A Jewel in Henry's Crown

Chapter Six

A few days later after His Majesty announced that Charlotte was with child, a celebration was put together in honour of Charlotte and her family. The people of the Court knew that she would survive if she conceived a son. Henry had favoured her out of all the other women. There was only a hand full of people who truly knew how Charles Brandon felt about the girl. Charles would die for her. He had said so himself to two of the other king's advisors who were also his friends. "And what if she does not carry the same tendencies as you do, Charles?" Anthony Knivert exclaimed, haughtily. "What if—say over time—that this young lady develops a special fondness for His Majesty just like the other whores he takes to bed with him?"

Charles shot Anthony a glower. "Charlotte is not a whore. Do not even think for a minute to call her that; or you will have to go through me."

"Ooh, someone must stop this madman who is in love! Charlotte, Charlotte whilst thou not come and make sweet love to me?" mimicked Thomas, kneeling on both knees and arms stretched out as though he were under a windowed balcony. "Come join me in a sweet solitary game in my chambers!"

The other men hooted and jeered at the coming profanity that Thomas Wyatt performed outside. These men were sometimes so crude. Charles shook his head. "You're wrong about her. She is not like the other courtiers here. If you do anything to harm her, I shall run my knife through your heart, Wyatt." Charles snarled.

"Passionate; that is extremely passionate of you for saying so, Charles—and what if the King discovered your feelings for him?" Anthony retorted. Charles ignored him and stalked off. How could they be so…such animals? As Charles left the courtyard, he could still hear them teasing him and his "fondness" for Charlotte. It was true; she was not like other women he had met. As he entered Whitehall Palace, a blast of cool air hit him all over. He walked hurriedly down the halls to find Charlotte. She had been, as he suspected, alone in the chambers. Charles knocked twice. Charlotte steadily opened the door and looked him straight in the eyes. "May I—um, have a moment?" he asked. She opened the door more to let him in. He let out a sigh as he stepped in—hearing her shut the door.

"I heard what they said outside." She said, closing the windows. Charles sat down defeated. "Do not trouble yourself for me, Charles. Please, there is no need."

"Char—Lady Wallace, I really do not want them to harm you in anyway. As the king's closest friend, I am obliged to protect his favourites."

"And what if I lose his favouritism? Would you still protect me then?" Charlotte asked, fiercely. Charles stared at her blankly and blinked a few times before responding. "Would you?"

"I would die for you." He, at last, said standing up and taking hold of her small hands. Charles had not been thinking about the next thing he did. Before Charlotte had anytime to say anything, his lips brushed up gently against hers. His kiss was different than what she had always expected. She felt his arms slowly snake around her waist, pulling her closer to him. Charlotte, herself, was not thinking about anything else. Though in the back of her mind, she knew if someone saw them—they would both be in trouble. She cared not at the moment as her arms went around his neck.

Charlotte felt safe in Charles' arms. Pull away quick! You are putting both of your lives in danger! She cried in her thoughts. Charlotte pulled herself away. "What is the matter?" he asked.

"I—what if someone were to have seen us? We are putting each other's lives at risk! Do not, I pray, do not put yourself through that…or me." She begged. Charles nodded and brushed his fingers through her side-swept bangs.

"I would never let any harm come to you, I promise." He whispered. He kissed her once before leaving abruptly.

Charlotte remained in her place, hands trembling slightly. Had she just kissed Charles Brandon? She giggled to herself and fell blissfully on her bed. She had, indeed, kissed him. Somehow to her, it felt so right. Maybe she did admire him after all.

AN: Sorry it's so short but I promise I'll try and make the next chapter longer! =D I shall do my best, Lords and Ladies of the Court!

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