A Jewel in Henry's Crown

Chapter Forty-One: The Execution of Katherine Howard

.::*::.

Author's Note: Okay, thank you all so much for your reviews! I posted some more actors for my characters on my page, like what Charles and Charlotte's son Harry looks like and Charlotte's brother Thomas. Now, let the trials of Katherine Howard begin!

.::*::.

Five Months Later—February 11, 1541

Before the trials of the former queen were to begin, Charles needed a personal word with the king. As Henry reviewed the execution orders, Charles waited for him to say something. He shifted on his feet and looked down at his mud-stained boots.

"Now," Henry said, clearing his throat, "what is it you need, Your Grace?"

Charles hesitated and thought before responding.

"It is about Charlotte," he began, "my wife."

Henry groaned in irritation before slamming his fist on the table.

"She was found conspiring with Jane and Katherine! She knew what my former queen was doing and did not report it immediately to me. She and you both know the consequences for these actions."

"Would you really announce Her Grace guilty as charged?" Charles hissed. "I am begging Your Majesty to not execute her! She means the world to me. Harry, Rupert and Eleanor need their mother. You know in your heart, Your Majesty, that she would never betray you in such ways. She loves you and respects you!"

"As should you and all my people!" Henry snapped.

"She has always done what you asked of her. Charlotte was too frightened to tell you the truth. She knew you would never have believed her accusations of Her Majesty. She did not even tell me."

Henry raised his brows and sighed heavily.

"Archbishop Cranmer told me she was telling all the truth. There was no lie in her eyes."

"Indeed, there was not. I was with her. She was nervous but she spoke the truth…everything she knew."

"You and I must attend Katherine Howard's trials now. Charlotte will be a witness to the queen's adultery and if she is lying to me, I have no choice but to execute her."

Charles bit back his fury and angry retort that was flooding through his mind.

"Shall I have Archbishop Cranmer bring my wife to the trials?"

"Yes," Henry muttered. "You may go, Your Grace."

Charles bowed and went off to the Tower of London in his carriage. He met Archbishop Cranmer there in the courtyard and they went to receive the queen and Duchess of Suffolk. Both of them had their hands shackled. Katherine looked furiously at Charlotte.

"I pray that His Majesty sends you as well to the block, Charlotte Brandon." Katherine hissed. The jailer put them in the carriage and they went to Parliament. Henry had already arrived and Charlotte overheard Archbishop Cranmer telling Charles that Jane Wallace had gone insane being locked up in the tower. Tears filled Charlotte's eyes as she was led to the Court of Justice. Her hands trembled and felt cold. Henry sat at the head of the hall and his expression turned weary as he saw how terrible Charlotte looked. A hint of remorse flooded through him and he looked over at the Lady Mary. She and Charlotte had both become very close in the past two years. Charlotte was placed before the king and Katherine was between two guards.

"Her Grace, Charlotte Brandon Duchess of Suffolk," the juror announced, "State your accusations to His Majesty honestly. Tell everything you know of the relationships Katherine Howard has had with said Thomas Culpepper and Francis Dereham."

Charlotte closed her eyes and let out a sigh before continuing with her side of the story.

"I do not know how long exactly Her Majesty has been sleeping with Thomas Culpepper or Francis Dereham. But, I have witnessed her and Culpepper one night. I was walking to my chambers when I saw Jane, my sister-in-law leading Katherine down several secret passage ways. So, I followed…wondering why Her Majesty was wandering around Whitehall late in the evening. Jane had brought her to a room and I briefly recognized the voice of Thomas Culpepper. He was in the bedchamber, waiting for the queen to bed him. Once Jane had disappeared, I came to the closed door and listened. I had certainly known Katherine's voice and frivolous giggle. I saw her walk in to the room with my own eyes. If you believe, Your Majesty, that I am lying to you…ask Jane Wallace! She helped Her Majesty arrange the secret meetings with Culpepper. She told me herself."

There were jeers and remarks of disbelief and arguments. Katherine paled and wanted to disintegrate in front of the jurors. This was, indeed, Charlotte Brandon's way of seeking revenge.

"ENOUGH!" Henry bellowed. The hall fell silent and Henry stood up, clearing his throat. "Your Grace, I must ask you why you were wandering the halls of Whitehall that night."

Charlotte paled.

"I could not sleep, Sire," she said, in a quiet voice. "After I had heard Katherine and Culpepper, I immediately returned to my chambers and spent the rest of the evening with my husband."

