A Jewel in Henry's Crown
A/N: I am so terribly sorry for the long delay. I just haven't had the inspirations for any of my stories lately, except for some one-shots. LOL, so I decided to finally update this.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Tudors. I only own Charlotte Wallace, her family/child, and her father's mistress and other fictional characters I intend on writing in later chapters, LOL. =) So, this chapter is for all my reviewers and readers. I hope you enjoy. Now, Lords and Ladies of the Court, welcome to chapter ten! Hehehehe.
A Winter Wonderland
Charlotte's favourite time of year was Christmas. It was just around the corner. His Majesty King Henry would be spending time in Windsor Palace. Charlotte and her family would remain in Whitehall Palace. The king had also begun to enjoy the presence of his new wife, Her Majesty Queen Jane. Lady Rochford was now headmistress to the Queen and had to journey along with Her Majesty. Charlotte would greatly miss her long time friend. Charles was also departing for he was His Majesties' most loyal servant. Charlotte grew weary at this revelation. She had also begun to notice the little plump forming around her waist. She couldn't help but smile when Charles came in her chambers. "I am surprised to find you happy, l'amour." Charles said, greeting her with a warm kiss afterwards.
"Feel," she murmured, placing his hand on her stomach. "I am a month into my pregnancy."
Charles smiled as he felt the new child grow in its mother's stomach. "I am going to miss you, Charlotte." He said, locking eyes with her.
"When will you return?" she inquired, as they leaned in seductively. Charles traced her jaw line with his thumb and chuckled.
"Sooner than you think, my love," he responded, pressing his mouth on hers after. Every time they kissed, she felt her chest flutter and her heart beat faster.
"Will you write to me?"
Charles kissed her again, making Charlotte melt in his arms. He ran his fingers through her dark hair with one hand and squeezed her waist with his other hand, causing her to gasp sharply and suppress a giggle. Charlotte moved away, laughter filling her eyes as she was panting. "We mustn't." she whispered. "Once you return home, we shall spend ways away together."
Charles looked thoughtfully into her eyes. She was so beautiful. "I promise to return home to you, my love." Said Charles, kissing her once more.
"Until then," Charlotte murmured on his lips. He parted from her chambers, leaving Charlotte besotted. Not long after did the Lady Rochford appear in her chambers to bid her farewell.
"It grieves me you cannot join us, Charlotte." Jane exclaimed, taking her hands. Charlotte smiled sadly at the thought of not being able to see her friend for a month.
"I shall miss you indefinitely, Jane. You are my closest and dearest friend here at court and now you are leaving me as well." Charlotte said, near in tears.
"We shall see one another, dearest." Jane exclaimed, kindly.
"Oh! I have a small gift for you! I hope you do like it. Happy Christmas, Jane," Charlotte added, pulling out a small wrapped parcel from her night drawer. Jane smiled and pulled out one from her little clutch.
"Happy Christmas, Charlotte," Jane returned. They unwrapped their gifts. Jane had received Utopia. "Oh, Charlotte, I have had a long desire to read this great work. Thank you,"
She smiled and unwrapped her gift. It was a new locket and in the centre was an emerald. Surrounding the emeralds were little pearls. "Oh, Jane,"
"Everyone says that you are the jewel in His Majesties' crown. I thought this might help you fit that title, my dearest Charlotte." Jane told. Charlotte had tears in her eyes as she examined the beautiful gold locket.
"I am no fit for a jewel in His crown." Charlotte told, kindly.
"That is why you are, Charlotte, for you are a humble and generous soul—one who deserves greatness and happiness." Jane explained further.
Charlotte threw her arms around Jane and hugged her. Jane smiled and returned the embrace. "Thank you so much, Jane. You don't know what this means to me."
Her Majesty stepped in with a kind smile. The two other women stood up immediately and Charlotte wiped her tears and curtsied. "Your Majesty," she greeted. Jane smiled and nodded.
"Happy Christmas, Charlotte," said Jane.
"Happy Christmas, Majesty," she returned, with a shy smile.
"Forgive me, Charlotte but the Lady Rochford and I must bid farewell to the court and depart for Windsor Palace." Her Majesty told. Charlotte nodded. The Lady Rochford and Charlotte embraced once more before they left.
"Oh, Charlotte," Her Majesty stopped and turned to Charlotte with another smile and a letter. "This is from Charles Brandon. He asked me if I could deliver this to you safely."
"Thank you kindly, Majesty." Charlotte said, with a curtsy. The Queen bade a farewell and she and the Lady Rochford left.
Charlotte went to the window and watched has half the court was outside, waiting to leave. She opened her window so it was slightly ajar. She spotted Charles down below, mounted on his horse. He noticed her and bowed his head when he looked up. Charlotte smiled and blushed. "Let us ride to Windsor!" declared His Majesty.
The sound of horse hooves pounded against the cobbled path way of Whitehall Palace. Charlotte knew this was going to be a lonely Christmas for her. She wondered if her father still had a mistress. It was assumed so. Maybe he tired of his old one and got a new one, just like the king.
Charlotte opened the letter from Charles and smiled as she read through. It was kind and lovely, just like him. How I am going to miss his lips on mine…and while his hand caresses my skin. She thought, boldly. Charlotte smiled again at the thought of kissing him.
It was brave but very dangerous to be fraternizing with one of the king's loyal men. And Charlotte was still His Majesties' mistress. Slowly, she had forgotten the agonizing nights in the King's chambers—but grimaced as soon as she remembered. She was in a dangerous situation. But, she chose happiness first—like Jane had told her.
She prayed dearly that this would not end tragically.