Characters & Tittles & Descriptions: Hair, Skin, Eyes, Build
Henry Tudor-King Of England_Dark Brown/Auburn, Tan Pale, Dark Hazel, Light/Med Build
Jane Seymour-Queen Of England_Blonde, Pale, Blue, Slim
Catalina Of Aragon-Queen Of Spain and Holy Roman Empress_Black, Pale, Pale Blue, Slim-Curvy
Lady Mary Tudor-Brookfield Resident_Brown, Pale, Hazel, Slim
Lady Elizabeth Tudor-Brookfield Resident_Red, Pale, Brown, Small
Thomas Cromwell-Lord Secretary and Earl Of Essex_Black, Tan Pale, Dark, Light Build
Thomas More-Lord Chancellor_Dark Brown, Tan Pale, Dark, Light/Med Build Isabella (Tudor) Trastàmara Of Aragon-Princess Of Spain & Holy Roman Princess_Auburn, Olive, Blue, Small
Nicolàs (Tudor) Trastàmara Of Aragon-Prince Of Spain & Holy Roman Prince_Black, Tan Pale, Blue, Small
Alejandro Trastàmara Of Aragon-Prince Of Austria & Holy Roman Prince_Black, Olive, Hazel/Honey, Infant
Alejandro Of Aragon-Prince Consort Of Spain & Holy Roman Emperor Consort_Black, Olive, Hazel/Honey, Med-Large Build
Persèus Troy-Princess Of Monaco_Black, Olive, Green, Slim-Curvy
Thomas Wosley-Cardinal_Black(Graying), Tan Pale, Blue, Light Build
Charles Brandon-Duke Of Suffolk_Dark Brown, Tan Pale, Dark Brown, Med Build
John Seymour- _Brown/Graying, Pale, Dark Brown, Husky
Edward Seymour-Earl of Hertford, Viscount Beauchamp of Hache_Brown, Pale, Brown, Light Build
Thomas Seymour-Lord High Admiral_Black, Tan, Blue, Light Build
Clarence Barquette Sr.-Dux Divine (Latin: Divine Ruler) Of Brookfield, Divine Duke, His Diviness, Protector Of The Land_Brown, Tan Pale, Light Gray, Large Build
Clarence Barquette Jr.-Grand Duke, His Divine Grace & Heir Of Brookfield_Brown, Tan Pale, Light Brown/Hazel, Light-Med Build
Richard Barquette (Second Son Of the Dux Divine)- Grand Duke, His Divine Grace_Blonde, Tan Pale, Light Gray, Small
I wanted to explain to everyone about Mary's situation. Let us remember that Mary is a 15 year young lady who has run away from her father. She lives in the most prestigious community in Europe. We must remember that she is a child who lives in a palatial estate, surrounded by a villa alone, besides her servants. Mary is alone in Brookfield, she has no older female to look up to. She has no one there to teach her about the 'facts' of life, other than sneaking to listen to her former Ladies In Waiting.
Mary is not perfect. She will make mistakes like the rest of us in situations like this. She's also at the age where her inner woman becomes more evident in her. She's becoming a woman and her body shows it. Her sexuality grows and allows her to have 'feelings' she's never felt before and confuses her.
You know, like it did to us women. We had our mothers to turn to for advice. Mary has no one, Maria de Salinas comes to visit to make sure she's ok every so often. Other than her, no one else is there.
Also, I added two more characters to the story!
September 15, 1537
It was a warm day outside. I decided to invite a new friend I made to a picnic in my garden. His name is Clarence, he is also a Brookfield resident. I met him when Elizabeth and I was walking Lori. We walked her around the villa and Clarence was riding his horse with his younger brother Richard. They were flanked by fifty fully armored men, who were mounted. Lori ran in front of the mounted men and was startled by the horses. After that day he came around often and we became friends. He is the son of a very important family. His father is the Dux Divine (Divine Ruler) of Brookfield and sometimes visits other kingdoms to import their styles, decor and cuisine for Brookfield. He is also a very powerful man who has just imported jewelry and other goods from Spain, France, and Portugal. Clarence tells me of how his father plans to visit Spain next year to improve Brookfield's import business. As heir, Clarence is required to go with them on their journey. Clarence's father rules Brookfield like a kingdom. He has his own court, armada, and army. Clarence and his brother were brought up like princes, though they are truly not.
