Chapter 30
Chapter 30 is finally here. I hope you all enjoy it. Now, I want to explain the story a bit more. There will be events and other things that are taking place, that are completely fictional, but there will also be non-fictional people and events as well. There will be story lines that may displease people, so I hope I'm not offending anyone, but I like my stories about the Tudors to be unique in their own way. Anyway, Please Read and Review and enjoy Chapter 30!
May 26, 1553
Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury, Kent, England
Queen Anne and her ladies were leaving a special Mass in honor of Prince Edward. She was wearing a smile, as she was about to give alms to the people outside of the Cathedral doors. Anne was wearing a beautiful golden gown, as was the entire Royal Family.
Lady Margaret Brandon, who was attending Queen Anne, smiled as the crowd was heard outside.
"They love you, Your Majesty." she said.
Anne smiled.
"I love the people. They have been kind to me. Let us wear a smile and go to them." she said.
Lady Margaret stood about 6 steps from Anne, as she began to give her alms to the people, after the doors opened. She felt someone watching from the crowd and turned and was face to face with a man. He was commoner, but Margaret couldn't deny that he was handsome. He had fawn-colored hair and piercing blue eyes and a nice beard. He bowed to Lady Margaret before she could respond. Margaret realized she was holding the other ladies up and continued her walk.
Suddenly, there was a shrill scream and a woman from the pointed in the air. Margaret looked up and to her horror, she saw one of the statues from the roof had fallen loose and was falling right in the direction of Queen Anne.
Margaret screamed:
"YOUR MAJESTY!"
Anne looked around and to everyone's astonishment, a man jumped from the crowd and pushed Anne out of the way to the ground, just as the large statue fell in the exact same spot where Anne stood, smashing completely.
Margaret ran to Anne's side.
"Your Majesty, are you hurt?" she asked.
Anne shook her head.
"No, I am fine. I'm just a little in shock." she said.
She looked at the man, who had saved her life.
"You saved my life. I cannot thank you enough. I shall make sure the King hears about this. You must be rewarded for this." she said.
The man bowed.
"If His Majesty wishes to find favor with me, I shall accept. However, I was only doing England a greater justice. We love our Queen." he said.
Anne smiled and began to walk away to her carriage.
Margaret looked at the man.
"Thank you so much for saving the Queen. What is your name?" she asked.
The man took Margaret's hand and kissed it.
"John Marlowe , my Lady. Do I have the honor of knowing you?" he asked.
Margaret smiled.
"Lady Margaret Brandon." she said.
One of the other ladies walked up to Margaret.
"Lady Margaret, we must return to the Queen. She is ready to depart." she said.
Margaret nodded and walked away and sat in the carriage, but she never took her eyes off John Marlowe, until he was no longer in sight.
May 28, 1553
Windsor Palace
King Henry XI Of England's Bedchamber
Harry and Anne were enjoying a nice dinner together. He had been worried ever since her near-fatal accident at Canterbury. However, the court physician said that she was unharmed and was going to be fine.
He smiled at his wife.
"So you're saying that a gentlemen from the crowd saved your life. I must know who he is. He deserves a reward for saving your life, sweetheart." he said.
Anne, who was picking at her food, nodded.
"He was a kind man. I believe Lady Margaret Brandon said his name was John Marlowe, but that's all I know." she said.
Harry nodded.
"I shall summon him to Court. I need to meet this man. I have something pleasant in store for him." he said.
Anne smiled softly.
"I'm sure he deserves it, sweetheart." she said.
Harry looked at Anne.
"Sweetheart, is there something bothering you? You can talk to me." he said.
Anne sighed.
"Nothing, Harry. I'm just concerned about one of my ladies." she said.
Harry took a sip of his ale.
"Which one?" he asked.
Anne looked at him.
"Your cousin, Lady Mary Brandon, the Duchess of Suffolk." she said.
Harry looked up in alarm.
"Is there something wrong with her? I'm sure Charles would have told me? I know she has retired to Westhorpe Hall." he said.
Anne shook her head.
"It's not her health I'm worried about. It's her conscience." she said.
Harry chucked.
"Her conscience? Sweetheart, Lady Mary is one of the sweetest women at Court. A true Tudor Lady. What could possibly be plaguing her conscience?" he asked.
