Winter On The Weekend

"Oh baby girl, you know we're going to be legends,

I'm the king and you're the queen and we will stumble through heaven"

Young God by Halsey

10th August 1505, Richmond Palace, London,

Mary Rose smiled as she watched her brother, Harry, and his friends scuttling around the grounds of Richmond, with mother's new greyhound, Taffy. They delighted in trying to race the thin dog, all of them failing terribly but boasting massively that they were each the fastest to each other. Harry was the youngest of his friends, with Will and Tony being only a few years old and Charles was the oldest (and the most handsome to the Princess).

"Princess Mary Rose, are we still enjoying our embroidery?" questioned Mary Rose's Lady Governess.

"Of course, Mother Guildford" the Princess sighed, carefully poking the needle back through the small sleeve of the gown, a small gift for her brother, Arthur's new baby.

Joan laughed, having been in charge of the young girl's household since she had been born, Joan was used to Mary Rose's impatience and lack of concentration. The young child was dear to her, although she was terribly temperamental and prone to fitful rages. Although Joan had raised Princess Margaret (now the Queen Consort of Scotland), Joan had a particular soft spot for Mary Rose, noting how she often felt left out. Arthur was the favourite of their grandmother, Lady Beaufort whereas Margaret had been the King's favourite child, as Joan could often recall his sheer delight with his eldest daughter. And everyone knew that Prince Harry was his mother's favourite, her dotage of her younger son had led to his spoilt behaviour.

"If you would like to pause your gift for the babe then you may, after all we have many more months to complete it. You should ask the Prince if he will allow you to play" she smiled at the young girl; whose chubby face split into a big smile.

The princess happily handed off the embroidery to her governess, and then gathered the full skirts of her orange gown and fled to her big brother. Joan smiled as she heard the girl ask to play and then the boys handing her the exciting role of the Queen of Love and Beauty. She tilted her head up to the rising Summer sun, enjoying the warmth on her skin, although her peace was soon disturbed once more when the group of children came scuttling over demanding that she play the cursed dragon who the Knights would have to defeat to rescue their damsel.

As Joan packed away her wicker basket of supplies and headed off to the children, she thought to herself that there was no where she would rather be.

XX

12th August 1505, Richmond Palace, London,

"Maria, have you made sure you have packed the picnic for the carriage ride" Catalina questioned her closest confidant and lady-in-waiting, anxiously looking over her list of things to pack. They were headed to Greenwich Castle which is where the King preferred to spend his Christmases and they would be leaving today to ensure Catalina could go into Confinement there and feel safe and secure, ready to give birth to the next heir for England. Catalina could scarcely wait for that day, to see the love in her Arthur's eyes and to fulfil her destiny as England's next queen.

She set her list down, nodding at dear Maria as she opened the small basket containing rich cheeses, fresh bread and sweetened wine for Catalina to enjoy with Arthur during the carriage ride to Greenwich. Running her hand over her ever-expanding bump, Catalina smiled with happiness. Her son and heir was growing safely, and Catalina hoped to be as fertile as her dearly departed mother had been before her and give Arthur a whole brood of children. The doctors (The King's Mother, Lady Beaufort had paid for many, desperate to ensure a lasting dynasty) had told Catalina that her child was growing well and each week they supervised a midwife who would measure Catalina's bump with a long piece of ribbon. Even Arthur seemed to be doing well, invigorated by the news of his child, he appeared to have become more energetic. He was now taking daily walks and even attempted some falconry, much to the whole court's delight.

"Infanta" called Maria, pointing to the page boys what luggage to carry out to the horses, "Infanta, it is time. We must go".

Catalina shifted awkwardly, raising herself carefully from the window seat, balancing. The bump was difficult to manoeuvre with her slim frame and it was something Catalina was trying to get used to. Her hand clutched her bump as she stood and then, to Maria's concern, Catalina gasped.

"Infanta" she whispered, rushing to her mistress' side, her heavy brown eyes full of worry.

"Infanta, I go to get physician" she asked her mistress, imploring her to agree and not try to soldier on as usual.

"Busca a Arthur en su lugar por favor" asked Catalina, her hand pressing hard into her bump, watching her lady scurry off to fetch her husband.

She gingerly sagged back down into her cushioned window seat, enjoying the cool Summer breeze that filtered through her half open latticed window.

Her lady came rushing back in, her husband running after her, panting heavily with exertion.

"Catalina, what is wrong, my darling?" he questioned, his beautiful blue eyes filled with tears.