They are not the only people who has powerful parents. I remembered the day I told him I was the Empress's daughter. It was not too far from my villa.
-Flashback-
"I can not wait to finally join my father in going abroad." Clarence said while throwing a few rocks in a nearby stream. His brother Richard was playing with Elizabeth and showing her how to teach Lori tricks.
"You really love leaving Brookfield don't you?" I asked him in jest. He nodded and went on to say how he hope he could meet the Holy Roman Empress and Emperor. Having already met the French, Portugal, and Scottish Kings and Queens he never had the pleasure of meeting the Empress.
"What do you know about Her Imperial Majesty?" I asked curious to know. I have yet to tell him I was the daughter of King Henry and the Empress. I only told him my name was Mary and neglected to tell him my sir name.
"I know she is very powerful. She has not been on the throne for a year and has improved Spain financially and improved the health of her people. She is amazing." he said. I thought about telling him later on but thought better of it.
"Clarence can I tell you a secret!" I asked as I turned to him. He knew the seriousness of my tone and tuned to me and took my hands. I looked at him, he never really took my hands before.
"What is it Mary, are you well?" he asked. I nodded as he pushed a lock of hair behind my ear.
"I am well. It's just...talking about the Empress..." I trailed off missing my mother. I missed her so much that it hurts.
"What is it." he whispered coming close.
"I miss her." was all I said. At first he had a look of confusion on his face.
"Who, who do you miss?" he asked
"My mother. All this time I have known you, you have been truthful to me. When I have kept something from you." I said as tears welled in my eyes.
"You, Mary? Surely you have not lied to me about anything." he said.
"When you asked me about my family, I told you my father was unfaithful and divorced my mother. That part is true. I neglected to tell you who they are." Clarence then smiled and cupped my chin in his hands.
"Is that all? You are sad because you haven't told me of their names and such." he jested smiling.
"Yes. My parents, though divorced are very powerful. My father is very powerful and my mother is just as powerful as your father." I explained. Clarence looked at me confused.
"My father is the most powerful man in Europe. Surely you are exaggerating." he said smiling.
"No Clarence, I...used to be a princess." as soon as I said that he dropped my hands.
"What? What do you mean? There is no royalty living in Brookfield!" he said overreacting.
"Yes, there is." I said turning to look at my sister playing with his brother.
"Elizabeth and I are only half siblings, we have the same father. We were both Princesses. He...divorced my mother because she could not bare him sons. Once she remarried, she moved to Brookfield. The Princess Persèus and my mother lived here in my palace." I said. He almost fell to the ground. Of course he did not know Princess Persèus lived here. She used the name of Jane SiVad for the deed and operated her business under that name.
"How! How did Princess Persèus reside here and not be detected?" he asked bewildered.
"She used a different name. She took my mother and stepfather in." I explained. "Clarence...my father, he is...the king" I said the last part quietly.
"Which king." he asked confused.
"Our king, King Henry VIII is my father and the Holy Roman Empress is my..."
"Mother." Clarence finished the last part quietly. "You are the daughter of the Empress and the King Of England." he said matter of factly.
"Yes." I said. "I ran away from my father before and was struck with an arrow by accident. I ran from him again and this time I took my sister. He gave her to a family for them to raise with out a care for her. Even though she is Anne Boleyn's daughter, she is still my sister and I love her." I said truthfully.
"I have read about you and your family. You have been through so much." he said as he quickly took me into his arms. He hugged me comfortingly.
"Are you angry that I kept this from you?" I asked. He shook his head.
"No, I could never be angry with you." he whispered. Clarence and I sat on a patch of grass and I told him about my childhood and my life. I told him how Anne Boleyn usurped my mother and how my mother was nothing but good to my father. We sat for an hour talking.
