I'm back! I'm so sorry for the long delay but I had to sit and flesh out some ideas plot wise now I have too many idea. Thank you so much for reading and I will try to update more frequently. Please review
Chapter 14
Mary strode down the hall watching his back; he turned his head to watch her and flashed a mischievous smile. That same unnerving smile she had grown to love and dread. He was too unpredictable and she didn't trust his judgement. Not since they arrived in court, he became a little rebellious. She narrowed her eyes and picked up her speed making gains on him. The boy noticed and giggled as he hurried further down the corridor. Mary hesitated momentarily when she saw his destination, the Great Hall. Parliament was due to end and in any moment the Great Hall would be flooded with Courtesans.
"Henry!" She hissed. "Slow down."
He didn't hear her and rushed through the room.
By the time she reached the door noblewomen and noblemen bustled about the room. Mary swallowed collected herself and coolly navigated the room looking for Henry. Their game in the gardens escalated into the palace and now she lost him. Mary swallowed hard and fought the feeling of panic overcoming her. She kept her head down avoiding gazes around the room.
"Why does he bring her here?"
Mary ignored the whispers and swept her eyes across the room feeling desperate to leave. Her heart began to pound faster and suddenly became hard to breath.
"She has a queer face. Nothing like Princess Margaret, she was a true beauty."
"I heard there was no dowry"
She edged toward the side and found him kneeling behind the pillar. Henry looked up at her and she could; see his jaw was clenched. He looked very much like Charles when he was angry
"There you are." She sighed shakily. "Why didn't you listen to me before?"
"Poor child he deserves a better mother."
"Look how she dotes on him like a commoner. Where is the governess?
Mary mouth went dry and tried to block out the emotional terror raging inside of her.
Henry looked at the crowed in confusion and then back at Mary.
"Why don't they like you?" He finally asked. "Are you bad?"
Mary blinked in surprised. His question broke her spell. "Do you think I'm bad?"
Henry shook his head. "No"
Mary felt relieved. "They don't know me. People fear what they don't know"
"Like a mystery?" He asked trying to understand her words. His world was pure and untainted and Mary wanted nothing more than to take him away from it all.
"Yes like a mystery." She smiled. "So don't mind them. I love you and that's all that matters. Understand?"
"Yes." He said quietly. "But I love you more."
Mary raised her brows and extended her hand towards his. "Is that right? Well I love you to the ends of the earth,"
"I love you to the moon."
The small boy took her hand protectively as they walked to the benches in the outskirts of the room. "The moon?"
"Yes the moon."
"Jupiter." She countered. "I love you to Jupiter."
"Mars!"
Charles was one of the last to leave parliament along with Cromwell who had been discussing on the King's plan to elevate Seymour to dukedom. All he wanted to do was leave as quickly as possible to find Mary.
Cromwell sighed tiredly. "His majesty could at least try to hide his affections."
"That was never his graces' style." Charles reminded him. "What do we know of the Seymours?"
"They are very high browed with a lot ambition. Everything they do is meticulously calculated and they tend to work quietly."
Charles smirked at the indirect dig at the Boleyns. "You seem rather relaxed about the Seymours"
"They are Protestants." He told them as they entered the Great Hall.
"Of course they are." That didn't ease Charles wariness of the Seymours.
"I believe I see your family by the benches." Cromwell gestured his hand to empty benches along the perimeter of the room. Mary sat casually leaning back against the wall with Henry in her lap. He could see her gently brush his forehead tenderly as Henry dozed off. His body reacted excitedly at the sight of her. She was beautiful in the wine colored dress with sheer black sashes and the pearl choker the accented her slender neck. His mouth quivered remembering the feel of his lips pressing against her soft flesh.
"My wife and I wanted to extend an invitation to our home next week"
Charles snapped out of his reverie. He wasn't sure if Mary would want to have dinner with the man singlehandedly erasing Catholicism in England "Ah yes, I'm sure my wife would enjoy some female company for a change." He lied.
Cromwell grimaced slightly. "I see things have not been so smooth."
"Not at all but we manage." He turned and bowed. "Please send all the details to when your available."
Cromwell bowed. "Your grace,"
Mary didn't notice him approach and felt her heart flutter at the sight of him. She swallowed nervously and stiffened nearly waking Henry from his slumber. Charles smiled at her gently and placed her hand on her shoulder to ease her. He sat down beside her and taking her hand into his. She looked at their hands and squeezed his hand. She really did miss him today. They sat like that for a long time in silence watching the sea of people. It was strangely calming seeing the scene unfold but it didn't take long for many people to start noticing them. Her chest sank when they did and she was reminded again how they despised her.
