Disclaimer: There is a scene in this chapter that deals with rape. If you don't want to read it, then stop at August and go on to December. You have been warned.
Early July
1505
Janet Kennedy had been sent to a rarely used castle by the King. He thought if she was away from the Queen, Lady Kennedy's hatred for Margaret would die down. Instead, this only made things worse. Kennedy was jealous of a girl eight years younger than herself. In her mind, Margaret Tudor was a usurper just like her father Henry Tudor. If Kennedy had her way, the Tudor would be back in England and she would be Queen Janet of Scotland and the Isles. But all Janet had to show for being the mistress to a King was a bastard son and a countryside manor.
Even though her son was a bastard, she loved him as only a mother could. Her heart swelled with pride every time she thought of when her son shunned the new Queen two years ago. She could only imagine the Queen's reaction. Janet had been told that Scotland, like England adored the Tudor girl. People had also gossiped about it the Queen. To Janet's dismay however, it wasn't mean spirited. "She's charming," "She's adorable," "She's so kind to his children." These were just a few of the comments Janet heard. But she didn't have time to dwell on these as a page came in. "My Lady, The King is here."
"Send him in, send him in." Janet said impatiently. She made herself presentable, running her fingers through her hair and straightening her bodice. As she finished, the King walked in. "Janet! It's been too long." James stood in front of Janet, admiring her. Janet pursed her lips before speaking. "You didn't bring the Queen with you?" Janet asked stiffly. James only looked at her. "No. But the reason I came is because of the Queen. I want you"-Janet's heart leaped at this. "- and the Queen had consented to be one of the Queen's ladies in waiting." Janet stared at the King for several seconds before turning to the window. "Why? So she can humiliate me? You know that the courtiers know I'm your mistress. I will be the laughing stock of court. The mistress serving an adolescent Queen." Janet stopped to take a breath before continuing her diatribe. "Am I to be your plaything, catering to your every whim?" James sighed quietly. "Janet, I think it would be beneficial for you and Margaret. She has nothing against. This isn't a request. It is a command. There is a carriage waiting for you in the courtyard. Do not bring any black or white gowns. Margaret doesn't like black and white is a virgin's colour. She likes bright colours. - Blue, red, pink, yellow." James left, leaving Janet to pack her own things with the help of one trusted lady. Within ten minutes, Janet was walking to the courtyard where James was waiting, a page carrying Janet's truck. "Will I be riding with you?" James hesitated for a few moments before answering. "No, Jimmy is waiting for you in the carriage."
"I want to be in Edinburgh by twilight." Begrudgingly, Janet climbed in her own carriage where her son was curled up on the opposite seat. She couldn't believe she was to be a lady in waiting to her rival. How could a great-great granddaughter of Robert III end up serving new blood? It was the greatest insult to Janet's honour.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh, Scotland
In the capital, Margaret had another case of morning sickness. At first, she had no idea why was she vomiting for days on end, when she barely had anything to eat. Then Alice asked the obvious question: "When was your last course?" The Queen thought. "I think May. I've been so busy, I honestly don't remember. You don't think...?" The last pregnancy she saw, her mother and baby sister died. "You're younger and in better health than your mother. This is your first pregnancy Margaret. Your mother had eight in rapid succession." Margaret felt better after hearing this. But childbirth was dangerous-even for a first time mother. Looking down at her Scottish terrier Bella, she smiled as she scratched the dogs' ears. "I hope it's a boy." Alice smiled and took Margaret's hand in her own. "You need to see the doctor to be sure." As this was being said, Marion Boyd walked in with little Catherine. Cat ran to Margaret as Bella began barking before she recognized the newcomers. Cat settled herself in Margaret's lap. In the two years that Margaret had been in Scotland, little Catherine Stewart became Margaret's shadow. The Queen ran her fingers through Catherine's golden tresses, thinking. "Your Majesty, I couldn't help but overhear what you and Lady Alice were talking about. I could help you in that regard. Margaret looked at the door and then toward the motherly expression of Marion Boyd. "I think I'm pregnant. I haven't had my courses since May and I've been sick when I haven't eaten. My breasts are tender and I don't feel like myself. I don't want the King to know just yet. I don't want to give him false hope." Marion Boyd could understand this. She who had borne the King two children could understand the Queen's concern. "Those certainly are signs you could be pregnant. The King will be back within hours. This is probably our only chance without him finding out. Shall I summon the royal physician?" Margaret nodded and Marion left, the leaving the younger woman and little girl alone. Alice let the terrier run to her mistress who produced a ball for Catherine to throw for the dog. The girl enjoyed several minutes of watching the two year old animal skid across the wooden floors, turning up carpets in her pursuit for the ball.
