Hello again...yes another chapter...I'm sorta on a roll. Well actually I pretty much wrote a lot of this story already. Something like 70,000 words on my word document. I didn't write this in a week or month I'm not crazy. I wrote this on and off for the past 2 years? I just never bothered uploading it.

Chapter 3

Charles collapsed on to the armchair exhausted and stressed at his suite. Everything was going to hell, in the past 2 months the King had married Anne who was crowned and she was 7 months with child. As the king spent his time chasing her like a love sick adolescent, Charles had been traveling around in his stead with Norfolk and Thomas Boleyn carrying out the king's orders. His conscious weighed heavier than ever before and the more he had to deal with the Boleyn's, the more he hated himself. Things have been strange between them as he did not explicitly support the whore's marriage to the king on many crucial occasions. And now another possible threat arose and he had been keen on keeping track on the new chancellor Cromwell. Whatever his agenda Charles had a feeling he should never turn a blind eye to him. However, there is one visit he must do tomorrow at the King's request and Charles was not too thrilled to go. Visiting his mother-in law and to tell her the king will basically leave her to fend for herself will be uncomfortable. The king also forbade him from helping her financially aware that Charles would want to help his mother in law. Somehow he had to figure out away to support her in secret and he knew the man he needed to speak to was Chapuys regarding the manner.

Charles let out breath and rubbed his eyes, he just wanted to go home to Henry and Mary. He did not even have time to write to her and Charles felt terrible about it. Many nights he went to sleep dreaming about them running around the gardens full of laughter and the sun would be so bright and warm. Mary always wore a white gown full of crystals and on her head a ruby crown. His son wore a matching outfit similar to her's and with his own golden crown. Henry would call him over and Charles run to him to pick him up from the ground and then throw him into the air. Both of them would laugh and he'd set him down to watch him run off again. Then he'd feel her arms wrap around his waist looking up at him icy eyes shone brightly like gems and her long dark hair glistened under the sun. She smiled up at him sweetly and opened her mouth to tell him something exciting but he could never understand what she said to him or maybe he could not remember. Whatever she said always made him want to kiss her but he before he could a black gloved hand grabbed a fist full of her hair and pulling her away from him. He tried to reach for her as she was being dragged and then the dream would end and as much as he loved dreaming about them he hated it as he always wake up with a pang in his chest.

He shook and looked at the black bible on the table, he was trying to find time to read it but lately it has been too difficult. Charles heard someone clear their throat and snapped his head towards the door. He saw Cromwell waiting for him to invite them in.

"My Lord" He said standing up bowing. "Please come in and sit." Charles ushered them in.

"Your grace." He greeted.

"Wine?" He asked pouring a cup.

"Yes, thank you." Cromwell said sitting not before noticing the bible on the table.

"Tell me. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"His majesty is aware you that you favor the imperialist cause and say so you openly in council. And have perhaps a great sympathy for the dowager queen. "

"Don't you?"

"Actually I do. I'm not heartless whatever some people think. Quite the contrary. But I serve the king. His majesty intends to vest the succession with the children he will have. A bill will go before parliament, he wants to know if he will have your support."

"Yes I thought it was clear."

"Is it?" He questioned pointing at the Mary's bible.

Charles put his hand on it protectively "Yes."

"Good." He responded but did not sound fully convinced.

"May I ask why all of a sudden you needed my confirmation?"

"After it passes in Parliament we will proceed a step further and issue another act." Cromwell explained sip of his cup.

"What kind of act?"

"That it was treason, punishable by death, to disavow the Act of Supremacy." He said simply.

"I see."

"You must wonder why I am really here questioning you your grace."

"It had crossed my mind."

"There are rumors."

"There are always rumors my lord." Charles grinned sardonically.

"Well this time one of these rumors caused some concern ." Cromwell said studying his face seriously. "Especially, since I intercepted this." He said handing Charles a note.

Charles took the note and saw it was written in Spanish. It was addressed to the Spanish imperial ambassador Chapuys.

