Important Author's Note (PLEASE READ):
Ok so I wanted to get a new update for you guys since many of you have been waiting for forever for it to be finished, me included. But I mostly wanted to get this AN out cause I have been getting some reviews that I want to address.
Many have been saying that Christine is a typical fan fiction character that is too perfect and others say that it doesn't make sense that she would marry King Henry the eighth. But I really wanted to create a character that was a blend of Catherine Parr and Anne Boleyn, crazy I know but I really feel that it is Christine's love for Henry shows how imperfect she is. She lets her heart rule her actions rather than her head. As some may say and even the Bible says that the heart is treacherous. I also deal with the fact that while there is an extensive history about Henry the 8th. We really don't know the finer details of his real emotions and dealings. This angle I want to portray as a historian student with the knowledge of Henry going back in time and seeing a whole different side to the tyrannical ruler of England.
Well that's what I wanted to say about that. If you don't like it then don't read. But for those who do like it I will continue to update till it's finished. And p/s you guys rock!
Disclaimer: I own nothing but Christine.
Yorkshire Northern England (Two months after the wedding)
Two men trotted into Yorkshire towards a small building where men had gathered.
The stress of the situation exceeded greatly on Mr. Aske. This talk of rebelling against his majesty and his queen was enough to scare him and put burden on his conscience.
Inside there were more than a hundred men gathered conversing amongst themselves.
His friend John made his way through the crowd fretting whoever he could, thanking them for coming. John then found a crate to rise himself up so everyone could hear and see him.
"Friends!" He tried to quite the crowd. "Friends. We have come here so you can listen and talk to," He gestures to Mr Aske. "This good man, Mr. Robert Aske. Now some of you know him as the Duke of Northumberland's legal man. He has always been honest and fair-minded in his dealings with the commons, so Mr. Aske can speak for himself." He then motions for Robert to climb the cart as he steps off.
Mr Aske climbs and prepares what he will say next.
"Evening, gentlemen. Now, tell me what it is you all want."
One larger man steps forward. "Mr. Aske! All our feast days are abolished and gone! Should it please the king's grace that we might have our holidays back!" All men agreed 'aye!'
Another man to Mr. Aske's right spoke up. "We want the abbeys restored and demand that this advance of heresy be halted! We want these new heretic bishops - like Cranmer - to be cast out." All men shouted again 'Aye!' "And him and Cromwell to be supplanted by men of noble birth. Same goes for the queen to be cast out and there be a queen born of royal blood on the throne!" All men shouted in agreement, clapping and banging the staffs and spears on the floor.
Another man, much skinnier, stepped forward and spoke. "We hear rumors, Mr. Aske, that new taxes are to be levied against us: on our cattle and our christenings, on our marriages and our births!" All men then began to shout in anger.
A man behind Mr. Aske spoke up. "Mr. Aske! They even destroy our parish churches and steal all their treasures!" More angry shout were now booming through the building.
Mr. Aske began to quiet the down. "All right gentlemen, all right gentlemen. And what do you reckon you could do to stop them?"
A large man stepped forward.
"Mr. Aske! Before our lands, our goods and our houses are taken from us by the church commissioners, we will fight!" All men shouted in agreement. "And we will die! That is our full answer Mr. Aske!"
Robert looked out at the crowd surrounding him, hoping they would listen to his next words. "I know you're angry. The destruction of the abbeys is a terrible, a criminal thing. Since they represent by their very presence an exalted ideal to all of us." The men were beginning to like what they were hearing. "But, gentlemen, this call to arms, to rebellion against the king's grace, is something which in my conscience I cannot agree to." and with that the crowd began to turn on him. But he went on further to prove his point. "Since the king is our body and soul then an attack on him and his queen is an attack against the commonwealth and upon God himself." The crowd only grew more angry. The man from before came forward and held his hands out for the attention to be brought unto him.
"Did you hear that? The gentry don't care for us! Christ died for the poor. You remember that, Mr. Aske!"
The crowd shouted in agreement. Mr. Aske knew he couldn't convince them to give up acting in violence against their majesties.
(Three months after the wedding)
(Author POV)
"Do you really think I'm ready Henry?" The queen asked her husband with her heart beating nervously.
"Christine I wish you would stop worrying. You have met the ambassador before."
"Yes but as a friend to Mary not as a queen! I'm afraid of embarrassing myself!"
The king chuckled. "You have no need to fear. Your Spanish is excellent and that alone will make a good impression, and all you instructors have told me that you have excelled in your lessons. You are well educated and you strive for peace in the land. You have the makings of an excellent queen, it's time to put them to use."
