The title, Viscount Lisle, is the subsidiary title that the heir to the Dukedom of Northumberland uses. That is why Robert is called it, so, Elizabeth's title is now, Elizabeth Dudley, Viscountess Lisle, Princess of England, Ireland and France.

17th June 1550: Hunsdon House, Hunsdon, Hertfordshire, England, Home of the Lady Mary

"So? I am a bastard again?" Mary asked, as she re-read over the letter that was handed to her the day before "Archbishop Cranmer has declared my father's second marriage valid at the time of Elizabeth's birth. This means that Elizabeth is Edward's automatic heir, behind his children, of course,"

She was talking to herself, and she knew that she was. She just couldn't believe it. The little boy that she had looked after in his younger years had now thrown it all back at her.

She got to her feet "Susan?"

Her maid appeared in an instant, dipping a curtsey as she did so "My Lady?"

Mary reached into her pocket, and pulled out a letter. "Take this to the Spanish Ambassador,"

"Yes, My Lady,"

17th June 1550: Cumnor Place, Oxfordshire, England, Home of the Princess Elizabeth

Elizabeth, who was busy, sewing a small pair of socks, for her unborn child, suddenly stopped, her hand flying, quickly, to her stomach.

"My Lady?" Blanche Parry asked, anxiously, readying herself to rise in case something was wrong with the baby.

"It's nothing," Elizabeth replied, as Kat reached her side "The baby just kicked. That's all," the baby kicked again and Elizabeth smiled, gently placing her hand back onto his stomach. The baby, growing in her stomach, was the product of her and her husband, and it was a Lord or Lady for England and an heir, or heiress, to the throne, behind Elizabeth herself.

"Are you sure, My Lady?"

If anyone, other than Kat, had asked her that, she would probably have exploded at them. But, Kat had served Elizabeth faithfully for years, and would probably continue to do so. Instead, Elizabeth gave a smile and nodded "I am fine, Kat. I am sure of that. It is not time yet… nor will it be until November,"

"If you are like your mother, My Lady, you could have your child early," Mary Mackwilliam nee Hill commented. She went quiet when Kat glared up at her. Kat rose, and ushered the ladies from the room.

"Just call us if you need us, Your Highness,"

Elizabeth waved off her fussing ladies and returned to her sewing. When she thought about it, the kicking was a little soothing. Perhaps she could get used to being pregnant after all...

18th June 1550: Whitehall Palace, England

"The Princess Elizabeth and the Viscount Lisle seem to be happy in their marriage." Katherine Parr commented to her husband, Sir Thomas Seymour, who nodded in agreement.

"Yes," he replied "They do."

"Marriage, Kate, is not about being happy," Edward Seymour interrupted, as he arrived "It is about having sons, which, so far, you have failed to do. You have provided my brother with one child. A girl named Mary,"

Katherine did not reply, instead, she noticed Robert and Princess Elizabeth moving to the dance floor, where they readied themselves. The herald called "The Viscount and Viscountess Lisle!" and the dance began, with Elizabeth and Robert waltzing, gently, around the dance floor.

Once the dance had ended, Elizabeth and Robert moved aside, to allow Barnaby Fitzpatrick and Amy Robsart to take the floor.

"Bess," The King approached her and Robert "Are you enjoying being back at court?"

"Yes," she replied, smiling as she dipped a curtsey "I am, Your Majesty,"

The King smiled "I hear from your husband that the child has quickened," Elizabeth smiled brightly "Yes, it has. I think that it will be strong,"

"This shows that you are supposed to be my true heir, Bess," The King smiled, placing a hand on her arm. He was far too short to reach her shoulder "not Mary, who is an unmarried spinster,"

Elizabeth smiled back to her brother, and sovereign, but could not help feeling sorry for Mary.

To Be Continued