-End Flashback-
After that day we grew closer and only two months ago he asked if he could court me. I accepted, I have never been courted before and now we do many things together and find that we have many things in common. Yesterday he took me canoeing on a lake nearby. The picnic I sat out in my garden is simple but sweet. I brought strawberries, apples, sugar coated peach slices, a small cake, cooked shrimp, sweet tarts, and sweet wine. We talked about our childhood and how we grew up. Compared to him, I practically grew up a commoner. After the picnic, we went riding. As heir of Brookfield, Clarence was flanked by armored horsemen. Though they kept their distance, we went riding all day. It was almost dusk and the setting of the sun caught our eye. Clarence was nice enough to invite me to Christendom Palace, where he and the rest of the divine family lives. As we entered we were greeted by a flock of servants.
"Your Divine Grace, welcome home. Is there anything you need." a lady asked as she curtsied low.
"No Ursa, I am fine." Clarence said and with a wave of his hand Lady Ursa rose from her curtsy.
"Lady Mary, this is Lady Ursa. My brother's Lady Governance." he said introducing us. I curtsied and she nodded.
"Ursa, this is Lady Mary...Tudor" he hesitated with my sir name. Lady Ursa's eyes widened a little and quickly curtsied again, but this time it was to show me respect.
"Your Highness." she said and I took her hands and lifted her up gently.
"Please madam, do not curtsy, after all I am your guest." I said politely. Lady Usra laughed quietly.
"I am truly honored when the daughter of the Empress is my guest." she said proudly. Clarence laughed and put his arm around mine and led me through the palace. He showed me the divine halls that were filled with great portraits of passed Divine Rulers. Each ruler of Brookfield was in the same room when the portrait was painted. Their wife and children were with them. The Divine Duke and Duchess was sitting on their thrones while the children stood at their sides and behind them.
"Each and every heir or heiress of Brookfield has their portrait painted when they are 16. As you know, I turned 16 on the 7th of last month." he said looking at the portrait of his father, mother, and himself. Clarence was younger and his mother was heavy with child.
"I remember that day. I was complaining how my feet hurt from standing a long time for the portrait. My mother comforted me and jested that her feet hurt all the time and she did not complain half as much as I do." he said remembering that day.
"She had only lived six more weeks after that." as he said that a lone tear fell from his face. I had never seen a man cry before. I did the only thing my conscious would allow. I hugged him and cradled his head on my now tear dampened shoulder.
"I loved her so much. If I knew that six weeks was all the time I had with her, I would have spent each day with her." he said a he sniffled. "I know she passed due to the birth of my brother, but I can not blame him. He is only a child and mother would be disappointed if I did." he said as he hugged me close. I nodded and continued to comfort him. After a few minutes, Clarence practically jumped from my embrace and turned so I would not see him wipe his tears.
"Clarence." I said softly placing my hands on his shoulder.
"I am sorry you had to see me like this. I should not have been...emotional in front of you." he said as he turned to me.
"Clarence, do not be ashamed. She is your mother. It is alright to shed tears for her, it is normal for you to feel the way you feel. I sometimes cry because I miss my mother, though I know she is very busy and I accept that." I said and he nodded leaning against the wall.
"I know, it is just so hard at times." he said quietly. I was about to speak when he quickly looked up.
"Forgive me, I should continue to tour you around the palace." he said taking my hands and showing me to the rest of the palace. At the end of the tour of Christendom Palace, we entered his chambers. The servants bowed and curtsied at his presence. Outside of his bedchambers were a large balcony. We stepped outside and there was a plush sofa and two small tables. He led me to the sofa. While we sat he held his hands in mine. I looked to him and smiled, he did the same. We sat there waiting for the sun to set. A few minutes later we watched the beautiful colors grace the sky.
"You are so beautiful in this light." he commented as I looked towards the sky.
"Thank you." I said as I blushed.
"The setting of the sun reminds me of my mother. She used to wear so many colors. Father sent his men to France just to buy colorful fabrics and skirts." he said with a small laugh.