"We should leave." Charles whispered into her ear.
Mary nodded and stood up carefully as to not stir Henry. Charles placed a hand on the small of her back protectively and swiftly escorted them out of the hall.
When they entered their townhouse Charles took Henry into his room. Mary followed behind them and stood by the door watching tucking their son in. Feeling tired she went ahead to their room and lay down. Defeat weighed heavy on her chest she could barely breathe. She hadn't felt like this in a long time, not since she met Charles. She always suffered anxious spells ever since her parents separated when she was young. Now it seems the attacks have come back again and now she's had trouble sleeping. When she heard his footstep she turned away on her side to hide her vulnerability from him instinctively. She didn't want to distress him.
Charles loosened his doublet and tossed it aside. "Mary."
Mary looked over her shoulder. His eyes were filled with concern; she should have known better she thought feeling guilty.
"Why did you run?"
"I didn't."
Charles cocked his brow not believing her.
Mary rolled her eyes. He was always so dramatic. "I'm just tired." He joined her on the bed and placed his hand on her hip pulling her to face him.
She stared back up at him not able to look at him directly in the eyes. Mary felt him his brush the side of her temple and then on her neck. She tried to not to smiled and placed her hands on his chest. "Charles." As if to stop him; but she really didn't want him to stop.
"Tell me what upset you." He murmured into her ear.
Mary sighed. "You are getting too good at reading me."
"I should hope so." He smirked, "But I highly doubt it. You will always be a mystery."
"Sometimes I think you place me too high on a pedestal. As if I'm some majestic creature but I'm really not anything special. I have flaws."
Charles eyes widened in pure shock, "You mean to tell me you are not an angel? Now that I'm seeing you clearly, where are your wings?! What web of lies."
Mary scoffed and hit him across the shoulder. "Really Charles, be serious"
Charles flashed another sly smile and pulled away from her much to her regret. "Do you feel pressure?
"Yes." She admitted, "I just don't want to burden you. " She wanted to tell him she was tired of disappointing him.
She heard him give a deep throaty chuckle. "That's impossible to avoid. Burdens will come but we have each other to shoulder them. That's natural."
Mary looked at him. "I'm being foolish." She said standing up unable to sit still.
"If you think your burdens will push me away, then yes you are being foolish." He told her bluntly.
Mary flinched at his honestly feeling caught off guard. She said nothing, she couldn't it was all so true.
"I wonder sometimes if I had made the right decision to bring you and Henry here with me."
She broke from her thoughts and shook her head. "No, we are a family there is no reason why we should be separated."
"You are miserable. You barely sleep."
"I'm as miserable as anyone in that wretched place." Mary reached for his hand and gave a gentle squeeze.
"I'm just not sure I can tolerate their treatment of you because of that treacherous bitch."
Mary stared at him. "I can."
"You shouldn't need to Mary. I can handle them myself."
Mary shook her head in disagreement. "No."
"No?"
"Please don't be offended but I'd like to also fight my own battles. You can't always be the one protecting us. I also have to protect you but you need to trust me "
Charles stared at her in astonishment. "Mary, it's not that I don't think you're capable." He hesitated. "I just worry."
"I know but I think it is Henry you should worry about."
Charles frowned in confusion.
"He asked me if I was a bad person today and what child wants to hear how incompetent their mother is." Just like my own, she thought to herself.
"Perhaps we should get a governess for Henry and tutors."
Charles scoffed and shook his head. "Very few women in Europe have had the education you've had there is no one more qualified but if that is what you want then who am I to argue?"
"I do not want any more attention drawn to us. We are not home. This isn't home."
Charles watched for a moment but he could see her begin to slip into that part of herself that becomes dark and twisted. He's seen Mary do this on occasion but ever since their arrival at court she seemed to detach herself more and more frequently. She had never been more isolated here than she ever had been at home.
"Turn around."
Mary broke from her reverie in surprise. "Why?"
"Just listen to me." He repeated again stepping closer.
She did as she was told and then felt his fingers glide behind the small of her back and pull on her laces. Fresh air filled her lungs and she immediately felt her body relax. Charles pulls her closer to him and whispers behinds her ear.
"Better?" He said huskily.
Mary swallowed nervously and nodded. She felt his lips press against her temple and then glide against her neck. She turns her head to face and saw his eyes staring attentively on her lips and then his gaze reaches hers. Charles moves in and she feels a gradation of intensity pull her into his space. His dark blue gaze held hers, heavy with want.
