Chapter 20
Wow, I can't believe this story is progressing so much. I'm very happy about it. Now, I just want to go over some things before I continue with the chapter. First, if Isabella has another child and it's a daughter, she will not be named Catalina, because she already has a daughter named Catalina, who was born in the Spring of 1547. This chapter is jumping a few weeks later, in late June 1551. It will follow Matilda's journey to Stockholm, Sweden, also we will see King Harry and Queen Anne have a little bit of an argument, due to Harry's distance from his wife, since the birth of their last child. We will also feature a few minor characters that haven't appeared as much, like Catherine Parr, Kitty Howard etc. Also, there will be a sex scene in this chapter. So without further ado, please enjoy chapter 20! Please Read and Review!
June 15, 1551
Hampton Court
Queen Anne of England's Bedchamber
Anne was eating her evening meal, alone. She was feeling very lonely now. Her children were all in the country and Harry had not shared her bed in months. Anne wasn't a lusty woman, but she did miss the touch of her husband of now twenty years.
She wiped her mouth with a napkin and stood up and looked at her ladies.
"You may all continue your duties. I am going to see the King. I shall return shortly." she said.
Kitty Howard, who was now in Anne's household, stood up.
"Is everything alright, Your Majesty?" she asked.
Anne nodded.
"Yes. They are private matters between a husband and wife. Did hug need something before I go?" she asked.
Kitty nodded.
"Yes. May I spend the night with my husband?" she asked gently.
Anne nodded.
"You may. Have a wonderful night and I'll see you in the morning." she said, as she left for Harry's bedchamber.
King Henry's Bedchamber
Harry had just finished his dinner and his nightly prayers. He wanted to have dinner with Anne, but he knew that she would want him in her bed. He loved her, but he was very conflicted on his feelings. Truth be told, he was craving Anne, but did not want her life in jeopardy anymore. She was now in her mid thirties and he didn't want her having anymore children at this advancing age. They had more than enough heirs.
Suddenly, his door opened and Anne walked in, wearing her robe and nightgown. She bowed down before him.
"Husband." she said.
Harry nodded.
"Anne. What brings you by?" he said.
Anne sighed.
"I sent you an invitation to dinner, but you didn't show up. I was simply checking on you." she said.
Harry nodded.
"I'm sorry, but I was busy." he said.
Anne glared at him.
"You have been avoiding me for months now, aside from public appearances. Do I disgust you that much? Is that the kind of marriage we will have until our deaths. If it is, I will retire to the Country with our children, since they obviously need me more than you do." she said.
Harry looked horrified.
"How can you say that to me? I love you and I need you. What made you think otherwise?" he asked.
Anne scoffed.
"YOU HAVEN'T VISITED MY BEDCHAMBER IN MONTHS! YOU NO LONGER FIND ME ATTRACTIVE! PLEASE JUST ADMIT IT!" she screamed.
Harry's emotions got the best of him and he shouted back:
"OF COURSE I LOVE YOU AND I STILL CRAVE YOUR BED! IM JUST NOT GOING TO KILL YOU, WHILE ENJOYING MY CARNAL DESIRE ANF CONSTANTLY GETTING YOU WITH CHILD!" he screamed.
Anne grew red in the face.
"YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THAT EVER AGAIN, SINCE I CAN NO LONGER BEAR CHILDREN!" she said, with tears in her eyes.
Harry's eyes grew, in shock.
"What did you mean?" he asked.
Anne turned from him and placed a hand on her belly.
"Apparently, after I gave birth to Margaret, the pain I was feeling did damage to my womb. I noticed my menses becoming more severe than usual, so I told the physician. He told me my womb was damaged and that it would be difficult, if at all possible, for me to conceive again. I'm barren, Harry and all this time you avoided me and I felt so alone for the first time in twenty years." she said, trying not to cry.
Harry was shocked and immediately filled with guilt. He had no idea that Anne was carrying this situation alone. He walked up to her and held her arms.
