A Jewel in Henry's Crown

Chapter Thirteen: Charlotte's Choice and a Miscarriage

AN: I know, sorry I left you guys with a cliff-hanger, but I wanted it to be a shock and gasp moment. LOL. Now, prepare yourselves for Charlotte's decision. Also, I will be adding the scene in season three when Jane surprises Henry with her pregnancy.

Now, Lords and Ladies of the Court!

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Charlotte stared at Charles complete in shock, her mind and heart racing. Her heart was screaming yes but her mind was screaming no. No one was allowed to marry without the king's content and blessings. Charles waited for her to answer. "Ask me again," she whispered, taking hold of his hands.

He smiled and got down on one knee. "Charlotte Wallace," he said, "Will you do me the honour of being my wife?"

Charlotte dropped to her knees so she was face to face with him and kissed him fiercely, as if that kiss were their last. Charlotte pushed herself closer to him. She wrapped her legs around his waist, drawing up the skirts of her dress as she did so. "All I ever wanted was to be your wife." She whispered.

He smiled and kissed her again, murmuring to her softly, "I love you."

::*::

Meanwhile, Henry and Jane were sitting in their dining hall in Windsor. "May I have some more quail's eggs?" Jane asked the servant girl. In return, the girl left quickly with a curtsy. Henry stared at his wife, studying her beauty and grace.

"Leave us," he ordered his advisors and Jane's ladies-in-waiting. They all left with bows and curtsies.

"Majesties," they all said, uniformly. Once the room was cleared and the King and Queen were alone, Henry sat up and pointed to Jane.

"You had quail's eggs yesterday." Henry stated. Jane looked at him with a smile and nodded.

"I have developed a fondness for them, Majesty." Jane returned, kindly. Henry smiled and began to laugh.

"I do believe you're with child?" he inquired. Jane chuckled and nodded happily. Henry let out a robust laugh as he stood up to walk to his wife. He kneeled down to her and stroked her arms.

They stared into each other's eyes before Henry kissed his wife passionately. He did not care of his other mistresses who may have been carrying his bastards. At last, Jane could have the son he so craved. Charlotte's child was completely worthless to him now. So, if she had a son that was splendid. Charlotte's son would be made Duke, just like Elizabeth Blount's bastard. None had such higher power than a Queen's child. Even Elizabeth had rank still, and Mary. Jane had wanted Henry to reconcile with his daughters, and make peace with the three of the Tudor royals.

Henry was not aware what his wife was planning but was content.

::*::

Back at Whitehall Palace, Lady Wallace had summoned her husband. He came in with annoyance. "Well, what is it you want, woman?" he asked. Lady Wallace thought before responding to her husband. "Speak!"

"I want you to rid yourself of your mistresses. You are tearing your family apart." Lady Wallace said, strongly.

Lord Wallace fumed and glowered at his wife. "YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO COMMAND ME, WOMAN!" he yelled at her.

"AND WHAT DO YOU EXPECT YOUR DAUGHTER TO DO ONCE SHE BIRTHS THE KING'S SON?"

"She is disowned. Charlotte is not a child to me, that filthy wench. She is ungrateful for all the things I have done for her and goes around sleeping with Charles Brandon, that ass of a duke."

"You cannot take my daughter away from me." Lady Wallace snapped. Lord Wallace pointed a fat finger at his wife.

"I may do what I please. I am the king's advisor and I command you to house arrest. You are not allowed outside your chambers for any reason! If you die here, then so be it." Lord Wallace swore.

He left his former wife with fury. Next, he would do the same to Charlotte. He stormed to her chambers.

Inside, Charles and Charlotte were now playing a game of poker with gold coins. "How much do you wager?"

"Twenty gold coins and a kiss," Charlotte said, seductively. Charles chuckled and she put in twenty. Charlotte exchanged a seven and a nine for two other cards. Now she had a good hand.

"I wager twenty-five and…" Charles paused and smirked at her. "An evening with me,"

Just then, Lord Wallace banged on Charlotte's door. "CHARLOTTE WALLACE, YOU WILL OPEN THIS DOOR IMMEDIATELY!" he yelled. Charlotte put down her cards face down.

"If you cheat, I will have my revenge." She whispered into Charles' ear. He grinned and Charlotte opened her chamber door. Lord Wallace stepped in and smacked her, causing her to stumble.

"YOU SELFISH BITCHING WHORE!"Lord Wallace swore. "AFTER ALL I HAVE DONE FOR YOU, YOU BRAINWASH YOUR OWN MOTHER INTO THINKING LIKE A RAVING LUNATIC AND HERE YOU ARE SLEEPING WITH HIM?"

Lord Wallace struck his daughter again. Before he could do so a third time, Charles walked up to him and grabbed his fist. "If you harm Lady Wallace, I shall report it immediately to His Majesty and put you under imprisonment. I am of higher rank than you and am the King's closest friend." Charles threatened. Charlotte was too furious for tears and was leaning against the wall, clutching her stomach. She felt her stomach churn, as though it was being torn. She let out a sharp cry of pain before dropping to her knees. This distracted both Lord Wallace and Charles.

Charlotte put her hand between her thighs and felt warm liquid. Removing her hand from under her skirts, blood dripped from her fingers. "Now look what you've done. Because of your wretchedness, you have lost your child."

"I…was…carrying the king's BASTARD!" Charlotte screamed, standing up wearily. "IT'S YOUR FAULT!"

Lord Wallace stormed out and maids came rushing in. One of her maids removed her green dress and her white undergarment was standing with blood. Charlotte was sobbing as she was placed on her bed.

That was all she remembered.

AN: A shocking end, yes, but I planned to have Charlotte's child not to be a success. Find out in chapter fourteen if Henry allows the marriage of Charles and Charlotte.

Until then…