Ordermask back here again with another Chapter. Sorry I haven't updated in awhile been busy with work and all that jazz. Anyway I own nothing-nothing belongs to me.
"Mel can you help me with my shoes" I groaned as I slowly sat down back onto the bed.
I'm eight months into my pregnancy I wasn't fast, in the least. The rest of me was pretty skinny except two parts of my body. My breast enlarged very much, which the King enjoyed highly, and my belly was huge, the reason for my not being able to place my own shoes onto my feet.
"Of course" She slipped my satin flat onto my feat, I haven't been able to where heels since my sixth month, I swear I was having twins, my belly was huge.
My pregnancy had been going perfectly the physician said I was in perfect health, and that it should just be a few more weeks into the delivery. I was extremely nervous about the delivery, with no modern medicine for the pain, I was having daily panic attacks. But women have survived many births since the beginning of time, if they could do it why couldn't I?
"I'm so fat" I drawled out, Mel just rolled her eyes as she did my hair, the other ladies scurried around me, putting make-up on me and my jewelry. I was wearing a beautiful dress the king had made for me, I was growing out of my clothes monthly so he was having new ones made every day. It was a light blue gown, tightened around the top, and flowed to the grown. There was an fur coat that went with it, was baby blue, even during the spring, my dear husband even made me wear furs, to keep any sudden chills from my body.
"You excited for tonight, Your majesty" Jane asked me, a she placed a diamond sapphires around my neck, and a matching set of earrings in my ear.
It was my twenty-sixth birthday, and everyone who was anyone in the King's eye was invited to celebrate my special day. He was planning this moment they day before we where even wedded, it made my heart glow with love.
The King's behavior had changed over the months of my pregnancy, he had guards stationed at every room I was in, one followed me and my ladies. I was never allowed to be standing for long, a physician was always to be on call. One time I sneezed, and the physician was called immediately.
He was a worried Father.
"Beautiful" Jane said as she placed my sapphire tiara on my head.
The gown was beautiful, it was all baby blue, the bodice was made of silk and covered in lace and ended just under my breast. The long sleeves where covered in lace, and shimmering sparkles of sapphire, the skirt was made of silk covering my feet and trailing behind me. My baby blue fur coat was died baby blue, and lined with gold. My hair was down curled, it had grown longer and reached below my breast.
"Your majesty" Thomas called from behind me, I turned to see my handsome friend standing with a huge smile on his face. In the past few months we had become great friends, his shyness had disappeared almost all the way, I knew he had a thing for Lady Howard, and she as well.
"Thomas" I nodded my head.
He smiled "The King is here" The ladies scurried behind me, Thomas stepped off onto the side, winking at Katherine, she giggled behind me, but shut up immediately when I gave her a cold glare.
"Alice" He called with a huge smile on his face, his arms held out as he bowed to me and I followed suit, it was hard to do with my big belly.
"Your majesty" I smiled placing my hands onto my swollen belly.
He placed his warm hands onto my belly rubbing the my hands gently "How are you feeling" He looked into my eyes intently, and with worry.
"My love" I whispered placing my hand onto his cheek which he nestled into "I am well-and so is our baby" he gave a relived sigh.
"Good, Good" He nodded; I smiled and kissed him gently. "Onto good cheer-Happy birthday, my sweet Alice" He motioned his hand to Thomas, who walked out briefly, who came back in with a large box.
"Henry" I tsked "You've already given me so many gifts today", I motioned to the dozen of satin purple boxes, littering the floor of my suite.
"Nothing is every to much" he placed his lips onto my neck and bit gently, desire swept through me, I almost gasped. I looked up into his eyes and smirked, I kissed him gently, licking my tongue onto his nose, he closed hi eye and growled.
"Fair Is fair" I whispered into his ear, My ladies giggled behind me, I went to scowl them, but the King chuckled.
"It sure is" he shook of his desire.
He motioned hi hand to Thomas; he stood in front of me holding the massive box. I looked over at Henry with a playful scowl his face held pure happiness he was grinning ear to ear. I slid the top off, and looked inside, and stifled a gasp.
