"Father, did you know that I love you more than momma. I used to say that I love momma better but she's always sad now. She no longer plays with me. What is wrong with her?"

Henry picked the girl up. Her ocean blue eyes exposed her innocence. She lacked the attention that she was used to receiving. Her mother had been in deep stress and misery when she started fearing that Anne Boleyn could possibly replace her as queen.

With a hint of guilt in his eyes, he answered his daughter, "Your mother is just tired, Mary. You shan't say that. Did you know, Mary she loves you more than she loves herself."

"Okay Papa, but you will always be my favourite; I love you." Mary said as she kissed her father on his cheek.

As a courtier bowed on his majesty's behalf, he said "Your majesty, Lady Bessie is here with Henry Fitzroy."

Henry put Mary down without saying a word in return as the little girl looked at him with resentment as he turned his back on her.

Henry could not sleep that night. He couldn't believe how much the exact words from his daughter's mouth had changed.

"Okay Papa, but you will always be my favourite; I love you"

Henry finally got Mary to bend at his will but he couldn't believe that he had actually lost her love and respect. Mary gave him what he wanted but now that she had, she wanted nothing to do with him.

Mary was a little girl when he last took a good look at her. She was a precious princess; guarded every where she went. Her childhood was filled with nothing but joy. Mary was the apple of both her parents' eyes; she was the pearl of his world. Everybody seemed to enjoy her presence as a beautiful miniature version of both of her parents walked around in court engaging in conversation with everyone she took notice of. Being as adorable as she is, she had even diverted Henry's attention from everyone else when she was present.

The little girl that Henry used to know was carefree once; always free of worry; as she ran around speaking of whatever came to her mind. Henry remembered how amusing he found it to watch Mary run away from the ladies-in-waiting.

Now she could be anywhere; unguarded; unprotected and unsafe. Now his little girl would have to fend for herself. Suddenly, feeling a pinch of guilt, Henry blocked away his thoughts as he observed his surroundings.

Henry was at court now, watching everyone else from his seat above. Everyone seemed to be content as they giggled and chit chatted. Gay music was playing in the background. A few couples were dancing to the melody. Anne was speaking to her brother, George Boleyn. Katherine and Caroline seemed to have become good friends. As for Jane, she looked breathtaking as her golden hair was up in a bun. She wasn't the youngest nor the most beautiful woman in court like Katherine was, yet there was something very intriguing about her.

"When will you ever change? When you should be worried about your daughter, you're having trouble staying faithful to your latest mistress."

"Hello brother"

"Hello Francis."

"Who is that, brother?" asked Francis as he pointed to a beautiful brunette wearing a blue gown.

"Her name is Caroline."

"She is stunning; the most beautiful woman at court."

"You cannot bed her."

"What do you mean?"

"Look Francis, I have made many mistakes in my life time. And one of those mistakes consisted of me taking Caroline away from the man that truly deserved her. When I first saw her, I found her to be one of the most beautiful women I had ever laid my eyes on. I instantly lusted after her. So I invited her to come with me to court. She did not deny my offer. But the man beside her seemed to love her so he held her back and he had dared to stand in my way for her. After I bedded her, she had wept all day afterwards. When I asked her why she was crying? She told me about John; her lover. Ever since that day, as my interests lay solely on Katherine, I had befriended her and I know how much she loves John. No matter what it takes, I will unite them so I urge you to stay away from her, brother."

"Whatever you say, brother. I just cannot stop thinking about the girl I saw on my first day to England. I have to have her."

Katherine was enjoying the company of her new friend. She had been talking to her for weeks now and it seemed as if she had known her for centuries. Katherine never really got along with her sisters or her cousins but Caroline was different. Just like her, she didn't follow the norms of society. She was reckless as she. She was brave, and she had a confidence that shined through and made the entire court take notice of her.

Katherine's sun-kissed skin glowed even more as sun rays fell on her. Her golden curls swung back and forth as gushes of wind swished through. The neck of her gown was long bearing a sneak peek of her newly-blossomed bosoms.

For the first time in Katherine's life, her friend didn't lack in comparison. Her silky brown hair fell to her waist and her beautiful green eyes were a sight to behold as they seemed to sparkle, reflecting back golden specks of the sun light. Her fresh white skin looked stunning in contrast to her features.

"So Caroline, have you ever loved a man?"

Caroline's eyes started to get watery at the question.

"I did but I know that I have lost him forever. I loved him with all of my heart."

"What happened Caroline. Tell me everything."

"Katherine, I was very poor. My father had died and my mother left me when I was only six when she married another man. I was always the type of girl to fend for myself and so I did everything to make a living for myself. I went from men to men. I was no less than a whore. That was when I met John. I kept on seeing him but he never looked at me like the other men did. He respected me." With that said, Caroline burst into tears.

Katherine hugged her. Caroline cried in Katherine's shoulders.

When Katherine noticed that she had calmed down, she asked "Caroline, then what happened?"