The queen took a large breath and exhaled slowly. "Well I trust your judgement." She paused. "And don't laugh at my expense! It's important to me that I make a good impression." She admonished.
The king held back another chuckle and tried to compose himself seriously but loving as well. "I'm sorry, my darling. Wait here and I'll go settle some affairs and then bring the ambassador to meet you." He raised her chin to gaze into her warm eyes. "Alright?"
"Alright." She nodded.
Before the king walked away he dropped a chaste kiss to his wife's lips. "I love you."
"I love you too, Henry." She smiled.
With that the king walked out to start the day and began his wife's duties as Queen of England.
After settling some affairs and raising his wife's elder brothers' status, he found Chapuys other courtiers.
"Excellency!" He called.
"Majesty." The ambassador bowed.
"Come with me! There is someone I wish to present you to."
When they made it to the queen's chambers, Henry saw his wife standing close to the door eager to greet them.
"Queen Christine," He smiled as she curtsied but it didn't last long as he remained serious to present his wife. "Allow me to introduce His Excellency Eustace Chapuys Ambassador to the Emperor, Charles the V of Spain."
"We have met before you majesty." The ambassador said.
"Es un placer conocerte otra vez su excelencia." (It is a pleasure to meet you again your excellency.)
The ambassador was stunned for a moment and looked towards the king but he was only staring proudly at his wife.
He turned back to reply. "I must say your spanish his excellent madam."
"I thank you your excellency." She smiled as she bowed her head.
"I'll leave you to talk in private." He heard the king say and he turned in time to see him leave.
"Your majesty, may I congratulate you on your marriage, and wish you good health and prosperity."
"I thank you your excellency."
"Although the device of the lady who preceded you on the throne was "The Most Happy," I have no doubt that it is you who will realize that motto. I know that the Emperor will rejoice to have such a virtuous and amiable queen on the throne. And I must tell you it would be impossible for me to overstate the joy and happiness which each Englishman that I have met has expressed to me on hearing of your marriage." He began to move closer as to lower his voice. "Especially as it is said that you are a peacemaker and continuously trying to persuade his majesty to restore his daughter Mary to favor. I already saw how you managed to reconcile them at Queen Catherine's funeral."
"I assure you your excellency that I will always show favor to the Lady Mary as well as the Lady Elizabeth, and I will do my best to deserve the title of a peacemaker."
"Well if you do so, I think you will find, Madam, that without the pain of labor and childbirth you will gain a treasured daughter who may please you even more than your own children by the king."
"Excellency I would be careful of saying words like that. I can only say again that the king will do as he must. I will try and show favor to Mary so she may return to court but in the end the king will decide on the matter."
The door then opened revealing the king walking in.
"Ambassador." The king called. The ambassador turned to bid the queen farewell.
"Madam." He bowed and walked out.
Before the king walked out he turned to his queen and smiled.
"See I told you it would all be well." He smiled and gave her another quick kiss. "I'll see you tonight." He held with such promise as he turned and left leaving his wife to breath deeply as if relieved to have the whole affair done and over with.
In the corridors the king and ambassador moved on to continue the days business.
"You are the first ambassador she has received; she is not yet used to such audiences. But it is true what they say, she is kind and amiable and much inclined towards peace. I swear, for example, she would strive to prevent me in taking part in a foreign war, if only to avoid the fear and pain of separation."
"A foreign war, your majesty? Against whom?"
"I was talking hypothetically. Surely you do that yourself, excellency?" He smiled but not in the friendly way, it was a warning.
Later that night...
(Christine POV)
What a day! I lean back and try to wind down in a chemise by the fire.
I still feel my heart pounding from earlier today.
What was the ambassador thinking?!
Everyone knows that the king wants a son. Saying that we should be content with Mary is dangerous thinking. I couldn't imagine what Henry would say if he was listing; which I'm pretty sure he was. Throughout the whole meeting I could somehow feel his intense gaze on me. But then it means that there is some secret peeping hole looking in my chambers, which is creepy but I suppose I understand since Henry was convinced that his last wife cheated on him.
I only hope I did the best I could. The pressures of being a good example to represent your family is one thing; to represent an entire country is entirely different.
"You are overthinking." I jump at the rumbling voice of my husband behind me.
"Henry!" I jump up and turn to see him chuckling. "Don't scare me like that!" His laughing only grows.
