June 1 1537

Lady Mary

Lady Mary had been summoned to return to court today. All she could think about was it being Princess Katherine and Prince Arthur's first birthday. They had been her pride in joy, she would visit them often along with her sister Elizabeth and baby brother Charles. When she entered the room she didn't see any of her sibling but instead the King, her father, Queen Anne, King Francis and Queen Eleanor of France along with a young man standing behind Queen Eleanor's chair. Mary knelt before her father. When she looked up she saw Anne walking towards her and kneel before her. Anne placed her hand under Mary's chin and told her to rise for today was a very special day. As Mary and Anne rose, Henry motioned over to a young man and before Mary could process what was going on Anne placed a small but beautiful ruby and sapphire crown on her head.

"You are no longer our Lady Mary, but our Princess Mary." Anne spoke softly. Mary couldn't form any words and she struggled to process her father's proclamation. She was once again a crowned princess of England, and this was brought on mainly by Anne's desire that her precious step-daughter have an advantageous marriage where she could have her own children. Anne led Mary up the stairs and had her sit next to her father on Anne's throne. The next bit of news was given to her by King Francis. He and her father had been working on a marriage contract this past year for her to marry his son, the handsome young man standing behind Queen Eleanor, Prince Henry of France. Her father added that he and Anne had already planned to reinstate her to her royal position but were waiting until the birth of the latest royal child. Anne wanted to be present at this ceremony and knew she wouldn't be allowed due to her lying in. Henry asked his daughter how she was feeling today. She looked at her step-mother and replied that she was "the most happy".

Only the royals and few trusted gentlemen of Henry's household had known of this momentous event. And it would stay that way until a public announcement was made.

Charles Brandon

Tonight was a grand celebration for Princess Katherine and Prince Arthur. They were one year old today. Every important lord and lady would be in attendance. Charles of course was only thinking of how he would protect the Queen in such a crowd. He had yet to figure out why that was always weighing so heavily on his conscience. The only explanation he had was based on his original dislike for her, and how he learned he was so wrong about her in every way.

Charles had noticed that the King and Queen of France were present, he had not been told of their arrival. He scanned the room to see the Lady Mary was not here. Why wasn't she here, she adored her young siblings. Princess Elizabeth was proudly sitting on her fathers lap clapping as she watched everyone dance. The music went silent, and the doors opened at the back of the room. Henry leaned down to whisper something in his young daughter's ear. She had been told earlier her sister Mary would be there and she loved her so but she had not been told of the news. When her father whispered to her, her face lit up with glee.

Henry put her down and she walked over to Anne and asked "mommy please stand with me." Anne got up holding her excited daughter's hands.

Elizabeth had always acted older than her age, but she was nervous in front of the large crowd. She slowly started and then blurted out "welcome my sister, Princess Mary." The crowd went silent, not knowing if the little princess had mistakenly called her sister a princess or not. Their fears were squashed as their greatest hope had come true. Mary walked in the room as a crowned Princess of England once more. As she walked her in the room, her fiance Prince Henry walked up to her taking her hand and leading her to her throne next to him. The announcement was made that the wedding of Prince Henry of France and Princess Mary of England would take place next week.

Charles looked at his wife Catherine and smiled. They were so happy for the reunited royal family and knew even with all the heartbreak Queen Katherine would approved. Charles walked over to the princess and bowed. "Princess Mary, Catherine and I wanted to congratulate you on your upcoming wedding."

Author's Note : Historically Henry II of France was married to Catherine de' Medici but in this story that marriage never took place.