I do apologize about the long wait. I appreciate the patience, follows, and reviews you all have bestowed upon me in the meantime. Without further ado...
*Updated for clarity purposes*
*My nephew dying was not part of the plan for me remaining Queen!*
When I turned to leave Harry's room, Henry had whispered in my ear that he would share my bed. After I had checked on Elizabeth and got her calmed enough for bed, I returned to my chambers to find Henry sitting in a chair, staring into the fire. My ladies and I curtsied to him and he dismissed them before seeming to think better of it.
"Wait," they all halted and turned back to him. "Mistress Seymour...," they all looked around unsure of who he was referring to. We all assumed it was Jane so she answered.
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Did I not tell you, you were dismissed from the Queen's household?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. I thought to begin my duties in the morn-"
"You'll start them tonight."
I didn't bother to hide my surprise at this, and neither did anyone else in the room.
"She is to be reassigned to Lady Boleyn and Lady Carey while they deal with their grief," he still looked to the flames but I knew he was addressing me. "Lady Sheldon is there now but in the morning one or both of your sisters will also be dismissed to help you attend them."
"I-I Y-yes Your Majesty."
"You may all go."
They left and I immediately went to work showing my appreciation to the King. I thanked him until the early hours of the morning. Afterwards we immediately fell asleep.
I was silently praying with my hand on my stomach when I heard Henry stir. I kept praying anyway. We needed a son. The last time the limits of mortality had been presented to him he pursued a divorce. I could only imagine what he'd do with Elizabeth's life endangered.
"What are you praying for?", He called lazily from the bed.
"A long and healthy life for you and Elizabeth. Thanking God for Harry's bravery and for him to wake up soon...and for a Christian Prince to stir in my womb."
"Amen. I'm glad to see you understand the significance of this event."
I nodded and kept praying for a moment. "Come back to bed Anne. We've done our duty. Your womb will grow again soon enough. Especially after such magnificent enthusiasm last night."
I walked back to the bed with a smile and he opened his arms for me to lie within them.
"What happened to make Harry's horse throw them?"
He sighed, "Your family said that the mare Seymour came back with was in heat."
"He switched mounts?"
"He claims his horse lost a shoe."
"Convenient," I muttered.
"I know, but we have no proof. Besides, I plan to reward Harry for his bravery."
"How so?"
"I am going to ennoble him."
"He's to receive a title?"
Henry nodded, "An earldom. All there's left to do is to decide of where and when to do it."
"I'm sure he'd like that." I paused thinking of a task I still needed to complete. "You're going to have a ceremony?"
He nodded.
"You're summoning the nobles?"
Another nod.
"All the nobles?"
"Suffolk isn't coming Anne," he ran a hand through his hair in frustration.
"He's a Duke Henry."
"You shouldn't be pleading for the Duke but thanking God that my fury was not directed at you."
"I don't understand why you're so angry. I sent for Mary, not Suffolk-the same as I did for Richmond. Your son and daughter whether legitimate or not. You didn't banish George for going and getting Hal."
"Hal is welcome at court."
"Mary should be as well." When he didn't respond I tried my luck again. "She's your daughter Henry. She needs time to get used to the way things are. She was raised her entire life thinking her mother was Queen and she a Princess. All I ask is that you have a father's mercy on her."
"When did you become so interested in Mary? Hmm?"
I didn't answer at first. If I'd have answered immediately he'd have seen through my lie immediately. "Mary poses every threat to our reign. The longer she goes without accepting the oath, the longer Elizabeth and any other child we have are in danger. It does us no good to have a son if the people won't accept him on the throne. As long as they have hope of Mary they won't accept our children. Treating her with kindness must be the next step forward. She should be given a place among us the same as Hal."
He sighed and put his hands under his head, I rolled over onto my stomach and stared at him. "I just want what's best for Your Majesty. That includes having your best friend near you at court. Suffolk and I are not friends but there's no one I trust more to have a care for Your Majesty's person."
He looked at me silently for a moment before he kissed me and rolled me over onto my back, discarding my nightgown as well as his. Soon he was close to bursting when the door was thrown open with cries of "Your Majesty."
"What is it?!" Henry's irritation was plain but he did not move from on top of me.