Anne sighed. She didn't want to betray her friend's confidence, but if this had anything to do with her beloved son, who she came close to losing, she was not going to hold back.
"I believe Lady Mary may know who attacked our son." she said.
Harry dropped his cup of ale, in shock.
"No, Anne. That can't be possible. If it were possible, that means Charles would know. He loves his wife, but surely he wouldn't keep the identity of our son's assailant to himself." he said.
Anne nodded.
"I believe you, but... " she began.
Harry stood up, in anger.
"THEY ARE MY FUCKING COUSINS! WHY WOULD THEY DO THIS TO ME?!" he asked, before throwing his plate of food against the wall and walking to his window.
Anne stayed in her seat, in a state of shock. In twenty-two years of marriage, she had never seen Harry have an outburst like that. In that moment, he proved that he was really his father's son.
Anne cautiously stood up and approached her fuming husband, gently taking his hand.
"Harry, I don't believe that Charles and Mary are directly involved in our son's attack. I don't get a malicious feeling from Lady Mary. However, I just feel that she knows something. However, I just don't want you to attack them. We don't have all the facts. Also, we have Edward. He is healthy and alive." she said.
Harry nodded his head and began to visibly calm down.
"I am going to focus solely on rewarding this man who saved your life. Once I have done that, I am going to ride out to Westhorpe Hall and get the answers I need. However, I promise I will not use violence." he said.
Anne smiled and hugged her husband.
"That's my Harry." she said, affectionately.
Harry smiled, but was silently praying that his beloved cousins would not have to face his wrath.
June 1, 1553
Royal Palace of Naples
Queen Adriana of Naples' Bedchamber
Queen Adriana of Naples, daughter of Charles V, was laying in her bed, reading her bible. Despite the fact that she had been in Italy for fifteen years, the war in Spain was troubling her, especially since her father, grandmother, her nephew and her only surviving brother were involved actively in battle. She knew that times must be desperate, if her proud grandmother would even consider to write to her, asking for troops.
Adriana was so deep into her Bible, she didn't here her husband enter her bedroom. King Alfonso of Naples was a kind man and deeply loved his Spanish wife and their six children: Prince Giovanni, Princess Lucrezia, Princess Maria , Princess Angela , Prince Alfonso and the baby of the family, Princess Isabella. Alfonso stood and admired his thirty-three year old wife. She had chestnut brown hair, sea-blue eyes and very fair skin, that she inherited from her late mother.
He cleared his throat and Adriana looked up and smiled.
"Husband, it is wonderful to see you." she said.
Alfonso sat in his wife's bed and kissed her.
"You are a beautiful sight to my eyes always, darling. Did the children trouble you today?" he asked.
Adriana shook her head.
"No. Giovanni wanted to accompany you in the hunt, but when I explained to him that you were discussing diplomatic matters, he understood. I think little Isabella is ready to walk. She keeps standing and letting go of her support." she said, proudly.
King Alfonso smiled. He knew how blessed he and Adriana were. In seventeen years of marriage, Adriana only had one miscarriage and produced six very healthy children.
Adriana cleared her throat.
"Have you thought more about what my grandmother, Queen Juana of Spain has asked of us? " she asked, carefully.
Alfonso nodded his head.
"Yes, I have. I also prayed to God about it amd I feel that God is truly with your grandmother, who is also my flesh and blood, being the cousin of my late mother. I shall assist her cause. Twelve hundred of our troops are at her service and they depart for Spain in the morning." he said.
Adriana smiled and kissed her husband.
"I thank you, my loving husband. You have always been kind to me. I hope I please you in all things." she said.
Alfonso touched her cheek and looked into her blue eyes.
"You have, my love. You truly have." he said.
Adriana kissed him passionately, for a few moments, until they broke apart.
Alfonso looked at her, with a serious face.
"I'm considering a double marriage alliance for Giovanni and Lucrezia." he said.
Adriana nodded her head. Since her eldest son was fifteen and her eldest daughter was twelve, she knew the time was going to come where they were going to have to be married.
Adriana put on a smile.
"To which family, sweetheart?" she asked.
Alfonso smiled.
