Catherine de Medici entered her rooms to prepare for the upcoming banquet. She did not relish the idea of attending and watching her husband flirt with Diane but as the Dauphine of France she was required to attend. It wasn't like she didn't expect her husband to keep a mistress as it was fairly common but what she didn't appreciate was having her life dictated to by her husbands' mistress. Diane decided when Henry made an appearance with his wife, what gifts he would give her and when they made love. Catherine had a feeling that Diane chose the days when Catherine would be least fertile but she couldn't prove it and Henry certainly wouldn't hear anything bad said about his precious Diane.
She was suddenly surprised when her husband Henry entered her chambers. She wanted to ask if Diane granted him permission to come and speak to his wife but she bit her tongue. Instead she gave him a polite greeting, "You wish to see me husband?"
"It has been brought to my attention that you've been spending a lot of time with the Tudor bastard." Henry stated trying to look important but failing miserably at it.
"What's it to you who I spend my time with?" Catherine inquired not caring for the way he spoke of Elizabeth. The Dauphine liked that the young Elizabeth looked up to her and Catherine was flattered by the little girls' attention. Everyone else just seemed to ignore Catherine.
"I'm you husband." Henry responded.
This time Catherine didn't hold back, "No you're not Henry, at least not mine. You've been more Diane's husband than you ever been mine."
"Be careful Catherine on how you speak of her." Henry threatened, "Remember you have yet to give me a child so I'm well within my rights to discard you."
"Was that your plan all along?" Catherine snarled, "To constantly ignore my bed for Diane's and when no child was produced get the nobles to agree to have the marriage annulled." Catherine laughed cynically, "It doesn't matter if I'm discarded Henry, they will never allow Diane to be your bride." Catherine took a sip from her goblet and smirked, "Even she hasn't been able to give you a child in your long relationship together. Maybe you're not capable."
Henry lunged at Catherine putting his hands at her throat when a servant announced that the Countess of Boulogne was here to see the Dauphine. Henry reluctantly let go of Catherine's throat and stormed out of the room ignoring Mary Stafford. Catherine watched as Mary glared at Henrys' back and wondered, "How much of our conversation did you hear my lady?"
"You'll have to forgive me your highness." Mary apologised. "It wasn't my intention, only your servant asked me to wait whilst you were engaged in a private conversation with your husband." That was the nice way of putting it Mary thought. Outside it sounded like an all out war. "When it began to escalate I sent your servant in to inform you of my arrival."
"Well thank you for your intervention madam." Catherine didn't know how violently Henry would have reacted if Mary hadn't interfered. "I would appreciate it if you didn't mention what happened here to anyone including the King."
"I won't tell a soul." Mary promised. "You've been so kind to my niece these past months your highness that it would be a shame to lose your friendship. In fact that's why I'm here." Mary smiled gesturing for a servant to come in carrying a box. "To show my gratitude for what you've done for the Lady Elizabeth I've had a dress made for you and I hope you'll wear it to tonight's festivities."
"You didn't have to do that Lady Boulogne." Catherine looked into the box curiously. It was a beautiful golden dress, Catherine recognised the Italian style but it had a distinctly French twist to it. It was certain to turn a few heads a court. "Lady Boulogne, I'm afraid I won't be able to do this dress justice. It's far too beautiful for me."
"Nonsense," Mary insisted with a smile, "this dress was made for you. No man not even your husband will be able to resist you."
"You really think so?" Catherine blushed. Mary could see that although Catherine put on a confident façade of not caring for her husband she really wanted to make her marriage work. "Henry doesn't really see me when Diane is in the room."
"Trust me my lady," Mary gave the Dauphine's hand a squeeze reassurance. "After I'm done with you his highness won't even remember Diane's name."
