Chapter IX

January, 1552

Courtiers gasped as they saw the Austrian Archduchesses – including Katherine – enter the feasting hall, bedecked with jewels and splendour.

Ever since Arthur's ascendance as king of England, the courtiers have adjusted to seeing the royal women dressed in plainer gowns than the royal women of previous generations. Some were surprised to see Katherine in such a bejewelled attire after all the simple gowns she wore while she was a princess of Lancaster in England.

Not even the – now ten year old – Queen of Scots wore such fine gowns during the Anglo-Scottish celebrations two years ago.

"Well!" Anne whispered into Mary's ear as they stood up to greet their imperial guests. "Who knew your daughter enjoyed wearing beautiful clothes so much?"

"Marriage changes people," said Mary sadly.

"Yes. For the better or the worse?"

"You changed for the better. If you do not mind me saying, you learnt the lesson of marriage with a tyrant like Henry VIII." She smiled bitterly. "I did not know my own daughter would change after marriage to be a more materialistic-valued princess. All my children had everything they needed. I thought Katherine was happy, but it seems I was wrong. Perhaps I was wrong to marry Katherine to Archduke Maximilian. It might have been wiser if I married her off to an English duke; she wouldn't be tempted by materialistic goods like jewels and beautiful gowns."

"Hmm. I doubt your Katherine would've changed that much. I suppose she was a little overwhelmed by the magnificence of the Austrian Court and was gifted many gowns and jewels by her father-in-law and husband. Besides, isn't she mother to two children and is pregnant with another? Give her the benefit of the doubt, Mary. She would not have changed that much."

"I hope you are right."

The two women smiled as the imperial party approached them.

"Your Imperial Highnesses," said Arthur, nodding at them politely. "It is an honour to offer you our hospitality and I hope you will find your rooms to your satisfaction. Come, dear relatives." He gestured to the empty seats to his left. "We shall feast together."

Maximilian smiled. Holding Katherine's hand, they went to sit beside Arthur, the three other Archduchesses behind them. With another nod from Arthur, the court musicians began playing soft music and the feast began.

"You remember your cousin, my wife, Katherine?" spoke Maximilian. "May I introduce you to my sisters, Archduchesses Catharina, Eleanora and Margaret?" His sisters nodded to Arthur as each of their names were mentioned.

"You have beautiful sisters," complimented Arthur.

"Thank you, my lord king."

"Please, call me 'Arthur'. We are family after all."

"Very well, you may call me 'Maximilian'."

The King and the Archduke smiled at each other, both their minds reeling with politics and wonder of the other's plans. Even though Arthur was taught and given experience in politics, he was still considered by other rulers as a new player to the game of politics, and it was clear that Maximilian had the advantage as he was Arthur's senior by eight years and familiar with the skills of politics.

"I heard you are pregnant again," Arthur remarked to Katherine. "Do you think it will be an archduke or archduchess this time?"

"I hope for either," answered Katherine, wondering if he was still infatuated with her. "My father-in-law will want another grandson, but I will be perfectly happy with another little archduchess. If it is a girl, I plan to name her Maria after my mother." Her eyes briefly met Mary's, before she continued, "If I do have another son, I will name him Maximilian, after my husband."

"I do not mind if it is a son or daughter either," claimed Maximilian. "I will be pleased with a bonny child my dearest jewel can give me. Healthy children are all that matters, isn't it? I already have my heir – young Ferdinand – and I have plenty of brothers to continue the Habsburg lineage. If Katherine will give me another dozen sons, I promise one of them will be named Arthur, after you." He smiled. "I heard you had a soft spot for your dear cousin."

Katherine froze.

"Indeed I did," agreed Arthur, flattered at the idea of having a future archduke named after him. "I have a soft spot for all my cousins and siblings."

"You have always been a chivalrous cousin," said Katherine, forcing herself to laugh. "How is dear Eleanor? I heard she is no longer afraid of Elizabeth!"

"It is true! A miracle I believe! And it is all thanks to your brother."

"My brother?" She looked at her brothers Hal, Georgie and Ned sitting in front of the first table closest to the high table. "Which one?"

"Hal. He has been spending some time with Eleanor and I have decided – with the permission of my mother and your parents – to betroth Hal to her. It will join our family closer and Eleanor will not have to leave for a different kingdom. With Hal's help, Eleanor has been talking to Elizabeth quite often and has spoken highly of Hal. I am extremely grateful to him, hence I offered him Eleanor's hand in marriage. I plan for them to wed a year after I marry the Queen of Scots."

"You are content with your sister married to an English prince?" questioned Maximilian.

Arthur nodded. "I value and reward those loyal to me. Besides, Hal of Lancaster is no ordinary English prince. He is your brother-in-law and heir to the dukedoms of Richmond and Wiltshire from his lord father and the royal dukedom of Lancaster from his lady mother. He is the heir of the richest and most powerful Duke and Duchess in the realm and is eligible to marry a royal princess."

