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In the end Francis and I took a surprisingly short amount of time planning the hunt. His Majesty's closest companions and Her Majesty's ladies were attending-more people than we had counted on, but luckily the preparations we'd made could satisfy a small army.

I watched as my sisters approached, Anne with a fake smile, Mary absolutely glowing.

Anne wore a Tudor green dress, her jewels were brilliant in the sun. Mary's dress was dark blue, and around her neck was Anne's old "B" necklace. I smirked as they walked closer.

"Husband," I heard from behind me. I rolled my eyes but otherwise didn't react. "George, please," Jane whispered fiercely. I turned slightly and saw her in a dark brown gown. It looked too big and was simply unflattering. She was my punishment for my improper desires I just knew it. Sighing I looked at her, my face a mask of anger and irritation.

"What do you want?"

"I-I just wanted to say something."

"Well?"

"My courses are late."

"And?"

"Don't you know what that-"

"I know that you and I have been bedding regularly only recently. Your courses will return soon enough and when they do we will go back to our usual anger and silence. When they're over I'll try again to put a baby in you. Go about your day." She flushed and walked away from me in the direction of my sisters. I didn't want to be cruel to her but she was everything I hated in this world. Two men could love harder than a man and a woman in some cases. Just look at my sister and the King, I thought.

"George," Francis called. "Their Majesties are ready, we're to lead the hunt."

"Let us go then."

"Bravo Your Grace," Compton called to Anne. She'd landed the killing blow in the last stag.

She rewarded him with a brilliant smile as the groomsmen collected the dead beast.

"Where the Queen aims she hits Will. How do you think she got my heart?" His Majesty gazed upon Anne as he had in the old days for a moment and she flashed him a half-hearted smile, Jane Seymour was riding up.

"Ah Mistress Seymour, you missed the final shot. Her Majesty brought down the beast," Francis greeted her.

"That is quite alright. I do not enjoy the site of blood. I fear I'm not much of a killer."

"Most women aren't-but my sister is no mere mortal. She is Artemis," Mary said with a laugh. She'd kept up well enough in the hunt but she never loosed a bow. She'd been content to ride alongside Cat and Kitty.

"And who would that make you Lady Stafford-I mean Lady Boleyn?" Compton asked. She'd been correcting them all afternoon-flaunting her status as a single woman.

"Hestia," she laughed. "But George is Apollo-no woman dare boast to be better than our mother," her giggles were swiftly accompanied by the King's laugh.

"Indeed Lady Mary, no one should ever question Lady Boleyn. Remarkable women you breed you Howards," his gaze had finally fallen to her necklace.

"If everyone is finished with Homer I think our meal is prepared," Francis called out. "But I think a race to the meal is the only proper way to end the hunt."

The King threw his head back and laughed as we all lined up.

In the end Richmond won with the King a breath away from him and Harry right behind the King. Anne had decided against the race and rode back gracefully talking with our sister. As soon as everyone arrived trumpets were played followed by cries to make way for the Princess. Elizabeth was to join us-which meant so was the Lady Mary.

As soon as she got close enough cousin 'Lizabeth curtsied to her parents and waited for the King to raise her. As soon as he did she ran into his arms.

"Papa, papa!" He kissed her on the cheek and spun her around, hugging her tightly to him.

"Elizabeth. Are you well?" She nodded her head and reached for her mother. Aunt Anne happily grabbed her and kissed her on her head. Her little dress was yellow and orange and made her head look like it was on fire. I couldn't figure out at first why so many people was staring and making strange faces. Then I figured they hadn't seen the Lady Mary in a long time. She wasn't dressed in all black like 'Lizabeth's ladies wore. Her dress was dark but it wasn't no servant's clothes. Aunt Anne seemed not to notice and placed 'Lizabeth down and they all walked to biggest seats outside and sat down so that we could all eat.

There was so much food on the table and I was so hungry-Cat had to whisper to me more than once to slow down. I tried-I really did-but I was starting to realize how much better food at court really was.

When we finished eating people came out and started playing music and everyone started talking. Most of us got up from the table and started walking around. I was staring at a flower when I heard my mother giggling. I turned and saw my little sister had been brought outside. She looked strange in her little dress. I'd never seen her in anything like it. I wondered if that's how other folks looked at me. I couldn't think about it long because a little flame was running towards me.

"Up! Up!" Princess 'Lizabeth demanded as usual. I swooped her up and tossed her in the air as she giggled.

