If Charles were to look back he would see a life filled with love, lust, friendships and family. Most of all he would see Henry, King Henry VIII was first and foremost his friend and then his King. Charles had been there when Henry got married to Queen Catherine of Aragon, he had been one of the first to welcome little Princess Mary to this world. He had also been the one to see Henry's unhappy marriage, how Henry spent less and less time with Catherine, how Catherine fought to regain his attention.
Just as Henry was ready to take matters into his own hands regarding his marriage, Anne Boleyn waltzed into Henry's life and the life of every soul in England. Anne Boleyn was a beautiful woman, he remembered seeing her for the first time, he had longed to touch her flowing hair to see if it was as smooth as it looked, to see her smile at him and to only look at him with those fascinating eyes of hers, but soon after she had arrived in court it became apparent that Henry had his eyes set on her. Charles had been banished for a while for marrying Henry's sister without Henry's permission, but all was soon forgotten and Charles had been invited back to court with Mary.
Anne Boleyn, everyone had soon found out, was not swayed by the King and she led Henry on a merry chase. Henry wanted her and he wanted her as a wife but that meant that Queen Catherine needed to either go to a nunnery or grant Henry a divorce. Queen Catherine would of course not step back, she kept holding on and claiming her right, Henry was furious and Charles supported his friend even if it hurt him to hurt a great lady as Catherine. Soon Henry demanded that the Pope annulled his marriage, but as all know the Pope does not make decisions quickly. In 1529 the case was withdrawn back to the Pope and Henry took matters into his own hands, he banished Queen Catherine and declared himself Head of the Church of England. Making Anne Boleyn the de facto Queen of England, she was even dressing in purple a color she had no right to wear. And rumors soon began about her being pregnant, she was deemed a whore and witch by many people.
In France 1532, Charles was forced to witness the marriage between Henry and Anne Boleyn in secret, his wife Mary was furious and declined going to court if she had to bow to Anne Boleyn. As it were Charles was forced to accept Anne as his Queen and he did so to stay on Henry's good side. He was also forced to be High Constable of the day of Anne's coronation, she was crowned using St. Edwards crown and by Henry himself. Charles wanted to snarl at the look of triumph on Anne's face as she sat there crowned as Queen of England when the Pope had declared that Queen Catherine was still the rightful Queen.
Anne soon became pregnant, if she wasn't before and on the 7th September 1533 Anne went into labor. Charles could still remember waiting with Henry for Queen Anne to give birth, Queen – Ha! It still gave Charles a bad taste in his mouth to call her Queen. He hated her and her whole family. The Boleyn's took and took and destroyed whatever and whomever they wanted without ever looking back, and Henry just looked the other way. They had ruined Queen Catherine and poor Princess Mary, Henry punished Mary for her mother's deeds, he punished the so-called Pearl of his World.
Charles had been praying for a son, Henry needed and deserved a son, but he also couldn't help but wish for a girl to be her downfall. Henry had planned jousts, balls, how the French ambassador would hold his son as King Francis' proxy, as the wait had begun to get long Henry began to pace like a lion. They had waited for a while when suddenly one of the Queen's Ladies informed them that Queen Anne had given birth to a healthy Princess.
Henry's smile faded fast, "A living girl is better than a dead child your Majesty, besides you are young and the Queen is still capable of carrying an heir." Charles found himself saying.
Henry nodded pleased, "You are right Charles, boys will follow. Let's go see my new daughter."
They made their way through the halls of Greenwich Palace, to the Queen's apartments. Henry strode inside and Charles followed as he had been commanded, Anne sat in bed looking desperately at the King while she was holding their daughter, "I'm sorry," she said.
Charles realized that already the little girl was overshadowed by the need for a boy, they didn't want her and the girl would always know that, the poor little thing. Anne was already regretting her first child, the dreaded daughter she had never wanted.
Henry picked her up and held his daughter close and smiled, "Who knows? Someday this girl may preside over empires," Henry turned to Charles, "You will be godfather, right?"
Charles bowed, "Of course your Majesty, it would be an honor." He noticed Anne's displeasure clearly written on her face, and Charles couldn't agree more. But the King asked and what the King wanted he got.
"Elizabeth, my jewel, this is your Uncle Charles."
Charles wanted to protest, his wife Mary had died earlier this year and he wasn't anything to the girl but Henry placed little Elizabeth in his arms and he felt his heart melt. No one could deny that Elizabeth was a Tudor; she looked like Elizabeth of York her grandmother. She was a beautiful little thing and Charles knew she would grow into a sought after beauty, men would fall on their own swords for her favor. She was innocent and not to blame for her mother's actions just like Princess Mary wasn't to blame for Queen Catherine's mistakes.
Elizabeth opened her eyes and giggled as she saw Charles, "Hello little Princess Bess." He murmured softly completely enthralled with her.
"Princess Bess?" Henry smiled, "I like that."
So it came to be that Charles Brandon became the godfather and uncle of Princess Elizabeth Tudor, he loved the little Princess and she adored her Uncle Char. He made sure to ride out to Hatfield where the Princess had her residence at least once a month, he brought toys and cloth for dresses and little Bess loved everything he brought her.
It was clear to see in Bess' eyes that she was very intelligent, she always noticed everything. When Henry's affection for Anne began to cool, Charles knew that Anne's enemies would react swiftly. Their revenge was harsher and more brutal than anything Charles could have imagined; they accused her of adultery, an offense punishable by death for both Anne and the men. Charles may have planted the seed but to see Henry react with such contempt towards Anne was shocking, Henry had torn apart England and had removed them from the Catholic Church for Anne, now he would not even protest on her behalf. He acted as if Anne was truly guilty and a whore, something that no one could have said out loud just two years earlier without losing their heads.