"I'm so sorry that you have dealt with this all in your own. However, I won't say that I'm grief-stricken. We have six healthy children and with Matilda getting married any day now, we may soon be gifted with grandchildren. There is no need for us to have anymore children. You have pleased me in every way possible in our marriage. The fact that we will never have any more children is not hurtful to me. I am relieved that your life will no longer have to be put at risk for the good of the Succession." he said.
Anne turned toward her husband.
"You don't think of me as a disappointment now?" she asked.
Harry shook his head.
"Never. You are the Queen of England and you did your job. Now it's time to enjoy our children, while we can." he said.
Harry kissed Anne, passionately on her lips. Anne melted into her husband's embrace and moaned, as his tongue explored her mouth.
After several intense moments, they broke apart. Anne looked into Harry's blue eyes and gently grabbed his hardening member, to which he let out a small moan.
Anne panted heavily.
"Will it be just us?" she asked.
Harry nodded and picked her up.
"Always." he said.
He laid her on his bed and for the first time in months, they made love as husband and wife, instead of King and Queen.
June 21, 1551
Stockholm Palace, Stockholm, Sweden
The Royal Throne Room
King Gustav sat on his Throne, awaiting the arrival of Princess Matilda. It was announced that she finally made it to Sweden and with no complications along the way. His faithful and devoted Queen, Margaret, sat firmly by his side, despite her health waning recently.
Gustav leaned closer to his wife.
"I'm anxious for this Princess to arrive. Her dowry will help us greatly and we will finally be able to secure Eric's role as future King, since he'll have heirs." he said.
Queen Margaret smiled.
"That's true. I just hope that Eric and the Princess are happy together. Poor girl. She may never see her family again. We must make sure Eric is kind to her. Nothing can tear them apart." she said.
Despite the fact that Prince Eric was not her birth son, Queen Margaret cared deeply for her stepson. He never knew his birth mother, as the late Queen died when he was only two years old.
King Gustav sighed.
"We can't make him love her." he said.
Before Queen Margaret could say something, the announcer called out:
"PRESENTING HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, PRINCESS MATILDA OF ENGLAND!"
After being announced, Matilda and her ladies walked in. Despite the traveling, she was dressed so elegantly for a sixteen year old Princess. She was wearing a gown of light lavender and had a matching veil that covered her long dark hair. King Gustav was shocked at her beauty. Most of his family members were fair-haired, but Matilda's dark brown hair was different. She would definitely stick out, but she certainly wasn't an ugly young woman.
Matilda bowed to Gustav, once she reached his Throne.
"Your Majesties, it is an honor to meet you." she replied, in perfect Swedish.
Gustav smiled.
"The honor is all ours, Princess. Your father's ambassadors never told us how pretty you were. I have no doubt the Crown Prince will be pleased." he said.
Gustav extended his hand to wife
"May I present my beloved wife Queen Margaret." he said.
Matilda bowed. She also was thinking of her youngest sister, also called Margaret, who she would never see again.
"Your Majesty." she said.
Queen Margaret smiled.
"Welcome to Stockholm, Princess. I promise you we will make you feel right at home. Now, if you will follow me personally, I will have your ladies settle you in your Chambers and then you can meet Prince Eric before the banquet tonight." she said.
Matilda smiled.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." she said.
Queen Margaret stood up from her Throne, despite the ague she was suffering from, and walked out of the Throne Room, with Matilda and her ladies following behind her.
Gustav stood up and looked to his guard.
"Summon the Crown Prince immediately. We must talk." he said.
Minutes later, Eric appeared before his father and bowed.
"You wished to see me, Father?" he asked.
Gustav nodded.
"Yes. Your bride has finally arrived and is currently with the Queen. I wanted to ask you something that I never have before." he said.
Eric nodded.
"Ask anything. I will give an honest answer." he said.
