Chapter 10

I am deciding to write more often now. My goal is to finish this story before my wedding in August. This Chapter will focus on King Harry deciding on his marriages for his five children. I hope you all agree on the marriage choices. Also, it is almost time for Princess Elizabeth to leave for Spain. She will be taking an alternative route there, but it will be explained in the chapter. So without further ado, here's Chapter 10! Please Read and Review!

November 1, 1549

Hampton Court

Princess Elizabeth's Bedchamber

Elizabeth was pacing back and forth. Harry was anxious to see her and was on his way to see her now. She was nervous about what she was about to hear from him. She had turned sixteen years old nearly two months ago and she was worried that it had something to do with her upcoming marriage.

Suddenly, Harry walked in. Elizabeth bowed before him.

"Your Majesty." she said.

Harry picked her up and smiled at her.

"Sweet sister, you do not have to bow to me in the privacy of your bedchamber. Now, please sit down." he said.

Elizabeth sat down in a chair in front of Harry.

"I'm listening." she said.

Harry cleared his throat.

"Your marriage agreement to Infante Luis is now complete. You will be departing for Spain at the end of this month. Now, France is still at odds with them, so you will land in Portugal first, since they have no grievances with France at the moment." he said.

Elizabeth went very pale in her face. She had been fearing this day for awhile.

"I am Your Majesty's humble servant and loving sister. I shall do whatever you ask of me." she said, showing no visible emotions.

Harry smiled.

"Elizabeth, I know it was your wish to take the veil, but you will see that you will enjoy married life. Also, one day you will be the Queen of Spain and a very good one indeed." he said.

Elizabeth gave him a weak smile.

"I hope you are right." she said.

Harry smiled.

"If it makes you feel better, I've arranged for Lady Kitty, Duchess of Richmond, to travel with you, with her husband. They will remain with you, until you are married to the Infante." he said.

Elizabeth smiled at the thought that her dear friend would be with her, as she married her future husband.

Harry stood up and cleared his throat.

"So, please make sure that your household is packed with the month, dear sister." he said.

Elizabeth nodded her head.


Later that night...

Queen Anne of England's Bedchamber

Anne and Harry were sitting in her room, eating a very good dinner. Harry smiled at his wife. He admitted that Anne had changed alot physically over their eighteen year marriage. After giving birth to five children, Anne's figure had thickened, but not in a disgusting way. To him, it made her look mature and beautiful.

Anne looked up from her plate.

"Is your dinner to your liking?" she asked in her thick German accent.

Harry nodded.

"Yes it is. You know what I like, sweetheart." he said.

Anne smiled.

"How are things at Court? Did you decide on who our children will marry?" she asked nervously.

With a deep sigh, Harry nodded.

"Yes, I have. I am still deciding between the Scottish or Spanish marriage for William. Though I kknow uniting England and Scotland would be a good thing, everything is still unpredictable, because Queen Mary is still a child. The Spanish marriage offers financial security and the Spanish Princess is the daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor, so she is a great catch. I will decide when my Ambassador returns. Matilda's marriage with Sweden still stands. She will depart after her sixteenth will be marrying Lady Jane Grey in four years, once a decent dowry is paid. Owen is marrying Princess Elisabeth of Valois when she reaches fifteen years old. Also, Eleanor will be marrying the Dauphin when she turns sixteen or seventeen years old. So our two daughters will be Queens of Sweden and France. I hope they both find happiness." he said.

Anne smiled.

"I'm sure they will. However, you will have further work to do. You only did it for five of our children." she said.

Harry looked at her, in confusion.

"Anne, darling, we only have five children." he said.

Anne and Harry locked eyes. While wearing a big smile, Anne placed a hand on her stomach.

Harry opened his eyes in shock. Could it be?

"Anne... are you with child?" he asked.

Anne smiled more and nodded her head.

Harry stood to his feet, walked to her and hugged her.

"Oh I can't believe it. I am so happy. When are you due?" he asked.

Anne caressed his face.

"I am due in July. I'm only a month along." she said.

Harry laughed.

"We will announce your pregnancy at the beginning of the New Year." he said.

Anne nodded.

"Alright, Harry. I am so happy with our life. God has truly blessed us." she said.

Harry grabbed her face softly and kissed her.

"Indeed he has." he said.