Henry laughed and sat back down. He nodded and sighed.

"Well, Your Grace is to be held to the side while I make the decision of your fate."

The guards led her away from the king and she sat beside Katherine. Her heart raced against her chest and she felt her stomach churn. She looked to Charles and saw he was just as anxious as she was. She bit her lip and then looked around the hall. Charlotte's mind began to spin and her chest felt heavier than it was.

"Your Grace," Henry began. Charlotte held her breath and she was brought to the pedestal. "We have decided…"

He paused and smiled. Charlotte was not sure what to think of his expression. Was he going to announce her guilty?

"You are free of your charges and declared innocent from the crimes that which Katherine Howard has committed." Henry finished. Katherine's eyes widened in shock and Charlotte let out a sigh of relief. Charles smiled and she could see him relieved. He came to her and kissed her deeply. Mary had tears in her eyes as she smiled. She knew her father would never have executed Charlotte. She was few of the rare people saved from the block.

"Katherine Howard, if you will now come forward and face your verdict," the juror said.

Katherine paled even more and nearly collapsed as she walked to the pedestal. Everything around her slowed and she could hear the voices of the court as though they were muffled…like she was under water. Cranmer nodded and placed a hand on hers.

"…you, Katherine Howard, are charged with treason and adultery. You will be executed at seven o'clock in the morning, February 13."

Katherine burst into sobs and sat down.

"Take her away to the Tower." Henry announced. "This session is at its end. You are all dismissed."

Charles and Charlotte returned to Whitehall and met Thomas, her brother in their chambers.

"My wife is insane, pregnant and sentenced to death." Thomas began. "Why is it you were released?"

"She never conspired against the king, my lord." Charles snapped. "Lady Jane Wallace arranged Katherine's meetings with Culpepper. How dare you accuse my wife?"

"Charles," Charlotte intervened.

"She is my sister! Now, a traitor to me! You lied about Jane to save your own skin!"

"Thomas, I would never betray you. Jane betrayed me by siding with Katherine Howard and helping her! She chose her own death!" Charlotte yelled. "Better an honest woman than a liar."

"You are a witch! You allow the death of your pregnant sister-in-law! Vile demon!"

Charles lost control of his temper and threw his fist at Thomas. Thomas merely stumbled and clutched his jaw, which was now bleeding.

"Get out!" he hissed. Thomas shoved past them and slammed the door in fury.

"I am so sorry, Charles," Charlotte whispered. Charles came to her and kissed her softly and pulled her into a warm embrace.

"You have done nothing wrong. Do not apologize."

"Where are our children?" Charlotte inquired. "I wish to see them."

Charles had asked the doorman to get the wet nurses and their children. Harry came in first and Charlotte kissed him continuously and hugged him.

"Mama, I missed you. Lady Mary watched me while you were away."

She had tears in her eyes as she smiled.

"I love you, Harry. My darling son," she whispered. "Go with your father."

Charles took his eldest son and they went to the gardens. The Lady Mary had come in an hour or so later as Charlotte nursed her twins.

"I am so joyously happy and relieved my father did not charge you guilty." Mary exclaimed, smiling the whole time. "I had no words to say to Harry when he asked for his mother. I said to him that you were visiting another castle with His Grace."

"It was the best you could have said, Lady Mary. Thank you,"

"Which twin is this in your arms now?"

"Eleanor," Charlotte smiled. "There, she is finished. Would you like to hold her?"

Mary nodded and cradled Eleanor in her arms. She chuckled and looked at Charlotte.

"She has your eyes." Mary whispered. "She will be so beautiful one day. If I ever am queen, I wish her to be in my court and one of my ladies."

"I am sure Eleanor would be honoured, Lady Mary. One day,"

"Will you remain in court then too?"

"Where ever the road may lead me, I shall see."

"It was terrible what Katherine Howard did to you, Charlotte. If I had the power to, I would have executed her myself." Mary insisted. "She deserves the block. I knew it the moment she stepped foot into Windsor Palace."

"You mustn't say such things aloud, my lady, please for all our sakes." Charlotte begged. Mary nodded, smiling.

"Well, I am glad to see you well and here again. I must go to my prayers. Good night, Lady Eleanor, Your Grace,"

After she gave Eleanor back to Charlotte, Mary left the apartments. Charlotte smiled and was contented. She would only wait to see what else was stirring up inside the palace walls for the future.

.::*::.