She leaned in and up against him but his lips was still out of reach but not for long. He cut her off with a firm kiss pulling her against him. She pressed her soft curved framed against his tall muscular frame. Hot sweetness radiates from him mouth into her being and this is how she becomes addicted to him, like this.
Her mind would slip like fluid, seamlessly into the background into warm numbing place, where all sense of thought or cares disappeared. And it was only her and all his flesh and bones, the heat of his body and the smell of cedars and smoke. Mary closed her eyes and her lips parted under a rush of breath and she gave into him. The feelings of his hands everywhere and his mouth roam swiftly over her, sinking his teeth into her fleshiest parts. Mary enjoyed his weight on her, enjoyed being crushed under him.
But it was the small moments where he would stop, inside her and gently caresses her cheek and lips with his thumb. His gaze attentive as if he was noting every detail of her face and her breath would hitch when his eyes would finally meet hers.
Three simple words fall from his mouth and onto her mouth.
So simple it was the only thing in the world she could trust.
Mary tried fix the sleeve of her gown, well whatever is left of her gown anyway. It was the second gown in the last week that they have managed to rip. She looks down and notices his shirt wasn't in better condition either and soon enough he wouldn't have any shirts left. Sighing she picks up the remnants of the shirt. She would need to make new shirts soon.
"Don't worry about the shirts." He tells her as he ties his pants. Mary looks over to him and notices the long angry red scratches along his broad strong back. Feeling guilty she walks toward him and gently traces her fingers against the marks.
"I'm sorry." She said looking at her nails forlornly. "I didn't intend to do this."
Charles grins ruefully and shakes his head. "On the contrary my love, I love the souvenirs you leave me every time I leave our bed. It lets me know I've done my job well."
Mary smacked him across the shoulder for his arrogance. "You are ridiculous. Did you even see?"
"Well if you truly feel bad about it, how do you plan to make me feel better?" He asks her dubiously.
She scoffs at him and shakes her head. "Oh I do not feel bad anymore."
She points to the mirror and Charles sees for the first time the damage she bestowed on him. His eyes widened in shock and looked at Mary. "Bloody hell!"
She barely could contain the smile tickling her lips. Charles could be so dramatic.
"When did you grow talons?"
Mary blinked innocently and shrugged as she exited the room. As soon as she closed the door behind her, she broke into a fit of laughter as her husband let out a few curses.
Charles opened the door suddenly and caught her in hysterics. His eyes sparkled in amusement as he too tried not to laugh.
"You will pay for that." He says to her trying to sound angry.
"I'd love to see you try." She challenges him back. "But you have a council meeting and I have to go to tea."
"Tea? What tea?"
She stiffened slightly knowing she had to tell him now.
"The tea at that salon." She said vaguely knowing he wouldn't approve.
" You can't be serious of meeting with those leeches."
Charles sat listening but not listening. His mind was somewhere else, in another room in fact not far from his and he was counting down the time wondering when this bloody meeting would end so he could find her. He shakes his leg in impatiently and he hears his name or at least he believes his name was being called.
"Charles!" He hears his king call him.
Charles breaks from his trance and looks at Henry.
"Was everything clear?"
Charles hesitated for a moment but shook his head. "Yes, your grace."
Henry looked right at Charles studying for a moment before moving on the next topic. However, Charles's mind went back to Mary. She was at the Salon with all those gossip mongering mean girls as Margret use to call them. Collecting and soliciting treaties for their husbands and even secrets. Margret rarely went and when she had to go she dominated the room. No one was as charismatic as his beloved late wife but Mary on the other hand was not like that. She was more reserved, discerning and very innocent. He knew he should give her more credit because Mary wasn't just any woman. She is calculating, cautious and quite shrewd. She may not have the bravado as Margret but she had a regal coolness to her that was very similar to her mother. He needed to trust her to hold her own like her mother did countless of times.
Mary stood by the door mentally preparing herself, this was her first test. The first time she will be in the same room with all the ladies at court who would love nothing but to try to sink their hooks into her. She felt like she was about to enter the lion's den but she couldn't turn around she came too far now. She even convinced Charles that this was a good idea but what she didn't tell him it was the Boleyn matriarch that invited her.
"Madam?"
Mary looked at the guard.
"May I announce you, your grace?"
She nodded and immediately put on her usual mask of indifference.
The doors flew open.
"The Duchess of Suffolk."
