laughing to herself at the sight of Victoria, who is fast asleep on the couch, a foot and arm sticking off the couch. She ran down the empty hallways because the servants are getting up around this time and are getting ready and ran to Anne's room. She knocked and one of the maids opened it and she pushed past, seeing Anne sitting on a chair with a grim look on her face.

"Anne, I have much to tell you." Mary's eyes glistened, but her heart skipped a beat when the Queen looked up and gave her a sorrowed look. "Your Majesty, what is the matter? Why do you seem so sad?"

Anne looked up at her, "Princess, sit down next to me. I have...some news to tell you." Mary turned to see the nearest chair and quickly sat in it. Anne stood up and continued, "Duke Philip has been sent a message earlier this morning by one of the King's servants. He's been sent back to Bavaria." Mary's eyes widened and felt her heart tear. "Your father, the King, requested for him to be sent away. I am so sorry. I cannot explain, I don't know the reason but when I find out-"

Mary stood up quickly and faced her, "No, there's no need to explain or to find out why Philip was sent away. It is of little matter. Your cousin, the Duke, was charming but he is a Lutheran and I am a Catholic. We would have never been able to marry if we wanted too." She gave a small curtsy and slowly walked out of the room as Anne looked at her leave. Anne felt horrible and she can tell Mary's upset but knows the girl hides her emotions which isn't good for her to do. Mary left the room and walked slowly down the hallway, tears coming down her eyes. She looked down at the floor and then looked up with her eyes narrowed and her hands clench into fists. She'll find out the meaning of this.

Concurrently, Jenna is in her room and on her bed with her friends. They were talking about yesterdays party but got off topic when Andrew and the girls saw the necklace that Thomas got Jenna. Victoria held it gently in her hands and demanded to know where she got it and when Jenna told her Thomas gave it to her, Victoria squealed and told the girl, "He likes you!"

"That's what I said."

"And you like him," Emma added

"That's also what I said," Robert repeated

Jenna blushed, "I'm not here to be set up with a man a lot older than me and marry him. We're here to know more about the affair." She whispered the last part loudly just in case Culpeper is outside the room.

"Speaking of the affair," Victoria turned to the boys, "Did Katherine meet Henry?"

The two nodded and Andrew spoke, "We told him but before the party, he requested that he saw her after. Charles said he'd bring her."

Jenna clapped her hands together, "Well done boys, that's all done." then she smiled sheepishly, "Now all we have to do is wait for them to get married."

Andrew raised a brow, "When do they marry again? I forgot."

Jenna gulped, knowing they won't like the response, "July 28th, 1540."

"Oh no! I'm not waiting an extra two fucking months for them to marry, just so they can screw around." Robert threw his hands up in the air and they all jumped at the sudden reaction.

"Then there must be a way to convince him to marry her soon," Andrew concluded.

"We've got to speed it up. The sooner they marry the sooner we can figure everything out and get out of here," Emma added.

Victoria quickly changed the subject, "Did you guys see the guy Mary went off with last night?" She wiggled her eyebrows up and down.

"Yeah, we saw them and apparently someone else did too," Andrew added.

"What are you talking about?" Victoria asked.

"Well, I've never seen him before but one of the King's servants followed them."

The girls exchanged looks and sped out of Jenna's room but not before the boy's follower after them. The five of them saw Mary walking angrily to her father's room and they took cover by a wall. They saw her barged into Henry's room and saw his servants standing before him. They were dismissed immediately and ran off out of sight but Thomas and Charles didn't seem to be there. Henry stared at his daughter who glared at him with clenched fists. "What's wrong, Mary dear?"

"What's wrong? What's wrong?" She shouted, "You know exactly what is wrong! You sent him away! Why? Why, father? Why would you do that to me?" Her voice got tiny and she began to shake. Jenna and her friends gasped at the sight of Mary.

Henry wrapped his arms around her shoulders and hugged her tightly, "Calm down, my love. He is a Lutheran, a heretic. We hate heretics."

Mary shoved him off of her and he stared at her astonished, "I don't care if you hated him! Yes, he was a Lutheran but Anne taught me that religion doesn't matter when you love someone! That's right, father, I love him and felt that we'd be together forever, but you ruined it! Now no man will ever want me because you'll send them away! I will die alone in my filth and loneliness, and it's all because of you!" She sneered and turned around to leave but not before facing him and whispering, "I hope you're happy." Then she ran off, tears flowing down her face, memories of her time spent with the Duke and the only memories of her mother flooding her head.

People heard the commotion and just stared in awe at the scene that just stood before them. Henry stood in his place, not knowing what to say but he sure did feel guilty. Thomas and Charles stood farther away and looked down in shame to Henry for what he did but Jenna and her friends, on the other hand, didn't come out of their hiding spot. They huddled closer together and were astonished at what just happened. Mary Tudor, the eldest Tudor child, certainly left everyone speechless but what no one knows is how Henry found out about Mary's love, and if they knew that Henry found out, who told him, and why?