A/N: Hello, everyone. I hope you're all having a pleasant 2021 so far, and I do apologize profusely for my long absence. Between certain life events, including a new job, the last few months have been very crazy to say the least. But, I am back and I have a brand new chapter for you lot. Thank you to all of those who have followed and enjoyed this story up to this point, and thank you for your patience. And another special thanks to QueenAnneTudor, Ophaeliia, CrystalKaouri, scifigrocerygal, Crockett Rocket, tricorvus, Child of Dreams, Sakura, IWantColouredRain, Guest, AJ, Marina Ka-Fai, Anna, SaikoGoyangi, Brittni, Guest, Cyndi S, and Sakura for all of the reviews on the previous chapter.
AJ, you did not hurt my feelings in any way, shape, or form.
And on that note, I have kept you lovely readers waiting long enough, on with the story.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Tudors, or any of the characters, Showtime does.
...
There was no denying her guilt.
Henry stared down at the slip of parchment before him.
Jane's death warrant.
He had signed those of Elizabeth Seymour and Catherine Brandon with no hesitation whatsoever. Those vicious women had deserved such a fate. They had harmed two of his beloved children.
His heart sank as he thought of his little Harry. That precious heir that had been all that Anne had promised him; a strong, healthy son, the living image of his father, the successor that would secure Henry's legacy and the Tudor dynasty.
And now he was gone. He would never wear his father's crown nor rule his country. That golden world his parents had envisioned would now never come to pass.
A growl of rage emitted from his throat as he glared down at the death warrant. All he needed to do was sign it...
...
Catherine Brandon steeled herself as she was brought from her cell. Her entire frame shook despite her attempts to still it.
She thought of the husband she no longer loved. Would he be present as she took her final breath? Would he show any emotion as he saw her life fade? Would he care at all?
And then she thought of her surviving son. She did not regret what she had done, but she did regret that King Henry might choose to visit his displeasure at her upon her child.
Elizabeth Seymour had been executed just the day before. And now it was Catherine's turn.
She would not be granted the mercy of a quick clean death by beheading. No, she would follow Elizabeth's path, the path of a poisoner...
...
Charles's heart was heavy as he thought of all that had transpired.
Queen Jane had fought and struggled all the way to the Tower where she had now been ensconced along with several of her ladies to attend her.
Each of the Seymours now were under the king's suspicion. After all, if Mistress Katherine Ashley was to be believed, it had only been a twist of fate that Elizabeth had not been the one poisoned. And Charles found that he could not help but see merit in Mistress Ashley's words. While she was the governess of Princess Elizabeth, it could not be denied that the Seymours would have had everything to gain with Edward and Margery being Henry's only heirs. Particularly Edward.
Charles did not like to think of the possibility of his old friend's life ending, but all men were fated to die at some point. King Henry would not live forever, no matter how much he wished it. And when he died, his son would become king. That son would have been Prince Harry, but now just as it had been with his father and uncle before him, Prince Geoffrey had now taken his elder brother's place.
Geoffrey was not yet a man, but he would reach manhood before little Edward did. And it was already apparent to all who knew the prince that he was possessed of a shrewd mind and keen feeling. He knew what he wanted and he would see to it that he obtained it. Much like his father. And, if Charles were being honest with himself, his long departed mother.
There was no doubt in the Duke of Suffolk's mind that Anne Boleyn would be pleased to see what her sons had become, particularly Geoffrey.
...
"It is apparent that Prince Geoffrey must leave court."
George Boleyn did not allow anyone to speak before he continued.
"I have already made arrangements, with the king's approval, for the prince to be safely removed to Hatfield. There, Princess Elizabeth will join him until such time when we can be sure there are no other assassins lurking within the court. We have already lost one prince and princess, the king will not permit a third or fourth loss. The pair are en route as we speak."
"And what of Prince Edward, Your Grace?"
George had known that one of the Seymour brothers would ask this. Though he had expected it to be Thomas, the more impulsive of the pair rather than the ever cautious Edward.
"Will he be removed safely from court as well? I should hate to believe you would only seek to protect the elder prince and princess rather than all of His Majesty's children."
"I do commend you on your concerns, sir," George replied coolly. "However, I must point out that there is no need. It has already been confirmed that it was the Duchess of Suffolk along with your sister Lady Elizabeth Seymour were the assassins. So it stands to reason that should there be any other conspirators waiting for a chance to strike, young Prince Edward is in no danger. After all, he is a child of Queen Jane."
"I should hope your confidence is not misplaced, my Lord Wiltshire," Edward seethed, his eyes narrowing. "Recall that while Prince Geoffrey and Princess Elizabeth are royalty first, your niece and nephew second."
"I am aware of that, thank you," George glared back. "As Prince Edward is to you."
His gaze then shifted from one Seymour brother to the other. Thomas had been strangely quiet throughout this meeting. There was a curious glint in his eyes, particularly when George had mentioned Geoffrey and Elizabeth's departure to Hatfield.
He still could not be sure if his decision had been a foolish one or not, but now he was certain. There was another conspirator waiting in the shadows. But was this also the queen's plan or had the brash Thomas foolishly concocted a separate course of action?
Well, only time would tell...
...
Terror welled up inside of Jane as she lay upon her bed, staring at the window nearby. The ladies that had been brought to attend to her during her time here all lay fast asleep on their pallets on the floor. But the queen knew she herself would have no sleep tonight.
She had heard that Elizabeth had been executed and that Catherine Brandon was soon to follow. While she believed both richly deserved their fates, not only for failing to dispose of Anne's bastards, but also killing her darling Margery in the process, the third wife of King Henry feared that she would somehow be blamed as well.
At first light, she would try to send word to the king. Charles Brandon claimed he had ordered her to be brought there, but surely that couldn't be true. Thought their once loving relationship had become cold, she was certain that the king still held great affection for her. And surely Catherine and Elizabeth had not implicated her.
Right?
...
The man slipped silently through the halls and corridors of Hatfield Palace, searching for the rooms that held the young prince and princess.
Francis Bryan smirked when he realized that the man had not seen him.
"Has the king seen fit to provide another guard for his son and daughter?" he called out softly.
The man turned to face him, his eyes widening as they met Francis's gaze.
"Please do tell," Francis's knife glittered as it emerged from its sheath. "I do so enjoy a good story. Or shall I wring it from you myself?"
...
...
And with that, I do hope you all enjoy this brand new chapter. The next one will be out on Saturday, February 20th. Until then, everyone.
