Sooo, I have some good news and some bad news for my beloved readers. Good news: This is a 9,700 word chapter. The longest I have ever written. Like, Holy FUCK!
Bad news (Well, good depending on how you look at it): I have officially started college. I am at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. So updates will probably be shorter, and much less frequent. Not that they were very frequent in the first place...
Edited: Jan 2, 2015
"Your Highness, the seamstresses are here to the final fitting for your costume." I stood up, my slight bump making life a little more difficult. The dreaded morning sickness had finally hit me at almost 4 months. The once tiny costume made for the masque for the Spanish ambassadors had to be let loose to accommodate my expanding frame, and my dresses all needed panels to be added, new dresses needed to be made to prepare for the Spanish monarch's visit, Margaret and Katherine seemed to be attempting to plot something major, and through all of this, Henry and Charles seemed to be mother hens over me overworking myself. It had been almost 2 months since I found out I was pregnant and Anne had left, and almost 3 weeks since Margaret had arrived back at court.
"My lady, do you want us to add the back panel beneath the laces?" I nodded, and one of my ladies came in. "My lady, the King and Master Charles Brandon are here with several chests for you."
"Thank you Kat. Please inform them that I will be there in a few minutes. Make sure they are comfortable with wine and cakes, and please get me some warm ale." My head was pounding, and I wasn't hungry in the slightest. After being helped back into gown, I walked into the room, where the men were immediately trying to get me to sit and relax. I smacked them away and sat down. "So I hear that you two had some chests or something for me?" My hand pressed to my forehead, trying to will the headache away.
"From Castiel in Iceland. Apparently there are some things you left behind." Charles eyebrows furrowed. "Are you ok?" I nodded.
"Slight headache." I stood up and walked over to the mysterious chests. Kneeling down and unlocking the first one, a small piece of paper was on top of the boxes inside. "To her Majesty, the Queen of Iceland. I do believe you forgot these when you left. They are yours to do with as you wish, and may I congratulate you on your pregnancy, despite the circumstances. I hope you enjoy these things from your crowning country, Castiel."
"Queen?" I shrugged at Henry's question.
"It is a belief in Iceland that once you are anointed and crowned as a King or Queen of Iceland, you are always one, even after your reigning spouse has died. If I ever went back to Iceland, I would be able to reign jointly with Castiel and his wife. My opinions would have equal weight as theirs." I pulled out the boxes and opened it. What I saw took my breath away. My jewels as Queen were inside. Moonstone in silver, they were made for me as a welcoming gift from Mark Anthony. I put it down and pulled out another, and another, and another. Tiaras, necklaces, bracelets, belts, there were dozens of them, all from my years in Iceland. I left them behind when Anthony died, and never thought of them again. Tears rolled down my face as I opened another chest. More jewel boxes. Two more chests full of jewel boxes. Another chest, and all of my gowns were there. Three more like this. Another 2 chests with bolts of cloth.
"He sent them all back." Charles came down beside me and helped me back to a seat. "Almost 10 years of a life sent back in 10 chests." Henry picked up another jewel box and opened it. "That was the crown I wore at my coronation. Each queen has their own regalia made. Somewhere in with the gowns should be the mantle and gown I wore." The crown glittered in the morning light. Diamonds made up the entire thing. The silver sparkled like the first time I saw it. "The arches come off for it to be worn as a circlet, but unfortunately, the thing is incredibly heavy. I had the worst neck pain for days after my coronation." Henry handed it to me and I carefully took the arches off, then placed it delicately on my head. I felt the weight immediately. "A crown is never an easy thing to wear."
"But it fits you well." Henry looked at me, face pensive. "I never really realized how much you grew up when you left. 9 years has made you into a woman."
"And a queen." He nodded, I took off the crown, placed the arches back and put it back inside it's box. Charles had taken out another box and handed it to me. I smiled when I saw the contents. "Jewels himins koma niður og sett í kórónu. Ótrúlega ljót stykki. Jewels of the sky come down and placed into a crown. An incredibly ugly piece." Inside was the largest, and ugliest, of the tiaras I was ever given. "It is known as the Skyward crown. I hated wearing it. It's heavy and so very ugly." I closed the box and placed it onto the table.
"So you obviously prefer light crowns." Charles teased me. I smiled and took the next box from him.
"Obviously. Have you ever seen me wear a hood? Those things are heavy! I'm a small woman, I can't deal with that weight. This is why you only ever see me wear my pearl set or a set of hair combs or even a light crown." I opened the box, and there was the first box I took out, my moonstone set. I pressed my hand to my mouth, trying not to cry. "This was the first thing Mark Anthony ever gave me. He said he just wanted me to feel at home."
"Were the two of you close during your marriage?" I smiled at Charles' question.
"Somewhat, we were more like friends then husband and wife. There were even times when he was like a father to me. We were very fond of each other. I was quite sad when he died." I slipped tiara comb into my hair, and twisted my head to show Henry and Charles.
"It's lovely."
"I had a gown made with the same stones in it. It should be in the chests." I slipped the tiara out, and reached for another box. I opened it, and gasped. "This was supposed to have been lost years ago!" I picked up the sunburst tiara, with it's glittering sapphire in the middle and the thousands of diamonds surrounding it.
"How was something like that lost? It looks like it's worth a fortune!" Henry looked over my shoulder at the tiara.
"It is, and it was lost after an earthquake about 4 years after I arrived in Iceland. It's a traditional tiara worn on the first snowfall of the year. The sun disappears for the rest of the season, and it takes place upon the queen's crown."