Marion Boyd returned ten minutes later with Doctor Ashton. The doctor had white hair flying all over and creeping out of his ears with quite a long white beard that was golden in his youth. He was quite a man to look at. The doctor bowed when he saw the Queen. He treated her several times before when she had the annual cold and influenza during the winter months. "Your Majesty. How may I be of service to you?" Margaret paused, unsure of what to say for the first time. "I think I may be pregnant." "The doctor understood and blushed slightly. Nevertheless, he directed the Queen to her bed and did an examination. When he finished, he was smiling slightly. "It appears that Your Majesty is pregnant. Maybe two months along." So that meant she had conceived in May. "If you wish, you may tell the King. I daresay he will be happy." The doctor smiled and bowed out of the room.
Margaret rested her hand on her stomach as Ladies Marion and Alice talked among themselves. Cat was still enthralled with Bella, as she continued throwing the ball for the dog. Margaret could not believe there was a life growing inside her. Was this what Elizabeth of York felt when she was pregnant with Prince Arthur? She could not believe she was going to be a mother. The mother of the heir to the throne of Scotland.
James was anxious to see Margaret. He had a feeling she was as anxious as he was. But he couldn't stop thinking of Janet, in the carriage behind him. Was it wise to put his mistress so near his wife? Janet seemed hell-bent on hurting Margaret. If he had known his Queen was pregnant, he would have exercise more caution.
The King made it to Edinburgh before twilight. Stepping out into the warm July air, he looked up into the windows. Janet and Jimmy walked over to him, Janet's heels clanking over the cobblestones. James had thought long and hard during the journey of what he was about to do. "Janet, from this night forward, you are no longer my mistress. I wish to be faithful to the Queen." Janet's jaw hardened and this was how she was introduced to the Queen.
James greeted the ladies Marion and Alice and hugged Cat before kissing Margaret. Since Margaret's seventeenth birthday in late April, she had grown more affectionate with James. The court had seen this and grew happy-surely this meant an heir was coming. But when Queen Margaret saw Kennedy, her smile faltered.
"Lady Janet is here to serve you Margaret." James told Margaret with an arm around her waist. "I have told her to bring bright colours and not black or white. She will begin tomorrow. Lady Marion, will you show Janet where she is to sleep?" Lady Marion nodded before curtseying and motioned for Janet to follow her. "Lady Alice, will you show Jimmy to his rooms? His governess is waiting. And take Cat to her room as well." Alice nodded and took each Childs hand before Jimmy forced his hand out of hers.
"What did you do while I was gone?" James asked Margaret as they moved towards the sitting area. Margaret was debating whether to tell him. In the end she did. "I saw the doctor today." James opened his mouth to ask why but Margaret held up a hand. "There's nothing wrong with me." Margaret paused. "I'm with child." It took James several seconds to comprehend this news. "You're, you're with child?" Margaret nodded. This simple action sent James into frenzy. He jumped up and hugged Margaret, her feet leaving the ground while he kissed her deeply. He spun her around, unaware that the bile of rising in her throat. "James! James! Stop!" The King ceased and watched Margaret run to the basin to retch. Before James knew it, Margaret had finished and was wiping her mouth with a kerchief to be rid of the vile liquid. "Are you alright sweetheart?" Even though James had seen this action several times before, he was more concerned about his wife than his mistresses. Margaret smiled weakly. "I'm fine. I just wish my mother told me about the retching."
August
Stirling Castle
Stirling, Scotland
Margaret, James, Marion and Alice were the only ones who knew of Margaret's pregnancy. Margaret was starting to show but she didn't want anyone to know of her pregnancy yet. She was still worried about Janet Kennedy being so close to her. But the middle of August, Janet Kennedy would be the least of her worries.
Jamie Stewart had been envious of his brother for the past two years. From the first time he laid his eyes on Margaret Tudor, he wanted her. But she was forbidden, his sister-in-law. Of course a forbidden object or person is only that much more wanted. The oppunitity to have what he wanted presented itself in the waning summer of 1505.
The Queen was hardly ever alone but she dismissed her ladies, even Alice to be alone. She needed to think of what she would need for the Scottish heir. Before she could think however, a knock came at the door. "Come in." Margaret said, thinking it was a page or a courtier who had gotten lost.
