A Jewel in Henry's Crown

Chapter Eleven

A/N: Okay, thank you so much for your reviews =) I really, really appreciate it! I love writing this story and I'm glad you all love reading it! It all means a lot!

And now, Lords and Ladies of the Court, chapter eleven!

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Chapter Eleven: Secret Surprise

His Majesty had written to Charlotte, saying that he and his company would be staying at Windsor until the first of March. It had been November only. She felt her heart shatter and her throat tighten into a knot. How long could she stay away from Charles? Would she have to secretly travel to Windsor? No, she could not leave her mother. Her father had kept yet another mistress. The maid that was once a mistress kept close in contact with Charlotte, to inform her of her father's actions. She was paid well. "If my father's former mistress conceives her child, tell me at once."

It had been quick news that Lady Anne Seymour had been expecting. She was well away from Whitehall with her husband. "Mama," began Charlotte, as they played cards in her chambers, "Have you heard that Lady Anne Seymour might be pregnant with your husband's bastard?"

Her mother looked up furiously. "She is married to Edward is she not?" Lady Wallace retorted, haughtily. "Why should I worry about what your father does? He does not visit, so why should I care?"

"Mama!" Charlotte cried, "Was it not you who told me to love father even though he has his temptations and lustful delights?"

Lady Wallace sighed and lowered her head. "I am ashamed to call him my husband." She said, softly. "How many mistresses has he had?"

"Five or six," Charlotte said, "At the most,"

Lady Wallace looked up even more distressed than she had been this morning. "I suppose I should write to His Majesty and inquire for a divorce."

"You and I both very well know that we women have little say in the court of Men." Charlotte hissed. "Haven't you always said that to me? That, men have dominion and power over women even if a woman should one day become Queen? Does Henry not have domination over his wife, Jane?"

"This is a different matter, Charlotte; if a woman is threatened by her husband—then she is allowed divorce with the permission the King."

"I went to talk about it to Henry. He said to me that if any of his mistresses had declared rape, there is nothing he could have done about it."

"But my husband—"

"Henry does not care whether or not he is your husband or my father. We are only subjects and father is a Lord."

Lady Wallace stood up, throwing her cards down. "I shall write to His Majesty at once."

She departed, leaving Charlotte exhausted. Lady Wallace knew her daughter was right but she couldn't let her daughter control her and believe everything His Majesty said. The King's Court was a rotten place for any man or any woman. It was a living hell.

They all had to play their best cards or they'd lose their heads.

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Three months had gone by and Charlotte was growing larger every day. Charles had written to her almost every day as well, with news that Her Majesty Queen Jane was pregnant. Charlotte grew worried. What if Jane had been carrying a son? She wrote back to Charles, wishing and praying terribly that he were at Whitehall Palace with her.

Meanwhile, in Windsor, Henry had pulled Charles aside. "How is Charlotte?" he inquired. Charles sighed and stared at the ground. "Charles, answer me!"

"She is well, three months in to her first trimester." Charles answered, remembering her letter. She was not at all ecstatic about it.

"Excellent!" Henry said, happily. "Go and visit her for me, Charles. Make sure she receives this gift."

"How long do you wish me to stay at Whitehall, Majesty?" Charles asked, trying not to show too much joy.

"A few days," said Henry.

"Very well, Your Majesty, I shall leave immediately."

He bowed to the King before leaving. Charles decided to surprise Charlotte. He would not write to her that he was returning to Whitehall. He smiled to himself as he went to ready his horse. Eagerly, he raced to Whitehall Palace, which was half a day's journey from Windsor.

He vowed to make Charlotte's Christmas one she'd never forget. Charles was preparing to propose to her. He had been meaning to for a while, but since His Majesties' marriage to Jane Seymour, he hadn't had the chance to ask Charlotte.

This would be the perfect opportunity, just them alone at Whitehall. He didn't know how he would propose, but he would—even if it was the last thing he did.