AN: I accidentally posted chapter 8 as chapter 7 so I removed the chapter. So today I decided to post both chapters so that things make more sense. Enjoy!

December 13th, 1562

Whitehall Palace

Isabella was much happier now that her children were back at court. Jane and Anna seemed to warm to their future sister-in-law, Anne of Pomerania. However, Arthur still showed a lack of interest in his future bride, much unlike the Duke of York, who enjoyed playing with the girl, despite the four year age difference. As usual, Anne and Ruth were at her side and some of her ladies decorated the halls for the coming Christmastide. Normally Ruth would coordinate these activities, however, she was much too preoccupied pacing the floor in Isabella's rooms with rage.

"How dare she?" She screamed to no one in particular.

Anne had a pensive look on her face. Ruth's anger scared her more than anything else. "I cannot say, Ruth."

Isabella rolled her eyes. "Is there any good reason that Marie does anything?"

Ruth turned to the two of them, a wild light in her eyes. "Her very existence is questionable, but this, this is unforgivable! Northumberland clearly underestimated Edward's loyalty to his mistress. That whore has no right to bring that bastard to court! She does not belong here."

Isabella knew how Ruth must have felt, yet there was a difference. Ruth had never laid eyes on Thomas's bastard, making it very easy to forget that her existence. Ruth's peace of mind rested on Lady Angelique Howard residing on Lady Northampton's estates, never to be seen. Unfortunately Marie saw it fit to ask Edward for the wardship of her niece, which was quickly granted. The next order was to bring the five year old girl to court to be raised alongside her own three daughters, to be thrown in Ruth's face as she tended to the girls under Edward's orders.

Ruth continued to pace. "Thomas and I have moved past his infidelity, but this girl, this Agnes Howard must be brought to court where I will be with her constantly during the day. How many days has it been since Marie summoned the girl?"

Anne played with her braid as she answered. "It has been five days, she could be arriving at any moment."

There was a knock at the door and Isabella nodded to Lady Charlotte to open it. Charlotte gave a curtsy to Isabella, although she paused to glare at Anne. Isabella curiously watched the girl as she opened the door and ushered Lady Mary FitzAlan into the room. Isabella smiled as the heiress cutsied.

"Lady Mary, how has your attempt fared?" Isabella inquired as she motioned for Lady Catalina to pour her pawn some wine.

Lady Mary looked downcast. "I managed to kiss His Majesty today, Your Majesty."

Isabella nodded. "Very good, Lady Mary. I pray that you are able to get farther. I promise you that your betrothal to Lord Burghley is untouchable unless you wish to break it."

Mary raised her head. "Thank you, Your Majesty. However, I come with news for Lady Norfolk as well."

Ruth ceased her pacing and rushed over to the table. "What is it, Lady Mary?"

The younger woman sighed. "Lord Northumberland sent me to tell you Lady Agnes Howard has arrived at the north gate."

"Agnes?" Anne questioned from her seat on the couch across the room.

Ruth sighed. "That is the English name Thomas gave her. I never use it for obvious reasons."

As if defeated, Ruth nodded to Lady Mary and made her way for the door.

Isabella was confused. "Ruth, where are you going?"

Ruth smirked. "I am going to see the daughter and niece of a whore."

December 13th, 1562

Whitehall Palace

Ruth made her way to the north gate with a queasy feeling in her stomach. What she knew about Agnes Howard was through her eavesdropping on her husband and his brother, yet it wasn't hard to forget what she had heard because she had never seen the girl. She could imagine the girl being as another Catherine, staring at her with a quiet defiance, but Ruth shook the image away. The girl was only five years old, easy to mold into whatever Ruth wanted. If Marie wanted to throw her husband's bastard in her face, Ruth would make the girl love her so much that it would be like Agnes were one of her own. The trick to defeating Marie was simple: act the exact opposite of Marie's expectations. Marie wanted a pawn in her young niece and Ruth was determined to win the game. Ruth finally reached the north gates and Marie was standing with a small girl, although tall for her age. As Ruth grew closer, she knew that she was looking at a Howard girl, none of Catherine's features had dominated except for the blonde hair and blue eyes that could just as easily be attributed to Thomas.

Marie appeared shocked. "Lady Norfolk? I did not expect to see you here."

Ruth flashed a smile at her husband's young daughter. "Why would I not come to greet my new charge? She is nearly a daughter to me, is she not?"

Marie hesitated. "I...I suppose so."

Ruth extended a kind hand to Agnes, which the girl took. "Come Agnes, I want you to see your father."

Ruth grinned at Marie and turned to go back inside of the palace. Ruth suddenly became horrified with that fact that she was holding hands with Lady Agnes, her husband's dirty little secret. She began to think she had made a mistake in going to the north gate to meet the girl before she had to. She couldn't see a trace of evil in the girl, but there was a sinister feeling that had gripped her heart.

"You are my father's wife." The girl asked suddenly.

Ruth brought herself to look the girl in the eyes and nodded. "Yes, Lady Agnes. I am your father's wife."

Agnes nodded solemnly. "I know that you are not happy I am here. The servants whispered about it, they do not enjoy serving me and they said I was well deserving of a slap from you, my lady."

Ruth was taken aback, Agnes was much too young to hear such horrible things spoken about. It almost made her feel sorry for the girl. Almost. "I will not slap you, Lady Agnes. It is improper for a lady to do so. I am taking you to meet the queen and your father."

Agnes nodded dutifully and walked in step with Ruth. After what seemed like an eternity of silence she finally reached Isabella's apartments.

Anne had moved to the table and the two women had begun a game of chess. Isabella was intently planning her next move and Ruth waited in the corner, knowing how competitive she could be when it came to chess.

Isabella smirked before moving her queen. "Check, dear sister."

"Isabella," Anne pointed to Ruth after noticing her and Agnes waiting in the corner. "We have a guest."

Isabella's eyes widened in realization. "Lady Agnes, welcome."

Ruth nodded to the girl who gave a graceful curtsy to Isabella. "Your Majesty."

Isabella smiled kindly but turned to Ruth with concern. "I suppose you are going to take her to the nursery where Marie's children are, correct?"

"Lady Agnes, would you mind stepping out into the hall?" Ruth inquired.

Agnes curtsied and hurried outside. Ruth waited a moment and then checked the outer chamber to ensure that she had really gone before turned back to Isabella and Anne.

She rolled her eyes. "I am taking the brat to see her father. If Marie wants to try to use her poor niece as a pawn, then I shall show her how it is truly done. If Marie thinks to mock me, then I shall make Agnes love me as if I were her own mother. Marie thinks she has won, but I have never been a loser and I surely will not begin today."

Isabella shook her head. "Sometimes we must do what we must. If it means being kind to your husband's bastard, so be it. I have already learned that emotions and politics do not mix well. Lady Mary FitzAlan is sleeping with my husband right as we speak, and it does not bother me at all because I know she works in my interests. If she becomes too powerful I will rid of her as I will rid of Marie soon enough. There is no such thing as love when you are a powerful woman is there?"