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ANNOUNCEMENT!- I want to get over this one small confusion some of you guys have been making.
I've gotten a review from Naruhina1519 and a few others so I decided to make this announcement. I'm following the version of Henry from the TV Show "The Tudors". The Henry in the TV Show looks much different than in reality. The one in the TV show had black hair but accurately he had red, ginger hair.
Some of you guys have been asking if Arthur is going to look like Henry with ginger hair but the Henry from the TV Show has dark black hair so Arthur is going to have the same hair colour.
Thank you all for reading and I hope I cleared all confusion. (Btw I'm not trying to put you on the spot, Naruhina1519 but otherwise I love Game of Thrones too! You never know maybe he will turn out like Robb Stark!)
A sudden sharp knock awoke Maria from her slumber. "We've arrived" called the unpleasant gruff voice of one of the ruthless man.
Groaning, Maria carefully handed Arthur to the wet nurse so she could feed the young infant. She stiffly stood and stumbled out of the carriage. Her legs wobbled beneath her and Maria desperately tried to regain her balance. The cold air was brutal on her cheeks the frosty wind stung her face like tiny pricks. She lifted her head and gazed at the old manor that would soon become her home.
Felltern House was small but a decent size to live in. Their few belongings had been carried inside and placed on wooden racks. The wet nurse and Arthur were given their own accommodations as Maria immediately set herself up for work. In a matter of minutes, two hearths were blazing with the warm fire to keep the house warm. Maria began to explore the house and grimaced as she mold and vines growing in some sanctions of the room. The tidiest room was made into Arthur's nursery and the wet nurse was allowed to share the area.
"Ma'am!" called the wet nurse. "You said you wanted me?"
"Betty" she said the wet nurse's name. "I am heading out to the village for some shopping. Can you manage the house hold without me?" Maria asked.
Betty nodded and reassured her that all will be well. Without a moment's hesitation, Maria walked into the cold woods. The hike to the village was lengthy but the sight of the lit up shops and homes made Maria feel much comfortable. Shopping was fruitful; she had purchased many fur blankets to survive the cold months and warm leather clothes to outstand the cold winds.
Arriving back to felltern house was heartening. Cheerful cries from little Arthur filled the main chamber and Maria smiled at the sight of Arthur's toothless grin as he babbled when Betty made swooshing noises to keep him upbeat.
Staying up north might not be so harsh after all concluded Maria as she added more wood to the fire hearth.
2 Months later…
Margaret Brandon nee Tudor paced through the prestigious Hampton corridors. Courtiers bowed in respect to the sister of the King and dowager Queen to the Portugal King but she had ignored them all. The decorations surrounding here were coloured in gold and red, the symbolic Tudor rose on display at every corner. Her brother, Henry was in a joyous mood and continued to display his happiness at court for Queen Anne was finally pregnant with his heir.
Noblemen and woman alike no longer wore dark black for mourning; they all jubilantly participated in the King's celebrations that he gave in gratitude for Anne's pregnancy. Margaret found his marriage to Anne utterly despicable.
How dare he banish me from court and make a fool of me for marrying the man I loved and yet he does the same?!
Margaret had a long-time friendship with Catherine, the very moment the Spanish Princess set foot on England the two had become best of friends. She had remembered how frightened the fourteen year old girl had been in a foreign country, away from her family and home. Margaret immediately became her only comfort. Arthur had been a shy, sickly teenager but he was also kind and passionate. He genuinely loved Catherine as a husband most do for his wife. Margaret could see the two were truly happy with each other, but Arthur suddenly died. She still remembered Catherine's tragedy and sorrow. Catherine had locked herself in her compartments and wept rivers for her beloved fiancé.
Margaret was the only lone figure who still draped herself in dark, mourning gowns. To her Anne was nothing more but simply a usurper. Margaret noticed how Queen Anne had quickly gained favor in court with all the noblemen. She showered many of her allies with gifts and acted as if she was a foreign princess and not a mere daughter of a diplomat. She conducted herself with high value and paced the hallways as if she was a god-like figure that all man must bow to. Margaret was the daughter of a King and yet she was treated as less importance. That was simply because she was. Anne Boleyn was currently pregnant with the King's heir and all nobles listened to her every command. Oh, how she despised that woman!
"Sister!" called her brother's familiar voice. Margaret instantly froze.
Turning, Margaret dipped into a polite curtsey "Your majesty…" she murmured.
Laughing, Henry lifted his sister to an upright, standing position. "Must you act so formal, Sister?"
Margaret frowned. The last time she talked to her brother he called her a whore for marrying Charles. She clearly remembered his yells and anger; Henry had screamed at her that he was not just simply her brother but also her sovereign. She would never forget her brother's harsh, cruel words.
"Sorry... brother" she muttered, staring right into his eyes.