"He's awake," Jane Seymour exclaimed. The curtains were closed around my bed but they weren't thick enough to hide the position we were in. Good. I had only that thought before I realized what she'd said.
"Harry is awake?"
"Yes madam."
"Send in the King's groomsmen and fetch the rest of my ladies to help me dress. You return to my sister."
Henry rolled off of me and helped me put on a robe. I could feel the excitement rolling off of him. His youngest son was alive. I rubbed my stomach in envy for just a moment before I turned my attention to my nephew.
*I would never forget the feeling I had when my son finally opened his eyes!*
"My dear boy, you're awake," I petted his face as he smiled at me.
"Hi mama."
"How are you? How do you feel?"
"Sore. A bit dizzy," he turned to look at Cat and Mary then. "You both can stop worrying now."
They both smiled and there was a knock on the door. Dorothy Seymour went to it and swiftly moved aside as Dr. Linacre came through the door.
"He's awake now Doctor," I said smiling. He returned a smile and asked for space to check over my son.
"Lady Jane, will you go and inform the Queen that her nephew is awake?" She nodded and left out of the door with an unreadable expression.
"How are you feeling," Dr Linacre asked Harry.
"Dizzy and sore. My head hurts."
"Any sensitivity to light?"
Harry turned to me with a confused look.
"Is the sun or fire bothering your eyes?"
"Oh. No."
"How's your tummy?"
"I feel a little nauseous."
"So not hungry?"
"No sir."
"Do you remember what day it is?"
"Um. Not really Sir."
Linacre turned to his bag and grabbed some bottles and started mixing different liquids.
"Is he going to be okay?" Cat asked, unable to take the silence. Before the Doctor could answer Henry and Anne came into the room and we all bowed. Harry tried to sit up quickly and immediately retched.
I gasped and went to him as the King raised everyone else from their bows.
"What is it? What's wrong with him?" He turned from our boy to Linacre.
"There are many symptoms that come from taking a knock on the head such as he has done. Nausea and vomiting are common. Also, his dizziness, headache, and confusion are common as well."
"What will you do to treat him?"
"I will give him a few concoctions that should reduce swelling and pain, and calm his stomach. He will need constant care with limited activity. He should only be out of bed to use the closet and then right back to it and always with help. I believe that limited stress and activity will help him recover more swiftly. Also, until his swelling and soreness have eased some, he must rest but not sleep."
The rest of my family came into the room as he was talking.
"How are we meant to keep him from falling asleep?" I asked the doctor. Harry was lively boy but even the most excitable child would succumb to sleep eventually.
"Keep him speaking. It will also aid in his memory recovery."
"Recovery?" My father asked.
"Yes, My Lord. After a considerable fall, it is common for memory loss to occur. It will be good to find out how much he has, if at all, forgotten. So talking will help him remember and keep him awake."
"The Princess Elizabeth wanted to see him. Would that be advisable?" His Majesty asked.
"Yes, Your Grace. She should, of course, not coax him out of bed or into rough play. If he feels up to it they can play in bed but nothing too strenuous."
"How long do I have to stay in bed?" Harry sighed his question.
Linacre hesitated, "Ordinarily I would advise a week but-"
"A week?!" Harry interrupted.
"Hush!" Cat scolded him with a frown. "'But' what?" she asked Liacre.
"But he's a young lad and as long as he isn't too sore and dizzy three days should be plenty." Harry got ready to protest again but the look on Cat's face made him change his mind. The Lady Mary smiled and assured him the days would pass swiftly but he wasn't pacified.
"Well at least you'll be up in plenty of time for the ceremony," Anne said hoping to cheer him.
He looked around the room confused. "Ceremony?
Anne looked to me, her smile fading, "Had you not told him? I'm sorry I didn't mean to-"
"Of course you didn't sister. There's nothing to forgive. I just haven't had time," I said stopping her apology. "It shall leave us with plenty to talk about to help keep him awake."
"What ceremony Mama?" he asked me.
"I have decided for your bravery in protecting Princess Elizabeth, you will be rewarded with an Earldom. It will take us a few weeks to get everything prepared so in the meantime you need to feel better so your day will be full of celebrations," Henry answered for me.
"An Earl? Like Grandpapa?" Harry missed the scowl on his grandfather's face at the comparison.