"I want to suggest them to your cousin, King Henry XI of England, for two of his children." he said.
Adriana looked at her husband, in surprise.
"England? I'm surprised that you want an alliance with England." she said.
Alfonso nodded.
"I am too, but your cousin seems to be a good, gracious King and in the six years he has been on the Throne, he has done a much better job than his late father. He's also my flesh and blood, as his mother was a cousin of my mother. Why shouldn't I consider them?" he asked.
Adriana listened to her husband and realized he made sense.
"Very well. To whom do you want to betroth our children to?" she asked.
Alfonso moved closer to his wife.
"I want Giovanni to marry Princess Eleanor of England. She's only ten years old, so she some growing up to do. I'm sure King Henry wouldn't mind having two daughters that are future Queens. As for Lucrezia, I wanted her to marry Prince Edward, but I hear he wants to live a chaste life, so I think that we can settle for Prince Owen , the third son. He's only two years older than our daughter and since he has very little chance of inheriting the Throne, he can reside here in Naples and we wouldn't have to part with our child." he said.
Adriana smiled. She loved all of her children equally, but Lucrezia reminded her of her late mother. The though of keeping her in Naples was reassuring.
Adriana nodded.
"That sounds like a wonderful Idea, sweetheart." she said.
King Alfonso kissed Adriana again.
"I thought you may like it. Now, let us sleep. I an rather tired after the long day." he said.
Adriana kissed him.
"Goodnight, husband." she said, as she blew her candle out.
June 7, 1553
Windsor Palace
The Royal Council Room
King Henry IX was in his throne room, awaiting the audiences of the day. He glanced at the papers in his hands, and recalled the events that had led him to this spot, as they were relayed to him by his Queen. Anne had been in shock from the events when she arrived at the castle and it took a moment for Harry to make sense of what had happened, but once he had the story straight, there was no doubt what he would do to honor the man who had saved his wife and Queen.
The papers in his hands granted her savior, John Marlowe, a title, lands, a manor house, and a place on the privy council. Henry had never met the man personally, but he felt indebted to Marlowe. Not even the gifts he was about to bestow on the man would be enough to repay him.
The doors from the council chambers opened and the Lords of the Realm entered. The guards then announced the arrival of the Queen, who normally did not attend these events, but Henry thought it was appropriate given the circumstances. Her ladies followed her, including Lady Margaret, who had asked to be allowed to attend the event so she could once more thank the man for saving Queen Anne. King Harry had, of course, granted this request as well. Once everyone was in place, the King nodded to his guards and they opened the grand doors leading into the waiting room.
"John Marlowe, your King has summoned you into court. Step forward and address his Majesty," the page called in a clear voice, with a commanding tone.
John Marlowe stepped into the doorway and bowed to his King.
"John Marlowe," Harry began, "Step forward."
Marlowe rose and did as he was commanded, bowing again once he was in place.
"John Marlowe," Harry said, "you have performed a great service to this realm in your bravery and heroism of saving our beloved Queen. You have also granted me a future where my wife is beside me still. Neither this realm nor myself could ever succeed in repaying you, but I do hope you will accept my sincerest thanks for your heroic efforts."
"Of course, your Majesty. I am honored, and I am grateful that her Majesty was not harmed in the ordeal." He bowed to Anne, and she thanked him with a heartfelt smile.
"John Marlowe," Harry began again, "there is more I wish to give you than my thanks. Please kneel before me."
Marlowe kneeled before his King as he was commanded, and heard the King's herald speak;
"Lords and Ladies of the realm, it is the King's pleasure by this patent to confer on the gentleman John Marlowe, in his own right and on his legitimate offspring, the noble title Earl of Stafford, including the income from the town of Stafford, the manor house known presently as Stafford Castle along with 2,000 crowns to restore it to proper living conditions as Lord Marlowe sees fit."
Harry stepped towards Marlowe, who was still kneeling, and placed the crown of nobility on his head. The Knights of the Garter stepped forward and placed his cape around his shoulders, and then the King handed him his patent. John kissed Harry's ring.
"Lord Marlowe," King Harry said, motioning for the man to rise and face his peers, which he did without hesitation. When Marlowe faced the room, the applause he received was thunderous. He was in awe of the fact that the King had made him an Earl and the look on his face was one of honest surprise.