Senor Chapusy,

Gracias por tomar tiempo a leer mi nota. Yo se que usted eres un hombre de gran importancia y muy occupado pero yo no te escribia si no estaba tan inquieta. Hace casi un meses que mi esposo se fue al courto a sevir el Rey no oi nada de el. Sabe usted si el esta bien? Esta sano? Estoy nueva en este pais y no conocsco a nadie a preguntar. Por favour enviame una nota quando puede. Y si lo ves porfavour dile que yo y nuestro hijo le estrano mucho y que se cuide mucho.

Gracias y que dios te benginda.

Maria Brandon.

Charles read the note and luckily he knew enough Spanish to figure out it was Mary. Why did she write him? Did she now know the danger? He almost swore out loud in anger but kept his composure.

"So it seems you have kept an interesting secret from us. You are married and your wife is a Spanish subject of his holiness."

"And that is a problem?" Asked Charles smiling as he took a swig of his wine.

"Your wife is Spanish."

" She is also an English subject. Her father was an English diplomat.

"Is the King aware?"

"Yes he granted it."

"He granted that you marry a Spanish woman who is a subject of the emperor and therefore bound to Rome?"

"I married a girl who is bound to no man but me." Charles asserted firmly.

Cromwell said nothing.

"Do not concern yourself with my wife." Charles stood up from the table and pointed to the note. "I did not read anything in this letter that is salacious towards the King or his efforts. I just read my young wife is worried about me and my health because I have not had the time to write her since I have been so working hard to please his majesty and carry out his commands. "

"But why would she write to the Spanish ambassador?"

Charles looked at Cromwell as if he was an idiot. "Well as you also liked to insist, yes she is also Spanish and she has no friends here in England but me and her compatriot Lord Chapuys,"

"So what is her position? I only see that she's Spanish and a catholic sympathizer"

"She is sixteen, a girl." Charles nearly laughed. "Her position is to please her husband and be a good mother to our son. That's her religion. "

"Then why keep her hidden?"

"Not that I owe you an explanation about how I manage my marriage to the Lady Brandon. As she explicitly said in this letter she is new to England. It's is a very unstable time at the King's court and I do not want her to feel overwhelmed because she is very young. And because she is so young I am very protective of her as she is already burdened enough to adjust. I just want her to focus being a wife and a mother to my son."

Cromwell nodded in understanding "I married my wife when she was very young as well so I can identify with your position. I think we have clarified the matter here, your grace. You vowed to vote in support of his majesty and that is all that matters. I shall leave you."

"Before you go, I will ask that you keep this between us."

"As you wish." Cromwell bowed as left.

Charles kicked the chair in anger and looked at the note in his hand before he crumpled it. He wanted to go back home and yell at Mary for being so careless. Did she not know how fragile the situation was? He had no one to blame but himself, if only he had not gotten so carried away at court and his duty then he would have had found time to let her know. He sat down feeling more drained and frustrated then he ever was before. Every time he was beleaguered with pressures from the king and everyone else at court he just wanted to leave . This made him more aggravated the he already was and he just wanted to distract himself. He looked at the wine and thought about inviting Knivert to drink into oblivion with him. Yes, that's what he will do.

Later that night Charles touched her chin and made her face him. "What is your name again?"

"Mary Stafford." She said excitedly.

"Mary?" He said thinking how funny the universe worked. "It's a beautiful name."

Mary smiled grabbing a few pins of her hair dark chestnut hair fall. "Thank you, your grace."

Mary took hold of the Duke's shirt and pulled him even her face millimeters form his. she passionately kissing his jaw. She could not believe she was his tonight, every noblewomen at court were after him. They had heard he was still unmarried and to be married to him, the king's right hand man came with many advantages.

"Yes and your features are different they don't seem so English. Why is that?"

She stopped and looked at him. "My grandmother was the daughter of the duke of Naples, I owe that to her."

