King Henry and Elizabeth shared an uncomfortable silence as they dined in private. Elizabeth had so many questions for her father but she feared her questions would anger him. Whilst Henry desperately wanted his daughters' forgiveness but feared he would never have it. Henry knew he would never get anywhere by not saying anything so he took a deep breath and began, "Elizabeth I know the last time we saw each other wasn't the happiest."
How could Elizabeth forget that moment? Her father was so angry at her mother whilst her mother who despite being so frightened pleaded for mercy from the King. Elizabeth remembered her father walking away from them never once looking back. Elizabeth decided to ignore the painful memories and lied, "I was so young your majesty I barely remember."
"You don't have to lie to me Elizabeth." Henry reached over to his daughters' hand and squeezed it reassuringly. "I was cruel. Neither you nor your mother deserved that, nor do I deserve your forgiveness but I hope that one day you would forgive me for all the pain I caused."
Elizabeth was surprised by her fathers' words. She knew very well that it was never in a Kings' nature to admit he was wrong but her father seemed so sincere. "I just want to know one thing." Elizabeth looked down at her hands in uncertainty then looked into her fathers' eyes. "Why didn't you believe my mother when she said she loved you?"
Henry didn't know how to answer that without it upsetting her but he had to try. "It is very rare for a King to find people who love him for himself and not the rewards he can give them. For years I encountered people who would flatter me in order to receive such rewards. Your mother was always so difficult to read. One minute she was asking for things I could not give and the next we would disappear into a world were politics never existed. There were more than a few in court who believed that her love for me was just an act and for awhile I chose not to listen to them."
Elizabeth knew of the rumours that were used to bring her mother down. "What changed?"
For while Henry believed it was Anne's failure to produce a son on her first try but now Henry believed it to be something different. "I became tired Elizabeth. Anne and I we fought to be together for years. Even after we had finally married we still had to fight those who stood against us and every time we failed at something whether it be the reformation, securing a betrothal for you or even producing a son it felt like God had turned against us."
Elizabeth was slightly relieved that it wasn't just the lack son that drove her fathers' actions but she remembered something that was told to her long ago. "The Dauphine Catherine once told me that she believed God was testing you and that mother was taken from us because you failed his test. Do you believe that?"
Henry wasn't sure if he liked this Catherine putting ideas into Elizabeths' head but he had his own answer, "Elizabeth I failed Gods' test the minute I condemned you mother to die."
Elizabeth was confused, "But you had your son, you had an obedient Queen. You had everything you wanted."
"Everything I thought I wanted." Henry replied, "I lost the love of my life when Anne died. I lost both of my daughters to foreign Kings who threatened my rule. My legacy isn't just passed through my son but by my daughters as well. My own father always complained I had more Yorkist blood than Tudor and that came from my mother. Both you and Mary are just as important to the Tudor dynasty as your brother Edward. All I can say is that I'm sorry that it took me so long to realise it."
Elizabeth smiled at her fathers' words. In all her years she would have never imagined her father saying such things. At first she thought he said that just to flatter her but then she remembered the news of how her sister the Lady Mary had been acting as regent whilst her father had been in France. King Henry must have placed an awful lot of faith in Mary to be regent in his absence and wanted to learn more. After that they became more relaxed and comfortable. Henry asked Elizabeth about her stay in France and was pleased to know that her time there had been a lot better than Marys' stay in Spain. Henry spoke of Elizabeths' siblings. Edward seemed like a nice boy if her fathers' words were to be believed whilst news of Marys' imprisonment had been disturbing. Although Mary had bounced back from her ordeal Elizabeth knew how badly she wanted a child of her own and wished to console her in her grief.
The one thing that seemed strange to Elizabeth was that Queen Jane had not been mentioned during their conversations. At first Elizabeth thought her father was trying not to upset her but when Elizabeth brought up the subject herself her father had changed the subject immediately. Elizabeth didn't want to push but it seemed to Elizabeth that despite giving her father the long awaited son Jane still somehow managed to fall out of favour. A part of Elizabeth wanted to rejoice at the news of Queen Jane's fall from grace but at the same time Elizabeth couldn't help but feel pity for the woman for Elizabeth knew the price better than anyone for displeasing the King.