The room became very quiet and all Mary saw was a sea of beautiful rich gowns and headdresses. She mentally steeled herself.
She wore a royal blue and gold dress with elaborate stitching, she layered on a gold and topaz chandelier necklace and pearled topazes earrings. Her hair was pulled backed under a blue headdress but she made sure to size a good mount of her front hair untucked.
She scanned the table quickly looking for a seat but she saw someone wave their hand slightly and she instantly made her way there. When she sat, she finally let out a deep breath.
"It is your first time isn't it?"
Mary looked to her side and saw it was the woman who had waved to her. She was older than Mary, perhaps in her early 20s. She had pale porcelain skin, dark brown eyes and chestnut hair. She was very pretty and elegant but there was a look of mischief behind her eyes. But she still had an aura that was light and playful.
"Yes." She looked at the woman hesitantly. "My name is Mary."
"I know who you are Mary. I'm Anne, Anne Stanhope." She said while pouring her cup of tea.
"You and the Duke of Suffolk have made quite the scandal here at court."
"I suppose we have although that certainly wasn't our intention."
"It isn't the first time Suffolk pulled this stunt. I'm beginning to think it is on purpose."
Mary laughed lightly because the more that she thought about it. How did Charles in his 30 years of life marry two princesses?
"Well my husband certainly does like his share of pranks."
Lady Stanhope smiled and sat closer to Mary. "I hope you realize these women are a pack of wolves and love to prey on weak little lambs like you. So be weary and trust no one not even your sister or mother."
"I don't trust many people."
"Good. Very good already learning I see" She studied Mary carefully and realizing how serious she was. She nudges Mary and laughs at her. "Heavens! No one said you couldn't enjoy yourself my dear. Here have some biscuits."
Mary bowed and thanked her.
Suddenly she heard a bell ring and the room became quiet. An older woman in her late 30s stood up, she had dark hair and similar shrewd lips of a particular concubine Mary knew very well. "As you all are aware we have a new guest. Duchess Suffolk please introduce yourself"
Every eye went on Mary and she stood up quietly and curtsied.
"I hear you come from Spain."
"Yes, I am."
"I must say you speak English very well, I can't even hear an accent."
That is because there is no accent, I'm English! She wanted to say.
"I've always had an ear for languages."
The pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes on her. "Congratulations on your marriage to the Duke of Suffolk. We must know how you manage to marry one of England's most sought after bachelor from our clutches."
"I haven't had the slightest clue, ask the king."
She looked at Mary skeptically and Mary knew she didn't convince her but she didn't care if she believed or not.
"No children yet I see." Looking right at Mary's flat stomach disapprovingly
Mary smiled unflinchingly. "One son, Henry."
"Oh yes the late Princess Margret's son. Well I hope you will break the Spanish drought." Said the older woman, Mary knew she was digging at her by so-called patriotic pride but she was more offended by the reference to her mother.
"Oh yes, well I hear it's rather infectious." She responded coolly.
The older woman flinched in surprise at her response.
"Please tell her highness we are praying for her and the King."
The older women's face went white, her lips went thin visibly shaken but she smiled. "Please enjoy yourself Duchess."
Mary smiled graciously again at the older woman but deep down she was shaking with rage.
"I see our little lamb was really wolf in sheep skin." Ann giggled beside her.
Charles rushed into the hall and saw it was nearly empty. Had he missed her? Could she have gone home? He walked toward the salon and of the few women there none of them were Mary.
"She's not here, your grace."
Charles followed the voice and saw a pretty woman standing with three other companions. It took him a moment realize it was the Stanhope girl. The smile that she gave him made Charles uneasy, she had a reputation of being mischievous and scheming but she was by no means unintelligent.
"I must say she certainly made quite the impression here."
"How do you mean my lady?"
The other women giggled and Lady Stanhope shrugged. "I will leave it to her to tell you. "
Charles flashed a smile. "I'll look forward to it."
He bowed in thanks and decided to continue the search elsewhere but instead he found Sir Bryant waiting for him with Cromwell. Charles silently cursed at the sight of him.
"The Kings requests a private audience with you."
Charles sighed. "Lead the way gentlemen."
Mary silently walked in a nostalgic daze toward the royal chapel; she always intended to come here but a part of her felt she wasn't ready to revisit part of her life. She stopped by the front entrance for a moment and hesitated. It had been a long time since she had been there. She remembered coming to mass countless of times with her parents in another life time. When she was a princess and her parents were still married. A time when her father loved her mother and her mother adored him. Many people forget her parents use to love each other but she never did. She never lost hope until he ripped all hope from her and let the Boleyns destroy her mother and their family.
