Isolated within the deep, cobbled walls of the tower was disastrous. The place scared Mary beyond her wits. The very thought of how many tragedies that had befallen in one area was preposterous and sickening. Her accommodations were small but fair. Even though she had been raised in rich and comfort all her life, Mary wasn't a fool. There were rooms much worse in the tower then hers. She was lucky to have a fireplace in her tiny space and a comfortable leather chair in sit in. The bed in her cell was miniature compared to others she had slept in. It was small enough to fit her petite size but Mary was afraid she might roll off. The hard stoned floor certainly did not look pleasant to fall on. Countless man from her father's council have repeatedly entered her cell and begged her to sign the papers. They tried to convince her but all had failed. Her mother's pregnancy is what kept Mary standing tall and defying the false words of the privy men around her. There was nothing to do in seclusion except to think. And Mary often did. She thought of her mother and her upcoming new brother or sister. Mary often prayed that this baby would not end up stillborn like her other brothers and sisters.
Clasping her hands in prayer, Mary recited the biblical phrase "Father who art in heaven…"
Maria crinkled her nose as she breathed in dust and dirt. The maids were fanatically clearing and cleaning the corridors as supper approached. The Queen busied herself in the gardens, snipping away at roses and placing the flowers in crystal glass vases. Maria was glad to see her Queen in a much better mood then she had been months ago. Her belly had grown very large and it was unappealing to watch her work in such a delicate state.
"Please, your majesty" cried Maria for the fourth time "You'll only tire yourself out. It is of out most importance you rest"
Catherine shook her head, letting her brown locks fall on her healthy crimson cheeks. "You'll only tire yourself out if you keep on pestering me."
Maria huffed in defeat and forced herself to continue with her duties. Like usual she ran the castle, making sure all was organised and clean. She also had to make sure the servants were doing their proper, everyday work in their designated or assigned areas. Today everything seemed to go smoothly. The sun shone bright in the afternoon, creating a positive atmosphere in Kimbolton. But the joyful day had quickly evaporated when a messenger from the south had arrived with a letter in hand. Maria had hastily taken it and recognized the symbol representing the Privy Council of the King. Gulping, she wondered if it was the right choice to give it to her Lady. If it was of dire news then it would greatly affect her health.
"Maria" she heard Catherine call her. "Who's the letter from?"
'Too late' thought Maria 'She had already seen the messenger arrive'
"The privy council" she muttered, handing the letter over.
Catherine grasped the letter and carefully opened it. "Hopefully nothing too bad" said Catherine. But all letters sent by the Privy Council could be anything but good.
Maria eyed her lady as she read the contents. Suddenly she had dropped the letter and fell on her knees.
"My lady!" cried Maria, also dropping on her knees and wrapping her arms around the sobbing woman.
"M-my poor, poor girl" wept Catherine, her body shaking. "...Mary..."
Maria grimaced at the thought of what might've transpired. Quickly, she summoned two maids over and the two young girls helped Catherine to her feet. Maria picked up the letter and read the few lines that had been handwritten.
"The privy council is displeased to inform you of your daughter, Mary Tudor, discretion's and treason against the King of England. She had numerously disobeyed the King's wishes and has been imprisoned in the Tower until further notice"
Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk, was the Kings most trusted friend and adviser until he had secretly married Princess Margaret, after her brief term as Queen of Portugal. Charles did not regret marrying her. She was Royalty and the best match he could ever make even though the wedding was secret and unlawful. He had hoped the King wouldn't go against the match. They were after all great friends and had both shared their ups and downs in court. It was a huge disappointment when he learned of the King's anger and fury that he and Margaret both undergone behind his back and without his consent. Banishment from count was completely and utterly humiliating. Charles Brandon had never thought he would ever experience such an event due to his close friendship to the King. But Henry had acted unexpectedly like he usually had done in the past with many others. Living in the country side quickly became a bore. Margaret did not fulfill his desires and he often took pleasure with other woman. He knew that everyday Margaret was growing depressed with his affairs but that did not bother him in the slightest. Charles had always been a womanizer and one woman would never change that. Not even the sister of the King.
"You have only loved me for an hour!" she yelled in his face referring to that one time they had passionate sex on the long sea voyage to Portugal.
Charles Brandon himself didn't know if what she said was true. Yes he did love her but some days when he looked at Margaret, he saw nothing but a mere woman.