"My lord king," said Catharina sweetly. "Forgive me for the interruption, but I will be greatly honoured to dance with you."

Maximilian shot her an irritated look.

"Of course," said Arthur graciously. "I will be honoured to dance with such a beautiful archduchess like yourself too. On my word of honour, I will dance with you first."

Catharina gave him the broadest and most seductive smile she could muster, which was instantly noticed by the sharp-eyed Anne.

"She just smiled at him!" Anne hissed at Mary.

Mary arched an eyebrow. "That is what people do. Who are you referring to anyway?"

"Archduchess Catharina! Look at her! That is not the smile a visiting princess would give a hospitable king! That is the look-" She stopped herself as she saw Mary's slightly bemused expression. "Oh, very well," she said grumpily. "I know a couple of tricks from France, and my sister told me a few during her tenure as Henry VIII's mistress. One thing I learnt in France was how to spot the difference between smiles towards the King. I admit I tried it out..." Her voice trailed off as Mary stifled a snort.

"Relax a little," Mary advised her. "You are clinging too tightly to the King. He is a man of honour, and he will not fall for Catharina or any of his sisters. We have installed chivalry into him since he was young, and as he is betrothed to the Queen of Scots, he will not break it. I know he won't."

"I don't like it."

"Of course you wouldn't. I hope the news about Elizabeth will brighten your mood."

Anne looked at her curiously. "What news?"

Mary smiled. "Ah, I see you do not know! Not only is she pregnant for the third time, but Arthur plans to bestow more lands and titles on her husband and on Elizabeth. Lord Leicester has many brothers and a living father, but Arthur views Robert as a brother and an extremely loyal subject and thinks a mere earldom was not enough."

"Oh? Will the other nobles be envious and plot against him?"

"Ah, our quick-minded Arthur has thought of that too. Here in England, we have the Order of the Garter and the Order of the Rose. He has decided to create the King's Cross, an order for the most loyal people to the crown, with a limit of five per special occasion."

"Isn't that similar to the Order of the Garter?"

"In a way, but it is for the staunchest supporters and the most devoted subjects. Arthur has already shown me the designs of the award and it will be a rare sight. There's no doubt after Elizabeth gives birth to her child, that Arthur will give him a marquessate – or a dukedom perhaps – and bequeath an earldom or maybe a marquessate on Elizabeth. I thought of giving her my title 'Princess Royal', but it will not be long before Arthur has his own daughter, and the title will be more suited to her. What do you think of the news? I hope you are less alert about the archduchesses now."

"Hmmph. Arthur is being quite generous to Elizabeth. I wonder if he'll give Eleanor titles of her own when she marries Hal."

"That won't be necessary. Hal will inherit many titles."

"Are you sure?"

"I suppose when the time comes, we shall see. It seems all I talk about everyday is either politics or my sons' inheritances or our daughters' betrothals. In a way, I will be relieved when Arthur turns eighteen in August and becomes king more than in name."

"What will happen if he decides to go to war?"

Mary grumbled, "I suppose I will have to be Lady Protector again. I knew ruling a kingdom wouldn't be easy, but I cannot believe I'm saying I will be glad to relinquish my power in a few months. George has suggested a visit to Navarre for relaxation purposes."

"What a brilliant idea! I wonder how the new Queen Regnant of Navarre is."

"I hope she is as pleasant as her mother."

"Oh look, it seems Arthur has decided to dance early." The two women watched as Arthur stood up, taking Catharina's hand and leading her to the dance floor.

"She's smiling at him again," Mary noted. "What type of smile is that, Anne? I never knew my Austrian cousins were taught in the ways of a seductress."

Anne scowled. "Well, her efforts are futile. He is not interested in her. However, he does seem quite infatuated with her sister, Archduchess Eleanora."

"Your Majesty?"

Anne whipped her head around and saw Archduchess Margaret standing beside her.

"Your Imperial Highness," Anne said, forcing herself to smile kindly. "I believe you know your dear cousin, the Lady Protector?"

"Indeed," said Archduchess Margaret sweetly, smiling at Mary before returning to Anne. "I wish to thank you for being such a hospitable hostess, Your Majesty. Our chambers are impeccable and could be only arranged by a beautiful royal lady of your calibre."

"Oh..." Anne was speechless. "Well...thank you."

"This palace is so beautiful. Our castles in Austria are not as lovely as this one. Did you help build it, Your Majesty? It is honestly a charming place. I cannot wait to see the gardens!"

Mary smothered a laugh as she saw Anne's bewildered expression. This will be one interesting feast, she thought, sipping her goblet of wine. Finally something Anne did not expect or know!