"Sweetheart" I gasped pulling out the moving object
It was a ball of black of fuzz, with a white wet nose, it was a puppy. There was so much black fur on the puppy; I couldn't really see the shape of the animal. Its prickly tongue started to lick my neck, I giggled. Around it' neck was a white gold collar encrusted with purple gems, I wanted to slap him for that.
"Sadly I couldn't find a pup, that was purple" he chuckled, I swatted him slightly
I kissed him on the lip chastely " I love it" Kissing the pup on the head "Is it a girl or boy?" I asked sitting down onto the bed, my feet starting to get sore.
"Boy, there more fierce" he stated "To protect you and our child" Just like a father.
I kissed the pups nose, he yipped slightly, the ladies behind me giggled "I'll name him Victor" I kissed hi nose as Henry took him out of my hand and handed him over back to Thomas.
"Thomas, I will like a small pillow for my little Victor please" He nodded his head and walked out of the door, with a bow.
Henry held out his arm for me, and I laced my arm with it gently, he held onto me firmly as we walked. Guards didn't walk to far behind us, I asked Henry about the precaution, of having the guards. Enemies from other countries would here word form there enemy country that there Queen was with child, they would try to assassinate the queen, and the future heir.
"If you feel too tired tonight" Henry began with a worried filled tone "Don't hesitate to sit, or even retire to bed." He looked at me as we walked down the deserted halls of the palace, all waiting for me in the ball room.
"Henry" I soothed patting his arm "Everything will be alright, you know I take the precautions with seriousness" I took his hand and kissed it gently.
"I know" he said with a smile "But I worry for my future Son" I prayed to everything good and holy in this world, I would give him a son. Anytime we would talk about our child he would speak as if it was a son, never a daughter. I knew women back in these days where not praised like men wore in these time, but I would love a daughter.
"So do I" I smiled, he kissed my neck chastely, as we stood in front of the Iron cased doors, hearing the loud chatter inside. Henry nodded to the guards, who opened the massive iron cased doors, to reveal a beautifully done hall.
Everything was covered in flowers, candles, an glitter. The entire theme of the party was a winter type of theme. Tables littered the both sides of the wall, covered in snow white clothes, with purple glitter, purple rose petals. Tapestries swept the ceiling of purple velvet, and sliver glitter. Massive rows of purple flowers displays, lined the purple velvet carpet that lead up to our throne, where Lady Mary stood waiting with a smile.
"Henry" I breathed looking into his eyes "It's breathtaking" I held my hand to my chest, which he took gently and kissed.
"Tonight is for you" He breathed, "Happy Birthday my sweet Alice" My heart swelled with happiness.
"Presenting King Henry VIII" One of the Heralds bellowed into the hall, which silenced immediately. "And his majesty's Queen Alice" Henry gripped my hand firmly, as we walked down the rose petal littered floor, they silenced and bowed to us.
My feet began to tire as we made our way over to the Lady Mary, over these past eight months of my pregnancy she had been a great deal of help. She also was to be one of my midwifes during the of the future heir of England.
"Your majesties" she bowed with a huge smile, we followed suit.
I took her hand gently in mine, and kissed her cheek gently "Lady Mary "I greeted as she followed suit kissing my cheek as well.
"Happy Birthday, your majesty" She breathed, slipping a small box into my hand, I rolled my eyes at her.
"Mary" I shook my head, looking into her eyes "You didn't have to give me anything, your presence is enough" I smiled, she blushed and looked down.
"Open it please" she smiled as Henry greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.
I smiled and slid the box open slowly; there was a small rosary inside, very simply made, but very beautiful, made of burgundy opals, with a simple sliver cross on the end.
"It was my mother's" she stated simply, "I would like for you to have it" My eyes watered immediately.
"You cannot give me this" I breathed, she took her hands in mine, and smiled
I watched as tears brim her eyes. "You have become a very dear friend to me" she choked "like a sister, where family now" She quoted my words with a tearful smile.
"I will keep this with me always" I breathed, gathering her into a warm embrace "Sister" I breathed into her ear, and she gripped me firmly.
"Here my love" Henry breathed into my ear handing me a goblet of water, he took my hand delicately in his as we faced, the waiting court in front of us.
