Elizabeth remembered when she was a child waiting outside for Catherine de Medici's first child to be born. She remembered hearing the Princess' screams in pain as Prince Francis was born. Elizabeth was surprised that Catherine would put herself through that again but just over a year later little Elizabeth was born. Whilst her Aunt Mary hadn't denied the birthing process was painful she explained to her niece that once the babe was placed into your arms all the pain was forgotten.
Elizabeth wasn't sure if she believed her aunt until now. Although the birth had been long the pain was soon forgotten when her baby boy was placed in her arms. She couldn't believe after all the struggles her Father had to produce a son and heir that Elizabeth had done so on her first try but she knew she could not be complacent. Her husband Henry had countless of brothers and yet he was the only one that remained. Her sister Mary's mother Katherine had countless of sons and yet only Mary survived.
As quickly as those thoughts came she dismissed them as she remembered her step-mother Jane Seymour. Jane's desire to protect her son Edward spiralled into a madness which not only killed her but her son as well. Elizabeth vowed not to become that.
Henry interrupted his wife thoughts, "Have you thought of a name?"
Elizabeth looked at her son deep in thought. Henry would have been the obvious choice but her husband said there were enough English Kings named Henry. There was also Charles after her husband's father but after Duke of Orleans disgusting actions towards Annie it soured the idea plus Elizabeth hadn't quite forgiven her father in-laws actions towards her mother. Edward was also an option but the pain of losing him was still fresh. Thinking of Edward reminded Elizabeth of another Tudor Prince that had died before his time. A Prince her grandparents had placed their entire hope for the Tudor dynasty but it was eventually passed onto his younger brother. Elizabeth had decided, "Arthur".
"After our uncle?" Henry voiced his uncertainty, "Wouldn't that be considered unlucky since…" He couldn't voice it not when his little boy was right there in his wife's arms. He wanted his son to have a long life.
"That won't happen to our son." Elizabeth said confidently as she kissed her son the forehead.
"How are you so certain?" Henry wanted to be as sure as Elizabeth was but he still had his doubts.
"It's something Annie told me before our coronation." Elizabeth smiled not taking her eyes of her son. "She claimed that it was my destiny to rule England because my mother was carrying me in her belly when she was anointed Queen. Perhaps I being pregnant when I was crowned will give him some protection from those who would wish him harm."
"He doesn't just have God protecting him." Henry placed his arm around Elizabeth and kissed her head. "He has us too."
Whilst the Royal couple were celebrating a new arrival Anne Stafford had agreed to watch over the Spanish Royal Juana. Lady Essex was going to send a message to Juana's niece Mary Tudor of the illness but Juana was against it stating that her niece should focus on her sister not some frail old woman. However Lady Essex was good friends with Lady Mary and knew how upset Mary would be if she wasn't informed so she ignored Juana's wishes.
Annie was sewing some blankets for her child but her heart was not in it. When she felt her child move inside her everyone seemed so excited but Annie had felt nothing. She had wanted to feel something, she didn't feel hatred for the child and in that respect she was grateful that her child should not pay for their father's sins but she didn't exactly feel any joy either. Lady Essex was very patient and understanding during this time as she shared similar experiences at the hands of her brother. Lady Essex listened as Annie spoke of the Duke's treatment and never judged her. Annie's cousin Elizabeth was supportive too but seeing Elizabeth so happy with her husband only served to remind Annie what she didn't have, a loving husband.
Despite her illness Juana was sharp as ever and noticed Annie's discomfort. "It won't be like that forever my child."
"I'm sorry madam?" Annie wasn't sure the Spanish Royal was referring to.
"I spent many years hating my son. I told countless others how it was my final goal in life to outlive him and I did." Juana spoke with a great sadness, "When I received the news I felt no joy only pain and sorrow. It wasn't his fault you see, he was but a child when he was taken from me. When I was shut away due to my so called "mental illness" I had dreamed of the day when my son would free me as your English King Richard the Lionheart freed his mother from her confinement. Sadly my hopes were dashed. When he saw me I did not see any love in his eyes for me. He only saw me as an obstacle. They had turned my son against me."
Annie remembered how her own half sister Katherine Carey had treated her mother and how upset her mother was after their encounter. Annie rushed to comfort the aged woman. "Your son may not love you as he should but the Lady Mary idolises you."
"I would have thought that Mary would know better than to idolise people." Juana huffed with a smile, "Though she did make me feel alive. All that pain and bitterness just melted away…"
Suddenly Juana became still, "Juana?" Annie tried to shake Juana awake but there was no response. "Juana?!" Annie rushed out to fetch a physician but he couldn't get a response either. Juana of Castile was gone.
Whilst all of England was celebrating the birth of the new prince Katherine Culpepper was comforting her mistress as she mourned for her aunt. Elizabeth offered to push the celebrations back but Mary decided against it. Most of Europe had only ever known Juana as the Mad Queen. There was no reason for England to mourn her. Arrangements had been made for Juana to be buried alongside her sister Mary's mother Katherine of Aragon.