"Then one day, the king spotted me and John. Like every man, he too lusted after me. When he had offered to take me to court, I couldn't deny him. He was the king and it was a habit of mine to put myself before others. I had always wanted to be a mistress of the king because I knew the fortunes that it would bring with the title. That night when the king bedded me, I felt extreme agony. All I could think about was John's touch. The way that the king touched me was nothing in comparison to his. I felt nothing but emptiness. In the morning, I was so ashamed of myself. I no longer wanted to be a mistress of the king's. I wanted a family. I wanted John. I wanted his daughter Layla."

Katherine was speechless. She didn't have the medicine to her friend's distress nor did she know how it was to be in love with someone. But at the same time, a part of her felt threatened.

"Have you slept with the king afterwards?"

"No, I couldn't. He came to me the next night but I had denied him. He asked me why and I told him. He promised that he would bring John back to me. I just hope that he does."

Katherine felt relieved. She gave her friend a hug.

"I am sure you will get him back. I am sure of it. I will remind the king of his promise."

"William what are you doing?"

"Looking for lady Mary."

"Oh C'mon, do you actually think we're going to find her when the king and his mistress gave us such a vague description? About half of the woman I see right now has brown hair and a quarter of them has blue eyes. Do you think every woman who's pretty, has brown hair and blue eyes, is Mary? Are we going to take every single woman who fits this description to the king? The king doesn't even know how his own daughter looks like. What a shame."

"Thomas I will not hear a word against the king."

"Suit yourself, I'm going into that bar over there. When you find precious princess Mary, do call me. I would love to see for myself."

Thomas, then walked away from his partner and entered the bar.

"Thomas, wait. I'll come only if you promise that we will go looking for her soon."

"Of course, William," Thomas replied with a smirk.

John was in his bed, trying to sleep. He kept turning back and forth. He couldn't sleep. He couldn't stop thinking about Mary. He wasn't going to lie to himself. He was in love with her. But it wasn't any kind of love; it was the kind that could cause a man to go mad. He wanted her. He was crazy for her and he felt like he could do anything to have her.

John had to find her. He had to know that she was safe. But most of all he had to see her again.

What John couldn't believe was how Henry could seem so happy when his own daughter is lost. If Layla was ever lost, he knew that he would stop at anything to find her. He certainly wouldn't be roaming around in the garden as if nothing had happened and think about marrying one of his mistresses off. John wasn't surprised. If Henry could take everything away from Mary for his own happiness; it didn't come to a surprise that he didn't care about Mary now that she had signed the documents. But what was a surprise to him was how such a tyrant could be blessed with such a special daughter and not realize her worth.

After two hours of being unable to sleep, John drifted off to a deep sleep.

As he woke up, he stood up as he observed the stunning view in front of him. The clouds covered the hot rays of the sun but still a little light spilled through. The shore of the ocean moved back and forth. The colour of the ocean was bright blue as it reflected the sky above but there was a difference. The blue was brighter than anything he had ever seen. Eagles headed south. He could listen to the soothing sounds of the combination of the ocean shore and the cool breeze. The sand felt slippery underneath his feet. The horizon spilled a splash of pink, orange, and red.

It was a serene view; one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen. But it wasn't until a little later when he realized the real definition of beauty. As he looked ahead, he saw a figure. As he looked closer, he saw a woman holding a little girl. He walked closer. A beautiful figure appeared in front of him. A woman was wearing a thin, sleeveless, white dress which bared her porcelain, flawless skin. The ends of her dress were blown by the wind which had seemed to be on his side. As her dress blew up, she attempted to pull her dress back down with the little girl remaining in her arms. Amused, John chuckled. Her hair was long and descended in beautiful curls of chestnut brown. Her sapphire blue eyes twinkled as she smiled at the little girl.

She pulled the girl up in her arms with a playful smile and pulled her back to her arms as she gave her a hug. The girl had long platinum blonde hair with twinkling blue eyes. She smiled at the beautiful woman in front of her. Then she spotted him. She looked frightened. She looked like her heart was about to pound out of her chest. Her breathing got heavy and she put the little girl.

John walked up to her but she only walked back.

"Mary."

He tried to grasp her arm but she flinched. He tried again but this time he was faster. But the beautiful woman in front of him turned around and ran. The wind blew through her tresses but that just added fuel to the fire burning within him. He had to have her. He had to possess her entirely. She was the most beautiful creature that he had ever seen. But she ran fast and she was unreachable. But then she entered a cabin. She closed the door but he burst it open.

They finally came face to face. They stood against each other. Both of their breathing got heavy as their heart pounded. He could hear her heart beat as she trembled. He could sense that she felt a deep combination of fear and passion towards him.

"I am not going to hurt you. I promise," he assured her.

John moved closer. He put a hand on her chin and pulled her into a soft kiss. Soon the kiss got more intense and passionate. They broke free for a breath. They were utterly breathless and John was the first person to go in for another one. He pinned her hands and kissed her with all of the hunger that he felt. She returned the kiss with just as much passion.

