Chapter I
July, 1549
The church bells tolled throughout England, signalling the beginning of another joyous event for the royal family; marriage.
It was that warm summer morning when the happy bride – Princess Elizabeth Tudor – was ushered into her chambers straight after Mass, followed by Princess Mary, the Lady Protector and Duchess of Lancaster – her aunt, elder half-sister and regent of England – and Dowager Queen Anne, Elizabeth's lady mother. The maids were dismissed and Mary picked up a comb.
She gently brushed Elizabeth's flaming red hair – one of the well known Tudor trademarks – as it cascaded down her shoulders and back, remembering her own summer wedding day nineteen years earlier to Anne's brother, George Boleyn, 1st Marquess of Ormond – now the 1st Duke of Richmond and Duke of Wiltshire. Originally a political match engineered by his sly uncle Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, it transformed into a love match on the day of the wedding. Mary never regretted marrying a Boleyn instead of a royal prince she was promised when she was a child.
Elizabeth was unusually silent for a sharply witted Princess as Mary continued brushing her hair. The sound of Anne slicing up apples echoed uneasily in the room.
"Have you ever sliced apples before?" said Mary, slightly amused.
"Does it surprise you if I said yes?" replied Anne, placing the silver plate of sliced apples in front of Elizabeth. "It is good to eat apples on your wedding day, dear Elizabeth. I thought it would be more appropriate if I cut them today, instead of the cook or servants."
"Thank you, lady mother," whispered Elizabeth, her slim fingers shaking violently as she reached out for a slice. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
"Calm down," advised Mary, placing a silver diadem on Elizabeth's head as a finishing touch. "You are beautiful and will be the perfect bride."
"What happens if he hates me?"
"Oh Elizabeth! You're marrying for love! Not many princesses have that option. You spurned Archduke Maximilian of Austria to marry your childhood sweetheart, and you cannot question your decision now! I trust you in your choice to marry Lord Robert Dudley."
"What about his father? Will he not be displeased?"
"You know as well as I do that your future father-in-law, the 1st Earl of Warwick, is absolutely delighted in having you as his daughter-in-law. Who wouldn't be satisfied at having a royal Princess as a daughter-in-law? Lord Warwick is already pleased with the marriage of two of his daughters – Ladies Mary and Jane – to the Earls of Westmorland and Northumberland and is even more pleased at his third son marrying you, while his second son married a knight's daughter."
"What if I do not have sons?"
Mary put down her brush and looked at Elizabeth in the eye. "Having sons is important for nobles and royals," she said quietly. "However, it is only the foolish men who demand for sons. Caring husbands will love daughters as much as sons, and I'm certain Lord Robert is that type of nobleman. Motherhood is blissful, and you will not want to miss out. If you only have a daughter, I will ensure she inherits all her father's fortunes. I promise."
Elizabeth smiled nervously. "Was Arthur furious when I announced my betrothal?"
Mary looked at Anne, and the two women smiled.
A month ago, Elizabeth announced her engagement to Lord Robert Dudley to her brother, King Arthur I of England in front of the entire Court...and the Imperial ambassador, François van Delft.
Secretly, Anne and Mary were delighted, but Elizabeth's sudden actions led to instability politically, to the horror of the young King Arthur, who viewed the Anglo-Imperial alliance as a political success for England. Usually a calm and understanding King, the fifteen year old Arthur flew into a fit of rage and refused to speak to Elizabeth for days, threatening her with disownment and a night in the Tower of London if she did not break her betrothal with Robert.
Fortunately for Elizabeth, Arthur was still under a regency, and Mary – as Lady Protector – was more than in favour for her to marry Robert and sent the two to Hatfield House in the countryside to plan the wedding. To smooth political relations without a fuss, Delft agreed with a substitute bride and grudgingly accepted one of Mary's own daughters, the fifteen year old Princess Katherine of England, as Archduke Maximilian's future wife. Katherine was set to marry the Archduke shortly.
"Will Arthur be there?" Elizabeth asked.