Mary felt her heart grow heavy with sorrow but before she lost her nerve she entered. Nothing looked so magnificent and majestic in the entire world. The glass stained windows cast an array of beautiful colors on the plaster ceiling. She looked forward and saw that it was empty and completely quiet. Was no one present?
Mary walked toward the altar and ran her hand around it. She noticed the confessional was nowhere in sight which startled her. She will never get use to protestant customs.
Behind the alter was the Royal pew which was forbidden to everyone except the royal family. Apart of Mary wanted to go inside but her mind told her not to.
"Will you not enter my lady?" Mary spun around in surprise and saw a man hooded in a black cloak.
"Who are you?"
"A friend,"
Mary frowned at his accent, trying to place it but she couldn't. "Don't come closer." She warned.
The taller figure stopped.
"Who are you?" Mary repeated. "Why are you following me?"
"I have a message."
"From whom?"
The figure hesitated for a moment. "From his Eminence, Princess."
Mary stood paralyzed. This man knew her!
"Now won't you enter the room?"
Charles rode into the woods with Henry and a few of his men with a destination in mind. He knew where he wanted to go or to whom and he understood as a friend he should advise him not to go. But when Henry had his mind on something there is no deterring him and Charles did not want to stand in his way. This was the change he had been waiting for so long.
Suddenly Henry slowed down and waved the rest to stand back.
"How goes your marriage Charles? Is it better the second time around?"
Charles blinked in surprised. "I couldn't be happier, your majesty."
"Do you make her happy?" Henry eyes him suspiciously. Charles didn't miss the paternal concern in his voice.
"I believe so. I do my best."
The king relaxed into the saddle. "I am glad to hear that at least one of is happy. "
Charles s looked at his friend concerned knowing very well how rapid his marriage was disintegrating
Henry stared ahead of him unable to look at Charles but the intensity of his face answered for him
"You know Charles, I've been thinking a lot lately about my treatment of Mary. " The King began. "I regret many things."
"Perhaps, your majesty should speak with her." Charles encouraged.
Henry shook his head. "All those years never would have happen if she hadn't forced my hand. If she hadn't been like her, I could forgive her."
Charles knew his wife would never ask for forgiveness. She was too prideful too much of a Tudor to apologize. But what would she apologize for? Wasn't it Henry that had caused this damage?
"She misses you." He finally tells him.
Henry said nothing and stared ahead. He finally saw a woman standing on the paved road way smiling. He kicked his heels and ushered the horse forward.
Charles stood back watching the King become like a love sick adolescent again. Though he was happy for his friend but he couldn't ignore the unsettling feeling that gnawed at him the closer they approached the cottage.
Mary shook holding the letter in her hand. This is treason! Her mind screamed. Run! I cannot be seen here.
She saw the Papal seal nervously and looked at the hooded man who had yet refused to reveal his face.
"How do I know this is real?" She questioned. "How do I know this not some kind of ploy from the Queen?"
The figure stiffened and the man shook his head. "It is no ploy. This is from his eminence."
"Does he know what he's asking from me?" She whispered.
"Yes."
"I can't. I have a family."
"That can easily be dissolved. He can grant an annulment and consider the union void as you were not married in a Catholic ceremony."
Mary grew cold and terrified at the thought of it. No.
"I cannot do this. Raise a rebellion, claim the throne?"
"We can arrange a marriage, a catholic marriage perhaps with the Emperor's son. Declare you Queen and invade. "
The man stayed quiet for a long moment. "What of your people? What will happen to their souls? Will you do nothing while their souls are condemned to hell?"
"Of course not, I love my people and my country."
"Then why the hesitation?" The man asked. "Is it Brandon? Are you in love with him?"
Mary looked down at her hands and gripped the hem of her dress feeling anxious. "It's not that simple."
"Are you with child?"
Mary self-consciously touched her stomach. "No." She admitted.
"You are anointed. You're meant to be an anointed Queen, a divine representation of God's order to govern earthly dominions. You were born to lead your people strong in the faith as your grandmother Isabel de Castile and your mother Queen Katherine had done. There is no room for an earthly love."
Mary stayed silent feeling overwhelmed.
The man sighed and stood up. "Consider it, Princess. Consider your people."
He told her before leaving her.
As soon as she was alone she let out a shaky breath and closed her eyes. Her heart raced and it became hard to breath suddenly.