Henry smile fell and wrapped his arm onto hers. "You continue to wear dark clothes meant for mourning. You should be pleased I finally have my heir in my Queen's belly."
What of your son that Catherine has given you? She wanted to snap back but kept her calm, exterior self. "I'm still in mourning, brother. Catherine lies in the ground and she has been a good companion of mine for many years."
The King felt anger bubble inside of him "Her burial has been taken place two months ago. It's time to put her in the past"
Margaret didn't respond. She knew if anything were to come out of her mouth it would be fuming, vile words that would result in dreadful consequences.
Henry noticing the shift in the atmosphere and quickly changed the direction of their discussion.
"The Queen and I would like you to attend the banquet this afternoon, you have been hiding too long in your chambers and we both have grown worried for your health"
Margaret turned to face her brother, wanting to say she refuses to acknowledge his whore as Queen but simply replied "I will attempt to be present, your majesty"
"You will attend, sister" Henry said a bit more forcefully "And you better dress more suitably. You have made a disgrace of yourself recently by marrying Charles. Change your attitude before your reputation grows much poorer, you have shamed and humiliated our family for far too long."
Margaret pulled away from her brother and hissed "Your wrong, brother. If father and mother were alive to see what you have become, they would be too ashamed and disgraced to call you their son"
King Henry's face contorted in fury and his whole body shook as his temper set in "If you were not my sister, your head would've been staked in a pike long ago!" he barked.
Margaret felt frightened by his outburst and apologetically responded "You've insulted me, brother. I was angry and not thinking"
"That's the problem with you, sister" he jeered "You never think."
Margaret glared daggers at Henry "My apologies" she said curtly "I will attend the feast, your majesty. I hope you have the kindness to forgive me"
"I will" replied King Henry "And there better not be a strip of black on your attire, sister"
Margaret bit her tongue to stop herself from saying anything prudent. She quickly curtseyed before rushing off.
The banquet was decorated in festive colours. Everything from every corner was beautifully entailed and weaved in roses. Queen Anne herself wore a bright red crimson dress with white pearls sown on its cover. Her dark black hair was weaved in beautiful roses. She truly did look like a goddess and not even Margaret could deny that for it was the truth.
Margaret wore a simple yellow gown and her hair was braided in a beautiful English fashion. Margaret was not in the mood to be joyous and her sorrowed expression proved that. Her husband, Charles handed her a goblet of red wine that she thirstily drank, not caring how ill-mannered she appeared.
Charles laughed at his wife's action and swiftly took her hand to dance "I grasp you're not in the best frame of mind, would a happy dance cheer your disposition?"
Margaret grinned, replying "How very thoughtful"
The couple danced to a couple of tunes, after the both were satisfied, they sat down to continue drinking and eating the delicious meals presented. Margaret was placed beside her brother and she proved to not show how uncomfortable she felt. Charles had his full attention to Margaret and she prized his constant flatteries. All together Henry had been completely erased from her mind.
As Margaret continued chatting away with Charles, she felt a hand clutch her shoulder. Turning, she caught sight of Henry and his wife, Anne.
"How do you enjoy the banquet, Margaret?" he asked.
Well, until you come along she wanted to say. "Wonderful feast, Brother. I have enjoyed myself greatly"
Smirking, her brother replied "You must thank the Queen for such a beautiful event. She had arranged the whole occasion"
Margaret wanted to puke her food out in loathing after hearing that fact "Delightful…" she murmured.
Anne Boleyn who stood behind Henry approached her "We have not yet been acquainted, Margaret. I hope to be good friends in the future" said Queen Anne, grasping her hands.
Putting on a fake smile, Margaret replied "I would be enchanted to become closer with my brother's wife, but it's unfortunate that I and my husband Charles are planning to return to the country side very soon"
Charles raised his eyebrows and stared at his lady wife wondering what she was playing. Before he could interject, Margaret looked at him hard in the eyes as if daring him to say anything. Charles was wise enough to keep his mouth shut.
"Sister, postpone your journey. You don't have my permission to leave" growled King Henry.
Margaret clenched her fists and dutifully responded "If it pleases your majesty…"
Her brother, Henry frowned as he took Anne's hand and led his wife towards the middle of the courtroom for a dance. Everyone in the court room stopped their motions to watch as the Royal Couple begin the procession to dance. Margaret observed the scenery, hating every moment of her brother's newfound happiness. She quickly stood and headed towards the entrance, revulsion for her brother growing. Precipitously Charles gripped Margaret's hand
"What's gotten into you? She's the Queen and yet you bluntly disobeyed her?" snapped Charles, shaking his head in disapproval.
"Tell me Charles, Why must I obey her? She is not worthy of calling herself as Queen"
"She's pregnant with the King's son, you ought to respect her" murmured Charles Brandon.
