Hey guys sorry i haven't posted in a while, things have been very hectic but here is a triple whammy for you

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

Chapter XX

As morning came there was no change in the children's condition. Anne and I had fallen asleep on two sofas; the two Doctors had worked through the night and were exhausted. I sent a message to Sir Thomas asking that he let the court know and that he asks for their discretion.

I gave orders for the wet-nurse who had infected my children to be arrested and locked in the tower with no food or water. I could not forgive her; she recklessly endangered my children's lives and one or both of them could die.

Anne looked tired and I urged her to go and rest but she wouldn't go.

"Anne, please, you need rest. I will stay here and will inform you of any changes." I said.

"I can't, I must tell them!" Anne exclaimed.

"Tell them what?" I asked.

"Henry, I am with child." She said.

I was speechless. She was pregnant. How long had she known?

"Anne, how long have you known?" I asked.

"About two months, I wanted to be sure but I have missed two courses." She replied.

"Two months! Anne you should have told me sooner, it is too dangerous for you to be here." I said.

"I was coming to tell you yesterday but then the children became ill and I wanted to be by their side. I'm sorry Henry." Anne replied.

This was difficult. Anne was pregnant but our two older children were ill with a fever.

"Anne for your health and the health of our unborn child you must go, I promise I will keep you updated with any progress in the children's condition but you must leave." I said.

Anne knew I was right and nodded; she stood and went to leave. She went quickly to both cribs and looked down on the children, then with a heavy heart, left. I knew she didn't want to leave but the danger was too great.

I stayed and watched the two Doctors at work, the hours wore on and eventually their fevers reached their peak. I prayed for hours for them to come through this alive. Day turned to night and I carried on praying until I collapsed with exhaustion. I awoke to find myself lying on a sofa. Looking around I saw Higgins lying on the floor asleep. The two Doctors had collapsed into chairs, they had worked tirelessly but had they done enough.

I got up and walked stiffly towards the cribs. Looking down into little Catherine's crib, I saw that she was asleep but breathing, but it was John I was more worried about. I went over to John's crib and looked in, like Catherine, John was asleep but I couldn't tell if he was breathing. Placed my hand gently on his chest and after a few agonising seconds I felt his chest rise.

They had both survived. I awoke a sleeping page and sent him with a message to Anne telling her the good news, she sent back asking if she could come and see the children. I sent back a message saying not yet but I would come and get her myself when it was safe.

I heard a shuffle from behind me and saw Dr Linker stirring he saw me and got up and came over.

"Dr Linker how are my children?" I asked.

"Both of their fevers have broken, both Dr Butts and myself believe they will make a full recovery." He replied.

"I am thankful to hear those words. The Queen would like to come and see the children, is it safe for her to come?" I asked.

"I believe the danger has passed but I would not recommend that she stay long. For someone in her condition it is unwise for her to stay any longer than half an hour. Please forgive me, I overheard your conversation, may I be the first to congratulate you and the Queen." Dr Linker replied.

"Thank you Dr Linker." I said.

I took one last look at my children and made to leave, Higgins who had woken up followed me.

"Your Majesty, I do not wish to appear to be judgemental but may I suggest that you take the chance to freshen up before returning to the nursery with the Queen?" He said.

I hadn't noticed but I had an unpleasant odour about me. So I made a detour to my chambers, had a quick wash and changed into fresh clothing. I quickly made my way to Anne's chambers and was let in quickly; Anne was already waiting for me.

"Henry!" Anne said jumping into my arms.

"Anne, are you ready?" I asked knowing the answer. Anne nodded and we left her chambers and headed to the nursery.

As we neared the nursery I slowed Anne down as I could tell she wanted to see the children.

"Anne, I know you would like to stay there but Dr Linker has advised that you only stay for half an hour." I said.

"How does he know?" she asked.

"He overheard our conversation yesterday, he did not mean to but he is only thinking of you and the child you carry." I replied.

"What have you done with the wet-nurse?" she asked.

"I gave orders for her arrest; she was taken to the tower and locked up with no food or water. I know it sounds harsh but she poisoned our children and I cannot forgive her for that." I replied.

"I understand." She said.

We reached the door to the nursery. I turned to Anne and asked. "Are you ready?"

"Yes." She replied.

Anne looked so relieved to see her children and we were both relieved that they had both pulled through.

The next day I sent word that I would make an announcement to the court at 1 o'clock and that I wanted everyone to attend. Everyone arrived promptly and Anne and I made our entrance into the great hall. After guiding Anne to her seat I turned to the court.

"My lords, as you have been made aware the royal children were taken ill 2 days ago. Many of you prayed for their recovery and the Queen and I thank you for your prayers. I am happy to reveal that the royal children are now making a full recovery, they have fought this illness and with Gods help they have defeated it." I said.

The court broke out into applause; I let them carry on for a while then quieted them down.

"In light of this news I am pleased to announce that my beautiful Queen is with child and the child is due around the feast of St George." I continued.

The court broke into an even louder applause and some shouted congratulations. I looked at Anne and saw that she was blushing.

"There will be a service of thanksgiving on Sunday for the children with a banquet to follow; everyone is expected to attend so I will look forward to seeing you then." I said.

The court applauded again and I turned to Anne and helped her to rise and led her out of the great hall with the court sinking into bows and curtsies. I left Anne to retire to her chamber and promised I would see her later for dinner.

I made my way to my chambers where Sir Thomas More was waiting for me. As I entered I saw him waiting.

"Sir Thomas." I said.

"Your Majesty, may I congratulate you and the Queen on her pregnancy and of the health of your two children. I prayed day and night for their recovery." Sir Thomas replied.

"Thank you Sir Thomas. What has been happening in my absence?" I asked.

"Well your orders were carried out concerning the wet-nurse and I have had reports that she shouts saying she is sorry and asks forgiveness." Sir Thomas replied.

"I cannot. She endangered the lives of my children. Send her to trial and see that she has the death sentence by hanging." I said.

"It will be done your Majesty." Sir Thomas replied.

"What else?" I asked.

"The Spanish ambassador has told me that everything is ready for Princess Mary's arrival. King Charles has written that he cannot wait for her arrival." Sir Thomas replied.

"Please send word to Mary that I would like to see her." I said.

"Yes, your Majesty." Sir Thomas replied.

I was just about to talk when there was an urgent knock on the door and Lady Bryan burst through the door.

"Your Majesty, Please come quickly, its Princess Catherine!" she said.

Hope you like it and theirs more to come