"No, you should not have run and strained yourself. Do not worry Arthur, the babe is fine, God's blessing is with us" she murmured to her husband, and taking his hand.

She pressed it hard against her stomach, holding it in place.

"What am I feeling for Catalina? Do you need help?" he asked, confusion clouding his face.

She merely shook her head, smiling kindly at her husband, her hand holding his still. The small feather of movement under her skin occurred again and her Arthur broke into biggest smile she had ever seen.

"Is that our babe?" he whispered, a tear rolling down his face as he grinned at his wife.

She merely nodded, pressing a kiss to his thin lips. Arthur's heart swelled, looking at Catalina, he knew she was the singular most important person in his life, and he was so grateful every day for her love and devotion. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and he could not wait to meet their prince or princess as he did not mind the sex of the child only that it was a symbol of the loyalty and commitment of their marriage.

"I am so very appreciative of you, Catalina" he smiled, kissing the bump tenderly, "I love you so much and I love our child too. You will be a wonderful mother".

"I love you too, Arthur. You are my life".

XX

17th August 1505, Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh, Scotland,

A small tear escaped Margaret's eye as she read the letter from her father, detailing her sibling's lives and how Grandmother, Mother and he were doing. As always, he mentioned how much he missed her and how once Catalina had birthed the new heir that he would request a meeting with her husband so he could see her again.

She yearned for her father dearly, his letters came far too unfrequently for her liking although she knew it was because he insisted on writing to her himself and as such, it was an arduous experience for him, especially with his poor eyesight. Some days, she cursed the fact that her siblings were all together with their parents (although Henry and Mary Rose would depart for Eltham again come September), jealous that they had each other, and she was sent far way to a strange court.

The Scots had been kind and welcoming to her although the Clans men's accents were often hard to understand. Her husband was benevolent to her too, respectful and generous with his money, but she knew he spent much of his time with his mistresses. He had not yet pressed her on bearing an heir yet, but she knew he would in time. The lack of pregnancy was her fault, as James had fathered many bastards over the years. She tried to be kind to his bastards, despite not knowing how to deal with them especially as her father had never strayed from her mother. James' son, Jam – the Earl of Moray, would be joining them for the banquet this evening and Margaret was careful to favour him as he was James' favourite. Jam was a mere five years of age, so Margaret was forced to deal with his mother, Janet's appearance too. Although she knew Janet was no threat to her and James assured her that Janet was only a bodily lover and that his heart and soul was Margaret's, Margaret could not help but feel the twisted, poisonous clench of envy in her stomach. Janet had born the King three bastard and yet Margaret's womb lay empty.

"Your Grace, I am here to help you ready yourself for the banquet" her English lady, Eleanor Verney, told the queen, bringing the stunning gold dress to Margaret for her inspection. Agnes Musgrave, another of her ladies, contented herself with picking out the jewellery for the occasion.

" Your Grace, I have brought your medication", the knock signified the arrival of Margaret's lady, Elen More, with a glass concoction for Margaret.

Margaret sighed before taking the glass and downing it. The taste was absolutely vile, but the physicians had assured that that if she was methodically with taking her medication, a conception would follow shortly.

Please God, let me have a son.

XX

27th August 1505, Greenwich Palace, London,

"Thomas! Thomas! Come back here" called Edward, chasing his brother down the stony path in the gardens of Greenwich.

He was pulled Jane behind him as fast as he could, irritated that once again, Thomas had slipped away from their governess. All he had wanted was to devour his new book that he had been given by his father who had been pleased by Edward's progress with his new tutor. Edward had been so pleased to have been gifted a tutor at last and was keen to show his father that he was not a waste of money.

"Ed, stop! My feet are hurting" cried Jane, tugging at her brother who ignored her and continued storming after Thomas.

"Thomas!" he shouted, embarrassment colouring his thin face as he discovered that once again, Thomas had Prince Harry and his friends.

"Edward" called the Prince, "do not worry, we are having a great time! Thomas, here, is going to join us on our boat ride.

Edward's brows furrowed as he considered the group in front of him. Charles Brandon was already on the boat, blue eyes bright with mischief and his hair swept back by a leather band. Will was sat on the side, oar in hand, chatting animatedly to a girl that Edward recognised as Mary Boleyn. Mary was rather enjoying the attention of Will and was eagerly rewarding him with smiles and bits of her small lemon tart. Besides Mary sat Anthony, who held the other oar, his face tanned by the heavy summer sun. The Prince was helping Anne on to the small wooden boat, gathering the full skirts of her rose gown and handing her her notebook as she settled onto the hard seat.

