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Chapter 15

Mary sat across from Henry who was busy eating his poached eggs. She stared pensively into her tea cup thinking about Charles. She had been expecting him to be home two days ago but he never came. It was possible her father took him away for business or perhaps to rendezvous in the country but her gut told her otherwise. She gripped her tea cup and feeling a familiar wave of uncontrollable rush of anxiousness begin to consume her. What if he was in trouble? How could she help him?

"Are we going to Richmond today?" Henry asked suddenly breaking her from her thoughts.

"Perhaps after your Greek lessons," Mary told him letting out a deep breath trying to contain her emotions. "And if the weather permits, it looks like it may pour."

"Will father be there?"

Mary stared into Henry's eyes and gave him an assuring smile. "I'm sure he is there." She told him. There was no need to frighten the boy.

"Father was supposed to show me archery yesterday." He frowned. "But he forgot"

"I am sure he didn't mean to." Mary said in a sympathetic tone. "You know how much the King relies on him."

Henry's face crumpled more in disapproval but left it alone much to her relief.

When she saw that his plate was done she stood up and mentioned him to clean up before his tutor came. Henry did as he told and ran out of the room.

As soon as he left one of their footmen Jarrived and gave her a note.

"This came for you, madam."

Mary looked at the note and frowned. "Who is it from?"

"It didn't say it was handed from a street boy."

Confused she took the note from him and thanked him.

The wheels started to turn as Mary wondered who wanted to meet with her at this time at a brothel. Could it be the Vatican? Would they want to meet at a place as a brothel? It was possible. It would be the last place anyone would any man who serves Rome.

Mary took a moment to brace herself and she opened the letter. Recognizing the writing she immediately ran out of the room.

When she stepped out of her the carriage and studied the down trodden. It looked like a hole in a wall with the wood already beginning to peel. She thought it would be bigger than expected but then what should she have expected? She never thought in her life she would ever step foot into a place like this.

Mary hesitated and pulled her hood over her already veiled face and entered. As soon as she entered she saw many men and wenches asleep from last night's excursion. There were still individuals sitting and drinking but Mary guessed the atmosphere is normally more bustling and lively than it would at 10 am. She looked around awkwardly looking around for a host. But suddenly an older plump woman appeared in front of her.

"How may I help you, my lady?"

"I am meeting someone," Mary said quietly. "They're staying at room 32 I believe."

The woman studied for a long moment as if she was seizing Mary up. She as clearly very suspicious of Mary and didn't trust her.

"Who were you expecting to meet?"

"My husband I hope." She told her.

"Unveil your face, your grace."

Mary obliged and immediately saw the older woman relax. "He did say you would have beautiful vibrant eyes. Follow me"

Mary carefully navigated over the room and followed the older woman up a tight stairwell. Once they reached top they were meet with a bleak humid foyer with small candles offering some light. The woman stopped and room.

She knocked 5 times slowly and the door became unlocked. She looked at Mary and bowed before taking her leave.

When Mary pushed the door she saw him sitting by a table with a cup of ale. Charles looked exhausted and disheveled but before he could say anything Mary crossed the room and threw her arms around him. She kissed his neck and held his face in her hands in.

"What happened? Why are you hiding?" She asked with a concerned expression. Mary's heart lurched when she saw dejection in his eyes.

Charles shook his head. "Kiss me." He begged quietly pulling her and shakily placed his mouth against hers. Charles gently prodded her lips seeking the comfort of her taste. She slightly opened her lips to him as he touched her with his tongue. He kissed her with an urgency he couldn't control. If she only knew how terrified, he was that he wouldn't see her or Henry again. That before she came into his life he never realized how sad and lonely he truly was. That he never will be another woman but her.

He seamlessly laid her back on to the bed with a consumed with the need to touch her more and feel her against him. His mouth never left her mouth when he moved on top of her, kissing her with a heated glow of passion for her.