Charles Brandon had recently become an ally of the Duke of Norfolk and Thomas Boleyn. The trio began to devise a plain to bring about the downfall of Cardinal Wolsey and to ensure his own return to court. After the removal of Cardinal Wolsey as Lord Chancellor, Brandon was appointed to the presidency of the Privy Council by Henry. The King seemed joyous to finally see Charles after so long and decided to welcome the two back to court. Charles wasn't a fool. He could see the King had recently become a very happy man. Anne Boleyn had changed Henry to a different man. He had become quite generous to others especially to the Boleyn's. Parties were ensued quite often in the court and the palace had become a dreamy heaven to those who loved festivity.
Today the King had organised a hunt. His closest friends and companions were invited to join, including Charles Brandon. Like they had often done in the past, Charles and Henry raced through the woods on top of their huge, well-bred horses.
"Still think you can beat me, Duke of Suffolk?" laughed Henry.
Charles Brandon reared his horse to face the King.
"Aye I do, your majesty" chided Charles.
"Aren't you becoming quite full of yourself!" Henry mocked.
Grinning, Charles replied "The rest of the hunting party are growing somewhat worried without their King, maybe it's time for your return?"
King Henry chuckled "Trying to weasel yourself out of a challenge you cannot win, your grace?"
Charles didn't reply but joined in with King Henry's laughter. After they both had become silent Henry said "I have some business with you, Charles"
Quirking one eyebrow Charles asked "What would require of me, your majesty?"
"I need you to head toward Kimbolton castle. Try to persuade the Dowager Princess to sign her daughter's bastardy. If Mary refuses to do so, then we must get the Spanish bitch to do it. It's unfortunate how persistent those both are. Like mother and daughter." Henry snorted in disgust.
Charles grimaced at the insulted word he used toward the once Queen Catherine. He had heard that the Lady Mary had been sent to the tower for refusing sign away her legitimacy. It surprised the Duke how the King had quickly sided against his only daughter. Charles still recalled when the King would pick up a young Mary and twirl her in the air. "England's precious peal" he called her.
"I will do what the King wishes" he replied.
Beaming, the King patted him on the back. "Of course you would"
The rest of the day was drudgery. Charles Brandon was sweating head to toe in his dark, thick attire. The King on the other hand had a splendid time. Henry had caught a large boar and presented it as a gift to Anne Boleyn. It was clearly obvious to the whole court that two were deeply in love. Many nobleman and woman alike did their best to not displease to two in any way. The ones who criticized the match were long ago charged with treason. The Boleyn's became the most powerful family at court and none of the others could contradict that fact. Charles Brandon hated how corrupt court life now became for him and leaving for Kimbolton castle was a much better appeal than staying in a place run by the Boleyn's.
Charles had his chamber man and servants pack up all his belongings and goods. He had left right at nightfall, not wanting to stay any longer at court.
Mary was locked up in the tower… Her poor, poor daughter was locked away like a criminal. Tears streamed down her wrinkled face. Life was brutal. When everything seemed to go smoothly there was always something that would cause all her joy to crumble away. A wet cloth was placed on her forehead to sooth the heat coming from her body. Her month was almost due and the baby would soon be born. But the child would be stillborn just like all her others. There was no hope left anymore. Her old age would never produce a healthy, living child. A midwife sat nearby observing her swollen belly.
"The younglin' seems strong. A few more weeks and the babe will come poppin' out" croaked the fat ginger woman whose whole face was covered in dark brown freckles. Catherine tenderly smiled up at the woman and wearily closed her hazel eyes. Catherine had been bedridden for seven days after receiving the horrid news of her daughter's imprisonment. She had overheard the midwife telling one of her maids that she would miscarry if she let her emotions affect her health. It was already too late for her emotions had affected her body long, long ago.
Maria worried for her ladies health often. She was expected to give birth within days and her wellbeing had deflated within the week. Sighing, Maria walked tiredly through the corridor to Catherine's chamber. Suddenly, a servant boy came rushing from the entry way of the corridor. He rushed over to her and heavily breathed in air to catch his breath.
Impatient, Maria snapped "What is it, Boy? I haven't got all day"
"A man is 'ere. He want t-ta…" the boy stuttered through his thick Scottish accent.
Her tolerance was beginning to grow weary "Where is he?"
"O-outside in th-the courtyar'-" he replied.
