The King himself sent a physician up to the Queen's chambers once Thomas More had left her be. A knock on the door disturbed her as she wrote another letter, this time for her nephew Fernando. Muttering a soft come in he saw that it was the doctor at the door and not Henry or Mary's governess.
-I'm sorry to interrupt your Majesty, but the King has asked me to check you. He said that you've been rather healthy but wants to make sure you are fine after the birth of your daughter.
-I feel perfectly fine doctor but I will allow you to examine me.
Henry had been thinking about everything that had transpired since they had woken up that morning and had decided on a course of action. He would be dining with her and if she allowed it, he would spend the night with her. Anne was probably mad at him and wouldn't try to talk to him until tomorrow morning so it would also give him time to decide what to do with her. He should probably send her back to her father's home or even back to France, anywhere that wasn't here, poisoning his mind against his Catherine. He walked up and down his chambers his nerves getting the best of him at times as he waited.
-Everything looks fine your Majesty; you are perfectly healthy.
-I could have told you that myself but thank you anyway. You can report back to the King that I'm perfectly fine.
-As long as you keep on eating healthily and do not stress yourself too much there shouldn't be any problem with the child.
-Of course, doctor… what? What did you just say? – she sat upright in bed, the strings of her corset in her hands, forgotten as she stared at him. It was a mistake, she was sure of that, it had to be.
-You are with child, very early on, but definitely with child.
-Are you sure? Couldn't it be… I don't know…
-I'm quite sure your majesty
-But I've always had problems with all my pregnancies. I've never conceived this quickly before.
-Maybe the Lord has given you a chance your Majesty. If my services are not required, I will leave, your Majesty.
-Of course, thank you, doctor.
He vowed swiftly before leaving her on her own. She was too stunned to say anything at all, not even refuse the entrance of her ladies who were followed by Lady de Salinas. She was… no, no, but he had just said it. Maria noticed that Catherine was rather quiet, her eyes unfocused as if she were deep in thought, very deep in thought. Maria kneeled in front of her taking the strings from her hands. The movement made Catherine look up and stare at her.
-Maria! I thought you were resting.
-It's in the evening, your Majesty, I've rested enough. Is there something wrong?
-Wrong?
-You look worried as if your mind was far away from here.
-The physician told me something very unexpected, I'm trying to come to terms with it.
-Are you sick your Majesty?
-No, I'm perfectly healthy. I'm… with child. – she whispered those words in Maria's ear so her ladies wouldn't hear it, she didn't want that kind of information to spread around Court like wildfire.
-So soon?
She nodded as a smile graced her lips before she stood up and allowed her ladies to dress her again. Once they finished lacing the corset they curtsied and left her with Maria who was taking care of the pearls Catherine was wearing in her hair. This wasn't planned at all; she didn't know if with all that she was going to go through she wouldn't miscarry. It wouldn't have been the first time, she knew that, but something felt different. Something was telling her that this time everything would be fine.
-How are you going to tell his Majesty?
-I have no idea. What if he's not happy? Rumours say that his mistress is expecting, what if he finds her more important than me?
-You are still the Queen and if you give him a son, she won't have a place in this court.
-What if it's a girl? He'll get so mad at me, again.
-It's best if you tell him once you feel comfortable enough about the entire situation.
-I've just become Queen and Empress and Mary is just two months almost three. So many things could go wrong.
-At least you knew that something was off and called the physician.
-I didn't. Henry sent him because he wanted to know if I was fine after the birth of Mary.
-He sent him? Maybe he's planning on trying to have another child with you and wants to see if everything is fine.
-No, his beloved Anne is already with child, he wouldn't want me, not when he has a younger woman who will go to him whenever he wants.
-Have faith, your Majesty.
Henry heard a knock on the door and ran to open it himself, grabbing the doctor's arm and pulling him inside. By the look of his face, there was nothing wrong with Catherine, but the stupid man certainly knew how to put a poker face.
-Well?
-The Queen is healthy your Majesty.
-And? Is there something else?
-Yes, the Queen is with child.
-I knew it, I knew it!
