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Chapter 10

Mary nervously smoothed out her dress, she couldn't stop her hands from trembling so she gripped the fabric of her amethyst coloured gown. Her dark hair was pulled back in a French chignon with lose dark strands framing her face and she wore a simple pearly headdress.

Chapuys glanced at her and he couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked. She definitely is one that could stand out in court. Mary and the Duke make for a pretty pair and knowing how popular her husband was her beauty could be cause for challenges with ambitious women in court. Would they see her as a threat? How would she fair? He wondered as a strong sense of protectiveness washed over him. There was so much he could protect her from but he had to trust the Duke. It wasn't easy for Chapuys to hand her over to the Duke knowing what kind of philander he was but the past year he noticed changes in him, positive ones.

"My Lady?" He called.

Mary slightly cocked her head in his direction. "Yes, your grace?"

"Are you alright?"

She sighed but gave him a small assuring smile. "I will be."

"You know the order. You must not reveal your identity yet."

"Yes."

"You will be eventually be joined with the Duke of Suffolk and introduced as his wife. But not tonight until his majesty decides when is appropriate."

"Why did his Majesty invite me now?"

"If I had known any better I would say he intends to use you as a passive aggressive threat against the whore. They have not been getting along very well recently."

Mary stood stunned. "Because of a game?"

"I'm afraid so my Lady." He held out his arm to her. "Now, remember you will introduce yourself as Mary and nothing more."

"What if they ask for my last name? Can't I say Tudor or Brandon?"

"Neither, perhaps something Spanish?" He joked lightly trying to brighten up the mood.

She smiled at his suggestion taking his arm. "I don't think Aragon or Castile would make me any friends,"

He shook his head. "Bran. Mary Bran."

"Mary Bran, "She sounded out.

They stayed silent for a moment, knowing they couldn't stand there forever. Mary squeezed his arm as he placed his hand over her for support.

"Do not worry. You will be fine." He assured again before leading her towards the next room.

When the door opened she was instantly hit with nostalgia. Mary hesitated before continuing, her heart-began to beat uncontrollably and she suddenly felt her face grow hot. A part of her really wanted to run away and go back home, back to her son but another part of did not want to because she missed this. It was her home at one point.

Chapuys led Mary to a chair and sat with her before but before he said a word, a young servant boy whispered something to his ear. He instantly looked at Mary apologetically. "Forgive me my Lady but I must excuse myself for a moment."

Mary wanted to ask him not to leave her, to take her with him but instead she found herself nodding. She reached for her cup of wine and drank out of it while she observed the atmosphere looking for Charles. No one approached her which she was grateful for because she really did not want to speak to anyone and have to tell them her name. It was all nerve-wrecking for her but she couldn't help a group of young girls around her age looking at her and whisper to each other, Mary decided to smile at them but was met with scowls. Feeling embarrassed Mary pulled back her loose strands of hair and took another long sip of wine.

She didn't know how long she sat alone but she felt someone sit beside her. Mary turned her head and found herself staring into warm hazel-green eyes, the young man with pale milky skin, he looked to be 28 and had handsome face with a strong jaw, thick groomed eyebrows, straight nose and golden blonde hair that was nicely coiffed. He wore wine red breeches with black leather coat that was adorned long gold chain that indicated to Mary he was a high class nobleman. The young man smiled brightly at Mary who couldn't help but look down coyly, she never met with many men outside Chapuys and Charles and he made her nervous. She instantly noticed how closely he sat beside her as his long legs lazily sprawled in front of him. Something about his relaxed demeanor made her uneasy and instead gripped her cup for another sip.

"Do you dance my lady?" He asked his voice was low and smooth looking at her with interest.

"No. I am not much of a dancer I'm afraid." Well it was not a complete lie; she hadn't dance since she was a child.

His face fell a little at her reply. "What a shame."

She gave him a small apologetic smile and continued to stare at her cup.

"What do you like?" The man asked cocking his head closer to her while watching couples dancing.

Mary snapped her head back to look at him. "Books."

He raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Books? Perhaps that is why I never came across you at these sorts of things. You prefer to be in a library."

"Actually your grace, this is my first time here at court." Another lie and it gnawed at Mary.