Over the hours we had gotten a slight system going. I would be handed a tiara or some jewel, tell the story behind it, model it if I didn't hate it, one of my maids in waiting would write down the name and number it, with a small description, and we would move onto the next one. We had found almost 30 tiaras, some with various necklaces and sets to match with them, some by themselves. My various tiaras for official businesses were found, along with my final Christmas gift from Mark Anthony - an entire pearl and diamond snowflake themed jewelry set. We enjoyed ourselves with stories, food, and drink. We had only finished jewels when the ladies started lighting candles.
"Perhaps we should make our way to get something for dinner. You two have been here for almost the entire day." Henry smiled and I got up, stretching. "It feels like we've barely made any progress with these. Gowns will be much more extensive."
"And we will be here to help you unpack your gowns. I would love to see what you wore to your coronation." I waved my hand and followed Henry and Charles out of the room, and towards the dining hall.
"Silver and white. Made to make me blend in with the snow, as was custom. The effect caused with all the white and my pale skin led to my well known moniker."
"The Snowflake Princess." Charles said.
"Yes. But technically the proper name was snjór drottning - Snow Queen. When I left Iceland, my title changed, and the translation became more specific. I then became the snjókorn prinsessa - Snowflake Princess." Charles took my hand and put it on his arm, but not before pressing a kiss to it. I smiled, then playfully looped my arm around Henry's as well.
"So, are you boys ready for the Masque tomorrow?"
AN: Sarah's various crowns are on my tumblr page, link is on my home page.
"Who planned these gowns? Surely something more comfortable could have been made." I tugged at the ruff at my neck. Despite how pretty the gowns were for the mask, with chiffon and sheer silk, in white and cloth of gold, they were not that comfortable.
"That's what happens when men design women's clothing." A familiar voice sounded from behind me. I turned and saw Anne Boleyn, beautiful as ever.
"Anne? When did you get back?" She smiled.
"Just a few weeks ago. I'm to go back to the Queen's household. She doesn't seem to remember me, and neither does the king." I gave her a sad smile.
"He probably just hasn't seen you yet." We spoke until we heard the herald announce the ambassadors. Anne's engagement had fallen through over the dowry, and the fact that her intended had wooed and gotten a different noble girl pregnant, forcing him to marry that girl instead. So Anne was sent back to court, with her brother accompanying her and her sister, after losing the attention of the king, was sent back to her husband. We helped each other tie our masks on, Venetian style porcelain with beautiful gold lace painted on.
"His Eminence, Cardinal Wolsey and the Spanish ambassadors, Mendoza and Chapuys." There was our queue. We went up onto the beautifully built castle. Margaret and I were on the sides of the tower, with Anne between us. The men came in and bowed. They were in black and gold, matching the 'sins'. Master Cornish was in a jester's outfit.
"As Ardent Desire, I demand you release your prisoners."
"As Lady Scorn, I laugh at your desires." She was quite convincing with her 'scorn' against the men.
"These men are noble lords."
"No, they're just men dressed up." Anne and I couldn't help but snicker at the insult. They were men dressed up, the only noble lord was Henry until next week., then Charles would become Duke of Suffolk.
"I say it again, release these fair damsels that you keep so cruelly." Yes! Release us from these horrible outfits!
"Never!"
"Then you give us no choice but to attack and breach your defenses." I smiled at the innuendo.
"No knight shall ever breach mine." Henry and I chuckled at the same time.
"Lady, Desire overcomes all." He paused long enough to be dramatic. "Attack!" The men rushed forward, with us looking terrified. Charles climbed up the tower, and grasped my hand.
"Elegance, you are my prisoner now." A smirk played across his face, and he jumped over the rail and kissed my hand. I smiled and he helped me down to the landing. "You look beautiful." He whispered in my ear.
"This beauty is quite uncomfortable. I really want to change into my proper gown." He let go of my hand and turned around to face me.
"And now all shall be unmasked." A lady behind me undid the ribbon holding my mask up, and Charles' came off as well. The music started and I let Charles guide me in the dance. I couldn't really practice the dance due to my pregnancy, but I knew the basic steps. His hands brushed across my waist, shoulders and stomach, and by the end of the dance, I couldn't help but miss the feeling.
"I really wish we didn't have to do this." Charles and I walked towards the fountain in the garden, where Margaret was sulking. Apparently she had tried to convince Henry again to call off the marriage, but had failed. On the other hand, Anne had caught the attention of Henry again. He didn't remember her very much, only that she was beautiful, and that she had once been in my service. His plan to make her his next queen had gone from his mind.
"Me neither, but we must. Henry commanded it." His hand stroked mine, where it was looped within his arm. I was wearing a pale yellow petticoat with a dark grey and gold dress over it. We arrived at the gardens, and Charles reached towards the shoulder of the lady at the entrance. Seh turned and smiled at him, but the smile quickly faded when she saw me.
"May we see your mistress?" She walked over, hips swaying exaggeratedly, to Margaret.
"A gentleman, my lady." She said that word like it was a code for something. My grip tightened on Charles' arm, but he just stroked my hand again. He bowed at Margaret when she came up to us, but I just stared her down.
"Mister Brandon. You are not yet invested a duke, I think."
"In 3 days, Margaret." She glared at me, but I just held my gaze calmly.
"I shall be taking with me to Portugal, a company of 200 persons. They shall include my chamberlain, my chaplain, my laundress, all of my ladies." Who the HELL does she think she is? We are not her servants!
"Yes, madam." I could hear Charles gritting his teeth. My fingers just gently ran over his arm, calming him.