November 8, 1549

Richmond Palace

Dowager Queen Katherine's Bedchamber

Katherine was fully dressed and sitting on her bed. She was very tired. She seemed to be doing good today and had some strength, so she was going to surprise everyone and return to Court to say goodbye to her youngest daughter before she departed for Spain.

Slowly, she got up from her bed and walked out of her bedchamber.

Lady Darrell spotted her and immediately ran up to her.

"Your Majesty, what are you doing? The Physician said that you must remain in bed. Too much activity can strain yourself body. Also traveling in this weather can be dangerous." she said.

Katherine nodded.

"I know. However, my daughter needs me now and I would not be a true mother, unless I make sacrifices for my children." she said.

Lady Darrell grabbed Katherine, when she saw her cringe in discomfort.

"My Lady, if you insist on this, I am coming as well." she said.

Katherine smiled weakly.

"If you insist. I really wound enjoy your company. Besides, you can help me mask my condition to my son and daughter. I do not want them to worry about me at this time." she said.

Lady Darrell nodded.

"Very well. We make sure that you are well wrapped in fur for the journey. It is becoming very cold out and maybe if we wrap you up, it will not make you any worse, Your Majesty." she said.

Katherine nodded her head.

"Do what you must. We do not have much time. We must get to the Palace before nightfall." she said.

Lady Darrell nodded and went to fetch more furs.


November 9, 1549

Hampton Court

Queen Anne's Bedchambers

Anne was enjoying her breakfast. She did not know why, but this particular pregnancy she was craving more meat than her with her previous ones. She actually repulsed the thought of it, but this one, she enjoyed the scent and taste of bacon. She had it every morning ever since she discovered she was pregnant. Her Ladies-in-Waiting said that her craving for meat was a sign that she was carrying a healthy Prince. She hoped that she was carrying another son. She knew that this could very well be her last pregnancy, since she was getting older and she was not the sixteen year old Princess that she was when she set foot in England eighteen years ago.

Suddenly, one of her maids came in.

"Your Majesty, Princess Matilda is here to see you." she said.

Anne smiled. She loved receiving visits from her children, particularly her daughters, since she knew that there would be a day, where she would no longer see them again.

"Please send her in." she said, as she stood up from her breakfast.

Princess Matilda walked in and bowed before her mother. She too, had grown into a very attractive young lady, despite being only fourteen years old. She was a few inches shorter than her brother, Prince William and had her mother's brown hair and hazel eyes, but her complexion was very English.

"Oh, sweetheart. Come hug your mother." Anne said.

Matilda smiled and was immediately enveloped into her mother's arms.

"Oh, Mother, I have missed you. I hope you are well." she said.

Anne nodded her head, she absentmindedly put her hands on her stomach. She and Harry were not going to announce her pregnancy to anyone, until January, so even her children were being kept in the dark.

"Yes, I am very well, darling. How are your studies going? Your tutor said that you devoted most of your free time to learning Swedish. You still have time to learn Prince Eric's native tongue, before you depart from us." she said.

Matilda nodded her head.

"I know, Mother, but I just want to be able to have a conversation with him, before we marry. I do not want to feel like I am marrying a total stranger. I am to lay with him and bear his children. I want to at least be on friendly terms with him and the best way to do it is to learn his language." she said.

Anne nodded her head, in agreement. That is the best way. However, I am sure Eric will fall in love with your beauty and how you carry yourself as a true lady and a Princess of England." she said.

Matilda smiled at her mother.

"Do you think I will be happy in Sweden? I never asked, because I know it's my duty to marry Prince Eric, but I want to know if I will be happy like you and Father have been." she asked, shyly.

Anne put her hand on her daughter's arms and made eye contact with her.

"I cannot lie to you and say yes, sweetheart. No every man is like your Father. There are some men who will take other women romantically and unfortunately, there is nothing we as women can do about that. All you can do is be a good wife to him, a wonderful mother to your children and an excellent Queen to Sweden." she advised.

Matilda hugged her mother.

"I will do the best I can in each of those roles, Mother. I promise." she said.


November 12, 1549

Sintra Palace, Sintra, Portugal

Queen Maria's Bedchamber

Mary was sitting in a chair by the fire, sewing a blanket for her unborn child, which was due in two months. She was excited, but also nervous. Since her last pregnancy had went well, but ended with the stillbirth of a son, she worried about the health of her unborn child.

Suddenly, Carlos walked in and kissed his wife.