Charles was horrified little Bess would soon be without a mother and Henry even denied that Bess was his daughter; little Bess might as well have been an orphan. Charles made his way to the Tower; something he had never thought he would do but for Bess, he would do that and more. He greeted Master Kingston and was taken to Queen Anne.
Charles bowed, "Madame,"
"Your Grace," Anne smiled sadly, in her eyes he could see that she had accepted her fate, "Why are you here?" distantly he noticed Master Kingston close the door.
"I'm here to talk about Bess,"
"Is she fine? Has something happened?" Anne's eyes widened in worry.
"No she is just fine and safe; however I wished to promise you that I would take care of her. She will not want for anything, I promise you this Anne. Even if I have to guilt Henry into it, I will help her." Charles vowed, "I am her Godfather and whatever bad blood existed between me and your family will never influence my relationship with Bess, that I vow before all the saints and God."
Anne sighed happily, "You have taken a great burden from my shoulders, I feared she would be all alone."
He smiled sadly, "I will make sure she is safe and sound."
"Thank you. As I will never speak to you again, I want to say I'm sorry if I caused you problems. I never wanted to hurt anyone. I fell in love and as a foolish girl I wished to own my love's heart and be his wife. I regret my actions but I do not regret my daughter, she was the only pure thing in my life. I wish I had had more time with her, but now I go to my death and I will fly to God with the men who were falsely accused of something neither they nor I did."
"God bless you Anne, goodbye Madam." Charles bowed his head as the door opened again.
She rose and curtsied to him, "Goodbye, Charles." He blinked, it was the first time she ever called him by his given name and he felt a profound sadness at the thought of her death. When Anne was beheaded he was amongst the crowd, he nodded to her, as her eyes met his, she smiled briefly and then she spoke her last words, as graceful and eloquent as a queen should be until the end. The executioner cut off her head with just a single stroke and Charles was glad of the fact, now he could tell Elizabeth that her mother died as a Queen, dignified and elegant to the end.
Charles waited until everyone was gone before walking over to the men taking the body, he placed a purse into their hands and they nodded, he whispered an address and they nodded again. What he was doing was illegal; it was up to the King to decide where the accused were to be buried and as there was no family to arrange a funeral Charles bribed the men. Anne would be buried at a small church in Suffolk near Westhorpe Hall; from there he could take Bess to see her mother. He would arrange a stone and write the inscription so she would be remembered as Anne Boleyn the mother of Bess.
Charles made his way back to court; Henry called him immediately and began asking him about the execution, "They bowed to her." Charles said quietly, he was just as surprised but after hearing her speak he understood.
"What?!" Henry hissed.
"They all knelt for her and blessed her; she was honored in her last moments as a Queen." Charles said softly, "They remembered her fondly and she went to her death with grace and dignity, blessing your Majesty, praising your love and respect for her. She was glorious standing there, even when she knelt waiting for the sword…"
"They will soon forget her!" Henry claimed "She was never a Queen and Jane will be perfect!" and just eleven days later, Henry married Jane Seymour.
To tell the truth, Charles was disgusted that Henry couldn't even wait the proper mourning period. Charles was also dismayed to see how hard Jane fought for Princess Mary without mentioning Bess even once. When Charles received a letter from Lady Bryan begging to help in any way with Bess' upkeep, he knew he had to step in. Casually he mentioned, to Henry, how he missed having a small girl at home and how his new wife, Catherine Willoughby, longed for a little girl.
"Then you must return home and get her with child," Henry laughed gaily happy with his new and meek wife.
"I was wondering if I would be permitted to house Lady Elizabeth for a while." Charles threaded carefully.
"What do you want with Henry Norris' bastard?" Henry growled, Charles wanted to defend Bess, but he knew he couldn't or the King would punish him and then he couldn't even help Bess.
"To comfort my wife, Henry. What else would I want with her?" Charles asked calmly.
Henry glared for a while and Charles just breathed evenly, meeting Henry's eyes unwaveringly, waiting for his decision, "Very well go fetch her, but I don't want to see her or hear anything about the little bastard."
Charles almost sighed in relief but he knew he couldn't, "Of course, your Majesty."
Charles packed quickly and saddled his horse, he rode quickly to Hatfield, where Lady Bryan greeted him, "Welcome your Grace. We are very pleased to see you, this way."
Charles noticed immediately that the rich tapestries that had decorated the walls were gone, as were all the fine furniture, what was left was just enough to call this the residence of a royal bastard. Elizabeth greeted him with a big smile, "Uncle Charles!" she ran to him but stopped and curtsied elegantly, "Your Grace." She greeted.
"Little Bess, is that really you? No, you couldn't possibly have grown this big." Charles joked but he was horrified, Elizabeth was dressed in a dress that was clearly too small and her feet were bare without any socks or shoes. He knelt and opened his arms, she threw herself into his arms and he hugged her close.
"Uncle Charles?" she whispered
"Yes, Bess." He whispered back
"Are Mama and Papa mad at me?" she asked as she pulled back, her eyes glistened with tears.
"No dear Bess, they are not mad at you. Your Mama had to go to a wonderful place far away, and your Papa is just sad and he wants you to know that he loves you very much." Charles said, how could he tell the small girl, that her Father had had her Mother executed?
