Well this is the last of the new chapters.
Chapter 2
Later on I was sitting in my chambers when Anne came to see me.
"How are you?" I asked as Anne took a seat.
"I am well. I have come from the nursery; the children send their love and keep asking when they are going to see you." Anne replied.
"I promise I will make time to see them tomorrow. Did you manage to talk to Elizabeth?" I asked.
"Yes. She was very subdued but she told me that she is content to be married but would have liked more time to prepare, I don't think she wants to leave her home or family." Anne replied.
"I can try and ask that they be betrothed for a year before the marriage but they would think I was trying to stall them. The other reason is that it is an important alliance that would help in the war with France." I said.
"I do understand what she is going through. Even though I was older than her when I left to marry you but it was still hard to leave my childhood home not knowing if I would ever see it again." Anne replied.
"I shall ask if she can stay until after the visit from the King and Queen of Spain." I said.
"That will please her." Anne replied.
We sat and talked by the fire then retired to bed. The next morning Elizabeth left to see her aunt. She came to see me for formal permission to leave court before she left, she still looked subdued and unhappy but I hoped things would improve when she came back.
The morning was a busy one, lots of papers needed to be signed and the council had sent a proposed list of events and ideas for the King and Queen of Spain's visit. Most of them I agreed with but there were one or two that I thought needed changing.
With that done I ate a small lunch and sent a message to Anne saying I would be visiting the children. As I was finishing lunch a message arrived, it was from Normandy. Duke William wanted to marry Elizabeth as soon as possible and would brook no delays; he also asked that her dowry was sent in one payment.
I had a feeling this would happen and summoned Sir Thomas More at once, He arrived quickly.
"Majesty, you asked to see me." He said with a bow.
"Yes. I have just received a message from Normandy." I replied and held out the message.
Sir Thomas took and read the letter. When he had finished he looked up at me and said.
"It would seem the Duke will not be easily swayed."
"We knew this would happen but I promised Elizabeth time and with this I can't give it to her." I replied.
"Where is Lady Elizabeth?" Sir Thomas asked.
"I gave her leave to visit her aunt and time to digest the news." I replied.
"How long will she be away?" Sir Thomas asked.
"Two weeks. I do not want to force her but this marriage is important to the kingdom. The French are preparing for war with Spain and King Phillip will want my support. If I can get the Duke of Normandy as an alley then the French will not be able to withstand our army." I replied.
"I see your point sire but the Duke is putting you into a tight spot. If the Lady Elizabeth does not return in the next week then the Duke may refuse to marry her." Sir Thomas said.
"I know." I said.
"May I suggest that either I or yourself talk to the ambassador and see if an arrangement can be agreed upon that would help you to keep your promise to Lady Elizabeth and still gives you an alley with the upcoming war with France." Sir Thomas replied.
"An interesting idea and one that might work, and with your council we may be able to persuade the ambassadors hand." I said.
"A very good plan sire." Sir Thomas replied.
"Very good I will invite the ambassador to a private dinner with myself and the Queen tomorrow night." I said.
"Very good sire." Sir Thomas replied.
We spent the next hour discussing other matters when I received a message from Anne as to when I was going to visit the children. I had totally forgotten about seeing the children.
"Forgive me Sir Thomas; I am late for a meeting with my children." I said.
"No forgiveness needed sire. Children are a gift from God and should be cherished." Sir Thomas replied.
"And I am neglecting mine." I said.
Sir Thomas left and I went a few minutes later. I made my way to the nursery, as I got nearer I could hear laughter and giggles coming from the room. I opened the door and saw my children spread across the floor and my new court jester, John Butler making funny poses and faces. Will Sommers who had served both my father and I as court jester had died from an accident in a stunt he was performing.
Even though John was still new to the job I could tell he had made a good impression with the Queen. Anne who was sitting on a chair turned to see me standing by the door, she didn't say anything but gave me a smile then turned back to John who was finishing his routine.
I shut the door and went and stood by Anne. John finished and everyone clapped.
"Well done." I said.
The children turned to see me.
"Papa!" Cried the children and scrambled to hug me. My eldest Prince John waited until his younger brothers and sisters had taken their turn then came forwards.
"Father." He said with a bow.
"Son, no need to be formal, in here I am simply you father." I replied.
I spent some time with the children finding out what they had been doing. Some were starting their education; Prince John was at the age that it was time for him to be sent off to complete his education. I had made plans for him to be sent to Ludlow castle, I knew Anne would not like it but he needed to learn the rules of government.
I called Prince John over.
"How are you my son?" I asked.
"I am doing well father." Prince John replied.
"I have some news that you might find interesting." I said.
John looked at me with interest.
"I have decided that it is time for you to progress in your education. In the New Year you will go to Ludlow castle to start the next level. You will have a retinue of 500 servants and will be in the care of Sir Henry Grey. He will teach you the skills with a sword, spear and other weapons; he will also teach you how to joust. While you are there you will also learn how to be a King, what it means to be a King and how to act." I said.
"Yes father. May I choose some companions to join me?" John asked.
"Yes you may." I replied.
I looked out of the corner of my eye to see Anne looking at me. She must have overheard my conversation. I knew she wasn't going to like my decision but it was time and it could not be put back any further.
I stayed for another hour then made to go. The children were upset to see me go but with a kiss and a promise to come and see them soon I left with John Butler following.
"It seems you have got off to a good start as jester." I said.
"It is a job that I thought I would never have." Butler replied.
"Will Sommers, who everyone thought would live for ever. His death was a tragic one and he will be remembered by his antics. But I will say he left a very good apprentice to take his place." I said.
"Thank you your Majesty." John replied.
I dismissed him and returned to my chambers, there was a feast planned for tonight in honour of my father. Higgins was waiting for me and had my clothes waiting on the bed.
As I was finishing changing there was a knock on the door and Anne entered.
"Can you leave us Higgins!" Anne said.
Higgins looked at me, I nodded and he bowed and left.
I carried on changing, Anne looked at me angrily.
"When were you going to tell me?" she asked.
"What about?" I asked.
"You know what about, John. You make plans without consulting me, he is my son." Anne said.
"He is my son too and my heir. He needs to learn about how to rule a country, be skilled in the art of warfare. He was meant to go two years ago but I put it off out of love for you. I knew you would not be happy about him leaving but it needs to be done." I replied.
"I just wish you had consulted me first." Anne said.
"I am sorry my love." I replied.
"A wife has not been chosen yet, may I have some say in who that is?" Anne asked.
"Of course." I replied.
"Thank you." Anne said.
"Do you forgive me?" I asked.
"Yes but please talk to me before you decide on the future of our other children." Anne replied.
"Of course my love." I said.
Anne relaxed; I went over to her and gave her a kiss on the head.
"Shall we attend the feast?" I asked.
"Yes." Anne replied.
I presented my arm, Anne placed her hand on top of mine and I led her away to the great hall.
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