Disclaimer: I do not own the Tudors or any of its characters. Also I do not own Mary, mine is loosely based on that actual Mary Tudor, Henry's little sister who did in fact marry Charles Brandon. On the show they combined his two sisters.
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It had not gone unnoticed that Henry had taken a liking interest in one of his sister Mary's ladies. And it was not the first time that that lady, Lady Rosaline had fallen under the king's spell. Mary never really understood why so many women wished to be one of her brother's conquests. They all ended up alone in the end. Henry took after their grandfather Edward IV in that aspect. It was said that their grandfather had many mistresses, but he was also a greatly admired king. Nothing at all like her father, who brought the Tudors to the throne by defeating Richard III. Who was said to be a terrible king, the very king that locked in the tower his own nephews. Those nephews being the brother's of Mary's own mother, Mary's uncles. Mary knew she over thought things too much, it was just the way she was. But she would never dare say her thoughts unless Henry wished it so.
Henry had called for Mary and Rosaline to hunt with him at his men on this day. They had accepted, and Mary was glad that Charles would be accompanying as well. Especially since she knew Henry would sneak off alone with Rosaline the first chance he had. She had considered trying to talk to Rosaline about the situation between her and her brother. But she knew the outcome would not come out well. Henry was to ever find out and be very disappointed in his sister.
Halfway through the hunt Mary suspicions were correct. Henry had suggested that everyone take a break, relax and enjoy some food. Mary was helped down from her horse by Charles as she watched her brother and best friend disappear into the woods. "You look troubled my love" she could feel Charles breath on her neck.
She turned and looked at him, "I am worried about Rosaline"
"Is it not the first time she has let herself become acquainted with your brother darling?" he reached his hand up and stroked her cheek. Mary was a little taken back. Yes they had shared secret looks and touches in public, but nothing like this.
"Charles" she whispered softly, "Someone will see"
He smirked and pulled his hand away and wiped it on his face, "Just a bit of dirt my lady! It is all gone now" he said loudly enough for everyone to hear. He leaned in close and whispered in to my ear, "I do not care what they see… Henry is not here my love and they are all too busy…"
It was the truth; many others of Mary's ladies as well as ladies of the palace had come along on the hunt. Most likely to keep the men entertained. Mary was disgusted by this, especially since so many of the men were married. "I see that…"
Charles quirked his eyebrow and stared at Mary, "is something wrong?"
"It is almost disgusting how many of those men are married and let those women just through themselves at them" Mary hissed then turned to Charles to almost see a hurt look upon his face.
"I once was one of those men Mary.. Not that I am very proud to admit it" he hung his head and looked down at the ground, "I'm sorry if I disappoint you"
Mary gently bit her lip feeling instantly sorry. She knew Charles had a past, and in way what they were doing themselves was not very proper as well, "Will you walk with me?"
"Of course my lady" He held out his arm and Mary graciously took it. As they walked by everyone no one even seemed to bother to look of them, thinking absolutely nothing of the king's sister and best friend sharing a walk together while on the hunt. They didn't wander too far in the same direction that had earlier seen Henry and Rosaline go off to.
Once they were completely alone Mary pulled Charles' face to hers. Putting every ounce of love she felt for him into a breathtaking kiss. "I love you Charles" she whispered against his lips as his hands came to rest on her soft face.
"I love you Mary, more than you will ever understand" he took a deep breath and his smile he had once been sporting slowly faded, "Your brother is sending me away on business for two weeks"
Mary's eyes widened, "Two weeks? Why can he not go himself!?"
"Mary he is the king.. You know…." she placed her finger to his lips to silence him.
"No more. Let us just enjoy these last few moments before you have to leave"
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Mary had stood by the large window with her brother as they watched Charles Brandon and party leave for some sort of business he was being sent on. She tried not to look upset, not wanting to make her brother think something was possibly going on. But thankfully Henry just figured that Charles had taken care of her in his place that she was saddened to see him depart. He reached over and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Do not fret sister Charles will return in a few weeks. Who else would I trust to watch my dearest sister when I return to Catherine?"
Mary smiled softly at him, "I know Charles is your dearest friend brother and I have come to respect him as my friend as well.. Alas it will be a sad place without him. But I am glad you choose such a fine friend to watch over me while you are away"
He just nodded and decided to change the subject, "Does Lady Rosaline speak of me sister?"
"She speaks only of your greatness.. Why should you speak other things?" Mary asked raising her eyebrow. Her brother nor Rosaline had come forth and told her about their meetings. But it was as plain as day to Mary.
He just shrugged, "would you think ill of me if I told you I have taken a liking to her?"
"Who am I to speak ill of the king's choices?"