"Now she is in eternal rest, and that is so much better than where we are now." I said meaning every word and giving his hand a gentle squeeze. He missed his mother so much, she passed away years ago. I can tell he still has a hard time. Clarence looked into my eyes as he returned the gentle squeeze of my hand. The colors in the sky slowly grew darker, Clarence's face grew closer to mine. Then his lips were on mine. This was my first real kiss. His tongue entered my mouth and I gladly let him in. I very much enjoyed this new feeling. I felt so good being there with him. As we kiss my belly grows warmer by the second. As the warmth intensified, I felt myself throb. Soon we held each other while we were kissing. He trailed kisses down to my neck and my exposed shoulder. His kiss went to my neck and he began to suckle me there. This was so very overwhelming for me but I could not stop. It was so intoxicating. So many things happened to my body as he laid me down on the sofa. His body covered mine as he again trailed his kisses down to my chest and the tops of my breasts. I whimpered in pleasure as he kissed and licked at my developing breast. Quickly he pulled the strings to my dress that freed my breast from it's bindings. I moaned as he dragged his tongue across my nipples. Clarence kisses became rough and so did mine. His hips was quickly cradled itself between my legs as his hands reached down to his breeches. A moment later I felt his hand at my entrance. He stroke me gently as he slid two of his fingers inside me. I quickly screeched in fear and surprise. It happened so quickly that I scared Clarence as he jumped off me breathing heavily. I quickly pushed my skirts down and held my knees.
"Oh my God! Mary I am so sorry!" he said quickly as he tied his breeches.
"Please forgive me. I did not mean to hurt you." he said as he came and sat by me. I nodded, still hugging my knees. He looked very concerned for me. His hazel brown eyes saddened when he saw me huddled up hugging myself.
"Please. I have never done this before. It was not my intent to cause harm. Especially to you." he said the last past softly as he came closer and I took a deep breath. Clarence stood up and through his hands in the air in distress.
"I...I did not know what I was doing. It was my first time being...alone with a girl." he said as his cheeks brightened in embarrassment. I placed my feet on the ground as the realization of what just happened washed over me.
"It...it was also my first time alone with a boy." I said quietly and Clarence whipped around and rushed to my side.
"Mary, please do not hate me. I did not mean to." he said as he held my hand to his heart. I looked him in his eyes and shook my head slowly.
"I do not hate you Clarence. I could not...I am as much as to blame as you are. I did not want to...stop." I whispered to him and as I hung my head down in shame.
"I do not know what came over me. It happened so quickly." I said and he nodded. "I never saw a man before." I said in embarrassment. Clarence looked a bit surprised.
"You have not even seen a man's chest?" he asked.
"I have seen a man's chest before." I said with a small laugh. "I have just never seen...a man's private area. Not before you though." I said as I recalled seeing him place his penis in his breeches when he got off me.
"Oh, well...you are a princess. You're not supposed to see a man before your wedding night." he said as he sat back on the sofa.
"Now because of this, I will never have a wedding night." I said as I hung my head again.
"Nothing happened tonight. It was all a mistake." he said kindly.
"For the most part, I...enjoyed it." I said quietly.
"So did I." he said.
"Please don't tell anyone. I have dishonored my mother and myself by letting a man...touch me." I said softly. Tears welled in my eyes.
"I would never tell anyone. I feel I have dishonored my father. He would be so disappointed in me. In Brookfield we view our bodies as temples." he said as he stood up and walked to the railing of the balcony. I also stood and went to him on the balcony. He took my hand and pointed to the sky.
"That star there is the north star. My mother used to take me outside to see the stars. She says the north star guides us home when we are lost." he said as he looked to me. I smiled and put my head on his shoulder.
"My mother used to do the same with me. She said that if I ever get lonely, of I ever feel lost in any way, I should just look at the stars." I said and he wrapped his arms around me.
Before I knew it, I was waking up on the sofa outside. Clarence was on the balcony floor with a pillow under his head. The sun was already up and shining. Clarence awaken after me.
"Good morning." he said as he stood up dusting off his breeches. He say on the sofa with me and I said good morning back to him.