Mary exhaled and held him closer feeling her chest swell with desire for him. She was immersed into him again. She gripped his dark hair with her fingers and slid her hands underneath his shirt over the smooth contours of his muscled back. Mary arched her back into position and grabbed his shoulders but Charles stiffened at the contact and let out a painful hiss.

Mary pulled back instantly. "What's this?" She quickly slid her hand under his shirt felt a rough bandage. She drew her hand back and noticed the fresh blood on her fingers.

"Take this this off, I want to see."

"It's nothing." He said trying to capture her lips again wanting to pick up where they left off.

Mary dodged his advances and began to pull on his shirt clearly not taking no for an answer. Charles shook his head knowing it was useless and allowed her to help him off his clothes. There she saw a makeshift bandage with dry specs of blood. She peeled back the bandage and a five-inch angry gash. Mary almost heaved at the sight of it.

Incensed she threw his shirt at him. "It looks like someone has tried to hack you into pieces."

"Well I can't argue that. They certainly did want me dead." Charles said disappointed that their moment had lost steam.

"You need stiches." She sighed. "It's quite deep we can call the surgeon."

"We can't call Mr. James not yet."

"Then another surgeon."

"No, only Mr. James because I trust him and he's indisposed at the moment," He told her taking another drink of his ale. He didn't how he could tell her how their Suffolk home has been converted into an infirmary at the moment.

Mary stood up for and left the room sudden leaving Charles with a stupid look of confusion. After a moment she returned with wine and clean bandages.

"I will stitch and you will tell what in heaven's name is going on."

He sat on the arm chair, shirtless and waiting for Mary to make her move. He looked toward the vanity mirror and saw her deep in concentration. Charles let out an amused smile finding his wife adorable as she struggled to contain her normally stoic composure. Finally, he saw her inch closer to his skin but stopped suddenly.

"I need more wine." She told him.

Charles offered her a sympathetic smile, he felt sorry to place her in an uncomfortable situation with his blood on her hands again.

"It has to happen sometime, sweetheart." He tells her trying to make light of the situation.

He saw Mary nod gently before taking another long sip. This was now her fourth cup and now he wondered if it was a good idea to have her stich him up.

"I know." She said in an agitated tone. "I just want to make it as painless as possible."

"Painless for who? You can't possibly mean me."

Mary ignored his sarcasm and placed the needle the back into the boiling pot of water. She washed her hands again and picked another clean needle. As soon as she positioned the thread in her needle and wordlessly broke Charles's skin.

Charles jumped slightly in surprise.

"Sit still." She berated him and Charles did as he was told.

He winced slightly with every prick and pull but remained silent as his young wife worked away. Whatever reservations she had in the beginning were gone and as she narrowed her eyes in concentration.

"Now will you explain?"

By the time Charles finished explaining his travels up north, the rebellion and the ambush. They both found themselves sitting in bed with their minds weighing heavily. Charles looked over at Mary and wanted nothing more than to take hard right then and there.

Instead Mary took his hands in hers. "What do you want me to do?"

"I want you to take Henry with you back to our estate just until things have calmed down."

"What about you? What will you be doing?"

"Time to put my knowledge into good use but the issue is the Queen herself. She's too cunning and closed there is no way to dispose her really. "He admitted as he caressed her silky cheek with his thumb.

"The whore isn't the issue" She began. "She will topple herself."

"How do you mean?"

"The focus should be on my father. He's the most vulnerable one."

Charles furrowed his brows.

"He is a sensitive man ruled by his emotions."

"Yes." Thinking of a particular blonde girl he met in the country many months ago.

"Play his paranoia, feed his doubts and have him drown in his remorse and frustration. Lead him to think that all his troubles would disappear if he only rid himself of her."

Charles was caught off guard at her insight and he wondered why he ever doubted that she could survive at court. He had to remember Mary was in another league of her own. She had sovereign's mentality and had been trained to think different about how to out thwart enemies or friends alike.