Harry motioned for everyone to leave the room and once everyone had left, turned to nod at his wife and Lady Margaret.
Anne stepped forward and presented him with a hand embroidered handkerchief, which he accepted and bowed.
"Thank you, your Majesty. I will treasure this for the rest of my life."
"It is I who owe you the thanks, my Lord. If you had not been there that day, my husband would be without a wife, my children without their mother, and this realm without it's Queen." Anne said, holding back her tears as she spoke.
"Your Majesty is too generous. I did as any loyal subject should have done to a Queen who has graced us all with her goodness and generosity," Marlowe replied. Anne looked at Lady Margaret, who stepped forward.
"I, too, wish to thank you Lord Marlowe," Lady Margaret began. "You saved my Queen and my friend, as well as my cousin that day. We all owe you an enormous debt of gratitude."
He kissed her hand and said, "Thank you, my lady."
Harry turned around to face Marlowe again, his emotions composed. "John, is there anything else that I can possibly grant you that would serve to make you as happy as I am at this moment?"
John Marlowe glanced at his patent in his hands, and then hesitated for a moment.
"Please, there is something on your mind sir. Tell me what it is," Harry said.
"Your Majesties, I realize that this might be asking for too much, but . . ." Marlowe paused again, uncertain if he should continue.
"Yes John?" Harry said. "What is it?"
Marlowe gathered his courage and swallowed hard.
"Your Majesty, with your permission and that of the Lady, I would like to offer a formal courtship to Lady Margaret. She caught my eye before the unfortunate incident happened, and with your blessing and her agreement, I would like to make her my wife."
Harry looked at his newly created Earl of Stafford and smiled. He turned to look at his wife who nodded at him.
"Lord Marlowe," Harry said, "You are welcome to ask the Lady Margaret if she would agree to such an arrangement, and if so, you have my blessing."
John looked at Lady Margaret with a hopeful glance. She stared at him for a moment wondering why, of all the things he could ask for, it was her hand and nothing else. As if he knew what she was thinking, Marlowe answered her.
"My lady, from the moment I saw you with the Queen, I found your beauty to rival that of the moon and the way you thought more of the Queen's safety than your own told me that you have a golden heart. I would be honored if you would allow me to court you, and when the time is right, if you agree, to make you my wife."
Margaret was speechless at his words. All she could do was nod, and they both smiled
June 14, 1553
Royal Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France
Nine-year-old Francis Valois, Dauphin of France, was sitting at his desk in the room designated for the education of the Royal children studying history. He would have preferred to be outside, running in the gardens, but his mother had insisted that he put more time into his studies, particularly his history and diplomatic studies. At least, for today, history had won and he was at least enjoying himself, studying the legends of King Arthur and his knights.
Queen Catherine stepped into the doorway of the school room and watched her eldest son in silence, not to interrupt his studies. She placed her hand on her stomach as the baby she was carrying kicked. Please be another son, she thought to herself, knowing that if it was boy, she would have her husband's attentions for a month or two, and this time, she might be able to persuade Henri to betroth Francis to the second eldest daughter of the King of Naples, Princess Maria.
"Catherine," a voice from behind her startled her thoughts, "shouldn't you be in your chambers? You're due to give birth any day now."
The Queen turned to see her husband's mistress, Diane de Poitiers, standing at the bottom of the stairs with her hands on her hips, acting as though she were the Queen of France.
"Where I go is of no concern of yours," responded the Queen. "Why don't you return to my husband's chambers and do what you do best?"
Francis appeared in the doorway beside his mother. "Maman?"
Catherine turned to her son, placing her hand on his shoulder and pulling him into a hug. "Hello my son. Did you enjoy your lessons today?"
"Oui. I was reading about King Arthur and his companions, and about how he believed that everyone was equal, regardless of their rank," the young prince responded.
"That's a nice thought Francis, but it isn't realistic. There are ranks and stations for a reason. Without them, no one would know who is in charge and who to listen to. You remember the histories of England, yes?"
Francis nodded.
"It would be chaotic, like in the early days of that nation, when there were regions and lords instead of Kings. Everyone has their place in the world and their own duties to attend to, and only God knows who is suited to rule and who is not. This is why monarchies are inherited, so the will of God can be observed and God can decide who rules and who does not," Catherine lectured, glancing at Diane, who grimaced and snorted.