"Should you have anything to discuss, you may do so with my chamberlain." More stroking, More gritting of teeth.
"Yes, madam."
"I'm surprised my brother chose a man without noble blood to represent him. Even Norfolk would have been better. I'm even more surprised my sister chose to court one. Then again, her standards were always low." I lunged at her as she turned, but Charles just held me back, and we turned out of the gardens, both of us infuriated.
"I hope the King of Portugal is incredibly lusty and goes to her bed every night for years." I spat out, causing Charles to laugh. He kissed the top of my head and I slowly calmed down.
"We can only hope. Come, let's go for a walk by the river."
Charles, the Holy Roman Emperor, had finally landed in England. It had been near a month since the masque, and my pregnancy was starting to show. The Queen had arranged a marriage between Mary, a little girl of 6, and Charles, a man of nearly 20, and her cousin. The pope gave a dispensation, but I didn't agree. Mary did not need to be married off so soon.
As a result of this massive... thing that had happened, a large portion of the court was waiting for Charles to arrive in the ballroom, where he would be presented to The Queen, Mary, and Me. Margaret had once again chosen to sulk for the day, trying to protest her wedding. Once again, it wasn't working. I had worn a pale purple gown, cut nicely to somewhat cover my pregnancy, but give my stomach room, With a diamond and amethyst set from Iceland. Mary was in a delicate yellow and green dress her mother chose. Katherine herself was in a dark purple gown with a wine red coat over it. Not the best combination, but it worked to some degree.
"Your Majesty, His lmperial Highness, Charles, Holy Roman Emperor." Charles walked up to Katherine, and knelt.
"Majesty, I ask for your blessing, as a nephew to an aunt." Her hand held out, and he kissed it.
"I give you my blessing freely, my dear Charles, as I give you my love. Your Highness, allow me to present my daughter Mary, your future bride." I cringed slightly. Katherine had completely disregarded protocol, and did not introduce me to her nephew. Henry would not be pleased at this. I watched as Mary curtsied with a flourish, something I had taught her to do. A smile made its way back onto my face as Charles applauded, but dropped slightly as I saw Katherine frown. She recognized the what Mary had done. The curtsy was well known to be mine.
"Bravo! Come." They kissed each other on the cheeks. "Now, we must wait to be married. Do you think you have the patience?" Mary nodded happily.
"I have a present for Your Highness. Do you want to see it?" He smiled as if he was being given a male heir right then and there.
"I love presents. Show me." Mary turned to the window and pointed towards the 5 horses that she had the grooms hold. They had fine Italian leather saddles, all engraved with Charles' personal monogram as King of Spain and the Holy Roman Emperor.
"There. Look."
"Are they for me?" Charles played his part well, all to make a little girl of 6 happy. I smiled, and thought that perhaps he would make Mary happy after all, but I still didn't like the way she was being shipped off so young.
"Do you like them?" Mary was so eager to for him to like the horses she had selected.
"They're the best presents I've ever had. Thank you, Your Highness." He grinned happily, and with that, I released a breath.
"Have you met my Aunt?" Mary took his hand and lead him over to me. "Your Highness, this is my Aunt, Princess Sarah." I curtsied deeply. This was not part of what was supposed to happen. Katherine was supposed to introduce me, not Mary. I sighed internally as she did the duties of her mother.
"Your Majesty, it is an honour to meet you." He smiled and kissed my hand.
"And it is an honour to meet the woman that even the pope has said have been most christian with her actions regarding her situation and towards those who have wronged her." I blushed.
"Your Highness, I just try to do what is right within the sight of God and the laws of the land. But I am humbly touched by your words, and sincerely hope that you enjoy your stay here with your aunt." He nodded.
"We should speak sometime." I smiled.
"I am at Your Highness' pleasure." I noticed Katherine's deep frown. I was slowly making an enemy of the Queen of England, but was quickly making an ally of the King of Spain.
I slowly walked around the dance area as Carlos (as I had taken to calling him to avoid confusion with Charles Brandon) danced with Mary happily. He would be good to her when they were married, but I still held doubts about whether she should marry so young. I noticed Anthony, William and Charles sitting together. I made my way over to them, out of their lines of sight, when I heard their conversation.
"Not drinking today, Charles, or should I say, Your Grace?" I was surprised at Anthony's tone. It was cold, and malicious.
"You should definitely call him by his real name which is cunt or villain." William joined in on the cruelty, causing me to frown.
"Why?"
"We're supposed to be friends, Charles."
"Aren't we still?"
"Not if you don't show us favour. It's within your gift to ask His Majesty to give us some titles, or at least some land." When has friendship been dependent on what you could gain?
"It seems that everything the king has to give, he's given to you. Titles, land, even his sister to fuck when you feel like it!" I stumbled backwards, shocked. Was I just Charles' whore in their opinion?
"Jealous?"
"Naturally. As you rise, so too should we." Why should they rise with him when they have done nothing to deserve it?
"So, what can we do for you, Your Grace?" Tony spat the title to Charles.
"Show me some respect. And never speak of Sarah in such ways ever again." His head turned, and he saw me with tears in my eyes. He made a move to come to me, but I shook my head no. Anthony and William noticed Charles looking in my direction, and both turned and saw me. They immediately looked bashful. I carefully walked towards them. They tried to apologise, but I quickly shushed them.
"I don't care how drunk you are. I am nobody's whore, and you two are lucky I'm in a merciful mood this afternoon. Charles was given his title for reasons the two of you could never comprehend, because it's beyond your abilities as men." I walked to Henry and told him I would be going back to my rooms to rest. Carlos, who had just finished speaking to Catherine, offered to walk me to my rooms.