How could he have been this blind? He should have realised there was something off about her, he should have been with her, what if she had suffered a miscarriage? Obviously, this changed everything, all his plans even though he had put them to question already now had no meaning. With Catherine pregnant Anne just wasn't important anymore. When they were first married, he told her he would love their children without caring if they were boys or girls but after little Henry's death, he had started the search for a son, but all the boys she gave birth to died shortly after. Maybe he had pushed her too much and that's why everything had happened. He should have been with her; he should have cared but he had found the skirts of other younger girls more fascinating than the one he was married to. He thanked the doctor over and over again as he pushed him outside of his chambers a smile plastered on his face. He had bought Anne a set of jewels, a sapphire neckless and two brooches but was going to give them to Catherine as a way of celebrating this new child they would be welcoming in a few months' time. Taking the box in his hands he walked to Catherine's chambers.
He was nervous, he felt like a teenage boy again like when he first set eyes on Catherine and decided right on the spot that she would become his wife. Knocking on the door he heard a soft come in. She was sitting in her own study parchments scattered all over the wooden desk.
-Good evening Catherine. – she raised her head and turned in her chair surprised to see him there.
-What are you doing here Henry? What do you want? – her heart was beating fast against her ribs, but she turned back to the letter she was writing giving him the cold shoulder just like she had been doing all day.
-I… I came to ask you if I could join you for dinner tonight. – he was rather sad that she wasn't looking at him but knew that he had hurt her deeply and repeatedly. He could see how her demeanour had changed the minute he had asked her if he could join her.
-Has that whore of yours refused to dine with you?
-Catherine, I haven't seen Anne since you told her to leave my chambers this morning. – a white little lie wouldn't harm her and in a way, he had not really paid any attention to Anne at all today so he wasn't really lying.
-Has she refused to see you, or you really haven't seen her today? – it was driving him mad that she was still given him such a cold treatment and wouldn't even look at him. He wanted to see those beautiful blue eyes desperately.
-I really haven't seen her today.
-Alright, I guess I don't mind it. You can join me. - She looked at him for just a few seconds but that was enough for Henry. Just a sweet glimpse of those eyes made him weak in the knees. She kept on writing, she knew he was still behind her and was waiting for him to leave but he didn't, he just stood there, watching her. It didn't make her uncomfortable, but she wondered what had got into him, why was he here? – If you are going to stay here at least sit down.
-Right. What… what are you doing? – he sat at the big wooden table that was in the middle of the room placing the box on top of it.
-Writing some letters to my nephews and nieces. I have to explain to them why I didn't go to their parents' funerals. The little ones hardly know me, but the older ones are probably quite upset.
-Do you need anything? I mean more parchment or ink, or maybe another quill?
-Maybe some wax for the seals. I've got enough for two more letters.
-Of course. Do you want a colour in specific? – he rose from the table.
-Red. But you don't have to bring them right away.
-Nonsense, I'll be right back. You continue with the letters.
The minute he closed the door Catherine turned around with a questioning look on her face. What on Earth was he doing? He had never behaved like this before, he was just so attentive, so… so unlike Henry. Oh, sweet mother of God, Catherine thought, what if he had found out she was pregnant and was acting like this just because of the baby? Like always he probably thought it was going to be a boy and that made her so mad, it was so like Henry to pay attention to her for a little while and then puff, he was gone again, back to his liaisons around court. The sound of the door creaking brought her back to reality and she quickly turned back to her letter before Henry could actually see how much he was hurting her. Why did he always put honey on her lips and after one taste took it away? He put the wax seals on her table next to the candle and on purpose touched her hand. He just wanted to feel her skin in a way that didn't imply they were arguing or that he was trying to get her to do something or stay somewhere.
Catherine's breath caught on her throat, the brushing of his fingertips across the back of her hand leaving a tingling sensation. Her heart was desperately telling her to turn and kiss him, but her brain prevented her from moving. She wasn't going to stop giving him the cold shoulder treatment until he really proved to her that he was hers forever and that he was going to change and be her husband just like in the beginning. Henry's fingers were on fire after the feather touch; she did take care of her skin it felt just as soft as it had been when he first met her and kissed her hand with his brother's eyes watching him. Reluctantly he walked back to his chair, watching her back. It took her several seconds to react and she quickly returned to writing, the sound of the quill over the parchment the only thing that could be heard in the room.