The Archbishop strolled in, a smiled on the rogues face. As she heard the door open, she looked up with an expression of surprize. "Milord, this is an unexpected visit. What can I do for you?" She stood up to face him but regretted this immediately. Jamie Stewart was backing her into the bedroom, a devilish grin making itself known. "The first time I saw you, I wanted you. Tis a shame my brother shall have you. Such beauty should not be wasted." He ran his finger down her cheek and down to the hollow of her throat, tracing her collarbones. Margaret cringed at his touch and closed her eyes. "Look at me." Margaret reluctantly looked up, knowing if she didn't, he could hurt her. "Why are you doing this to me?" The Queen whispered as her fearful eyes met his lustful eyes. "I want you. I want to run my hands over your naked flesh. I want to hear your moans of ecstasy. Surely you can't be in love with my brother. He's an old man. I'm younger and more virile." Margaret swallowed. Her train of thought was muddled with the peril she was in. "You're not half man the James is. He would never corner a defenseless girl. He has honour. You don't deserve to be Archbishop. You're scum." This earned her a hard slap from the womanizing Archbishop. Jamie pushed her back onto the bed, ripping and tearing her beautiful dress into a ragged shell of itself. "HELP ME! Someone Please!" Her pleas for help were muffled by his calloused left hand while his right hand was trying to undo his codpiece.
Help was on its way in the form of the King. He had heard the unmistakable yell of his wife and was sprinting to her rooms. Opening her doors, he saw the door to her bedroom was open. He ran in and pulled his brother off of Margaret. She scurried under the blankets as she watched James punch his brother. "What the hell do you think you were doing?! Just-just get out of my sight!" The two brothers stared at each other for what seemed like days but finally Jamie left. James was still breathing hard when he walked over to Margaret. The King took his Queen into his arms, trying to stop her trembling. Margaret did gradually stop trembling and relaxed in her husbands' strong arms. James stroked her long, russet coloured hair as it had come free from the headdress. "James." Margaret whispered as she closed her fingers on his forearm. "I'm so sorry my love. He will never harm you again." Margaret looked up at him with big eyes before slowly falling asleep, her breathing becoming even and deep. Minutes after she fell asleep, James fell asleep.
December 1, 1505
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Scotland
Margaret was now seven months pregnant and due to give birth February. Courtiers were placing bets on the sex of the royal babe. A baby girl was a long shot at 50-1. Everyone knew that would Margaret gave birth; she would be invincible as all royal wives are when they give birth to a healthy baby boy.
Margaret had her ladies sewing baby garments while Margaret herself sat listlessly, running her hands over her belly. Horse riding and archery were forbidden activities for the Queen, as the King did not want to damage his heir. Margaret didn't like having a limited amount of activities available to her. She was an active Queen and resented the courtiers when they went horse riding. A bored Queen is not very pleasant to be around but Ladies Alice, Marion and Elizabeth Boyd stayed by their mistress, trying to make her laugh and talk about the baby.
Without the former Archbishop around, everyone could relax. The King had banished his brother and stripped him of Archbishop, violating his late father's will. But James didn't care. He wanted his Queen to be relaxed and not stressed for their baby. Instead, the King awarded his son Alexander the post of Archbishop. During the ceremony, Margaret placed the crimson surcoat and the coronet on Alex's fair head and gave him a wide smile.
With everyone happening around them, James and Margaret had plenty to talk about during their customary private dinner. Few grooms and ladies attended these dinners. Janet Kennedy was one of these ladies (much to Margaret's chagrin), along with Marion, Alice and Elizabeth Boyd who was the same age as Alice. Margaret would have preferred Lady Janet to not be in the same room with her but she was there at James's insistence.
Lady Janet was to hold the rose-scented rose water basin while the King and Queen washed their hands. Janet did not like this duty as she felt Margaret was below her, being of new blood. As Margaret walked up to Janet and began the action, Janet quirked an eyebrow and dumped the water and rose petals all over Margaret's shoes. Janet didn't care that James was watching her interact with the Queen, she had to vent her feelings somehow. The King was shocked by the event. He didn't think Janet's animosity was that bad towards Margaret. James order Janet out of the room and requested Elizabeth to get a new pair of shoes for Margaret. "Margaret I'm sorry. I had no idea she'd do that." Margaret shrugged as she removed the shoes. "It's only a pair of shoes." With this said Margaret picked up a small slice of beef with her knife and ate it. They ate in silence until the baby kicked. "James, the baby kicked! Here feel it." The seventeen-year-old Queen grabbed her husbands' hand and held it to her belly where the baby kicked several times. "Wow."