"Gracias, Carlos. ¿Está disfrutando de su visita aquí hasta ahora?" Thank you, Charles. Are you enjoying your visit here so far?
"Es muy hermoso aquí, en su propia manera. Voy a admitir que echo de menos España. Se siente como-" It is most beautiful here, in it's own way. I will admit I miss Spain. It feels like-
"Tú estás lejos de casa. Entiendo el sentimiento. Sentí lo mismo cuando llegué por primera vez detrás de Islandia. Inglaterra era tan diferente, y me perdí la familiaridad de la corte de Islandia." You're away from home. I understand the feeling. I felt the same way when I first came back from Iceland. England was so different, and I missed the familiarity of the Icelandic court.
"Perdóneme por preguntar, pero ¿dónde aprendiste esa fluidez español?" Forgive me for asking, but where did you learn such fluent Spanish?
"En Islandia. Fue uno de los muchos idiomas que aprendí, junto islandés, italiano, griego y alemán. Creo que a veces puedo llegar a conocer más idiomas que el Rey." In Iceland. It was one of the many languages I learned, alongside Icelandic, Italian, Greek and German. I think sometimes I might know more languages than the King.
"Y su majestad no se ofenda a eso?" And his majesty does not take offense to that?
"En realidad no, la reina Catalina, por otra parte, encuentra defectos en él, como la mayoría de cosas que hago. Perdóname por hablar mal de tu tía, pero no hemos llevado bien durante el último año o así. He tomado algunas decisiones que ella no aprueba, y yo habría dicho muy claramente que ella no controla mi vida. ella se molestó por esto, entonces empezó a conspirar detrás mío y la espalda de su majestad para que me casó y tomado de Inglaterra. su majestad se enteró , y su castigado por ello, sin embargo, ella me culpa por su castigo. ella también me culpa de quedar embarazada." Not really, Queen Katherine on the other hand, finds fault with it, like most other things I do. Forgive me for speaking ill of your aunt, but we have not gotten along for the past year or so. I have made some decisions that she does not approve of, and I have told her very plainly that she does not control my life. She took offense to this, then started plotting behind mine and his majesty's back to have me married and taken from England. His majesty found out, and punished her for it, yet she blames me for her punishment. She also blames me for getting pregnant.
"Pero eso está más allá de su control." But that is beyond your control.
"Por favor, explique eso a ella. Podría entenderlo si le dices a ella, en lugar de a mí oa su marido." Please explain that to her. She might understand it if you tell her, rather than me or her husband.
"Y, de nuevo, perdóname por preguntar, ¿cómo estás tratando con su embarazo más inesperado?" And, again, forgive me for asking, how are you dealing with your most unexpected pregnancy?
"Sorprendentemente bien. Fue todo un shock cuando me enteré, pero me digo a mí misma que no puedo culpar al niño por las faltas de que es padre. No es justo para ellos." Surprisingly well. It was quite a shock when I found out, but I just tell myself that I cannot blame the child for the faults of it's father. It is not fair to them.
"Eso es muy cierto. Pues bien, su alteza, estamos aquí son sus habitaciones. Espero que se sienta mejor al poco tiempo." That is very true. Well, your highness, we are here are your rooms. I hope you feel better soon.
"Así que estamos. Muchas Gracias por acompañarme aquí. Yo no quise decir que te lleva lejos de las celebraciones." So we are. Thank you so much for walking me here. I didn't mean to take you away from the celebrations.
"No fue un problema. ¿Te veré esta noche para la cena?" It was no problem. Will I see you tonight for the dinner?
"La mayoría probable. Gracias otra vez." Most likely. Thank you again.
A week later, Carlos left, and Katherine's wrath had diminished slightly much to my joy, and peace of mind.
"Your Highness, The King of Iceland has written to you, and sent you a gift." I furrowed my eyebrows.
"Castiel? Why would he write?" Charles laid his hand on my shoulder, reminding me to calm myself. "He just sent chests of gifts not even 2 months ago!" Charles went over and took it, and brought it to me. My stomach was starting to show a bit more, but delicate lacing and panels in specific places helped hide the pregnancy. I opened the box and gasped. I gently ran my fingers over the soft fabric. It was several sets of baby's clothing, embroidered delicately and made of the softest fabrics. I opened the letter carefully, and read it.
Sarah,
I do hope everything is well in England. When I was sending your jewels and gowns back to you, I had forgotten to send this as well. It is from Lord and Lady Mikaelson, who send their warmest wishes and hope that they will hear from you soon.
I smiled at the note. Even my friends in far places had heard of my pregnancy, and I was happy to have heard from them. I quickly penned a note to my former lady-in-waiting, inquiring about their health and passing along various pleasantries. I also made a point to write to Castiel, thanking him for sending my clothes and jewels back, and asked him about his wife and children.
"His Majesty, the king." The entire room went down into bows and curtsies. Henry went straight to Margaret and kissed her. "My dear sister. Fare you well on your journey. Remember, the king of Portugal, your future husband loves and respects you. And you must love him in return."
She turned her head in disgust, then fiercely hugged him, muttering something in his ear. He pushed her off, and walked over to Charles and I. "Charles, as you love me, take care of them."
"I will. You may have no doubts. I shall treat her as if she were my own sister." His hand slipped in mine. "I will not leave Sarah's side." Henry smiled and patted him on his arm, then kissed me on the forehead. He returned to the front of the room.