-I… I sent the physician to see you. I remembered that with our third son you got sick a few months later and I wanted to know if you were fine. What did he say?
-I thought he would have told you since you sent him.
-I didn't get to see him, there was an emergency that required his utmost attention.
-He said that I was fine, completely healthy. – maybe he actually didn't know, but if she blurted it out right away… it just didn't seem like the right moment.
-He hasn't found anything?
-No. Everything's fine.
-Good. – why was she keeping the child from him, he was giving her the chance of telling him and she was keeping it. Maybe she wasn't telling him because he wasn't the father, maybe it was Thomas More, or some other male courtier. That made his blood boil, but he remained as calm as he could master. He was the only one, she had told Thomas, he had been the only one. – How is Mary? I haven't been able to spend time with her in the last couple of days.
-She's very well. – the change of tone told him that she was very happy he had changed the subject and that the new topic was their daughter. The only wonderful thing that had come out of their marriage in the last few years. – She's been trying to crawl, but she doesn't quite get that she can't move if she's lying flat on her belly.
-She's a very smart girl, she'll start crawling soon, I know it. Takes after you on that.
That was the last thing she had expected to hear from him, and it caused her to turn around and look at him. He gave her a sweet smile, a genuine one before she turned back to her letter. She stared down at the words and realised she hadn't written a single word since he had come in. It was best if she tried to finish that one, seal it, and write the rest early in the morning, before the homily. She found it kind of hard to focus on the letter while she could feel Henry's eyes on her back but managed to write a few more words and a soft goodbye. Folding the parchment, she took the spoon where the melted wax was and poured it over the closing before she placed the stamp over it while it was still warm. After a few minutes of more awkward silence, she took the stamp off and put it back in the drawer.
-Have you finished? You haven't used the wax I brought you.
-I'm tired so I'll finish them tomorrow. Could you ask them to bring the food in? I'm rather hungry and I suppose that you are as well.
-I heard that we are having a very lovely roast today.
Standing up he poked his head out and talked with one of the boys that were in the hall. When he closed the door and turned, he found Catherine tiding up her desk, her raven locks falling over her shoulders as she bent to put the leftover paper in the lower drawers. One of them accidentally fell from the desk and she hurried to pick it up. Henry's eyes fell on her broad bosom, the dress creating a very generous cleavage. She felt his eyes on her and knew perfectly where he was looking but to her surprise, he didn't make any lustful remarks or tried to touch her in any inappropriate way, just grabbed her arm to help her up before he let go. What the hell had just happened? He had been gentle with her.
Just as she finished putting everything away taking the candle to the main table there was a knock on the door. A group of the Queen's ladies entered the room with trays as well as a few courtiers. Catherine sat in front of Henry and not beside him like she used to, two plates of food being placed in front of each monarch. Henry took a few grapes and popped them in his mouth, his eyes never leaving Catherine's figure as she spoke with one of her ladies. She took a bite of a yellow thingy that laid next to her grapes her eyes shooting wide open. She hadn't had that dish since she had left Spain. Catherine looked up to stare at her husband with a questioning look to which he smiled and nodded.
-I thought you might like a dish from your land. We normally don't have them.
-What brought this on? You have never asked the kitchen to change their meals for me.
-I just thought that after having suffered so much since you found out about your family you would have liked something that took you back at least for a few minutes.
-Thank you, Henry. It tastes just like the omelettes I used to have back home. – she smiled at him but didn't take his extended hand, not just yet or he would think he was winning. He had never done something like this, and it warmed her heart each bite she took, taking her sweet time to taste it and submerge herself in the flavour. She had never felt so close to home.
They ate in silence, Henry's eyes never leaving Catherine's figure. It didn't make her feel uncomfortable, he wasn't looking at her with lust or disgust, but with adoration. Soon Henry grew tired of the fruit and asked for the roast while Catherine took her last bites of her omelette. The plates were changed and soon the smell of roast with vegetables filled the room. Being in England most of the days they had fish as main courses but being the Queen meant that she also got to have quite often meat. She was finding it a bit hard to eat with his eyes upon her all the time and decided on bringing up a subject that had been bothering her since the physician had left.