After Arthur danced with Archduchesses Catharina and Eleanora, his younger sisters and female cousins, he finally had the chance to request a moment alone with his mother.

"What is it?" said Anne, slightly relieved to end her conversation with the cheery and sweet-faced Archduchess Margaret. "Could it not wait until after the feast?"

"A certain...matter, has been concerning me," began Arthur. "it is to do with Guillame de Luil. Before you say anything, I want you to swear to me on your life that whatever you say about him is the truth and nothing but the truth."

"Um...very well. I swear on my life that whatever I speak will be the truth."

"Thank you, Mother. Who is Guillame de Luil?"

"He is a servant of Lord Berkshire."

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Is that all?"

"What else is there to say?" said Anne, a little defensive. "He is a servant! I don't know why you are concerned with him, but-"

"I understand your jealousy to any...extramarital children my father may have had, but that does not give you the right to pretend they are only servants and maids." A flash of anger appeared in his eyes that sent a shimmer of fear through Anne's spine. "Guillame de Luil is no ordinary servant," he continued, much to Anne's discomfort. "I've discovered why you, the Lady Protector, and about almost everyone else at Court wishes to keep from me for some odd reason: Guillame de Luil is my half-brother, as are his siblings (Henri and Isabelle) from the French woman Isabelle de Luil. I also found out that the de Luils are wards of the Ropers, who are related to the More family."

Half of Anne wanted to scream that it was Mary's idea to give the wardships of the de Luils to the Ropers, but she knew it would not help her case.

"The Ropers are quite educated," said Anne hopefully.

"They are loyal to you," said Arthur plainly. "I don't care about that, but Guillame told me that he used to be my servant before I was injured. He also said it was under your orders for him to be transferred to Lord Berkshire's household so Master Thomas Roper can serve me. You always wanted me to be honest and kind to people of all stations, but I cannot overlook what you – and the Lady Protector – have done. It shames me to think my own half-brother served me! Tell me the truth, Mother. Why do you hate my illegitimate half-siblings with such a passion that you would deem them as my servants?!"

"I did not deem them all as servants! I insisted on your late half-brother's daughter – Elizabeth Fitzroy – to inherit his property!"

"She is a Fitzroy. You hate the de Luils."

"Your father vowed to love me, but he favoured that French harlot and her offspring! He would've loved them more than you! He would've declared them his legitimate heirs and placed them in the line of succession if he didn't die a disgraced and hated king!"

"Mother, your passion had clouded your judgement," he told her gently. "You are clever, and you know deep inside that what you have done was wrong. It was your hatred that convinced you it was right to declare them servants. I forgive you, but I beg of you, do not ever do it again. Whether it is to my illegitimate children – if I have any – or Edmund's, I want you to treat them with kindness. The de Luils must be compensated for their troubles."

"If that is what you want."

"I have decided to announce to the Court that I claim the de Luils as my illegitimate half-siblings and they will no longer be servants. I heard the second de Luil brother – Henri – has decided to pursue a career in the church, and I will recommend him as the successor to the Abbot of Shrewsbury Abbey. Mistress Isabelle will marry Sir Henry Ughtred (son of Elizabeth Cromwell (née Seymour), Baroness Cromwell and her first husband, Sir Anthony Ughtred) and I will provide her with a generous dowry and bestow a barony upon Sir Henry Ughtred. As for Guillame, he will be restored to his earldom and married to my cousin, Lady Mary Brandon, as wished by my late father."

Anne stared at him, horrified. "No! You cannot restore Guillame to the earldom of Nottingham! The people will not accept it! He is the son of a traitor!"

Arthur reconsidered. "Very well," he decided. "He will be Viscount Hereford and marry Margaret Roper's niece, Mistress Alice More, to cement peace between the two families. Perhaps when the de Luils show further loyalty to me and England, I will grant him the earldom of Nottingham."

"I suppose that is wise."

"I want you to inform the de Luils of my wishes."

"What?"

"Tomorrow morning, you will summon them for an audience and tell them you apologise for treating them so poorly. You will inform them of their compensation – with my agreement of course – and say you will accept them as part of the family."

"You wish for me to be humiliated." She could not help but glare bitterly at Arthur.

"There is another option," said Arthur calmly. "You go on a pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral and then retire to Kimbolten Castle for a few months until I invite you back to Court."

"Are you planning to exile me?!"

"Do you regret treating the de Luils like servants?"

"What if I choose exile?"

Arthur thought for a while. "I will tell the de Luils myself, and you will not be invited to Court until you apologise to them meaningfully. I do not wish to treat you like this, but you gave me no choice. As long as you remain in exile, no one from Court – including the Lady Protector – is to keep contact with you. If I find out anyone disobeys and speaks or writes to you, he or she will be punished. It sounds harsh, but I cannot allow courtiers to see me as weak."

"What about the Lady Protector?"