King Philip of Spain was scheduled to make an official visit to see his grandmother's final resting place. A part of Mary didn't want her cousin to be there as she suspected that he was only using his grandmothers' death as an opportunity to mend fences with England. Elizabeth however could not refuse the King of Spain's request for it would reflect badly on England if she did. Mary understood her sister's reasoning but it didn't make her feel any better. "He wasn't there for her when she was alive now he has the nerve to come here and pretend to mourn her now that she is dead."
"He doesn't matter my lady." Katherine soothed her mistress. "It was better she was here with people who loved her rather than at the convent isolated and alone."
"Like my mother?" Mary thought about her at More isolated and alone. "I was not with her. I should have been with her."
Lady Culpepper could not tell whether Mary was referring to Katherine of Aragon or Juana of Castile. She continued to sooth Mary as best as she could. "You know Annie wanted to discuss something with you."
"What?" Mary wasn't sure where Lady Culpepper was going with this conversation. She knew Annie was with Juana during her final moments.
"Well Annie was thinking about naming her child Joanna in honour of your aunt." Katherine spoke unsure of her mistress' reaction, "With your permission of course."
"You know Juana and Joanna aren't exactly the same name." Mary reasoned quietly, "However it was a sweet gesture of her though. What if it's a boy?"
"I'm not sure my lady but judging by her letters I think she hopes for a girl." Katherine revealed.
Mary smiled at the revelation. When it had been discovered that the Duchess of Orleans was with child negotiations had been taking place between the two countries concerning the child's citizenship. Annie wanted give up her rights as a French citizen and stay in England. Lady Anne of Cleves had planned to make Annie her heir to the Essex Estate. Her child however was another matter entirely. If the child was a girl she would stay with Annie as an English citizen. If the child was a boy Annie's brother George would take ward ship of the boy till he came of age. Either way the Duke of Orleans would not take part in the child's upbringing regardless of gender. The fact that Annie wanted a girl was telling because before Annie was unsure if she wanted to be involved in her child's life but now it seemed as though she was warming up to the idea of being a mother.
Mary Stafford was overjoyed to hear of the birth of her great nephew. She was glad to see that Elizabeth did not have to go through the sorrow and torment that Anne Boleyn had gone through. She knew her daughter in-law Katherine wouldn't have such trouble either as Mary had raised her son George to be better than that. Regardless whether Katherine produced a boy or girl George would be supportive of his wife. However Mary did worry for her daughter Annie and her unborn child. Mary hoped that Annie would be able to love her child despite the father's crimes.
As she was reading Annie's letter to her it seemed that Mary's hope was being rewarded. Up until now most of Annie's letters were formal but now held all the joy and warmth like the Annie she used to be. Mary was considering going to England to visit her when a servant in informed her that the Duke Orleans was here.
Mary had no wish to speak with her son in-law and instructed the servant to send him away but Duke of Orleans had forced his way in. Mary could tell by his appearance that exile had not been to kind to him but she had no sympathy for him. "Why are you here?"
Charles was struggling to find the words, "I was hoping that you could convince Annie to return."
"Why on earth should I do that?" Mary glared at the young man.
"I've changed." Charles insisted, "I want to be a good husband to Annie and a good father to my son."
Mary didn't miss the way he referred to his unborn child as son not daughter. "The child Annie's carrying may very well be girl. What then?"
"If Annie comes back and she has a girl then I'm sure boys would eventually follow." Charles reasoned.
Mary couldn't help but snort at that declaration, "You know the last time I heard someone say that was the day my niece Elizabeth was born but we both know how that ended for my sister."
Charles didn't like the comparison to his father's rival. "Yet you allowed Elizabeth to return to England with him. You forgave him."
"Who said I did?" Mary countered, "If I had my way Elizabeth would have remained in France with me and her cousins but I didn't have a choice and neither did Annie when you forced her to marry you. You robbed her of her choice and her freedom all to sooth you wounded pride."
"I promise that things will be different." Charles spoke in desperation.
"I don't believe you." Mary said coldly, "Now if you would kindly see yourself out."
Mary seemed to say all she wanted to say to him and left the room but Charles caught up to her at the top of the stairs. The Duke grabbed her forcefully by the arms, "You can't keep my son from me!" he raged.
"Let me go!" Mary screamed struggling to push him away but in doing so she lost her balance and fell down the stairs. Charles looked on in shock as Mary was lying at the foot of stairs. He had never intended for this to happen. He went to check on her when he heard a scream from one of the servants.
"Someone help!" The servant screamed, "The Duke has killed the mistress!"
Charles began to panic at the servant's accusation and fled as quickly. He had to get to his brother the King and explain what had happened. Whilst the Duke made his escape other servants gathered to check on the Countess. She wasn't dead as servant who found her believed but it was unclear if she would survive.
AUTHORS NOTE: Please don't hate me. Believe me I hate myself a bit. The story is almost coming to end and I've just got few chapters left. I hope everyone is safe during the virus outbreak. I know it's very hard to stay sane during isolation but it is for a good cause. Both of my parents are considered high risk. I had plans on taking mother on holiday as a Mother's Day treat but ended up cancelling. It's times like these having something good read helps take your mind off what's going on and I hope this story helps you in some small way.