Gustav cleared his throat.
"Do you currently have a mistress?" he asked.
Eric shook his head.
"No I do not. However, I did have relations with one of my younger sister's former wet nurses. It was last year and nothing serious. I cannot promise to stay faithful to my new wife, but I will respect her and be discreet, if I do conduct an affair." he said.
Gustav sighed. He knew this aspect of life he could not control. Eric was nearly eighteen and was about to be married. He was a man. However, Gustav had never been unfaithful to his Queen Margaret in their fifteen year marriage. He hoped his son would fall in love and follow suit.
"Very well. Now yiu shall meet her shortly. There is a banquet tonight to welcome her. You will dance with her. Your wedding is will take place in three days and you two will reside here, until a smaller estate is selected for you. I heard that the Princess spent most of her life in the Country, do she will adapt well. Also, you can get to know her." he said.
Eric nodded.
"I will obey you in everything I can." he said.
Gustav stood up.
"Good. Now, let's go meet your bride." he said.
Princess Matilda's Bedchamber
Matilda was amazed at the beauty of her rooms. She was certain sge would love Sweden. Everyone was already so kind to her. She was a little nervous about meeting Eric, but assumed he would at least be kind to her.
She looked at Queen Margaret and noticed how tired and weak she looked. She wasn't an old woman now ugly, but looked very weak, as she sat down in a chair.
Matilda walked up to her.
"Are you not well, Your Majesty?" she asked.
Margaret smiled
"You don't have to worry about me. I am just suffering from ague. I've been a little ill, since the birth of my youngest child, Prince Charles, but the Physician is confident I will recover, as long as I drink my tonic." she said..
Matilda's eyes brightened up.
"You have a young son in the cradle?" she asked.
Margaret nodded.
"Yes. I've given birth to ten children, but two of my sons died in the cradle. Eric is my stepson as you know. However, my children are Prince Johan, Princess Katarina, Princess Cecilia, Prince Magnus, Princess Anna Maria, Princess Sofia, Princess Elizabet and finally Prince Charles." sge said, as she smiled.
Matilda looked amazed. This woman had given birth to eight living children in such a short time. Matilda hoped that she could provide healthy children for Eric, when God allowed.
Suddenly, there was an announcement yelled:
"HIS MAJESTY, KING GUSTAV AND CROWN PRINCE ERIC!"
Matilda suddenly became very nervous. She was about to meet the man who she was expected to share the rest of her life with.
Gustav and Eric walked in and when he caught sight of Matilda, he froze. To him, she looked like an angel. True, she wasn't a blonde like he was used to, but her skin was fair and her dark brown hair looked beautiful on her. He had to admit that his bride was attractive.
He took her hand in his hand and kissed it.
"My lady. I am pleased to meet you." he said, as his blue eyes gazed into her light brown eyes.
Matilda was shocked at her soon-to-be husband. He had reddish-blond hair and skin so fair, he glowed. He wasn't too much taller than her, but she though that physically, he was perfect for her.
She shyly smiled.
"The pleasure is mine, Your Highness." she said.
King Gustav took Queen Margaret's hand.
"Let us leave them. We can visit the children." he said.
Margaret nodded and they both left the two teenagers alone.
Eric walked around the room. Matilda stood perfectly still. They both did not know what to say to the other.
Finally, Eric looked at Matilda.
"I pray that your journey here was peaceful." he said.
Matilda smiled and nodded her head.
"Oh, it was. It was my first time leaving England, so I'm very pleased that the journey wasn't difficult at all." she said.
Eric smiled.
"I hope you are pleased with your Chambers. If not, we can always find new ones that will be to your liking." he said.
Matilda shook her head.
"No, I'm very pleased. You all have been kind to me. I cannot ask for anything more." she said.
Eric looked please. She was beautiful and could adapt to her surroundings. The perfect choice for a future Queen of Sweden.
He walked up to her.
