Chapter 29

Chapter 29 has finally arrived! Just so everyone is aware, this chapter is taking place in early April 1553, so it's been a little over two months since Chapter 28. Several things will be happening in this chapter, so I hope you all are excited. If you all have any suggestions or comments, please leave them in a review or in a message. Please Read and Review!

April 8, 1553

Windsor Palace

Queen Anne of England's Bedchamber

Lady Mary Brandon was sewing with Anne and the other Ladies-in-waiting. She was feeling utterly guilty about the fact that she knew who stabbed Prince Edward and she couldn't say anything about it, without it affecting her husband's family. She rested her hand on her swollen five month pregnant belly.

Anne looked at the young Duchess.

"Are you ill, Lady Mary?" she asked.

Mary shook her head.

"No, Your Majesty. Just a little discomfort is all." she said.

Anne smiled.

"I know the feeling. I've carried six children and they all were hard work. How old are you, Lady Mary?" she asked.

Mary smiled.

"Nearly twenty years old, Your Majesty." she answered.

Anne sighed.

"By your age, I was already a mother to two of my children. Hopefully you and the Duke of Suffolk will have a healthy, large family." she said.

Mary nodded.

"I pray that happens, Your Majesty." she said.

Anne nodded her head and returned to her sewing.

Mary looked back at her sewing. She couldn't believe she was keeping the secret of Prince Edward from ever3, especially his mother. Queen Anne had been nothing but kind to her and she felt that she deserved better than this.


April 10, 1553

Bradley House, Wiltshire, England

The Gardens

Lord John Tudor was reading a book, while his stepmother and half sister were playing on a blanket in the grass. He loved these moments. He was find of his younger half-sister, despite the fact that he was nearly seventeen years old and she was nearly five.

Suddenly, one of the servants walked up to them. He had a letter in his hands with the Royal Seal.

Catherine stood to her feet.

"Is there anything we can do to help you?" she said, while holding little Anne by her shoulders.

The servant shook his head.

"Pardon me, My Lady, but I was informed by the King's messenger to give this letter to Lord John." he said.

John took the letter from the servant.

"Thank you, you may leave us." he said.

The servant bowed and left. John looked at the letter and then looked up at his stepmother.

"I wonder what this could be." he said to her.

Catherine shook her head.

"I'm not sure. You may as well open it." she said.

John sighed and opened the seal and began to read the letter. After reading most of the letter, he gasped in shock.

Catherine touched her stepson's arm, in concern.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

John looked up at her.

"The King is calling me to join the Navy. I am to report in by the end of the week.." he said.

Catherine opened her eyes, in shock. She honestly didn't want her stepson to leave and go. She was worried about him.

"We should probably tell your father about this." she said.

John nodded and began walking back toward the house.


Edmund, Duke of Somerset's Office

Edmund was going over some if his estate papers. He was proud that everything seemed to be running very well in his home.

Suddenly, there was a knock at his door. He looked up from his work.

"Come in." he said.

John and Catherine walked in, frantically.

Edmund stood up, in panic.

"What's wrong? Did something happen to Annie?" he asked.

John shook his head.

"No, Father. I received this letter from the King's Council." he said, handing his father his letter.

Edmund began to read the letter. He sighed. He knew that this letter was out if his hand.

He handed the letter to his youngest son.

"We better prepare for your departure son. You have to report to Hampshire soon, son." he said.

Catherine opened her eyes, in shock.

"Edmund, you can't be serious. He's just a boy. We can't send him to sea." she said.

Edmund sighed.

"It's the King's orders. Besides, John will train first. Since he's the third son, it's what the King thinks is best." he said.

Catherine, with tears in her eyes, nodded her head and left the room, before she broke down.

Edmund looked at John.

"Don't be afraid, son. Just think of this as an adventure. You'll get to see the world." he said.

John smiled.

"I'm not afraid, Father. I just don't want you to feel alone. Mark is at Court, George is with his wife in Scotland, Charlotte and Mary are both married and Anne is just a child. I hate that I'm leaving, but I promise that I will return safely and carry the protection of our Lord with me." he said.