"Ah now that makes things clear. Here I was thinking why a beautiful girl like had been undetected from us."

She flushed and felt her face grow hot. Mary was never use to compliments and never saw herself as particularly beautiful. "You exaggerate your grace."

The man sighed and frowned disapprovingly. "Is it so difficult to accept a compliment?"

Mary sat stunned at his words and went blank.

"You are lovely." He told her gently, his warm eyes showed a genuineness that made Mary uncomfortable. She shifted in her seat and looked away.

"Thank you, sir." Unable to look at him, the intensity of his stare was making her even more nervous. She hated how her inexperience with men made her seem so naive and stupid. Growing up she always saw how seasoned ladies of the court knew how to fend off and trap admirers. But Mary quickly realized that she was not the kind to engage men in such a matter, she simply did not have the courage or the security or even the desire to do so.

Just when he was about to say something more a woman with blond tresses and green eyes grabbed his hand. "Dance with me my Lord." Mary couldn't help the elegance in the manner she carried herself in one simple action. She wore a sky blue dress with ruby earrings, everything about her screamed sex. She was very beautiful and must have been a few years older than Mary. Is this the kind of women Charles was surrounded by? She thought remembering Kat and how stunning she was also. Thinking about Charles and his affairs made Mary depressed.

The young Lord took her hand and squeezed it. "I'd be rude to refuse my lady." He caste a lingering look back at Mary and bowed his head as he was being dragged away.

She didn't know how long she had been sitting but Chapuys did not come back. Mary decided it was time to head to bed but where? She did not know so she decided to head to Charles room. Thinking of Charles, she did not find him at the banquet which troubled her, nor did she see her father. In fact she saw no one she expected to appear only the George Boleyn seemed to entertain the guests. Luckily for her Chapuys sat her in a seat near a dark corner where should be out of the his peripheral view. Mary frowned for a moment and felt something was amiss, something must have happened and just when she stood up Cromwell dismissed the party for reasons he would not say.

She quietly stood up from the table and was hit with light headiness. She drank too much. Mary followed went where the crowed was leaving but felt an arm pull her side, pushing her against the pillar. Chapuys shushed her before glancing around cautiously. "Follow me, My Lady."

He took Mary down a dark corridor into the west wing of the castle. As she continued walking down the halls her childhood came flooding back to her. How many times had she run up and down this hall, hide from servants and play with her father's terrier? Mary could see herself at that age and longed to go back to that times when she was a child and concerned herself with childish things. However, now things in her life have been dark, frightful and complicated. She let out a sigh when they reached a door which Mary knew was one of small guests rooms in the palace. He looked back at Mary with a grim face. "I have things to share with you." He said as he opened the door.

"What is it?" Mary asked though she had a feeling it had something to do with the King's and Queen's lack of presence

"Perhaps you should sit down." Mary nodded agreeing with him since she was somewhat inebriated.

"The mistress has miscarried. It was a boy."

"How is the queen? My father must be devastated." . Mary knew how painful it was to miscarry a child as she witnessed her mother nearly lose herself with each child.

Chapuys gave her a small smile,in awe that her first thought was concern for the woman who tore her life apart. "Not good. Many things aren't well with the King."

Mary stared right into the older man's pale eyes.

"I must ask you a question my princess." Mary noted the title he used, something she hadn't heard him say in a long time.

"Yes? What is it?"

He hesitated for a moment. "Is it possible that you are with child?"

Her eyes slightly widened at his suggestions and instantly touched her womb unconsciously. "No."

Chapuys frowned. "It has a long time."

"Well we don't." She paused, feeling uncomfortable. "That is we haven't..."

"You both do not sleep together? Share the bed?" Chapuys was shocked at her revelation, especially with the Duke's history.

"Well." Mary began. "We do share the bed, usually however we do not consummate anything."

"Why not?"

She gave him a sheepish smile. "It's complicated and quite dangerous. Also, my father tends to make sure we do not see each other often."

Chapuys nodded and crossed her arms in thought. "I was worried what would happen if you were pregnant especially during these time. It would certainly lead to civil unrest, possibly a war. You and your husband did well to deduce the complication."

The silence filled the room for a long time, then he opened his mouth. "The King is having affairs again."

"I am not surprised."