"In that case, I will leave you to rest and I shall see you tonight." he said, as he kissed her hand and left out of her chambers.
Matilda began to blush. Maybe her new life in Sweden wouldn't be as bad as she thought.
June 23, 1551
Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain
Queen Juana of Spain's Privy Chamber
Juana was beginning to get frustrated. Her biggest difficulty of yet was to find a suitor for her granddaughter, Infanta Lilliana. The young woman was nearing eighteen years old and by her age, Juana herself was a mother.
Suddenly, Charles walked in. Now fifty-one years old and troubled by gout, he now used a cane to walk around most far distances. It amazed him that his mother, now at the ripe age of seventy-one years old, wax in better health than he himself was.
He sat down in front of Juana.
"Mother, is everything alright?" he asked.
Juana sighed.
"At the rate we are going, we'll both be dead, before finding Lilliana a suitable husband." she said.
Charles sighed.
"She's not even eighteen yet. We have plenty of time for her to get married and provide several children for her husband." he said.
Juana shook her head.
"I'm not so sure. The women in our family don't seem to have long childbearing years as the English Royal Family. My mother had her last child at thirty-four, I had my last at twenty-eight and my sister, Maria, had her last at thirty-five." she said.
Charles smiled.
"Your sister, Catalina, had a child in her early forties." he said.
Juana nodded.
"Yes. That was unexpected, but a blessing nonetheless. I just don't want Lilliana to miss her prime childbearing years and end up with a husband, who resents her, due to lack of children. Look at what happened to your sisters, Eleanor and Maria." she said.
Charles nodded. His older sister, Eleanor, the Dowager Queen of France, was first married to their aunt Maria's widow, the King of Portugal. She gave him a daughter, named Maria. When little Infanta Maria was seven months old, the aged King of Portugal died and Eleanor returned to Spain to mourn, before settling in Lisbon with her daughter. Then, Juana arranged for her to marry the King of France in 1530, when Eleanor was thirty-two. In seventeen years of marriage, she never conceived and frequently visited her daughter in Portugal. His younger sister Maria, the Dowager Queen of Hungary, suffered a terrible stillbirth that rendered her infertile. Upon her husband's death, she returned to Spain and enjoyed life as a wealthy Infanta.
Charles sighed.
"We could always marry her to a man that has been married before. He may have children already, but that would mean there is no pressure on her and she can treasure the children that she is blessed with." he said.
Juana nodded.
"Let's save that for the last resort. She is the daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor and a daughter of Spain. That makes her an attractive match." she said.
Charles nodded, not wanting to argue with his stubborn mother.
Somerset House
Somerset, England
Duchess Catherine of Somerset's Bedchamber
Catherine Parr was seated by her window, reading one if her favorite books. As she looked out if her window, she smiled. She saw her sixteen year old stepson, John, twirling her little Anne, who was now almost three years old. Catherine did not have any unhappiness in her life and she was thankful for that.
Suddenly, Edmund walked in and admired his wife. Now aged thirty-nine, she still maintained her beauty. At fifty-three, he was proud to have such an attractive wife.
He cleared his throat.
Catherine looked at him and smiled.
"Sweetheart, I didn't hear you come in. What can I do for you?" she asked, as she walked up to him and kissed him.
Edmund smiled.
"I have decided to bring Mary to Court. She's eighteen now. It's about time we found her a husband." he said.
Catherine nodded. She understood, but she was very close to her stepchildren, including Mary.
Edmund caught the look on Catherine's face and hugged her.
"She isn't coming with me until after Christmas." he said.
Catherine smiled.
"I know. It's just that they are all growing up so fast. Pretty soon, Anne herself will be married and this big house will be empty." she said.
Edmund caressed her cheek.
"Even when itnis just us here, I will do my best to make you happy, as you are now." he said.
Catherine passionately kissed Edmund.
After several moments, they broke apart, gasping for air.
Catherine smiled.
