A Jewel in Henry's Crown
Chapter Thirty-Four: A Rose without Thorns
Henry was waiting anxiously for his new wife. Charles was standing next to the king and Charlotte beside him. The young girl made her way down the aisle in a light pink gown. On top her head was a crown crafted from fresh water pearls and diamonds—a gift from the king. Henry chuckled and rose as he saw Katherine. Charlotte knew that there would be rivalry between Katherine and the Lady Mary. She glanced over and noticed that the Lady Mary was already irritated with the young, inexperienced maid.
"Welcome, Katherine," Henry said, kissing her cheeks. She smiled and giggled.
"Your Majesty, I most humbly thank you for your generosity." Katherine said, with a light, child-like voice. Charlotte rolled her eyes and scoffed lightly.
"Come, Kate, there are a few of my close friends who I wish you to meet now." Henry exclaimed. Charlotte kept a straight face—trying not to scowl. "This is Her Grace, Charlotte Brandon, Duchess of Suffolk and her husband, who I assume you met…Charles Brandon?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Katherine nodded. "It is a pleasure to meet Your Grace."
Charlotte nodded.
"Thank you," Charlotte said, gritting her teeth. Charles looked at his wife and sighed before placing his hand on the small of her back.
"There is no need for that, my love." He murmured, softly. "She is only seventeen."
"Still…" she hissed back, glaring at Charles. "Your Majesty, I must apologize, but I have to return to my child. He has been with the Lady Rochford long enough."
Henry bowed his head and nodded. Charlotte briskly walked past Katherine—bumping her shoulder deliberately. The Lady Mary smirked slightly as she saw that—thank God the king hardly noticed. If he did, he only chuckled. Charles shook his head and let out a deep sigh.
"Did you see that?" Katherine exclaimed, annoyed.
"See what, my love?" Henry returned.
"Her Grace…"
"Oh, she must have just slipped on the hem of her gown." The Lady Mary answered. Henry chuckled and led Katherine out of the throne room.
"I think Her Grace does not approve of my coming to court." Katherine whined.
"Well, she is to be one of your ladies-in-waiting and will soon enough learn to get along with you, my love."
Katherine smiled lightly.
.::*::.
Charles returned to their apartments and glared at Charlotte.
"What gives you the right to behave in such a way?" he demanded. Charlotte looked up and closed her book. "Whether you like it or not, she is to be the future queen of England!"
"Don't start, Charles," she muttered. "You are my husband, not my father!"
"Do you wish to lose your place in court?" he asked, furiously.
"I am still one of His Majesties' favourites! He would not remove me from court. Ask him yourself!" she snapped. "He is the only reason why I am becoming one of Katherine Howard's lady-in-waiting, because I cannot deny the king's request!"
Charles sent her another glare.
"Bight your tongue," he shot. "I cannot believe you to be so condescending!"
"How am I being condescending?" she yelled. "Charles, do you hear yourself?"
"Enough," he hissed. "I shan't hear anymore of this ridiculous behaviour of yours. You will show the future queen respect. That is an order."
He left the apartments, leaving Charlotte fuming.
.::*::.
Sir Francis Bryan had been a few doors down when he had heard the duke and duchess arguing. He smirked. Now was his opportunity to gain Charlotte's loyalty.
After Charles had disappeared down the corner, Sir Francis stepped into their chambers.
"Your Grace," he greeted. She turned around and glared at Sir Francis.
"What gives you the right to enter my apartments?" she demanded.
"Well, well, well, are we not being hot-tempered?" he asked, slyly. "I do believe that His Grace has chosen to side with the king and his new young wife, has he not?"
Charlotte looked away, feeling tears prick in her eyes.
"There, there, Your Grace," Sir Francis said, walking up to her. "I am sure that there is a way out of this."
"How?" she asked.
"Become my mistress and turn your husband into an envious husband," he asked. Charlotte stared at him in shock. "Yes, it is quite a wonder that I would ask such a ridiculous favour of you."
"I am a married woman, Sir Francis! How dare you ask such a thing?"
"Many of my mistresses have been married…but none as pleasing and desirable as you." He tempted.
"Is it not true that Anne Seymour was your mistress and she conceived your bastard?" Charlotte returned.
"That matter I will not discuss, Your Grace. The offer is still open. But, I do hope you shall at least accept these gifts from me."
He handed her a little silver jewellery box with an astounding brooch inside it. It was made of emeralds and sapphires. Charlotte felt a gasp caught in her throat.
"I take it you like the gift?" he asked.
"I cannot accept it, Sir Francis. My husband will know it is not from him or one of my close friends."
"Wear it when he does not see you." Sir Francis said, tracing her jaw line with his forefinger.
Charlotte had held her breath when Sir Francis left. She had been so shocked that she had not heard Lady Rochford come in from the other door.
"Your Grace?" Jane asked. "Who was just here?"
"Sir Francis Bryan asked me to become his mistress and gave me this. I cannot accept either..."
Jane raised her brows in awe as she saw the brooch.
"What are his intentions?" she wondered.
"He wished to make my husband envious because my husband has chosen to side with the king and his new little wife."
"Please, Charlotte, do not do anything you will regret." Jane persisted.
"I shan't," said Charlotte.
AN: So, will Charlotte finally fall at Sir Francis' feet? Read and find out! Thank you for your reviews! =) Love you all!