The investigation into Anne's trial was progressing rather quickly. Charles had thought that with Henrys' investigation into Elizabeths' finances Thomas Cromwell would have disposed of the documentation regarding Anne's trial. Cromwell was either very arrogant or very foolish. Charles had Cromwell and his staff under house arrest so he could look through the documents without any interference. Charles Brandon had little understanding of the technicalities in some of the legal documents so Henry suggested that Thomas Cranmer assist him.
It was very unusual for Charles to meet someone of Thomas Cranmer status display such humility. He let Charles form his own opinion and didn't try to sway him though some of his suggestions were helpful. Cranmer suggested to Charles that he should question the Tower warden Master Kingston on the condition of the prisoners.
The condition of Mark Smeaton had been disturbing and was difficult for Charles Brandon to hear. Charles believed that if he was subjected to the same treatment as Mark he would have welcomed death and judging by the records of his execution Mark did. The report said he couldn't even walk and had to be placed onto the block for the executioner to take his life. Charles didn't know whether to pity the man or admire him for holding out for as long as he did.
"Your Grace," Cranmer approached Charles with a pile of papers, "I've found the court attendance records and there appear to be discrepancies."
"Such as?" Charles enquired.
"Well if you look at Lady Rochfords' statement she says that she saw her husband in the Queens' bed chamber on this date." Cranmer said pointing to a place on the attendance records.
Charles read the record. "It says here that Lord Rochford was in France negotiating a betrothal for his niece. Lady Rochford will have to be brought in for questioning." In Charles mind either Lady Rochford was mistaken or she was lying in which case Charles wanted to know why. Charles continued to look down the list of names on the attendance record. "Are there anymore discrepancies like this?"
"Plenty more," Cranmer answered in disgust, "each suspect including the late Queen was placed somewhere else when the alleged affairs had taken place and what is worse it was mentioned during the trial in their defence."
The Archbishop showed Charles the trial records. Charles shook his head as he looked at the records, "The King is not going to like this." Charles said gravely, "All these men were found guilty despite the evidence presented at the trial showing them to be innocent."
"This is not just an embarrassment to the King but the whole legal system." Thomas Cranmer slammed the documents down. "I could almost understand if some of the evidence shown was being withheld from the trial but to blatantly show false evidence that was so easily disproved and still have them be declared guilty makes the people of England look foolish." It wasn't in Thomas Cranmer to be angry but it was hard not to be when he looked through the papers. He could only imagine how the King was going to react to seeing them.
"Did you see the confession given by William Brereton?" Charles asked. Brereton had confessed to adultery but his account of the act didn't make any sense. William described Anne having many deformities like a sixth finger which Charles Brandon knew for a fact wasn't true. William also claimed that Anne had moles covering her body. Charles knew how superstitious his friend the King was, if Anne had such markings Henry wouldn't have went anywhere near her.
"I have and I need to look at Cromwells' reports on Rome." Cranmer stated and began to look through the shelves.
"Why Rome?" Charles knew Thomas Cromwell had spies in Rome. It was how they had found out about the plot to place Cardinal Pole and the Lady Mary on the throne of England but Charles couldn't see the connection between William Brereton and Rome.
"Anne Boleyn was a figure head for the Reformation." Cranmer explained, looking through the papers. "The deformities William Brereton believed to be on the late Queen are given to the Devils' servants, which I'm sure the Catholic Church believed Anne to be." Cranmer found the piece of parchment he was looking for, "Here we are."
"What is it?" Charles was looking at a list of names.
"Rome has a list of Catholic Martyrs; there you see Thomas More and Bishop Fisher." Cranmer pointed on the parchment in front of Charles and he continued further down the list, "Further down here is a special list of Jesuit assassins who died for their faith."
"There's William Breretons' name but what I don't understand is why Cromwell didn't use this to further his cause for the Reformation?" Charles wondered.
"It's because if Brereton were to be found out the King would have to look into the other men who died alongside him." Cranmer explained, "Cromwell couldn't afford to have this case reopened but it looks as though God had other plans."