"He is obliged to be," answered Anne."You have not seen him in a month, but I can assure you, he still refuses to acknowledge your betrothal to Lord Robert and snubs you as his sister. He is only attending as it is his duty to do so. I'm afraid he will never forgive you for ruining his political visions or not being the pawn he expects you to be. I suspect he is more humiliated that as his sister and subject, you did not obey his orders as you are supposed to."
Elizabeth shrugged. "I want to stay in England. I am not a mare to be bartered with. It doesn't matter though. Arthur is still a child. He will learn it is a better move for Katherine to marry the Archduke rather than me. I know it is."
"Everyone is waiting," said her old governess, Lady Katherine 'Kat' Ashley, peering out the window excitedly. "Are you ready, my Princess?"
Wordlessly, Elizabeth nodded, as pale as her white bed sheets.
Standing at the door were her four bridesmaids and cousins – Princess Katherine, Lady Mary Brandon, Lady Jane Grey and Lady Jane Howard – who were handpicked by Elizabeth, all equally excited to participate in her wedding ceremony. It was considered a tremendous honour to be chosen to carry a royal bride's long train.
Giving Elizabeth quick embraces, the Dowager Queen and Mary hurriedly joined the other guests in the royal gardens. It was a private ceremony and only family members invited. Mary stood beside her husband George, and he affectionately kissed her cheek.
"How is our dear bride?" he inquired.
"Nervous," answered Mary, adjusting her tiara. "Then again, all brides are edgy and anxious on their wedding days. There is our gracious King. He does not look pleased at his sister's wedding." George stifled a laugh as he saw the regal King Arthur sit on the provided throne with a tight frown as if he was forced to swallow a sour lemon. His blue eyes scanned the pool of guests, bored, as he fixed his crown on his mass of Tudor red hair.
"He will come around," said Mary confidently. "I will send Katherine to cheer him up later. He always has a smile ready for her. Oh, there is our children. Don't they look lovely?" Her smile broadened as she saw six of their seven children; the thirteen year old Prince Henry (affectionately called 'Hal'), Marquess of Ormond, a pleasant boy with dark brown hair and brown eyes; eleven year old Princess Anne (called 'Annie' to distinguish her from the Dowager Queen), a lovely girl of black hair and dark eyes with a generous heart; nine year old Prince George 'Georgie' with flaxen gold hair and brownish-black eyes, who longed to be a soldier; the seven year old twins – Prince Edward (Ned) and Princess Elizabeth (Bess) – with the same sparkling blue eyes, the former with blonde hair, and the latter with red. Last to greet Mary and George was Princess Margaret, a wheat brown-haired and hazel eyed child of five. After her birth, both Mary and George agreed they had enough children.
After embracing each of them with a kiss on the head, Mary nodded at her cousin and close friend Frances Grey (née Brandon), Marchioness of Dorset, who sat in the row behind her with her husband Henry Grey, 3rd Marquess of Dorset, and the younger two of their three children; Lady Katherine and Lady Mary Grey, the former a girl of nine and the latter a child of four. The Marquess and Marchioness were extremely proud and honoured for their eldest daughter – Lady Jane – to have been chosen as a bridesmaid for Elizabeth.
Beside the Greys were the Cliffords, distantly connected to the royal family through Lady Eleanor, Countess of Cumberland, the younger sister of Frances, thus a paternal cousin of Mary. Huddled together nearby were Mary's two male Brandon cousins; Henry, 2nd Duke of Suffolk and William, 1st Earl of Berkshire, accompanied by their wives – Catharine Willoughby, 12th Baroness Willoughby de Eresby and Lady Katharine Howard – and children. Like Lord and Lady Dorset, the Duke and Duchess of Suffolk were more than delighted for their eldest daughter – Lady Mary – being one of Elizabeth's bridesmaids.