"The whore has been crazy trying to control and secure her hold on him but without a son…I'm afraid things can get worse especially if you bore a son."

"There is nothing to worry as there is no child, yet."

"So you intend to have children? With the Duke?"

"Well children come with marriage. It's only natural."

"But your marriage is not quite a normal one. You could possibly still ask for an annulment. A better match with a prince?"

Mary could feel her stomach to dropped, something about his suggestion made her feel ill.

**Later that night***

Mary laid on the bed thinking about the whole night, it was surreal, a dream that was not real. But it was, and though it seemed too good to be true. She remembered the countless of nights to be back at court dancing with many guests but the only time she ever returned she had to hide and now she needed to lie about her identity to play a role in her father's psychological game.

She closed her eyes remembering the conversation with Chapuys.

"No, I have a son. I cannot leave him." She told him.

" Little Henry?" He questioned.

"Yes."

Mary turned on to her side.

"Do you love him? The duke?"

"I don't know."

She squeezed her eyes shut and pulled the pillow over her head.

****Days later***

Mary spent the whole week walking around court and naturally everyone seemed to approach her with interest and she told them the cover she was given. But she felt guilty and uncomfortable lying to people so she went to places where she was avoided to be seen.

She walked in the court yard pensively; there were many things on her mind. Most of them were about Charles and wondering where he was. She asked Chapuys for the past week but all he knew was that he followed after the King who stormed from the palace since the miscarriage. It appears her had secluded himself somewhere and only few men were with him. Which Mary understood more than anyone how destroyed her father was over to losing an opportunity for a true heir. A son.

Things at court were unstable and daunting because there were so many rumors swirling around regarding Anne and her father. When the King was vulnerable he was easily influenced and many families would maneuver to take advantage. She could hear them all whisper quietly and exchange knowing glances at each other. The throne was vulnerable and it wouldn't be long until someone tries to sink their hooks in her father hoping for a piece.

She sat on the bench and stared at the sky, it was clear and blue for the first time during the week. She watched the snowflakes gently fall and kiss her face. Mary blinked and found herself staring at Charles and his deep blue eyes.

"So this is where you have been." He said sounding relief. Charles gave her a gentle smile.

Mary stood up nervously at the sight of him. He had a stubble that was a few days old and wore burgundy breeches with leather pants.

"Hello," She greeted. "It has been a while."

Charles nodded in agreement. "Yes it has. How do you find life a court?" His heart ached in his chest for Mary. He wanted her to run into his arms and kiss him because she missed him but he knew she wouldn't. He could feel Mary had her guard up around him. The tension in her shoulders, the way she crossed her arms as if she was protecting herself from him.

"Nostalgic, exciting and terrifying at the same time."

"I see."

in that same moment Charles noticed the figures behind the rosebushes in yellow dresses. Which could only mean one thing, the Queen was roaming around the gardens. Charles grabbed Mary's hand and quickly entered the labyrinth so they would not be seen. If the Queen saw Mary, he was afraid what she would do to her especially having lost the King's son she has not been in the right state of mind. He was even surprised to find her walking about. The moment he discovered Mary at court Charles knew the King was using her to spite the Queen as they have been having many arguments as of late. Just as he was about to whisk her away to his apartments Henry sent for him.

He used his body to press Mary against the bushes and they both waited, no one breathed. Once they heard her entourage disappear Charles stepped back from Mary.

They stayed silent for a long moment, Charles only stared at her while she seemed to fix her gaze at the ground. There was an awkward tension between them, it weigh heavily upon them. As the time went by the more guilt and self-loath Charles felt.

'When?" She finally asked.

"An hour ago," He answered. " I came looking for you as soon as I arrived."

"How is he?"

"As you'd expect." Charles sighed tiredly leaning against the bush. "Not well."

Mary understood. "Thank you."

Charles raised a dark brow in surprise. "For what?"

"For being there for him." Mary told him finally conjuring the nerve to look him in eye. "Looking out for him."

"The man's a brother to me."

"I know."

He studied her silvery blue eyes for a long time and then he finally decided to let her in on something.

"He asked me about you."

Mary could feel her heart beating wildly. "He did?" She asked trying hard not to sound excited. Maybe he really did not mean to toss her aside. Maybe he thought about her like she always thought of him.

