Title: Joint Wives.
Author: PrinceBrennonTudor
Summary: What would have happened if someone made it their mission to save Anne and told Henry just to have two wives? What would happen to England with two royal wives? Will there ever be an heir?
Disclaimer: I do not own the Tudors. But the story idea is mine.
Chapter 16
November 28th, 1537
Whitehall Palace
King Henry made one final thrust, and then he collapsed in a heap on top of the woman under him. Breathing heavily he took a minute to catch his breath, before rolling over on to his back. "That was good," he gasped, turning to look Ursula Missleton in the face. Ursula has been the king's mistress for almost a year now and he couldn't get enough of her. But he knew that sooner or later he would have to find a husband for her, and he was willing to be generous to her and provide a hefty dowry for her so that any husband would be willing to overlook the fact that she was once the king's lover. But of course he also has other matters on his mind. His daughter Mary was coming for a visit for the Christmas season with her husband and Anne and Jane where at each other's throats about the entertainments.
Ursula laid her head on Henry's chest and circled her finger around his nipple. "Something wrong my lord? You've be distracted all night?" She asked
"Oh it's nothing, love, I just thinking about the entertainments for the Christmas season."
Ursula laughed at that. "So you really mean that the queen and the lady of England have been at each other's throat."
Henry gave her a sheepish smile. "You got me there." Henry turned over to his side so he could face Ursula. "Tell me, how Jane has been when I'm not around. She seems to be more emotional with this pregnancy, and I want to make sure everything is well with her."
Ursula sighed not really wanting to talk about her lover's wives. The king's wives were always at each other's throats. They fought over who got Henry on What days, how their children's nursery should be run, who should be the head governess since they add two new ones two the house. And that didn't even scarp the surface of the problems, these two women had with each other, and Ursula was sure they wouldn't be resolved anytime soon. Ursula didn't want to say it to Henry, but she knew that a shift in power at court was coming and if the Lady of England has a son the Seymour's would try to press for an advantage and the little Prince Arthur's life may be in danger. But of course Ursula wasn't going to let the king know what she believed. "She is fine, my lord, just fine."
Same day
Queen's Apartment
Queen Anne sat at her little writing desk, with quill in her had tapping repeatedly on a half written letter. She was trying to put to rest the fears of an Abbess who had written to her in fear that her convent was to be shut down. The Abbess wrote that her convent was a pure and God fearing place, and that the investigation that took place was unnecessary. Anne was writing to her personally to assure her that no evidence of corruption was found and that the convent would remain open. As she put the finishing touches onto the letter, her sister Mary, now countess of Bedford, thanks to Henry elevating her husband William two months ago along with her father who was now duke of Wiltshire, came over to Anne and curtsied. "Anne, the new ladies-in-waiting have arrived."
Anne reached over and sprinkled sand on the still wet words. She put it to the side to be sealed later, "Ok Mary, you make show them in." Mary left and exited the room and came back two seconds later with six young ladies. Anne stood and moved to the front of her room, next to the fire place.
Mary turned to Anne and made a curtsey and signaled for the other ladies to do the same. Nan Saville came over and addressed the new recruits. "Welcome to Whitehall Palace. My name is Lady Nan and the lady who brought you in is Lady Mary, Countess of Bedford and sister to her majesty. We are her majesty's principal ladies-in-waiting. When we give you an order or duty, you will listen to us as if it came from the queen herself." Nan paused before speaking again. "Now when you are called up you will swear an oath of allegiance to the queen on the English bible." Nan nodded to Anne's chaplain to get started and he started to call them up.
"Lady Margaret Dymoke," Was the first name he called.
A young girl, how looked to be about sixteen came forward and stood in front of the chaplain. "Do you Lady Margaret, swear to be faithful to Queen Anne, to honor and obey her?"
"I do swear it." Margaret answers in her small voice, which was racked with nerves.
One, by one then next for ladies, came forward to swear all the oath, then each was presented to Anne. Each swearing in Anne paid half a mind too, till she heard a familiar name called. "Mistress Katherine Howard." A beautiful young woman step forward, she had beautiful blonde hair, a long elegant neck not unlike that of Anne's Anne looked upon her little cousin for the first time in Fifteen years, when she was a little toddler, always grasping at Anne or Mary to hold her, and following them around like always on her chubby leg, she has become a true beauty. Katherine places her hand on the bible and swore the oath, and then she presented herself to Anne. "Your Majesty."
Anne signaled for her cousin to rise from her curtsey. "Cousin Katherine, how you have grown, you are a true Howard beauty."
Katherine swelled with pride to be personally addressed by the queen in a familiar way. "Your Majesty is very kind."
"Just know cousin, if you ever need anything, do not hesitant to ask." With that Anne signaled for Katherine to rejoin the ladies in line before addressing the whole group. "Ladies, I hope you find enjoyment in joining my service. You'll all start your duties tomorrow, but first you will be measure by seamstresses for the gown that you are to wear when on duty." With that the girls were dismissed and Anne turned to refocus her energy on the letter.