"Ah I see." Charles raised his brow amused and he pushed gently her on the bed. That is why he thought she had a strange resemblance to Mary. That was the point tonight wasn't it?

"I have heard many things about your grace."

Charles leaned over her bemused.

"That you are dangerously handsome, a great man with..." She stopped and looked down at his waist suggestively."With many talents and charm."

"And tha-" Charles put a finger on her lips.

"Shhhh, do not speak." He told her kissing her hard.

Early morning Charles glanced at the bible on his table. He regretted everything last night and the shame crushed him. Why did she affect him like this? He thought about the things he told Mary, what he wanted from her, a friendship. He meant them or at least he thought he did. At home everything seemed clear to Charles, he was a different man but now at court he turned back into someone he no longer wished to be.

Charles got up to wash his face.

This place was toxic and it was going to take his soul him if he stayed longer.

He grabbed a parchment and his ink.

You're Majesty,

I am writing to you regretfully to inform you that I have an urgent matter at home I must take care of immediately. When you read this I will be on my way to see Lady Katherine to inform her of her new circumstances. I shall be back within a week to continue your every commend.

Your faithful and loyal friend

Charles,

He called his servant

"Give this to his majesty." Charles told him handing him his note.

"Sir." His servant acknowledged and Charles watched him walk away.

Now he had to face his wife's mother.

Bessie the Queen's lady-in waiting led him into the room, there he found her sitting by the fireplace. She sat wearing a brown gown with her head adorned with a golden head piece and earrings. The Queen stared at the fire with her rosemary in her hand and her face vacant. It wasn't until Charles walked closer did Katherine turned her head when she heard him.

The Queen stared at him with her pale blue eyes for a moment and then reached out her hand. "Your grace." she finally said.

Charles took her hand and kissed it. "My Lady " He said feeling very torn. He was nervous to speak to her, unsure what to say and ultimately felt guilty for his part in contributing to her circumstances. Though he did not intentionally set out to dispose Katherine his inaction was the same as if he had acted on them. His conformity with the King's wishes despite of the fact he often did not approve were damaging. But what choice did he have? Ultimately he would always choose Henry's side .

"His majesty has ordered me here," He began "He's asked me to-" Charles hesitated glancing away to the fire for a brief moment trying to muster the right words. "He warns you not to try to return to him since he's now married to Lady Anne. "

Katherine stared at him in slight surprise.

"Henceforth he's abstained you from using the title of Queen and now be refereed as Dpwager Princess of Wales." Charles paused regretfully and then continued. "He's also cut your household expenses."

The Queen looked away sadly absorbing what he was saying. Charles felt ashamed so he walked away from her towards the window unable to look at her in the eyes and finish. "In generosity he allows you to keep your property but will no longer pay your servants wages or your household expense."

There was a brief silence and the room went heavy suddenly.

Charles thought he was going to drown in guilt and shame. She had to know Mary is married to him, he thought. He did not want to believe the King did not tell the Queen that her only daughter is married. Nor did he want to believe his friend was cruel enough to send him to her knowing how uncomfortable the situation would be.

The Queen immediately understood where he came from and continued. "I know...You have married my daughter."

"Yes." He said looking down.

The Queen shook her head closing her eyes and put her head in hand. "She does not deserve this. She does not have to pay for her father's vanity, for my inability to give the King a son."

Charles walked toward her and bowed. "Madam I'm aware I am just a lowly subject but I can only swear to you before God that I will protect and keep Mary safe. More importantly I will honor and respect Mary as she rightfully deserves. "

"Mary..." He continued. "Is a strong and caring woman; she loves my son as if he was her own and he adores her. And that madam I could not have asked for more in a wife." There he said it and he meant every word.

Katherine stayed silent and her eyes welled up in tears. She looked away and wiped them before turning to look at Charles. She knew what kind of man he was as he was her husband's best friend and despite his womanizing ways he had a good heart. She had to put her faith in God and trust Him that this marriage was the best for her daughter.

"May I see her?" Asked the Queen There breaking the silence.