"Sweetheart, you look absolutely beautiful." he said, as he sat in a chair in front of her.

Mary smiled.

"Thank you, darling, even though I feel larger than a bull." she said, as she giggled.

Carlos smiled.

"You are still beautiful to me. You haven't changed in fourteen years. Besides, you've been glowing all this month." he said.

Mary nodded her head.

"I am. I can't wait to see my sister, Elizabeth, again. I can't believe it's been ten whole years since I've seen her."

Carlos smiled.

"Yes, I remember. She was such a sweet and bright child and was the apple of your mothers eye. One thing I have to say about living in your late Father's Court, was the families that were also there. Your father's sister was my favorite courtier mainly." he admitted.

Mary laughed.

"My Aunt Christina? Yes, she did what my mother wouldn't dare do: She stood up to my Father the most out of all his courtiers." she said.

Carlos put a hand on Mary's swollen stomach.

"I think we just found a name for the baby, if it's a girl." he said.

Mary smiled.

"Infanta Cristina of Portugal. I love it. If the child is a boy, we can name him Alfonso, after your father." she said.

Carlos smiled.

"Thank you, darling." he said.


November 22, 1549

Hampton Court

The Throne Room

Harry and Anne were sitting on their Thrones. They were both dressed beautifully. Today was the day that Harry was announcing to the Court the betrothal of his five children and his youngest sister. It had been difficult to determine these arrangements, but it was for the better. Harry was also going to announce Anne's new pregnancy, despite her being so early on. He didn't want this exciting news to be kept secret from the world any longer.

The herald called out:

"His Royal Highness, Prince William Tudor, Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall and Earl of Chester!"

William walked into the room and started going toward his parents. Now, at seventeen years old, William was showing himself to be tall and handsome. His dark hair was cut to be fashionable for his age and his clothes were a nice shade of mahogany brown.

William bowed before his parents.

"Your Majesties." he said.

Harry smiled, before he began to speak to the Court.

"Behold, your future King, my eldest son. Today is a special day. You will all finally hear the future marriages for the heirs to England. For our Prince of Wales, he will marry the young Queen Mary of Scotland when she comes of age. With this marriage, we will finally be free from Scottish invasions and will finally be united as one." he said.

The entire Court applauded.

Harry looked at William.

"My son, you have a great responsibility ahead of you. Not only will you be King of England, but you will have to assist and advise your wife in her realm. With the good Lord on your side, you will make us all proud." he said.

William nodded.

"Yes, Your Majesty." he said.

William then bowed and walked to stand at the Royal table, where he would be dining with his family.

The Herald called out again:

"Her Royal Highness, Princess Matilda Tudor!"

Matilda walked in, wearing a beautiful chocolate brown gown, and headed toward her parents.

Harry and Anne smiled at their eldest daughter. She was really beautiful and a pleasure to be around. They just hoped she would be able to handle life as a Queen.

Harry looked at her.

"My beautiful daughter. You are a treasure to the Queen and I. However, we cannot hold on to you forever. That is why upon your sixteenth birthday, you will depart for Sweden, to marry the Crown Prince Eric. One day, you will be the Swedish Queen." he said with pride.

Matilda smiled.

"I will do everything to credit Your Majesties and more importantly, the Lord our God.'" she said.

Harry smiled and nodded his head.

"My loyal noblemen, you have seen the respect that my two oldest children have displayed for me. In addition to their marriages, my son, Prince Edward, Duke of York, will be marrying the Lady Jane Grey, Prince Owen, Duke of Buckingham, will marry Dauphine Elisabeth Valois, the eldest daughter of the French King, Henry II. Princess Eleanor will be marrying Dauphin Francis, the eldest son of the French King. Last, but not least, my sister, the Princess Elizabeth, will be marrying the heir to the Spanish Throne. She will be leaving us on tomorrow morning. However, there is no need to be sad. I also want to announce that our beloved Queen Anne is with child once again!" he said.

The entire Court burst out in applause. Queen Anne smiled and placed a hand on her stomach.

Harry took her hand.

"Now please eat and drink and enjoy yourselves. That's an order." he said, with a smile.


A few moments later...

William was drinking a goblet of ale, when Matilda walked up to him, with a smile.

"Liam, are you enjoying yourself?" she asked.

William nodded his head.

"A wonderful time. I'm still betrothed to a little girl, you're marrying some blonde pretty boy and Owen and Nellie are marrying the French. Of course I'm happy." he said sarcastically.