"God be with all of you. And remember your duties to my lady and to England. Let us pray."
We made our way onto the ship, a large vessel able to house all of the people necessary to Margaret's wedding. I had only taken 2 ladies-in-waiting and a midwife with me, as not to cause more trouble for the men on board. Margaret's women had already taken up many of the men's rooms, forcing them to sleep elsewhere on the ship. Margaret managed to find fault with everything. Charles and I walked with Margaret and showed her the room she would be sleeping in. "This is your stateroom. I hope it meets with Your Highness's approval." Charles was trying to be kind to her, but she was making it difficult for him.
"It will serve."
"The bed is narrow but adequate. And in case of action, all this paneling will be removed."
"Action?" Oh goody, she actually sounded worried. Maybe we could do a trial run, just to make her even more scared. It might just knock some sense into her.
"If we are attacked." My voice sounded weary, and slightly annoyed.
"Who will attack us?"
"Pirates, Your Highness." Charles slid his hand onto my back, and I was grateful for the distraction, and the support. The baby was tiring me out quickly.
"It seems to me, Your Grace we have more to fear from the pirates already on board." She eyed his arm, then turned with a very haughty 'hmmph'. I grit my teeth, and both Charles and I left. He led me to the room beside hers and opened the door. Inside were my two ladies in waiting spreading the two separate beds, one by the window, and one on the paneled wall. There was a table by the door, and chests at the end of each bed.
"This is our room." His voice murmured in my ear. I looked up at him, and his face had a slight smile.
"Does Henry know?" I didn't want Charles getting beheaded for this, but to my surprise, he nodded.
"Henry was the one who commanded it. He doesn't want anything to happen to you." He nudged me towards the slightly bigger bed by the window. "Rest. I'll go up and let the captain know his guests of honour are in their rooms."
I sat down on my bed, and stared out the window as I left England for the first time since I came back from Iceland. It was a bittersweet sensation.
Later on, the captain, lieutenant, charts master and navigator all came down to our room to play cards with Charles. I chuckled at their merry game as I sat on my bed, in a loose blue overcoat and nightgown, reading a book.
"Happy to take your money anytime." I laughed as the captain lost yet another round.
"Another round lost, Captain?"
"Yes, Your Highness, I might be good at sailing, but cards is a different story." I smiled.
"You just save your money, captain, for when we get to Lisbon." He nodded at Charles' words. They excused themselves, and left for the night.
"I hope we didn't disturb you." I shook my head no.
"I'm glad you found some companionship apart from a pregnant woman." He chuckled and pulled his shirt off, lying down on his bed.
"I enjoy the company of the pregnant woman. She's also quite the beauty." I sat up and pressed my dress against my stomach.
"She's a barge. You could take her and float her down the Thames."
"Still beautiful." She smiled gently, pulled off her overcoat, and covered herself with her sheets. "Good night Sarah."
"Good night Charles."
Charles POV
It was later on that night that I was awoken to the sounds of sobbing and rustling of the sheet. I turned and looked towards Sarah to see her fighting her sheets and crying. Immediately I ran over and cradled her in my arms, trying to shake her awake.
"I will never be yours! You will never be king!" She fought so hard in my arms. Her words echoed until it made sense about what she was saying. She was reliving her rape. Tears had started rolling down her face, and she had started kicking.
"Sarah, you're not there anymore. He can't hurt you anymore, he's gone. Please, wake up!" I shook her again, and this time, she finally woke up. Her looked around the room quickly before her eyes settled on me. "Are you ok?" She gently nodded. "Will you be ok for the rest of the night?" This time she hesitated, but nodded again.
"Will you stay with me?" Her voice was a broken whisper.
"I haven't left."
"I mean- here, in the bed with me." My eyes widened. "You don't have to, I just feel safer with you here. It's fine if you don't want to." She started to pull herself out of my arms, and I let her go, but quickly shifted in the bed and wrapped my arms around her again, having her back pressed against my chest, with one of my hands resting against her belly.
"Sleep Sarah. He won't disturb you while I'm here." She relaxed visibly against me, and slowly fell back to sleep. I stroked her belly and hummed, relaxing her and myself, until I finally fell asleep as well.
She didn't wake up again.
The next morning, I woke up to a often unseen sight of the beautiful English princess. A few locks of hair fell out of her braid, and were resting against her cheeks and forehead. Her lips were slightly parted, her breath soft. Her legs were tucked below her, and her fingers occasionally tightened their grip onto the nearby sheets. I sat up, and gently brushed the strands of hair out of her face. She stirred, and slowly woke up. I smiled.
"Good morning, Your Highness." My voice was gentle and teasing.
"Good morning, Your Grace." She smiled up at me, her tone matching mine.
"Please, just call me Charles."
"Plain Charles, no title, no sir?" The first time we met echoed in my head. I leaned forward and kissed her gently.
"No ma'am." Her smile brightened.
"Well then Charles, I insist you call me Sarah." We both held serious faces with serious smiles for a few seconds before bursting into laughter. She curled up into my side and rested her head on my chest. "Oh Charles, I wish we didn't have to leave this room. I just want to stay here with you." I kissed her head.
"Me too."
We had been sailing for 8 days, and the night before had been hit with a storm. The winds were pushing us faster, and what should have been a 14 day journey was being shortened to (hopefully) merely 10. Sarah was stitching a christening gown for her child, despite the one Castiel had sent before we left. I was reading Thomas More's Utopia when a knock came at the door.
"Come in." Sarah voice echoed. She had not been entirely well with the severe rocking of the ship, and I was hoping to keep a close eye on her to avoid anything serious happening to her. I didn't want to admit it to myself yet, but I was falling in love with the pregnant princess.