"Today is my lovely wife's Birthday" The crowd erupted in applause, I blushed and looked away. "My beautiful Queen" he kissed my hand gently.
"We are all to be in good cheer tonight, be merry and have a wonderful time" He took a sip of his wine. "In the celebration of my wife's birth, and your Queen" his voice full of happiness.
"To Queen ALICE" Henry boasted, the crowd followed suit, and joined in a round of applause.
Henry helped me into my throne and held onto my hand firmly in his, he looked at me with a loving smile. My stomach growled loudly with a following kick from my belly that made me gasp, not in pain.
"Alice" Henry stood up immediate attention to get the physician, I pulled him back down into his throne.
"Your son is just very Hungry" I stated with a smile "He was just kicking his Mother" I said rubbing my belly.
'Are you sure" His voice filled with worry, I mentally rolled my eyes
I took his hand and placed it gently onto my swollen belly, another way of butterflies filled my stomach. Henry jumped back, and laughed. His laughter was full of joy and happiness, the court looked at the King with pure awe, probably never seeing the King this happy.
"Does it Hurt?" he asked rubbing my belly, I shook my head.
I laced my fingers with his "Just tickles" I smiled "Let's me know when he's hungry" Henry motioned for Thomas his Grossman, who was giggling with one of Lady Howard.
"Mr. Culpeper" Henry said with pure authority, "Make a plate of food, with array of everything we have" Thomas nodded with a bow and an actually smile.
The food was delicious all of my favorites, well that I could possibly get in medieval times. There was spaghetti with ricotta cheese, and fresh mozzarella cheese and basil, from Italy , smoked pig, drenched in a heavy glaze, with a side of mash potatoes and cream, and chives. For dessert there was an array of assortments. There were tiny pastries filled with all types of fillings, fruit, cream, and nuts, my two favorites, where a chocolate cake, and strawberry shortcake.
"That was delicious" I sighed as Thomas took away my plate. Henry smiled and looked towards the court.
"Sweetheart" he stood up and grabbed my hand in his "Will you grace me with a dance" he bowed with a smirk on his face
" Of course your majesty" I curtsied with a bit of a struggle, curse my big Belly I swear there was more then one child in there.
The crowd parted for us, as we walked down the throne gracefully, he gave me a quick kiss on the hand before we stood in front of each other. I hate there form of dancing, it was so boring and very dull. So Henry changed the form of dancing in court, to my way.
"Music" He bellowed, he placed his hand gently onto my waist, and the other in my hand.
The music soothes me as we swayed back and forth, I placed my chin onto his shoulder as we swayed side to side, he would spin me a few times and id giggle and he'd chuckle. I'd never thought I could be so happy, without Charles. Henry had done everything he had promise, I was slowly starting to love him. He didn't' do it with haste or fore, he was ever so gentle with me, just like he said he would be
I couldn't lie and say I never thought of Charles, and that my feelings for him disappeared. I loved Charles very much and always would, my love for him would never disappear, and I hope he felt the same way. I rarely saw him around court, and when I did he was always accompied by the King, a quick bow and a smile. But I knew behind those steal blue eyes he was dying inside, but he made his choice, and I made mine.
"Sweet Alice" Henry breathed into my ear "What has your mind far away" He questioned kissing my forehead. I smiled and took my chin off his shoulder, and looked into his green eyes.
"How happy I am" I began "And how you kept your promise" I stated, he didn't even need to question what I was talking about, he just knew. His warm lips descended upon mine, full of love and passion.
"I love you so" He breathed trying to catch his breath " I need you more than you can ever know" He connected his forehead with mine. We dance for a little more, kissing each other here and there, talking lightly, until we heard someone clear his throat.
"Your majesties" Cromwell's voice called, I pulled away from my husband gently, I heard Henry growl slightly.
Cromwell actually grew on me, ever since my marriage to the King, he had become very kind to me. I knew he had to be nice to me because I was Kind, but I could tell, there was no hidden gain behind it, since he was already in the King's favor. He wasn't now the cold secretary, he was actually full of life. It took me a little while to discovery why, but I eventually uncovered how.
He was to be happily married to one of my ladies, my lady Mel.
"Your grace" I bowed my head slightly at him and smiled.
