As I said, Prince Henry only lived until the 22nd of February. Catalina's churching happened a few days ago, and she only had a few days to partake in the celebrations. While the church bells continue ringing, they sound mournful compared to a few days ago. Catalina is back in her rooms, pacing. "Why did God choose to take my son so soon?" She asks me.
"I don't think God played any part in it. Tudor illnesses are cured almost every day in our time," I say, "if anything, Prince Henry could have survived had the environment been different."
"What do you mean?" Catalina stops pacing and turns to me.
"We know more about illnesses and childbearing than Tudor people do. If Henry had been born in the twenty-first century, there is every chance he could have survived. But you will have other children."
"I know, but losing them is so hard."
"I'm sure it is. While Henry is hurting, so are you. You also need time to heal."
"Should I go on a pilgrimage?"
"I don't think that will make any difference, but if it makes you feel better, I won't stop you."
Catalina starts making plans to go on a pilgrimage, and most of her household is going with her. Mum, Mummy, and I are staying behind so we can look after the other hybrids. "The three of you have helped me so much," Catalina says before she leaves. "I do not know how I can repay you."
"There is no need," I assure her, "we want to help you as much as possible."
"And keep history on track," Mummy adds.
"So, if you do something I do not agree with, you are trying to keep history on track?"
"That's right," I nod.
"Maybe you can use this time to explain to Ruby and Maria what will happen in the next few years."
That sounds like a great idea. Yes, I will do that.
Once Catalina and her household left, Maria, Mum, Mummy, and I go to visit the other hybrids for the rest of the day. They're getting on well, but each of them wishes that humans will get on with them. "I'm afraid things will not change," I sadly tell one of the hybrids. I don't even know if they will change by my time. If someone finds out I'm a hybrid, I dread to think of what may happen. I cannot risk anyone I don't know finding out.
That evening, Maria joins us in our room, and I open my computer. We start talking about what will happen over the next few years, and I tell them about Bessie Blount, Henry Fitzroy, Jane Seymour, and the Boleyns. I also explain about the King's Great Matter, but I will not tell them how it will end. It is bad enough that Catalina must go through it. However, I will do everything I can to warn her about it, but I will do it when Anne arrives at Court. They deserve to know at the same time.
Oh, well, at least it's only a couple of years before Bessie arrives unless I'm mistaken. I don't know that much about her, but I will do my best to find out more. Researching her will help.
The following day, King Henry summons me to his presence chamber. "Mistress Emma, I was hoping to catch up with you. How is the queen?"
"Not great; she is mourning her son. She went on pilgrimage with most of her household yesterday to pray for a healthy child."
"Yes, the loss of the prince hit us all hard." Henry's eyes glaze over. "He was so young. Why did God choose to take him from me?" I dare not use the same tactic as I did with Catalina. Henry will grow angry if he learns that there was a chance we could have saved his son. All I do is stand there and listen to him sob. He eventually dries his eyes and looks at me. "How are the hybrids getting on, Mistress Emma?"
"They are well, Your Majesty, but they wish that humans will get on with them. It's hard for them because they're being punished simply for existing."
"There must be something we can do to help them." I can get used to this Henry. He cares about others and wants to do right by his people. However, it will not always be this way. I must remind myself of the tyrant he'll become. He will bully his other wives and me, and I don't know if I can ever forgive him for that. But he hasn't reached that stage yet. Can I enjoy a kinder Henry while he is around?
I think my answer is no. You can never trust Henry Tudor, not for anything.
"I know!" Henry says. "I will set up an organisation that will keep track of aliens and hybrids."
"Is that a wise idea?"
"Of course it is! The organisation will give hybrids jobs and security. We can even employ women so they can earn some money if their family needs it."
"But that will mean we have to train a lot of people to read and write."
"Yes, the organisation will give reading and writing lessons, but the younger they start reading and writing, the better. It will also give women another option if they don't want to marry or go into a nunnery. Of course, marriage will be the best choice, but if they cannot see themselves marrying, they can work for the organisation. I must set up the plans! Thank you, Mistress Emma." At least King Henry is happier now than when I arrived. I curtsey and head back to the others, but I stop dead on my way up the stairs.
Is King Henry starting Torchwood? If so, I hope he will keep his word about letting both women and hybrids join. If so, that will be a dream come true for many people, and something amazing would've come out of Prince Henry's death.