A Jewel in Henry's Crown

Chapter Thirty: To Conceive a Child

Once Charlotte's tears had died down, Charles lifted her chin up and wiped her cheeks. She sniffled and let out a staggered breath. Softly, he pressed his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. There was no denying he was furious with the King for kissing his wife. The King was able to have any woman in the kingdom but he had to go on and seduce the Duchess of Suffolk again. Charlotte placed her hand on his neck and felt more tears form. There was nothing she could say to him either. The knot in her throat grew tighter and she once again buried her face into his shoulder before bursting into more tears. Charles knew these tears were of guilt and he understood. She could not have refused the King. God only knows what the King could have done if she'd refused.

"Charlotte," he murmured against her neck. "Look at me."

She looked at him and he kissed her fervently. He wanted to protect her from all the evils of the world. Charles wanted to be her knight in shining armour. Charlotte pulled away and stared at her husband in shock. "You are not angry with me?" she asked, softly.

"You could not refuse the King. That does not stop me from loving you lesser." Charles replied, and stroked her jaw line with his thumb. "I only fear what could have happened if you refused."

She nodded and sighed. "I feel so at fault with this." Charlotte whispered. He shook his head. "I do not want to remember any of the pain."

"Come with me," he murmured, leading her into their chambers. She couldn't help but smile. Charlotte nearly jumped into his arms, kissing him again. While holding her up in his arms, he closed the door with his back. His hands found their way up the skirts of her dress and pushed the hems up towards her waist. Charlotte wanted him to take her again.

"Do not miss the bed." She murmured against his lips. He smiled and he fell on top of her; stripping off his jacket and then shirt. After hovering over her for a little while, Charles pushed into her slowly. Charlotte arched her neck as she gasped. He put both his hands behind her neck to help support her as he thrust into her, more passionately now. He let out a small groan as he dropped his head into her chest, panting. Charlotte ran her fingers through his hair and he looked up, his arms trembling. As they moved together, it became more rhythmic and equal. Finally, Charles rolled off her and collapsing by her side. As he looked at her from the side, he saw her chest heaving as she caught her breath. Charlotte only turned her head as she looked at him.

Her cheeks were flushed with colour. "God," she laughed. She ran her fingers through her hair as it fell over the side of the bed.

"Why do you find this so amusing?" he teased, while trailing his hand up from her waist to her bosom again. "Tell me, Your Grace,"

"It is nothing," she lied. "Why would the king want to kiss me?"

"He knows that since his position is ordained by God, he owns everyone and everything." Charles said. "He still carries feelings for you and I hate it. The King must know where his boundaries lie—especially with you being my wife. Tell me you do not feel anything for the King."

"Now why on earth would you think that, Charles Brandon? I married you did I not?" she asked, rolling onto her side. She smiled as she supported her head up with her elbow on the mattress. "I have never loved anyone as much as I love you."

He smiled. "Come here," he murmured, while chuckling. Charles grabbed her by the waist and pulled her on top of him and then locked her in his arms. Charlotte shrieked with laughter as he did so.

.::*::.

"MASTER HOLBEIN!" Henry bellowed. The court painter rushed into the king's council. "YOU LIED TO ME ABOUT ANNE OF CLEVES! YOU LIED TO ME OF HER APPEARANCE! SHE LOOKS LIKE A HORSE!"

The Members of the Privy Council were silent as the king raged on. "ALL OF YOU ENCOURAGED ME TO MARRY HER! IF I HAD KNOWN WHAT SHE LOOKED LIKE THEN, I WOULD NOT HAVE AGREED TO IT!"

He shoved papers furiously off the table and threw a wine goblet made of glass against the wall. Thomas Cromwell was now fearful of the King. He knew that he might lose his head for helping to arrange the marriage between Anne of Cleves and Henry the VIII. He had managed to convince the King that it was for allegiance with Germany. Henry then turned to Cromwell and glared at him, breathing heavily with anger. "You…" he hissed. "You convinced me to the allegiance, Master Secretary. I would have you executed for treason."

Henry grabbed two fistfuls of Thomas' coat and lifted him up. Thomas flinched and looked at the ground. "You arranged the marriage; I want you to end it. I want a divorce!" he demanded. Thomas Cromwell nodded quickly and slowly, Henry put him down and straightened his coat out before storming out, slamming the door behind him.

.::*::.

Anne of Cleves had been pacing in her chambers on their second night of marriage. She was terrified of her husband—and new very well that Henry despised her. When Anne walked the halls of Whitehall, she could hear the courtiers whispering about her as passed by them. Her main charge, Lady Bryan was helping her to bed.

"Lady Bryan," she began. The elder woman nodded. "If I cannot give the king sons, vill he kill me?"

Lady Bryan saw the worried look in the Queen's eyes and patted her hand reassuringly. "It shan't take much, Your Majesty. He must stick his member inside you and stir you up. There is nothing more to it." She answered. Anne sighed and closed her eyes, not wanting to cry. The marital bed had not been a success the previous night. Henry was not able to take her virginity. Anne was too pure for any kinds of sexual relations. She, too, knew she was not like his former wives.

"Thank you, Lady Bryan," Anne said as the elder woman left. Lady Bryan curtsied and closed the door behind her.

.::*::.

Author's Note: Okay, so for Anne and Henry, I tried to stick to the episodes as much as possible. Thanks again for your reviews! =) They are most appreciated.