-Henry, you know I must return to Spain to be crowned.
-I do, yes.
-After talking with ambassador Chapuys I said that he should expect us in a few months, but something happened this evening and made me change my mind about when we should leave.
-Do you wish to leave later? Don't you think they'll get impatient?
-I do not wish to leave next year Henry. I wish to leave as soon as possible.
-As soon as possible means tomorrow or in a week?
-I would prefer tomorrow.
-What? I was kidding. How can you think we can prepare such a trip in one morning? – he kept his voice balanced, trying very hard not to yell at her.
-Could we do it after tomorrow's homily? I really do want to leave as soon as possible and if it's not tomorrow then the day after would be better.
-Why so soon?
-Well… I wasn't fully honest with you this evening. – that was it, she would say it and hope for the best. She just really hoped he didn't start yelling at her or throwing things.
-What do you mean? You don't lie Catherine that's one of your best qualities. – his heart was pounding in his chest, and how stupid that was since he already knew what she was going to tell him but hearing the same news coming from the doctor and from his wife was sure to cause very different reactions.
-I didn't lie, I just kept some information to myself. Before I tell you, I'm warning you if you start yelling at me, I'll leave. I don't want to start an argument. The doctor told me that I'm with child. Very early on, but with child.
He stood up and jumped over the table the plates shaking over the weight and movement he had caused. She pushed the chair away from the table, afraid about his action but the only thing he did was take one of her hands and kiss it. Her eyes were wide open, terrified about such an emotional display. He kneeled right in front of her placing his head on her lap.
-Why would I yell at you? This is the most beautiful thing you could have told me.
-Is Anne pregnant as well? – she needed to know; in her heart, she already knew the answer but needed to hear it from him.
-Yes. But you are my wife and you are carrying my child.
-What will you do if I don't have a son? Go back to her? – she wanted so badly to take her hands away from his, she didn't want to go back to square one with a broken heart, but she was glued to her seat unable to move a muscle.
-No. If you have a daughter, I will love her just as much as I would love a son. I told you the first time you got pregnant that I would love that child regardless of its sex and I'm sorry I broke that promise.
-Henry? – he had tears in his eyes, as he brought her hands to his lips, kissing them. His eyes never left hers, the people in the room long forgotten.
-I promise. I'll do whatever you ask me to prove to you that I'm yours forever.
-That's your problem Henry. – she managed to push him away so she could stand up, looking at his kneeling person from a few feet away. – I shouldn't have to tell you. You think that everything you do is fine, and you are hurting people. I won't tell you; it would be fixing one thing but leaving others broken. You have to find out for yourself what you are doing wrong, and once you are capable of fixing that, I'll believe you.
-You… you are leaving me?
-No. I will never do that, but I won't trust you. This is our baby and I want you with me.
-That's why you want to leave as soon as possible? So, I'll be with you at all times?
-I want to leave because I miss my home. I will go with you or without so don't think I'll be forcing you to be the perfect husband. You can do whatever you please Henry, but I will say one thing. I want you to come with me. You can choose what you'll do. - She was walking back to the doors that would take her to her private chambers, but Henry placed himself between the door and her, dropping to his knees.
-I'll go with you, wherever you go. Anne will stay here and while we are away, we'll think of what to do with her.
-No, you'll think about what to do with her Henry. She's your lover, not mine. Just don't change your mind because I won't wait for you, not anymore.
-If… Could I stay tonight? We don't have to do anything, but I want to be close to you.
-You can but remember that I'm mad at you and I won't let you lay a hand on me.
-Can we finish our dinner? – he extended his hand, but Catherine didn't take it just turned and sat back in front of her plate. Henry felt rage rising inside of him but managed to control his emotions and sit back as well. – So… when do you want to leave?
-The day after tomorrow. I want to plan with you the trip as soon as possible. I will take some of my ladies as well as Lady de Salinas. I'm sure she would like to visit her family in Castilla, and I want Thomas More to accompany us. I've appointed him my temporary chancellor.
-But he's my chancellor Catherine. He can't be yours.
