"I had the dream again!"
Sarah sighed. "Andrew! For Christ sake!"
He turned to her. "I told you. He is my death and I am his! So long as they are both alive I can't be safe!"
"And why doesn't Edward just die! Everyone keeps telling me how ill he is then why doesn't he die!"
"Stop it!" Sarah said.
"You know I had a thought and next time Helen goes abroad I shall be left as Regent. I could just order their deaths." He began laughing hysterically.
XXXXXXXXXX
"We must be glad that the Queen did not pass away nor the child with in her," his mother, The Countess, said.
Andrew paced back and forward and appeared distracted. "Yes. Thank God."
"You must also give care not to mention anything that would give distress to Her Majesty that would poison the child within her. "
He sighed. "If only there was some way I could remove Master Seymour from among my gentlemen," he muttered. "But I do not for I fear it will anger the Queen."
His mother scoffed and turned him to face her. "This is what I'm talking about. Trivial matters!"
"It is not a trivial matter to me!" Andrew replied.
"Stop and think Andrew! When the child comes to term and you have given Her Majesty her great desire, you will have all the power to deal with him as you like."
XXXXXXXXXXXX
A gentleman of the King studied the newest person that had entered the room. "You are Lord Arthur?" John, Andrew senior gentleman, inquired.
"Yes."
"His Majesty is just coming. You are not to say anything to him unless otherwise invited to do so."
Andrew Boleyn appeared from the inner chambers. A chorus of 'Your Majesty' was heard. The friar motioned Arthur towards the bible in the middle of the room.
"Place your right hand on the bible, Master Seymour."
"Do you promise and swear to serve His Majesty, King Andrew, faithfully, honorably, and discreetly; and will you promise and swear that your conduct will always be modest, virtuous, and good, presenting at all times a godly spectacle to others?"
Arthur glanced at Andrew before speaking. "I do so promise and solemnly swear."
XXXXXXXXXXX
"Majesty," John Rochford, Edward Howard's senior gentleman said. "The Lord Marcus."
Marcus appeared.
"Lord Marcus," Edward greeted.
"Sire," Marcus replied and he and his gentlemen bowed.
"It gives me great pleasure to meet you." Marcus stayed silent.
"The Queen talks of you often- no, all the time and with such affection."
Marcus continued to say nothing. "It is my dearest wish," Edward continued, "that you and I may be warm, and kind, and loving towards each other. After all Lord Marcus you are now my stepson."
Marcus regarded him coolly as Edward looked hopeful. "I shall attend to Your Majesty whenever Your Majesty chooses to invite me."
Edward smiled. "Thank you. Now will you stay a while? The maids of my house have made some cakes."
"No, thank you. I bid you good day, sire." Marcus bowed before leaving.