"Be calm." She told herself. "Be calm."
Charles sat down staring at his cards; he had an ace hand that he knew. He looked over to the older man who watched him patiently. He gave the man a sheepish grin and folded. There was a time to win and a time to lose. This was a lesson he had learned a long time ago.
"Done already Suffolk? Or did you take pity on such an old man like me." The older man smiled. He had a kind face, that seemed warm and genuine but Charles knew better. He had the same level ambition as Thomas Boleyn and Norfolk. He did sell one of his daughters like cattle to a well-known abuser.
"Perhaps it was luck." Charles told him.
The older man looked at him curiously. "Tell me your grace, do you believe in luck?"
He refilled Charles cup with wine waiting for his answer.
"Ask me that again after the next round." Charles said humorously before a sip. "And you?"
The older man shook his head. "No, there is no such thing as luck only opportunity."
He looks passed Charles shoulder over to the King who sat with a fair young girl in his lap. Charles follows his gaze and saw them embrace.
He stared back at the old man and raised his cup. "Then I hope you don't waste it."
"I won't." He said confidently. "We won't."
And there Charles knew he had finally found an opportunity to strike the Boleyns down.
Mary walked distractedly into the foyer waiting to be received. Charles hadn't been home for the past few days; apparently her father stole him away for an impromptu countryside tour. Perhaps it was for the best that she didn't see him. She hadn't been sleeping because the anxiety has been consuming her for days. The Vatican's proposal weight heavily in her mind and it terrified her. She wanted to tell Charles but what could she say? That the Vatican wants to annul their marriage and wage a war against her father because the souls of the English people face eternal condemnation? That she is England's only hope? But is it still her responsibility anymore?
The sound of footsteps broke her train of thought and she turned immediately expecting Lady Seymour but instead face to face to someone very familiar. Mary looked at him shocked and confused.
"Lady Suffolk," He greeted her flashing a striking smile.
Mary immediately curtsied at the sight of him.
Mary's breath caught in her throat at the sight of him as he towered over her. His hair was longer than the last time they met. He had gown stubble which suited him well, more so than the clean shaven pretty man she had met many months ago. His golden hair shone brightly against the sunlight, he green eyes sparkled as he gazed at her. Mary could finally acknowledge Edward a terribly handsome man.
"I...I think." She hesitated. "I have made a mistake."
Edward raised his brows curiously. "Oh? Where did you want to go?"
Mary looked down at her hand at the invitation. "Somerset house."
"May I?" He asks reaching for the invitation which Mary obliged to pass to him.
Mary looked around the manor finally taking in her surroundings. How did she miss how massive this estate was? She must have been so distracted with her thoughts to realize. It was indeed a beautiful manor with many bay windows overlooking the Thames River.
"I see my wife may have forgotten about her little arrangement for tea." He sighed.
"Lady Strathope is your wife?"
"It's actually Seymour and it has been for quite some time. " He murmured tensely.
Mary stared at him blankly, "I didn't know."
Edward grinned sheepishly at the predicament. "It's not something she or even I like to advertise."
She furrowed her eyes slightly but decided not to press the issue. It really wasn't her business just like it really wasn't her business to be here without Anne.
"Since my lovely wife isn't here perhaps I can entertain you in her stead. Lady Seymour had just left to our family cottage collecting my sister for her debut at court."
"Elizabeth?"
Edward shook his head. "Jane." He responded leading her down the foyer.
By the time Mary came home it was dark and she didn't mean to stay long at Somerset but when Edward showed her the library she couldn't resist exploring it. Edward turned out to be quite an avid reader himself and he sent her home with many books on philosophy, science and history. Mary hated to admit she rather enjoyed her time with Edward because he was rather knowledgeable and engaged her in many topics. Most of the time they disagreed but that was fine with her because at least he distracted her from all her issues.
She stood in the foyer and she felt a rush of anxiousness wash over her again. Her heart pounded while her thoughts and emotions ran rampant.
"Your grace? Are you well?" Asked the footman concerned as he helped carry her books in.
Mary smiled and thanked the man for this help then dismissed him. She turned her heel and went straight to her bedchamber. She quietly closed the door and squeezed her eyes shut focusing on her breathing. It had been more than two years since she's had such episodes. Then they had stopped for quite a while until now.
When she opened them she saw his large frame in the dark and his scent hit her. Shaking she walked over their bed and watched him breath. She couldn't see him clearly in the dark but she could picture him lying there with his dark hair tousled, his night shirt opened exposing his collar bone and his perfectly shaped pecks and firm abdomen.