December 24, 1537
Whitehall Palace
They got here later than she wanted too, but Mary and her husband Philip where finally in England. The boat ride was long and tiring but Mary knew that she couldn't rest yet. She had to get ready for her and her husband where to be publicly received by her father and step-mothers. Her husband was in his chambers supervising his servants unpack his trunks, Mary was supposed to be doing the same thing, but she was hardly paying attention to what was happening around her. Her mind was elsewhere thinking over the secret that she had been keeping from Philip for three months now, she was pregnant. While Mary knew that she should be elated and stay calm, she was full of fear. Her mother had a history of miscarriages and stillbirth and Mary was afraid that history would repeat itself.
"Mary, are you almost ready."
Mary turned around in surprise to see her husband standing behind her. He was wearing a doublet of purple silk embroidered with gold thread. "Oh no, sorry my love I just have a lot on my mind, I'll get ready right now." Mary signaled for her ladies to pull out a few of her new gowns and walked over to pick the best one, but Philip grabbed her arm and pulled her back.
"Mary what is wrong? Did something happen?" Mary could hear the worry in Philip's voice and she hated making him fell like this, but Mary just wasn't ready to tell him yet.
She pulled out of her husband's embrace and leaned in to give her husband and passionate kiss, not caring that her ladies where watching them. "Go," Mary said smiling up at Philip. "Leave so I can get ready." And with one last kiss Philip let his wife in the care of her ladies. Mary stared out the door her husband just left out off before returning her attention back her ladies. Mary continued to examine the gowns they held up till finally picked one. "The blue embroider with sliver I think." Put down all the rejected gowns her ladies started to unlace the back of her traveling clothes. "I think this gown will make everyone turn heads," She said more to herself then anyone else.
Great Hall
The royal family sat together on the newly made dais waiting for the arrival of the Crown Prince and Princess of Bavaria. At Henry's request all three of them wore red in celebration of the Christmas season. Jane wore a gown that simple with just a necklace of pearls with a ruby hanging off the end and when Jane stood the gown showed of her huge belly. Anne of course shined in her gown hers was a deeper red than Jane's and was cut in the French fashion with diamonds and seed pearls covering the skirt, the gown was tightly laced to which Anne did purposely to show off her thin waist compared to Jane's thicken one. Of course both women wore the customary reef head dresses that women wore at this Christmas season. Even Princess Elizabeth was present wearing a miniature gown of the one her mother wore. Six thrones sat on the dais one each for the four current royals sitting on the dais now and two more for Mary and Philip. The waiting for Philip and Mary was so boring, thought Princess Elizabeth. She wasn't allowed to fun wild with the other children at the celebration, she was to sit there and watch like a dignified princess should. But she was so bored all she could do was squirm in her seat, till she felt a warm hand one top of hers.
"Calm yourself my darling." Anne whispered to her, sensing the child's unruliness.
Elizabeth turned to her mother all most pleading with her eyes. "I'm just so bored mama, and a little excited, I have missed Mary so bad and I just want her to hurry up and arrive."
Anne looked down at her daughter and smiled. And looked up and saw the herald approach and leaded down to whisper to her. "And I believe that you will not have to wait any longer my love," pointing the herald out to Elizabeth before he made the announcement.
"Your Majesties, Your Highness, I present Their Highnesses the Crown Prince and Princess of Bavaria!" Then the trumpet blared and in came Philip and Mary, Philip guiding Mary with his hand on top of hers, both were finely dressed and smiling from ear to ear. They both approached and made their bows to the royal family, and then Elizabeth stood and curtseys to Mary and her husband as she was instructed to do, because Mary now took precedence over Elizabeth being the wife of an heir to a throne.
Henry beamed at his daughter; she seemed to glow with happiness, he reached down and raised her and Philip and hugged them both. "Welcome Mary and Philip, you have been greatly missed here in England." Henry stepped back to allow Anne, Jane and Elizabeth to greet them. Mary kissed Anne and Jane on the cheek and gave Elizabeth a big bear hug. "Ok now let's us feast." Everyone lined up in order of precedence with the king leading both and Anne and Jane in and Mary taking precedence over Elizabeth for the first time since Mary are the wife of a crown prince.
Great Hall
The great hall was greatly decorated; the king spared no expense for theses celebrations. There were roasted swans with the skin reapplied; there were spiced fruitcakes, meat pies and a lot of other delicious foods. Jane sat at the table on top of the dais reserved for the royals and their family. She sat alone; as everyone else was dancing including Princess Elizabeth was being spun around in her Uncle George's arms. Jane wished she could be out there dancing with the court but being six months with child, it was impossible. So Jane had to content herself with watching the courtiers enjoying themselves. Mary comes up the dais, breathing hard she takes the seat onto the right on Jane. "Your Majesty looks bored out of your mind."
"Well not much I can do since I'm pregnant." Jane smirked at Mary, Jane signaled to a servant for some wine. He brought over two goblets and handed them to Jane. Jane took them and handed one to Mary while taking a sip from the other. "So how do you find life in Bavaria," Jane questioned her step-daughter.?