Edmund hugged his son.

"That's all I can ask, my son." he said.


April 24, 1553

Palace of Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal

Infanta Catarina and Infante Duarte were studying their Latin. Duarte was becoming very frustrated at his lessons. The fourteen year old Portuguese Prince couldn't focus long enough to understand his Latin, like his older sister.

He closed his book, in frustration.

Catarina looked up at him, in alarm.

"What's wrong, Duarte?" she asked.

He sighed.

"I hate that I'm not smart, like you. Latin is so much easier for you. My tutor is always saying how you could easily have a conversation in Latin when you were only five or six years old. Why must I learn Latin in the first place?" he asked, clearly frustrated.

Catarina closed her book.

"Because not all other rulers speak Portuguese. Latin is not only for prayers, but it's excellent at conducting state business." she said.

Duarte rolled his eyes.

"I wish you would become Queen of Portugal. That way I could enjoy my life as a mere Infante." he said.

Catarina frowned at him.

"That's not the path God is leading you. You will be King and there's nothing more to be said. I have no desire to be Queen. I'm very happy that I'll be a Duchess." she said.

Duarte frowned again.

"Basically, you'll be married to a man who won't value you, unless you give him sons. I wonder what this Juan character is like." he said.

Catarina smiled.

"Instead of worrying about my future married life, you need to pay more attention to your studies." she said, as she tapped a book in his head.

What they both didn't know was that their father, King Carlos was watching both of them. He looked at Catarina and was proud of her knowledge. He suddenly had a a great idea.

He stepped into the room and cleared his throat. Catarina and Duarte stood up, in shock. Carlos smiled at the two teenagers.

"I didn't mean to alarm you. Catarina, may I speak to you for a moment?" he asked.

Catarina nodded her head, sat her book down and followed her father out of the room.

Carlos smiled at his eldest daughter.

"Your tutors tell me that you are much more advanced in Latin. Unfortunately, your brother seems to be falling behind." he said.

Catarina nodded.

"It's true, Father. He's a smart boy, but Latin isn't his strongest subject. I wish I could help him more." she said.

Carlos smiled.

"I believe you can. Why don't you assist your brother, until you depart for Castile next year? I think it would help you as well, especially when you have children." he said.

Catarina smiled.

"I'd be happy to help him, Father." she said, proudly.

Suddenly, a young man approached Carlos and Catarina. He had light brown hair, hazel-green eyes and a tan complexion. He was attractive to most of the women at Court.

Catarina smiled and hugged him.

"Cousin Martim! You've returned from Italy. How are you?" she asked.

Martim smiled at his younger cousin. Martim was the second son of Infanta Juana of Portugal, Carlos' oldest surviving sister and her late husband, Joham Guerra, Duke of Trancoso and Count of Miranda do Corvo. Ever since his father's death in 1550, Martim's older brother, Rodrigo, was the current Duke.

"I'm well, Infanta. I'm glad to see you." he asked.

Catarina smiled at her cousin.

"That's wonderful." she said

Carlos turned toward his daughter.

"Return to your lessons. I will visit you later." he said.

Catarina kissed her father and left.

Carlos turned to his nephew.

"How is your wound healing?" he asked, in great concern.

Martim grabbed his side and smiled.

"It's healing nicely. Those damn heretics thought an arrow would kill Martim Guerra. I have God with me and he will not let me die." he said.

Carlos smiled at his nephew's fearless attitude.

"Be that as it may, I called you from Italy, because I have a more personal position for you." he said.

Martim bowed his head.

"I am at Your Majesty's service." he said.

Carlos cleared his throat.

"I am proud of the work your work in Italy. However, I do not want you in constant danger. It's not fair to your mother or you. So, your new position is to guard my wife, the Queen. You'll follow her wherever she needs to go and make sure she's safe at all times. Do you think that you can do that?" he asked.

The twenty-three year old man nodded his head.