"Are you going to just stand there or join me?" He murmured sleepily.
Mary crawled on to the bed and went on top of him, causing Charles to chuckle throatily.
"I have missed you too." He whispered as wrapped his arms around her. She felt smaller then he had remembered. Mary nuzzled herself against his chest and it took him a moment realized she was shaking.
"My love what is wrong? Are you unwell?" He panicked and sat up checking her for fever but nothing.
Mary placed her hands on his chest and pushed him back on to the bed to relax him.
"Nothing is wrong." She said in a hush voice.
Charles wasn't convinced and he was about to inquire further but he found himself straddled. Mary leaned over him while she ran her finger across his warm flesh feeling him. She pressed her lips dangerously low causing him to groan and harden. This instantly aroused Mary as she continued to administer kitten like kisses up his chest. She took a deep breath taking his scent.
Mary kissed his jaw and then finally captured his lips. At first he was soft and gentle but that wasn't what she wanted. She pulled away and pushed down his shirt off his shoulders. He was breathing hard but he stayed still.
So she moved differently, kissed him hard and his mouth cleaved to her and in a rush like tide he kissed her back. His tongue hungrily parted her lips and tasted her mouth.
Mary didn't think about anything and she kissed him with all she had because she couldn't help it. She couldn't hold back if she tried. Her hunger for him was insatiable and Mary grounded into him over and over, spurred on by his deep-throat moans of pleasure.
Charles tried to roll her over onto the bed but she pressed her palms on his shoulders, holding him in place. She had never taken such initiative and he was eager to see what she had in mind. She slid her hands down his chest, her fingers slightly tracing the lines of his abs and finally down his length.
Charles's hand was making their way around Mary's hips, filling her. Mary pulled back for a moment and then took his face into her hands, the feel his hot breath across her face gave her a powerful urge to claim them. Instead she felt began to rock gently back and forth. Her husband kissed her neck and whispered her name. She heard him say he loved her as he had done countless of time. And she wanted to say them back to him but she had no right. How could she tell him what has been on her mind these past few days? How she thought of the many ways she would make him see the impossibility of a future together. That she had considered leaving him?
Her eyes stung feeling the guilt overwhelm her but before she could dwell she could feel herself being pinned against the bed. He deepened their kiss and lulled her mind with his lips. Taking her away to another place, escaping to a place where there was no sound or silence or thought or want.
Charles watched Mary as he pulled on his black leather pants. She was busy combing her long dark hair lost in deep thought.
Feeling his eyes on her she turned to him offering a coy shy smile before looking away.
There was something amiss he could feel something tense in the air. He wanted to ask her directly but he knew better to leave it, she would come to him when she was ready.
A smile tickled his lips thinking about last night and how she came to him. It was incredible, she was amazing.
He thought that Mary had given herself to him physically before but last night was different. She had no reservations roving her hands over his body and each exploration of her lips, finger tips inflamed him more than ever.
"How was your visit at Somerset?" He asked breaking the silence.
Mary stopped brushing and gently placed the comb on the mantel.
"It was interesting," She told him quietly. "Unfortunately I missed Lady Strath- I mean Lady Seymour."
"Seymour?" He questioned. "I didn't realize she married one of the Seymour brothers."
"Well has been married for quite some time now."
"Thomas?"
"Edward."
Charles blinked for a moment in surprise but quickly his surprise turned into jealously. He didn't like Edward because Mary was forced to keep a secret from him and he blamed it all on Edward. He also didn't miss the way he looked at her.
"He must have been quite the host for keeping you away so long."
Mary shook her head. "He showed me the library and well it was quite impressive. Lord Seymour was kind enough to lend me a few books."
Charles pulled his shirt on. "We have many books."
He saw her look at him for a moment but didn't argue with him.
"I'm going to take Henry with me to visit Lady Salisbury."
He frowned. "I didn't know she was invited back at court."
Mary understood what he meant. Lady Salisbury third son Reginald Pole had been constantly challenging her father regarding the Boleyn marriage. Things became so tense that he had her leave court as result.
"It's good that she's here." She said quietly.
Charles smiled sadly knowing Lady Salisbury was a mother to Mary for so many years. There was no one aside of Chapuys who had been so loyally at Mary's side when everyone abandoned Mary. He had heard that she offered to serve Mary at her own cost. He hoped that this visit will do Mary some good.
When Charles arrived at court he was immediately summoned to the Kings' study. Henry wasted no time these days.