A young maid came through, one of Margaret's. "Your Highness, Your Grace. My lady has asked to see you, Your Grace."
"Did she say why?" The girl shook her head.
"No, Your Grace." I nodded.
"Very well, I will be along in a minute." The maid left, and Sarah shook her head.
"What on earth does she have planned now?" I shrugged.
"I don't know, but I have to go see her."
"Charles, be careful. I don't trust Margaret's motives." I nodded, and went next door. Margaret was sitting down in front of me, playing cards and drinking wine.
"You wanted to see me, Your Highness?" My voice was cold and polite.
"Only to ask how much longer we must be at sea." The hairs at the back of my neck raised and bristled. She was planning something.
"With a fair wind, two more days." I smiled internally at this. Sarah couldn't last much longer at sea without becoming seriously sick. She barely slept at night anymore, even with me holding her, and she barely ate without throwing up. The midwife with her said that she would be fine as soon as we went ashore, and severe seasickness was normal in pregnant women.
Your Grace should also take care with her, and do not leave her alone for very long, for I do not think I could help her very much on this ship if something serious should happen. Try to get her to rest during the days too. She'll need her strength as much as possible in the next coming months. The midwife's words echoed through my head.
"Do you play cards, Your Grace?" Margaret's voice startled me out of my own head, and back into the current conversation. Her voice seemed to have gained a minor sultry tone that made me shudder.
"Sometimes, Your Highness." I gritted my teeth.
"What game shall we play?"
"You choose."
"French ruff."
"You pick trumps."
"Kings."
"How appropriate, Your Highness." I took the opportunity to tease. There was a slight shuffle against the wall, and I knew Sarah was listening in.
"Wine?" That sultry tone increased.
"As you please. Your Highness must be looking forward with great anticipation to your wedding. I hear the king was a great horseman in his time. And famous for his beautiful mistresses." My teasing went further.
"Don't tease me. I don't like it." The hairs on the back on my neck raised even further, and I was grateful for my high collar.
"Will you like it when an old man tries to make love to you night after night?" I reminded her of what was to come.
"Your Grace goes too far. Already." I smiled, challenging her even further.
"Gospel says the truth will make you free." I heard a cough that sounded like Sarah's followed by giggles.
"Now you are blasphemous. My poor lady should not hear you." Oh no, no no no. I do NOT want to be alone with her! I looked for the soonest opportunity to leave as she closed the door behind her woman and whispered in my ear.
"I want you to leave." Perfect. I stood up and placed the cards back on the table. She looked shocked, as if she expected me to do something else.
"Pity. I had a winning hand." I walked out, and immediately walked into our room. Sarah was sitting on my bed, giggling.
"Oh, your grace, I want you to leave! But I also want you to ravage me! Don't tease me I don't like it!" Her voice took a slightly higher pitch, and she dissolved into more giggles.
"Glad to see you enjoyed my pain." My heart raised at the sight of Sarah in better spirits.
"What on earth did she think you were going to do? Seduce her?" I just shrugged.
"I have no clue, but I have no intentions of doing so." I shuddered, before moving in to brush her hair.
Sarah POV
I walked into Margaret's room two days later. We had arrived in Lisbon early, thanks to the storm. Margaret herself was looking out the window, looking miserable. I stood next to her, my hands resting on my belly. I smiled at her. "Your new kingdom. The king must be looking forward to-"
"Don't. Please." She paused, sad of the situation. "I should hate you. You had it easy."
"But you don't. I know you don't, Maggie." I used my childhood nickname for her.
"What will I do?" She sniffled. I wrapped an arm around her shoulders, acting as the older sibling for once. In this situation, I had more experience than her.
"Survive." With that, I left her to her own thoughts. I would regret it later on.
The King and his court were very welcoming. He was incredibly joyed to see her, but seemed even more joyed to see a young woman that he could make love to.
"It appears that the King is more than willing to seduce her when you wouldn't." I whispered to Charles, who chuckled and smiled when we made it up to the king. He stepped down, and started speaking to Margaret.
"Margaret. Você está ainda mais bonito do que o seu retrato. Eu me sinto tão grande sorte que você está prestes a ser minha rainha. Margaret. You are even more handsome than your portrait. I feel so greatly fortunate that you are soon to be my queen.
She looked at Charles and I, before the King grasped her chin and turned her face back to him.
"Tudo aqui está à sua disposição. Eu só quero que você seja feliz e me fazer feliz. E então nós vamos fazer as crianças, muitas crianças com a ajuda de Deus!" Everything here is at your disposal. I only want you to be happy and to make me happy. And then we will make children, many children with God's help!
I had to hold back a massive laugh as she fainted. Charles caught her, and the King looked upset. I quickly stepped forward and curtsied.
"Sua Majestade, por favor, desculpe a minha irmã. Ela não tem dormido bem na nossa viagem de emoção para o casamento." Your Majesty, please excuse my sister. She has not slept well on our journey for excitement for the wedding.
"Leve-a para descansar. Não quero que nada aconteça com minha noiva." Take her to rest. I do not want anything to happen to my lovely bride.
"Obrigado, Majestade." Thank you, Your Majesty.
Two days later, I walked into Margaret's room with a tiara box. "Margaret?" I saw her in her white and gold gown. "You look beautiful." Actually, she looked drawn out and haggard, the ermine on the dress not helping her drawn out look.
