Norfolk had no idea why he had been summoned to the throne room. Since his nieces' downfall Thomas Howard did everything he could to claw his way back into the Kings' good graces. He assisted in fighting against the rebels; he distanced himself from anything to do with Anne which had backfired. Since the Lady Elizabeths' disappearance the Duke of Norfolk lost what precious little standing he had. The only good thing was that family of upstarts the Seymours had been losing favour as well. The news of Cromwells' downfall was also welcome but little was known on the reason why.
As Thomas Howard looked around the other men who had been summoned with him he began to worry. Henry Percy hadn't attended court since Anne's death. In fact Thomas began to notice that all of these men he was standing with had been involved in Anne's trial. Thomas Howard didn't have time to dwell on this development as the King of England entered the throne room.
Archbishop Cranmer and Charles Brandon stood next to the Kings' throne as Henry stared these men down. These men declared Anne guilty despite the flimsy evidence presented at court. They made a fool of the King of England and it was time they knew his displeasure. "My lords I've not been well handled. As you may have already heard Lord Essex my chancellor has been arrested for treason. Some of you may wonder what treason I'm referring to. Some of you may think it has to do with the mishandling of the Pilgrimage of Grace but that's not true. Some of you may think it was due to his incompetence which led to the loss of my daughters or maybe it's due to his stealing from Englands' treasury. That's not the case either." King Henry stood up and glared at the men standing before him. "The treason I speak of is the murder of an anointed Queen, a murder where all of you have played a part." Archbishop Cranmer handed King Henry a document which Henry held up to show the men, "This is a declaration of Queen Anne's guilt, a document you all signed despite having seen evidence that showed my wife to be innocent of all charges brought against her. By signing this document you are just as guilty as Cromwell and I have every right to execute the lot of you."
The men stood before the King shook in fear. Some of the men began to plead with the King for mercy. Thomas Howard clenched his fists in anger whilst Henry Percy seemed to be resigned to his fate. As far as Percy was concerned he deserved to die for failing Anne so badly. Henry Percy could have blamed the King all he wanted for signing Anne's death warrant but it was Percy who was too cowardly to fight for Anne. He didn't fight for Anne when Cardinal Wolsey denied them permission to wed and he didn't fight for her when she was placed on trial for adultery.
"Enough!" As much as King Henry enjoyed watching the men squirm he had enough of their excuses. "You made me a laughingstock throughout Europe by signing this document and why? Because you were either too weak, too cowardly or too greedy." King Henry glared at Norfolk in particular at the comment. Norfolk used his nieces shamelessly to get himself better rewards and threw them aside when they were no longer useful. King Henry would have loved nothing more than to sign his death warrant but he had already made a decision. "Whilst I do believe I'm well within my rights to have you executed on the grounds of treason, on this occasion I've decided to be merciful. You have all been pardoned for the crime of treason on the condition that you all attend the execution of Thomas Cromwell. I want you all to watch and realise how fortunate you are that on this occasion I've allowed you to live. However be warned I won't be so lenient next time."
The men breathed a sigh in relief. However others like Thomas Howard knew they were living on borrowed time. The chances of King Henry trusting any of these men again would be small and it could take years to work their way back into royal favour.
However King Henry wasn't finished addressing these men. "England faces a difficult time ahead. The Bishop of Rome is plotting to overthrow me and place a Spanish puppet on the throne. It is important for the sake of England that we are united against this threat. I will hear no more of this childish squabbling. If you have a grievance with another noble you must have proper evidence to support this claim. If you don't I'll be forced to banish you from court do you understand?" The men nodded in agreement and Henry dismissed them.
After the men had left Charles Brandon asked, "Are you sure they going to stop with their schemes to gain your favour?"
Henry rested in his throne and answered with a sigh, "Probably not but at least I know what signs to look out for and I also know there are at least two people in this court I can truly trust." Henry knew that Thomas Cranmer and Charles Brandon were as different in personality as night and day but he knew they trusted each other enough to put England first. Henry also knew he needed more people like them to face the threat of Rome. It was just a matter of finding them in a nest full of vultures waiting to rip each other apart for their own ambitions.