"Harry!" I could hear mother scolding.

"Higher! Higher!"

I put her on my hip and covered her in kisses as she protested between laughs.

"He's alright Lady Boleyn," His Majesty answered.

I turned and smiled at her, "I'm not going to drop her ma. I do this every time I see the Princess."

"No Pwincess!" 'Lizabeth demanded. The King and Queen smiled at her pout and I corrected myself.

"I do this every time I see 'Lizabeth."

"Just be careful. Set her down."

I bent over to set her on the ground but she drew her feet up and refused to leave my arms.

Everyone laughed and Mama turned to Aunt Anne, "So much like her mother already."

I walked towards my sisters and kissed Annie who was now in Cat's arms.

"What doing?" 'Lizabeth asked.

"Riding horses with your mama and papa."

"I wanna ride a horsie!"

"You have to be a big girl to ride a horse," Cat said. "Are you a big girl?" Elizabeth nodded quickly.

"Uh huh. I am a verwy big girl."

"Alright then we have to ask their Majesties if you can ride a horse," Cat answered her.

"We all ask. Let's go Harwy," 'Lizabeth said pointing back to where we came from.

The King was talking to the Seymours as Aunt Anne watched them; Mama was next to her talking to one of the King's friends.

"I think we may need to wait a moment 'Lizabeth."

"No wait, Harwy, pweeeeease." Her blue eyes were wide and I'dve jumped into the sea if she'd asked in that moment.

"Alright, we'll go ask."

The moment we got close enough 'Lizabeth wiggled free and skipped towards the King. "Papa! Papa!"

He didn't hesitate as he turned away from Edwin and looked to his Princess.

"Yes my Elizabeth?"

"I ride horsie?" Her tone was pleading as she looked at our father. He didn't seem to keen on the idea. "Pwease Papa! I be good!"

"Elizabeth, my heart, a horse can be very dangerous. Why don't you-" Aunt Anne was cut off by Elizabeth's pleas.

"No mama. Horsie. Harwy ride horsie with me."

"Alright sweetheart alright. You can ride a horse with Harry but you must be very careful," His Grace warned her. She shrilled a giggle and kissed the King then reached for me. "Be careful with her Harry."

"I will Your Majesty. Come on 'Lizabeth."

"Henry!" My mother called to me.

"He'll be alright Lady Boleyn," Richmond said. "I'm sure he knows to be careful with my little sister." I made sure to have my back to him when I rolled my eyes. Cat walked close to me with Annie still in her arms.

"Don't let him bother you," she whispered. "And please be careful." I didn't say nothing to her as we got close to my horse. I handed Elizabeth to a groom as I mounted my horse and he handed her back once I was comfortable.

"Alright now 'Lizabeth we're just going to ride around the fields. No jumping yet."

"Okay Harwie," she nodded. As soon as the horse started walking she started giggling. I wasn't going very fast-I was still new to this. The horseman the King had sent to me said I was a fast student but I still didn't wanna drop the Princess. I noticed that one of the Seymour brothers-Tony I think- was gone but didn't pay too much attention to it. I had to focus on 'Lizabeth. Soon we were trotting around and even my mother had relaxed enough to play with my aunt, sister, and cousin.

"Brother!" Elizabeth called out and I saw Richmond ride up beside me.

"Hello Elizabeth. Are you having fun?" She nodded and smiled at him.

"Uh huh. Harwie fun."

"Well I'm sorry my love but you have to take a nap," he told her sadly. I looked back to see Lady Bryan staring our way. My horse started to shift under me and I grabbed the reigns tighter.

"But I wanna ride the horsie with Harwie," she said and Richmond immediately lowered his tone.

"I'm sorry sweetie, Lady Bryan says-" he was cut off by my horse's whinny. "What's wrong with your horse?"

"I don't know. He was fine."

"Well you need to control that thing."

"Harwie!" 'Lizabeth sounded a little scared.

"It's okay 'Lizabeth he's just sad you have to take a nap." I tried to remember what I had learned about calming down a horse but it wasn't working. He was really upset. As soon as I reached to brush his head I heard Tony Seymour's voice again-but only for a second. My horse threw his head back and reared back on his hind legs. I couldn't hold on to him and 'Lizabeth so I let the reigns go and we fell towards the ground to the sound of 'Lizabeth's screams.