In another room Charles Brandon was having a meal with his son. Henry Brandon noticed that his father barely touched his food. "Is something wrong Father? I thought you'd be pleased that the King has reunited with his daughter."
"I am son." Charles replied, "It's just seeing her now reminded me of the mistakes I made."
"In regards to her mother." Henry guessed. He knew that ever since his father discovered the truth about Anne Boleyn Charles had been trying to atone with these charity projects. Charles had also been just as driven as the King to get Elizabeth back. It had been hard for young Henry to hear about his fathers' role in the affair but as he grew and saw what court was like for himself he realised how easy it was to be swayed by other people's opinions.
Henry also conceded that his step mother didn't help matters. Catherine Brandon had strong opinions about Anne Boleyn and religion. Everyone knew that the King despised the woman and that she wasn't welcome in court but Queen Jane made the foolish mistake of inviting Catherine to court. The Queen had claimed it was to mend Catherine's relationship with Charles but it wasn't long before the couple was seen arguing in the gardens. Charles marched back into the palace and arranged for Catherine to be sent home. The whole experience had been humiliating for the Brandon family and the King had been far from pleased with the Queen who had arranged it all.
"Not just her mother Henry." Charles sighed losing his appetite. "She reminds me of your own mother when we returned from France."
Henry knew the story of how his father had married his mother without the Kings' permission. "You aren't telling me you made a mistake in marrying mother." Henry said jokingly trying not to sound insecure.
"Hardly." Charles smiled at his son with affection. He wouldn't trade his son for the world. "We both knew that the King would have married her off to someone else and being married to an older man had been traumatic enough for your mother. Not that I was a suitable choice either. As a Princess she was used to certain things and being married to me changed all that for her."
"But she did love you did she not?" Henry asked hopefully. No one liked to hear their parents' marriage was a loveless one but that sometime happened particularly if the marriage had been arranged. However his parents' marriage wasn't arranged and they risked everything to be together.
"She did Henry but at times I didn't see it." Charles answered honestly. "Your mother never liked to show any weakness and at times she made me feel inadequate about myself so I foolishly moved my attentions elsewhere as most men in my position do. By the time I realised the pain I had caused her it was too late. God had taken her from me and when I married Catherine I swore to myself it would be different."
"It wasn't was it?" Henry knew that his fathers' marriage to Catherine was anything but successful.
"No it wasn't." Charles conceded. "I married hastily and I assumed she would be a good step mother to you and your brother."
"She was for a time." Henry did enjoy playing games with her when he was younger but then she was a child herself not that he would say anything to his father. "They way she acted when you disagreed with her wasn't appropriate." Henry vaguely remembered when she had been pregnant, she had wished for the child she was carrying to die after Charles had agreed to carry out the Kings' orders concerning the rebels against her wishes. Charles had been so horrified he had sent her away in case she harmed his living children.
It was clear Charles didn't want to remember that time and instead focused on another moment which at the time wasn't funny but now made him smile. "When your mother disagreed with me she would throw things at me."
"She did?" Henry laughed trying to imagine it.
"It's one thing the Tudors are known for is their temper." Charles smiled slyly. "It is one thing I'm glad you didn't inherit from her."
"I have no reason to be angry." Henry stated calmly. "You don't suppose Elizabeth has a temper do you?" From what Henry had witnessed she seemed to behave like the perfect princess.
"She Anne and Henrys' daughter." Charles smirked, "Of course she does." They both laughed as they continued with their meal. Henry Brandon thought about how interesting court would be when Englands' Princess would arrive.
Elizabeth had just returned to her chambers thinking about the evening she had spent with her father. Elizabeth enjoyed the time she had spent with him but at the same time she had felt guilty. Her mother was killed on his orders and though King Henry seemed sincere in his remorse it somehow didn't seem enough. Elizabeth wondered if she would always feel that way. She was so distracted that she didn't realise that someone was in the room. "Elizabeth?"
"Brigitte!" Elizabeth was startled to find her friend there and rushed to hug her. "What are you doing here? I thought you were in Boulogne."