"It would seem so." Charles Brandon agreed. Though as to what those plans were he couldn't guess.
Mary Stafford watched as the Dauphine enjoyed having newfound admirers. Catherine practically glowed in court, everyone who approached her asked about her new image and Catherine would coyly say, "I just fancied a change." Her husband the Dauphin had not approached her yet but his eyes never left Catherine much to the annoyance to Diane. However Catherine was smart enough to not let her husband know that she knew he was watching her and continued to mingle.
Catherine finally managed to find Mary and the Countess smiled, "Enjoying yourself your highness?"
Catherine blushed in embarrassment, "I'm not used to having this much attention."
"Well you should get used to it." Mary laughed, "You are the future Queen after all."
A familiar voice came from behind Mary, "I couldn't agree more, cousin."
"Cousin?" Catherine studied the somewhat handsome man with an eye patch. Whoever he was he was making Mary uncomfortable.
The man gave a bow and kissed the Dauhpine's hand, "Sir Francis Bryan, at your service madam." He then gave a charming smile, "It is truly an honour to meet you your grace. The stories of you do not do you justice."
"I've also heard some stories of you Sir Francis." Catherine slyly commented.
"Not all terrible I hope." Sir Francis said. Mary looked between her cousin and the Dauphine nervously, she also noticed the Prince glaring at them from a distance. This was not what Mary wanted at all.
Catherine didn't seem to notice as she continued to chat to Sir Francis, "It depends on who you speak to sir. If you speak to some of the women of court the stories are somewhat favourable. However if you speak to their husbands well that's a completely different story."
Sir Francis Bryan laughed at this womans' wit and intended to comment further but was interrupted by his very nervous cousin, "Speaking of husbands my lady, yours looks as though he wants to speak to you right now." Mary pointed to an angry looking Dauphin.
Catherine noticed and sighed, "I better go and see what he wants. It's a shame too; I was just starting to have fun." Catherine left the cousins with a smirk.
Mary spun around and faced her cousin angrily, "Are you trying to get yourself killed flirting with the Dauphins' wife like that? I don't know how your mother puts up with you."
"You seemed to put my mother through a lot of stress yourself, disappearing with the Lady Elizabeth like that." Sir Francis argued.
"I had no choice Francis." Mary defended, "King Henry refused to support his own daughter. I had to find someone who will."
"You think the King of France will?" Sir Francis wasn't as trusting as Mary and felt she should know the truth, "The only reason why he wants Elizabeth here is so he can have some ammunition against the Emperor."
"What are you talking about?" Mary didn't understand surely if King Francis wanted to use Elizabeth against anyone it would be Henry. How was the Emperor involved?
"I'm here on the hunt for Reginald Pole." Sir Francis explained, "The Pope has allowed him a special dispensation to marry the Lady Mary and overthrow her father in England."
"That's not possible Francis." Mary shook her head in disbelief, "The Lady Mary went away to marry someone else." She remembered the last time she saw the woman, Elizabeth was sad to see her go but had wished her all the best.
"The man died before she could marry him." Sir Francis explained, "She's in the Emperors' hands now and is considered a traitor in England. If King Francis can somehow get the Pope to favour Elizabeth…"
"That won't happen." Mary Stafford insisted, "The Pope would never support a child of Anne Boleyn. If King Francis even tries to the Pope will think he has been bewitched." That could be the worst thing for Elizabeth and her family.
"Then let's hope he doesn't for the childs' sake." Sir Francis wasn't convinced but he wouldn't push Mary on it. "Her father the King is deeply worried about her."
"Then his majesty should have shown better care towards her." Mary snapped and stormed away not knowing that the King of France was watching the scene with great concern.
Queen Jane was deeply troubled. The Kings' men had just taken her lady in waiting Lady Rochford away for questioning. Since becoming Queen Lady Rochford became a close confidant to Jane. She had informed Jane that the King had taken Ursula Misseldon as a Mistress. She was there for Jane during Prince Edwards' difficult birth and now she was being questioned for reasons the Queen did not know.