"I love you so much, Edmund Tudor." she said.
Edmund smiled and picked her up, to her shock.
"Come to bed and prove it." he said, as he carried her to the bed.
June 24, 1551
Storkykran Cathedral, Stockholm, Sweden
Princess Matilda's Robing Room
Matilda was nervous, as her maids dressed her. Today was finally her wedding day. After today, sge would no longer be Princess Matilda of England, but Princess Matilda of Sweden. For her wedding gown, she decided to go with a white gown, that was trimmed with gold. She had to admit it was very beautiful.
One of her English maids, Lady Agnes, smiles at her young mistress.
"Are you excited about your wedding day, Your Highness?" she asked, as she curled Matilda's hair.
Matilda sighed.
"Mostly nervous, to be honest. Eric had been kind to me these last few days. We even had a chance to dance at the banquet together. I even got a chance to meet his siblings. He is unusually kind, but I know he is not happy that we are having a Catholic Wedding. I just hope he doesn't become cruel after we are married." she said.
Agnes nodded.
"I'm sure he won't. Look at King Gustav. He is devoted to his Queen. I'm sure his son is just the same way." she said.
Matilda smiled.
"It's amazing. They remind me of my parents." she said.
With a smile, Agnes put the veil over Matilda's head, covering her face and hair.
Matilda sighed.
"Is it time?" she asked.
Agnes nodded.
"Yes. I'll be praying for you." she said.
Matilda nodded and began to leave her Robing Room.
The Sanctuary
Eric's younger brother, Prince John (Johan in Swedish), was waiting outside of the Sanctuary. As the second in line for the Throne, he was going to be escorting Matilda down the aisle to marry his older brother. At fourteen years old, John was handsome. His pale blonde hair and pale skin was more fair than his elder brother.
Suddenly, he heard footsteps and turned to see Matilda walking toward him and he was amazed. She truly was beautiful.
From under her veil m, she smiled at the younger boy.
"I'm ready when you are, Your Highness." she said.
John extended his arm.
"Please call me John." he said.
Slowly, John and Matilda walked down the aisle. She felt all the eyes in her. Finally, sge caught sight of Eric. He was standing by the priest. He was also wearing white, but he also looked out if place.
After what seemed like an eternity, Matilda made it to Eric and stood next to him. She listened to the Priest. After making the sign of the Cross, the ceremony and wedding continued.
After reading the marriage rites, he looked at Eric.
"Do you, Prince Eric of Sweden, take this woman to be your wedded wife?" he asked.
Eric nodded.
"I do." he said.
The Priest looked at Matilda.
"Do you, Princess Matilda of England, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?" he asked.
Matilda nodded.
"I do." she asked.
The Priest nodded.
"By the powers vested in me, by the authority of his Holiness, the Pope, God's vessel on Earth, I hereby pronounce you man and wife. You may notice salute your bride." he said.
Eric lifted Matilda's veil and after taking in her beauty, leaned in to her and they shared their very first kiss. The entire church applauded. Everyone was excited that their Crown Prince was finally married.
Later that evening...
Stockholm Palace, Stockholm, Sweden
Princess Matilda of Sweden's Bedchamber
Matilda was sitting up in her bed. She was just in her nightgown and was visibly nervous. Her marriage was about to be consummated and there would be no going back after this. She could even end up conceiving her first child tonight for all she knew.
Finally, Eric walked in and smiled at her. He was only in his nightshirt as well, but he didn't look nervous like she did.
Eric looked at her ladies and his attendants.
"Out all of you. We wish to be alone." he commanded.
Everyone left out of the room and Matilda and Eric were left all alone. Eric walked up to Matilda and got in bed with her. He noticed how nervous she was.
He put a hand on her shoulder.
"You don't have to fear me. I promise to not hurt you." he said.
Matilda nodded and turned toward him.
"I'm ready. Should we undress?" she asked.
Eric nodded.
