A Jewel in Henry's Crown

Chapter Forty-Four: Fate is Sealed

Author's Note: I'm so sorry for long delays. Things have just been extremely hectic. Pleeeease don't kill me! Thank you for all of those who participated in the poll and your votes are much appreciated. =) I've just had really bad writer's block for most of my fanfictions =/ which sucks. Anyway, I'm glad to be writing again. I'm still not too familiar with Catherine Parr, so I'll try and stay canon as best as possible. Love you all! Also, I'm changing the appearance for the younger version Henry 'Harry' Brandon, 2nd Duke of Suffolk: Isaac Hempstead Wright (AKA Bran Stark in Game of Thrones)

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Thomas Wallace sat in his cold, dark cell listening to the empty silence of his confinement. He despised the king; he hoped that the king would die a dismal, agonizingly painful death. What Thomas could not understand was that even his own sister chose to support the king! She would rather spare her own life than tell a lie to protect Jane and his unborn child. He feigned that the Duke of Suffolk was one of the causes for her actions. Thomas Wallace saw Charles Brandon as a predicament in their life. He even despised Charlotte for marrying that bastard. She should have listened to their father and stayed away from the Duke. Above all he was infuriated with himself for not protecting his wife from the young, dim-witted queen. He could have stopped Jane from falling into the lies and the scandals of Katherine Howard. He realized that Jane had never spoken of the queen's sexual escapades to him. Thomas remembered a few nights when Jane had returned to their chambers later than usual; she had been shifty and unnerving around him…as though she had been hiding something. He never bothered to question her and simply let the matter slide. Damn you, Thomas. He thought, grimly. The death of Jane Wallace was not only Charlotte's burden but his as well. Because of his and Charlotte's selfishness two innocent lives were executed.

He sat up quickly as his prison door was unlatched from the outside and a visitor entered. Charlotte stood across from him and sighed. She had a bundle in her hands and a wool blanket resting on her arm as she waited for her brother to acknowledge her presence.

"What are you doing here?" he grumbled, leaning forward. Charlotte gave him the bundle which had some bread, cheese, ham and apples as he unwrapped the cloth. He tore into the bread and devoured most of it within a few moments.

"I spoke to His Majesty on your behalf, hoping he would show you clemency and—"

"And what? Spare me from a life sentence or an execution?" Thomas interrupted, chuckling. "Now you make amends. HOW IS IT YOU HAVE THE MEANS TO SPARE MY LIFE BUT YOU DID NOT ASK FOR JANE'S LIFE TO BE SPARED?"

Charlotte swallowed the knot in her throat and handed him the wool blanket. Thomas stood up and glared at his younger sister.

"You truly are wretched, sister, if you think I will allow you to speak on my behalf to His Majesty. I would rather meet the same fate as my wife and child and see them again in the afterlife. Don't show me your pity or remorse. I hope the king rots in his bed and goes to hell. You can deliver that message to that bastard king. Get out." Thomas spat. Charlotte obeyed and left the Tower silently before returning to her chambers at Whitehall Palace.

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Charles was in their chambers with their eldest son, Harry. Harry was sitting on his father's lap as Charles was showing him how to play cards…and he made sure that Harry would win every game and earn a fortune. He looked up when Charlotte walked through the doors. She had looked more distressed now. She sighed and sent him one glance before walking through the lounge room and to their bedchambers. Charles picked Harry up and placed him on the chair.

"Where are you going?" Harry asked.

"I am going to visit your mother…see how she is dealing with everything." Charles answered. "Do not swindle while I am gone."

Harry smiled and nodded. Charles returned the smile before stepping into his chambers. Charlotte was lying on the bed, staring up at the canopy. He strode over to her and sat down beside her, taking her hand into his.

"What did he say to you?" he inquired.

"Thomas is being a brute… naturally. He does not wish me to ask the king for his pardon or for clemency. He would rather face the same fate as Jane." Charlotte replied, with a sigh. "I do not desire for him to lose his head to the block, Charles. He despises me for what I did. Being too honest is my greatest fault."

Charles moved and leaned over her and traced the edges of her jaw line and the curve of her lips. He bent down and kissed her softly.

"His Majesty is grateful for your honesty, Charlotte. He knows you would not have wished to betray Jane. But, by allowing Katherine Howard to see Thomas Culpepper without His Majesties' knowledge was an act of treason. You, your brother and I both are aware of this."

"I love you, Charles," she murmured. "I—I cannot help but feel that one day, I may lose you and be a widow at a young age."

"Do not say such things or think on it. We are here together now and that is all that matters. And if it does happen, promise me you will not be afraid to love again." Charles said, sternly. He cupped her cheek and kissed her again.

"I promise," she whispered, pulling away. "Where is Harry?"

"Did you not see him when you came in?"

"I suppose I forgot to look." Charlotte answered, blushing.

"He is on the other side of those doors."

"I wish to spend some time with you tonight…alone. I could ask Lady Mary to take Harry into her charge for the evening, or Philippa."

"Perhaps, I can play a game of cards with you and order a fine supper for us." Charles suggested.

"You taught me how to play well; and I think I shall earn a fortune off you, Your Grace."

Charles smiled and got up off the bed, handing Charlotte his hand to help her up. They walked out of their bedroom and found one of the king's ushers waiting for them.

"Your Graces, His Majesty is here to see you." The usher announced. Henry came in through the doors and sent Charlotte a look before glancing at Harry, her son.

"Harry, you know your manners." Charlotte reminded.

"Good evening, Your Majesty, it is nice of you to visit us." Harry exclaimed. Henry chuckled and bent down to pat the boy on his shoulder.

"You have grown up quickly, Your Grace. Almost as tall as your father," Henry said, chuckling again.

"I am not quite as tall as my father but I hope to be, Your Majesty." Harry responded. Charlotte giggled and she loved seeing Henry with a genuine smile on his face. Charles smiled at his son and Charlotte sent him next door with Philippa, Rupert and Eleanor.

"You are blessed with a wonderful son, Your Grace, both of you." Henry said, quietly. "I have considered what you asked of me a few evenings ago, Charlotte. Have you seen your brother recently?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I visited him today." Charlotte replied, "he is not too fond of this current situation. Despite what he says about facing the same fate as his wife and unborn child, I must ask Your Majesty once more if you may spare his life."

"What does he say of the matter?"

"He would rather put his head on the block than have your clemency, Majesty." Charlotte said.

"That can easily be arranged, Your Grace." Henry reminded. "But, since you proclaimed he is Lady Wallace's only son, I shall spare his life…on one condition, Your Grace."

Charlotte nodded and held her breath as he paused. She felt her palms tingle as Charles placed his hand on the small of her back for some comfort.

"What is the condition, Your Majesty?"

"If he sets foot into my court again, I shall send him back to the Tower and have him executed straight away. He is to remain in Norfolk with your mother…all his work is to be done there. Thomas Wallace shall be under house arrest until I see fit that he no longer acquires it."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Charlotte exclaimed, relieved. Henry smiled, bowed to Charlotte and left their apartments.

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