"Will Mama be back soon?"
"No dear one," Charles whispered gently, "God needed her so she has gone to help him and all his angels."
"I don't like God," She whined petulantly.
"Bess!" he looked at her firmly, "God is not evil, he is good and loving you must never hate him. He sent me here to take care of you; I have come to take you to live with me and my wife if you want to."
"Sorry Uncle Charles," she looked towards a cross hanging on the wall, "Sorry God," then his words seemed to register with her, her eyes brightened in happiness, "Truly, I can come live with you, Uncle Charles?"
"Yes Bess, you would be most welcome."
"What about Lady Bryan?" She asked worriedly.
"Lady Bryan can come too, but soon you will need a tutor." Charles said, "Now go pack your toys, Lady Bryan and I will come to help you in a bit." She rushed upstairs to her playroom, "Have you gotten no money at all?" he asked the governess.
Lady Bryan sighed, "They cut her expenses when her mother was in the Tower, to pay for her imprisonment they said. After that they cut more and more, I sold some of the things here but I don't know what to do, your Grace, which is why I wrote you, you are her last hope."
Charles nodded, "I understand, still she should have gotten an allowance that would secure her upkeep."
"They took it all to pay for Qu- For Anne's time in prison." Lady Bryan repeated, "I don't know why but I have written to Cromwell at least five times and he never replied, you are the only one who replied to my letters, your Grace."
"Let us pack; I have permission from the King to take Bess home with me. You are of course welcome too."
"Thank you," Lady Bryan smiled, "But the king has ordered me to stay here for when Queen Jane gives him a son."
Charles shook his head, he couldn't fathom that Henry was doing this, the Henry he knew loved his daughters more than anything, Mary the pearl of his world and Elizabeth the Jewel. Henry had to have a heart of stone to deny himself his daughters. Charles had daughters, Anne, Mary, Frances and Eleanor they were his greatest delight and joy. His only sadness was his son Henry who had died suddenly just six years old, his second son also named Henry was the last child he had with Mary, he was strong and would have been his heir and he was the King's nephew, Bess' cousin. But sadly he had also passed away just a year after Mary had passed away.
Elizabeth's things were quickly packed especially as they didn't take all the dresses she couldn't wear anymore. Charles packed three different dresses; he remembered how Anne would work with a seamstress to make the most beautiful dresses for her daughter. This way Elizabeth would have something her mother had made with her love and touched herself.
He helped her and Lady Bryan into the simple carriage he had arranged for them and then they were on their way. Elizabeth was curious about everything and she pointed out of the carriage every time she saw something interesting. They made good progress and soon Westhorpe Hall was within their sights, Charles rode close to the carriage, "Look, Bess, this is my home, Westhorpe Hall."
She looked out and gasped, "It's pretty!" she smiled.
Charles laughed at her enthusiasm; he rode ahead to make sure everything was ready. Catherine met him in front of the house with a stony expression. "Wife," he greeted her cordially.
"Why are you doing this? That harlot's bastard is not welcome here!" She hissed angrily.
"Catherine, be quiet. She is my goddaughter and I promised to take care of her, Henry didn't even give her a proper allowance. She was in a sorry state as you will see; I cannot let her stay in such a sorry state no matter who her mother was."
"I will not be a mother to her!" Catherine whispered furiously as the carriage arrived.
"She doesn't need another mother, she needs a friend to take care of her beside our son Edward, he will be overjoyed to have a playmate."
Lady Bryan stepped out of the carriage and helped Elizabeth down; Charles heard her wife's intake of breath when she saw the young girl. "Welcome to Westhorpe Hall, Bess, and Lady Bryan." Charles knew that Lady Bryan was just here for a day or so before she would make her way back to Hatfield to wait for the birth of a new royal child.
"Thank you, your Graces." Lady Bryan curtsied, Elizabeth copied her governess and Charles smiled he went and picked her up so she wouldn't have to walk in her too small shoes.
"May I present my wife, Lady Catherine," Charles walked over to his wife, he noticed how quickly Catherine recognized the Tudor features in Elizabeth.
"Hello, your Grace," Elizabeth said softly and a bit shy, Catherine had hated Anne Boleyn and had not come to visit Bess when Charles visited her so she was a stranger to Bess.
"I'm very pleased to meet you Lady Elizabeth." Catherine smiled.
Charles noticed Edward's governess making her way outside, she was carrying his two-year-old son with her. "And this is our son Edward."
Elizabeth waved shyly to the boy who seemed interested in playing with her; Charles carried Elizabeth inside walking toward what would be her room. She seemed very happy with her room and she ran from one side to the other while happily exclaiming over different things, the view, the bed and the big chest where she was certain all her toys would fit inside.
Lady Bryan nodded in satisfaction, "I cannot thank you enough, your Grace, this will be a good thing for her. I'm saddened to leave her already, but she will be happy here."
"I think I will begin to look for a tutor for her, she needs to learn if she is ever invited back to court, she will need her wits and intelligence." Charles murmured, "She can be educated alongside my son."
Lady Bryan nodded, "May I suggest a tutor?"
"Of course," Charles was grateful if she knew a suitable tutor he wouldn't have to look for one.
"I had thought to make Katherine Champernowne her tutor, she speaks French, Latin and is very well educated."
"I will inquire about her, but I have no doubt that she will be the best-suited tutor to little Bess and my son," Charles said, he left the two to sort everything out and he knew Lady Bryan would want to say goodbye to Elizabeth.