"Yes. He wanted to know how you were. Since the kidnapping."

"What did you tell him?" she shifted her feet and crossed her arms nervously.

"I told him you were fine and happy to be home with Henry." Charles fixated his eyes on a loose strand that was out of place near her cheek. He wanted to place it back gently and find his way to her plump lips but Charles knew he couldn't.

"He feels guilty." She heaved and looked back at the sky.

"Yes."

Mary stayed silent considering her question about the kidnapping.

"Did she do it?"

She sensed him stiffen slightly, Mary did not look away from the sky.

He heard him sigh tiredly before saying a simple yes.

"She didn't know who I was?"

"No she didn't. I did not think she would go through with her threats." Mary face fell. She threatened him? " But I suppose things are becoming more desperate between her and the King."

"How bad?"

Charles could only shake his head. "The King's old vices are catching up to him."

The way he said it Mary could tell in his tone that Charles was worried. Something told her that the Duke knew more than he was letting on but Mary decided it was better she did not know the details for now. Ever since the King had decided to marry his mistress and cut England from the Catholic Church there seemed to be a period of tranquility (for some but not for Mary) at least while the Queen was pregnant for the first time. Then came the great disappointment that Elizabeth was not the son they had hoped for and though things have seemed to strain between them, the miscarriage seemed bring another question. Would her father replace Anne as he did with her own mother? What would happen to Elizabeth?

Charles rubbed his neck and felt the tension in his muscles. It has been a rough week for him, Henry had locked himself in his chambers throwing fits of drunken rage and when he was not throwing things around he was wenching away with women Knivert recruited for him. And then were the nightmares. Henry was battling his demons and Charles could do nothing but watch and make sure he would not destroy himself completely.

"Shall we?" Charles suggested to walk.

Mary looked at the labyrinth with a curious expression. She can't remember the last time she ran through wildly in what seemed like a never ending maze but now she realized it wasn't at huge as she thought it was. But ultimately did she really want to go with Charles? She missed him yes but apart of her couldn't handle being near him. It was all too painful for Mary.

"Yes." She managed to say before she changed her mind.

After walking in silence for a long period, she heard him say he felt old.

"Old?" shes

To Mary he did not look a day over 28 but she knew he was over 30 and that he wasn't talking about his appearance. Something seemed amiss with him and she noticed it, in fact she has noticed it for quite a while. Ever since he came to visit her at Hatfield, his eyes betrayed his troubled mind.

"That or perhaps I shrunk." He slowly glanced over at her surveying their height differences. He was well over six feet and towered over Mary but she held her own. He really liked how her height complimented his.

"Well, I did grow a few inches taller since we married." Mary told him. "Do you feel small?"

He shrugged carelessly. "I suppose I do."

Mary stopped for a moment as he looked at her with a confused expression.

"You are not happy Charles."

Charles felt like he was punched in the gut by her simple statement. He felt so exposed but Charles refused to admit that he wasn't happy. Instead he looked away from her not wanting her to read more into him and continued walking.

"What is there to be happy about?" She heard him say.

***At the dining hall***

Mary stabbed her duck as she observed him as Charles chatted away with a Catherine Willoughby. She had asked Chapuys for her name which he obliged but he also said that this Willoughby woman, or girl (she was probably her age) was very wise and the richest heiress in England. Chapuys gave her an apologetic look, he knew Mary wasn't please with the scene unfolding in front of her. She was never good at masking her true feelings from the Spanish ambassador, and he knew her too well. She could fool anyone but not him, never him.

Mary did not want to be this kind of woman. The jealous wife, chasing after her philandering husband but the Tudor in her could not help but feel possessive. So she closed her eyes and a gave a small prayer to the virgin to calm her. She would not care.

Mary then decided to retire to her chambers, she felt sick to her stomach. Without another word she gave Chapuys a kiss on the cheek and bid him goodnight assuring him it was not necessary to walk her back to her room

As soon as she was out in the corridor walking further away from the loud music, she felt someone follow her. She turned around and saw no one, Mary immediately picked up her pace. What if this was another kidnapping? A paralyzing fear hit Mary. Suddenly she crashed into something hard and just as she was about to fall backwards Mary felt strong arms grab her waist.