Charles placed his hand on her waist and then travelled to her hips. "Then I don't think it shall be too long."

Mary looked at him quizzically, but didn't push the issue as she noticed the exhaustion that etched on his handsome face. She reached out to touch his cheek, feeling the rough bristle of his stubble. She wanted to tell him about the Vatican and their proposal but it wasn't the time now. There was too much on his mind.

Instead she thumbed his jawline, stopping at the cleft of his chin which she found endearing. She leaned to kiss the corner of his mouth and the curve of his perfectively symmetrical cheek. Mary positioned herself between his long legs and gently eased him back on to his pillow careful not to irritate his wound.

She stared into his large blue eyes which were clear and warm. Her chest constricted taking him in; he was truly a perfect man visually. He looked looked like he was etched of stone but he was anything but stone but warm hard flesh. His skin was clear and smooth under her touch. She pulled back and gently ran her fingers across his shoulder until she found his chest. Mary lightly brushed her hand against his chest feeling every hard muscle then exploring further down against his abdomen. She felt the familiar rippled hard lines of his flat stomach and every old scar he had sustain from old battles and jousting tournaments. Mary looked back at Charles feeing relieved she didn't find any more injuries.

Charles watched her as she touched him. He wanted to tell her that he was well and that he was sorry to have put her through distress. Instead he let her feel him and let her feel that he was strong and secure. He would never allow any harm to her regardless of his condition.

"It' was only scratch." He whispers huskily grabbing her by the shoulders, bringing her closer to him. "I've had worse."

"I know." Her heart felt heavy with sadness seeing him in that state. It reminded her of the time he came to her rescue when she had been kidnapped with Kat. Charles had been seriously injured and there was so much blood everywhere.

Charles suddenly took her face in his hands breaking from her thoughts and stared straight into her eyes. "Think nothing of it my love." He said kissing her forehead.

Mary sighed and relaxed against him, closing her eyes. It wasn't until a while later did she realize he was still watching her.

"Why don't you rest?"

"I want to look at you." He tells her. "I love to look at you."

"I'm not going anywhere Charles." She told him feeling relieved to say it out loud. Though some part of her questioned if that was really true, could she stay with him? Would the world let her just stay this man? She didn't know but she could at least promise to be here with him in this moment.

As soon as their home came into view from their carriage Mary felt relief wash over her.

"We are here!" Henry remarked excitedly.

Mary smiled at him and nodded. "Indeed we are."

She looked at Charles who was in a pensive state. Concerned she placed her hand on his thigh and gave him a gentle squeeze. Broken from his thoughts Charles took her hand and kissed it.

When they arrived they were met with an excited Mrs. Bryn who came to embraced them all warmly.

"I am so happy to see you all back from court so soon." She declared.

Charles smiled at the older woman affectionately. "It's good to be back Mrs. Bryn."

Suddenly an old man came down the stairs and bowed. "Your grace, madam," He greeted them in a very serious tone.

"Mr. James my good man," Charles began. "How does our patient fare?"

Mary looked between the men very confused. What patient? She wanted to ask.

The surgeon hesitated. "If I may have a few words with you."

Charles went toward him and led him away to the living room.

Mary watched them disappear with curiosity but distracted herself with the servants. When she went upstairs she felt Lady Bryn stop her.

"Oh Duchess please follow me I have some concerns about the garden."

She studied the older woman's face unconvinced but consented to follow her.

When Mary came back from whatever 'issue' the garden had she found Charles coming down the stairs with a serious face. She stopped in front of him suddenly preventing him from going further down the stairs.

"What is happening? Who is upstairs?" she mouthed to him

Charles hesitated and grabbed her arm leading her up the stairs.

"I have to go back to London." He told her. "Right now."

Mary looked at him surprised. "Why? We just arrived."