What I do next even shocks me to the core.
I punch him in the arm and he immediately stops laughing. Oh my god! Did I just freaking hit Henry. I only hit him like someone would do with some guy friends. But that is no excuse now.
He looks stunned for a moment but then his face morphs into something I've never seen before.
"Did you just strike me, my dear?" His voice doesn't give anything away.
"I...I ..uh" Nope no words will come out of my mouth.
He begins to move towards me and my overwhelming fear moves me back.
"Those who strike the king are punishable by death." My breath catches in my throat.
"Henry.." I whimper. "Please I'm sorry." I try desperately but he moves forward more and I back.
"Oh no my dear you struck me and I intend to claim retribution."
I'm confused till my legs hit something and then I realize.
One I'm in my bedroom and two I'm in nothing but a white silk chemise.
Before I can react, his hand shoots out and pushes me down on the bed. In an instant he is climbing on top of me astride.
"Henry ...what?"
"And this is my retribution." And immediately he begins tickling my sides.
I scream and try to squirm my way out of his hold but he just stops and pulls me back closer. "HENRY!STOP!" I'm sure he hears me over his own laughter but he doesn't seem affected by my words.
We continue our struggle and I'm laughing so hard that I'm about to pee till he says.
"Do you apologize, my lady?" He continues to tickle me and I have no choice.
"I'm sorry! I'M SORRY!" But he still doesn't stop.
"Beg for mercy!" He shouts in his usual pompous manner.
"MERCY PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY!" And he stops, but I'm left with aching sides and a sore through from laughter and squealing like a little pig.
As I come down from my laughing high I notice a warm hand reaching under my chemise and up my leg.
"Is this more of your retribution you majesty?" I ask.
"No." He leans down and nuzzles my neck breathing me in. "This is because I love you."
I smile and bury the side of my face into his hair. "I love you too Henry. But before we do this I need to ease myself." Aka use the restroom because he tickled me into next week.
He sighs and rolls over to let me up. He continues to lay in my bed waiting for me to hurry up and get make for some hot lovemaking.
I jump up and I'm immediately floored by a rush in my head. I've had dizzy spells before but this feels different.
"Christine?" I turn to see Henry looking at me with concern but now his image is start to blur as well.
"Henry ...I don't ..feel..." And my world turns black. The last thing I hear is the sudden cry of my name.
"CHRISTINE!"
(Henry POV)
I jump in time to catch her as she falls to the floor.
"Christine?! Please wake my darling!" I try shaking her to wake her. But it is all in vain.
"GUARDS!" My men instantly break in the door to rush in. "Send for the doctor at once!"
"Yes your majesty!" And they run, as fast as they came in, out. I turn my attention back towards Christine.
"Christine, sweetheart, please wake up!" I shake her again but nothing. While I wait for the doctor I place her on her bed trying everything I can to wake her, but nothing works.
In a brief moment the doctor comes rushing in. "You sent for me your majesty?!"
"The queen is ill!" I gestured to her to be obvious. What was this fool doing as my doctor?! "She passed out! I don't know what's wrong with her!"
"May I ask your majesty to step out I will try and find what is wrong with her majesty."
At that moment I saw red. I grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and brought him closer to me. "YOU DON'T TRY YOU DO! FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY QUEEN OR I WILL HAVE YOU BOILED ALIVE!" I dropped him and left him looking terrified and walked into my wife's outer chamber to see my wife's ladies waiting there to see what was going on.
"The queen is ill, all of you go in there and help what you can." I pointed at the inner chamber and they all scurried like frightened little mice. They were all frightened of me. They probably all heard my threat to doctor Linclaire.
I prayed now. I prayed that she was well. We only just gotten married and I knew then and I know now that she is the one queen who will unify this country and bring happiness at court. Today her dealings with Chapuys told me that she was not a queen to be messed with by anyone, but she still recognized my headship over everything. She was indeed a wise queen.
These three months have been the best of my life. True it took some work to earn back her trust but in time she forgot about the Anne situation and settled to live a happy married life with me. I was already making plans for her coronation. It was going to be a more splendid occasion than any other English queen has had.
And now all that was in jeopardy if she was ill. I can't lose! I forbid it.
(Author's POV)
His thoughts halted when the doctor stepped out from his wife's chambers. He immediately jumped up and approached the man ready to beat him down if he said the wrong thing.
"Well?!" He demanded.
"Her majesty is quite alright, her body was simply worn out and was in need of rest. But I recommend it even more in the months to come."