"Exactly so. You're not an ambitious child, I can tell, but I wanted to reward you for your bravery."
He looked down at his hands in his lap, "I just didn't want 'Lizabeth to get hurt. I wasn't being brave...Your Majesty", he added quickly.
The King smiled at that, "All the more reason to reward you. England would possibly be without an heir if not for you." He looked pointedly at the Lady Mary then. She showed no sign that she'd heard him.
"Uncle George told me men protect the women in their families."
"Your Uncle is right. And Elizabeth is your family."
"Then it was my duty to protect her, Your Majesty. Both as family and an Englishman," he was still trying to argue himself out of his elevation. I knew my face betrayed my worry. I'd expected him to be excited about this-despite my misgivings-I didn't expect to see the fear on his face.
"You're as stubborn as your Aunt and as modest as your Mother. But neither you nor your mother will get your way in this. Cromwell has already begun the preparations. Nothing you say will change my mind."
Harry nodded at that and accepted the King's decision.
"Now, any and everything you desire to eat shall be present at the feast. Is there any request-and special request- you have?"
Harry seemed to think for a decent moment before he flushed and looked to me. I smiled encouragingly and he took a deep breath before he looked at his father.
"There is one thing I would like if you would allow it."
"Name it."
Harry modestly made his request, and after a look of irritation, Henry agreed and walked out.
*Days in bed for saving the life of a Princess-what sort of reward is this?*
The three days I was forced to stay in bed passed slowly. It took forever but the King came all the time, sometimes he brought 'Lizabeth with him. He was fun to talk to. He always asked me about my time in the country. He wanted to know what the people said about him. I always told the truth, even when he asked me a hard question. A few days before the ceremony Mama was getting my clothes together when the King came. We both bowed to him and he rose us up.
"Lady Mary, how are you today?"
"Well, Your Grace, thank you."
He chuckled and shook his head.
"You know I always liked your honesty Lady Mary," his eyebrow was raised.
Mama smiled and looked to him, "It's better to lie to your King than to offend him, I think." He chuckled and shook his head.
"Harry, how are you?"
"I'm well, sir. You?"
"I'm well, Harry. I came in to check and make sure all the preparations would be ready."
"Everything is in order. He only needs his robe," Mama answered with her back turned.
"It's almost ready for him. Now there is one matter I wanted to discuss. Your special request."
I blushed at that, "Yes your grace?"
"Why? You could've asked me for anything. Why did you ask for the Lady Mary to be able to attend without having to serve?"
I took a deep breath. "Because Mama says that you love her. She prayed for me while I was sleeping-I could hear her. She's not wicked. She's nice and she likes Mama and Cat."
"But not your aunt."
I hesitated. "That's not very fair."
"How so?"
"If someone made my Mama leave I wouldn't like them either."
"Harry!" Mama scolded me. I looked from her back to the King. He looked upset.
"Your Grace he's young. He did not mean-," he stopped her from talking with a raised hand.
"Don't concern yourself Lady Boleyn. He spoke his heart. And your's too apparently."
Mama looked from the King to me. "He lacks the caution of an Earl. I told you he was not ready for the position."
"He will be elevated and he will learn restraint. Of that I have no doubt," he stormed out and I fought hard to hold my tears.
I would've been successful if Mama hadn't have lifted my chin.
"We can leave, my love. We can leave all this to everyone else. Say the word and we will leave the court and the Howards behind," my tears fell then and she rocked me in her arms.
"No mama," I had to be brave. "We have to stay."
"No we don't, my heart. I will protect you from all of this. We can escape this palace."
I shook my head. "We stay."
The King didn't visit us anymore after that and he didn't dance with Mama anymore. He spoke to Cat though. He laughed and sometimes danced with her too, but he completely ignored the two of us.
The day of my elevation came faster than I expected and Mama was putting on my chain when there was a knock on the door. Cat was looking in the mirror and completely ignored it so Mama sent one of the Seymour ladies to answer it. She bowed and backed up as the King, Cromwell, and some servants came in.
"Your Majesty," we all bowed together.
"Rise. You may all leave us," he commanded the Seymours. I watched Lizzie as she left.