He said nothing and opened the bedroom door. Mary peered inside and saw Edward Seymour lying on the bed looking very pale, his eyes had dark circle and he looked to be sweating from fever. His chest was heavily bandaged. He was dying.

"I am bringing his family." He whispered into her ear.

Mary looked at him and nodded guiltily feeling relieved it wasn't him that was on the bed. She took his hands into her hands and stared into his eyes.

"Be safe please." She told him.

Charles smiled and kissed her gently on the lips. "I promise."

At the dead of night Mary woke up to someone crying and she immediately got out of bed to investigate. As soon as she went out of her room she saw her servants come out in alarm. It took everyone a moment to realize where the cries were coming from.

"Everyone to your room." She instructed before heading towards Edwards room. As she approached she heard him call out a name. Catherine! Catherine!

Mary hesitated for a moment unsure if she should enter but before she lost her nerve she entered. She slowly walked towards Edward who was in a delirious state. The pillow was wet with sweat from his fever and his eyes open but unseeing.

"Is that you my love?"

Feeling pity for him Mary told him yes. She placed her hand on his forehead, his skin was scalding. So sh dipped a towel it into bowl of water and placed on his head to calm his fever.

He smiled relieved and eased back on this his pillow. "You came back to me,"

"Of course," Mary responded not wanting to say too much because she really didn't know who this Catherine meant to him.

"I should have fought harder."

Mary blinked confused but played along. "You did your best." She said taking his hand into hers.

"I let him take you away." He whispered.

"But I am here now." She assured him before sitting on the chair by his bedside.

"Don't leave me."

"I won't."

After she saw him succumb to sleep she began to whisper silent prayers.

Mary woke to the sun in her face and she stirred awake. She glanced around in confusion realizing she wasn't in her room. Mary was about to stand up and noticed two green pair of eyes on her. She froze realizing he was awake and even siting up. Color seemed to return to his skin but he still looked weak and frail.

"Good morning." He said gently.

"Good morning." She responded curtly noticing she was still holding his hand. Mary took her hand back feeling uncomfortable. "Do you feel better?"

"Yes." Edward said giving her a sheepish grin as if he was embarrassed by the circumstances she saw him in.

"I'm glad to hear that. We didn't think you would have very long." She said standing up smoothing her night robe.

Edward nodded understanding and suddenly tried to move but he only managed to irritate his wounds. Edward winced and let out a small groan.

"It's best you didn't move." Mary cautioned. "Your injuries are pretty severe."

"I can feel that now." He told her looking around the room trying to get his bearings.

"My husband went to collect your family."

"Suffolk did? He shouldn't have bothered." Edward sighed. "Father won't be pleased. There is a great deal of work to be done."

Mary raised his brow quizzically but ignored it seeing it wasn't her business. "Well I'll be taking my leave now I will just inform the surgeon that you are awake and seemed to be healthier."

The blonde man face seemed to falter in disappointment but he quickly masked it. "Thank you Mary, it seems my family is forever indebted to you and your husband."

"Think nothing of it we are just relived no more lives were lost, my Lord." She told him as she turned her heel to leave.

Around noon Mary could hear carriages being pulled across the yard and she immediately went down stairs to meet Charles. But before she could greet anyone a tall older man with white hair swiftly ran pass her and up the stairs.

Then she saw Anne being helped out the carriage by Thomas Seymour and Charles followed after her.

Lady Seymour noticed Mary and tearfully threw her arms around her. "Is he gone?" She cried. "What are we to do?"

Mary hugged her back.

"No he's alive and well. It seems he will recover." She told her friend.

Lady Seymour stiffened and a fleeting moment of anger flashed through her dark brown eyes. Mary was taken aback by her reaction.

"Alive?" She whispered quietly.

"Yes."

Anne cleared her throat and smiled. "Thank god. I thought I would go mad."

Mary smiled back but felt genuinely disturbed by what she saw. Did she want her husband dead?