Mary was looking through some outfits to prepare for the visitors from Rome. Brigittee saw her mistress worry and tried to reason with her, "My lady the representatives are not going to pay too much attention to what you're wearing but your words."
"Oh Brigitte," Mary paced around the room in a panic, "I don't know what to say to them. My sister was always better at this sort of thing than me."
Catherine De Medici commented dryly, "She can't have been that good if most of Rome wanted her dead."
"You're not helping." Mary muttered darkly. She knew Catherine didn't mean anything sinister behind her comment. Catherine often had a morbid sense of humour that most in the court didn't understand or appreciate.
"Have you spoken to Elizabeth about this meeting?" Catherine enquired.
"She hasn't." Brigitte answered for Mary making her disapproval known.
"Mary," Catherine admonished, "Elizabeth has to know. She needs to know what's at stake."
"She's a child!" Mary cried.
"A child with a temper like her father." Brigitte commented, "If the representatives mention something about her parents she could react in the wrong way putting you both in jeopardy."
"So you're suggesting that I tell her that the men who are meeting with her are the very same people who may have had a hand in her mothers' death and are now plotting against her father." Mary snapped.
"Maybe not in those exact words but in a way that she understands." Catherine explained, "Listen Mary, I know these people. I can help you and Elizabeth find the right words to charm the representatives but you must be calm. You can't show them you're afraid or it'll make you seem guilty."
"You're right I must be calm." Mary sat in a chair and took deep breaths. She then turned to Brigitte, "You are also right, I should speak to Elizabeth about this visit though I don't think she'll be happy about it." Especially once she learns of the Pope's role in Anne's death, Mary thought miserably.
"You underestimate her." Catherine placed reassuring hand on her friends' shoulder. "Elizabeth will do what needs to be done." Catherine was confident that her protégé would able to charm the representatives regardless of her personal feelings. Elizabeth just needed to be prepared and Catherine would see to it that the girl would know exactly what to do when facing her mothers' enemies.
Sir Francis Bryan was surprised at the change in the English court. Before he left King Henry was completely besotted with his Queen Jane. Now any look the King gave to his Queen was a cold one which surprised Francis since Queen Jane had given Henry his long awaited son.
Thomas Seymour barely noticed his sisters' distress as he was already taking credit for Cardinal Pole's capture. Francis didn't care much as he had more important information to share with the King in private and he didn't know how King Henry would react. Fortunately the King seemed to be in a good mood, "Sir Francis, allow me to personally congratulate you on capturing the traitor Pole."
"Thank you, your majesty." Sir Francis bowed, "Though I can't take all the credit, I did have someone to assist me in his capture."
"I'm sure Thomas Seymour was most helpful." Henry commented sarcastically observing Thomas boast to his sister the Queen of his accomplishment. Now that Henry was no longer blinded by his affection for Jane he finally saw her family for what they were. Edward was cold and calculating, he would have been a great asset to the Kings' council if he wasn't so focused on earning more rewards whilst his brother Thomas was a complete buffoon. Henry remembered his previous brother in-law George who had the great balance of wit and intelligence. If only George hadn't been under his fathers' thumb Henry thought he would have also made a great asset to the council. Henry wondered how many more able men would provide him with good council but who escaped his notice because they didn't have any pretty female relatives. This was something Henry wanted to change but it was clear Sir Francis had something on his mind. "Is there something on your mind Sir Francis?"
"I'm afraid there is something your majesty." Sir Francis said quietly scanning the room, "However I feel it must be discussed privately."
"Very well." Henry escorted Sir Francis into a private meeting room. "What is it you wish to discuss?"
"As I said before your majesty someone did assist me in catching Pole and that person was someone you would least likely expect." Francis explained.
"Go on." Henry was intrigued. It must have been someone important if Sir Francis wanted to discuss this privately.
"It was King Francis your majesty." Sir Francis revealed to King Henry, "He told me where Cardinal Pole was hiding."