Nodding, Maria wondered who this man was and as she reached the courtyard, a huge carriage was sighted and a young, handsome man strode towards her.
"I require an audience with Catherine of Aragon, the dowager princess" he said.
Maria quickly sensed danger and brushed him off "I fear My Lady is not in the best condition. Maybe some other time…"
Charles Brandon took out a scroll and shoved the parchment into the woman's face. His black-gloved finger pointed at the red waxed royal symbol plastered at the closing flap.
"The King himself ordered my arrival. I wish to speak to the Dowager Princess right this very moment"
Gulping, Maria said "We can arrange an audience as soon as my ladies health improves. For now would you like to get yourself settled, My Lord?"
Charles Brandon frowned "That would not be necessary. I hope to leave before sunset and in doing so; I need to meet with the Dowager Princess this instant."
Maria felt her body quiver and sweat. This was definitely not what she expected to deal with.
"If it is of that big of importance, I will find an arrangement."
Brandon didn't feel very pleased with her answer but it was decent enough for the moment.
Maria ushered the persistent noblemen inside Kimbolton and managed to have him patiently sit and a wait for his consultation with Catherine. After she had him sitting, Maria immediately headed towards Catherine's Chamber.
"My lady!" Maria burst in the room.
Catherine looked over at her servant, her features portraying shock, surprise and a hint of fright.
"My god! Maria you frightened the daylights out of me." She gasped.
"A man from court sent by the King wishes to seek an audience with you this very moment. I tried to discourage him but he persisted on visiting" Maria blubbered, fear at being discovered evident on her face.
Catherine paled and she had gathered thick blankets around her bed to cover her swollen belly. She then turned her body so her oversized abdominal could not be seen.
"We have no choice but to receive him" murmured Catherine. "Let him in"
Nodding, Maria left the compartment and took her time walking back to the man. When she had reached the noblemen, Maria made no hurry explaining how horrible her ladies condition was but he didn't seem to care and followed her through the corridors.
Charles Brandon surveyed the grey stoned walls and cracking window panes. The castle was definitely not as luxurious as others the King owned and it was no wonder why he gave this one away. Walking through the hallways through eerie silence greatly bothered him but he shoved that irritating feeling away and continued to follow the servant woman. After some time they had finally reached the destination and the old woman held the door open for him to enter. Charles could have sworn he saw her shaking and wondered if she was cold. As he entered, Charles caught sight of the woman once Queen lying in a huge bed with thick blankets wrapped around her body. She was curved in a strange angle and her face was a sickly pasty white. After Catherine had dismissed Maria, she turned to face Charles and beamed at the sight of him. Charles then began to feel awfully guilty. He wasn't here as a kind visitor. It was duty to the King that brought him and not the compassion in his heart.
"It's been quite some time since I last saw you, your grace. As you can see, I'm not in the best condition…-" Catherine was stopped mid sentence as a painful jab erupted from her womb. Her child seemed to be moving but it caused her great pain. Her lower belly felt like tiny pricks of needles pinned her.
"I… ah…" she painfully gasped, trying to get a hold of the situation. If this pain was to proceed then Charles Brandon would most likely discover her pregnancy.
"My Lady, are you alright?" Charles asked with concern.
"I- I… Maria…" Catherine found it hard to speak. Her mouth was shaped in a little O and it was difficult to draw breath.
Charles Brandon followed his instincts and rushed to her side. Carefully he pulled her upward in a sitting position "Take a deep breath, My Lady."
Catherine listened to him and inhaled a vast amount of air.
"That's good. Continue that process" said Charles Brandon. He began to readjust her position so she was sitting upward more comfortably.
Catherine followed his instructions not paying much attention to the thick fur blankets that were beginning to slip off her body.
The instant he saw the old Queen looking more satisfactory he stood upward. Charles looked over at the sickly woman and was immediately a taken back at the scene of her exploding womb. It was obvious even to a fool to see that Catherine was pregnant.
"Do my eyes fail me? Is what I see really possible?" questioned Charles, his green eyes in daze.
"I can explain! Please Charles do not send word to the King!"Catherine cried, her eyes shining in tears.
Charles grew to shaken to speak. Was the Child she was carrying the King's? Or another's?
OH NO! Catherine is finally discovered.
Thanks so much for the kind reviews! Hope you guys enjoyed this new chapter.