A/N: Wow, over 300 reviews! I can't believe it! Thank you guys so much for your interest and following of this story. Thank you to Lizairy Cullen, Guest, Guest, Guest, Purple Sky of Dreams, jamestudor, Vwchick, .el, xshynenstarx, SoarintheSky, Guest, Guest, Frog1, tricorvus, Guest, elizabethgolden, Guest, Justice, Robin4, and Nicole-Lavinia1993
for all of the lovely reviews on the previous two chapters and here's to hoping you enjoy this new chapter and to wishing you all a Happy New Year.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Tudors or any of the characters, Showtime does.
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January 2nd, 1544
"Your Majesty, Brereton has been in custody for months," Cromwell stated. It was not like the king to hold someone this long, particularly a traitor and a poisoner at that.
"I am well aware that the traitor Brereton is still languishing in the Tower, Master Cromwell," Henry retorted, his brows set together in a frown. "Considering that my son took some time to regain his strength due to the attempt on his life, I see no reason as to why I should grant his near-murderer a quick death."
"And what of Ambassador Chapuys?" George Boleyn demanded. "Brereton has long since confessed that the Spaniard is the one who gave him the poison with the intent of killing both boys."
"Ah yes, Chapuys will need to be dealt with as well," Henry nodded.
Cromwell, who still inwardly wished for an Anglo-Imperial alliance, knew that if the ambassador were harmed in any way, could provide Emperor Charles with just the opportunity he needed to declare war on England. And that would not only sour any chances of an alliance between the countries, but it could result in the loss of a great number of men and resources including every bit of profit that Cromwell himself had accumulated for the crown from the dissolvement of the monasteries.
"Your Majesty, I must advise you to tread carefully in this matter," the chancellor began slowly. "After all, Chapuys is not an English subject and it would be wise to inform Emperor Charles-"
"Perhaps Emperor Charles would have understood my position were his own son's life placed in jeopardy!" Henry roared. "I want Brereton and Chapuys dead! I will not suffer either man to draw one more breath of life! I WILL SEE THEIR HEADS ON SPIKES FOR ALL THE WORLD TO SEE AND KNOW THAT IS THE FATE OF A TRAITOR!"
"I shall write to the Emperor at once," Cromwell nodded reluctantly and took his leave.
"And Lord Wiltshire," Henry spoke as George turned to exit as well.
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"See to it that William Stafford is made aware of Our gratitude to him," Henry's expression had softened. "A soldier must be brave and loyal, and I see that he has proven himself to be possessed of both qualities in great measure."
A slight smile crossed George's face as he inclined his head.
"I shall see to it personally, Your Majesty."
…
"My Lady Mary."
Mary stopped at once when she heard Phillip's voice behind her.
"I had hoped I would find you here," he stated with a smile as he looked about the gardens, normally abundant with colorful blooms of many variety. But the snow covering the landscape provided a different, but still much pleasing, type of beauty.
"Your Grace," she turned and curtsied gracefully, slightly inclining her head. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I would like to…that is to say if you…Oh my, I'm making rather a mess of this…" Phillip stammered.
The duke's face had flushed a slight pink. Mary had to stifle a giggle as she had never seen the duke so bashful.
"Yes?" she pressed, wondering if what he was trying to say was what she believed and dared to hope for.
"I would like to ask…if you…Lady Mary Tudor…would consent to be…my bride?"
Mary's heard skipped a beat as Phillip bent the knee, there in the snow, and took her hand in both of his.
"I…Phillip…truly?" she asked, unable to believe this was truly happening.
"Yes, Lady Mary," Phillip answered, his tone laced with the desperation of a man utterly besotted. "I have loved you from afar, but I cannot do so for another moment. I must know if you will be mine, as I would be yours."
That was all Mary needed to hear.
"Yes," she said breathlessly. "Yes, Phillip. I desire with all my heart to be yours."
Phillip rose and without any regard for propriety, he found his arms wrapped about Mary's frame and she found her lips pressed against his.
When at last, the pair separated, Phillip could see that a tear had escaped Mary's eye and was now slowly trickling down her cheek. But when he attempted to gently wipe it away, two more fell in its place.
"You're crying," he stated softly.
Mary's eyes swam with more tears as her lips parted.
"Only because I am so happy," she murmured as she took his hands.
…
"Mary is to be married!" Margery cheered as she entered Elizabeth's chamber. "Oh, Sister! Isn't it wonderful?"
Elizabeth set down her book, her eyes wide with surprise.
"Our sister, Mary?" she asked. "Truly?"
"Yes," Margery answered as she took her ease on the bed beside her older sister. "Phillip asked for her hand in the garden not one hour ago. And best of all, Phillip told Mary that Father gave him permission during Christmastide to do so."
"Then why did he wait so long to ask her?" Elizabeth smiled teasingly.
"Phillip always seemed to be so bashful around Mary," the younger princess answered. "Perhaps His Grace was mustering his courage."
"Mary must be overjoyed," Elizabeth said thoughtfully. She had long known that her elder half-sister wanted desperately to be a wife and mother. She had always been so caring and loving to Elizabeth as well as the twins, Margery, and Edward from the time they were infants. The future Duchess of Angouleme had no doubt Mary would be a fine mother. And she knew the once-princess had suffered greatly following the loss of the title she had long believed to be hers. Now, she would be a Duchess, not quite the rank she had once enjoyed, but it had to be better than being forever regarded as the king's bastard daughter, even if she was acknowledged. And if their father was feeling generous, he might even grant her, and Phillip by proxy, a peerage as well. Surely he would be pleased to have finally found a match for her.
…
"So the Lady Mary is to be married to Duke Phillip?" Jane asked. "You're certain?"
"I heard it from the king's own lips," Edward stated with a smirk. "This solves your dilemma as well, Sister."
"My dilemma?" Jane asked, looking indignant.
"Yes," Edward sighed with ill-disguised annoyance. "Now you can wash your hands of the bastard and see to the interests of your own children."
"I have not concerned myself with Lady's Mary's interests in some time now," Jane answered, a bit more haughtily than she had intended.
This was in fact true, the queen had barely spared a moment's worry over her stepdaughter for the last few years. After all, what could one do with a bastard? At least Jane's son and daughter could claim legitimacy.
But Edward was right, this was perfect; with Mary married off, she would be away in Bavaria, unable to take the English throne, and Phillip wouldn't dare jeopardize the alliance between King Henry and his cousin. So Mary had no chance of ever usurping the crown.
But there was still a problem...both Harry and Geoffrey remained in the line of succession, both ahead of her Edward. Had Brereton and Ambassador Chapuys succeeded in their plan, both boys would be dead now. Or at the very least Harry would be, making young Edward one step closer to becoming king someday.
Something had to be done...but what?
...
...
And there you have it for this chapter. But fear not, lovely readers, for the next, extra long chapter shall be out on Wednesday, January 1st.
Until then, everyone.