This surprised Henry for he was certain that King Francis was a follower of Rome. "Why would King Francis go against Rome?"
"He wanted to sabotage the Emperors' chances at putting the Lady Mary on the throne but that's not all." Sir Francis explained. "He has your other daughter Elizabeth under his protection."
Henry stood up and began to pace the room. "So now I have not only to worry about the Emperor stealing my throne but the King of France too?"
Sir Francis could see the rage in his King rising quickly and tried to appease him. "From what I understand King Francis doesn't want to make an enemy of you like the Emperor has but an alliance. That's why he gave away Pole's location and he has also offered you the chance to write to Elizabeth."
"He offers me the chance to write to her but not to see her." Henry sat in his chair with a scowl. "You know Rome has excommunicated me. If Rome tells him to, King Francis could cease all communication with Elizabeth." Henry never forgotten the support King Francis offered in making Anne Queen of England but he soon changed his mind when the Pope objected to the marriage.
"Then I suppose it's most important to make the most of the opportunity to reconcile with your daughter." Francis advised, "If she could be convinced of your love she would not turn against you."
"It would be at a great risk to herself." Henry reasoned. "If anyone suspects my daughter of having her loyalties divided it could put her in great danger unless I had someone there who I trusted to protect her."
"Are you suggesting that I do it?" Sir Francis wondered. Though he didn't mind the French court Francis knew he would be taking on a great challenge.
"You've already proved your worth in apprehending Pole." Henry knew he could trust Sir Francis Bryan. His mother the Lady Bryan was a governess to Elizabeth and he was very resourceful.
"Do you think the King of France will agree to have me there?" Sir Francis knew the King of France wanted him to leave the country as soon as possible. Sir Francis doubted he would be received with open arms.
"It's not like I'm sending an army." However Henry was sorely tempted to send an army but England wasn't prepared for war. "He won't deny me this one request." Henry didn't trust the King of France to keep his daughter safe. He wasn't sure just sending Sir Francis Bryan would be enough to secure his daughters' safety but if Henry had any hope of bringing Elizabeth home to him he had play by King Francis rules for now.
Fortunately for Elizabeth she only had one representative to convince as the Pope only sent one to meet her. King Francis and the Pope's representative Cardinal Lorenzo awaited the arrival of the Lady Elizabeth. The Cardinal had heard a great many things of Anne Boleyn none of which were good. However he was surprised when the Pope had ordered him to meet her daughter. It was unlike his holiness to doubt his decisions but as time went by and the King of England still held on stubbornly to the heretic faith after the womans' death the Pope began to wonder if the lady was to blame at all. That's why when King Francis had issued the invite to meet the Lady Elizabeth the Pope instantly agreed to the proposal.
The Lady Elizabeth, Mary Stafford and Catherine De Medici curtsied before the Cardinal. "Princess Catherine you're here to support the young lady?" Lorenzo was surprised to find a Medici there willing to support the young lady.
"Your eminence," Catherine spoke confidently, "The Lady Elizabeth is my protégé. I've felt it was good Christian charity to take the girl into my care."
Although Cardinal Lorenzo was pleased that Elizabeth was being taught by a good Catholic there was still the matter of the girls' aunt. "What of you madam?" He spoke to Mary Stafford. "Do you object to having your niece be taken into someone else's care rather than your own?"
Catherine had advised Mary to downplay her influence in Elizabeths' education. "Elizabeth has a great mind. I'm afraid I don't have the resources the Dauphine has to mold Elizabeths' future."
Cardinal then moved towards to the young girl. "And what future do you wish for Lady Elizabeth? Do you wish to take the throne for your own?"
"No your eminence." Elizabeth answered solemnly. "It is a sin to wish the death of a family member much less a King." Mary had taken an intake of breath at her nieces answer. She knew Elizabeth was upset to learn of the Pope's role in Anne's death but she would never think her niece would be so defiant.
The Cardinal was intrigued by the young girls answer. "You would still love your father after what he did to your mother?"
