A Jewel in Henry's Crown

Chapter Forty-Six: A Knight and His Lady

Author's Note: I'm going to try to be as canon (although, this chapter might not be canon) as possible to the last few episodes! Sorry for the long-ish delay again. =( My brain doesn't seem to want to work in giving me inspiration. I HATE writer's block. So, we're almost to the conclusion…a few more chapters left until the end of season four. =) I'm so grateful to everyone who's stuck with Charles and Charlotte thus far and of course…to the end. I have a few ideas for a sequel, but I would gladly accept some ideas from you guys! Will Charlotte be able to stand another Catherine after what the snotty teenaged queen has done to her? Read and find out! Love you all!

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Summer 1543—Hampton Court

"All hail Her Majesty, Queen of England and Ireland—Catherine Tudor." The archbishop announced from his pulpit. "May God save the queen,"

Henry smiled at his new wife before taking her hand into his. She smiled back at him as he kissed the back of her hand. In a way, Catherine reminded him of Jane Seymour, what she should have been if she hadn't died in childbirth. He shook the thought away and led Catherine to the grand banquet hall. The queen's sigils and banners hung from the ceiling in rows, showing her glory. Henry led her to the throne and turned to face his court. The aisle that had been cleared for them disappeared as the courtiers gathered around again. Henry raised his chalice of wine and held Catherine's hand. He smiled at her again genuinely happy and back at the courtiers.

"To Queen Catherine," he declared. The echoes followed and the music and dancing resumed. Henry looked around the banquet hall, admiring the grandeur and marvelous sight of colours. He looked to Catherine again and leaned towards her. "Are you happy, my love?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," she responded.

"There is someone here I wish you to meet." Henry announced, summoning Charles forward. "Catherine, this is His Grace…the first Duke of Suffolk, Charles Brandon and his wife, Charlotte."

"It is an honour to make your acquaintance." Charlotte said, paying her respects to Catherine. The older woman smiled at Charlotte kindly after she rose.

"His Majesty talks highly of you, Your Grace." Catherine told Charlotte. "I should like to dine with you one evening to know you better."

"I should like that very much, Your Majesty." Charlotte replied, smiling back. There was a good age difference between her and Catherine. Catherine could have almost stood as a mother figure for Charlotte, since the Lady Norfolk had not returned to court. "Is the court pleasing to Your Majesty?"

"Indeed, I have been delighted and welcomed by many. I feel quite at home, I will confess. I hope it will not trouble Your Majesty if I ask for a dance."

"Of course, you must do as you will, my love. Your Grace," Henry said, looking at Charles. "Would you?"

Charles bowed and placed his hand on the small of Charlotte's back before leading Catherine to a dance. Charlotte smiled as she watched the queen and her husband dance. For some reason, she knew that she and Catherine would become friends. She liked her already and glanced at the king. He clenched his jaw and shifted uncomfortably in his seat, after feeling a searing pain shoot through his injured thigh.

"Are you well, Your Majesty?"

"This damn ulcer…" he cursed. "How are your children?"

"They are very well, Your Majesty. Thank you for inquiring of them. Harry has grown up so much in the past few years. He enjoys his company with the Lady Mary, his godmother."

Henry smiled at Charlotte before offering her a chalice of wine. She suddenly felt nausea and exhaustion overwhelm her. Henry glanced at her in concern.

"Please excuse me, Your Majesty; I fear I may not be well." Charlotte murmured, while curtsying. Henry nodded and she left the banquet hall swiftly. She came to her apartments and collapsed to the ground, clutching her stomach—feeling a dreading, familiar pain rush through her. What was happening to her? She and Charles had not been together in bed since a few months ago, before the trials of Katherine Howard. Charlotte's eyes widened, realizing now that she had not bled since then. Philippa, one of her ladies-in-waiting, came rushing to her and tried to help her up but Charlotte cried out in pain.

"Your Grace?" Philippa asked, in almost panic. "What do you need me to do?"

"Get me to bed. I fear I may be suffering a miscarriage." Charlotte gritted. She felt another tear inside her and warm liquid stain her dress between her legs. "No, no, no, no, no!"

Two other ladies-in-waiting came over, helping Charlotte up carefully as blood stained the floor. Charlotte was moved to her bedchamber and the dress was taken off. Sweat dripped off her forehead and her face paled as she suffered a miscarriage. Philippa opened the windows to let in the cool evening breeze. Charlotte had tears in her eyes as she saw the blood stains on the white sheets. The warm, red, sticky liquid covered her undergarment and thighs, causing nausea to engulf her. Why didn't she know she was pregnant? She must have ignored the signs during the last few months…and stress overwhelmed her during the executions and trials of Katherine Howard. What if Katherine had cursed her…or even Thomas, her brother? He had been beyond furious for the loss of his wife. Philippa pressed a wet cloth on Charlotte's forehead, trying to keep her temperature cool and normal. The other two ladies-in-waiting cleaned the blood away and changed Charlotte into a fresh new nightgown. In her light sleep, Charlotte could hear her maids talking softly. The doors opened and the bedside shifted down as someone sat beside her. She felt a hand gently on the side of her face as she slowly opened her eyes.

"How are you feeling?" Charles asked, calmly. He leaned over her and brushed his hand gently across the side of her face. She sighed and moved her head to look at him.

"Exceedingly exhausted," she muttered. "I had no indications of a pregnancy, Charles. It happens."

"Do you need me to fetch you anything?" Charles continued.

"No, not at this moment," Charlotte paused and took his hand into hers. "Stay with me. What news is there outside of England?"

"France has joined the war with the Italians and the Ottoman Empire. Boulogne is under threat."

"Do you think the king will go to war?"

"There's no doubt of it. Francis continues to rival His Majesty…I may have to go to Boulogne." Charles said, uneasily. Charlotte's brows furrowed in confusion and anger. "We are uncertain what Francis will do. For now, His Majesty retaliates in Norfolk…sending men to battle. Henry is passionate for war. He wishes to defeat the French."

"He doesn't have to send you does he? Why you of all people?"

"I am His Majesties' closest—"

"You are my husband, Charles!" Charlotte cried, her voice rising in anger. "Think of your children! What will Harry do if he loses his father? Eleanor and Rupert would never know you!"

"It is not my decision resolve, Charlotte. I will do what His Majesty commands of me. Until then, I will be here at your side…to love you and our children…and to be with them."

Charlotte gave him a weak smile and he kissed her forehead. Charles ran his hand down her arm and played with her hand.

"You have changed so much since I met you eight years ago. You are a much braver and stronger woman now."

"I was rather intimidated by His Majesties' court," Charlotte said, chuckling. "Then I met you—I think you were the one who brought the change in me. It was a good change,"

"Did you know in your heart that you would marry me?"

"I dreamt of it on occasion," Charlotte replied, blushing. "After you left Norfolk, I wondered if I'd ever see you again. I did—do know for certain that you are the only man I could ever love."

"I promised myself that I would find you again, if you never came to court," Charles murmured, softly.

"I am truly happy I married you. You rescued me."

"As a knight should rescue his lady," Charles teased, making Charlotte giggle like a flirt. She pulled herself up and kissed him sweetly. He smiled and returned the kisses more passionately.

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A/N 2: Thank you for reading! Hope you enjoyed. Inspired song: A King Reborn ~ Trevor Morris. I know I've used this song previously but this is what I was listening to towards the end with the Charles/Charlotte fluff scene.