"I like it a lot. The people have welcomed me with open arms; the king and queen are kind and their love for their son is obvious to all present."
Jane was about answer when a rippling laugher interrupted her. Jane gazed out onto the dance floor to Henry and Anne dancing and giggled together. Anne was whispering seductively into his ear, Jane's grip her goblet tighter without even realizing it. Princess Mary noticed and tried to steer Jane's attention away from it. "So when is Your Majesty due again?"
Jane didn't even turn to Mary to answer and instead kept her eyes glued to Henry and Anne. "In March, just like when I had Cecelia." Then an Idea popped into Jane's head. "Hey maybe you can come back a month before I'm due and be with me for the birth." Jane was smiling as she said this, it would make her very happy to have Mary with her again when she delivered her child, and Mary was very support when Jane gave birth to Cecelia.
"I'm afraid I will not be able to my lady." Mary said quietly, her eyes didn't meet Jane's as she said this. "I am with child and it would not be safe for me to travel in February."
Jane beamed with excitement, "Oh Mary this is exciting, and I must go congratulate Philip." Jane rose to Stand by Mary grabbed hold of her sleeves to stop her. Jane dropped back down into her seat, "Mary what is it?" Jane questioned her voice full of worry. Mary looked suddenly pale, her expression full of distraught and worry.
"I haven't told Philip yet, I am afraid to tell him before the child quickens."
"Oh Mary, why wait too tell Philip that you are pregnant? I'm sure he would gladly love to hear that he has a child on the way."
Mary just shook her head and a few tears fell freely from her eyes. "I'm afraid I will suffer the same fact as my sainted mother did when it comes to childbearing."
Jane spent most of the night trying to convince Mary that she would have many health children and by the time Jane decided to retire for the night, she was sure she had convinced Mary to tell Philip. When Henry came up to escort Jane to her apartment she gave Mary a quick smile and took Henry's arm to be lead away. Anne had already retired for the night so it was just Jane and Henry and that was how she liked it. They didn't speak but they didn't need to Jane just rested her head on Henry's shoulder and he laid his hand on her belly. When they finally came to Jane's door Henry leaned down and kissed her.
"Goodnight sweetheart," he said then turned to leave.
"Wait!" Jane exclaimed, stopping Henry dead in his tracks. "Will you stay with me tonight my lord husband?"
"I can't Jane; I promised Anne that I would stay with her tonight."
Jane's heart sank but she refused to let it show on her face. She was a royal consort and she must play the part at all times. "Well will Your Majesty stay with me tomorrow night?" Jane couldn't help but let slip the slight begging in her tone. Henry kissed Jane on the forehead and nodded his agreement then waited as Jane opened the door to her apartment and walked in and closed the door. At once she was swarmed by her ladies who dressed her in a nightgown and left her to sleep in peace, but Jane didn't sleep right away she just lay down and cried, pouring out all her heartbreak.
Jane Boleyn's Apartments
George took his last swing of wine and headed to his wife's, he was doing his duty by his wife as ordered by his father. Thomas Boleyn now the duke of Wiltshire, wanted to know why George hadn't presented him with a grandson carrying the name Boleyn. George had been trying to avoid any talk of the subject of kids with his father, but Thomas Boleyn wouldn't relent and order George to lay with Jane every night till she was pregnant, starting tonight. Outside her door George dismissed his man servant and let himself in. Jane was standing by the bed, as George approached her she shrink back against the wall, afraid that she would experience a repeat of their wedding night. He continued to approach her and took her arms and pulled them down to her side. "I won't hurt you." He whispered to her, his voice husky with surprise of the lust that was rising in him. George had been attracted to women in the pass, but when he got involved with Mark he hadn't even looked twice at another person, but as of late his relationship with Mark was cooling off and he was starting to wonder.
Jane started to relax and George leaned down and kissed her, her first instinct was to jerk her head back, but she stopped herself and allowed herself to be consumed in his kisses. The urgency came over both of them and they started to grab at and pull of clothes, Jane reached done and undid George's breeches, she reached in and rubbed his hardness. George Groaned and grabbed Jane and Thrown her on the bed, Jane was startled, but only for a second before being consumed by the passion. George positioned himself on tip of her and kissed her on more time. "I'm going to make you happy Jane," he whispered before thrusting into her. That was all Jane needed to hear to finally feel comfortable in her marriage.
A/N: So I'm so happy to finally to have updated this story. I'm am so sorry it took so long for this to Happen and I so sure that I would have had this done earlier in the summer, but it is now near the end of my summer and this the only update I have done. So once again so sorry to my fans, but I do hope you guys enjoy this chapter and please let me know what you guys think. In the next chapter we will have the royal birth and I will be putting the Pilgrimage of Grace in this story it just will be taking place later. Next story to be updated will be Modern Royal, and for my fans that follow Domina don't fear it hasn't been abandon.