"The Duke of Suffolk captured me trying to send a message to King Francis." Brigitte explained, "We became slightly close." Brigitte blushed, thinking of how close she and Charles Brandon became. It wasn't planned but there was something that drew her to him.
Elizabeth instantly understood what Brigitte was implying but she wanted to make sure, "Are you saying you're his mistress?" Elizabeth was finally old enough to understand what the term had meant. There were quite common in the French court as marriages were arranged for political gain and usually didn't involve love. Elizabeth knew King Francis didn't love Queen Eleanor but married her to maintain peace with Spain which in the end came to nothing. King Francis loved Mary but her family background didn't make her a desirable match for the crown so they were forced to find other ways to be together. Elizabeth knew her Aunt found the position humiliating at times but she loved Francis and she was willing to endure it for his sake.
"It's not that bad Elizabeth." Brigitte tried to reassure her friend. "He's kind and his son doesn't seem bothered by it."
"Hal Brandon is a nice person." Henry Brandon had been nothing but kind to Elizabeth since they had met and did his best to calm her nerves before meeting her father the King.
"Hal?" Brigitte smiled at Elizabeths' use of Henry Brandons' shortened name. Brigitte had always known Elizabeth to be proper even at a young age. The only person she would she would behave informally with was her cousin Annie. Everyone else got their proper names and titles.
"He asked me to call him that." Elizabeth defended blushing furiously.
"You never called the Prince of France Charlie." Brigitte teased knowing how flustered Elizabeth was becoming.
"I wouldn't call anyone let alone a prince Charlie because it sounds stupid." Elizabeth argued, "Aside from that I don't have any friends in England yet and Hal was kind enough to offer his friendship."
"Well that's not strictly true Elizabeth. You'll still have at least one friend with you in England." Brigitte smiled giving Elizabeths' hand a reassuring squeeze.
"Thank you Brigitte." Elizabeth was glad to know there was at least one friendly face. Although so far her relationship with her father was going well there was no telling how many people in the English court wished to tear her down. It had happened to her mother and in France someone had attempted to take down her Aunt Mary. Elizabeth had to be vigilant if she was going to survive.
It was morning and Henry Brandon walked on deck to discover the Princess Elizabeth staring out to sea. She seemed preoccupied and didn't notice his presence until he asked her, "Did everything go well with his majesty?"
Elizabeth was surprised by his presence but quickly recovered, "As well as can be expected." She was still conflicted about her feelings towards her father and did her best to hide it.
However Henry wasn't fooled, "But you don't seem happy why is that? Wasn't he kind to you?" Henry was shocked if the King wasn't as he was so desperate to get his daughter back though it was hard to judge the Kings' mood sometimes.
"He was wonderful, he was kind, considerate and sincere but I can't help but feel like I'm betraying my mother for liking him." Elizabeth wasn't sure if she should be saying any of this to Henry Brandon but his concern for her seemed so genuine.
"I doubt your mother would think that. She did love him after all, even till the very end." Henry consoled remembering his brothers' opinion about the execution.
"How do you know?" Elizabeth observed Henry closely. He couldn't have been at the execution he was too young.
"My brother witnessed the execution." Henry explained, "He told me how almost everyone who arrived at the execution believed your mother to be guilty but by the time it was all over they had all believed her to be innocent, my father included. She showed no fear and was very brave. Not once did she ever say a bad word about the King. In fact she said he was the best Prince on the face of the world and asked everyone there to pray for him."
Elizabeth tried to keep the tears at bay but was failing. "Thank you for telling me." She said quietly and quickly attempted to depart hoping he wouldn't see her tears.
"Elizabeth." Henry stopped Elizabeth before she could retreat to her chambers. "Should you need someone to confide in you can speak to me. I won't tell anyone, even the King if you asked me not to."
"I believe you and may do so in the future." Elizabeth said quietly, "However right now I would like to rest. We should be arriving in England soon and I want to look my best."