Hopefully her brother Edward knew the answer. He always knew what to do; he had coached her into becoming Queen. Jane never knew the right words to say in front of the King as she was so nervous but Edward knew just the right words that would make King Henry fall in love with her.
Getting the King to fall in love with her had been the easy part but getting the King to stay in love with her proved far difficult than even Jane expected. Jane had thought having a son would solve all her problems but this business with the Lady Elizabeth ruined any chance of King Henry loving her again. Now she was beginning to know how Anne had felt in the final days in her marriage and now Jane had wondered whether she was next to face the executioner.
Fortunately her brother Edward had arrived hopefully baring news. "Well brother," Jane asked, "do you bring news about Lady Rochford?"
"She is being questioned about the late Queens' trial." Edward explained, "The King has requested that the case against Anne Boleyn be reopened."
"Why does the King want the harlots' case reopened?" Jane's sister Elizabeth Cromwell nee Seymour asked.
"Be careful what you say regarding the woman Elizabeth." Edward warned his sister, "The King has already arrested your father in-law and now he's having Jane's chief lady in waiting questioned regarding the womans' trial. If he believes that we were in any way involved in this plot we could all suffer the same fate as the Boleyns."
"But we aren't involved." Queen Jane insisted. At least she hoped they weren't, Jane may have not have liked the woman but she didn't wish her dead.
"No we're not," Edward assured his sister but then issued a warning, "but all it takes is just one rumour. The late Queen was innocent of any wrong doing but all it took was one rumour shared with the King and her whole family fell with her. That's why I want all of you to do and say nothing that would bring suspicion on us."
"Then it's probably for the best that Thomas is away from court." Elizabeth said grimly, "I can imagine him saying something stupid that would land us all in the tower." Jane couldn't help but agree with her sister even if she couldn't admit it herself out loud. Thomas wanted so badly to be involved in court but didn't have the intelligence to make it work like Edward did and it didn't help that Thomas was so jealous of Edward. Thomas would have done anything to see his brother fail but what Thomas didn't understand that if Edward fell, the whole of the Seymour family would fall with him.
After the confrontation with her cousin, Mary was desperate to reach the royal nursery and see if Elizabeth was fine. Mary knew her cousin couldn't just take a child under the King of France's protection. For the first time since arriving in France Mary doubted King Francis true intentions' regarding Elizabeths' future. Was Elizabeth just a tool to him?
Her thoughts were interrupted by shouting coming from the nursery. Elizabeth and Prince Charles were engaged in a bitter argument. They were so involved in their dispute they didn't notice that the King of France had walked in the room. He had seen Mary Staffords' distress after her conversation with Sir Francis Bryan and decided to follow her to the nursery. What he had found shocked him. Elizabeth who was always so calm and dignified in his presence was suddenly letting her Tudor temper show. It was obvious to him that his son Charles had been involved because he had been trying to bait the young lady since she arrived but it had to stop, "That's enough!"
At the Kings voice all the children suddenly remembered their manners. The girls Anne, Margaret and Elizabeth dipped into curtsies whilst Charles bowed before his father. "Sorry your majesty." The children apologised.
It was obvious that Francis wasn't going to let them get away with a simple apology. "Will any of you care to explain to me how this argument came about?" The children looked at each other with guilty faces but no one seemed to be talking. Francis knew the exact person who would most likely blurt out the truth. He slowly approached the nervous little girl, "Annie care to tell me what the argument was about and tell me honestly."
Knowing that her brother would most likely deny it and get little Annie in trouble Princess Margaret jumped to her new friends' defence, "Charles called Elizabeth a bastard!"
"Margaret!" Charles couldn't believe his sister would betray him like that.
"It's true your majesty," Annie said nervously, "he's been mean to Lizzie ever since we arrived."