"I don't even remember going to sleep." I said to him. He brows arched and he smiled.
"Neither did I." he said as he leaned back. We talked for a little while and he offered to have breakfast brought to us. We ate breakfast and had Mass in his private chapel. After prayer, we climbed on our horses and rode back to Infanta's Palace. Once we reached the villa my servant Gretchen ran to my horse.
"My Lady, we were so worried!" she said.
"I am fine, I only arrived home later than usual." I said. Gretchen then saw Clarence and curtsied.
"Your Divine Grace." she said and Clarence nodded. She looked at me and back at Clarence.
"Mind your business." I said and she quickly looked down. I climbed down and Gretchen took my horse back to the nearby stables. Clarence climbed off his horse and kissed me on the cheek.
"May I visit you tomorrow." he asked as his hand held mine.
"Yes Clarence you may." I said as I returned his kiss. Then we parted ways and I went straight to my bath chambers. I had a maid run a hot bath for me. After the bath was ready I dismissed the maids and my Ladies. My dress had strings on the front and I pulled them. The dress came off easily and fell to the floor. My corset and chemise soon followed. All that was left was my underlinen. I pulled them down and stepped out of them. I was about to throw them in the pile when I noticed something. I gasped as I looked closer.
"No. God please." I whispered as tears welled in my eyes. I dropped my underlinen. There was a spot of blood there in the middle. My first thought was my monthlies, but my courses was not due for another two weeks. It was not a lot of blood, only a spot. Enough to make me realize that I have lost something very important me. I had lost my virginity. I quickly climbed in my large bath tub. I washed Clarence's scent from me. I washed my body raw and washed the remaining blood that was still on my body. I cried while in the bath hugging my body and rocking back and forth. No. His penis had to enter me in order for me to lose my virginity, only his fingers entered. I kept thinking to myself. As much as I tried to deny it. I was no longer a full virgin. I continued to cry as the water cooled. The suds were gone and the rose pedals floated to the top. As I sink in the cooled water I think about Clarence. I could not help it. How was I was going to tell him. Was I ever going to tell him? He does deserve to know. During the two months we have been courting, he has made me laugh and showed me the meaning of a genuine relationship. He occupy my thoughts everyday. He just makes me so warm inside.
After I finish bathing, I was dressed in a simple thin dress. I burned the underlinen. I went straight to Elizabeth's chambers, she was playing with a toy I bought her. When she saw me she put the toy down and ran to me. I had to push aside my problems and focus on Elizabeth's wellbeing. She laughed and giggled as I picked her up. I kissed her on the cheek. I also noted how big she was getting. I took her downstairs and we skipped to our garden and picked apples. Jumped on the colorful stones and played hide and seek.
After spending time in the garden, I had a servant inform the carriage driver to prepare a carriage ride to the market. The market was outside Brookfield. Sure, Brookfield has markets but I wanted to shop outside the wall. I also did not want Elizabeth to feel isolated behind the wall everyday. We spent most of the day at the market. I purchased food for tomorrow nights dinner, Clarence and I planned for a quiet dinner. I also purchased new dresses and learning books for Elizabeth. People recognized Elizabeth and I, they bowed and curtsied low to us. I appreciated the respect. As we got back in the carriage people around us cheered for us.
"Hail Princess Mary!" a man said and people started joining in and cheered in praised me. I waved at the people and we were off to Infanta's Palace.
September 16, 1537
White Hall Palace
I am so damn angry that I could hurt somebody. Earlier this evening I was told that Mary was being cheered on as Princess of England at a simple market place. She and Elizabeth were being cheered. That is not acceptable. I will have that stopped immediately. I summoned Anthony Knivert and Charles Brandon to my office. Once they enter I ordered them to travel to Brookfield and inform Mary to stop parading herself as England's princess or she shall face the consequences. They both left soon after.