"Doesn't she have any socks?" Catherine asked him as soon as he walked into their room, she was shocked by the state of Elizabeth's clothes.
"She has outgrown her clothes, without the support of her royal father she has nothing."
"What about her grandfather, Boleyn? Shouldn't he try to support her?"
"Rumor says that he has nothing, not even enough to feed and clothe himself. He also washed his hands of both Anne and George, he left them to be killed, he didn't even speak for them. He condemned Elizabeth as a bastard and hasn't even made an attempt to see her." Charles confided quietly, "So she really has no one to speak for her, Catherine I know you don't want to have her here, but as her godfather, it is my duty to ensure her happiness and comfort."
"I understand, but I'm not happy about it."
"When Henry wants to see her, he will be very pleased with us. We will be the ones who took care of her and loved her even when he himself has forgotten her." Charles said to comfort her, in reality, he had not even thought about Henry's reaction when he decided to help little Bess.
Jane Seymour was called a peacemaker, somehow she persuaded Henry to give Mary another chance and soon Lady Mary was welcomed back to court. For all of Jane's reputation as a peacemaker no one thought to invite Elizabeth back to court, nor did Jane or any other try to help or support the poor girl. For some reason this irked Charles, why didn't Jane work as tirelessly for Elizabeth as she had done for Mary?
Likewise, Henry never bothered to ask Charles about Elizabeth and Charles didn't bring it up, the truth was that he and Catherine had both fallen in love with Elizabeth, they both felt as if she was their own daughter and they couldn't bear the thought of losing her to anyone.
Jane gave birth to a son, a silent and meek little boy Edward, finally Henry got his most fervent wish and when Jane passed away not even 12 days later, Henry secluded himself in his sorrow. Charles and the other men in the Privy Council did their best to keep England in good hands. Cromwell tried in the King's absence to take even more power into his own hands, but Charles and Edward Seymour kept him at bay with every turn.
When Henry finally emerged from his seclusion he was a different man altogether, tired, bitter and angry, Charles took his leave to go home for a bit. He arrived home and smiled when he saw his son Edward now four and Elizabeth now six chasing each other, the two hellions were always teasing each other and playing together.
Catherine came to greet him carrying their second son, one-year-old Charles or Charlie on her arm. Charles kissed her and kissed Charlie's forehead, he grabbed Elizabeth as she ran by and looked at her sternly.
"Are you not going to behave like a proper Lady, little Bess?"
She smiled and Charles could see much of Anne in her, "Of course Uncle Charles," she curtsied elegantly, "Bienvenue Oncle Charles, je suis heureux de vous revoir. J'espère que vous êtes heureux de me voir aussi."
"Thank you for your warm and gracious welcome, Lady Bess." Charles laughed; it was typical of Elizabeth to switch languages.
She already spoke French, Italian, some Spanish and a bit Flemish, Mistress Champernowne, or Kat as the children called her, was a great tutor and governess to the children. She taught them well but Charles knew he soon needed another tutor for Edward, one who could teach his son fencing, archery, and jousting. Elizabeth would not need to know these things, but she was clever and excelled in all her lessons, including dancing and other womanly pursuits.
Charles used his few days at home, teaching Elizabeth and Edward how to fish, trying to teach Edward archery with Elizabeth claiming that she wanted to try too. In the end, Elizabeth joined them both; she was exceptional with a bow. Their quiet world was shattered with the arrival of a carriage and guards bearing the royal colors and the Tudor rose.
Charles walked outside to greet whoever it was, to his shock it was King Henry himself who appeared, "Your Majesty, welcome to Westhorpe Hall," Charles bowed, "We weren't expecting you."
Henry just looked around for a while, "I have come to see your ward." He didn't even say her name, Charles noted.
Charles wanted to protest and tell him that her name was Elizabeth and she was his daughter, but luckily before he could say anything so stupid Catherine appeared. "Your Majesty," she curtsied, "Welcome, the lessons for today is almost over, and can I offer you refreshment inside while we wait?"
"I would be delighted Lady Suffolk."
They sat in awkward silence, sipping their wine waiting for the children to come down, the first one down was Edward who smiled and bowed to them all, "Farther, Mother."
Charles smiled, "His Majesty has come to visit us, your Majesty this is our son Edward."
"Your Majesty." Edward bowed and their King nodded to him not particularly interested.
Mistress Kat appeared she curtsied deeply, "May I present Lady Elizabeth."
Elizabeth walked into the room, Charles watched as Henry froze, Elizabeth's hair was in a loose braid showing off the rich strawberry blonde color, her eyes were all Anne but she looked more like Elizabeth of York. "Your Majesty." She curtsied deeply.
Henry's eyes dimmed in disappointment, the last time he had seen his daughter she had come running into his arms, calling him Papa. But that had been years ago when she was still the Jewel of England, their Princess, "Elizabeth,"
She rose gracefully and Charles felt himself fill with pride, she was so sweet, intelligent, elegant and graceful. She curtsied again, "Uncle Charles, Aunt Catherine."
"Lady Bess," Charles said with a proud smile, she smiled back and walked over to sit beside Catherine, something that irritated Henry.
"I have in mind to call you back to court," Henry stated, "I want you there to meet your brother."
Elizabeth looked up with wet eyes hurt at his curt and sharp tone, but Charles could see her temper flaring, "Why?"
Henry glared at her, "Because I command you to!"