After Harry and Elizabeth were stable on his horse Mary got an idea for some amusement for us.

"Master Smeaton!"

"Yes Lady Boleyn?" He smiled at Mary and then bowed to me, not bothering to wait for me to raise him.

"Are you familiar with the circle game?"

"The dizzy game?" She nodded. "Yes madam. Need music?"

"I would trust no other."

"Are you going to tell us the rules mother?" Cat asked with a delicate eyebrow that was so like me it made me smile.

"Uh-of course but I cannot believe you do not remember how to play. Stand across from your Aunt, and Kitty you stand across from me. Now Kitty give me your right hand. Cat you grab your Aunt's right hand with yours. Now we'll intertwine all our arms by grabbing our partners left hand."

"Partner? I thought you said only one of us can win," Kitty said confused.

"Only one of us can win. Buuut since we're linked arm in arm we're partners til one of us falls. Now all you have to do is skip in a circle without falling down. Simple enough. Are you ready Mark?" He picked up his bow and began playing. "Wait til we find the rhythm then we'll begin. Slowly."

Mark played a few moments and then we began twirling-all in our own directions. After the initial shock wore off we erupted into a fit of giggles. It took a moment before we could calm long enough to try again.

"Okay," Mary said still giggling, hands firmly linked with Kitty's, "we go to the right this time. No harming the Queen!" She nodded to Mark again-he'd been very patient through our giggling-and he played again. This time everyone skipped together. After about a minute Mark played a little faster and so we spun faster, giggles sprouting from all of our lips. Mark continued to play faster and faster until none of us could keep up and we all let go, and fell, at the same time. We were writhing in a Howard ball of laughs until His Majesty appeared over us with an amused expression.

"If the Queen is harmed it's the tower for all of you," he said which only made us giggle harder. Kitty and Cat sat up helping me but Mary remained on her back staring up at the sky. The King looked down at her.

"Is it nice down there?"

"I believe I'll make a new home here. I'll forgo the castle and live among the bugs and wood nymphs."

He laughed, "I don't think-" He was cut off by a protesting whinny. We both looked in the horse's direction a second before we heard a high pitched scream.

Elizabeth.

For a moment time held no meaning. It was absolutely still. And then chaos and panic ensued. People were screaming and running all towards where my brother and Elizabeth were.

A moment prior we were all laughing at the game Mama was teaching us. I looked up and saw Thomas Seymour walking near Harry and then Harry's horse went mad. He started bucking and soon Harry and Elizabeth were thrown from his back. I saw Harry shift mid-fall so that Elizabeth wouldn't hit the ground-but he sure did-hard.

"The Princess!"

"Elizabeth!"

"Her Highness!"

Everyone screamed. Only my mother and I shouted for Harry. We all ran towards them-dignity and honor long forgotten. By the time we got close enough Richmond was checking over Elizabeth, asking if she was okay. Thomas Seymour was helping Harry up but Uncle George and mama pushed him aside.

"Harry are you alright?" He didn't answer Mama immediately, he had his eyes squeezed shut.

"My Elizabeth are you hurt?" The King asked his heir. Aunt Anne looked pale beside him-her hand rubbing Elizabeth's back.

The Princess shook her head, "No Papa." The Lady Mary was near now. Even she looked worried for her little sister.

"Are you certain?" She nodded this time.

"Harry!" I said louder. "You have to answer."

He opened his eyes and squinted away from the sun, "Wha'?"

"Are you well?" Uncle George asked this time.

"Yeah," he answered immediately. "Uh no, but 'Lizabeth," he whispered, "I don't wan' her to be afraid."

"Harwie!" Elizabeth demanded. The King walked closer to my brother and everyone gave them some room.

"Harry's alright sweetheart. But you must go with your nurse now," he nodded to Lady Bryan.

"No Papa, pwease. Harwie!" She reached her arms out towards our brother.

"I'm alright 'Lizabeth," he rubbed her head and seemed to be unbalanced. Uncle George helped steady him while Mama looked panicked. "Mama's gonna make me see the doctor, then I'm gonna come play with you like always. But you gotta be good first."

"Pwomise?"

"I pwomise," he smiled at her. Lady Bryan came and took Elizabeth away while another maid carried Annie.

"Lord Carey, are you alright?" The King asked him again but this time when he closed his eyes he did not open them again.