Thomas Seymour approached Mary and the youngest Seymour was very different than the other Seymour family members she had come across who all were fair and green eyed. He had brown hair and deep dark grey eyes that almost looked blue. He was still handsome but not in a delicate way as his older brother is but he was more rugged.

"Madam." He bowed. "Forgive my father rudeness it seems he was overcome with fear for his son's life that he forgot his place."

Charles came from behind him and slapped his back. "Come now Thomas, I'm sure my Lady wife was not at all offended," He said to ease the younger man.

"I understand my Lord, do not worry." Mary smiled.

"We wouldn't even be in this position if it wasn't for that Boleyn vermin." Thomas seethed angrily. "I will kill them."

Charles squeezed the young man's shoulder comfortingly. "All in due time but I think Edward would like to see you."

The young man nodded and bowed excusing himself as he went to meet with the rest of his family upstairs.

Mary watched him disappear she felt him brush his lips against her neck. She instantly shuddered when he felt his hot breath on her skin.

"To my study if you would my lady," He told her as he placed his hand on the small of her back guiding her.

Mary swallowed nervously and nodded.

Charles felt her heave heavily into his shoulder, flush and out of breath as one normally is after making love. He himself was also panting just as hard. They were on his desk with his papers and ink scattered everywhere on the floor.

When he felt Mary try to untangle herself from him, he kept her still. She raised a brow amused but Charles only kissed her lips gently.

"We must talk." Mary told him in between his kisses.

Charles sighed regrettably and nodded. "We do."

He watched her furrow her elegantly dark brows. "John Seymour and his family…" She began, "I don't trust them."

"And you shouldn't." Charles agreed. "He's just as ambitious as Thomas Boleyn but we must align ourselves with them at least for now."

"Why them? Why are they so special?" She questioned. "What have I missed?"

"The real question is who have you missed." He touches her cheek, caressing her cheekbone with his thumb.

Mary shook her head nothing coming to her head.

"His eldest daughter Jane has gotten the attention of your Father, perhaps more than just his attention,"

"He's in love with her?" She asked surprised.

"Perhaps or it could be infatuation. I am not sure but whatever he feels is strong, strong enough to replace the whore."

"Replace a whore for another whore." Mary said disapprovingly.

Charles chuckled at her words. "Lady Jane is different, she's humble and obedient. You might actually like her."

Mary narrowed her eyes. "I doubt that."

"Either way she isn't like the Queen. She is just a simple girl who is in love."

"She's not a threat."

Charles shook his head, "No not her but the same cannot be said of her family."

Mary pressed her forehead against his forehead. "Then what should we do about them?"

"I have a few ideas."

When Charles said he had a few ideas she did not think it would involve him leaving her behind so soon. Yet here she was watching as the servants help prepare the carriages her husband would leave in along with the Seymours. She would remain here with Henry and Edward Seymour as he recovered as he was too weak to travel.

When she saw Charles walk towards her she crossed her arms unimpressed. Charles took her arms and uncrossed them.

"Look at me." He said gently taking her chin.

Mary resisted at first but finally looked at him and waited for what he had to say.

Charles gave her an apologetic look knowing she was not happy with his decision.

"It will only be for a couple of weeks Mary. Then I will come back for you, I promise."

Mary silver eyes hardened. "I should come with you."

"You know very well it's not safe. "

"What about you? Who will protect you?"

Charles took her hands into his and gave her a reassuring squeeze. "I have my men," He tried to reassure her. "I can take care of myself."

"A few days ago I found you wounded in a brothel." She whispered hotly feeling her anger flare.

Charles nearly cringed sat the memory. "I wasn't prepared but now I am."

Mary let out a breath and nodded. "No more than two weeks."

Charles gave her an assuring smile and kissed her on the lips. "Yes, two weeks." He murmured.