"Once I am eighteen in August, I will reprimand her. I want to know why she also agreed to treat her own half-siblings as servants."

"May I think about it?"

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "I don't know why you need to think about it for more than a minute, but you have until the end of the feast to decide. If you must mention it to the Lady Protector, so be it, but I rather the courtiers find out tomorrow."

"Very well. Whatever the de Luils have told you, are all lies! There's one thing I'm certain Guillame de Luil did not tell you: he tried to kill you."

Arthur sighed. "Mother...this is not the time for you to accuse others-"

"No! It is Guillame who almost killed you! I am your mother! Why would I lie?!"

Arthur turned to leave, but he stopped and looked back at his mother. "I will have it investigated," he said flatly. "However, Guillame will still receive his viscountcy and betrothal to Alice More, Henri will still be successor to the Abbot of Shrewsbury Abbey and Isabelle will still be married to Sir Henry Ughtred. If Guillame did indeed commit high treason and try to assassinate me, I will have him arrested and put on trial, nothing more and nothing less."

Anne huffed and hurried back to her seat, fuming.

"Is anything the matter, Your Majesty?" said Archduchess Margaret innocently.

Looking at her, Anne wondered if it was possible for any princess or royal lady to be so sweet, optimistic and delightful without a purpose in mind.


By the time the younger courtiers were sent to bed, Mary had already been informed of the news regarding Anne and Guillame.

She immediately went to Anne and asked her, "What will you do?"

"I will choose exile," muttered Anne, her hand shaking as she reached for another goblet of wine. "I will not apologise to that imbecile de Luil. I rather stay in isolation in Kimbolten Castle for the rest of my life than apologise and offer compensation to the damn de Luils."

"You will never survive two days away from Court news, and Arthur told me himself that none of us will be allowed to contact you. That includes me."

"I cannot apologise."

"You must!"

"No." Anne sighed. "It is too humiliating for me. Can you do me a huge favour? I promise I will return the favour whenever you need it, no matter how large your favour."

Mary looked at her warily. "What is it?"

"Talk to Arthur on my behalf. Please. Make him see sense that apologising to the de Luils will not help in any case. Ask Elizabeth to help convince him if you must. If you save me from a pilgrimage, exile or apologising to the damn de Luils, I'll be in your debt. I will do anything for you, even if you wish for one of your daughters to marry Arthur."

"I...I don't want any of my daughters to be Queen of England. I want Scotland and England unified, and that can only be done through marriage between Arthur and the Queen of Scots."

"Of course. Can you please talk to Arthur on my behalf?"

"Very well. If we both end up exiled and George becomes his regent for the next few months...that will not be favourable for you."

"I cannot believe my own son wishes to exile me."

"It is Guillame and his venomous tongue. I will go and converse to Arthur, but I cannot promise you anything. If he refuses to budge from his judgement, I cannot do anything about it. If you end up exiled in Kimbolten Castle, you must know I tried."

Anne nodded, muttering a quick prayer.

A second before the next dance – a jaunty galliard – began, Mary gracefully grabbed Arthur and led him to the dance floor before Archduchess Catharina could ask to dance with him for the third time.

"Shouldn't you dance with your husband?" inquired Arthur, slightly amused.

"George is conversing with Lord Arundel," answered Mary. "He hopes to gain Lord Arundel's younger daughter as our ward."

"I see. Why do you suddenly wish to dance, and with me of all people? Do you want me to instruct Lord Arundel to accept Uncle George's offer? I can certainly do that, as I still need to discuss some matters with Lord Arundel." He smiled. "Besides, what kind of nephew will I be if I do not help my good aunt and uncle obtain the wardship of their future daughter-in-law?"

"I think George is doing fine at the moment...I wish to discuss your mother's exile."

Arthur's smile disappeared and was replaced with a disappointed frown. "My lady mother chose exile over an apology," he murmured sadly. "I must admit, I am not surprised. She reminds me of Elizabeth, and Elizabeth will never give in so easily."

"Please reconsider it," pleaded Mary. "You do not know your mother. She is armoured by wit, but can be easily upset – especially when the love of her life was stolen by a conniving whore. Believe me, she deserved to have revenge on that woman. Perhaps condemning her children to servitude was a little too harsh, but she was punished throughout her marriage with our father. If there is a single woman that is worthy enough to have retribution against those who wronged her, it would be your mother. She would never insult anyone without an extremely good reason, I promise you."

Arthur sighed and twirled her for the last time in the dance.

"I suppose I was too harsh," he said finally, bowing to her. "She will remain at Court as the Queen Mother and retain her position and honours on one condition I will not change: she must attend the meeting in the throne room tomorrow morning and embrace the three de Luils as her stepchildren and members of our family."


Hopefully after another chapter or two, I will have a time jump of a few months :) Thanks for the reviews and all ideas welcome! :D