Mama screamed and Uncle George lifted him up and took off towards the palace. Guards ran ahead to open the doors and move courtiers out of the way. We were all running right behind them. I didn't even feel winded as we ran. Once we were inside Uncle George hesitated and looked lost for a moment.

"Rochford your chambers are too far away, go to your right most of the apartments in this wing are empty," His Majesty said. "I've already sent someone for Dr. Linacre."

Uncle George kicked in the door of a dark chamber and laid Harry on the bed. Mama pushed passed everyone, breathing hard, and went to Harry's side. I took off my shoes and rolled my sleeves sending a groom for some water and tinder for a fire.

"He'll be okay Mama, don't worry," I said to Mama as I fluffed up his pillows.

"Why won't he open his eyes? If only his eyes were open," she held his hand in her's.

"He will. He's just tired." By now anyone who wasn't family was waiting outside; Uncle Norfolk and Grandfather were in the corner whispering to one another-no doubt plotting-waiting for the doctor like the rest of us.

"Your Majesty," an overweight, out of breath, older man bowed.

The King nodded his head and led him towards Harry's unmoving form.

"Mama the doctor has to check him now," still she didn't move.

"Lady Boleyn, please," The King implored her. She looked to him then and moved back.

"Come on this side Mama. It will be alright," I grabbed her hand led her to the other side of the bed.

Doctor Linacre checked over Harry for a quarter of an hour before he finally spoke to us.

"I do not think the boy will die, Your Majesty. He will sleep for some time but-"

"How long?" Mama interrupted.

"I'm not sure Madam. But he should be awake before the day is over."

"If he doesn't?" The doctor hesitated at that question and looked to the King.

"Answer her," His Majesty demanded.

"If he does not wake up his life might be in danger. But I will do all I can to prevent it. He will need to be kept as still as possible with his head elevated. I will give him a tonic that reduces swelling. Also I will leave one behind to help with pain-he will be sore when he wakes up. I would try to give him some now but I don't think forcing him to swallow would help him, and making him cough could cause more damage."

"He has no broken bones then? In his back or neck?" Grandpa asked.

The doctor shook his head, "He will probably feel that he does but that will just be from the fall. Thanks be to God, his head was spared most of the damage. It will be sore and bruised but the boy should be fine."

"Thank you Doctor," The King dismissed him. "Lady Boleyn I'll send some servants to make the room more comfortable, I'm sure you will want to stay with Harry." Mama nodded and then seemed to remember who was speaking.

"I thank Your Majesty for your kindness. We can manage there's no need-"

"It's alright. It's the least I could do-he was injured protecting the Princess," he added as an afterthought.

"I'm sure I can spare a few ladies to come and help as well," Aunt Anne said. "I'll send them to collect some of your things so that you and Cat can relax as best you can. I'll go to Elizabeth, she'll want to know why Harry hasn't come to her-I doubt she took a nap."

"Have a servant send Linacre to her. I want him to check her as well, though she swears she isn't hurt," Aunt Anne nodded and The King kissed her on the cheek and whispered something in her ear. She nodded and left the room, that blonde idiot-who had wisely remained silent-followed her out. "I shall take my leave. Rochford, Surrey, Francis," he nodded towards the door and they followed him out.

Mama continued staring at Harry as her parents and uncle stared at him like a broken trophy-still a symbol of a victory-yet of no use to them.

"See to it that he wakes up. Our plans don't include him being dead or crippled."

"My lady grandmother we love Harry and will do all that we can to restore him. There's no need to instruct us in this."

"Watch your tongue girl," Grandpa said. I rolled my eyes and started unbuttoning Harry's doublet. Humming a lullaby Mama used to sing to us.

"I want Annie," she whispered.

"Then I'll go get her. Stay calm mama." When I returned with my little sister, a nurse accompanying us, I immediately noticed the difference is Harry's chambers. His clothes were thrown over a chair, a fire was lit, food decorated a table, and servants were milling about. Cousin Madge was dabbing a wet cloth on Harry's face. I handed my sister to my mother and sat near my cousin.

"How is she?"

"She-she's fine I think. Scared. But fine. She'll be much happier if-when he wakes up."

"He'll be alright. She will too."

"You're like the Queen in your confidence," she smiled.

I shook my head and smiled half-heartedly, "I have faith cousin Madge. He has a glorious future ahead of him. God would not take him before his time."

George, Surrey, Bryan, Weston, Knivert, Compton, and Cromwell all stood around my apartments anxiously. I hadn't said much since we got there. I was on my third cup of wine when I addressed them.