-I said temporary. I trust him and I want to make sure that whoever I chose holds the same high regards as Thomas has.
-You should have asked me, Catherine.
-Henry, I won't start a fight.
-Okay, I'm sorry. He'll be your temporary chancellor. I'm fine with it, I promise.
-That's all I want for this trip. Obviously, Mary is coming with us. You can plan the rest of the trip on your own if you want.
-I'll take some of our servants and courtiers, but Anne will go back to his father's house.
-Will she?
-Yes. Tonight. Boy, - he looked at a young boy that stood close to the door. – go to Lady Anne's rooms and tell her to pack her things, she's going to her father's house and prepare her carriage.
The boy nodded and vowed before he left. Catherine couldn't believe her ears. He had just sent her away, right in front of her. Maybe he really had listened to what she had said and was trying his best to stay with her. All of a sudden, she just wasn't hungry anymore, just wanted to stay alone with him. She motioned for her plate to be taken, Henry following her shortly after. Catherine stood up and opened the door to her private chambers looking at Henry with her head tilted. He hurried and entered her rooms, Catherine following him and closing it. It was just the two of them.
-Now that we are alone, I just wanted to say something, Catherine. I'm sorry. For everything. I've hurt you so much and I just… I didn't see it. I'll make it up to you, everything will be fine. Everything will be just like it was when we first got married.
-I'm grateful for your apology but I won't trust you or your words until I see it with my own eyes. I'll get my maids.
-No. I'll do it.
She looked at him for a few seconds before turning around removing her raven locks from her back. With shaky fingers, he unlaced her corset a bit clumsily at first. He hadn't meant that of just like when they first got married in every single aspect. Once the dress was undone, she let it fall to the floor, stepping out of it. Catherine turned around and reached for his doublet, unbuttoning it slowly. She pushed it off his broad shoulders letting it fall to the floor. He guided her to the foot of the bed and sat her down as he kneeled in front of her, raising her petticoat, and with his warm hands he took her shoes off and then her tights. She had expected him to continue his trip up her legs, but he left her skirt fall back and helped her stand. He kicked his own shoes off before he reached out for her corset, unclasping it. By then she was just standing in front of him in her chemise, her heart beating very fast against her ribs. She pushed him to the foot of the bed and grabbed the waist of his hose pulling them down his legs. Now they were equally naked. She wanted him but knew that she couldn't let him get her, if she did, she could risk losing all the progress she had made. She felt his hand on her cheek caressing her face as he slowly travelled down her neck to her clavicle. He pushed the chemise a bit of her shoulder but stopped when he saw her turning her head away.
-Do you wish to retire for the night? – she nodded; her face still turned away. He grabbed her hands and started walking towards the bed. She lowered herself, Henry walking to the other side and getting on the bed next to her. She sat on the bed, picking up her rosary and starting on her prayers. Henry watched her as she closed her eyes, her lips moving swiftly as she said her nightly prayers. In normal circumstances, he would have interrupted her and tried to have his way with her but tonight he left her alone. She prayed for her parents' souls as well as her sisters and for a save pregnancy. It brought her comfort and reassurance. After fifteen minutes she opened her eyes, the light of the candle giving the room a very dim glow. She placed the rosary back on the nightstand and looked over to where Henry was laying on the bed.
-I thought you would be asleep by now.
-I was watching you. You look so peaceful when you pray. I had forgotten how important that was to you.
-Why don't we go to sleep? Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day.
-Of course. May I give you a kiss goodnight?
He leaned over and pressed his lips over hers, it was a very short and sweet kiss. Henry didn't push her into doing something he knew she didn't want and so he caressed her cheek once more and laid down. She blew her candle, the room enfolding itself in darkness. It made her shiver as she covered herself with the blanket, but he reached for her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. She held it and decided that maybe she could show him some affection and turned to rest her head over his chest, the warmth lulling her to sleep. Henry didn't fall asleep right away, he watched her figure, her skin glowing in the moonlight. As he closed his eyes the sound of a carriage reached his ears. Anne was gone and even though it made him feel a bit lonely he didn't feel sad or mad. It was the right thing to do to win Catherine back.