Mary watched as the Mr. James inspected Edward's wounds carefully. Colour seemed to be returning to his skin and though he was still weak. She never realized the extent of his injuries until she asked the Surgeon told her he had broken ribs, dislocated shoulder from a gunshot wound he received, another gunshot wound on his abdomen and a severely sprained ankle. Knowing this she realized Charles may have not been honest how terrible the attack was and how many men were lost. He most likely didn't want to distress her more than she was but if anything she felt more anger. Angry that the Boleyn's ploy almost killed Charles.

The older man looked at Mary. "You have been quite attentive, his wounds seem to be healing well and no sign of infection."

Mary stiffened not liking to the acknowledgement as it really should be his wife taking care of him. Anne had not come to Edward in the past week and half. Which Mary thought was peculiar as most wives would tend to their husbands if they were sick or ill. Then again she wasn't one to judge either.

"It really was Mrs. Bryn and the servants who we should be thankful for in his Lord's recovery."

The surgeon raised his brows amused and smiled but said nothing. He turned his attention to Edward whose face was serious but his jaw clenched with every prod.

"Try to walk my Lord"

Edward did slowly rose with the doctor slowly guiding him. He gingerly avoided any weight on his injured ankle and when he was ready he took a step. He let out a painful groan and cursed through his gritted teeth.

He glanced over at Mary and then at Mrs. Bryn. "Forgive me,"

"Don't apologize Lord Seymour." Mrs. Bryn told him sympathetically she said coming to his aid.

The doctor sighed disappointed. "It seems that injury was more serious than I had thought."

"What do you suggest Sir?" Mary inquired.

"More rest,"

Mary nodded she looked back at Edward who was being fussed over by Mrs. Bryn who was fluffing his pillows. Green eyes met her eyes but Mary immediately looked away and turn to leave.

"Duchess," She heard him call out. "If you would be so kind to allow me a spare moment of your time."

She steeled herself and turned around. "You may."

Knowing who Edward was now and his family Mary couldn't help but regard him differently. He was no longer the kind acquaintance who rescued his sister but perhaps a regent in the making.

Edward waited until Mrs. Bryn left them alone in the room did he finally speak.

"You've been avoiding me." He stated. "Why?"

Mary raised her brows surprised at his question but brushed it off. "The surgeon said you needed rest."

"That's not an answer." He insisted as he straightened his position carefully on his bed. "Did your husband tell you to stay away?"

"Of course not."

"Then why?"

Mary began. "Lord Seymour."

"You used to call me Edward."

She stared at him for a moment searching his face, he was still pale and sickly. Pathetic really but now he wasn't familiar to her anymore.

After a few moments Edward let out a sigh as something dawned on him.

"Suffolk told you didn't he?" He questioned.

"Told me what?" Mary said playing dumb.

"You needn't worry Mary" He said gently.

Mary crossed her arms and stepped closer toward him. "Do you deny your father's ambition for the throne?"

"His ambition is my ambition," He corrected.

"Why do you want it?" She questioned.

He looked amused, "Why do all men want it? Gain the crown gain the world."

She gazed at him sadly, because he didn't know what it meant to be close to the crown. None of these commoners understood the burden one carries when they rule. Nothing feels glorifying when one sits on that cursed throne.

"You are all flying too close to the sun."

"Do you tell your husband the same advice?" He commented.

Mary felt offended at the suggestion that Charles was like any of them. Boleyn or Seymour, it didn't matter. She was ready to come to his defense and aggressively list off all the way he wasn't like them but instead she stayed silent not arguing with him. Mary knew all about what it meant to be ruler, the sacrifices that had to be done. It was a miserable existence. But now speaking with Edward she realized she had completely misjudged him. She no longer saw him as that handsome, thoughtful man who came to her many months ago begging for her help to save his sister. Now she saw him as one of them, one of the court not her friend.