December 15, 1505
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Scotland
Margaret and Janet had several more encounters as Christmas approached. Janet often made several snide remarks to Margaret during a day, occasionally making Margaret cry. The Queen did not want James to know what Janet was saying to her. Perhaps she wanted to handle Janet by herself or if it was pride. But one incident ten days before Christmas would let James know about everything.
Janet was tying Margaret's shoes around her ankles as the Queen couldn't stand by herself without toppling over. Janet did not want to do this duty but it was one of her 'special' duties to the crown. "The King only married to have a legitimate heir you know." Lady Janet said this with a malevolent glint in her emerald green eyes. "It's the way of this world. A wife for the duty and appearances and a mistress to love and for pleasure." The lady in waiting smirked as she finished and turned her back to the Queen, a show of disrespect.
The entire day Margaret could not get Janet's remarks out of her head. The Queen was in a daze, not knowing what she ate or where she was going. Everyone could sense something was wrong with her, but they thought it was because of the pregnancy. Janet Kennedy was the opposite. There was a smirk on her alabaster complexion all day. James though this was weird, as Janet never smiled around the Queen.
The private dinner was not pleasant. Margaret played with her food, not having an appetite for the first time in months. James tried to speak several times but no words ventured forth. Janet wore a small smirk the entire time she was in the room. Ladies Marion, Alice and Elizabeth gave side glances to each other and to Janet, knowing she said something to Margaret.
The King sighed and sent everyone out, after they cleaned everything. James was incredibly worried about Margaret. In their two years of marriage, he had never heard her so quiet. "Margey, tell me what's wrong." That was his pet name for her. Margaret stood up with her back to him. Her lips were pursed and she closed her eyes although tears escaped. If she spoke, her voice would betray her hurt and anger.
"I don't want her around me. She shows me nothing about contempt and disrespect." Margaret said with a concentrated effort to keep her voice even. James arched an eyebrow. "Who? Janet?"
"Yes Janet! Who else? You love her still, don't you? That's why she came here. You obviously still desire her. I was a fool! A FOOL to believe you changed. Everyone can see it, you don't hide it." James was dismayed. What was she talking about? "Margey calm down, please." James stood up and closed the gap between them, trying to catch Margaret in his arms. She slapped him and with this distressing turn of events, Margaret grasped her belly with both hands and arms. "Margaret! Someone help!" Lady Alice had been listening at the door and rushed in. "Take her to her room, now" Alice was calm as James swept Margaret up into his arms and they rushed to her chambers.
Hours later, the doctor came out of her bedroom. "Your Majesty, the Queen is stable and she did not lose the baby. But she should start her lying in right away. Only her closest ladies should attend Her Majesty." The doctor bowed and walked out of the room. James gave instructions to Alice and went to find Janet. "What the HELL did you say to my wife?" The King stormed into Janet's room, to her surprize. "Whatever do you mean?" Janet asked innocently, which did not deceive James. "You know damn well what I mean. She almost miscarry the heir to Scotland, because of you!"
"I told her the ways of the world." The former favourite paused. "I told her she serves one purpose. That you love me and she is only the Queen so you can beget legitimate heirs on her." James was outraged. He could not believe the mother of his youngest boy could be so vindictive. "I never want to see you again. You are banished from my sight this moment forth. Pack your things and there will be a carriage waiting for you. I do not love you anymore. I love Margaret and I intend to be faithful to her, even in death." James closed the door behind him as he left, leaving Janet in his path.
February 21, 1506
Several loud, guttural cries pierced the air as the heir to Scotland was born. "Your Majesty, you are the mother to the heir of Scotland." The midwife handed the tightly swaddles baby boy to Margaret. She took him to her arms and cooed to him. The King came in after the Queen had been changed into a clean chemise and the sheets were changed. He kissed Margaret and looked into the babies hazel eyes, so like his parents. "Welcome to the world, little Prince. Welcome Prince James."
-Author's Note-
So here it is, the birth of Prince James! This is one of the longest chapters I've ever written, 25 pages in paper. I'm very proud of it and it might be my favourite I've written so far. The attempted rape by Jamie is not my favourite part but it served a purpose for Margaret and James to become closer. Anyways, review and tell me what you like or didn't like!