She smiled grimly. "So do you." I was in a silver dress with a deep teal underskirt. "What's in the box?" I opened it, and took out a golden tiara, made out of rings of gold. Margaret gasped.
"It's our mother's halo tiara. Henry wanted you to have it for your wedding, hoping it would bring you a small amount of joy today." I placed it over her veil, then fixed the veil over her face. "I'll be here for the wedding, but I have been banned from the wedding bed. Apparently in my advanced state of pregnancy, too much excitement is not the best for me." She sighed.
"Any words of advice?" I wracked my brain for what my ladies in Iceland told me before my wedding. I never consummated my marriage, but I took their words to heart.
"Stay calm. Relax. Breathe, and it will be over before you know it." A knock came at the door. One of Margaret's ladies came in.
"Your Highness, it is time." She nodded, and grasped my hand. I smiled at her, and we walked out of the room to Charles, at the last time I would see her as Margaret, Princess of England. Charles walked her down the aisle, face straight. When Margaret tried to stop, He placed his hand over hers, and continued forward, forcing her to take her place beside the king, and marry him.
After the wedding, I walked up the the king and Margaret, congratulated them, begged permission to return to my rooms, and got ready for bed. A knock came while I was brushing my hair, giving the evening off for my ladies to celebrate and enjoy themselves.
"Come in." Charles' head popped in, his face seemed stressed. "What's wrong Charles?" I put the brush down and went to get up, but he held his hand out for me to remain seated. He picked up the brush, then carefully and slowly ran it through my hair. It was something he started doing on our way to Lisbon, after one night where I was unable to sleep, and he managed to soothe me by brushing my hair. It became a slight ritual after that.
"I danced with Margaret, and told her that we were going to be leaving tomorrow. She told me we couldn't." I stayed silent, letting Charles tell me what was wrong at his pace. "I said that we had done what was required of us, and were released from our charges. I then teased her, telling her that the king could go on for years while younger men could drop dead suddenly. She asked me if I teased her because it was amusing, and I said why else." He finished brushing my hair, then started braiding it, knowing that was how I kept it out of my face during the night. "She said it was because I wanted her. Sexually." My jaw dropped, and I looked at Charles through the mirror. He tied off a ribbon at the end of the braid, and laid it over my shoulder.
"Do you?" He shook his head no.
"No, there's only one woman I want to be sexual with, but I can't be. Not with the baby in her belly." He kissed my head and wrapped his arms around my shoulders, hugging me. I hugged his arms, soothing him.
"Stay with me tonight?" I asked him softly. I had gotten used to sleeping with him on the ship after my nightmares, and they just kept coming back once we landed in Lisbon and I was forced to sleep alone again.
"I'll stay with you until you fall asleep, but you know I have to go after that." I nodded. If he was found in my room in the morning, the entire travelling party could be in serious danger and trouble, including Margaret. I got up and snuggled next to him in the bed, letting his gentle breathing and strong heartbeat lull me to a peaceful sleep.
The next morning, however, was not so peaceful. I had just been awoken when guards came into the room, swords at the ready. "Your Highness, forgive the intrusion, but you are asked to please stay in your rooms for the time being." Their heavily accented English was soft, and trying not to alarm me. My ladies placed my blue robe over me as I nodded at their unusual request.
"Of course, but may I ask why?" They glanced at each other, before telling me.
"His majesty is dead. Smothered to death with a pillow by Her Majesty, Queen Margaret. The Late King's Groomsmen and the Queen's English Ladies caught her in the act, but by time they pulled her off, the Late King was already with God."
My legs gave out under me with the shock.
To his Majesty, King Henry,
Margaret is in trouble. She murdered the King of Portugal. The entire English party is currently under guard. Margaret is currently in a room, locked with an an entire squadron of Guards protecting her, and preventing her escape.
I cannot make any promises, but I will see what I can do to save her.
Sarah Tudor
"Meus senhores, não há nada que possa ser organizado?" My lords, Is there nothing that could be arranged?
I stood before the highest lords of Portugal, begging for Margaret's life. It had been 3 days since she killed the late king, and was going to be executed for it. The eldest, and the obvious head, of the council, was the only one who responded. the rest just started at me with judgmental eyes.
"Sua Alteza, eu entendo o amor que tendes para sua irmã, mas se ela é liberada sem qualquer punição, a totalidade da Europa cristã estaria em guerra com a Inglaterra." Your Highness, I understand the love you bear for your sister, but if she is freed without any punishment, the entirety of Christian Europe would be at war with England.
My hands were tied, and I ceased to beg. My head lowered, and I lowered my head in anger.
"Quando ela está a ser executado?" When is she to be executed?
"No final da semana. O rei decretou que ela vai ser decapitado, e não queimadas, como condizente com seu grau de princesa, e fora da bondade de seu coração." At the end of the week. The king has decreed she will be executed, and not burned, as befitting her rank of princess, and out of the kindness of his heart.
"Muito bem, meus senhores, deixe a justiça ser servido. Nenhuma pessoa da festa Inglês tentará pará-lo. Você tem a minha palavra como uma princesa Inglês, e uma rainha da Islândia." Very well, my lords, let justice be served. No person of the English party will attempt to stop it. You have my word as an English Princess, and an Icelandic Queen.
I curtsied, and started walking out of the room before turning back.
"Meus senhores, posso falar com a minha irmã uma última vez antes que ela deve ser executada?" My lords, may I speak to my sister one last time before she is to be executed?
They paused,and spoke with each other in rapid Portuguese.
"Você pode. É também a pedido do conselho que você e seu partido, deixar pela noite de sua morte." You may. It is also the request of the council that you, and your party, leave by the night of her death.