"Why is that?" His voice calmed down at the news of his wife being fine.
"Because her majesty is with child."
The words stunned the king. The whole world seem to stop and unimaginable bliss filled his heart.
"With child?" His voice rasped in disbelief.
"Yes your majesty. I would say she is at lease two months with child. But she is fine she just needs to be careful and rest every so often."
"Thank you. You may go."
The doctor bowed. "Your majesty." And left.
Henry turned and walked into the chambers to see his beautiful wife laying in with her hair splayed out like a halo. Around her were the ladies making her as comfortable as possible. When one saw him she curtsied and the rest turned and followed suit.
"Leave us."
And with that they all curtsied and left.
His eyes stayed focused on his queen laying so peacefully with, hopefully, England's future growing inside her.
He pushed forward and made himself a spot to sit by her bedside.
Never did he have a more beautiful queen. Her hair seemed golden in the fire light and her skin still the same lovely olive shade since the day they met.
He thought back with fondness on that day. His vision of seeing her and his daughters playing blind man's bluff and when she caught him the feel of her hands was softer than silk.
Back then he only wished to possess her and now he couldn't imagine ever thinking she would be anything but his queen.
"'Henry?" He heard a whisper. He looked to see his wife's turned eyes fighting to stay open and look at him.
"Sweet heart." He leaned forward and took her hand in his.
"What happened?"
"You passed out, my love."
He face still seemed drowsy but he could barely make out a slight Grimace ghosting over it. "Oh you must think me weak."
He wanted to laugh at her but he now realized after today that she didn't liked to be laughed at. "Why do you say that?"
"Weak women pass out and cry over nothing. I'm ...na..wek." She began to slur her words again and she fell back asleep.
Henry shook his head at her words. "I can tell you now my queen that you are anything but weak. You are so strong and to me you are everything women should aspire to be. you've just had a long day and need rest. And as god as my witness I will look after you and make sure no harm comes to either you or our child, I promise my love."
He leaned his face closer and kissed her brow.
Just like he had dreamed that night after he met her, he would care for her and protect her from all evils in this world no matter the cost and would make sure that she never felt weak. She would always rule as an equal by his side.
As long as he was king and she his queen, they would be a force to be reckoned with in the whole of the world.
(Christine's POV)
Is it even possible to wake up feeling this lousy?
My head feels like it's weighed down with a bowling ball and parts of my body ache. What the hell happened last night?
My eyes fight to open but the light streaming in from the window makes me want to dive into the covers and never come out.
But to my own reluctance I open my eyes and I turn my head to see my husband sitting awkwardly in the chair next to the bed, sleeping.
I move my body to sit up and I feel slightly better having my blood circulate through me as I move.
I reach over and nudge Henry.
"Henry." I say hoping to wake him. It doesn't take much since his eyes snap open causing me to jump.
"Christine!" He moves forward in the chair taking my hand in one of his and his other hand pulling my waist closer to his body. "How are you feeling?" He asks.
"I'm fine." I reassure him to make him calm down. I swear he looks so stressed. "My head hurts a little but I'll live." His shoulders relax and he calms down.
"So what happened last night?" I ask.
"You fainted." He states. Ugh no way. Why on earth would I faint?
"Why? How could I be so weak like that? I swear Henry I don't know what you see in me. Clearly I'm just like any other feeble woman who faints for no good reason!" I rant.
He chuckles. "And what on earth is so funny?" Ok now I'm getting mad. He's laughing at me again!
"Nothing." He shakes his head. "It's just... It is comical to ask me what I see in you."
"Well I really don't know what it is about me you find so fasinating. I try so hard to be a strong woman and queen, worthy enough to stand beside you. And last night my own body betrayed me to prove I am not a stong woman." My voice grew low as I carried on.
"My love, you are more worthy than any other queen I have had. For your body didn't betray you last night, it simply warned you for the days to come." What?
"Why do you say that?" I ask.
"Because you are with child."
Silence
Five words could stop the world turning for me. Me, with child. My greatest worry when marrying Henry was when and if I had his children. I could be barren and be discarded or elimated like the last queens or I could have the son that Henry had always wanted, a son that would one day rule England.
Henry's words alone has changed history. My child could continue the Tudor line, all the way to modern day where I had come from. How would he rule? Would he be a good king, always remembered through history as Elizabeth was? The thought became surreal.
Unconsiously I moved my hand to my lower abdomen. I was going to have a baby.