"So what if it's true." Charles huffed folding his arms over his chest, "A prince shouldn't have to be kind to a bastard anyway."
Mary looked at her niece in concern but surprisingly Elizabeth didn't show any sign of being upset. "A true prince should be kind and generous to all of his guests no matter what their status is. You your highness are neither kind nor generous."
"Do you see the way she speaks to me Papa?" Charles looked at his father pointing to Elizabeth. "I'm a Prince of France!" He shouted indignantly.
"Then act like one!" Elizabeth shouted back causing King Francis to laugh in amusement.
Everyone turned in surprise at the King of France's reaction not understanding what he found so funny his daughter Margaret asked curiously, "Why are you laughing?"
"Just watching Elizabeth and your brother fight reminds me of how me and King Henry fought years ago at the Field of the Cloth of Gold." King Francis laughed thinking about how two Kings behaved like two children.
"You and Papa fought your majesty?" Elizabeth knew her Papa could get angry at times but she couldn't imagine him actually fighting.
"Did you win?" Charles asked.
"Charles!" Margaret scolded her brothers' immaturity.
"What's the Field of the Cloth of Gold?" Annie asked not knowing what that was.
The children forgot about Charles and Elizabeths' fight and wanted to know more about the Field of the Cloth of Gold. Mary sat down placing Annie on her lap and began to explain, "The Field of the Cloth of Gold was a huge celebration of peace between France and England."
"It can't have been that peaceful if the Kings of both countries started fighting." Margaret commented slyly, sitting next to her Papa.
"No it wasn't." Francis agreed hugging his daughter close to him. "We were hosting wrestling matches between our two countries."
"Who won?" Charles asked eagerly causing Elizabeth to roll her eyes at his stupidity.
"Funnily enough I don't remember." Mary Stafford answered, "It was so long ago but I do remember how it ended." She playfully glared at the King.
Francis groaned in embarrassment, "I'll admit I didn't behave like a good King."
"You didn't?" Elizabeth was surprised. It was hard for her to imagine Francis not being a good King.
"He kept boasting to King Henry on how better France was at things compared to England." Mary smiled remembering how arrogant the King of France acted.
"We are." Prince Charles boasted causing Elizabeth to snort at his childishness.
Francis laughed at Elizabeths' reaction, "That's just how your father initially reacted to my boasts though I have to hand it to him he did try his best to ignore my behaviour but I just kept on chipping away at him."
"Like someone else I know." Margaret smiled smugly at her brother. She knew Charles had been trying to get under Elizabeths' skin for months now and to Elizabeths' credit she did well to keep her temper in check for so long. Margaret knew if it had been herself she would have lost her temper with Charles long before Elizabeth did.
Francis continued the story, "I eventually commented on how France had the better wrestlers and King Henry being the sportsman that he is challenged me to a wrestling match against him."
"Did you win?" Charles asked again making all the girls groan at the prince's obsession with winning.
"I won the wrestling match but lost the peace between France and England." Francis explained sadly, "Eventually England would make an alliance with Spain and then I became a prisoner of the Holy Roman Emperor." Both Charles and Margaret looked down after hearing their fathers' words. They remembered that their elder brothers Francis and Henry had to be traded to free their father and after they were released neither of them were the same again. The eldest Francis died and as for Henry well he didn't spend time with them anymore. Elizabeth couldn't believe her papa would side with someone else over a wrestling match. They were so lost in thought they almost missed what Francis had said, "I learned a valuable lesson from that day and that was to never let pride or vanity get in the way of being a good King to your people just like I hope Charles you won't let that same pride or vanity prevent you from being a good Prince of France."
With that final piece of advice to his son Francis left the room. Whilst the advice was just the thing Charles needed to hear it was with those very same words that put Mary on edge. Mary knew that as King, Francis had to put his country before anything else, so what would it mean for Elizabeth if France needed Elizabeth to be used as a weapon against Spain or England.