"Of course, Your Majesty. However, may I please meet the Queen and become reacquainted with her? I have not seen her since the birth and christening of Infanta Cristina." he said.

Carlos nodded his head.

"Let us go to her now then." he said, as the two men walked towards the Queen's Chambers.


Queen Maria of Portugal's Bedchamber

Mary was sitting with her ladies-in-waiting, sewing prayer cloths. Now that she was approaching middle age, Mary was showing similar qualities to her late mother, Katherine of Aragon. Also with her was her youngest surviving daughter, Infanta Cristina. The little three year old was not as delicate anymore, to the relief of her parents.

Suddenly, King Carlos and Martim walked in. All if Mary's maids stood and bowed.

Little Cristina ran up to Carlos with her arms up.

"Papai!" she said.

Carlos picked his daughter up and kissed her cheek.

"My darling. Are you being a good girl for Mamãe?" he asked.

Cristina nodded. Carlos walked up and embraced Mary. She kissed his cheek.

He smiled at his wife.

"How are you, darling?" he asked.

Mary smiled.

"I'm well." she said.

Carlos brought Martim closer.

"You remember Martim, don't you?" he asked.

Mary smiled and nodded.

"Of course I do. How are you, Martim?" she asked her nephew through marriage.

Martim kissed bowed and kissed Mary's hand.

"I'm well, Your Majesty." he said.

Carlos cleared his throat.

"I've called Martim from Italy to be your personal guard." he said to Mary.

Mary looked at Martim and nodded.

"Well, I welcome you to my household. I can't guarantee that you'll find much excitement, but since you are not with your mother, you can always talk to me. I hope you understand that." she said.

Martim nodded his head.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." he said.

Carlos left Martim to his work and Mary returned to her sewing. While guarding her, Martim couldn't help but admire Mary's beauty. Although she was in her mid-thirties and had gone through six pregnancies, she was very attractive. Her auburn hair had darkened as she got older , her skin remained fair and her eyes were youthful and dark blue. Her looks reminded him of a certain Italian woman that he had to leave behind.

Martim smiled to himself.

"My Theresa." he thought to himself.


May 4, 1553

Alcazar of Segovia

Segovia, Castile, Spain

Princess Elizabeth of Asturias' Bedchamber

Elizabeth was reading one of her favorite books, while her daughter played on the floor. Elizabeth had not let her daughter out of her sight, since she was taken hostage. Elizabeth wanted to protect her child, especially since she had no siblings yet. Although all of the culprits were put to death, Elizabeth was still uneasy.

Suddenly, Infanta Maria, Duchess of the Infantado walked in. She was the eldest daughter and surviving child of Charles V. At thirty-five years old, she still had beauty, but she stayed to herself and tended to her children in husband's estate.

Elizabeth smiled at her cousin.

"What can I do for you, Maria?" she asked.

Maria sighed.

"This war is getting out of hand. I worry for my husband, my brother, and my father." she said.

Elizabeth nodded her head.

"I know the pain. I pray constantly for them all." she said.

Maria smiled.

"I'm very happy that my eldest son will be married soon, but I also have news for my husband, when he returns from war." she said.

Elizabeth looked at her cousin.

"What is the news?" she asked.

Maria smiled.

"I'm with child again." she said.

Elizabeth smiled and hugged her cousin.

"That is most welcoming news. I'm sure your husband will be delighted." she said, forcing a smile.

Maria looked at Elizabeth, with concern.

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

Elizabeth sighed.

"I just want Luis to return, so that I can do my duty for Spain. My daughter is an only child and that's concerning me. I need Luis home with me,so that I may do my duty as a future Queen and as a woman." she said.

Maria nodded, in understanding.

"You want more children to secure Spain. That's completely understandable. Castile has had two consecutive Queens. I'm sure they want a male heir. However, you are only twenty years old. Luis will return home and you will have over a dozen children." she said, with a smile.

Elizabeth smiled.

"Thank you, Maria. I needed that encouragement and those kind words." she said.