"I promise no harm will come to your family Mary," He said interrupting her thoughts. Edwards expression soften when his gaze fell right on her. His sincerity almost convinced her but she knew better and she also knew she must keep close to him. Enemies should be kept close.

"You shouldn't make promises you cannot keep." She said echoing the same words she had told Charles a long time ago.

Edward blinked taken aback at her words but recovered. "You have my word." He told her his face serious.

"Time will only tell my Lord."

Mary and Lady Bryn watched Edward as he struggled down the last step with the help of her servants. She could see the embarrassment etched across his face when he noticed them watching.

"The stairs seem to be getting easier each time." He breathed heavily.

"Perhaps, it would be wise to have you set up down on the main floor." Lady Bryn said eyeing Mary for support.

But before Mary could respond, Edward spoke up. "No need to trouble yourself I can manage Lady Bryn thank you."

He shifted his green eyes on to Mary and gave her a slight bow.

Mary approached Edward seemed have finally look to have some semblance of his usual dashing self. "How are you feeling?"

Edward smiled sheepishly. "Better, a lot better I can at least hobble. The surgeon recommends I enjoy some fresh air."

"If that is what he recommends."

He takes his cane. "Will you and your son care to join me?"

Mary froze she didn't plan on joining him at all but her instincts told her to engage him. It would be more useful to understand the Seymours. She eyed him carefully, he looked pathetic really with a sling and cane.

"Why not." She shrugged.

Henry sprinted ahead of them pumping his little legs as hard as he can across the green grass. He had brought his 5month old spaniel he had named Poppy who followed after him loyally. Mary couldn't help but smile at the sight of them feeling herself fill with such joy. She hadn't felt this light in a long time, especially lately.

"He's full of energy isn't he?" Edward said as he limped carefully on the soft grass.

"Henry never stops." Mary said.

"He's lucky to have you," He complimented. "They both are."

Mary glanced uneasily at Edward and was met his emerald colored eyes. She could feel the intensity edging from him and she didn't welcome it.

"I'm the one who is lucky to have them." She tells him, "Do you have children?"

Edward regarded her carefully and hesitated before answering. "I have two sons."

Mary raised her brows in surprise because Anne never mentioned of having any children.

"Two sons?" Mary remarked in disbelief. "Anne has never mentioned them."

Edward clenched his jaw. "That is because they're not hers, they are from my first marriage."

Feeling the mood become tense. It t was obvious to Mary that whatever that situation was would probably become useful in the future. At least that's what her instincts tells her but in her heart she wasn't sure if she could exploit it knowing that there are innocent children involved. She could never allow it even though it happened to her.

"What are their names?"

"John and Edward."

Mary smiled picturing small boys with blonde hair playing with Henry who needed to be around more children his age. "How old are they?"

"John is six and Edward is about your boy's age."

"They should come visit us."

Edward's face went solemn, "Perhaps," He said not offering anything else. Now Mary felt like she was intruding on something sensitive and decided not pursue it all together.

Ahead of them there was a small steep hill and she immediately took his arm.

"It's a little steep," She warned. "Do you think you can manage?"

Edward looked at her hand on his arm for a moment and then looked at the hill. "There is only one way to know. Shall we?"

Mary went first guiding him with her hand. Edward slowly followed her lead and by the time they arrived at the bottom he let go over her and proceeded to lean over. He gripped his ribs and became very pale, he gritted his teeth trying to manage his pain.

"I'm sorry." He finally says. "It seems that is all the walking I can manage."

"Take your time my Lord."

She looked around and noticed a shady tree a few yards away. Mary looked over at him and mentioned the tree. "Are you able to make it to that tree?"

Edward gazed over and scoffed "Take your time she says." He remarks sarcastically.

Mary shifted her feet uncomfortably and looked around to see where Henry was. She finally spotted him walking his way over with a look of concern.

"Is he alright mother?" He asks approaching them. "Should I get help?"

She was about to respond when Edward suddenly grabbed on to her arm to straightened his position.