"Lady Catherine," he kissed my sisters hand as she curtsied and smiled.
"King Henry," she giggled.
"I see you are ready for today."
"I am Your Grace. I firmly intend to spend the night dancing."
He smiled at that.
"Lady Boleyn, Lord Harry. I hope the two of you are well."
"Very well," Mama said in a low voice.
"Good. Now there are a few things left to do before the ceremony is over. Harry, these are to be your groomsmen. The Seymour ladies will attend your mother and sister for now and your gentlemen will attend you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. It is more than I deserve."
"You saved my daughter's life."
"I just didn't want her to get hurt."
"Just the same. It deserves to be rewarded."
"Everyone calls me a hero. I'm not. I just wanted her safe."
"I'm not debating this Harry," I could tell he was getting impatient.
"But I don't know how to be a Earl."
"Being an Earl can be taught to you. You have nobles in your family. The Queen was a Marquess before she was crowned. She spent time in Kent at Hever just as you did."
"But she grew up in France."
"Do you wish to go there?"
"No Sir-Your Majesty, I mean. I just mean that she knew a little what to do...What if I embarrass myself?" I whispered my question, I could feel my face turning red. Mama got ready to say something but didn't, and the King looked upset for a moment so I lowered my eyes. He walked over to me and turned me toward the mirror.
"Leave us Cromwell," the man in all black left. "Harry. You have the finest clothes in the Kingdom-I personally made sure of that," he brushed my shoulders as if removing dust. "Your chain rivals pieces in the crown jewels," this time he shifted my chain into place. "Your dagger, do you know why this one was selected?"
I shook my head, my eyes flicking to my sister who gave me an encouraging smile.
"I had this dagger taken from the treasury. On the day of my coronation, this is the dagger that adorned my waist." Mama made a small noise and I could see the surprise on Cat's face. "No one other than you and I has ever worn this-and probably never will. After such a time as I am longer King, this will pass to you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"You've no need to thank me. I could never replace Elizabeth. You risked your own life to save her. I will never forget that. Now, don't worry about embarrassing me, your mother, your family, or yourself. You are the hero of England. You saved the life of the heir to the throne. Is that in anyway embarrassing?"
I shook my head.
"Hold your head high today and enjoy it. Today is about you and you alone." I nodded and he smiled clapping both of my shoulders. "They brought you the mantle? How did it feel?"
"Heavy."
He laughed at that. "You were able to walk with it?"
"Yes Sir-Your Majesty, I mean." I blushed again.
"There is no need to be so formal in private-and Sir will suffice in public. You only have to wear it and the coronet for the ceremony and when you dine. Afterwards, excuse yourself and remove them. Then you may rejoin the festivities."
"Yes, Sir."
"Good. Before I leave there is one more thing. I want you to think of a punishment for Thomas Seymour. He was responsible for your injury whether purposefully or not." He turned to leave but Mama's words stopped him.
"You said it was too important to leave in the hands of a child."
"When Harry tells me Seymour's punishment he will be an Earl-not a child."
"I can tell you what I think now. I don't wanna make you mad but...," I trailed off and he turned to me curiously.
"I told you the decision is yours. Tell me what you want."
I swallowed hard and looked him in the eye. When I explained my punishment he seemed amused. He stared at me for a moment while he considered it. "That way no one can accuse anyone of being too harsh. And he could make amends."
He laughed, patted me on the back, and left giving his agreement.
*I am niece to the Queen-this task is beneath me!*
I watched as Kitty beguiled Fitzroy. He was absolutely smitten with her. I almost rolled my eyes before I remembered I was in court. I'd managed to put her in his way right after Harry's injury while he was on bed rest.
He was waiting around in the halls outside of our new chambers-no doubt trying to catch a moment with the King. The idiot and I were walking towards him.
"Now is your chance," I whispered to her.
"What am I to do?" I quietly told her what to do and she nodded.
As we approached the doors his back was to us so he didn't see her purposeful accident.
"Oh my," she exclaimed as she fell into him. Her face was rosy red as he held her. She stared at him for a long moment while in his arms before he seemed to come to himself-his own cheeks scarlet.
"Are you alright?" He seemed to remind himself that she had an accident.
"I-yes. My apologies. I was not minding my footing. I must've slipped on my dress."