Everyone quickly arranged themselves as Elizabeth arrived, her face glowing with excitement. Waiting for her was Lord Robert Dudley, his grin equally as broad and joyful. Gracefully, Elizabeth floated down the aisle, followed by her four cousins, all beaming with pleasure. Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, stood in front Robert and Elizabeth, while the four girls retreated to the front row. As Elizabeth was a devout Protestant, Mary agreed for her wedding ceremony to be conducted with Protestant vows rather than traditional Catholic words.
Within minutes, words were said, and the rings exchanged. There were no cheers – only clapping and murmurings of blessings and congratulations.
Only Arthur remained tight-lipped and was as still as a statue.
As the celebrations began, Mary walked up to Katherine and nudged her. "Go and talk to His Majesty," she whispered. "Elizabeth will be devastated if Arthur makes a scene. At the moment, His Majesty looks as if he would stab a man – or woman – to death."
Obediently, Katherine nodded and elegantly glided to the King and curtsied before him. Arthur nodded curtly, waving for her to rise.
"You look unhappy, my lord," she said softly. "May I ask why?"
Arthur's expression softened. "Elizabeth was disobedient. She married a commoner when she was betrothed to the nephew of the powerful Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. Elizabeth had the chance to be the future Holy Roman Empress, but she turned it down. I always admired her for her intelligence, but after her declaration of marrying this Robert Dudley...I fear I can never forgive her."
"You must! She is your sister!"
"That is the reason I cannot bring myself to forgive here." Bitterness entered his voice. "I am the laughing stock in all of Christendom! My own sister disobeyed me! How can I look at another ruler in the eye without flushing with embarrassment?"
"Rise above them. Prove you are not a sulky king, easily offended by defiant actions of a family member you love. Show the world that you are kind and forgiving like the legendary King Arthur, not the selfish and sullen son of a tyrant."
Arthur raised an eyebrow at her words. "Forgiveness is a sign of weakness. The King of France will be laughing once he hears the news that I forgave a rebellious sister out of love."
"It can also be a sign of strength."
Arthur stared at her, the sound of laughter and music resonating away from his ears. Even though he saw her almost every day, he found himself more infatuated with Katherine's beauty and was eager to hear her opinions. From gossip and eavesdropping, Arthur learnt that he and Katherine had been betrothed when they were children, in an effort to secure his own position as king. Now he wished they were still affianced, and he would gladly crown Katherine his wife and queen.
"What are you thinking, my lord?"
Katherine's sweet voice brought Arthur back from his thoughts.
"You," he said truthfully, momentarily forgetting about his anger towards Elizabeth. "I wish we are still engaged like we once were as children. Together, our future children will have indisputable claim to the throne and England will remain great."
"That is impossible," said Katherine sadly. "I am betrothed to the Archduke of Austria, and England will have another enemy if I too, break my engagement to him. We are both royalty, and we must sacrifice our own hearts' content for the better of England."
"At times, I wish that is not the case."
"As a favour to me, can you forgive Elizabeth?"
Arthur darkened in a manner remarkably similar to his late father, King Henry VIII. "She still made me look like a fool," he said stubbornly. "I cannot forget that."
"Only for today?" pleaded Katherine.
"Alright," agreed Arthur, standing up and beaming at her. "I promise I will remain cordial and kind to Elizabeth – and Robert Dudley – until you marry the Archduke. After that, I will mourn your departure and blame it on Elizabeth for ruining our happiness."
Katherine did not bother correcting him. She liked Arthur and viewed him as a brother, but did not find herself able to love him as he loved her. She believed his love for her to be a childhood infatuation as they were raised together for years.
"Love me from a distance," said Katherine quietly, stepping away from Arthur. "I always love and think of you as a brother, and always will. I am betrothed to Archduke Maximilian of Austria, and it will not be long before our lady mothers find you a bride. Love her as a husband, my lord." She bowed her head, curtsied and retreated back to her cluster of sisters and brothers.
"Will you not dance?" said Anne, appearing at Arthur's side. "Everyone is waiting." Silently, Arthur stood up, forcing himself to smile. Dancing was an order, not a suggestion.
He looked around for a suitable dance partner, reminding himself that Katherine was no longer an appropriate option, his eyes landing on Lady Jane Grey.