"Madam...Forgive me." Charles stood up his was tone desperate. He was desperate for her forgiveness for his inactions, forgiveness for being loyal to a fault, forgiveness for marrying her only child and forgiveness for having to bring her more pain by denying her to see Mary. The King made it clear to him early on that Charles was to never let Mary see nor write to her mother.

Katherine looked at him sympathetically "Do you know something Mr. Brandon if I had to choose between extreme happiness and extreme sorrow I would always choose sorrow."Charles was dumbfounded by her confession.

"For when you are happy" She continued glancing briefly into the fireplace. "You forget about spiritual things you forget about God for in your sorrow he is always with you."

He finally understood why Mary is the way she was. Her silent strength, determination, her calming demeanor and ability to endure in all situations came from her mother.

Charles took her hand to his lips and kissed.

"Please give her this." She handed him her rosemary necklace with a letter attached and then signaled Bessie to walk him out.

"Madam you know I..." Charles began.

"I know you are ordered by the king to never allow her to see me or write. But please."

Charles nodded and bowed slightly "May God keep you and bless you my lady" He sincerely told before leaving.

Mary lay alone under the oak tree reading, Institutio principis Christiani, the Education of a Christian Prince by Desiderius Erasmus. She dismissed her ladies for a while as she wanted to be left alone to relax after preparing writing lessons for Henry. She and Mrs. Bryn were working together to create of curriculum for when he turned 4. Lady Bryn nearly fainted when Mary expressed interest in educating Henry herself as well. It was agreed that they will rotate teaching duties between them. She recalled how the Queen insisted she teach Mary herself rather than a tutor early in her childhood.

Tired of reading Mary put the book down and closed her eyes taking a deep breath of fresh air.

It's been two months since he left and she has not heard a word from him. At least in France he wrote a few letters which were usually to let her know he was well. However, this time he did not even when he said he would. Mary tired not to let it bother her so much because she knew the turmoil at King's court may have kept Charles extremely busy. However, was he truly that busy to write even a short note to his own wife? Eventually Mary got annoyed enough she wrote to Chapuys but was careful what she wrote in case it was intercepted. If Charles got angry at her for writing then it is his own fault, she justified.

Mary had to admit he was growing on her. There were many good things about Charles she heard from the servants and it was clear he was dearly loved by them. She was beginning to see him in a different light. They man they described was very loyal, kind, considerate of others and a fair master. He was a great man with a lot of influence and though some many find him intimidating Charles never openly threw his status around. Instead Charles tended to light up a room wherever he was and his presence was always brought with it a comfort, a security. Mary had to guess this was largely due to his charisma that the women spoke about.

However, that is how he presented himself at home but Mary wasn't naive she knew the atmosphere at court. She born into that world and understood very well that anyone with power will always have enemies that seek to destroy them. In order to survive one had to engage in some scrupulous behavior and Charles was not immune to that. How else did the Boleyn's manage to elevate themselves over the years? They prostituted their daughters and her father fell foolishly into their grips. Whether he engaged in some manipulation and schemes Mary did not want to know.

Mary could feel something different and opened her eyes immediately were met with deep blue eyes. She frowned and blinked again not believing her eyes.

"Mary." Charles greeted standing over her flashing a wide grin.

Mary sat up fast "When did you come?"

"Just now and they told me you'd be here." He looked their surroundings; they were far away from the estate across the field near the edge of the forest. He had to admit he never came by this part but it was beautiful.

Mary went straight to the point. "Why did you not write?"

Charles raised a brow amused "That did not take long." He said he settled down beside her.

"I suppose I deserve it. You almost exposed us; Cromwell came to my apartments with your note to Chapuys. That was a good trick."

"You left me no choice."

"Yes I know, forgive me." He admitted and then took a piece of her velvet dress, it was new he noted pleased that she listened to him. It was burgundy with black and gold slashing details on her long sleeves .Her corset had golden roses that had been hand stitched into an intricate design. She wore a golden peal diadem around her head with her dark wavy hair was pulled half way into an elaborate French braid.