"What happened?" They remained quiet. "The Queen's nephew is thrown from a horse that holds the Princess-my daughter and heir-and no one knows what happened?"

"I wasn't looking."

"I didn't see."

"I was still eating."

"I was walking back towards the palace."

Knivert and Weston looked at one another.

"What is it? Why do you not speak?"

"We-" Knivert stopped and looked at Cromwell. "When Lord Carey was brought inside his horse ran off towards Tom Seymour's. Lord Henry's horse then-well he-Seymour's horse was in heat."

"Seymour was on a stallion for the hunt," George replied.

"Aye, but he said his horse lost a shoe so he took it back and returned with a mare," Weston said looking to him.

"Are you suggesting that Thomas Seymour selected a horse that he knew would agitate Lord Carey's?" Cromwell hadn't spoken since I summoned him. "How would he know which horse was in heat? And why wasn't anyone else's horse effected?"

"It doesn't take that much to ask a stable boy which horse is in heat. The other horses were being taken back to the stables-and if they'd been in heat the fall would've happened earlier. Lord Carey was still riding his and Princess Elizabeth wanted a turn."

"I doubt Tom intended any treason," I snapped my head to Bryan, "It may have been coincidence, it may have been a joke, the result was the same."

"Cromwell?"

"I fear that if Your Majesty is too harsh it will affect the reputation of all the Seymours. If Thomas Seymour is treated too harshly he will seem to be guilty of treason-which will stain the entire family."

"You council me to do nothing?"

"I only express my concerns Your Grace. The decision is of course yours."

"Boleyn I assume you desire a harsh punishment," I addressed him.

Before he could answer me Cromwell interjected, "Perhaps Lord Rochford's closeness in the situation is clouding his judgement."

"On the contrary My Lord, my judgement is clear. I don't know whether or not Seymour intended his actions. I think an investigation should be done. If he knew-he's guilty of treason. If he didn't he's only guilty of being a fool. While sometimes fatal, as in the case today, being a fool is not a crime."

I nodded, "Start the investigation then-all of you."

Cromwell lingered knowing I wasn't referring to him. "Does Your Majesty wish any message or orders sent to the Seymours?"

"Like what?"

"For confinement or any words of assurance."

"Assurances? You want me to send assurance to the man who almost killed my child?" Elizabeth could've died-my child, my heir-I needed a son. I'd told Anne already that I would share her bed again tonight. I needed a boy off her.

"I only meant assurances that Lord Carey is still alive," he said submissively.

"I don't think he cares." I stood up and walked towards the window looking down. The sun was still shining, courtiers were milling about. It felt so much later than it was-I was so tired. "Leave me Master Cromwell."

"Your Grace."

"Boy!" Brereton walked in swiftly. "Where is Culpeper?"

"I know not Your Grace. He said he was going to see if he could find news of Lord Carey."

"Go and fetch a musician and find Culpeper."

Smeaton arrived with Culpeper in under an hour. "Where were you?"

"I beg your forgiveness Your Grace. Lady Howard was telling me news of Lord Henry."

"Anything new?" I sat down in a chair and motioned Smeaton forward.

"No Your Majesty," Culpeper knelt down and began removing my boots. "Only that Lady Stafford and Carey were being attended to by some maids. And that the Howards are concerned with Lady Boleyn. She won't eat, drink, or speak."

I sighed rubbing my head, "Master Smeaton play something soothing." Wordlessly he pulled out his bow and played a song I had written long ago. I almost smiled at the memory. Mary had been my mistress for a few months and an astrologer had told Katherine and I that we could have a son. He was wrong on Katherine's part-but not mine. I had a son. Mary and I had a son. And now he was near death, from trying to save his sister-something a knight three times his age would've done.

"Your Majesty," a groomsman interrupted my thoughts, "Lord Edward and Lady Jane Seymour request an audience with Your Grace."

I sighed and rubbed my temples, "Send them in." I was still rubbing my temples when they entered and bowed. I didn't address them for a moment. Mark's playing drifted to the close of my song and he stopped. "Keep playing Master Smeaton."

He played a more current tune from Thomas Tallis. "Lord Edward, Lady Jane. You may rise."

"Your Majesty," they said together.

I said nothing as they stood there. Edward looking as if he had something to say, Jane with her eyes trained to the ground. "You wanted to see me?," my voice empty of any emotion.