"I have no brother!" Elizabeth rose in anger and Charles wanted to hit Henry, why did he come now? Why come into her life when he had wanted nothing to do with her since her mother's death. "I have no mother and no father! Not even Mary wanted me!" tears began flowing down her cheeks in anger and frustration.
"How dare you, you ungrateful child!" Charles paled at his King's temper rose, "I am your father and your King, and you will speak to me with respect!"
Elizabeth froze and her eyes narrowed in anger, "You don't even like me! You left me! You, Mama and Mary all left me! I don't want you! I want Uncle Charles! And Aunt Catherine! And Edward!"
With those words Elizabeth turned and ran out, Charles sighed, "Edward do you mind going after Bess?"
"Of course not father," Edward rose bowed to the King and hurried after Elizabeth.
"Is this what you teach my daughter?!" Henry was furious, he glared at them both, "This appalling behavior from a young Lady."
"We teach her to love and respect God and her King," Catherine said quietly with dignity, "She is an intelligent young lady, she noticed that no one came for her while she was languishing at Hatfield, without even the basic necessities. When Charles came to get her, she had shoes which were too small and hurt her feet, no socks, her dresses were worn and she had outgrown them. Lady Bryan told us how she desperately had written Cromwell and your Majesty, pleading for help but her letters went unanswered. Elizabeth noticed all of this."
Henry looked shocked and Charles decided to press his King further, to make him understand why Elizabeth thought Henry didn't want her, "When I arrived to take her away, Lady Bryan had sold tapestries and silverware to pay for Elizabeth and the small household. Lady Mary had been removed and Elizabeth had no one but Lady Bryan to help her. The rest of the staff were let go so Lady Bryan could buy food and clothes for the meager salary she received." Charles wanted to emphasize how bad the conditions had been, "The first thing she asked me after our greeting was if her mother and father were mad at her. She thought she had done something wrong; I assured her that she hadn't and she asked me why her Mama hadn't been to see her. I told her that God wanted her help and she claimed that she hated God."
Henry closed his eyes in anguish, as he learned of Elizabeth's sadness and the conditions after Anne's execution.
"She was sad for many months when I first brought her here, she wouldn't speak for long periods but slowly we got her to open up and be like the happy girls she is. Henry, she still needs her Papa, but she has to hear it from you." Charles said softly.
"She must have felt so alone," Henry whispered.
"She did your Majesty," Catherine said with a nod, "We have always assured her of your love for her and that once you pulled away from the sorrow, she would be welcomed back to court and as your daughter."
Henry looked at them both, "Thank you both of you; I didn't know what to do. You provided a good home for her."
Edward and Elizabeth returned silently, there was still tear tracks on Elizabeth's face, but she had a small smile from something Edward whispered to her. "I'm sorry, your Majesty." Elizabeth curtsied.
"There is nothing to forgive, my Elizabeth. Come let me look at you."
Elizabeth went over to him and curtsied again, "Do…" Elizabeth bit her lip in worry.
"What is it my Jewel?"
"Are you still mad at me? And mad at Mama?"
Henry looked at Catherine and Charles who both looked just as shocked at her question, "Why do you think I'm mad at you?"
"Because," Elizabeth hesitated, "I'm a bastard and Mama was a whore."
Henry rose furious, "Who said that?!"
"I heard some of my maids talking and they whisper about it in the town, but Mama loved you so much." Elizabeth protested.
"Henry?" Charles asked, wondering how they would escape the explanation to come.
"Your mother loved me very much, some people lied to me and I believed them. God called your Mother home and now she works with the angels." Henry said, "You are my daughter."
"But not a Princess…" she said softly understanding more than she should as such a young girl, "Do I have to go?"
Henry chose to ignore the comment about being a Princess, "I want you at court Elizabeth, it would delight both me and Mary, besides you have not met your brother."
Elizabeth looked sadly at Charles, Catherine, and Edward, "Do I get to come back?"
"Do you want to? Don't you want to stay at court?" Henry asked shocked.
"I want to stay with Uncle Charles… if I may," she added softly.
"Of course you may if Charles and Catherine will allow it." Both Charles and Catherine nodded, "Then it's settled, but only if you promise me to come and stay with me when I ask."
"I will," Elizabeth promised with a big smile and she curtsied to her father, "I promise, father."
Henry beamed, "Now pack a few things, I will arrange for a seamstress to make you a few new dresses. Your sister Mary has also longed for your company."
Elizabeth turned to run out but then she paused, "Can Edward come too?"
Henry frowned but looked at Charles, Charles nodded, "Of course Edward can come with his father."
"Thank you!" she hugged Henry and ran out, Edward followed with Catherine and left the two friends alone.
"She is an intelligent, sweet and graceful girl, you can be very proud of her." Charles murmured softly.
"Is she really?"
Charles nodded, "She is elegant and graceful, she is charming when she wants to be and she has the famous Tudor temper. And I should know after being married to my sweet Mary."
Henry laughed loudly, "Is she…"
Charles looked at his friend, "She is everything I have said and more, she and Edward compete in everything. They really enjoy fishing, arching, and fencing."
"You taught her fencing?"
"I didn't teach her anything;" Charles laughed, "she watched Hal learn and then ordered him to help her practice. She is tenacious when she wants something."
"Really?" Henry smiled, "She sounds… like she truly is my daughter."
"She has all the best attributes from both her parents; she will be a wonderful big sister for your son." Charles said while emptying his wine, "She is different, I know but she is definitely a Tudor through and through."
