4th January 1550: Greenwich Palace, Kent, England.

"Bess," King Edward VI, aged twelve, was sat in his throne, short, slim and blond, he looked just like his mother, but had his father's temper "I know that you and Lord Robert are protestant and are not a threat to my throne – unlike some people," he cast a dark glare to Lady Mary – who was stood nearby – and then to his uncles "so I am allowing you and Robert to be married."

Elizabeth's face broke into the biggest smile that Edward had ever seen her give as she dropped into a curtsey. Edward Seymour did not look happy. He was certain that the King would have either said no, or made Elizabeth marry Robert's younger brother. This ruined everything. "However, and children that you have, Bess, will take the surname of Tudor. This is what has been written in the new Act of Succession" Seymour raised an eyebrow at Kat "this way, if I die without children, you will be my successor and your children, with the Tudor name, can continue on our dynasty,"

As The Princess Elizabeth and Lord Robert left the room, Edward Seymour moved forward "Your Majesty, are you sure that it is wise to reinstate Elizabeth as a Princess, and to allow her to marry Lord Robert? His grandfather was a traitor,"

"Lord Robert is a trusted friend. He grew up with me and Bess. He has served me loyally from childhood, which is a lot more than you have done, Uncle. Now, leave my sight! I have made my decision and I stand by it!"

Edward Seymour bowed and took Lady Mary aside "My Lady," he began "What is your reaction to this marriage?"

"I think that my sister has made a grave mistake, Lord Seymour," Mary replied "Marrying into a family full of traitors just makes it easier for her to be overthrown by our catholic cousin, Mary of Scotland. If God sees fit to take our brother to him, and I am, for some reason, unable to take the throne for myself, then I would rather have our catholic cousin, Mary, on the throne, rather than the daughter of a whore and a traitor's grandson, even if our cousin, Mary, is only eight. Of course, our brother will not, hopefully, be dying anytime soon, because if a Dudley does get onto the throne, then this country will fall into ruin, and everything that mother and father did will be ruined,"

Edward Seymour could not think of anything that Katherine of Aragon had done, except fail to provide a male heir, despite that though, she was beloved by almost everyone during her lifetime, not least of all her daughter, so he wouldn't say anything like that to the Lady Mary, as she could be a valuable ally to make the King do what the Seymours wanted him to do, as Mary did owe a debt to Queen Jane Seymour for reuniting her with her father, King Henry VIII.

Two weeks later: Whitehall Chapel, England

"Do you, Lord Robert, take this woman, Princess Elizabeth Tudor to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you swear, on your solemn oath before all these witnesses, to love her, honour her and cherish her for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, and to forsake all other women for her for the rest of your natural lives until death does you two part" Edmund Grindal, the vicar in charge of the ceremony, asked Robert

"I do," Robert replied, steely determination visible in his eyes

"And do you, Princess Elizabeth Tudor, take this man Lord Robert Dudley, to be your lawfully wedded lord and husband? Do you swear, on your solemn oath before all these witnesses, to love him and cherish him and to honour and obey him for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, and to forsake all other men for him for the rest of your natural lives until death does you two part" Edmund Grindal repeated the question to Elizabeth

"I do," Elizabeth, like Robert, had a steeply determination visible in her eyes.

After exchanging rings, Edmund Grindal spoke again

"What God has joined in Holy Matrimony, let no man tear asunder. I now pronounce you man and wife. Your Grace, you may kiss the bride," Edmund Grindal made the sign of the cross over their head. Robert needed no further urging. Leaning forward, and, lifting the veil out of Elizabeth's face, he pressed his lips to hers more passionately than ever before. Elizabeth, like her husband, replied with more passion than she had ever given before, melting into Robert's arms.

Then, taking Elizabeth's hand and slipping through the crook of his arm, Robert led her down the chapel aisle and out into the Banqueting Hall at Whitehall for their wedding feast. He had done it. He had secured his beloved Elizabeth for his wife. They were married and Robert had no doubt that they would live happily ever after.

Kat Ashley watched her mistress dance with Lord Robert. They were happy, in love, and Kat could easily see them being parents within the year. "Your Highness,"

Kat dropped a curtsey as Elizabeth and Robert approached. "Your Grace,"

Robert gave a small nod. He and Elizabeth had finished dancing and the King was gesturing for him to approach the throne. "Look after my wife for me, Lady Ashley,"

"Yes, Your Grace," Kat dropped another curtsey, and she and Elizabeth moved aside. "So," Kat began "Are you happy, Bess?"

"I am, Kat," Elizabeth replied, sighing happily "I really am,"

"I hope that you will allow me to stay on in your new household, Your Highness?" Kat asked. Elizabeth looked to her "Of course, Kat. I wouldn't give you up for anything,"

To Be Continued

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