"I'm fine young master." He says masking whatever pain and dizziness overcame him. His lips pulled grim smile and looked over to the shade. "I just need rest."

They all struggled to the shade and helped him sit comfortably under the tree. After they were done Henry once again ran off exploring with Mary keeping a keen eye on him.

Edward pulled on his cape and clumsily managed to place it beside him. By the time Mary looked back she saw him mention her to sit as to avoid getting her dress filthy.

Feeling a little taken aback from his attentiveness Mary sat down with him.

"I have never asked you this, but how long have you been married?" He suddenly asks striking a conversation. Edward was clearly trying to connect with Mary as they had many times before but she would not allow him that anymore.

"A little over a year ago, near the end of November." She told him carefully not sure why he wanted to know. "And you?"

"2 years." He tells her. "I can't tell you the date, I hardly remembered the ceremony."

Awkward silence befalls them again and Mary immediately regretted ever coming along with Edward. Yet she another side of her told her to go because she needed to get to know potential enemies. She just wishes she could hide her true feelings of distrust.

"What is Spain like?"

The wheels in Mary's mind started to turn. Why was he asking? Did he know?

"Well," Mary began. "It depends where you go, the climate is very diverse as the many cultures that exist."

"How so?"

She began to tense at his question. She had never been to Spain and all that she has ever known was what her mother and Chapuys had told her.

"The coastal region is very similar to the weather in England. The interior is warmer especially the further south you are but it can also be very cold during the winter."

"I've always wanted to travel there but I don't think a heretic like me would be welcomed." Edward said lightly.

Mary blinked at the word 'heretic' and suddenly to her mind to the Vatican. Suddenly her mood darkened and her chest began to weigh heavily with sorrow. "I suppose not the inquisition can easily sniff you out. They're quite relentless."

"It couldn't have been easy to leave home so suddenly."

"No, it wasn't." She answered thinking about the time her and Lady Salisbury were banished from Richmond Court all those years ago. Mary didn't understand at the time and in her mind she had thought she would see her mother again. If she had known she would have held her harder and longer, told her she loved her a thousand times. Her heart wrenched again, her eyes threatened to stung for a moment but she made maintain her stoic composure.

"But that was a lifetime ago." She finally said. "It doesn't matter anymore."

Mary felt him study her as she uncomfortably smoothed out her dress. What was he thinking? She thought.

"How have you managed to never not come to court?" He finally says.

"Well…" It was too complicated to explain so she went with the first lie in her head. "I did come once 3 years ago. I didn't stay long to be noticed."

It wasn't a complete lie she and Lady Salisbury did sneak into the city during her mother's trial to support her and they did try in vain to meet her but they had been found out and her Father's men ran her out of the city.

"I would have noticed you." Edward finally said.

Mary studied him for a moment in confusion and before she could say anything she heard carriages being pulled in. She stood up and to try to get a better view hoping she would find Charles.

"It seems my dear sister has finally made her way here." He said watching a slender blonde woman with step down from her abode.

Mary narrowed her eyes at her seizing her up and down.

So it begins, she thought.

Then she saw something else that made her heart jump out of her chest.

A tall dark hooded man followed her father's new mistress into her home. It was that same man from the Vatican! Her heart began to race uncontrollably with fear and anxiety. Why is he here?! Her mind screamed. Why!

Mary felt a rush of emotions run through her and suddenly it became very hard to breath.

"Mary?" She hears Edward call her with a very concerned tone. "Are you alright?"

She wanted to say yes but she couldn't.

Suddenly she felt him grab her elbow. "You're trembling."

Mary stared at him wild eyes because he saw her like this.

He was never supposed to see her like his. No one is.

Mary slowly collapsed on her knees on the ground, hugging herself trying to stop the shaking but she couldn't.

She couldn't.

And neither could the arms that were clumsily trying to embrace her.

Ruh oh! What is happening?

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