As he entered the room he saw two figures brooding around the King, everyone in deep thought. Charles immediately noticed the absence of the Boleyns and even Norfolk.
"Your Majesty," He bowed.
Henry bowed back in acknowledgment. "You're Grace."
Charles looked up from his spot and noticed Lord Seymour with his son Edward who both bowed to Charles.
Cromwell suddenly appeared behind him with Sir Bryant.
All the men greeted each other with formalities and finally Henry spoke.
"I'm sure you all have been hearing rumors about an uprising in the north. As it turns those rumors are true."
"What are your orders your majesty?"
"I want to crush them. So I have drawn plans with Thomas Lovell."
He motioned Charles over to show him but Charles was taken aback of the strategy. The details were so extensive he would have thought they were fighting France again like they had many years ago at the Battle of the Spurs.
Henry watched Charles intensely wanting his opinion. Charles was a very capable commander and performed exemplary against France.
"Well?"
Charles hesitated for a moment. "These are quite good as expected from Lord Lovell however these are simple men, country folk. I do not believe such actions are necessary."
"Of course it is! Look at how they defy me their King and Master. They deserve death, they are all traitors." Henry shot back scathingly.
Cromwell spoke up. "Are you suggesting we sympathize with these Catholic fanatics?"
"If I may your Majesty," Lord Seymour interrupted. "These are still English men so we have a responsibility to at least hear what they want to say. If you show them concern and mercy perhaps they will come to their senses."
Henry threw himself onto his chair pondering on the older man's words.
"Charles I want you to gather a few men." He finally said. "Speak with their leader, see what they want."
Charles bowed. "Yes Majesty."
"If it pleases your majesty I should like to offer my son Edward to go with the Duke of Suffolk."
"If that is his wish," Charles said looking at Edward.
"It would be my honor, your grace."
Mary sat across from Lady Salisbury as she poured another cup of hot tea.
"It feels quite strange to be back at court doesn't it?" The older woman commented.
"Strange wouldn't quite describe it." Mary sighed. "I naively thought I would feel like I am home but it's actually quite terrifying."
"One should always be careful of what they wish for."
"I hear your son Henry is back as well?"
"Yes, our answers have been prayers have been answered by God's grace. I just hope he stays out of the eye of the King."
"You mean Cromwell."
The older woman shook her head. "That man is the devil incarnate. But enough of court business how do things fair with your husband? Is he kind?"
Mary tried hard to not smile at the mention of Charles. She didn't want to give herself away at least not yet because she still had her own motives for being here.
"Very kind, I see." Lady Salisbury laughed. "You could never keep anything from me."
"How could you tell?"
"Your eyes lit up like a start struck girl but I know something is bothering you."
Mary's face slackened and stared back at her cup.
Lady Salisbury sighed and stood up. Then came back with a bottle of wine and poured Mary a class.
She blinked at Lady Salisbury it was barely 11 am. "Wine?"
"I just have a feeling we are going to need it and you are no longer a child. We should speak woman to woman."
Mary knew she couldn't tell her about the man at the church and how the Pope wanted her to betray her father. No she had to protect Lady Salisbury considering her family relationship with the king is strained.
"Now tell me my dear. Is there a problem in bed?" She questioned bluntly.
Mary nearly choked on her wine.
"Oh no." She said. "Absolutely not the Duke is perfect in that regard."
"Well do you have trouble conceiving?"
Mary hesitated for a moment. "I don't believe so." Truthfully it hadn't been that long since they have been engaging sexually as man and wife. Though she couldn't deny tingling feeling of doubt she felt in her ability give birth because of her mother's experience.
"Have you been bleeding regularly?"
"Yes without fail but that's not the issue really."
"What is the issue, Princess?"
Mary took a deep breath. "How do I avoid being with child?"
Charles stormed ahead with his horse in the hopes of losing their enemy. He looked back and saw Seymour riding behind him with a few of his men. The younger man gritted his teeth in pain but his eyes flashed with anger.
They were ambushed.
Their small party had been resting by a riverbank on their way back with speaking with the rebels agreed to calm the situation and wait on the King. They lost many men, many of his good men who sacrificed themselves for him.
But he knew who whose sloppy work it was. He recognized quite of few of Boleyn's men. An arrogant move on their part because they must of counted on killing all of them.
Fortunately they failed because he lived.
It was finally time to annihilate the Boleyn vermin from court.
From now on it will be war.
Dun Dun duuuuuun...and the plot thickens
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