She found herself staring at hazel-green eyes. She instantly recognized him as the nobleman she met on her first night back at court.

"That could have ended badly, my lady." The young nobleman told her sheepishly.

Mary quickly stepped away from him. "Forgive me my Lord. I did not notice where I was going."

"Was the banquet so terrible that you felt the need to run away and escape to your books?"

She really wanted to roll her eyes at his comment but her class did not allow it. "No. It's just that I am not feeling all that well."

"Someone should escort you. Where are your handmaidens?" He was tall Mary noted, almost as tall as Charles but not quite there. This time the nobleman wore green and black attire which really complimented his green eyes.

"I have none."

"Why?"

"I did not want to bring them with me." The truth was she was not allowed to bring any, it would only call attention which was fine because she did not like to have any. She preferred being alone.

He frowned disapprovingly and let out a deep breath. "Then allow me to walk you to your chambers."

"Oh no. I do not want to trouble you.

"It is no trouble at all." He gave her a boyish grin. "In fact, I insist."

Mary looked back at the corridor and weighed his proposal. The truth was she really did not walk alone and berated herself for not having Chapuys escort her back. On top of that she felt uneasy having this strange man who is neither her husband or friend walk her back. But she was more terrified of being stolen away again than adhere to the rules.

Mary sighed in defeat and nodded. "You may escort me back, on one condition."

"Yes?" He asked as his eyes sparkled in amusement.

"Don't kidnap me."

His handsome face fell at her comment for a moment and then he broke down in a fit of laughter. His laugh was loud and rowdy not at all the way Charles laughed, which she preferred.

"Do we have an agreement?" She asked crossing her arms.

The man breathed out a yes as he tried to collect himself. "You do realize my lady, that the practice of stealing women on horseback has been long dead. It's completely med-evil."

"You'd be surprised." Mary said under her breath as she started to walk.

"Pardon me?" He called after her picking up his pace.

"Oh nothing,"

Once they reached a certain hall Mary stopped. "I can take it from here. Thank you my Lord."

The young man bowed as well. "It was my pleasure." The way he looked at her caused Mary to feel anxious.

"Forgive me my Lord, but we haven't formally introduced ourselves."

The nobleman raised his hand to stop her. "Perhaps it is better if we did not know each other names."

Mary blinked in confusion. "Why is that my Lord?"

"It makes things interesting." He smiled flashing once again his straight white teeth, Mary had a feeling woman fawned over that smile.

"If that's what you wish my Lord." She bowed her head not understanding what he means. "Good night."

"Good night." He told her as he watched take her leave.

*****Late at night*****

Mary awoke to knocking at the door; she rubbed her eyes tiredly and sat up slowly. The knocking grew more persistent and then it dawned on her, what if it was the HER and she had discovered Mary at court. In a panic she jumped off from the bed and rushed towards the door, Mary leaned her ear against the cold wood.

They knocked again and this time harder.

"Maria!" He called out.

She immediately swung the door and found him leaning against the door post. "Charles?"

Charles nodded and placed a wet gloved finger on her lips, he was completely drenched.

Mary frowned; she remembered clearly leaving him at the banquet. "You are wet." She knew it was raining but why did he go out.

He smirked as he stumbled forwards, Mary quickly caught him from falling on his face and a strong scent hit her.

"Are you drunk?" She asked closing the door behind him.

"A little." He slurred as he staggered to arm chair near her bed.

"Knivert invited me to the tavern and I guess things may have gotten out of hand." He laughed lightly thinking about his time with his friend but laughing only made him dizzier, it had been a while since he's been this drunk.

"Where is Sir Knivert?"

He shrugged, "I left him with a whore and now I am here."

"No one noticed you? How did you know where I was?"

"I guesss…not."

"What?" He wasn't making any sense to her.

He sat back on the arm chair and clumsily fumbled taking off his cape but gave up. "Please?"

Mary approached him and helped him untie it for him. Charles blinked a few times as he watched her slim fingers gracefully undo the his cape. He never realized how pretty her hands were, down to her finger nails. He wanted to kiss them.

He cleared his throat. "I am sorry to trouble you like this." His gentle voice made Mary shiver.

"It is fine." She sighed. "I know you had a terrible week. With the King and -"

Charles immediately cut her off, "I don't want to talk about them. "

Mary was taken aback by his reaction. "As you wish."