Elizabeth had to bite the inside of her cheek to prevent her from screaming in fury. She knew her father had murdered her mother due to the wicked lies spread about her, particularly by a man who had orders from Rome to kill her but Elizabeth wouldn't give this man the satisfaction of seeing her fury. "I love all of my relatives your eminence, including my sister Mary." Elizabeth spoke carefully, "Despite all the sins my mother committed against her, Mary showed me nothing but love and compassion. It's through her example that I express love for all my relatives including my brother whom I've never met."
The Cardinal didn't know what to make of the response. Elizabeth made her devotion to her sister quite clear but she didn't denounce her heretic father either. "What are your thoughts about your sister and fathers' conflict on religion?"
Catherine wasn't sure how Elizabeth would respond to such a question but Elizabeth surprised everyone with her response. "I don't read windows into men's souls your eminence. I don't know what drives my father and sister to fight each other. I'm but a child who only wants her families' happiness and it saddens me that it has come to this." Tears appeared in Elizabeths' eyes, "I'm sorry your eminence." She quickly curtsied and left the room.
Mary quickly excused herself and left the room to follow Elizabeth leaving Catherine, Francis and Cardinal Lorenzo in the room. "Most unusual child." Lorenzo commented.
"She tries to be brave in the face of adversity." Catherine explained, "I was no different when I was younger."
"She could be a formidable enemy of the Church as her father before her." Cardinal Lorenzo speculated.
"With the right instruction she could be a formidable ally against her father." King Francis reasoned.
"It is possible." Cardinal Lorenzo mused. "However I will need some time to think on it. I'll spend sometime in the palace observing her and her aunts' behaviour. I shall let you know at the end of my visit." Catherine and Francis shared a look in worry. Elizabeth had done well to reign in her temper during the meeting but for a long visit that could prove challenging. Fortunately for them Elizabeth had a lot of practise deflecting Prince Charles comments so hopefully she could remain composed during the Cardinals' visit.
Sir Francis Bryan watched as his mother fussed over the young Prince Edward. Francis could tell the little Prince wasn't appreciative of Lady Bryans' efforts and was desperate to go out to play. Once Lady Bryan was satisfied with her work she left the boy in the capable hands of Mistress Kat. "I don't remember you fussing over me like that when I was an infant." Francis commented.
Lady Bryan turned to her son. "Well he's the Kings' only son. Until the Queen provides the King with a Duke of York these conditions will remain."
"A pity," Sir Francis sighed, "the King no longer cares for his wife's company not since word has reached him of the Lady Marys' betrayal."
"She was always so stubborn." Lady Bryan remembered her struggles with the girl. "I blame that Spanish Ambassador for putting foolish ideas in her head. I probably should have informed the King so he could put a stop to these visits but she would probably have hated my niece even more."
"I remember my visit to get her to sign the oath." Francis remembered the Lady Marys' behaviour during that meeting. She would have liked to consider her behaviour was perfect for a princess but what Sir Francis Bryan saw was a naïve child not fully understanding the situation she was in.
"Francis, tell me you didn't threaten the Lady." Lady Bryan didn't condone such behaviour especially after the threats she herself received from Cromwell.
"I'm sorry Mother it was by the order of the King." Sir Francis had faced many dangers but he still didn't know how to handle a look of disappointment in his mothers' eyes.
"Well I guess there is no way to predict the Kings' behaviour." Ever since the King had found out about Cromwells' threats to the Lady Bryan he done his best to be kind to her and listened to her views on the Prince's welfare.
"The King informed me of Cromwells' treatment of you following Cousin Anne's death." Francis clenched fists in anger. "You should've told me."
"My son," Lady Bryan smiled with warmth squeezing her sons' hand in reassurance. "You didn't get your resourcefulness from your father. I'm not without my wiles. Why do you think I kept Cromwells' letter?"
Sir Francis laughed to himself, "You're the greatest woman I've ever known and I've known a few women."
"I would prefer it if you found a wife." Lady Bryan commented dryly, "It would be nice to have legitimate grandchildren for a change."
