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Disclamer: I do not own The Tudors, it's Showtime's property. I only have fun with the characters.
Summary: Henry's prayers had been answered but everything comes with a price.
WARNING! STRONG LANGUAGE IN THIS CHAPTER. IF YOU ARE ILL-AT-EASE WITH IT, FEEL FREE TO SKIP IT.
God's gift comes with a price
Chapter 2: The Sin to resist to
England, almost three years after Prince Edward's birth, June 1540
Three years after the birth of the so craved prince, there were a few changes that happened to the royal family. First of all, Henry had kept the promise he made to Eustace Chapuys and thus, to the Emperor.
' When our son is born, our beloved Mary can marry this Don... Luis? '
' Don Juan, Your Majesty. ' The imperial ambassador corrected
One year after her brother's birth, Mary set sail to Spain where she married Juan Esteban Manriquez de Lara, third duke of Najera. Despite being twelve years old his junior, the princess had grown to love her husband. He always treated her with respect and never lied to her. He also did not hide to her that he had a bastard daughter, born three years before they married. The mother had died a year after her birth and Juan stepped in. Mary had a soft spot for his little Catalina.
' I shall love her as if she was born from me. ' She said
Within two years, she became a mother herself, having a baby each year. Two healthy sons, Pedro and Carlos.
Knowing that Mary as well lightened deeply the king's mood. He never quite recovered from the new the physician had told him. Jane had wept when she had learnt the new. Henry's obsession about securing the line came rushing back in his mind for a few moments. He had Edward and he seemed well. But he had boys by Catherine of Aragon, who seemed healthy as well, yet he had to bury every one of them. What if Edward died?
' But there is a possibility that Jane can give you another son. The physician told he was almost certain. Almost does not mean absolutely. He spoke of chances. ' A part of him told him when he could not sleep before reminding him how much he loved and cared for Jane.
She was a fine queen, loved by her people. She brought back his family together and somehow eased the troubles that were created when he was trying to marry Anne Boleyn. Jane was loved by England from the very beginning. He was too much afraid to go ahead and destroy all of the good things she had managed to do.
' I have prayed God to spare her life. He granted me my wish. But with it came a trial. The Lord wants to test me and see if my love for Jane is indeed love or just lust. '
For the three years that had passed since this day, Henry had remained faithful. The idea of sleeping with another woman did not even cross his mind. Instead, he found himself staying more and more with Jane. Deep within his heart, he knew that there was a dark part for it. He loved Jane. He enjoyed being with her. But he also never gave up his hope to have another son by her. There were no signs of pregnancy yet but he did not despair.
Jane's life had been bittersweet since her miraculous recovery. She was grateful to be alive, to see her baby growing, to see Mary so happy and Elizabeth becoming a great beauty. She was grateful to be allowed to be by Henry's side a bit longer. But this was tainted by the regrets she had. Every time Henry made love to her, she prayed that she was impregnated, only to see her hopes crushed when her monthly period arrived. This sudden barrenness made her lose a brother. Thomas had become very angry and for the first time, the queen saw how hungry for power her sibling was.
' How could you let that fever make you barren?! You're now weak, useless! The second after your son dies, you'll be sent away! What use can the king have with a barren queen, huh? ' He scowled her
' The doctors say that it is not certain, there is a chance that I may have more children! ' She replied
' Then spread your legs and concieve another prince before you husband fucks some young, fertile whore, gets her pregnant with a bastard and divorce you to replace you with her! '
He had grabbed her violently by her shoulders. Her other brother, Edward, had entered her room and happened to have heard everything. He made Thomas step away from her.
' It is treason to imagine the prince's death! It is treason to threaten your queen! Get out of my sight! ' He roared as he pushed his brother out before hugging his sister
' Don't you listen to him. You have a strong healthy boy, you are loved by the king. He will not let you down. ' He said
Jane knew she could not prevent Henry from cheating on her. But she also knew that he loved her dearly. And the fact that he had remained hers and hers alone for these three years warmed her heart.
16th of June 1540
Sitting on his throne, the king looked at his courtiers chatting. Another average day for him. His eyes wandered through the room until something caught his attention. A pretty something, with her long and wavy blond hair. She was wearing a pale blue dress and when her brown eyes met his, she did not look down. She smiled at him and bowed.
' Who's this young lady? ' He asked Charles
' Lady Katherine Howard, Thomas Howard's niece. '
' Bring her to me. '
Henry retired to his office where Katherine was brought a few moments after. The poor girl seemed quite ill-at-ease. Smiling and bowing to the king was not difficult. Actually meeting him was another story.
' Lady Howard. Don't be afraid, my lady. Come and sit. ' He offered politely with a smile
' Thank you, Your Majesty. ' She humbly replied as she sat down
Her chair was near a window. The rays of the sun was hitting her golden hair. She looked so young, so fresh, so innocent. Yet, there was something in her eyes that showed that some part of her candor were spoiled or darkened by Life.
' I have never seen you at court, Lady Howard. '
' I have just left the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk. I have been placed in her custody after my mother's death. My uncle, Lord Howard, thought it was highly time for me to start a life at court. ' Katherine explained
Henry smiled.
' Well, he was right, and he gave the court a beautiful gift. Such a lovely woman is going to wake my sleeping court. '
Katherine could not help but laughing a bit.
' She's so beautiful. ' The king thought
He could feel his being filled with a new burning desire. He wanted Katherine. He could not help lusting for her, he wanted to make love to her, to see her naked and in extasy, shouting his name as they were one. Then, suddenly, the image of Jane smiling at him as she was sewing came into his mind. He felt guilty. He could not do that to her. He could not break the pact he made with God. He was testing him and if he failed, he could take away from him his queen, his heir, his daughters, his grandsons.
' Are you well, Your Majesty? You look pale... ' Katherine asked him, worried
' I'm sorry, I was lost in my thoughts. But I thank you for your concern. '
They spoke for hours. Henry felt young again with her. The moon was high in the sky when he realized how late it was.
' I'm sorry, I've taken your day. ' He apologized
' No, Your Majesty. You did not take it, I offered it to you. And I'd gladly do so again, if you wish it. ' The young woman sweetly replied
The king asked his friend Charles to escort her back to her uncle. Katherine thanked the duke of Suffolk and then sat next to her relative.
' What took you so long, niece? ' Thomas Howard asked
' The king requested my company for a chat. ' Katherine answered
The duke suddenly looked at her as if he was seeing her for the first time. She explained how their sovereign discovered her in the crowded great hall, his invitation, everything.
' She's like her cousin Anne. ' He thought ' She has that in her blood. If we play well, she could become his mistress and perhaps his new queen. '
' Uncle? Did I do something wrong? ' Katherine asked, her voice breaking his thoughts
For the first time ever in her life, she saw him smiling at her as if he was proud of her.
' You did very well, sweet Kat. The king wanted you to entertain him and you did so well he wants to see more of you. It's time for you to have a place at court. I shall arrange that if you promise to be a good and obedient girl. '
Excited, Katherine agreed.
Three days later, Lady Katherine Howard was a new lady-in-waiting to Her Majesty, Queen Jane Tudor.
To be continued