Infana's Palace
7:30 pm
I was sitting across from Clarence listening to one of his jokes. As he finish we laughed. The cooks made a special dinner for us. Roasted chicken, cake, sliced apples, sliced pears, sweet wine and a variety of other dishes were laid out. The food was delicious and we enjoyed it very much. After we finished, we walked in the garden. When we walked in front the rose bushes Clarence quickly stopped in front me. I gasped and he took my hands and looked into my eyes.
"Mary, we have been knowing each other for six long months and we have been courting for two months. During this time you have brought such light to my life. Being the heir to Brookfield is a luxurious and busy life, it is a life that should not be spent alone. My first thought ofthe day are you, and so is my last. You have grown so much on me. I can lose myself in your eyes. I have never felt like this before. In Brookfield we honor strong women. You are what we look for in wife material. Your bloodline is a powerful one. Your grandmother entered into war with the Moors and she won. Your mother proved herself on Flodden Field. She was heavy with child when King James invaded England with 36,000 soldiers. Your mother gathered up 20,000 soldiers and faced King James head on and though she was 16,000 soldiers short, she left the battlefield alive and a crown under her belt. Catalina Of Aragon proved anything is possible and joined her mother in becoming a warrior Queen. You come from a line of strong women and that is the prestige bloodline that is worthy to rule Brookfield. I love you Mary. I will be the happiest of men if you will allow me to take you as my wife. To be the mother of my children, our heirs and heiresses. To be beside me on my throne...and in my bed." he said the last part in a masculine tone. I looked him deep in his eyes and I wanted to say yes, but I had yet to tell him about that night on his balcony. I let go of his hands. I turned my back to him, I could not bare to even look in his eyes.
"Mary." his voice was soft as he took a step closer to me.
"Clarence...I must be truthful with you." I said as tears well in my eyes.
"Truthful?" he asked.
"I am not pure and innocent." I said softly. He grabbed my arms and swiftly turned me around.
"What is your meaning?" he almost growled.
"That night on your balcony. When you...inserted your fingers inside me." I said the last part quietly. His grip loosened.
"Oh Mary." he said as took me in his arms. I hugged him, my arms wrap around him. I looked up and watched him as our eyes met.
"The next morning when I went home to bathe, I saw blood. I was bleeding and it was not my courses. I had lost my virginity." I said as I cried in his arms. He hugged me tighter and kissed my head.
"Mary, do not worry yourself. Though it was only my fingers you are still pure in my eyes. I still want you, I need you. You and I were only born to mate so our bloodline can union." he said as he place his finger under my chin and lift up my head to kiss me.
"You still wish to be my husband...even after what happened?" I asked as our lips parted.
"Yes." he breathed and his lips met mine once again. We moved to a secluded part of the garden and continued to kiss. His kiss trailed down to my neck and the tops of my breasts. I could hear his breath as he pulled down my bodice and placed his mouth on my nipple. It felt like a torch was lit inside me and again the wanting came back. There was a nearby table and chairs secluded in a high bush area. He placed me on the table and we kissed again. His hands snaked my thighs and gently grazed my underlinen. Silently he looked to me for approval. I looked up at him and he kissed me again and pulled away. I slowly nodded my head and his hand entered my underlinen. He was so gentle as he stroked me.
Yes. This was what I heard my former ladies, when I was princess, speaking about. They would talk about how their husbands and suitors would 'play' in their garden. One of my ladies would say that her suitor touches her private area. Though I was young and never really understood what they were saying until now.
I moaned in pleasure. Sounds coming from me I have never heard slipping from my lips. My head lulled back as Clarence continued to stroke me. My body was so warm in my middle. All was well I was lost in pleasure.
"Clarence." I whispered as he kissed me again. He took my hand and placed it inside his breeches. I gasped and almost pulled back. His private area was hard. Very hard. We continued kissing as he had me up on the table, moving the chairs around to have more of each other. While Clarence was suckling my neck we heard the bushes move.
"My Lady!" one of the guards yelled as he came closer. I yanked my hand from his breeches as he did the same from my underlinen. Quickly I pushed my skirts down and hopped from the table. Clarence fixed his breeches and jacket. The guard came to the secluded area and we met him at the entrance.