Henry was happy to hear it, soon the children had packed their things and they were on their way to Whitehall Palace and Charles worried, would they receive Elizabeth well or would they treat her like a bastard. They arrived in the courtyard; many of the courtiers were waiting to welcome their King as he returned home. Henry nodded to his people; he helped Elizabeth out of the carriage, she stepped out while looking at the people gathered, she looked guarded but no one would know it from her expression which showed nothing. At six she was already showing everyone how good she would be at ruling or at the political game.
"Welcome back your Majesty!" Edward Seymour said while nearing, Charles felt a bit of anger towards the man but waited to see what would happen.
"Edward, I trust England is well," Henry didn't wait for the reply he looked around and smiled at Mary, "Mary, Elizabeth is here! Your sister has returned home!" he boomed and every courtier's eyes were locked on the two, one a woman at age 23 and a girl at six.
"Elizabeth!" Mary smiled happily, "I'm so happy to see you and you have grown even more beautiful."
"Mary," Elizabeth curtsied, "Chère soeur c'est un plaisir de vous revoir."
"Sweet Elizabeth, I have missed you." Mary hugged her, kissed her forehead and both her cheeks.
Henry smiled proudly, "Come let's go inside, I need to show you your room."
Together the royal family walked inside, they proceeded to walk to Elizabeth's new room. Henry showed it proudly, "The room is connected to Mary's, so you can go to her if you need anything."
Elizabeth nodded seriously, "What about Uncle Charles and Edward?"
Henry laughed, "They will stay in Charles' rooms, they are not too far from here. Mary, I trust you to keep an eye on these two," Henry ordered Mary she nodded, "Charles I need your advice."
Charles followed Henry to his privy chamber, "What can I do for you, your majesty?"
Henry smiled, "I want to show you something," Henry led Charles over to a painting, "This is Anne of Cleves, Cromwell thinks I should marry her. Her brother is a member of the Protestant League and he will be a good ally to me and England."
Charles studied the painting, "She looks like a fine woman, how old is she?"
"25, my ambassadors told me she was kind, virtuous, a protestant and fertile." Henry smiled, "I want you to help me greet her, she will arrive and stay in Rochester Abbey. I want to surprise her!"
Charles bowed, "Of course, I expect you want Mary and Elizabeth to greet her with you."
"Of course!"
"A fine idea, Elizabeth will be pleased."
"And your son, Charles?"
"My son? Your Majesty."
Henry smiled, "The way he and Elizabeth are acting around each other, they will grow up to be a fine pair."
Charles felt faint; his son betrothed to Elizabeth Tudor a possible heir to the throne, "A pair?"
"I want to betroth my beautiful Elizabeth to your son Edward; she will, of course, be afforded a proper dowry and a fine estate. Perhaps Pembroke, her mother's estate…" Henry mused, "Yes, she will be raised as the Marquees of Pembroke, following her mother and the title will, of course, be inherited by her sons."
"Your Majesty is very gracious; I would be honored to accept the betrothal. I'm sure my son will be a good husband to Bess." Charles smiled happily, just knowing that he wasn't losing Elizabeth to a foreign marriage was comforting.
At 10 Elizabeth Tudor was made the Marquess of Pembroke, she was truly recognized as the daughter of King Henry and now she was one of the highest-ranking women in England. Mary was made the Marquess of Lincoln, the title Earl of Lincoln had been one their cousin Henry Brandon had had before his death, Henry had made her a Marquess instead of a Countess. With their new titles came, land and money from the crown to preserve their dignities.
Mary was the highest ranking lady of the land, except for the Queen who was soon Catherine Howard and soon Catherine Parr. Henry never wasted a second and found beautiful women everywhere, Catherine Howard had been a young foolish girl who had married the king and then fallen in love with his groom, Thomas Culpepper. It had been her fall and the fall of the wife of the late George Boleyn, Jane Parker. It had broken Henry's heart when he had discovered the affair and something cruel in Henry had truly taken hold of him.
She was executed, with Thomas Culpepper, Francis Dereham, and Jane Boleyn. She had died proclaiming that she deserved to die a thousand deaths, for King Henry had treated her with kindness and understanding. Far more than she deserved, and she blessed him and prayed that God would smile upon King Henry and his son. Later the words on the streets said that she had said that she "died a queen, but would rather have died as the wife of Culpepper." Which was of course nonsense but her reputation had already been tarnished and people were cruel towards another Howard girl, who claimed the crown.
As Elizabeth had just turned 13 her marriage was arranged, she and Edward were to be bound together and blessed by Henry, Henry was sick and Charles' health was also suffering. Elizabeth had all but ordered her Uncle Charles to stay in bed, she could not order her father but she had glared at him to show her displeasure. Elizabeth became the wife of the future Duke in a beautiful spring ceremony; she also claimed her title as Marchioness of Pembroke while her husband became the Marquess of Pembroke. Edward took her name of Tudor as respect towards her and the King, something that Henry liked.
Henry was sick and everyone could see that the King's health was failing him. He was married to his sixth wife Catherine Parr, who was an educated and very learned woman. With Elizabeth's marriage, the King was securing one of his heirs, he had changed the succession as soon as he got ill.
Prince Edward was not betrothed to anyone and Mary was already older than most women when they married. Prince Edward would follow his father as King, then Mary and then Elizabeth; Charles knew his son and his grandchildren could potentially become kings and queens. He heard the description of the ceremony from his son Charlie, while Charles was well taken care of by the royal physicians.
Charles was sleeping silently when someone knocked on the door, "Enter!" he called feeling stronger than yesterday.