She looked different to Charles; her features seemed to have matured. While he was away she seemed to have grown since he last saw her and it was a good change. She appeared to be more womanly as her face seemed to have slimmed out making her high cheekbones more prominent. Even her body seemed to fill out in the right places but still slender, if she was at court Mary would have many admirers at her feet. Charles could not help feel attracted to her.

Mary peered over at Charles handsome face that seemed to be looking at her in a trance but she could tell something was amiss. His eyes seemed sad and tired.

"What is wrong?"

"These two months have been hell." He lay back down on to the grass staring up at the branches and leaves. Charles blinked feeling a wave of weariness overcome him.

"Tell me." She asked following his lead.

"Well for one, he's married Anne Boleyn." Mary turned on to her side and faced him.

"Married?" She was stunned, Mary had no idea her father would act so impulsively. "But the Pope did not grant him a divorce."

Charles shook his head. "No, but what does that matter? He's the head of the Church of England. He can do what he pleases."

"How can he do that?" She inched closer to Charles. "Did the Supremacy Act pass?"

"Almost however I have it in good hand that it will pass." Charles looked over at her. "There is also another thing you should be aware of."

"What is it?" She asked feeling dejected by the news.

"She's with child."

Charles stared at the branches waiting for her response.

"How for along?" Her voice was barely audible.

"7 months."

"I see. I suppose that will officially make me a bastard." Mary felt torn although apart of her felt humiliated and outraged she could not help feel content for her father. Maybe this will be his chance.

"Yes, a new law will be in place afterwards. You will be declared illegitimate." Charles said cutting her off her thoughts. He studied her concernedly Charles knew he was very upfront about the situation however he knew Mary would not have it said any other way.

"I always wanted a younger brother." She told Charles who could only give her a sad smile.

"It could be a girl."

Mary let out a deep breath and closed her eyes. "Let's pray for the child's sake he is the boy my father so strongly desired. Otherwise she will end up like me. "

"I should think that is a good thing."

"Hardly, I was abandoned, humiliated and made a bastard. Why would anyone want my life? "

"Mary-" He protested but was interrupted.

"I'm a bastard Charles. That's my reality". She told him giving him an incredulous look.

"Not to me."

She made move to get up from the ground but Charles pulled her down.

"Listen to me." He told her. "I am not ashamed because to me you are not a bastard regardless of what you, your father or those damned fools in parliament say. " Charles was now angry, how could she think so low of herself?

Mary gazed at him in confusion and then looked away.

"Look at me." He told her but Mary stubbornly did not listen.

"Mary, look at me." He repeated trying hard not to lose his patience again.

She hesitantly stared at Charles her pale eyes flashed with defiance.

Charles leaned closer to her. "You cannot believe what they say you are. You know who you are and no one, no man; no law could take that away from you."

She said nothing.

"You are not only a mere wife."

"It doesn't matter." She whispered.

Charles took out the rosemary and gently placed it one of her hands and then closed it. Mary looked to her hand and saw her mother's rosemary.

"She wanted me to give you this. Hopefully this will remind you of where you come from."

Mary paused remembering her mother's voice and began to recite it in her head. Seas fuerte mi hija receurde quien eres. Deciende de Isabella y Ferdnando de Castilla, la unica hija del rey de Inglaterra. Seas fuerte y honesta y una dia seas reina.

Charles face was serious. "Never think you are bastard and worthless. This is the last time I will hear those words from you." .

Charles looked down on her gently and then pulled out the letter from his pocket leaving it beside her before standing up.

"I am heading back to rest. Shall I see you tonight?"

Mary stared at the letter beside her as if she was in a trance. Charles waited a few moments, he didn't want to leave her but as he was about to turn to leave he heard her say "Yes."

She eventually sat up and opened the letter.