Henry sighed, "As a brother I am asking you… as my sister do you think me ill"
Mary turned to him fully, her face staring directly at him, "Once again who am I to think my own brother ill… but I ask a favor of my gracious brother" she took a deep breath and grabbed his hands in hers, "I love Rosaline very much, but I also love Catherine dearly… please promise me no one will be left hurt"
He just smiled and brought his hands to her lips, giving each a kiss, "Ah you are my soul little sister… I promise I will do my best" he let go of her hands and took her face into his hands and kissed her cheek, "now I must be off.. I shall see you at dinner"
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Charles was finding it rather difficult to be apart from Mary. He had debated with himself if he should send her a note, but decided against it. He was only to be gone for two weeks, and could very well arrive before the letter even did. But the biggest reason he felt he should not was that Henry was still in the presence of his sister, if he got his hands… Charles did not want to think about that.
The business Henry had sent him on was not to his liking. It was to meet with the Portugal ambassador in regards to a possible marriage between the king and Mary. His dear Mary. It was only a possibility of course. Henry would rather have his sister marry off to France. So he thought if he had talks with Portugal that France may give him an answer. Charles hated it, he wanted more than anything to be the one that married Mary. He had never truly discussed that with her. But if he was in the place he would do just that.
"Tell me…" the ambassador's voice started bringing Charles out of his thoughts, "What is the King's sister like? The Princess Mary?"
Charles didn't know what he should say; he could tell the truth and then for he knew Mary would be wed off to Portugal. But he could also lie, but then Henry could find out and that would not be good for Charles. "She is a very sweet girl.."
"Is she beautiful?"
"Quite.. In her own way of course" he wouldn't exactly lie, but he could change things a bit. "She is very smart. She reads often and she speaks very well"
The ambassador narrowed his eyebrow, "She does not speak when not spoken to does she?"
"The King is very proud of his sister's strength. She is very interested in political matters" but Charles was cut off by the man.
"That is all well and fine, but is she prepared to give the King children?"
"She could be.. She is quite small though.. Not too young…." the ambassador said no more and turned his attention to his men. Charles knew he should not have done with he did. But he needed to figure out what he was doing himself.
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Mary had not slept peacefully since Charles had left. All she did was toss and turn, afraid that when he returned he would not love her anymore. But finally when the day arrived she was ecstatic, and tried to push the negative thoughts from her mind. Henry had left to go hunting with a rather large party, most of her women going with him. Mary had decided to stay behind, complaining of a headache. When she saw Charles' party ride up she knew she had to see him, but with the woman she was left with it wouldn't be very simple for him to come to her. She had told her woman she was going to take a walk around the palace and did not need anyone to accompany her. They tried to protest, but she wouldn't hear it and quickly left. She went to the one place she knew she would see Charles. His own chambers.
She sat in a chair by the window waiting patiently for his arrival. And she was not disappointed. Charles threw open the doors and ran to her. Clutching her small body to his broad frame, "Mary my love what are you doing here?"
"I needed to see you my love" he didn't let her say anymore as his lips came crashing down upon hers. He only pulled away when they both needed air, "I went to your room to tell you I was back just to get a glimpse of you but your ladies said you went for a walk unattended.. I knew it; I knew that you would come here.. If Henry finds out you left your room unaccompanied he will surely…"
She brought her finger to his lip to silence him, "I do not care my love.. All I care is that I can see you" she brought her hands up into his hair and began to leave soft kisses along his jaw line. "Charles I cannot stand to be away from you… ever"
I know Mary.." he hugged her tightly, "I hate this… I wish that I could just tell you brother how I feel about you"
"he would never allow it" she sighed sadly as she laid her head against his shoulder.
Charles nodded, "I know. So we must enjoy these moments as much as we can"
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Not very long after Charles' return Henry had decided to go and visit Catherine to see how her pregnancy was progressing. Of course this made Lady Rosaline depressed to no end. She laid on Mary's bed with her head in the princess' lap letting her tears run free. She knew that she indeed had no future with The King. But she could not deny how much pleasure she felt from their time together. Henry had only kissed her, saying her cherished her too much to let anything go farther at the moment. But she wanted to; she wanted to give him her heart, body and soul.
Henry had promised Rosaline to write her, but Mary knew that he may not keep that promise. As soon as Henry returned to Catherine he would surely have another lady as his interest. But Mary did not want to tell Rosaline that, she knew it would break the poor girl's soul. Henry had departed four days ago, but Rosaline's tears had not let up. Even Charles felt bad for the poor girl; he knew what Henry was like. But as much as it hurt him to see Mary's best friend upset. He could not stop thinking about his future with Mary. Charles Brandon wanted more than anything for Mary Tudor to become his wife.
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A/N: so I am a terrible person for not updating this. November was extremely busy. And I'm not exactly happy with this update. But I needed to throw in the Portugal interest in Mary. But things shall get more interesting in the next chapter. PLEASE CONTINUE TO READ & REVIEW.