"My Prince, I apologise for Thomas. I can take him with me if he is bothering your Grace".

"Not at all", grinned Harry, his ruddy cheeks red with excitement, "we're taking the ladies on an adventure! Are you joining us too?".

Edward glanced toward Anne and Mary who waved at him, Anne more energetically than Mary. Jane shrunk back, glaring at the boat.

"Where's an adult?" inquired Edward, concern evident in his voice but careful not to risk upsetting the volatile Prince.

"They ran off from the governess" replied another girl snottily, her golden curls blowing around in the summer breeze, rolling her eyes at Harry's glee.

"I'm Bessie. Bessie Blount. Harry, you do realise that your father is going to be furious with you".

"Bessie, you worrier, it will be fine, we shall sail over lake and then we shall be back, like avenging crusaders" Harry declared in satisfaction.

"I am scared, Edward" whimpered Jane, as she watched Thomas hop onto the boat.

Edward watched anxiously, torn between getting onto the boat to watch Thomas and ensure his good behaviour or looking after Jane.

"Your sister can stay with me" smiled Bessie, "I will be making flower crowns here".

After making sure Bessie was happy with watching Jane and making the daisy chain crowns with her, Edward clambered aboard.

The boat trip had proofed to be a success, the Prince and his friends were excellent at rowing them across the large lake and pointing out the koi in the lake to the girls and the swans. Edward smiled graciously, pleased that Thomas had behaved himself and been gentlemanly the entire ride, chatting happily with everyone. Edward had contended himself with listening to everyone conversing and watching Anne attempt to sketch the various wildlife across the lake. Although it had been a pleasant journey, Edward was pleased to see the bank and his sister and pretty Bessie waving at them.

"Hey, look at this, Harry" shouted Anthony, balancing across the sides of the boat.

The Prince cheered and whooped at his friend's agility, laughing at his antics, before motioning him to settle back down. As Anthony turned, steadying his foot on the wooden plank of a seat to sit back down, his weight tipped the boat and suddenly to Edward's horror, they were under the water.

Notes:

Disclaimer – I do not own British History or the Showtime's The Tudors.

Thank you all for the wonderful reviews. I really appreciate it greatly!

Henry VIII was noted to have been childhood friends with the much older Charles Brandon (born 1484) and William Compton (born 1482) who was made page to Henry in 1493. Anthony Knivert is a fictionalised character made up by Showtime, but he was based on a close associate of young King Henry VIII – Thomas Knyvett. Brandon, Compton and Knivert have all been aged down to feature as childhood companions of a similar age to our Prince Harry.

Joan Vaux was the governess of Henry VII's daughters, Princesses Margaret and Mary. She was often referred to as Mother Guildford (Guildford being her married surname). She was noted to have been close to Princess Mary and accompanied her to France for her marriage to Louis XII in 1514. Vaux was a protegee of Margaret Beaufort and was favourably spoken of by scholar Erasmus, indicating that Vaux was probably a very intelligent and dignified woman.

For the Yuletide of 1505, I am going off Nathen Amin's wonderful article on the Tudor Christmas of 1487. Amin notes that Henry VII chose to spend his Christmas at Greenwich, "wher he kepte his Cristemasse ful honorably as ensueth".

If anyone wants to explore any further, then I would recommend Amin's website 'The Henry Tudor society' as well as the book 'Henry VII: The Maligned Tudor King' by Terry Breverton.

I am not a native Spanish speaker, so I used Google Translate. If my translation is incorrect, please let me know as I would be happy to change it. But Catalina askes Maria to "get Arthur instead please".

James Stewart, The Earl of Moray was James IV's illegitimate son with his mistress, Janet Kennedy. He is the lesser-known James Stewart (with his nephew being the half-brother of Mary, Queen of Scots, and regent during the minority of James VI). James Stewart will be referred to as Jam in this story to differentiate between the many James in this story.

Margaret Tudor had 24 English courtiers in her retinue in Scotland, this included her ladies: Eleanor Jones, Eleanor Verney, Agnes Musgrave and Elizabeth Barley. Elen More was a particularly interesting historical figure as she was a favoured African servant, who served Margaret Tudor and James IV. She was gifted 10 gold crowns on the 1st January 1513, to be shared with her sister – Margaret More, which indicated her success at the Scottish court.

Oh no, the children of the court are all in trouble! Hopefully, they all make it out.