But as I continued my happy thoughts some unhappy thoughts came to mind. I am in medieval Europe and there is not very good pain reliever for birthing mothers. I mentally give my respect to all women who gave birth in this era. It takes a lot to give birth in this day in age with no proper pain reliever. And then I think again of other possibilities that could happen at childbirth, would I end up just like Jane Seymour? Is history to always maintain that Henry's third wife dies after giving birth.
Henry sees my silent change of mood. "Christine what is wrong?" He clasps my hand that is caressing my stomach.
"I'm just frightened." I look into his eyes.
"My love you have nothing to be afraid of. Dr Linacre is my best physician and he will do everything to make sure you are comfortable."
"Alright but Henry what if I don't give you a son?" I see his mind thinking over that possibility.
"We will cross the bridge when we come to it." He assures me. But I'm not confident in it.
"Alright." I can't really worry about it now. He's right, we can worry about it when the time comes. And stressing about something is no good for the baby.
It's so weird now. I'm having a baby grow inside me. I turn my attention from Henry and focus on my belly that I will see grow as the months go by.
"A baby." I rub my lower abdomen and gaze at it in wonder at the miracle of creation.
"Yes." I hear Henry. "I was quite astonished too." I look over at him sitting gazing at my stomach.
"My king." I reach over to clasp his hand and I pull it forward to rest on my stomach.
"My queen." His voice murmurs out. I look to see his eyes holding more love that I had ever seen before. And I look back at my stomachs and think how wonderful and important this child is.
"I think it's time we prepare for the day." I hear Henry beside me. I look up to see my ladies at the door waiting to dress me. They are all looking down trying to give us our privacy.
"Ok" I lean forward and slide up from the bed. Thankfully I'm no longer dizzy or in pain.
"I will see you later, my dear." He kisses me and before he turns to leave I stop him.
"Wait, is it alright if I spend the day with you?" He looks confused for a minute.
"Christine it will be nothing but settling public affairs and I'm sure it would be too dull."
"I know I just want to spend some time with you. I promise I will be quiet and act as a proper queen. I can't spend my day sitting around and sewing when I've just found out that I am with child." I lower my voice to whisper the last part.
The wheels turning in his head could not be any more noticeable. How can I sit and be a proper English lady when I just want to shout out to the world that I'm pregnant.
"Alright.." I begin to jump up and hug him but he stops me. "But no meddling in my affairs." He points his finger to emphasize his point.
"Ok yes I promise." I say.
"Then let us spend the day together." He concedes.
And I throw my arms around his neck and pull him down for a passionate kiss, that lasts longer than I wanted it to be.
We pull apart at the sound of low murmurs and giggles coming from my door. Oh yeah, I forgot we had an audience.
I look up at him and smile, he returns it just before turning and leaving.
My ladies scurry in to help me get ready. The first to approach me is Bess. When I was engaged to Henry I begged her to come with me and be my principal lady in waiting. She turned down being my offer, but accepted to be a regular lady in waiting since she knew little of courtier life.
She comes forward with my corset ready waiting in her hands. I put my arms through the holes and when she moves around to tighten it I stop her and lean forward to whisper in her ear.
"Bess, could you please tie my corset as loose as you can?"
"But your majesty that seems a little unorthodox."
"Bess please, I just heard from Henry that I am with child and I don't want to tell anyone yet, but I still want to do ever thing I can to carry this child to full term."
She looks back up at me and I see the surprise and happiness in her eyes but I use mine to desperately plead with her to leave my corset loosely tied. After a second she nods and goes behind me to tie the corset. Thank god the other ladies were fussing around the wardrobe trying to pick something out for today.
It's so weird how my life is going. I'm married and pregnant at 20, and I am waited on hand and foot.
And every occasion is a massive party. Like last month when my birthday came up, Henry wanted to throw an enormous banquet for a whole week. But after some major begging he made it a small simple affair. I mean I was queen for barely two months and suddenly I'm being celebrated throughout court in a huge party. Now I'm just trying to get used to everything around me.
It has been more than a year since I came here. But since it seems I won't be going anywhere I take life into stride and make the most out of it. And since I'm queen of England I hope that spending the day with Henry and showing him that I can be a respectable wife, maybe he may ask for my opinion. And I would like to act as a queen. Giving orders or helping Henry make decisions when he can't decide.
It will take some time to earn his trust in such matters but I hope he asks me soon.
Before I know it I'm dressed in a purple gown with gold lining and simple bodice. After my hair is done up with a gold tiara encrusted with diamonds. And of course my purple pearls as a necklace. I can never tire of wearing these. There my favorite of all my jewelry, no matter how much jewelry Henry gives me.