"Muito bem. Que possamos aproveitar seu corpo para ser enterrado com o resto da sua família?" Very well. May we take her body to be buried with the rest of her family?
"Não, ela vai ser enterrado aqui, com as honras de uma princesa, mas não de uma rainha." No, she will be buried here with the honours of a princess, but not of a queen.
I nodded at their decision, and properly left. The week sped by, and we packed away all of our things before the execution, with the intent of boarding the boat as soon as we were able to. I had not seen, or spoke to Margaret since she had killed her husband. She jumped up as soon as she saw me. My grim face immediately dulled her joy, and she knew she was going to die.
"Why did you do it, Maggie?" I asked her, all barriers broken between us.
"I wanted to be free. Charles Brandon is there, and he wants me, I know it." I cringed at the thought of her with Charles. It would have been an unhappy union.
"He was with me, Maggie. He has been for months now, before I even fell pregnant. You killed someone out of cruelty and spite." I shook my head. "Perhaps Henry is the best of us."
"Oh get off your throne. You never do any wrong, so who are you to judge?"
"I've done plenty wrong, Margaret. You just never thought to ask me if I had or hadn't." I stepped away from her. "You will apologize to the Portuguese people, who have done nothing but invite you into their lives with love. You will renounce your title as Queen of Portugal. You will apologize for killing the king."
"And then what? I'll get to go home?" I snorted, before laughing and knocking on the door to be let out of her chambers. "What will happen then?"
"Then, Margaret, you have my permission to die." My voice ran cold, and I walked away from the room and from my sister forever.
2 weeks later, England.
William came up to me, then tilted his head into the room. "He wants you. Beware, he's upset."
I nodded, then made my way into the room, and curtsied, as low as I could with my ever growing stomach. The baby was due in just over a month, but the midwives said I was far too large for my time. "Your Majesty."
"How did you let his happen?"
"I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean, Your Majesty."
"HOW COULD YOU HAVE LET MARGARET BE EXECUTED?!" I looked him dead in the eye.
"How could I? Simple. It was justice."
"Justice, Sarah? Execution of a royal princess is not justice! When you wrote she had killed him, I expected you to get her out of the country and back to England." With that, I snapped.
"HOW COULD YOU, THE KING OF ENGLAND, EXPECT YOUR ELDER SISTER, WHO MURDERED NOT ONLY HER HUSBAND, BUT THE KING OF A NEIGHBOURING COUNTRY, TO GO FREE? For the love of God, Henry, use your brain! You were blessed with one for a reason! I wrote telling you that she was under guard, we all were! I was as well! I begged for her life, and was told under no circumstances would she be allowed to leave, without war being declared upon us! England would be at war with Portugal, with the backing of France and Spain! I could beg Castiel to help, but he is weeks away, Henry! England would be GONE. We would all be DEAD. She chose her fate when she decided to smother him! The servants caught her! Both English and Portugese! She couldn't go free for THAT!" I stared him straight in the face, defying him with every breath.
"How dare you look at me? I am your lord and master, not your brother!" I continued to stare, refusing to back down.
"It is to my lord, master and king I speak to, not my brother!" His hand flew and slapped me across the face. I stumbled back. Henry had never hit me before. I pressed my cool hand to my face, trying to sooth the sharp pain.
"You are confined to your rooms, away from court. He is banished from court. You will relinquish your London houses. You will remove yourself from my sight. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Your Majesty." I spat his title back to him. I spun out of the court and walked as fast as I could to my rooms, where Charles was waiting. He saw my reddened cheek, and gathered me into his arms.
"What happened?" His voice was quiet and soothing.
"He blames me for letting her die. I am confined to my rooms. You are banished from court. We are no longer welcome within the King's sight, unless it is to apologize." Charles led me to a seat, and sat me down gently, in order to avoid hurting me further.
"Get your lady a poultice for her face." One of the younger maids made her way into my chest of infusions, and spread the appropriate poultice onto a dark cloth, then brought it over. Charles took the cloth and gently laid it on my cheek, the mint in the infusion cooling the soreness quickly. He then took my hand and placed it over the cloth. "So, we do as he says. I will leave today-" I quickly tried to convince him not to. "Sarah, no. He was furious today and he hit you, I will not risk him injuring you, or the baby, further by staying here. I'll write to you as often as I can." I sighed, not bothering to argue. I wiped my cheek clean of the poultice, and placed the cloth down on a table beside me. He got up and pulled me into his arms. Hugging me as tightly as he could without hurting me. I tilted my head up and pressed a kiss to his lips, and felt his fingers tangle within my loose hair. I pulled away and whispered against his lips.
"I don't want you to go. Don't leave me alone here. Please." He pressed his hand against my stomach, and the baby slightly kicked. A tear rolled down my face.
"I can't. I will not risk your lives. I-" His mouth snapped shut, and he let out a sigh. "I love you far too much to let that happen." A gasp escaped from my lips. More tears rolled down. He kissed me again, desperately. A tear slipped down his face. My thumb wiped it away, and I laid my head against his chest, letting him hold me for the last time until we saw each other again. His hand ran down my back.
"I love you too. I'll miss you Charles."
"And I will miss you. Please, try to stay safe while I am gone." I nodded, and watched him reluctantly walk out.
"Charles?" My voice sounded frantic. He turned and looked at me with longing. "Try to come back in time for the baby." His smile danced across his face, despite the sorrow in his eyes.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world." With that, he turned and left. My legs gave out beneath me, and I fell into a sobbing mess.