"Let me undress you and you can undress me." he said.
Matilda nodded her head.
"Very well." she said.
Eric stood up and took Matilda's hand, to help her out of bed. After they both were standing, Eric slowly put his hands on Matilda's nightgown. He slowly began to pull it off her shoulders, until finally it slipped to the floor and Eric could admire his new wife's beauty. She truly was a woman, with her melon-sized breasts and her complementing curves. Eric could feel himself becoming aroused at the sight of his wife.
Matilda looked down to the floor.
"Do I not please you?" she asked silently.
Eric gently lifted her head to look at him and then he passionately kissed her. This kiss was more passionate and intense then the one at their wedding, just seven hours ago. Matilda melted at the embrace of her husband and wrapped her arms around him. Absentmindedly, her hands began to take his nightshirt off. Matilda broke apart to admire his naked form. Eric was not too muscular, as he had not seen battle in his life and was a scholar. However, he had abs and a firm behind. His member was also fully hard and ready for the deed that had to be done.
Eric raised his eyebrow.
"Do I not please you?" he asked.
Matilda nodded her head. She kept eyeing his member, until curiosity got the best of her and she touched his member, which made him moan and gasp, in shock.
She took her hand away.
"Did I hurt you?" she asked.
Eric began to kiss her again and Matilda was shocked by the contact of their flesh. Matilda ran her hands through Eric's blonde hair and began to moan into his kiss. Eric climbed on top of her and continued to kiss her. He suddenly took his hand and began to fondle her sensitive area, which was beginning to moisten. Matilda gasped, but was amazed at how good she was starting to feel.
Eric stopped what he was doing.
"Do you consent?" he asked.
Matilda felt herself nod her head.
Eric took himself and gently pushed inside of Matilda, which made her scream and gasp, in pain. Eric gently kissed her, as he began to move slowly. Slowly, Matilda's pain was replaced by pleasure snstdge began to moan and opened her legs wider, to allow her husband more access. As he went deeper, Eric began to moan himself, which surprised him, since he was a quiet lover.
After a few moments, Matilda began to urge him to go faster.
Eric shook his head.
"I can't. You're still too tight." he said.
Matilda placed her hands on his buttocks and began to push him in more, which made him moan louder.
"I don't care. Just don't stop. Go harder." she said.
Eric then began to pump her faster and harder and settled in a rhythm that satisfied them both. Sweat began to glisten on Eric's body, which aroused Matilda more.
Finally, Eric let out a loud scream, as he finally reached his orgasm and Matilda felt a warm explosion from within her, which signaled her own collapsed on top of her and tried to catch his breath. Matilda held on to his back and tried to recover herself as well.
Eric withdrew himself and laid down next to Matilda. Matilda glanced down and saw the blood on the sheets. She was no longer a virgin.
Suddenly, Eric put a robe on and ripped the sheet of the bed. He walked to the door and handed them to a maid and came back to the bed, completely nude.
He wrapped his arms around Matilda.
"Are you ready to sleep?" he asked.
Matilda nodded.
Eric smiled and kissed her one final time.
"Good night wife." he said, as he cuddled her.
Matilda closed her eyes.
"Good night... husband." she said.
A/N Here's chapter 20 for you all! Plus, it was longer. I hope you all enjoyed it. Now, Matilda is finally in Sweden and is married. So here's the quesion for her: Should she and Eric have a child immediately or should it be a few years, with the Swedish people worrying about her fertility? Also, we now know that Queen Anne of England is barren after her last pregnancy. We also saw Catherine Parr and her wonderful life with Edmund Tudor. My question on them is this: How much longer should they remain happy and who should precede who in death and how? Also, just a side note: If Isabella and Andres have another daughter, the name will not be Catalina, because they hacwya daughter named Catalina already. I hope you all enjoyed Chapter 20. Please Read and Review and answer the questions above! Chapter 21 is currently on the works, with another small time jump!