"How is that possible when your feet never touch the ground?"
She seemed genuinely taken aback at that so I interfered. It would do us no good for her to start believing her own charade. I coughed slightly.
"Your Grace. I do believe she would be able to manage if you released her from your arms."
My voice startled him as he looked back and forth between us before finally letting her go.
"Forgive me. Excuse me," he said as he rushed off. We both watched him walk swiftly away.
"Well done," I told her with a nod.
He had kept his distance since then but it was obvious that he was attracted to her-most men were. But Richmond was different. He visited the Queen more and was spending a lot of time with poets. He had even asked cousin Surrey for help to write but he hadn't given anything to Kitty. Uncle Norfolk worried about this but I didn't. I was no expert on love but all smitten boys looked the same. And Richmond looked at the idiot the way Culpeper looked at me when he thought I wasn't looking. But I was always looking. And he wasn't the only one I had to keep an eye on.
The day of the ceremony had come and after Harry had spoken with the King I dismissed myself to mingle among the court until the time had come. I was shocked to see the Lady Mary talking with Frances Grey nee Brandon. I hadn't thought they'd get an invitation based on how Aunt Anne said the King reacted every time she mentioned Brandon rejoining the court. Mary waved me over and I joined them. She was dressed in a simple blue dress while Francis had on a muted grey one. I curtsied to my sister as I walked up.
"Lady Cat this is my cousin Lady Frances Grey."
I gave a slight curtsy to her, "'Tis a pleasure."
"I'm sure," she said dryly.
I ignored her and turned back to Mary, "Is the Duke here? Aunt Anne said she couldn't convince the King."
"Oh yes I'm sure she tried very hard to have my father back at court. I cannot imagine the sleepless nights she must have endured."
"He's here for the ceremony, yes," Mary answered. She didn't seem to disagree with her cousin but she didn't seem to agree with the tone she was giving me.
"Ceremony? For a commoner? Hmm. Who would've thought it of the King to stain his court so? I can only imagine what sort of influences went into play for this to happen," Frances was pushing it.
" Who would've thought it of Harry? Who would have thought in his cradle? My little brother, who wobbled in the nursery with fire red hair and striking blue eyes, mispronouncing the simplest of words. Who would have thought he would turn out to be of same rank as the Princess Mary's son? Excuse me Dowager Queen Mary. My brother of same status as a Queen's son. Hmm. Anyway, I'll leave you to talk I'm sure you have much to discuss," I kept my face pleasant as I walked away from that irritating bitch. That she hated my aunt was plain to me, but my brother hadn't done anything to anyone. It wasn't his fault the King refused to call Lady Mary a Princess. Blaming my brother for the actions of the King was pointless. Besides, if it weren't for Harry, Mary would've been attending the ceremony only as Elizabeth's attendant.
"Are you well Lady Carey? Has my sister upset you?" I turned to see Henry Brandon with a concerned look. Elanor Brandon stood with him and shot him an irritated look.
"No, Lord Lincoln. I'm quite alright thank you." I looked around for Kitty. She was talking with Madge-Richmond was staring after her. Good. I walked towards her and grabbed a piece of her dress to get her attention. "How good are you at acting?"
"What am I to do?"
"Become sad. Nothing too obvious. Just enough that someone staring at you would notice."
We spoke for a little more before we walked away from the little group that had amassed.
"Now?", she whispered. I nodded very slightly.
She looked around the room, looking in every corner except for where Richmond was. Her eyes scanned every face before her own fell into a mask of sorrow. I grabbed her shoulders asking what's wrong-I was a concerned cousin after all-she whispered something and I looked around the room this time. I spotted Richmond-staring at her with a concerned expression-and nodded my head in his direction. Her expression lit up and she turned her head towards him. When she found him staring she blushed furiously and turned around.
"Good," I told her. "He will ask you to dance tonight and you will not refuse." She nodded and the nobles started arriving in the room, dressed in their finest clothes, mantles, and coronets.
"His Majesty the King of England, Ireland, and France and Queen Anne."
We all bowed as they entered. The King was dressed in Tudor green while the Queen wore her finest purple gown. They two were cloaked in the signs of nobility except they wore their crowns.
