A Jewel in Henry's Crown

Chapter Twenty-Six: Charles to Flanders

Author's Note:

Hey, everyone! I'm so, so, so sorry for the long delay for my Tudors fanfiction. I apologize. Recently, I have had a lot going on at home and such…and I've had a job all summer. Another factor, I haven't had any inspiration to write this story. =(

But, I owe a huge thanks to my dreams last night. LOL! So, most of this chapter is pretty much inspired off my dream about Henry the VIII and Charlotte and everyone else. Don't forget to review! =D they help and make my day! I'm sorry for any Jane Seymour fans but I can't change history; even if it is for a fanfiction. :'(

(**Reminder: I'm also working on an original historical fiction aside from this so I won't be able to update as much as I would like. Thanks! And, I'm starting senior year this year!**)

Lords and Ladies of the Court, Enjoy!

.::*::.

The death of Queen Jane Seymour had been a huge devastation for everyone in Whitehall and those who were closest to her. It was as if all life of the Court had died along with her in those three years. Charlotte was in tears most of the days of the queen's death. Queen Jane had been so good to her; yet she was no lady-in-waiting to the Queen Consort. Charlotte had given birth to a son after the death of Jane. Her first healthy child—because His Majesty had been so good to Charlotte, she had given her son the name Henry after the king. Charles was beyond happy. Little Harry was three years old and had dark hair but blue eyes like Charlotte. The King had bequeathed him Suffolk, should Charles pass on. Harry was made the second Duke of Suffolk. Charles, Charlotte and Harry were walking in the gardens of Windsor Palace in early spring when the King had come towards them. "Your Grace," he greeted.

"Majesty," Charlotte curtsied and Charles bowed. "Harry, say hello to His Majesty."

"Hello, um, King…" Harry waved shyly at His Majesty. Charlotte, Henry and Charles chuckled and Henry knelt down to greet Harry.

"Good afternoon, Your Grace," he said. "You look just like your mother."

"Thank you,"

The King smiled and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder and then got up. "Charles, I need to have a word with you after our Privy Council meeting about Anne of Cleves." Henry exclaimed. "If I am to be wedded to this woman,"

Charles nodded in agreement. "Yes, Your Majesty,"

"Oh and Charlotte, your mother asked me to give you this letter since she is on her way back to Norfolk."

Henry handed a thick letter to Charlotte. "Thank you, Majesty, although if I might ask; why is my mother returning to Norfolk?"

"She had some business in need to take care of. The Lady Wallace has many Reformers as her allies and she has agreed to do a little work for me since the death of the late Lord Wallace."

Charlotte grimaced and Charles placed a hand on the small of her back, as he noticed her expression. "Those men in Norfolk were enemies of my father, Majesty."

"Yes, so it would seem they were, Your Grace." He said, irritated. "But, since the death of your father—they have been considerably out of control with the Catholics."

"Is that the reason for all the burnings and riots—"

"Precisely, and Lady Norfolk agreed to go and settled business with the council members of Norfolk since her husband is no more available."

"All the while my father's corpse rots in his grave, I have not known a single thing that has happened to Norfolk or my elder brother." Charlotte exclaimed.

"I didn't know you had a brother." Charles said, surprised. Henry turned around with a smirk.

"Pray tell me, Your Grace, who is your brother? Perhaps, he should enjoy Windsor Palace and seeing his new nephew."

"Thomas Wallace, Your Majesty," Charlotte answered. "I am sure he shall be pleased but I have not heard of his whereabouts for the past ten years."

"Well, I shall see to it to find him."

"I thank Your Majesty," Charlotte said, smiling.

"Your Grace," the King bowed slightly, and then clutched his leg. Damn this ulcer, he though. He groaned and rose up. He billowed off, limping slightly.

"Mama," Harry exclaimed. Charlotte bent down. "I'm hungry!"

"Alright, come on, Harry," Charlotte chuckled. "Let's go have a luncheon shall we?"

"I have to attend the Council Meeting, Charlotte." Charles said as he watched her pick up their three-year-old son. "I shall see you after."

He kissed her once and also Harry's forehead before walking back to Windsor Palace. Charlotte could feel herself blushing as she and Harry also walked back, following Charles. The Lady Rochford had been in Charlotte's chambers when they returned and smiled when she saw Harry. "Jane!" Harry exclaimed, jumping down from Charlotte's arms. He ran to Jane and hugged her.

"Hello, Your Grace," Jane said, with a smile. "How are you?"

"Good! You look pretty, Lady Rochford!" Harry said. "May I steal a kiss?"

"Henry Brandon!" Charlotte exclaimed, with a laugh. "And what, young man, do you know of kisses?"

"I saw you and father." Harry said, with a grin. Jane chuckled and kissed Harry's cheek causing him to laugh and turn red. Afterwards, Harry ran to his part of the chambers where he stayed with his maids. Jane smiled and sat down next to Charlotte.

"You have a lovely son, Charlotte." Jane sighed. "If George would have been kinder—"

"I am so sorry, Lady Rochford." Charlotte said, sympathetically and took hold of her friend's hand. "Have there been any recent suitors?"

