A Secret Discovered

It has been weeks of bliss for Lord Henry Percy who happens to be the son and heir of the Earl of Northumberland and his beloved Anne Boleyn. However, tis couple holds a secret among themselves because they wed in secret weeks earlier.

This secret marriage was short-lived when Lord Northumberland demands his son's presence in their family's apartments at court for a meeting.

Immediately when Lord Percy entered into the family apartments, he heard his father yelling at him "What was going through your mind as you married without my permission especially to a mere knight's daughter" before he get a word in Lord Northumberland continued "As I arranged for you to wed the eldest daughter of the Earl of Shrewsbury years earlier"

Before Lord Percy could answer his father, one of his father's loyal pages announces "My Lord, the Earl of Shrewsbury" arrival into their family's apartments.

"My dear friend, what brings you here on this beautiful day?" asks Lord Northumberland hoping that his son's marriage was not the reason for the visit because he has hopes to annul the marriage before the secret could be revealed to anybody at court.

Lord Shrewsbury states "I have devastating news to share with Lord Percy and yourself about my daughter Lady Mary" as his daughter Mary happens to be Lord Percy's betrothed with a look of disappointment on his face.

Lord Northumberland braces himself before asking quickly as possible and to the point "What is this devastating news that you came here in person to share with us on this fine day?"

There was silence in the chamber lasted for a few minutes regarding Lord Northumberland's question.

"Earlier today, my wife and I received word about this devastating news surrounding Lady Mary which would dissolve her betrothal to Lord Percy" states Lord Shrewsbury hoping not to reveal the reason for this refusal of marriage that would benefit both families.

Lord Percy asks happily "What exactly caused the break down of my betrothal to Lady Mary?" hoping that this answer would give him leverage over his father regarding his secret marriage to his love.

"This morning during Lady Mary's service to the Queen she became ill" says Lord Shrewsbury as he revealed the part of the truth.

"How does Lady Mary taking ill dissolve her marriage plans to my son?" asks Lord Northumberland with disbelief that the only leverage of a previous betrothal would be taken away from him.

Taking a deep breath, Lord Shrewsbury angrily states "My daughter happens to be with child . . . . that of her lover's" as he has to admit that his pure daughter had taken a man not her husband into her bed.

"Who is your daughter's lover?" asks Lord Northumberland angrily that the once future Countess of Northumberland would act in this way.

Lord Shrewsbury admits to them "My daughter shall marry Mr William Brereton in weeks time" knowing that his daughter lower herself to take a lover that did not even have a title or wealth.

"Lord Shrewsbury, please leave my sight at once" states Lord Northumberland to his friend knowing that this information it changes everything.

Seconds after Lord Shrewsbury departure, Lord Northumberland states to his son "I shall accept your marriage to that Knight's daughter because she is at least not a whore like Lady Mary Talbot"

"That is acceptable in my opinion" says Lord Percy realizing that Lady Mary's downfall will lead to his own happiness with his beloved wife "We shall now reveal to the rest of the court and to our families that we are wed"

Lord Northumberland says immediately "That is not what I had in mind in regards to your marriage to Lady Anne . . . . You shall marry once more in front of your families and the nobility of court" knowing that this was the best course of action.

"If that is all that you require, I shall accept your terms in the matter" says Lord Percy knowing that Lady Anne would not care about his father's request. Knowing that Lady Anne wished that her family in particular her siblings were presented when they wed the first time.

-A Secret Discovered-

AN: For the past few months I have been working on completing outlines for each of my current stories. Therefore, there will be two stories simultaneously updated until it's complete. This process will exclude these stories: Tudors One-Shot Collection, Secrets to the Grave, and 100 Prompts, 100 Stories.

What If? (3/3)

Relationship Bingo Board Challenge Posted in 100 Prompts, 100 Stories (1/25)

A Court Scandal (0/10)