Catherine turned back towards her son and felt a sharp pain rip through her stomach. She sunk to the floor in agony and felt her water break.
"Your majesty?" Diane questioned.
"My time has come Diane," the Queen said. "Please get the guards to help me to my rooms and find my husband. He will want to greet his child."
"Maman?" Francis said, looking very concerned for his mother.
"Don't worry Francis. Your brother or sister is coming," Catherine assured him, and upon seeing the guards arrive she added, "Run along and work hard on your studies. I want you to tell me all about King Arthur after your sibling is here and I have rested."
"Oui, Maman," the young prince replied, and went back to his desk as he was told.
Later that night
Outside of Queen Catherine's Chambers
The sounds of childbirth could be heard all over the residential section of the castle, and everyone, from the highest noble to the lowest servant was on edge, awaiting the birth of the new prince or princess of France. Not even the King was immune to the anticipation surrounding him.
Young Francis looked up at his father as they sat outside of his mother's chambers. He noticed that the King could not sit still and would frequently stand and walk around before sitting down again.
"Father, why is mother screaming like that?" The young Dauphin inquired with obvious concern for his mother.
"It hurts to have a baby son, but it is something that all women go through in order to bring children into the world," he replied. "When you marry, your wife will also go through it, God willing."
"Why would I want my wife to be in pain? I don't even want Maman to scream like that. It's scary," said Francis.
"You'll understand when you are older, son." Just then, the cry of a baby could be heard and Francis looked up at his father and smiled. Henri patted his son on the head and continued, "Thank you for waiting with me Francis. Go to your chambers now and you can see your mother in the morning once she has rested."
"Yes Father," Francis replied and headed to his rooms.
After a few moments, the doors to Catherine's chambers opened and the midwife exited the room with a baby in her arms. "Congratulations, your Majesty. The Queen has birthed a new Princess for France. She has requested, with your permission, that the child be named Marguerite." The midwife handed the baby girl to her father.
Henri cradled the baby in his arms and smiled, "Welcome to the world my daughter, Princess Marguerite de Valois of France." He kissed her forehead and handed her back to the midwife. "Tell my wife I will see her in the morning after she has had time to rest, and that Marguerite is a fitting name for a French Princess, and I approve."
The midwife returned to her Queen and placed the baby back in Catherine's arms. The woman had been with the Queen long enough to know that the tears streaming down Catherine's cheeks meant that she heard every word the King had said, and knew that he was heading to Diane's chambers for the night, ignoring his wife and their newborn daughter.
June 26, 1553
Alcazar of Segovia, Segovia, Castile, Spain
Queen Juana's Bedchamber
Queen Juana had briefly returned to her Court and was amazed and proud to how organized it was in her long absence. She knew she made a great choice leaving Elizabeth in charge and knew things were going to be running smoothly still, even after she departed back for battle in the morning.
Suddenly, one of her maids walked up to her and bowed.
"A letter from your granddaughter, the Duchess of Cleves, Majestad." she said.
Juana smiled and told the letter. Her granddaughter, Christina of Denmark, Duchess of Cleves, was the youngest daughter of her late daughter Isabella and the deposed King of Denmark, Christian, who was still living under Juana's protection in a monastery in Madrid. Juana had a soft spot for her late daughter's three children and made sure that they secured good marriages.
Juana opened the letter and began to read:
"My dearest Abuela,
I hope my letter finds you in good health and standing. I have been kept up to speed at the conflict arising in our beloved Spain and I pray seven times daily for your safety, as well as the protection of my dear uncle and beloved cousins. I am also delighted to share with you that I am once again with child. William is happy and prays daily for another son. However, I must confess something to you, Abuela. I an secretly praying for another daughter and I feel guilty. I know my duty is to provide male heirs for my husband, whom I love very much, but I really crave to have a daughter named after my beloved late mother. My two daughters do not have their name and my two sons I was not able to name. I hope God will forgive me for praying the opposite of my husband. I know it is wrong, but I pray that he gives me another chance to honor my mother. However, I am happy, Abuela. William isn't good husband. Remember that I love you and our family forever and you are always in my heart and prayers. Please let my dear father, King Christian, that I love him very dearly and I have not forgotten him.