She was rather short and seemed physically thinner compared to Katherine, yet she was still prettily shaped for a thirteen year old lady. Arthur noticed her small features of reddish-brown eyes, a well-shaped nose and her red lips that curved into a tiny smile. Unlike Elizabeth who preferred her hair unbound and free, Jane wore a jewelled French hood that captured her abundant dark brown hair.
He heard rumours that the most beautiful Grey sister was Lady Katherine, but it was Lady Jane who detained his attention.
"My lady," Arthur said kindly, walking up to her and offering his hand. "Will you do me the honour by dancing with me?"
Jane stared at him, her sparkling eyes widening with shock.
"Of course she will Your Majesty," said Lady Dorset crisply, giving her daughter a sharp push. "It is indeed an honour for Jane to dance with you."
Before Jane could speak, Arthur smiled and gracefully pulled her into the middle of the garden for a round of galliard – his favourite dance. Jane nervously smiled back.
"You will be at Court, Lady Jane?" asked Arthur politely.
"Y-yes, Your Majesty," stammered Jane, almost missing a step in her shock. "My lady mother expects me to take my place at Court now that I am a lady of thirteen. I expect I will be a maid of honour in the household of Princess Elizabeth."
"Hmm. I do not remember seeing you in the royal schoolroom."
"I mostly live in Bradgate House with my sisters. When I do visit Court, I sit near the back. I saw and heard your witty responses, Your Majesty, and always admired your intelligence. I do not expect a great prince like you to notice or remember me. During family gatherings, Princess Elizabeth calls me 'Plain Jane', and I believe she speaks truth."
Another surge of anger rose in Arthur's stomach. How dare Elizabeth call this lovely flower 'plain'?! "I do not believe it," he said calmly. "As Elizabeth is now Lady Dudley, she does not deserve to be served by the finest noblewomen in England, and I will insist upon you having a position in either the Lady Protector or the Dowager Queen's households."
"My lady mother is already a lady-in-waiting in the Lady Protector's-"
"Do not worry, Lady Jane. You will be a maid of honour in one of their households by the end of this month, I promise you." He bowed and kissed her hand as the dance ended.
Like a scared mouse, Jane curtsied and scampered back to her family. The smile on Lady Dorset's face was replaced by a displeased scowl within a second of Jane's arrival. Jane knew that if they were in Bradgate House, she would've been slapped.
"You were hopeless," said Lady Dorset disapprovingly. "You were fortunate when the King asked you to dance, and all you do is act like a fool! No man wants a stupid wife who cannot even dance properly." She paused and looked at her daughter again, this time with more interest. "Perhaps this is fate," she continued thoughtfully. "Who knows what a single dance can lead to? After all, our young King is still in search of a bride."
"Lord Robert should be given a title."
Arthur looked at his mother with faint traces of irritation. He had immersed himself with a large volume about William the Conqueror when his mother interrupted.
"Lord Robert should be given a title," repeated the Queen Dowager. "You cannot allow your sister to remain 'Lady Dudley'!"
"I don't want to talk about it," said Arthur flatly, staring at her challengingly. From the moment he witnessed her speaking lovingly to Elizabeth in the nursery when they were children, he realised Elizabeth was their mother's favourite child. He had absolutely no intention of giving Robert Dudley new titles, estates or wealth. "You know she defied me," Arthur muttered, returning to his book. "If she wanted to marry a Pole, you would've ordered him executed for having the temerity to marry a royal princess. Lord Robert does not need a peerage. The most I will do is give him the Order of the Garter. He should be honoured at that."
"You must! Lord Robert is now your brother-in-law! I have arranged for him to be the Earl of Leicester, and all you must do is-"
"No."
"It has all been arranged!" Anne looked at him, slightly confused at his stubbornness. "The ceremony will be held in a week's time – before his and Elizabeth's stay in Austria for Katherine's wedding celebrations – so they can be received at the Imperial Court as nobility. The King of the Romans will not be pleased if a mere lord is presented to him."
