Mary Tudor grinned brighter than she had in years as she watched her little sister run through the gardens. Elizabeth was growing from a bright, sunny toddler to an intelligent, engaging child. She had lost her chubbiness and Mary could start to see the woman she would grow into. She would be a beauty, just like her mother, but with Elizabeth of York's coloring. A true Tudor princess. Mary felt the familiar pang of resentment flow through her at that thought, but shook it away. It was getting harder and harder to feel angry towards little Elizabeth as she spent more time with her. Especially now that Mary wasn't considered Elizabeth's servant.
Mary had waiting for her impending punishment for her refusal to take the oath, but after the prince's death, it seemed as if her father had forgotten her. She had kept a low profile at court, never drawing attention to herself, and was hence left in peace. She had visited her step mother a few times, but spent the majority of her time getting to know her little sister.
"Mary! Come see!" Elizabeth called to her and Mary made her way through the rosebushes. "Flowers!" Elizabeth pointed.
Mary couldn't help but chuckle. In the royal gardens, which were filled with only the brightest, most exotic flowers, the little girl was most excited about the bright yellow weeds.
"Those are called 'dandelions', Lizzie" she explained as she picked one and knelt, tucking it behind the little girls ear.
Elizabeth's response was cut off by a cold voice behind her.
"They are weeds, princess" Edward Seymour sneered the little girl's title while looking on coldly. He snapped his fingers towards the gardeners and they leapt forward to rip the yellow blossoms from the ground. Mary watched on helplessly as the smile was wiped from Elizabeth's face as she watched the flowers disappear into the gardeners bag. "You should not amuse yourself with such base plants. And company..." his eyes flicked to Mary and she felt her cheeks heat in anger. She opened her mouth to retort but was surprised when little Lizzie responded instead.
"Thank you for your advice, sir" Mary and Edward stared at the little girl with wide eyes. "You are dismissed." Elizabeth waved her arm in such a perfect replication of her mother and with the clear, cold voice of someone three times her age. Edward gaped at the child before slamming his mouth shut and turning away furiously.
As the man stalked away, Mary turned to her sister. Elizabeth's gaze followed Edward's retreat before looking up at her. Mary burst into laughter at the look on her face. Little Lizzie's eyebrow was raised in a show of absolute haughty authority and it was so reminiscent of Anne Boleyn, that Mary couldn't help but laugh. It only got worse as Elizabeth broke out into a wicked grin and giggled along with her sister. Mary swept Elizabeth into a tight hug.
The sisters spent the afternoon searching for more dandelions. Luckily the gardeners had missed a few and soon Elizabeth and Mary wore matching yellow crowns. Mary watched Elizabeth sprint around, declaring herself the queen of summer before her bright voice rang out.
"Papa!" Mary looked up startled and watched the king bend down to catch his energetic daughter as she ran to him. He swept her up and spun her around as she cried out in delight. Mary's smile faded from her face as she was taken back to a time when she had been welcomed just as enthusiastically.
Her father carried his little princess back closer to her, and Mary swept into a deep curtsy. She rose up and met eyes with him and was surprised to see genuine warmth there.
"Your majesty" she greeted
"Mary. I see you ladies are enjoying this sunshine?" He directed the question towards Elizabeth who nodded happily. He bounced her lightly in his arms, making her giggle and bringing a smile back to Mary's face.
"We are the queen's of summer!" Elizabeth explained and Mary felt instantly embarrassed to be caught in such a silly game. She reached up and removed the wilting dandelions from her hair, looking sheepishly at her father. Henry watched his eldest daughter, before setting Bess on the ground and taking the 'crown' from Mary's hands.
He placed the flowers back on her head and then smoothed her hair behind her ear, pulling her closer to place a kiss on her forehead. He stepped back to survey her and then gave her a mock bow. "Your majesties of summer" he declared grandly, making Elizabeth giggle again. He took both of his daughters arms and led them through the hedges, spending time with both his children for the first time.
A/N: A little bit of fluff for you guys! And it's been so long since we heard from Mary.