"Jane was just expressing her sympathy at the accident earlier," I raised my eyes at 'accident'. "She wanted to express her sympathies personally to Your Majesty."

"Lady Jane?"

"I hope Your Majesty will not be unduly disturbed by this and that you are not too upset," she still looked at the ground.

"Unduly disturbed? What is the proper amount of disturbed I should be?"

She blushed, "I only meant that I would not like for this to affect Your Majesty's health. It would do the realm much harm if Your Grace fell ill."

I nodded, Jane was an innocent I reminded myself. "I thank you for your consideration Lady Jane, for me and my realm. But if you would please me further I would have you leave the Queen's service for awhile. Lady Boleyn will be worried taking care of her son and I would have another trustworthy lady to help aid her. Her Majesty said she would spare a few ladies, you may be one of them."

Edward Seymour's expression stayed the same but some of his color drained.

"Your Majesty," Brereton rushed in. "Doctor Linacre has finished examining the Princess. He and Doctor Butts are here." Both doctors rushed in and bowed immediately.

"Your Grace."

"Your Majesty."

"Rise. Tell me of the Princess." Jane and Edward remained in the room, apparently deciding they were privy to this discussion. "You're dismissed," I said pointedly with and raised an eyebrow at Edward; they both swiftly retreated, Culpeper and Mark headed with them. "Not you Smeaton. You keep playing." Edward almost checked at that before deciding against it. I sat down at a table and pointed for the physicians to do the same.

"We believe that the Princess has suffered no serious damage. She did not complain of any pain or discomfort but there is a bruise on her chin and her back," Linacre explained.

"Her back?"

"We believe Lord Carey's grip to have caused it," Butts rushed to explain. "There is no sign of mistreatment towards the Princess. She is the picture of health."

"Though we did find it necessary to prescribe a few tonics," Linacre added.

"For what purpose?"

"One will aid in the Princess's sleep. Regular sleep is needed in order to aid digestion and maintain health therefore it was necessary to give her a sleeping tonic. Most children would be exhausted from all the excitement but sometimes the opposite effect happens. She has had too much excitement and fright and cannot sleep. So we have instructed Lady Bryan to give her the tonic before bed every night and if she cannot fall asleep for her naps at a reasonable time, like now," I nodded to Linacre.

"And the others?"

"A few mixtures that will relieve the soreness she will no doubt feel later on or in the morning. She was spared most of the damage of the fall, but she still fell a great distance, and rather forcefully. And though Lord Carey's actions spared her any serious harm, landing on top of him will have caused her some pain as well. So these medicines will help relieve that soreness. The bruises ,though rather visible, do not indicate any serious damage."

"Thank you Doctors. I want the two of you to regularly check in with Lady Boleyn. When Lord Carey's eyes do finally open I want one of you to be there. And make sure the Lady Boleyn is well. It'll do no good for her to grow sick while nursing her son."

They nodded and showed themselves out.

"Mark. Keep playing until I fall asleep. When I do, send Culpeper back in and tell him if it's not an emergency or a Howard I'm not receiving any visitors."

"Yes Your Grace."

"Your Majesty."

I woke up to Culpeper leaning down in my face. There was no music and the sun was going down. I yawned and sat up noticing that the Queen's relatives, Compton, Knivert, and Norris had returned.

"Gentlemen. What did you discover?"

"We questioned all of the stable hands and all of them deny having supplied Thomas Seymour with a horse," Compton answered.

"So then you are clear of suspicion?" My tone was doubtful.

"It would be, but they also deny being told anything about a horse's shoe being messed up."

I sighed at this. Was it a poor joke or was it done intentionally?

"Your Majesty, Tom is a bit misguided at times but I do not believe he intended to endanger the Princess's life. It would take a cruel creature to harm a child. Just because we cannot find where Tom took his horse with the bad shoe does not mean he meant treason. For everyone's sake Tom should have to apologize and when little Henry wakes up perhaps he can decide what the proper justice would be in this situation," Francis offered.

I leaned my head back against the chair and considered that for a moment, "That's too great of a decision to be left to a mere child. You may go, but send Cromwell to me. I have something I need him to draw up.

He still hadn't woken up. It'd been hours. He hadn't opened his eyes since he passed out but he was at least still breathing. He had moaned a little when I had taken off his clothes and boots but other than that there was nothing that signaled the life inside my boy.