"My Lady, there is a Charles Brandon and Anthony Knivert at the wall asking permission for entry." he asked and I nodded not really caring. The guard left and I turned to Clarence. He was standing that with his hands behind his back.
"Perhaps we should...go." I said not knowing what to say, I was a little embarrassed about what happened before the guard came.
"Mary, I am sorry we were interrupted." he said as I looked at him.
"Clarence...I should really go and meet them." I said as I left him there. As I made my way to the front of the garden, Clarence caught up with me.
"Mary, I hope that I did not push you to do anything you did not want to." he said and I turned around. I was not sure if I should be doing this with him. Sure it was not sex but we are not even married. I feel like this is wrong, but why did I like it? Should I like it or not like it.
"No, I wanted to, I think." I said. "did you want to?" I asked him.
"Yes, it was great. I loved it. Most importantly, you did not answer my proposal." he said and I gasped.
"Yes. Of course, I would love to be your bride." I said remembering that he proposed.
"Mary you will be more than my wife. You will be my Divine Duchess, we will be great together." he said as he picked me up and whirled me around. I laughed in excitement. He took out a small dark blue velvet box and opened it. It revealed a silver ring. The ring was unlike any other I have ever seen. There was three diamonds on the top of it and two more diamonds embedded in the sides of the ring. There was an engraving inside that read, 'Divine Love'. It was so beautiful that it brought me to tears.
"This...this ring belonged to my mother. Father said that when he presented it to her she shed tears of joy. Just like you are now." he said and I took a shaky breath.
"This is the most beautiful ring I have ever seen." I said as he slid it on my finger. I raised my hand up and surveyed it as it glistened in the moonlight. We hugged and he kissed my head.
"I told my father about courting you. He was very happy and gave me my mothers betroth ring to give to you. On our wedding day I will place on your finger my mothers wedding band." he said as we walked into my palace.
"I will be honored." I said as we kissed again.
Elizabeth who was getting ready for bed was brought downstairs to say goodnight. Amazingly she and Clarence became friends, she is comfortable with him and he likes her. They make each other laugh. As she ran from Julia's arms I picked her up and kissed her little cheeks.
"Goodnight Elizabeth.." I said as I hugged her. Then she set her sights on Clarence and smiled at him.
"Hello little one." Clarence said as he poked her chin, she giggled at his playfulness. Soon after Charles and Anthony was shown in. They bowed to me and I nodded for them to rise. Charles Brandon stepped forward and asked that we speak in private. Before I could answer Clarence came forward.
"Would you like me to leave?" he asked me.
"No, stay with me." I said and Charles eye brow arched.
"May I ask who is this gentlemen?" Charles asked. Clarence answered for me.
"No, you may not ask. But for the sake of Mary I shall tell you anyway. I am Clarence Barquette, Grand Duke and heir of Brookfield." Clarence said proudly. Charles and Anthony gasped. Anthony quickly bowed before Clarence.
"Tony get up!" Charles said annoyed.
"Charles..." Anthony started.
"No! You may prance around like you are a prince but you are not. You are just a pampered noble who wants to be king!" Charles said that last part to me.
"How dare you speak to me in that manner!" Clarence said putting his hand on his sword. "I should behead you just for speaking out of tern!" he threatened Charles who also reached for his sword. Both men scaring Elizabeth.
"Stop it, both of you!" I said holding a fearful Elizabeth in my arms.
"You are only mad because my family is one of the most powerful in Europe and is about to union with another powerful family. You and your king are only afraid of Brookfield because we are stronger than England! Unlike the all mighty King of England, I can actually conquer all Europe. Give it one name and become Emperor of all Christendom" Clarence yelled.
Charles eyes widened at his words. "Is that a threat! Are you threatening the King Of England." Charles asked. Clarence calmed down by this time.
"If I wanted to threaten King Henry, I would have marched on London with and added England to Brookfield as a gift for our union!" he said that last part looking to me.
"Union? What do you mean." Charles almost sneered forgetting about Clarence's threat and looked between Clarence and I.