"As you wish, your highness." Henry bowed politely to the Princess. Henry was now beginning to see the similarities his father spoke of. Like his mother Princess Elizabeth didn't like to show any weaknesses either. This made Henry worry for her. Henrys' own mother held her worries in until it had finally broken her. Henrys' sister Frances had never forgiven their father for not being their when mother was dying but what Frances did not understand was that Mary didn't want Charles there out of duty or obligation. Mary wanted her husband there because he loved her and Charles did love her but had failed to express it. Charles had allowed his own feelings of inadequacy to prevent him from telling his wife the truth and he had lived with that regret every day. Henry was not his father or mother or even sister, he would try and be there for Elizabeth when she needed him even if she would never say it.
Mary Tudor was very excited and nervous to see her sister again. She must have changed her choice of dress several times until Katherine Howard had finally lost her patience with her which was unusual for the girl as Mary usually intimidated her. As she waited she constantly questioned Archbishop Cranmer, "Has everything been set up for her at Hever?"
Cranmer did his best to reassure Mary. "Yes my lady the servants have ensured that everything has been prepared."
When Thomas Boleyn had died there was no one in England to claim his land or his title though Thomas Seymour had been foolish enough to attempt it. King Henry had tried to rein in his temper over the years but on this occasion he was livid. The next thing everyone knew Thomas Seymour was sent to France where he would never return. Some at court suspected that was the Kings' intention all along for Thomas to be caught and killed for his own foolishness but most believed it was to prevent King Henry from signing his brother in-laws' death warrant himself.
However Hever Castle would remain vacant until Elizabeth returned home. Mary knew it was her fathers' wish so she had spent time with Katherine Howard making sure everything was prepared for Elizabeths' arrival. Although Mary had no love loss for the Boleyn family she loved her sister and wanted her to feel welcome. Her brother Edward wanted to help with the project as well. He helped Mary pick certain pieces to go into the castle. Queen Jane however had wanted nothing to do with the project which Mary thought was foolish. If Queen Jane wanted to regain her husbands' favour she had to start by gaining Elizabeths' and already Queen Jane was failing.
Mary didn't have time to think of her step mothers' foolish behaviour as she had spotted the familiar long red hair belonging to her sister. "Elizabeth!" Mary cried with joy.
"Mary!" Elizabeth rushed to her older sister hugging her close. "I'm so glad to see you. It's been too long."
"Far too long." Mary taking the time to really look at her sister, "and look at you, almost a woman grown. The suitors in France must have been falling over themselves to get your attention."
"They would have had to get past Aunt Mary, Sir Francis Bryon and Catherine De Medici first." Elizabeth giggled.
"You have to tell me all about it." Mary smiled squeezing Elizabeths' hand as she led her younger sister to the carriage. "Is Catherine De Medici as formidable as they say? I've heard stories."
Elizabeth was about to answer but was interrupted by their father the King who whilst was enjoying the reunion between the two sisters he couldn't help but notice someone was missing. "Where's Edward? I thought he was enthusiastic about meeting his sister."
It was the only time Elizabeth saw her sister nervous since their arrival, "The Queen was afraid of him catching illness so she instructed to have him remain at Ludlow."
King Henry growled at the news but recovered quickly and gave his daughters a reassuring smile. "No matter I'm sure you shall meet at the celebration we will be having for Englands' victory over France."
"You'll be staying at Hever Castle." Mary explained to her sister. "Once you have settled and gotten used to your new surroundings, you'll be attending a celebration at Hampton Court Palace for your debut in the English court. You'll be performing in a special pageant. I trust they taught you how to dance in the French court."
"Naturally." There were many in the French court who thought Elizabeth was a fine dancer and she performed in countless of pageants with her cousin Annie and her friend the Princess Margaret. This however would be the first pageant to be held in her honour and she couldn't help but be excited.
"It looks as though you have arranged everything my Pearl." King Henry had been impressed with Marys' enthusiasm and was glad he made the right choice in naming her as regent in his absence. He had already decided on giving Mary the title of Duchess of Richmond. Henrys' grandmother Margaret Beaufort held the title of Countess there when she married the Earl of Richmond and was the driving force behind the Tudor dynasty. Henry had no doubt that Mary would protect the Tudor line as fiercely as Margaret once did. As for Elizabeth, Henry had decided to return the title that rightfully belonged to her since her mother died. Elizabeth was Anne's only heir after all and it was only fitting that she would be made the Marquess of Pembroke.