I'd never seen him so still before. I regretted coming to court so much. If I had left him in the country then none of this would happened. He may have grown up poor but at least he would've grown up. Dr. Butts had just finished checking Harry again and was trying to impress upon me the need to eat.

"How can I concern myself with food when my child lies so close to death?"

"Madam the King has charged me to have a care for your person as well as Lord Carey's."

There was a knock on the door and Madge let in the intruder, I didn't turn to see who it was.

"Madam, Lady Seymour and the Lady Mary are here."

I didn't turn to her, but Cat stood up and greeted her sister, Annie snoring lightly in her arms.

"Mary, you did not have to come. But you are a welcome sight."

"How is he?"

"There's no change, but we remain optimistic. Have you eaten? Are you hungry? There's plenty of food."

"No thank you. I shall fast until he opens his eyes," she said and walked over to me.

"I shall pray for him to get better."

I nodded but otherwise didn't respond. She walked to the other side of his bed and got on her knees, the Latin flowed from her lips as she began praying quietly.

"Lady Seymour, did the Queen send you for news?" Cat sounded dubious. Why would Anne send Jane for any reason?

"No, Lady Catherine. The King sent me to tend upon you."

"His Majesty sent you?"

"Yes, Lady Cat."

"Oh, umm, then you may get your orders from Madge. You have eaten?"

She hesitated before she answered, "I am not hungry. I thank you."

Cat walked back over and sat next to me.

"Mama you do need to eat."

"So do you."

"I have eaten a little. You haven't eaten anything. Starving yourself isn't going to make him wake up."

I sighed, "I know that Cat. I'm just so worried. What if he-"

"Don't Mama. Don't even think it. He'll be fine. He's strong, he's so strong. And he won't want to wake up to you as pale and drawn as you are now. Just a bite Mama. Just something. It won't taste like much but it'll be better than you falling sick as well. Please? For me, for Annie. We need you too Mama."

I crumbled under her pleas and nodded to her. A maid brought over a plate immediately. There was a little meat but mostly cheese and bread. I nibbled a few bites and just as Cat said it didn't taste like anything. I contributed that to our grief rather than the quality of the food. If the King ordered all of this it would've been cooked to perfection.

As the maid cleared the plate there was another knock at the door. I ignored it as usual. All these visitors were starting to wear on Cat's nerves, I heard her grumble as she stood up again with Annie.

"Lady Catherine," I heard a familiar voice say and I tensed but didn't get up.

"My Lord. How may we be of service?"

"I've come here directly from the King. Is Lady Stafford here?"

"Boleyn," I called, "Lady Boleyn, Lord Cromwell."

He took that as an invitation and walked in. Jane, Madge, and the rest of the maids dropped into curtsies immediately. Mary remained on her knees and I barely turned my head at his entrance.

"Lady Mary," he mumbled towards the King's daughter.

"Why have you come Lord Cromwell?" My tone was less than polite, easily excused by the current situation. The truth was I didn't care for Cromwell that much. He had made my sister Queen but he had also made the King's daughter a bastard and all but exiled her mother. He was a very selfish man-as selfish as my sister and King.

"The King has ordered me to inform you of a decision he has made concerning Lord Carey."

"And what decision has the King made?"

"When your son has recovered he will ,by order and desire of the King, be made a knight."

"A knight?" I turned my head away from son for the first time.

"For his valor and swift thinking in protecting Princess Elizabeth from falling and possibly saving her life."

"He cannot mean it. Henry is just a boy. He cannot be a knight."

"Madam...it is the King's wish," he had that condescending tone that I hated so much. The one where he was threatening you but also relieving himself of blame in the matter. He pulled out a piece of parchment and handed it to me. I began skimming through it to see the paper name my baby boy a knight and then looked to see, in bold hand writing, Henry Rex.

"He cannot do this," I whispered shaking my head. I hopped off the bed and turned to Cat, "Send Annie back to the nursery for the night. Stay with your brother."

"Where do you go mother?"

"Stay with your brother. I shall return."

I walked briskly through the halls. People whispered and stared. All wondering whether or not my son lived and where I was going in such a hurry. When I got to the King's chambers I barely remembered to wait to be announced.

"Lady Stafford." I eyed the man warily, too tired to correct him.

I didn't bother to bow as the King rushed out of his chamber to greet me. "Is everything alright? Harry's not-"

"No Your Majesty, Harry is still the same. There's been no change. But you cannot make him a knight."

