A King's Desire
Henry knew in his heart that he desires a Queen to be his companion and Queen for the remaining days on earth. When he looks at his best friend and former brother-in-law the Duke of Suffolk marriage to Lady Catherine Willoughby was no that he wished to possess. As Brandon's marriage to Lady Catherine was one of love and devotion that he lacks in his own life. When he first sets his sight on Lady Catherine Parr the Dowager Baroness Latimer was her appearance with her stunning blonde hair that reminded deeply of his beloved Jane. However, once he got to know her better he realizes that she would be nurturing Queen and step-mother to his three children. Henry knew that she spend the last year of her marriage to Lord Latimer as his nursemaid instead of a wife. He knew that he would never be the husband that Lady Latimer wanted because he could never provide her with a child of her own but instead the riches and power as his Queen.
He then summons Lady Latimer to his Privy Council Chambers to discuss his desire to take as his wife and Queen. Catherine enters into his chambers dressed in a gown of Spanish fashion as those in Mary's household wore and she curtseys to say politely "Your majesty" to her King.
"Lady Latimer, I have ask you to come before me to today because it's my desire to take you as my wife and Queen" states Henry knowing that its truly not a request but a order instead. As her family would never wish to pass on the opportunity to tie themselves to the royal family.
Cather has a look of disbelief on her knowing that she lost her chance to marry the man of her dreams. She carefully replies "If that is your wish my lord, I shall accept whole heartedly" knowing that she could not refuse her king.
"Lady Latimer, our wedding shall conquer once the preparations are completed" begins to say Henry before adding "You shall begin to chose your household and prepare the Queen apartments to your likely before the wedding occurs"
"Your majesty, I have one request to make of you" says Catherine bravely at the thought of this own request could allow for her to enter into a loveless marriage to a man old enough to be her father.
Henry looks at his future wife with disbelief but replies "Lady Latimer, I shall decide on the matter of your request once you make it known to me" hoping that it was not something ridiculous.
"Your majesty, I wish to have Lady Mary and Lady Elizabeth live at court along with their households" asks Catherine knowing that she could not favour one step-daughter over another like the late Queen Jane Seymour and Queen Katherine Howard did before her.
Henry thinks it over for a few minutes before nodding his head in agreement knowing that he should arrange their marriages. Also knowing they could be used for political alliances as well or by marrying them off to English nobles.
~AKD~
Weeks have past since Lady Latimer became Queen Catherine Parr among the English court. Especially with Mary and Elizabeth both having households at court. Catherine's relationship with each of her step-daughters where different. Her relationship with Mary was one of friendship. While her relationship with Elizabeth was different because Catherine filled the role of her mother.
With both Mary and Elizabeth living at court, it allowed for their relationship with Henry to change as well. However, Henry secretly knew that he favoured his youngest daughter because she was not influenced by her harlot of a mother. Also he knew that Elizabeth who was a mere ten years old over her twenty-seven year old sister Mary would be better for a political alliance.