My Beloved Maria,

There are many things I want to say to you but there aren't enough words or pages. It has come to my knowledge you have been married and I am sorry that I was not able to fulfill what every mother does to guide a young bride. Since we were born into royalty, fate has made it that we were never to marry for love because we are the pawns used in an ever complicated world. When I married your father I did not love him but it wasn't long until I fell in love and I believed he felt the same regardless of the situation well currently find ourselves. I love your father and I will continue to so as I am his lawful wife according to our God. Do not resent him for his actions, pray for him as your father is a good man who is misguided and manipulated by those he believes are for his best interest. Reflecting upon your childhood I use to believe I gave you everything and I tried to but I feel in some ways I have failed. I could not give your father a son that survived long enough but I wish with everything that I have had and perhaps this could have been avoided. But God did not allow it.

All I ever desired for you my love is a good man that respects you above all else. Love is a luxury in these unions and if you are blessed to find it with your husband cherish it and protect it. But you must let down your walls and I know you have many as I am partly responsible for them along with your father because of our failed example of a marriage. I cannot pretend to know the Duke of Suffolk but I do know he is someone your father trusts and values. And though I know some things regarding him whether they are true or not I cannot judge him. You must also not judge him and take time to know your husband, understand him and respect him. Tend to him, care for his children with everything you have and his home. More importantly allow you to be open to all the possibilities this marriage could potentially be. Marriage can be difficult and at times lonely, sometimes painful but do not let that discourage you from pursuing a meaningful relationship with your husband. You should pursue him as he will pursue you. Do not be afraid to expose yourself little by little but remain true to who you are. Remember who you are.

From your loving Mother

Mary read the letter over and over again. Memorizing the words and studying the handwriting until she noticed drops of water on the pages. How long had she been crying? she wondered and then decided it was time to go back and reflect on her mother's words.

When he returned back to the manor he spent the rest of the day with Henry who was eager to show him how his newly acquired reading skills. He showed Charles how he spelled his name and his writing exercises keen on impressing his father, which Charles naturally was. He was surprised to hear that Mary and Lady Bryn were working together rotating teaching duties.

While he was in the study with Henry he saw Mary walking briskly into the house with her face solemn and the letter in her hand. She looked as if she had been crying and when a servant greeted her Mary gave her weak smile and then said something before walking into the house. Later he came to find that Mary did not feel well could not join him for dinner. After he tucked Henry into bed Charles came by Mary's chambers want to knock on her door to see how she was, since he was worried about her. However, he heard her start to pray and Charles thought it was best to leave her alone.

Now it was late at night and it had just begun to rain hard. Charles could not sleep again and it was irritating to him. But he could not just get the image of Mary lying under the tree when he left her out of his head. He slightly regretted giving her the letter as it caused her so much pain but he could never keep it from her. Charles noticed when it came to her mother she suddenly became very vulnerable. Even though she unsuccessfully tried to hide it from him, Charles could see how much the separation from Queen Katherine has affected her. Charles let out a deep breath and closed his eyes, trying hard to ease his mind and focused on sleeping.

Mary quietly opened the door and entered his room; she saw Charles was asleep on his side. She slowly inched toward his bed and gently touched his bare shoulder.

Charles turned around and found himself staring at Mary.

She hesitated for a moment looking nervous. "May I?" Mary asked indicating to the spot beside him.

Charles stared up into her eyes and without blinking he shifted to make room for her. Mary slowly sat on the bed and looked over her shoulder at him and saw that he was still watching her. She looked back timidly debating something in her head and then she faced him.

"Thank you."

"It was nothing." He told her gently.

Mary shook her head. "You don't know what this meant to me. How long I've waited."

"Good night." she whispered as she leaned in to give him a chaste kiss on his forehead and pulled back.

The air suddenly became heavy and they gazed at each other; Mary looked at his lips and was drawn to them. She inched slowly to kiss him, the feel of his soft warm lips touching hers sent a wave of excitement over her body. Bewildered at her own reaction she backed away again before he could respond. Charles looked at her darkly feeling his body well up with desire. He roughly grabbed her shoulders and pulled her closer to him.