"Make way for Lord Henry! Make way!" The Herald was followed by two young boys, one of whom carried Harry's coronet, and the other a Bible.
As I looked up to see Harry walking down the path the courtiers had made, Mama walked up beside me. She grabbed my hand and squeezed it. I could almost taste how nervous she was.
My brother walked calmly with his head held high and his new servants behind him. They carried his mantle across their arms.
When he got to the dias he took a deep breath and knelt before his sovereigns. Cromwell unrolled the patent and began reading.
"To all and singular, as well nobles and gentiles as others to whom the presents shall come, it is the King's pleasure, by this patent, to confer on the Lord Henry Carey, in his own right, and on his offspring the noble title Earl of Clarence. And also by the patent, to grant him lands worth 100,000 pounds a year for the maintaining of his dignity."
As soon as Harry's title was announced Mama released my hand and looked to the King. He either did not notice or did not care. Murmurings were happening all around us. Richmond especially seemed quite upset. I grabbed Mama's hand again and gave it a reassuring squeeze but she didn't seem to notice.
The King stood up and walked to Harry, gesturing for him to rise. His Majesty motioned for the boy with coronet to come forward and when he had done, placed it upon Harry's head. He then went behind him and draped the mantle across his shoulders. When he circled back around to face Harry he gave him a brief smile before turning to Cromwell to grab the patent from him.
"The patent of your nobility."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The King reached back and grabbed the Queen's hand to present her to the new Earl of Clarence. Harry kissed our aunt's hand and the three of them led the procession into the banquet hall.
Mama didn't eat, didn't drink, didn't dance. She didn't do anything. She was quiet and not even a scolding from grandpa changed her behavior.
"This puts us one step closer to the throne girl fix your face!" He'd told her quietly. She didn't appear to hear him. I tried to help her but there was nothing I could do and I had to keep Kitty in Richmond's mind. As I'd predicted he had asked her to dance but so had Culpeper. To keep him sufficiently distracted I made sure to get him to ask me to dance. Richmond didn't seem as infatuated with Kitty as he had earlier but I figured that had more to do with Harry's title than anything she had done.
When the dance finished with Culpeper I noticed Suffolk and cousin Surrey talking with Knivert and Compton. Lord Lincoln must've sensed me looking for he made his way over and asked me to dance. I couldn't refuse an Earl a dance so I agreed and enjoyed the festivities for a brief moment-forgetting my duties to my family for as long as the song endured. When it was over I excused myself and looked for Kitty but I couldn't find her. After an hour had passed I got worried and headed back to our chambers to look for her when a maid stopped me.
"Lady Cat," she whispered. She was the Queen's maid, Charlotte Smith.
"Yes?"
"I have seen something. I can tell no one but you."
"Can it wait? I'm looking for someone."
"Lady Howard?"
"How do you...?" I trailed off. "Tell me what you came to tell me."
*I could not imagine life being better as mistress to a Duke*
He tied his breeches back as I rinsed my mouth. Ever since that day I got lost in the hall I spent a good deal of time with Culpeper. Usually, I was on my knees before him but sometimes he just lifted my dress and looked at me while he touched himself. Sometimes he touched me too. But I wouldn't take him inside me. Not yet anyway. We had snuck away from the festivities without anyone noticing and met up to see each other. I would lie later on that I had intended to go back to my chambers and made a wrong turn.
"When are you going to let me have you fully?"
"I told you, my family would send me from court."
"If they knew about any of this they'd send you from court."
"You promised you wouldn't tell!"
"Hush. Before someone hears you," his eyes widened in alarm as he looked at the door.
We were in the same chambers we always used. They were too far away from the King's for anyone to use them. Nobody, who didn't have to, came here. Or so Thomas said.
"Not yet. I'm not saying no. You know I care for you."
"I'm not sure I do."
"Thomas please."
"Please what?"
"I care for you-I love you. But my family runs my life," we both sighed. I licked my lips and looked up at him, "Soon. And in the meantime I will make it up to you."
"How?"
I whispered in his ear and started untying his breeches again.
Later when I was on my way back to my chambers one of the Countess of Wiltshire's ladies stopped me and told me to go with her. When we arrived at her chambers, Aunt Wiltshire and Uncle Norfolk were sitting at a table. Cousin Francis was looking out a window. I dropped into a curtsy and waited for them to allow me to stand. No one said anything for awhile and I began to fidget.