I have a quick breakfast then I'm off to join Henry in court.
(Author POV)
Henry waited in the throne room to be joined by his queen. True he felt a bit uneasy with the idea of Christine being apart of his affairs. He didn't want his good, pure wife to be bothered with such things. But he couldn't deny her anything today when he knew she would soon bear him a son. True he couldn't know for sure if the child she was carrying was a son but he was confident that she would deliver a son to him.
He was anxious to spread the word around but he needed to wait till he was sure that she would carry to full term. For now he just needed to get through this day. And even though he wasn't happy with the idea the thought of Christine sitting beside him made he day seem a little less dimmer.
"Her majesty Queen Christine." He hears and he is greeted with the sight of his wife walking forward adorned in purple. 'Her favorite color.' He remembers. She brings herself low before him.
"You majesty." She addresses him.
She truly is the best queen he had ever had. He rises from his throne and takes her hand guiding her up from the floor. Then they both steer themselves to their respective seats.
The morning moves on as little matters are dealt with. Letters from France and Spain congratulating them on their marriage and the thought of a new treaty with Spain.
During their lunch, Cromwell decided to go over some other letters of business. The whole time Christine remained quiet. Henry was truly astonished that she kept true to her word.
"And here is a letter from the Lady Bryan asking your majesty for permission to buy clothes for the Lady Elizabeth." Out of the corner of his eye he saw Christine stiffen with anticipation of his answer to the letter. He knew she loved Elizabeth as a daughter and wanted to make sure that she was well treated.
"Of course send her a note for a thousand crowns." He replied and he felt his wife relax by his side.
"Yes your majesty. Also here is the submission of the Lady Mary." He stopped and leaned forward to see the submission that was laid before him. Clear at the bottom was Mary's signature. He smiled. Finally.
"You will arrange for me and the queen to meet with her but not here and not in public."
"Yes your majesty."
"I've also heard rumors of plague in the city. The queens coronation will have to be postponed." Christine's head immediately shot up and looked at him but he didn't acknowledge her.
"Yes your majesty." Cromwell bowed and made for the door.
"Thomas." He stopped him. "Mr Rich showed me the figures. I'm very pleased with you Tom, and will shortly prove it." Cromwell nodded and left the room.
After a moment of silence and light eating. Christine's voice came up.
"So what are you planning for my coronation." Henry looked over to see he wife looking down eating her food.
"A coronation so magnificent, it will be greater than any English queen has ever had."
"Well I'm sure magnificent could be achieved without spending a fortune." She said sternly. She was uncomfortable with how frivolous he was with spending, especially on her.
"Trust me Christine, like I said Mr Rich showed me what the reformation has done for our income. We can more than afford you a coronation that will be forever remembered throughout history."
"But Henry surely that money could be put to better use by helping the commons. For helping the people turns them into loyal people. And you need loyal people, your majesty. For without loyal people a kingdom is worth nothing."
He was moved by her words. She was so kind and generous toward the commonwealth. It was her thought for others that made her the ideal queen.
"Alright I suppose I can downsize the coronation plans."
"Thank you."
"Anything for you my own darling." He reached over and clasped her hand in his. This was the beginning of their whole lives.
The next day...
Henry sat in his throne as Cromwell marched forward before him. He rose and demanded that Cromwell kneel.
And with his sword...
"Arise Sir Thomas Cromwell, also Baron Cromwell of Wimbledon, and from this day forth Lord Privy Seal." Cromwell rose as Henry walked back and sat on his throne. Being dismissed, Cromwell took to his new title and strode out of the throne room feeling taller than he had ever felt before.
Elsewhere In the north...
Robert Aske gave into his conscience and joined the gatherings of the commons but he refused to call themselves rebels and he was still against speaking out against the queen. But the destruction of the abbeys had gone on long enough.
As he sat at a table taking down the names of all who were joining them, he earnestly prayed that their efforts would not be in vain. 'This is God's work' he kept on reminding himself. But there was that little part of his mind that said that this act would greatly anger the king, especially since a great many people spoke out against the queen and others close the the king.
He could only pray and hope that God would bless there efforts.
Well there's that!
I know it isn't as long as the last few chapters but I think this flows a lot better with how it was originally set up as.
Please review. Tell me what I should change and if my writing should be improved is some way. But please be kind and encouraging.
Sincerely,
Steelegirl19