Chapter 1
Like any morning I would be awoken by Higgins. After refreshing myself we would go over the meetings and appointments I had today. Higgins had had some health problems and he had been training an apprentice called Harvey to replace him if and when he could no longer serve me.
This morning was going to be a busy one. There was planning for the visit of the King and Queen of Spain and I had found a match for Elizabeth so I had asked to see her to tell her the news. Higgins was in the next room where I was going to have breakfast with Anne.
I went through my main chamber; Higgins saw me and poured me a goblet of wine which I accepted.
"How are you Higgins?" I asked.
"I am fine your Majesty, joints are a little stiff but I am still well enough to serve you." Higgins replied.
"That's all well and good but I do not want you to tire yourself out." I said.
"I thank you for your concern Sire." Higgins replied.
A knock at the door and Anne entered. After 11 years and 11 pregnancies Anne was still as beautiful as the day I saw her painting.
"Good morning dearest, how are you?" I asked after giving Anne a kiss on the cheek.
"I am very well, little Christiana had a nightmare and she wouldn't go back to sleep until I had given her a cuddle." Anne replied.
"This is not the first nightmare she has had but we have done it many times before, this one will be no different." I said.
"True." Anne replied.
"I have had a letter from Edward. The Prior has died and the monks have decided that he will succeed as the new Prior." I said.
"This is wonderful news. Has he said when he will take up his new position." Anne replied.
"No but I feel it will not be long." I said.
We ate our breakfast and then Anne went to the nursery to see the children. I on the other hand had a meeting with the lords to plan for the visit of the King and Queen of Spain. We were meeting in the council rooms.
As I arrived the lords were already talking and voices were raised.
"His Majesty the King." Called the squire.
The room went quiet as I entered.
"My Lords." I said.
"Majesty." The Lords replied with a bow.
A wave from me and the Lords took their seats.
"I have asked the Imperial Ambassador, Signor Eustace Chapuys to join us in the planning as he can give us some insight in how to make the King and Queen's stay enjoyable. Even though the Queen is my sister, she is to be accorded the rights of a Queen. We will need to plan what events to put on while they are with us. Signor Chapuys what can you tell us?" I said.
"Their Majesties are very much looking forward to this visit especially the Queen Mary but they are very much looking forward to jousting and a visit to Windsor Castle. The King has asked if he might have a tour of your ships as he put in his own words 'I have no fleet in which to compare', the Queen's only wish is to see her childhood home again." Signor Chapuys said.
"Thank you Signor." I said.
"I believe that Windsor Castle is an ideal place in which to hold a number of events. The Master of Revels has come up with a new masked play and would like the honour of performing it to the King and Queen of Spain." Edward Seymour said.
"That is true and I would also like to take this opportunity to forge a new alliance with Spain. There are reports of the French building more warships." I said.
"Very good your Majesty, I shall start working on it immediately." Sir Thomas More replied.
"Thank you Sir Thomas. Now back to the matter at hand. The royal party are due to arrive in 6 months' time, on the 15th April. It will narrowly miss out on Queen Mary's birthday but I would like to arrange a feast to celebrate for when she arrives." I said.
The lords nodded in agreement but said nothing.
"Furthermore I would like to approve the visit for the King to see my fleet. My father always said he would have the greatest Navy and I am inclined to agree with him. My Lord Norfolk, how long until the newest ship is ready?" I continued.
"It is behind schedule and not likely to be completed before their arrival." Norfolk replied.
"I wish to have it completed before their arrival. Hire extra labourers if you need to but I would like to see it in the water before they arrive." I said.
"I will make it happen your Majesty." Norfolk replied.
"Thank you my Lord. I shall leave you finalise the events for the arrival." I said standing up.
"Majesty." The Lord replied bowing.
"Ambassador Chapuys you asked to talk to me." I said turning to the ambassador.
"Yes your Majesty." Ambassador Chapuys replied.
"Shall we walk." I said.
We left the council chambers and made the slow walk back to my chambers. When we reached my chambers Chapuys looked tired. I knew he had been suffering with gout and it had become so difficult to walk that he was aided by two walking sticks.
We entered and I bade him to sit. A page that was waiting offered us some wine then left.
"Now ambassador what is it you would like to talk to me about?" I asked.
"As you know I have been a long sufferer of gout and I feel it is hindering my ability to act as ambassador for my King. With that being said I would like to have permission to leave your court and return home." Ambassador Chapuys replied.
"When would you go?" I asked.
"My replacement would arrive with the King and Queen and I will sail home with them when they depart." Ambassador Chapuys replied.
"Who is your replacement?" I asked.
"François van der Delft, he is a man of high regard in the Spanish court. I have met him on two occasions before I was posted to your father's court as ambassador but I believe that you will find an easy man to work with." Ambassador Chapuys replied.
"I will be sad to see you go. Your devotion to your country is to be rewarded and you have served me and my father well." I said standing up.
"Thank you your Majesty." Ambassador Chapuys replied also standing.
After he had left I sat and looked over some papers that warranted my attention. Most were mundane but some were more detailed and needed more studying. Two hours slipped by before I realised that Elizabeth was coming to see me soon.
I sent a messenger to Anne asking if she would come help me with Elizabeth as I was unsure of her reaction to the proposed marriage. Anne replied back saying that she would come and would bring Elizabeth with her.
Anne and Elizabeth arrived half an hour later. Ever since Elizabeth first entered my life I have watched her grow into a beautiful young woman. She was now tall, slender with long golden hair.
They both curtsied and sat on the chairs that had been provided for them.
"Elizabeth, do you remember what was planned with your aunt before you came to court?" I asked.
"Yes sire." Elizabeth replied.
"In that case you will know that you have got to marry and I have found you a husband." I said.
Elizabeth said nothing but I could see her face drop.
"His name is Duke William of Normandy; I have been told that when he saw your painting he fell in love and decided that you were the bride for him." I continued.
Elizabeth continued to say nothing, her head was down. I looked to Anne hoping she might help me out.
"Is everything alright?" She asked.
She still didn't say anything. I didn't know what else to say.
"You did know you were expected to marry. Normandy is not that far and I have had reports that he is a kind and gentle man." I said.
"When must I leave?" Elizabeth asked quietly.
"Not for some time yet, I still need to finalise all the details and your dowry must be set. Are you happy with my decision?" I said.
"I am content but I would like to have permission to visit my aunt so I can tell her the news." Elizabeth replied.
"I will grant you permission. As soon as everything is set you will be betrothed by proxy." I said.
"Thank you, your Majesty." Elizabeth replied.
I gave Elizabeth leave to go but Anne stayed.
"I fear that did not go well." I said.
"I will find out and let you know." Anne replied rising from her chair and making her move to go.
"Thank you my dear." I said.
I had hoped that Elizabeth would be happy but she was subdued and I had no idea why. My only hope was that Anne would find the problem.
Hope you like it.