"Her Highness is tired of being rejected by her own father! She is moving on, and we plan to marry and forget about the past." Clarence said to Charles. Charles looked to me and I spoke up.
"It's true Your Grace, Clarence and I are planning to wed." I said to im. He and Anthony looked at each other.
"His Majesty will not like this at all. He has not given you his ermission!" Charles said with a raised voice.
"I do not need anyone's permission to do anything since my father does ot want me anymore." after I said that I gave Clarence Elizabeth to ring upstairs to put to bed. He took her and a servant guided him to er bedchambers. He and Charles eyed each other while he left.
"I warn Your Grace not to upset my betrothed anymore, as you can see e was nice enough not to make good on his threat." I said. Clarence could conquer England and present it to me as a gift. "Now let us discuss why have His Majesty sent you two to my villa?" I asked quickly changing the subject. All the while Anthony stood back looking back to me to Charles.
"His Majesty orders you to stop parading yourself as a princess." he said and I let out an aggravated breath.
"I was only purchasing food in a market, and buy dresses and things for his daughter." I said referring to Elizabeth and continued. "I cannot stop people from talking. Please tell the king I am not parading myself a such." I said very annoyed.
"I will tell His Majesty." Charles said. When they turned to leave I spoke again.
"Charles." I said. He turned and looked at me.
"My Lady?" he asked.
"Please tell His Majesty that he has illegitimized both my sister and I, there is no longer need for him to say I am his child because to me, he is not my father. Tell His Majesty that I wish not to have him in my life. He has become a threat due to his being easily manipulated, cruelness and corruption, he is no longer in my or my sister's life. As of now Mary Tudor is no more from this moment on I am Maria Of Aragon, House Of Trastàmara. First born of the Holy Roman Empress and Queen of Spain. As far as I am concerned I am no longer the child of Henry VIII. His only child is growing in his wife's belly." his mouth hung open.
"Mary..." he trailed off. I slowly shook my head.
"No Charles, I know he is your friend, but he has done wrong in the eyes of God and I do not want to be apart of that. It is hard enough leaving him in the past." I said and dismissed him along with Anthony. I headed upstairs to Elizabeth's chambers only to find Clarence reading one of the many books that flooded Elizabeth's shelves. After putting her to sleep we went to my chambers and began preparations for our wedding. We fell asleep two hours before dawn. He slept on the sofa of course. In the morning we went to Mass for prayer and had a big breakfast. Soon we parted ways.
White Hall Palace
I did not wait for Charles and Anthony to return last night. They returned right after Mass, I was in my office when they approached me.
"It took you two long enough." I said as I sat back in my chair. Theyboth bowed to me.
"Henry we need to talk." Charles said, I took notice of his seriousness. I invited them to sit and Charles began to tell me what my daughter said to in response to my ordering her to stop acting like a princess.
"What." I whispered as he finished. That little shit of a pretender dare threaten my reign. How dare Mary accept a proposal from him when she has not even ask my permission! Now I am hearing how she wants nothing to do with me and renounces the Tudor name. How dare she embrace her mother's house of Trastàmara. How dare she! She can deny it all she wants but she is my daughter whether she likes it or not. She can say she is first born of the Empress but she is mine also. My child wants nothing to do with me. God must be punishing me for what I did to Katherine. I heard how she received millions given to her by the Monacan Emperor. I also heard that she and the Monacan Empress is sisters through an affair by their father. It seems that Mary and her mothers lives are changed for the better, without me. I am still young and can still have many heirs. If Mary wish to denounce me, than I denounce her. I shall care not for the both of them. How dare Mary say that I, an anointed King, is easily manipulated! I will prove to Mary, Katherine and to God how I do not need them. I am the King of England. Everything revolves around her mother and her crown, but I shall out shine them both.
Ok there it is, chapter 31. As I said in the beginning, Mary made some mistakes. She is only 15 and will make a mistake or two, just like the rest of us when we were her age. And just like her, we learn from our mistakes.
Tell me how you like the story. And do not forget to review.
Happy Belated Labor Day.