If Francis had any children he didn't know about it but it wouldn't surprise him that his mother would recognise his features on other mens' children. "Who has time for that when I'm being sent away on another mission for the King?"
"Another mission so soon?" Lady Bryan was surprised that her son was to be called away again. He hadn't been back in England for that long.
"The King has asked me to go to France and protect his daughter the Princess Elizabeth." As soon as King Henry found out Anne was innocent he wasted no time in reinstating Elizabeth as Princess though he knew such titles could never replace her mother.
"It gladdens my heart to know that she's alive and well." Lady Bryan smiled thinking of her young charge. "I'm also glad to know that you shall be the one to protect her from foes seen and unseen."
"I know she meant a great deal to you Mother." Francis knew that all her charges meant something to his mother in some way or some form and he held no resentment towards them. He was honoured to have a mother so well respected. "Would you like me to send her a message from you to her?"
"I would like that, thank you Francis." Lady Bryan went off to compose a note to Elizabeth and wondered what she would be like now.
King Francis paced his throne room thinking of the outcome of Cardinal Lorenzo's judgement. The man had said very little and observed the young Lady quietly. It wasn't just the Lady Elizabeth he was observing, he also had his eye on Mary Stafford and asked about her charitable projects. Though Francis was confident that Elizabeth would convince the Cardinal that she was no threat he worried for Mary. He had tried to keep his distance from her during the visit but he also knew of the rumours about them at court and knew his wife Queen Eleanor would jump at the chance to discredit Mary. He couldn't bare it if something bad happened to Mary particularly considering he was the one to invite the representative to come to court in the first place.
He would find out soon enough as Cardinal Lorenzo made his appearance. "I've considered everything you've said and I've witnessed the young ladys' behaviour. You're quite right, the Lady Elizabeth would be a good asset to our cause. However I have some grave concerns about some of the influences surrounding her."
"What influences?" Francis was worried about what influences the Cardinal could be referring to.
"Your sister Margaret of Navarre, for one." Cardinal Lorenzo knew the woman was well loved at court but he heard of her history with the Boleyn woman." I was told that she was the one who introduced the childs' mother to these heresies be sure it doesn't happen again."
Francis would love to know who mentioned that to the Cardinal so he could have their head. Whilst he didn't agree with his sisters' choices he valued her council but that was just one influence the Cardinal mentioned, "The other influence?"
"The Countess of Boulogne, Mary Stafford." Cardinal Lorenzo explained, "Though her charitable projects are admirable, these projects are very similar to the ones started in England."
"I wasn't aware that such projects were going on in England." It was a surprise to Francis; he would have to get one of his spies to look into it.
"King Henry has discovered Breretons' involvement in the Lady Anne's downfall and is now more determined than ever to break with Rome." Lorenzo explained, "He is using these projects to bribe the English people into tuning away from the true faith."
"I see." King Francis didn't think it was a bribe but he didn't argue.
"My advice is to send Lady Stafford away to her estates and allow the Lady Elizabeth to continue her training with Catherine De Medici." Cardinal Lorenzo advised. "Now I shall take my leave your majesty."
As Francis watched the Cardinal leave he noticed Mary Stafford hiding around the corner with tears streaming down her face. "Mary." Francis approached to offer her comfort but Mary stepped away.
"If my leaving keeps Elizabeth safe then I'll happily step aside." Mary took deep breaths trying to control her tears. "You will take care of her won't you?"
Francis heart broke for Mary; he never wanted to hurt her in this way. He quickly wrapped his arms around her in comfort, "It won't be forever my love. You will see her again." He kissed her head and tried to sooth Mary but it wasn't enough. Mary raised her head and looked into Francis eyes and kissed him. She knew sharing a bed with him wouldn't change his mind but she also knew she wouldn't be seeing him for while. This was her way of telling him that she was going to miss him and that she wasn't angry at him for sending her away. For Francis he was angry at this situation, in some ways he jealous of King Henry for being able to stand up for the woman he loved but at the same time he knew of the dangers. He would never expose Mary to the dangers of loving a King and though it broke his heart to do so he would let her go.