"No," Jane answered, bitterly. "There have been no suitors. How are you and your husband?"

Charlotte blushed and fiddling with a strand of her hair. "Incandescently happy," she said, feeling her cheeks go hot.

"You haven't conceived again?" Jane inquired.

"I wish it…but he has not come to bed often. He sits in his office late at night. Doing Lord knows what and then the King always asks of him for urgent matters. I hardly ever get the chance to see him." Charlotte said, her smile fading now. Jane nodded, understandingly.

"If you like, I could take care of Harry for one evening so you may spend a little more time with Charles." Jane suggested.

"That would be wonderful, Jane, thank you. I shall discuss it with Charles." Charlotte said, leaning back. In the room next door, they could hear Harry laughing as the maids were entertaining him with plays and jokes. Charlotte and Jane chuckled.

"How is your mother?" Jane asked. "Is she well at all?"

"Yes, she just recently decided to return to Norfolk to sort out some old diplomatic problems amongst the councilors and rioters there. His Majesty wanted to invite my brother here to court. My brother, Thomas Wallace is sixteen years my age and is undoubtedly handsome, I should hope so. I have not seen him in ten years. Should he come to court, there might be a possible suitor." Charlotte said, smiling a bit. Jane raised a brow.

"I never knew you had an elder brother. Is he…admirable?"

"He left when I was six, so I know not much about him. I do hope he agrees to visit Windsor. He may take a great liking to you, Lady Rochford."

Jane pondered for a moment. It had been quite a few years since George Boleyn's execution and if Thomas Wallace would be joining the court, she could possibly make herself noticeable to his gaze. A small smile crept on her face and then she looked at Charlotte. "I should be happy to meet him if he arrives to Court."

The women continued laughing and talking also about the latest scandal and gossip around the royals. It was not until late that evening when Charles returned from Privy Council. Charlotte had stayed up working on her stitching. Harry had been asleep soundly for the past few hours of nightfall. Irritated with her stitching, Charlotte set it down and walked over to her looking-glass. She gazed at her reflection. Her hair had grown long and curly, and she could see her eyes were tired. Charlotte was only eighteen now and she felt constantly drained. The palace was no life for her…or Harry. She had not noticed Charles' return as she continued gazing into the mirror. "Have you heard of Narcissus?" Charles asked, with a chuckle as he slipped his arms around her waist. "He stared at his own reflection for so long he grew attached to the ground and became a tree."

Charlotte chuckled and looked at her husband. "You're back late tonight." She murmured. Charles kissed her on the mouth and lifted her up. He ran his fingers through her dark hair and squeezed her waist, causing her to yelp slightly. He chuckled and pulled away. "Are you going to stay with me tonight?" she asked.

Charles tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and then cupped her chin. "I've missed you." She added.

"I know, Charlotte," he sighed and was hesitant before continuing further. He and Charlotte sat down.

"What is it, Charles?"

"His Majesty has asked me and the Earl of Hertford to go to Flanders to meet Anne of Cleves." Charles answered.

"When are you to leave?" she asked, giving him a hard look. "You have hardly spent any time with your family!"

"I must do as the King commands!" Charles exclaimed, raising his voice. "I am to leave in a few days. The Earl of Hertford and I are to stay in Flanders for a fortnight."

"Two weeks?" she asked, her hopes dropping. "Can you not ask the King for a shorter time? Please, Charles! I…I feel as though you and I are growing apart. It can never be just you and I. Think of your son! You hardly see him! And he hardly knows you!"

"Charlotte—"

"All I am asking is for one day and a night to be with you, Charles. I do not know how much longer I can continue waiting; hoping that you will come and stay with me!"

Charles hated to see her cry; and worse, because of what he did or then had to do. She got up slowly and was about to walk to their bedchambers but Charles stopped her. "You cannot begin to know how often I try to stay with you and Harry. There is not a minute during the day when I do not think of you, Charlotte."

Charlotte lowered her gaze and Charles gently traced her jaw line. "Look at me." He whispered. She did but held her breath at the same time. "Do you not remember the first time I kissed you?"

She blushed a little and nodded. "Yes," she responded, quietly. "It was treason…"

Charles chuckled. "I am sure…" he continued while opening the bedchamber doors and beginning to take off his jacket. "That this would also have been considered treason,"

"What would?"

He came up to her and pulled her into a kiss. He lifted her up into his arms and they fell on their bed together. Charlotte was lying on top of him with a smirk on her face as she removed his white shirt next. "This would definitely be treason, Your Grace."

At last, she had gotten to be with her husband before his departure. Hungrily, Charles kissed her and rolled out from under her. Charlotte was too excited for words and felt her heart race against her chest. Charles was deeply infatuated once again with his wife as he blew out the last candle by the night table.

.::*::.

Tell me what you think! =) The end was inspired a little bit from 3.09 when Henry went to see Katherine Howard secretly. I hope you enjoyed! Thank you all!