"Stand still!" The Countess hissed. I did my best to remain still as I stood there.
"Did we not tell you that you were for Richmond?" Uncle's tone was upset and I couldn't help the blush that spread across my cheeks.
"Yes Uncle Norfolk."
"So then you disregarded us?"
"I didn't-"
"Don't try to lie yourself out of this! Cat has told us everything," Lady Wiltshire said.
"C-Cat?"
"Be glad someone told her about this and that she had the good sense to tell us."
How did she find out? He promised he wouldn't tell.
"You are to go to Hever while we consider allowing you back to court."
"H-Hever? B-but the Duke-"
"You should have thought about having a Duke TWICE OVER while you were bedding a groom!" Uncle's voice seemed to thunder around the room.
"I didn't bed him-we just jjust-we just petted each other."
"You'll go to Hever. Bryan will escort you and you will stay until we decide what to do with you. Go pack your things. And if you cause us further embarrassment by word or action I'll have you whipped and sent to a nunnery," Uncle nodded to cousin Francis and he grabbed me by the arm and led me towards the Lord Henry's chambers.
"Do not cry. I don't want to hear it and it won't do you a bit of good," cousin Francis' voice was less than uncaring. "I don't know what you were thinking."
"I was thinking that I love him."
"So?"
"Do I need to think anything more than that?!"
His grip on my arm tightened as my voice rose, shrilling down the halls. He stopped walking and shook me a bit.
"Hush! Did you not hear Uncle tell you not to cause us any further humiliation? Bad enough to have you frolicking with a groom without you causing a scene," he sighed and was quiet as we began walking again. "If you're going to make it at court, especially in this family, you have to think of more than love. Who do you see Cat pining after?"
"She's too frigid for love." He laughed at that.
"Is that what you think?"
I nodded stiffly.
"Cat is no more immune to love than you are. She's just smarter than you."
I was offended and my face showed it but he just kept walking as if it didn't matter.
"Cat dances and flirts with the men of this court just as I do. Why is she smarter?"
"Well, tonight she's smarter because she isn't the one being carted away in disgrace, being considered for a nunnery. But she's smarter overall because she wasn't the one who was caught coming out of the chambers that every whore in the palace uses."
"What?"
"Those rooms seem desolate but they aren't so empty. The palace walls have eyes-obviously or you wouldn't be in this situation. When a lady wants to bed a man or vice versa he usually picks chambers along that hall. There is a quiet understanding that if two couples run into one another that no one is to speak of it."
"Then how come-"
"The reason you were tattled on was because a maid saw you-not a couple. It's that maid's duty to be loyal to cousin Anne. And as long as you're a Howard that maid is going to report on behavior that could taint the Queen."
"Taint the Queen?"
"What do you think would happen to Anne's reputation when it was found out that one of her ladies-a Howard cousin of her's at that-was found sneaking around the palace at night to bed a groomsman? People would think that all the Howard's were whores and the Queen did not run a strict enough household-letting her ladies do what they pleased."
"I didn't mean to shame cousin Anne."
"Luckily for us all you were caught before any damage could be done. Moreover, you were told you were for Richmond and to listen to Cat. You disregarded that and these are the consequences," we were approaching Harry's chambers now. "Go on and pack quickly. Anything else can be sent for later on. I'll return in an hour be ready."
I sniffled as I walked into the room and saw Cat sitting on the edge of the bed in the room we shared. She didn't say anything as she looked at me.
"How could you?!" I shrieked.
"Easily done. I will not be dragged down by you. If you sink you do so on your own. If you swim you do so because of me. I would've had you in Richmond's bed this very night but you had not the patience."
"They will send me away because of you!"
"So? If the situation were reversed, if you had information that would cause scandal among our family-if you could rid yourself of me by telling that-wouldn't you?"
"I hate you. I absolutely hate you."
"So be it. Hurry up and pack. You are to be gone before long and I will be alone at court. The only young Howard girl that matters. And no one will care about you. You're just the other Howard girl."
Going to try a new way to clear the confusion of pov shifts. Let me know if it works.