"Uncle Charles!" Elizabeth entered followed by Edward.
"Father, we came for your blessing."
Charles smiled, "You both have my blessing, you have always had my blessing, my children."
Elizabeth sat beside him, "Can we stay here for a while? We need to renovate a bit of Pembroke before we live there, and we wanted to be close to you." Elizabeth asked and explained.
"You are both very welcome," Charles murmured tiredly.
"We should let father sleep," Edward said.
"Sleep well, Uncle Charles," Elizabeth kissed his cheek.
Elizabeth and Edward stayed with Catherine and Charles for almost two months before tragedy struck, King Henry was sick. Mary called them back to court and wanted their support of their young brother who was to become King Edward VI. Elizabeth packed quickly, she wanted to say goodbye to her father and tell him that she would always support Edward in his kingly duties.
"Elizabeth?"
She stopped and hurried into Charles' room, "Yes Uncle Charles?"
"Give the King my love, tell him that I will come and support him when I'm strong enough," Charles said softly.
"Of course Uncle Charles, I will also tell him that you will support Edward if the worst should happen." Elizabeth kissed his cheek, "Just rest, get healthy and I will see you soon."
Charles smiled, "I will," he wondered quietly to himself what would have happened if he had not taken Elizabeth in when she needed him. She was a wonderful girl and she had all the best parts of her mother and father in her. Charles knew that if Edward was to fall she and Mary would be formidable rulers, Charles just hoped they wouldn't fight for the throne, it would destroy England.
Elizabeth and Edward returned just a few weeks later, the King had sent them away along with Mary, Prince Edward and Queen Catherine Parr, now they were only to wait for the inevitable. Meanwhile, Charles had recovered some but he knew all too well that he would never truly regain his strength, he was old and weary at 62 he had truly reached a respectable age. He was living on borrowed time and it was only a matter of time before he would die.
Charles was woken just three weeks later to Catherine's gentle caress on his cheek, "My love… just as fair as a spring morning…"
She giggled, "My darling," she kissed him gently, "The king passed away early this morning."
Charles closed his eyes in pain, "I will miss him, and join him soon."
"Hush Charles, you will stay with me for a while yet…" she smiled sadly, "But there is also good news."
"Is there?"
"Yes, Elizabeth is pregnant."
Charles sat up in wonder, "Pregnant?"
"Yes!" Catherine grinned, "A grandchild!"
"Thank God, is she well?"
"Ask her yourself," Catherine gestured towards the door where Elizabeth waited.
"Bess, come here…" he reached for her and she rushed to his side, gripping his hand tightly.
"I'm pregnant…" Tears gathered in her eyes, "You have to see him or her! Please, Uncle Charles…"
Charles smiled, "I cannot decide when I will be called by God, I wish only for your happiness Bess. Let Edward take care of you and be happy together."
Elizabeth nodded, "I will when he returns home. He has gone to fetch Edward and to swear his allegiance on our behalf."
"Good," Charles' eyes fell closed and he felt tiredness creep up on him, "Now let me rest; I'm old and need naps to keep up with you, young Bess."
She giggled, "Of course Uncle Charles, sleep well."
She left the room but Catherine kept sitting beside him, "I still need you, my love," she whispered, "I need you to support me, our Charlie needs you, he is only ten how is he to know how to be a man if you leave us already?"
"I will fight Catherine, but only God can hold back death. Besides, I think our Edward is ready to follow in my footsteps." Charles chuckled, "He is a good boy and will make a very good Duke of Suffolk. He will help Charlie and Elizabeth will guide him just as you will."
Tears ran down her cheeks silently, "I just can't imagine a world without you!"
"I will always be here, if God calls me to him I will still be here in the whisper of the wind, in the soft velvet which brushes your skin so enticingly, and in our boys who love you so."
"I love you, Charles."
He smiled and pulled her to lie beside him, "I love you as well, Catherine. Never forget that." He hugged her close and closed his eyes. She was warm and soft in his arms, thirty years younger than him she was still in her prime. She should have been married to a younger man who could have kept her happy for longer than Charles had, for some unfathomable reason she had chosen Charles and loved him.
Elizabeth went into labor on a cold autumn evening; the labor was long and hard causing several of the midwives and Catherine to worry for her and the child's health. Elizabeth fought and strained to bring her first child into the world, she screamed and yelled, she called for Mary, her mother, and her father. She pleaded with God to end her misery and to spare her child. After nearly a day and night of labor, she gave birth to a healthy and vigorous girl.
Charles was woken in the morning by Catherine, she was carrying a bundle in her arms, "Do you want to see your Granddaughter?"
Charles sat up and reached for the girl, "Granddaughter?"
She placed her into Charles' arms, "Elizabeth decided to call her Charlotte, after the father she gained."
Charles smiled, his vision was getting worse with age but he could clearly see her and her inquisitive eyes, "Welcome to the world Charlotte, may God and his angels bless you. How is Bess?"
"Tired," Catherine smiled, "Tired but happy."
"Father!" Edward rushed into the room, "Did you see her?!" he stopped at the sight of his parents looking down at his daughter, "Isn't she perfect?"
Charles laughed, "She is, congratulations my son."
"Thank you," Edward joined them on the bed, "Elizabeth chose the name…"
"I heard," Charles said, Charlotte kept his attention though, she had inherited her mother's Tudor red hair, and her looks were almost entirely Elizabeth with the exception of the curls she had, those were from Charles' side of the family. "She will be a beauty, like her mother and grandmother's."