Your loving granddaughter,
Christina, Duchess of Cleves
Juana smiled, but also frowned at the fact that she thought she was displeasing God. Praying for a child wasn't a sin. The sooner her grandchild knew that, the better.
Juana rose to her feet and walked over to her desk. She knew that she would not be able to sleep with her granddaughter on her mind.
"I must write to the child and relieve her poor spirits." Juana thought to herself, as she began to reply to Christina's letter.
July 5, 1553
Westhorpe Hall
"Ouch," Lady Mary Brandon winced in pain from her chair.
"Are you alright, sweetheart?" asked her husband.
"Yes, we are fine. Your son just wants to make sure I know he's there," she said with a smile.
Charles Brandon smiled back at her. He couldn't help but love her, especially at moments like these where she made complete sense of the world, despite the inconveniences that the world saw fit to put on her. The spell was interrupted by a loud knock on the door. He rose from her bedside and went to open it, wondering which of the servants was coming with what little nicety for their mistress.
"Your Majesty!" Charles exclaimed upon seeing his cousin, the King of England, standing before him. "This is highly unusual, Sire. Is everything alright?"
"Charles, please forgive the intrusion. Your servants said that the Lady Mary was confined already but there is a matter of the utmost importance that cannot wait, and I needed to speak with you both before any more time passes," Harry said. "May I please come in?"
Charles turned to look at his wife, who reached for her dressing gown and put it on quickly. She nodded at him once the garment was in place. "Certainly," Charles replied.
King Henry IX stepped into the room, which had been darkened already, waiting on the arrival of the future Duke of Suffolk. "My lady," he began, "I apologize for coming unannounced and bursting into your confinement chambers. I realize this is typically barbaric behavior, but when you learn the reason, I hope you will forgive me for doing so and will help me with what I need to know."
"Of course, your Majesty," Lady Mary said, attempting to rise from her bed.
"Oh no, my lady, please, put no further strain on yourself or your child," Harry said, taking her arm to ease her back onto her bed. "Formalities can be forgotten under the circumstances, especially with my rudeness in not announcing that I was coming." Mary sat back down, relieved that proper customs could be forgotten for the moment.
"Harry," Charles began, using his childhood nickname for the King to test the waters of what was just said, "what's so urgent that you came here like this?"
"Anne told me that she and Lady Mary had spoken a while ago about a matter involving a public embarrassment. I have come to ask if this matter involves the stabbing of the Prince Edward?" Harry stated, rather frankly. Mary's face was full of shock and alarm. "Do not fear Lady Mary. I know what you said to my wife was said in confidence and if it can be avoided at all, your name will not be mentioned in connection with this, but I have to know the truth. Anne said that she believed you might know something about my son's stabbing and who did it. Is she correct?"
Lady Mary was speechless. She didn't know what to say, and to top everything off, while this conversation was going on in Mary's chambers, unknown to the three inside, another surprise visitor had paused outside the door to listen to what was going on. This visitor was now trembling with the fear that the king knew what had happened and that her husband and daughter would be tried for treason. The visitor was none other than Lady Catherine Brandon Grey. She was nearly frozen in place by the time she heard the King's question. She took a deep breath, knowing what she had to do, and then flung open the doors to Mary's rooms. The occupants looked at her in shock.
"Your Majesty," Catherine said, tears pouring down her face, while curtsying for her King and cousin," please, I beg you, take mercy on my daughter, Jane. She did what she did out of fear of her father."
"Catherine?" Harry questioned. "What are you saying? Did you overhear our conversation just now?"
"Yes, your Majesty, forgive me, but I came to see Mary and bring her some sewing to keep her occupied while she was confined. I heard voices and didn't know if I should interrupt or not. I was only listening to see who was here and if it would be proper for me to knock. When I heard the question you posed to Mary, I knew I had to speak. It is my secret she is hiding," Catherine confessed to her King. "Henry was mortified when Prince Edward publicly said he would not marry Jane. He had no right to do what he did, but he planned to kill the Prince in order to teach the family a lesson that the subjects of this realm have pride too and it should not be publicly defiled, no matter who is doing it. He forced Jane to wait for the Prince and then while the lad's back was turned, he stabbed him. He was furious when it was announced that the Prince had survived, and he threatened Jane that if she said a single word of what happened, that he would force her to watch as he cut my throat and those of her sisters before killing her." Catherine was sobbing and found it hard to continue, glancing at her brother for help.