After that, the two women began to sew together, silently praying for the safety of their husbands and for Spain.


May 22, 1553

Windsor Palace

Queen Anne of England's Bedchamber

Anne was sitting at dinner, with Lady Mary Brandon. She had grown fond of the young Duchess and was always happy to have her company. However, recently, King Harry had confided in. Anne that Lady Mary was anxious about the impending birth of her first child.

Anne smiled at the younger woman.

"Is the roast meat to your liking, Lady Mary?" she asked, politely.

Mary gave a small smile.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I an just wondering why you summoned me for supper." she said.

Anne gave a small laugh.

"I summoned you, because I know that you are at ill-ease with the upcoming birth of your child. I know this must be a lonely time for you. Your mother is no longer with us, your sister, the Duchess of Norfolk, has her own family and your stepmother is tending your younger sister in the countryside. I just wanted to tell you that you are going to have a healthy baby and many more to come. As long as you carry the Lord with you, fear nothing." she said, with confidence.

Anne looked at Lady Mary, who seemed to be lost in her thoughts. Anne looked at the young woman, in confusion. Lady Mary seemed troubled by more than just her pregnancy.

Anne cleared her throat.

"Lady Mary?" she said, trying to get Lady Mary's attention.

Mary looked at Anne.

"Yes, Your Majesty." she said.

Anne looked at her.

"Please tell me what is troubling you so much, that you seem far away from here." Anne said.

Lady Mary weighed her options. She was tired of carrying this dark secret from everyone. She was fond of the Queen and did not want to fall out of her favor, or worse... Be killed for withholding the truth about Prince Edward's stabbing.

She sighed. She had to somehow relieve this burden.

"I'm sorry Charles, but I can't keep this burden on me." she thought to herself.

She rested her hand on her stomach, before looking up at Queen Anne, who had a patient look on her face.

Mary cleared her throat softly.

"Your Majesty, something was told to me in confidence and I do not want to betray that, but it is weighing on me. Someone in this Court has committed an atrocity that resulted in harm to another. The person who told me this was not directly involved , but is concerned for the sake of others surrounding the person and what might befall them if the secret is revealed. Unfortunately, the issue involves children , which complicates the matter further, and a public embarrassment, which is what caused the act to occur. My conscience tells me that the parties involved need to know, but the outcome of what could happen is severe and I fear for the innocent bystanders who were involved against their will. Should I come forward with what I know and betray this person's trust, or should I let things unfold according to whatever plan God has for these people?" she asked.

Anne stared at Lady Mary, in shock. She didn't know that something this severe was bothering her. She felt slight pity for her.

Anne cleared her throat.

"Lady Mary, I suggest that you pray about the matter. Also, please speak to a priest, under the vows of Confession. A priest will know more about the will of God than I do." she said, with a smile.

Lady Mary breathed out softly, nodded and stood up.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will do just that. If you'll excuse me, I must prepare for my journey, since I leave for Westhorpe Hall tomorrow morning." she said.

Anne stood to her feet and hugged Lady Mary.

"May God bless and keep you safe through childbed, Lady Mary." she said.

Lady Mary smiled.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." she said.

After that, Lady Mary left and Anne was left alone. She now began to process on what was told to her by Lady Mary. She couldn't get this particular part of her explanation out of her head.

"A public embarrassment? There hasn't been anything public since... Oh, my Lord. Could she know who stabbed my son?" Anne thought to herself.

After that, Anne decided to retire to bed, since there would be a Mass, celebrating Prince Edward's recovery, but she couldn hardly sleep.

A/N I'm so glad that this chapter is finally complete. I had a bit of writer's block, but it's finally lifted. The next chapter will not take forever I promise. The next few chapters will be very interesting, so I hope I have you on the edge of your seats. I want to shout out all if my faithful readers and reviewers. A special thanks to one particular reader who helps me with my research and story ideas. I hope you all enjoy this chapter and the rest to come. Please Read and Review and chapter 30 will be out soon!