Catherine smiled, "You are still a shameless flirt!"
"I can't help it with two beautiful girls by my side," Charles winked and Catherine giggled.
"That is our queue to take our leave," Edward said as he scooped up Charlotte, "Your mother wants to see you again." He mumbled to his daughter as he carried her out of the room and closed the door.
Charles sighed, "She is wonderful."
Catherine nodded, "She is."
"And she could be the heir to the throne."
"Charles!" she scolded, "Edward is King!"
"And he is sickly, Catherine you know that!" Charles said with a frown, "Besides Mary is 31, if she doesn't marry soon she will be without an heir and then the crown would fall to Bess and Edward."
Catherine frowned, "I don't want our children to carry the weight of the crown…"
"We can't decide what fate has in store for us, but Bess will have my blessing wherever she ends up. As Queen or Duchess of Suffolk, she will always be my little Bess." Charles smiled as he remembered the first time he had held her, newly born and so strong already. "She will be marvelous in any of those roles."
Charles coughed, he had gotten weaker in the last months, he rarely got out of bed and he felt death coming for him. Death approached on swift feet, Charles knew. He would call his sons to his side tomorrow and then he would say his goodbyes, Catherine, on the other hand, he would say goodbye now.
"Catherine?"
"Yes?"
Charles breathed deeply while drinking in Catherine's beautiful face, "I will soon leave you,"
"No!"
"Catherine! You must listen to me," Charles coughed again, "Please my love?" she nodded, "Good, I will leave soon and you will be alone. Charlie will need his mother and Elizabeth will need you to find her feet as a new mother and the Duchess of Suffolk. When you are confident in their strength I want you to remarry…"
"Charles I can't!"
"You must find happiness with a man who will stay by your side and give you another child. You deserve children and happiness. Promise me that you will do this."
"I will," Catherine promised crying silently, "I promise my love."
"Good, I will see our sons tomorrow and then we will say our goodbyes."
Charles' woke in the early light of dawn; he had trouble breathing and felt weak and feverish. He didn't have much time; Catherine was by his side he touched her face, her smooth and pale cheek. "Catherine…" his voice was a faint image of what it had been before.
She blinked and looked at him, "Charles? Charles!" she sat up and called for a physician, "Stay with me, dear!"
Charles smiled; it was so typical of her to fret so. "Darling, call our sons…"
"Yes," she hurried to the door and flung it open, "Find my sons and tell them to come immediately!" she yelled to a maid.
"Easy my Catherine," Charles smiled at her as she sat beside him, "All will be well. It's time… I was happy with you… thank you for the best times in my life."
Their sons arrived, they rushed to the bed, and Elizabeth followed with little Charlotte in her arms, "Father?" Charlie asked.
"My son, be a good boy for your mother. Keep with your training and you will be a knight in no time… Edward," Charles breathed deeply and struggled to get the words out, "Take care of Charlie and be a good father for Charlotte, keep Bess safe."
"I will father," Edward promised.
"You will be the Duke of Suffolk now, remember to take care of our people and balance the taxes." Edward nodded tears gathered in his eyes, "Bess," Charles reached for her, she sat gently on the bed, "Take care of my grandchild and Edward, they are going to need your support…"
"I promise,"
"Good," Charles coughed his eyes watered in exhaustion, "I will keep watch over you all, keep safe and stay happy…"
He was interrupted by a priest who bustled them all away, they watched as Charles was blessed one last time and Charles smiled as Catherine returned to his side, "My love," she caressed his face with a sweet smile.
"My Cath – rine…" he sighed and closed his eyes one last time.
In a burst of light, he saw a glimpse of the future, Edward dying too young, a will being made so Lady Jane Grey, one of his grandchildren from his Frances, would gain the throne instead of Catholic Mary who wanted to return to the faith.
How Mary would fight against her and execute her for this, Mary would rule as Queen Mary, she would marry King Philip of Spain and try to make a lasting empire with him by her side. He saw how Mary would die five years later without issue after that Elizabeth would rise.
Queen Elizabeth Tudor would be crowned with her Prince Consort Edward Tudor, the Duke of Suffolk, by her side as her loyal and true husband. In her arms the future of England a son, Prince Henry, the Prince of Wales and in Edward's hand their daughter Princess Charlotte.
Together they would shape the fate of England and would secure the throne with not just two heirs but four; all of them would grow up and be the Tudors they were meant to be. They would invoke a Golden Age, an age of stability and calm, all because of Charles' selfless act of saving a young girl lost without her mother or father.
The third Henry Brandon was called Henry, but I chose to use the name Edward from the show as it is less confusing, and of course, I chose to mess a bit with history and such but this is fanfiction so I can do what I want... well I want to.
Charles: 1484 – 1545
Marriages:
Margeret Neville 1507 – annulled the same year
Anne Browne 1508
Lady Anne Brandon 1507-1557 – Married to Edward Grey
Lady Mary Brandon 1510-1542 – Married to Thomas Stanley
Mary Tudor, Queen Dowager of France, in 1515 – died 25 June 1533
Lord Henry Brandon 1516-1522
Lady Frances Brandon 1517-1559 – Married to Henry Grey mother of Jane Grey
Lady Eleanor Brandon 1519-1547 – Married Henry Clifford
Henry Brandon, 1st Earl of Lincoln 1523-1534
Catherine Willoughby 1533
Henry(Edward) Brandon, 2nd Duke of Suffolk 1535-1551
Charles Brandon, 3rd Duke of Suffolk 1537-1551