Disclaimer: the prince, Higgins and the children belong to me, everything else is history.

Hey, here is the next chapter. Am not going to rabbit on about this chapter, will do that at the end.

Hope you like it.

Chapter XIII

King Henry's bed chamber, Hampton Court Palace

"Was I ready to become King?" I kept asking myself, and to be honest I was unsure. My father had taken a turn for the worse. Dr Butts had said there was a too great a risk to do the procedure and has said he will not endanger the life of the King.

I sat at my father's bedside and listened to the things that I would need, to be King.

"My son, you have been taught from birth how to be a King and I was hoping to be there to help you but I am not going to live to see that. I believe that you will be a good King. Choose your council wisely as I have done. Brandon has been a true loyal friend and ally, learn from him and he will help you." My father said.

"I will father." I replied.

"The life of a King is not easy. Everything you have been taught must now be put into practice. You know what the court is like and how people act. I chose to surround myself with people I trust like Brandon, but I have also been deceived by many at the court. You must learn to rise above them. Above all you must be a just ruler. Be kind to the needy and be ruthless to the wicked." My father said.

"Yes father." I replied, not knowing what else to say.

My father started to cough and I called for water. A servant brought over a goblet of water; I took the water and helped my father to sit up. I held the cup while he drank. Once he had had enough I gave the goblet back to the servant and Dr Butts and a manservant helped put my father into a more comfortable position. My father waved them away and carried on talking.

"You know about the uprising that has happened in Germany and other parts of the world, this new religion. What you may not know is that it is here in England. People have already taken to it and it is spreading. Your wife was of that religion before she married you but she was happy to convert."

"I know about it and will do everything to keep it from spreading further." I replied.

"You know I loved your mother. Despite all the miscarriages and stillbirths we were blessed with you and your sister, I was saddened by her death and look forward to our reunion." My father said.

"I miss her also and try to visit her grave whenever I can." I reply.

"I am glad to have been able to meet my grandchildren and I'm sure your mother would have loved them also. As for me, most Kings never live to see them. God has been kind to me. " My father said.

"I'm sure she would have loved them and to have one named in honour of her." I replied.

My father agreed with me and we both laughed. My father's face became serous and he looked at me.

"My son, when I am gone you will be King with Anne as your Queen, but I fear for Edward. He is not a strong child and is always sick, please watch him?" my father appealed.

"I will father. Edward will become fit and heathy, I will see to it personally." I replied.

"Your Majesty, the scribe is here to take your last will and testament." Charles Brandon said.

"Let him through." My father replied.

The scribe walked through the crowd of people gathered and bowed low to my father and then to me. My father ordered him to sit; he sat on a stool and had his portable writing block with a pot of black ink and quill.

"In the name of the Almighty and Merciful Lord, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. I Henry VIII, King of England and of France, Lord of Ireland, Defender of the Faith, make my last Will and testament." My father began. He took a few deep breaths and continued.

"I wish to be laid in Westminster Abbey in-between the bodies of my two Queens, Catherine of Aragon and Jane Seymour. I wish that one thousand Masses should be said for my soul. Upon my death. My executors shall convey my body to Westminster to be buried with ceremonies and distribute 1,000 marks in alms to the poor."

"As to the succession of the Crown, it shall go to Prince Henry and the heirs of his body. Through him the Tudor Dynasty will continue. Also to my son Henry I give my plate, household, artillery, ordnance, ships, money and jewels."

"If Henry dies without issue, the crown shall pass to the Prince Edward and the heirs of his body. I bestow the sum of 5,000 pounds on him as a living. I also give permission for the marriage of Edward to any Princess of his choosing when he reaches the age of 18."

"And thereafter, If Edward dies without issue; the crown shall pass to the Princess Mary and the heirs of her body. The arrangements of the marriage between Mary and Emperor Charles V of Spain. This shall be carried out within 6 months of my death. A dowry of 10,000 marks shall be sent with her when she marries but while she remains unmarried a sum of 3,000 pounds shall be laid on her as a living."

"The executors of this will be the Duke of Suffolk, Charles Brandon, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Fisher, the Chancellor of England, Sir Thomas More and the Lord Privy Seal, Earl of Hertford."

My father carried on making his will but I could hear his breaths getting quicker and more laboured. Finally the will was finished; the scribe passed the will over and my father signed it. After the will had the Kings seal stamped, the scribe departed.

Everything was done. My father called for all family members to attend him and everyone filed in. Anne had changed from her colourful dress to a plain black gown, behind her two wet nurses held John and Catherine. Behind them came Mary and Edward, who was unsure about what was going on, I wasn't sure whether Anne had told him anything.

With everyone assembled my father spoke to them.

"My time on this earth draws to an end. When I am gone, my son, Henry will be king. I hope you will all serve him as loyally as you have served me." My father said.

"We Promise." Everyone replied.

Archbishop Fisher then approached and said a prayer.

"Go forth, Christian soul, from this world,

In the name of God, the almighty Father,

Who created you,

In the name of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God,

Who suffered for you,

In the name of the Holy Spirit,

Who was poured out upon you,

Go forth, faithful Christian.

May you live in peace this day,

May your home be with God in Zion,

With Mary, the Virgin Mother of God,

With Joseph, and all the Angels and Saints."

My father's breathing was now so laboured I knew the time had come but was not ready.

My father breathed in one last breath and said. "Lord Jesus, receive my soul, into your hands I commend my spirit." And exhaled and passed away.

Archbishop Fisher then approached the bed and anointed my father's head with Holy Oil in the shape of a cross.

"The King is Dead, Long Live the King." Charles Brandon said.

Westminster Abbey's bells rang a solid chime and England went into mourning for the King. Inside, the King's coffin was laid on a stone bed, 4 guards stood and protected the Kings body. I was now King, my life was never going to be the same again. I had gone into deep seclusion. Anne came to see me every day to share and help me with my grief. But nothing helped, my father was gone.

Long Live The King.

Well I hope you like it. The will it self was made up using 3 different wills, Henry VII, Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon.

I am glad people are liking this story as it has been a pleasure to write.

Although there are only 3 more chapters to write.

Please Review!