"Your Majesty, Catherine didn't know what to do, so she came to Mary and I for advice, but Mary's conscience weighed in and she needed to talk to someone. She didn't know who she could talk to about it so she discreetly asked the Queen, who told her to talk to a priest, which she has done," Charles said. "The priest advised her to come forward and tell what she knew, but also said to wait until she had been delivered so the child was not in any danger, in case the worst came to pass for keeping the secret."
Harry sat down in the nearest chair. He was speechless. He couldn't fathom one of his subjects attacking his children for any reason. Something had to be done about Grey, but what, and what could be said that would spare Jane, who was obviously a pawn of her father's intentions. Time passed, minutes that seemed like hours to everyone in that room. They were all watching their King to see his reaction to the news. In the time that Henry IX had been on the throne, they had all been governed fairly and the kingdom was more or less a peaceful one. The legacy of sometimes-tyranny, sometimes-peace, that was Henry VIII, was over, but everyone knew that Harry was still the son of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. Everyone knew that the fierceness was there; everyone knew that the hostility could surface at any time, and everyone knew the King's strength when it came to the love of his family, no matter what.
It was agonizing until Harry began to speak once again. "Lady Catherine, I have a plan in mind to make this right in the eyes of the law and in the eyes of God. Do you trust your King?"
Catherine was stunned. "Of course, your Grace, but what is this plan?"
"My dear lady, I learned long ago that the best laid plans are secretive until executed, and that secrets known by more than one person do not remain secrets for very long, so forgive me, but I will keep the details to myself for the moment. Just know that on my honor as a King and a child of God, I will protect you and your daughters as long as there is breath in my body," Harry vowed to her, kissing her hand. "Will you trust me, my lady, and promise to reveal nothing that you heard here today to another living soul?"
"I will, Your Majesty," Catherine replied.
"Then return to your home as if nothing has happened," Harry began. "Prepare to be arrested." Catherine began to protest, but Harry interrupted her. "No questions and I will not tell you when it will happen, but you and your daughters will be placed in the royal apartments of the tower under guard until this matter is concluded to ensure your safety and theirs. The people might not take kindly to you once Grey's arrest happens and the people know he tried to murder the Prince. I want to make sure the four of you are safe until I can clear you of the charges."
Catherine looked at Charles for a brief moment, long enough to see her brother smile and nod once, then she curtsied and said, "As you wish, your Majesty." With that, she gathered her things and left to do as she had been ordered by the King.
Charles looked at Harry. Harry looked at Charles. "Do not worry cousin. I meant every word of it. I will protect her and her daughters. We all know what kind of man Grey is now, and we have proof. On my word of honor, I will make this as right as I possibly can, and take comfort in knowing that the worst outcome of this plan that I can foresee is Lady Catherine and her daughters living the remainder of their lives in Scotland in exile with my guards around them."
Charles nodded. Since Scotland and England were to be united soon, with the marriage of the Prince of Wales to the young Scottish Queen, this outcome did not cause him to fear for his sister. He went to Mary's side and embraced his wife, who was crying uncontrollably.
"I will make this right Charles," Harry said, "You have my word."
"Of course, your Majesty," Charles replied. "I know you will."
Harry took another look at his cousins and left the room, closing the doors behind him. He knew what he had to do, and he started his journey back to do just that.
A/N Chapter 30 is complete and I couldn't be anymore prouder. It's long and I prefer my longer chapters. I apologize for the wait, but life happens. I hope you all enjoy the read. The French and Neopolitan Court were in this chapter and you will all soon see why. Like I said, this story will end in 1603, so we have a long way to go. Also, what do you think Lady Mary Brandon is going to have? The gender has already been decided, but it's fun to read the guesses. I have a reader who is helping with the historical part of this story, so hopefully I will be able to upload chapters more frequently. Please Read and Review and Chapter 31 will be up soon!