Charles regretted his tone and took her hand "Forgive me I'm just …."

"Drunk."

"Yes. I came on horseback."

"In this weather? Drunk?" Mary looked at him carefully as if she did not hear right. It was pouring cats and dogs.

"Yes. I realize it was not the brightest idea" He muttered feeling dizzy.

"Alone?"

Charles gave her sly smile. He almost cringed when Mary gave him a disapproving look.

The Duke chuckled. "You don't look pleased my lady."

"You need to take off your wet clothes. Last thing we need is for you to catch the common cold or worse." Mary said reaching for his vest and slipping it off him. Charles began to really enjoy her take care of him and acting very much like a miffed wife. This was the most attention she had ever given him since the kidnapping. Mary went to look for dry blankets and a night gown for Charles. She glanced back at Charles and noted his height, she needed the largest one.

"Shirt." Mary told him as she had a blanket ready to dry him up.

Charles raised his brows curiously and took off his shirt. Mary looked away trying hard not to stare at his muscular frame, it had been a while since she had seen him half naked. Without another word Mary placed the blanket on his head where she proceeded to dry his black hair roughly.

The last few times she saw he like this was when he was either on top of her or wounded. Mary felt guilty a she caught a glimpse of his bandages. She didn't even tend to him at the estate because things have become so strained she could not be in the same room with him. Terrible excuse and now she was ashamed of herself. So she immediately put on a stern face to seem unaffected but she was grateful for the dark so he wouldn't notice her shame. "Gently please."

Mary said nothing, serves him right to act recklessly she thought as she let him go. She went on to remove his boots and when she took hold of one of the last pair she noticed the blood seeping through his bandages. "Charles, you're bleeding."

"I may have fallen off the horse a few times." He groaned.

She touched his bandaged chest inspecting it. "Should we call the surgeon?"

Charles shook his head. "I'll be fine."

His grabbed her hand pulled her into him. Charles found himself staring Mary and he let his eyes gaze down her nightgown. He could see the outline of her curves whenever lightening struck.

"How are you?" He whispered but Mary was unable to face him.

"I should be asking you that question." Her voice was strained. Mary was desperately trying to contain her emotion.

Charles was quiet but did not break his gaze from her. "I'm not well."

"You are not happy." She stated once again.

"No."

Mary smoothed out his damp dark hair and looked at him sadly.

He felt her gently trace his wound with her finger. "I'm sorry for this."

Charles eyes went dark and he slowly stood taking Mary up with him. "Don't be."

Mary stepped away from him.

"I should have taken care of you." Those words meant a lot of things for Mary. "Even when I was upset with you."

He took a step forward, not caring how his body protested dizzy spells and bleeding wounds be damned. "Isn't that what you are doing right now?"

She shook her head. "That's not what I meant."

"Do you feel pity for me?" He limped toward her as Mary backed away until she was at the edge of the bed.

"Maybe." She told him as she sat down.

Charles narrowed his eyes at her and then leaned forward causing her to lay back on the bed. "Don't." He told her firmly.

Mary nodded as she pulled him down with her. She wanted to comfort him somehow and this was the only thing that felt natural to her. He settled himself between her legs and rested his ahead against her stomach as she gently ran her fingers through his hair. Moments later Charles moved above her. Mary froze, not daring to move.

Charles noted her calm gaze, he couldn't read her expression. He leaned closer to her face until he could fell her hot breath on his face. He inched into her lips and waited for her reaction but she gave nothing. Did she not want to kiss him?

Mary once again smelled the wine in his breath. "What are you going to do?"

He brushed his lips against hers when he answered her. "Everything."

"You wouldn't. Not like this"

Charles couldn't ignore the disappointment he felt at her response however he felt even more disgusted with himself.

"No I wouldn't."

She caressed his cheek and pressed her lips against his. "Goodnight."

He didn't break his gaze from her for a moment. "I love you. Goodnight." Charles shifted beside her and let the dizziness overcome him.

Mary blinked up at the ceiling and hated how the words got in her throat.

Anyone fall asleep? :(...Did you make it okay?

Wonder who this mystery chap is? Stay tuned!

Please review and let me know what you think