Matilda touched his arm, in a soothing manner.

"Liam, your future wife will not always be a child. One day she will be with you all the time and will bear your children. Give her a chance. I'm giving Prince Eric a chance also. I have no idea what he looks like or how he acts. I just trust our Father that he picked a good marriage for me. Plus, Sweden and England will be at peace." she said.

William smiled at his sister.

"Sweet Tilda. You think of everyone, but yourself. You should be a saint." he said.

Matilda laughed.

"I do not think anyone from the Tudor Family will be even considered for sainthood, but our grandmother." she said.

Suddenly, Elizabeth appeared beside them.

"What did you say about my mother being a saint?" she said, with a humorous smile.

William kissed her hand.

"Aunt Elizabeth, how are you?" he asked.

Elizabeth laughed.

"Liam, I'm younger than you. You don't have to call me Aunt." she said.

William nodded his head. Matilda chose this moment t ask her aunt a question.

"Are you excited to be leaving for Spain?" she asked.

Elizabeth took a deep breath.

"I cannot lie, since it's a sin. I'm so nervous about it. I will never see England or my mother again. I'm worried that I wont be to Luis' liking." she said.

Matilda looked at her, in confusion.

"But you met him before." she said.

Elizabeth nodded her head.

"Yes I did, but we were only five years old. Plus he resided in Asturias more with his father and mother." she said.

William smiled at his aunt.

"Don't worry. I'm sure the Spanish prince will be more than happy to have you as his wife." he said.

Elizabeth smiled, but deep inside herself she was filled with fear. One part of getting married really terrified her. She didn't want to ask anyone about it, but the fear was there: She really feared the consummation of her upcoming marriage.

Matilda broke Elizabeth out of her deep thought.

"I cannot believe that Mother is with child again. It's exciting to know that there will soon be a new baby in the family." she said.

William nodded his head.

"I'm happy for our parents. Especially with the rumors that were circling Court." he said.

Elizabeth frowned.

"Liam, it is not nice to even entertain those rumors. Your mother is an amazing Queen and anyone who dares dispute that, should be ashamed of themselves." she said.

William nodded his head.

"I will never entertain thoughts about my mother like that. She is a good woman, in my opinion." he said.

"Well, it is wonderful to see my youngest daughter and grandchildren together." a voice said.

Elizabeth looked and spotted her mother and smiled.

"Mother, it's so good to see you." she said, as she hugged Katherine.

Katherine kissed Elizabeth's cheek.

"I wouldn't miss this for the world. You're leaving us very soon." she said, with a sad tone in her voice.

Elizabeth nodded her head.

"I know. May we walk a little bit, Mother?" she asked.

Katherine nodded and began to walk her daughter.

"What did you want to talk to me about, darling?" she asked.

Elizabeth took a deep breath.

"I will be getting married in a matter of weeks and I am just very nervous about becoming someone's wife in the...official sense." she said.

Katherine nodded.

"Well, sweetheart, you must prepare yourself for that. There are two type of lovers. There are the men, who will take you into consideration and how you feel. Then there are the men, who don't care, unfortunately. Intercourse in a marriage, whether you're Royal or not, is for both of you. Elizabeth, you have to remember that by this time next year, you could be carrying your first child. You're no longer a child. Do not judge Luis, until you have experienced being his wife. The only one who can judge is the Lord. All you can be a good wife to him and a good mother to your beautiful future children. Please promise me that you will be a wonderful Queen. I taught you all I know. Now, it is time for you to use it and please the people of Spain and to please God, because at the end of this life, the people may judge your person, but God judges your soul. Do all you can to please him." she said, as tears began to fall from her eyes.

Elizabeth began to cry and hugged her mother.

"I will do all I can, Mother. I promise. I love you so much." she said.

Katherine smiled.

"I love you more, Mi Cielo." she said.

While hugging Elizabeth, Katherine felt a horrible pain in her chest, but chose to ignore it and enjoy her and her daughter's final evening of being together.

A/N Finally, I am here with a new chapter. I am so sorry for the long wait. I had a bad case of writer's block and I'm also getting married in August and planning some last minute details. Who knew the groom had so much to do lol. So the the next chapter will be a beautiful reunion of two sisters, a birth of a new child, a wife reveals a long kept secret to her husband and someone falls terribly ill. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Please Read and Review and Chapter 11 will be up very soon!