Margaret scowled but remained mute, realising sense in her husband's words.
"Come, it's our duty to please the King" he said, pulling Margaret towards their seats.
Margaret did not complain and dutifully submitted to her husband like all wives are duty-bound to do.
Sir Thomas More was on an important mission and had spent days collecting information on Lady Mary's brother whereabouts. Lord Thomas Cromwell and his closest associates had hidden the location well, all documents were burned and the guards escorting the young child were forced into secrecy. While the whole court celebrated Queen Anne's pregnancy, Thomas More plotted his way to retrieve the data for the young boy's location. He had searched numerous files created that day and none were proved important or held any close relations to the young boy's location. All anyone knew was that the infant boy was sent up north. The utmost unfortunate part was that the North was a vast land containing hundreds of small towns and cities. It was almost impossible to figure out the infant's location.
Ambassador Chapuys had set him to this task at the will of Lady Mary but Thomas More could find nothing that could bring him close to finding the boy's whereabouts, until he had found one of the guards who were part of man accompanying the latter up North. Sir Thomas had accidently fell upon a drunkard talking of his son who was sent north for an important 'Kingly' duty. Not willing to miss this important chance, Thomas learned the home of the drunken man and tonight he was planning persuade the young guard in cracking where his mission was.
Pacing through the cobbled stones gave his steps loud echoes through the barren streets. A few prostitutes approached him but he easily brushed them off. After a prolonged walk, he had finally arrived at the small cottage home belonging to poor common people. Without knocking, Thomas strode through the door, crinkling his nose at the foul smell.
"Aye, whatya doin' in 'ere?" roared the same drunken fool who boasted in the bar. His hair was grey and long, Thomas could see tiny white lice crawling through his long locks.
"I'm here to see your son, the one who went on an important 'kingly duty' or so you said" said Sir Thomas More, stopping himself from reaching towards his scented handkerchief lying in his pocket to block out the vulgar air.
The dirty old man growled and snapped "Ya noble born, are ya? Think ya storm through some' home and go bossin' em' around?"
Without a moment's hesitation, Thomas reached towards his pocket and rattled the bag of gold coins in his pocket for the man to hear. The old man quickly became a kind host at the sound of money in his ears.
"I-I sorry, milord. Let m' get ya a comfy seat?" said the old man, his rotten teeth appearing in his wet-lipped smile.
Thomas grimaced at the idea of sitting of the old man's version of a 'comfy seat' and shook his head "No need. Get your son here is all I ask of you"
The man immediately got up and wobbled through the dusty room. "Get ya' fat arse in 'ere boy!" he yelled.
A young lad in his early twenties strode in, his brown hair was matted and he was clean shaven unlike his father. He caught sight of Thomas and fear etched his features
"Milord?" he asked.
Thomas More frowned "I'm not a lord, it's simply sir"
The boy raised his eyebrows and wiped his mud caked hands on his dirty tunic.
"I'll make this quick. You've recently gone north to escort a certain number of people to another location. I'm asking you where this location was."
The teenage boy heaved a deep breath and stuttered "I-I-I c-can't say, I ain't allowed…"
Thomas sighed and responded "I have 20 pounds on me; It will be given to you if you tell me where your assignment took you"
The young lad faltered, his knees began to wobble from terror.
"Tell 'em boy. Quit yer pussyin' and tell em!" snarled his old father, his eyes protruding at Sir Thomas's pockets.
"I will make sure no one knows of my visit here and you identity is kept secret!" said Thomas More, hoping his words did not go on death ears.
"Sir…W-We… I-I…" Gulping the boy continued "We d-d-on't know…"
Sir Thomas More frowned but he sensed it was no lie and began to walk out before the boy called out.
Thomas turned back to the boy listening to what else he had to say.
"W-we went all the way to the borders o' the barbarians" said the teenager.
It took a while for Thomas to understand that the barbarians were the Scots.
"Is that all?" he asked, impatience infesting inside of him.
The young teenager struggled to remember and suddenly his face sparked in delight.
"Tha' commander say fellter' house is where we goin' before we all wen'!"
Sir Thomas More was satisfied at his newfound material and handed the teenager the pouch of coins.
"If you keep silent of my visit, I promise that you'll be safe and no harm will come to you." Thomas simply said, turning to stare directly at the big-mouthed old man.
The young lad nodded, peering down the pouch at the golden coins. It was most likely the most amount of money he ever carried.
Without wasting any more time, Thomas headed out the door and strode through the neighborhood in a rapid pace. He after all had a very essential letter to write.
Yay! Another chapter! I'm going on vacation so I wanted to make this chapter extra longer. I hope you all enjoy this story.
Thanks to all of you guys who have reviewed. Your ideas are all spectacular and interesting.
Please continue to review, I'll try to respond to all the reviews I can!