"I am sorry." Mary told him before he could continue. " You have every right but- "

"Never apologize for this." He said letting her go ashamed of his lack of control. "And contrary to popular belief I don't have a right."

She opened her mouth to say something but looked away embarrassed.

Mary was feeling very emotional. This whole day had been very emotional and it seems anything affects her. "You should get an annulment."

" Now why would I want to do that?" He asked.

"Because I am not a good wife and you can marry someone you want." She muttered.

"What makes you believe I don't want you?"

"Because you never wanted this and I never wanted this either."

"I want you" He said bluntly without missing a beat.

Mary stayed silent unsure what to say or do. All she wanted to say to him was thank you and go to bed but now things have reached a stand still.

"When?

"I don't know" He admitted. "For awhile I suppose. Perhaps when I returned from France or when I was away at court the first time."

"That long?"

"Yes."

"So you- " Mary stopped suddenly biting her tongue before her curiosity got the better of her. "Why are you telling me this?" She questioned. "Why now?"

Charles let out a sigh and relaxed on this back thinking how to respond. They stayed silent for a moment and then Charles continued. "You are young and I do not want to confuse you."

Mary frowned. "Confuse?"

"I do not want my actions to take away from my true feelings." Charles hesitated finding the words and make sense of his emotions. "I didn't try kissing you simply because I am a man with needs."

Mary felt her chest tighten with fear. Was he confessing?

Mary pulled the blanket to her chin feeling self conscious. "I'm sorry."

Charles scoffed incredulously, "What for?"

"I don't know." Mary's tone was depressed. "I feel responsible. Maybe I have said something..." She trailed off. Mary never considered the fact that he may develop an attraction for her. She was too preoccupied with Charles her friend not Charles the admire.

Charles clenched his jaw; he hated how much she blamed herself. "Don't be. You are blameless"

Mary said nothing and she moved to return to her chambers but saw that the adjoined door was locked. She pulled at it hard and then she felt his bare arm try to pull on it as well. "Sometimes it gets stuck." He told her. Feeling more embarrassed she didn't want to give the impression that she was running away from her. Though she was and will leave from the main door instead. But then Henry appeared tiredly looking at them confused.

"What are you doing?" He asked them.

Mary shoulders slumped. She should really work on making him to sleep in his own room.

He frowned and moved when the sun light hit his face, then he became aware of a small body lying right up against him. Charles opened his eyes and saw Henry softly snoring lying in between him and Mary who was silently sleeping on her side.

It was if he had gotten a second chance. When Margret died it had changed something in Charles, he loved her with everything but at times it wasn't enough. She was right there were days he loved her yet other days he would just leave her and go with other women. Margret never deserved it and it wasn't until her death he realized how much he truly loved her and hated himself for how he treated his marriage. But how was he different from then? Was he not having sex with other woman still? Charles clenched his jaw and let out a shaky breath as he laid his head back on his pillow. Just because his marriage to Mary was not conventional it did not excuse him for his affairs. Mary did not love him and but the problem was he was beginning to feel something for her. The one woman who would not give herself to him was his own wife and why would she want him? He was unfaithful, older and inadvertently helped ruin her life.

He looked over at Henry and Mary again, there were sleeping peacefully and looked unaware of how everything around them was changing rapidly. History is being made and it was a very dangerous time for England. Regardless of what was happening his concern was his family and keeping them safe above all else. Charles moved closer towards them and wrapped a protect arm around them resting his hand on Mary's side. When he was about to close his eyes, he saw Mary's hand move to hold his. Charles wondered if she knew she was in his bed, if she knew that the hand she was holding was his. He checked in her and saw she was very much asleep. Charles relaxed against his pillow not taking his eyes off her.

Another fat chapter...I swear the next chapter is less than 2000 words. I'll probably post it soon since its ready to go and actually I think its where the plot is set in play.

Please review and let me know what you think