He took my hand and kissed it gently "Happy birthday Your Majesty" he said handing me a small coin purse. "The King tells me of your fondness of purple, I hope you like it" I scowled him playfully, he just chuckled.
"Oh my stars" I breathed, inside was a beautiful bracelet, all made of purple gems "Your grace, it's beautiful" I kissed his cheek gently, he blushed and looked away.
"Thank you your Majesty" Henry gave a deep chuckle from next to me, kissing my hand gently as he placed the bracelet on my wrist.
"She could make a Buddhist monk blush, with that smile" Him and Thomas laughed.
Thomas looked at the King with a smile and nodded his head to the King, "I must speak with his Majesty alone" He motioned to the King :"It's urgent" The King growled in frustration.
"A good King never rest" I spoke, he laughed and kissed my neck gently.
He framed his hands onto my face, "Eat, dance" he stated "I'll be back shortly" he placed a chaste kiss onto my lips.
I made my way over to the array of food again, I have never eaten so much before in my life, even when I was on my period. But becoming pregnant had done something to me, one of the cooks saw me and smiled and bowed.
"Everything you have on a small plate" I said picking up a stray strawberry, the juice dripped down my chin as I took my first bite.
"Your majesty" I froze immediately, as the strawberry fell from my hand onto the floor. He was here, he actually showed up for my birthday, I turned around slowly. He still looked the same, he was slightly paler, his hair still had the same gray streaking threw it, still beautiful as always.
"Lord Suffolk" I placed my hands onto my swollen belly, he bowed to me swiftly
He looked up at me with a heavy smile, "If I may speak boldly your majesty" I nodded my head in permission, my heart beating in my chest a million times a second, anticipating what he was going to say next.
"You look beautiful" He breathed starring into my sapphire eyes "You're lovely" I looked down and blushed. "Happy birthday" He held out his hand, a small white box.
"Charles" I breathed taking the box from him gently, his hand gently touched mine gentle, sending shivers down my spine. "You didn't have-"
"I wanted to" His voice was husky and deep and filled with authority.
I slid the top from the box, inside was a beautiful ring, it was a sapphire ring encrusted with diamonds on the side, with a white gold band.
"Charles" I trailed tears filling my eyes "It's beautiful" I placed the box on the table beside me.
"Let me" He took the ring from my hand and gently slid it onto my index finger, rubbing my hand gently.
"Where have you been?" I asked breaking the silence, he looked down in shame
He scuffled his feat and looked into the crowd, not brining his eyes to my face "I couldn't bare it" he began in a whisper.
"Seeing you with him" he turned his head to me "I still love you-seeing you carrying his child" His voice broke "Kills me."
Anger consumed me, I wanted to slap him for the what he was saying to me. it had to till now for him to confess this to me. I loved him with all my heart, and for me to be with child, It took that. Me professing my love for him, me crying! That wasn't enough?
"I'm married to the King" I stated "he has taught me to love him, he has never hurt me-and I would NEVER hurt him" I stated
"Ali-" he began, I held up my hand
Tears brimmed my eyes "I will always love you" I whispered "But you lost your chance that day, I would of ran way with you, but your love for the king was stronger-"
"Alice you don't –"I held my hand up again
I smiled and looked up at him "It is what it is" I stated "Good day Lord Suffolk" I brushed past him with a nod, heading over to my ladies, a tears fell from my eyes.
"Your majesty?" Lady Mary Questioned me with a curtsy, I shook my head and smiled
I took her hand and kissed it "I just need some fresh air" She stood up with hate motioning my ladies, to follow suit, we headed down the great hall, when a sudden pain hit my belly and I doubled over in pain.
"Your Majesty?" Mary gasped coming over to my side, the pain was sharp and in my lower belly and pelvic region.
"Call the phycian" I looked over at my ladies, they scurried out of the hall, only lady Mary remaining.
Another searing hot ripping pain coursed through my belly and pelvic area, so bad, that I collapsed to the floor, bringing quiet to the entire hall.i only focused on my breathing and the pain. I could faintly hear Mary calling for the King, and a few people hurrying out of the hall.
"ALICE!" I heard Henry's voice sream through the Hall
Ha ha ha CLiffhanger