He raised an eyebrow, "I cannot?"

I shook my head at him, remembering he was the King, but remembering that more importantly he was Harry's father.

"Come," he said going back into his chambers. "Leave us," Culpeper and Brereton left his chambers as soon as Cromwell entered them. "Lady Boleyn has informed me that I cannot make Lord Carey a knight. Did you know that my authority was so restricted Cromwell?"

"Your Majesty must do as you will but for any affection you ever held for me I beg you not to do this. He's just a boy."

"A boy who saved the Princess's life."

"Because he felt it was the right thing. He did not do it to receive a knighthood."

"All the more reason for him to receive it. The King is petitioned everyday from dusk til dawn for titles, lands, and unearned positions. He has expressed his pleasure at being able to reward someone for simply doing the right thing."

I turned my head sharply to Lord Cromwell, I very clearly wasn't speaking to him, I did not care for his opinion in this matter.

"Is there no way to reward him without endangering him? He's just a child, he's too young to be a knight and that will make others envy and hate him. Nephew to the Queen, nephew to the King, favored by the Princess, and a knight. He's too young to even understand what being a knight is."

"Lady Boleyn-Mary," he walked over and grabbed both of my hands, "He will be alright. He's braver than you give him credit for. He will have his own pension and he'll get to be involved in a ceremony. He'll be excited for all of that. I know you worry for him-you're his mother. But he will be alright."

I sighed, he simply wasn't listening. "I'm sorry Your Majesty, but I cannot agree with this. I know you are not asking me to but I simply do not find the idea of him becoming a knight to be appropriate. He is too young. Do something else for him, I pray you." I lowered my voice so only he could hear, "I cannot lose him to this court. I won't survive that. Please Harry."

He looked to me then, shock in his eyes, but something else as well.

"Return to your son Mary. We will talk more about this later," he whispered. I curtsied to him and ignored Cromwell as I passed by. When I got back to our new chambers George, Father, and Uncle were waiting outside the door.

"What's happened?!"

"Calm down Mary, he hasn't changed. We came to check on him and Cat told us about Cromwell. A knighthood is a good start," George lowered his voice at the end. We were in an empty hallway but the palace walls had eyes and ears everywhere.

"I told the King he could not do it-make Harry a knight I mean."

"You did what?" My Uncle questioned me.

"I told the King. Not. To make Harry. A knight."

"Of all the stupid decisions you've made...," my father went on for a moment on how bad of a daughter I was and how he should've left me in the country-on that we agreed.

"Aye, you should have Papa. For then at least Harry would be okay."

I pushed passed them and returned to my children. Cat was asleep next to Henry and the Lady Mary was still on her knees, sleeping against the bed. I smiled and helped her on the bed, tired as she was she gave little protest to sharing a bed with Henry and Cat. With a yawn I had a maid undress me and dismissed them for the night. I tied a robe around myself and stretched out on the couch praying one last time for my son to be awake in the morning.

Morning came and still Harry slept. It was dark outside yet but he was usually awake by now. Energized from the moment he opened his eyes til they closed again. I stood and walked over to a window as Madge and Jane walked in asking if there was any change. I shook my head sadly as they went about their duties.

A little while later Cat began to stir causing Mary to wake up.

"Forgive me, I had not meant to sleep here."

"Hush Mary. You and Cat break your fast. It's enough now. For better or worse, you have to eat."

"Eat with us Mama."

"You two start eating, I'll come in a moment."

The both of them were served and I went back to Harry whispering my love for him in his ear, and brushing his hair. I kissed his cheek and turned to join the girls when there was a knock on the door.

Jane let in a messenger from the King. "His Majesty has instructed me to give you this message."

I nodded, took the note from the boy, read through it, and gasped. This was not what I meant! The messenger handed me another, more formal piece of parchment and my heart raced in my chest.

"Mama...Mama what is it," Cat begged.

"The King has written me a letter. He agreed not to make Harry a knight."

"So?" she questioned. "This is what you wanted why are you-"

"He's making him an Earl. He's ennobling your brother." She didn't say anything but the Mary gasped. There was silence for a moment.

"Mama," I heard from the bed. Harry was awake.

I'm editing this at midnight, and I was supposed to be asleep a few hours ago. If there's extreme typos please forgive me, I wanted this chapter out and I'll fix it asap. Please review. Until next time my lovelies xoxo