"No."
"Are you still upset about Katherine? I know you love her as a sibling, but you know very well that she will have to marry for the better good of England. You can always write to her, and I'm sure you will see her again when she visits."
"You made Katherine the sacrificial lamb to appease the Imperial ambassador." Arthur shook with anger as his mother continued to stare at him, her eyebrows arched with bewilderment. "She would've been happier as my wife and Queen. What about Elizabeth? Doesn't she know her duty is to marry for the benefit of England? I did not hear you – or the Lady Protector – reprimanding her on her duty. No, she was permitted to marry for love. To a Dudley no less! The Dudleys are notoriously Protestant! Do you want Elizabeth to plot against me and the crown?!"
"England is now a religiously equal kingdom, and what better way than for Elizabeth to marry a well-known Protestant?"
"She could've married a German prince."
"After how the Elector Palatine treated your siblings, I would never allow a daughter of mine to marry a German prince!" Her eyes flashed with rage as she remembered the letter of her daughter's – Princess Jane Tudor – death six years ago.
"She could've married a Swedish prince. I heard the Swedish royals are devout Protestants."
Anne sighed. "Why can you not be happy for Elizabeth?"
Dumbfounded at his mother's words, Arthur silently seethed, vowing one day in the distant future, she will pay for his political humiliation.
"I want Lady Jane Grey removed from Elizabeth's household," Arthur said icily, slightly changing the subject. "She was once her companion I believe."
Anne smiled indulgently. "What has Lady Jane done wrong?"
"She is the daughter of a Marquess and does not deserve to serve in Lady Dudley's household. I want her either as your maid of honour, or the Lady Protector's."
"Very well. I'll talk to Mary about it. Is that all?"
Arthur pulled out a parchment. "I had a chat with the Imperial ambassador," he began. "I wrote down all the available Archdukes and Archduchesses, and I could not help but wonder why we cannot send dear Annie to marry the King of the Romans' second son, Archduke Ferdinand of Austria? Perhaps one of the King of the Romans' daughters can marry Hal? I thought the Council, you and the Lady Protector all agreed that it would be best for England if I wed Katherine?"
Anne shook her head with another sigh. "You are in love with Katherine. It would be ideal for the two of you to marry, but England's relations with Austria is now edgy-"
"Thanks to Elizabeth."
"-and I fear the King of the Romans will be insulted at the idea of Mary's second daughter marrying his second son, and I doubt he would ever send one of his unmarried daughters to England to marry a royal prince. You must adjust to the idea that Katherine will be a future Archduchess of Austria."
"Whatever's the case, Lord Robert will not receive an earldom."
Defeated, Anne sighed for a third time. "You are indeed a stubborn boy," she said absently, ruffling his red hair to his utmost chagrin. "I suppose you are still upset Elizabeth married before you did. I know you still hold a grudge at Robert for winning that tennis game last year, but I hope you will see Robert as a good friend later. I will postpone the ceremony and let you decide when to give Robert a peerage, but for Elizabeth and Katherine's sakes, let it be before Katherine's wedding."
She smiled fondly. "All the ladies were enraptured by your charm in the wedding celebrations, and I believe you danced with every one of them!"
Arthur nodded. "It was my duty."
"Very good. Lady Mary Brandon is quite a lovely girl, isn't she? Lady Jane Grey is a little meek and timid for my taste though."
Arthur's lips tightened. "I thought you would approve of the obedient ladies."
"It wouldn't matter if I do or do not. You are named after the great King Arthur, who is merciful to his traitors and had many virtues. I expect you to be an ideal prince and an example for all the nobles to behave kindly towards their wives when you marry. Your father was a fool and a tyrant. Remember, never flaunt a mistress at Court. If you must have dalliances – God forbid you do – remember to be discreet and never place a mistress above your queen."
"I remember."
Anne smiled and walked out to find the Lady Protector.
Now alone, Arthur smirked to himself and murmured, "Oh, lady mother, I am always discreet."
I had a little trouble starting the chapter, but I hope you like it :)