"Papa, wake up. Papa, wake up."

Katherine Howard was outside court. She remained in the garden sitting on the grass enjoying the stars above. She enjoyed being alone with the company of nothing but her thoughts.

Katherine thought about Caroline. She was in love with a man named John. Katherine always wondered what love felt like. Katherine wanted to be queen but she didn't love the king. He was wealthy, and despite having a teenage daughter, he was very handsome. Yet, he wasn't worthy of love.

Caroline got her thinking. Despite the fame and fortunes, she didn't want to spend the rest of her life with a man that she could not love. She did not know what she wanted to do with her life. She had never thought about it before. She was always too young to think about where her life was headed. But, thinking about what Caroline had said, Katherine knew that she didn't want to have empty, meaningless sex for the rest of her life. She wanted to make love purely out of deep passion for a man. She had dreamt of that since she was thirteen.

"Hello, your grace."

"Thomas Culpepper."

"Isn't it a beautiful night, Thomas?"

"It is, but forgive me for saying that there is not a single thing in this earth that is as beautiful as you, your grace."

"What's there to forgive? That's really sweet. I'm actually quite flattered."

"Your grace, I know it is not my place but I think that you deserve all the flattery in the world."

Katherine giggled.

"And how is it not your place, Thomas?" Katherine asked turning around to face him as she flashed him a smile and moved a little closer.

Thomas was a little taken back at Katherine's frivolous attitude. Thomas's cheeks were bright red. He was not expecting her reply at all.

Katherine laughed.

"Your reaction was priceless."

Thomas moved closer. He softly pulled her in for a kiss. Butterflies fluttered in both of their stomachs. As she got deeper into it, Thomas pulled back.

Thomas stared at Katherine observing her beautiful brown eyes. She looked stunned. He could hear her heart pounding.

"Now, your reaction was priceless."

"Thomas, the king is asking for you," said George Boleyn.

With that said, Thomas headed back to court leaving Katherine aching for more.

Abraham headed towards the bar. He had no idea of how he would possibly take care of another woman when he could not even fend for him and his wife. He had a shortage of money and he still owed his friend money for the time that he had bought Rose an expensive pearl necklace.

Yet, he would never tell his wife about his worries. She was from a rich family and he had promised himself that he would do whatever it possibly took to keep her happy and free of worry; just as she was always accustomed to.

"Could I have another beer?"

"I will be right there with it."

A man approached Abraham. He was very thin, had amber hair and freckles all over his face.

"Hello, if you could help me, I would be most grateful"

"Yes."

"It brings me great displeasure to say that the princess Mary is missing. She has run away after signing documents that declared her illegitimate, claiming that she wants nothing to do with her father or his court. Now she is nowhere to be found…"

"Wait, and why are you telling me this?"

"The king has sent me to look for her. She is said to be very beautiful. She has brown, wavy hair and she has blue eyes. She is tall and slender and when she left Hatfield, she was wearing a purple gown.

"My mom passed away and my father abandoned me for his mistress and now I have nobody."

Abraham remembered what the mysterious girl living with him had said. And it fit exactly to what had happened to Princess Mary. Abraham headed off out of the bar.

"What are you doing William, you know that we'll never find the Princess. Come over there with me. There are a couple of pretty women. Help me entertain them."

Abraham knocked on the door to his cabin. He couldn't help but be angry. If the woman that they were living with really was Princess Mary, the king's attention would once again lead to them. And he couldn't risk it. He couldn't risk all that he had worked so hard to achieve for anybody; not even a princess.

As Rose opened their cabin door, Abraham rushed in and found Mary seated on a couch.

"Who are you?"

"What do you mean?" Mary asked as she hesitated.

"Princess Mary; I have heard that she is missing."

Mary gulped anxiously.

"A servant of the king approached me today. He was looking for her. He said that she happened to have wavy brown hair with blue eyes. He said that she was thin, slender and beautiful."

"Isn't it peculiar, Mary that you not only happen to fit the same description of the princess but my wife and I had found you around the same time that the princess had gone missing."

"Y-your Grace."

"Abraham what are you trying to imply," asked Rose.

"I remember clearly what you said the other afternoon. And it happens to be the same situation that the Princess is in. Is there anything that you want to tell us?"

"I'm sorry, I had hidden it. I am Princess Mary. But I wanted to begin a new life and I wanted to be accepted for once in my life without the use of my status; whatever it may be," Mary answered breaking into tears.

"Forgive me but I cannot have the king bringing his attention on us. We are already in a lot of trouble as it is."

"I understand," Mary said silently as she was ready to go into her chamber and pack up her things.

"Abraham, how could you be so cruel. Mary, wait."

Mary just kept going. This was another time that she had been rejected for her status. Now Mary had realized that being whatever that she was, whether a princess or the king's bastard; it was nothing more than a curse.

"Abraham, please stop her. How could you possibly be so cruel?"

"She had lied to us, Rose and besides she will lead the king to find us and then we'd be in deep trouble."

"She had reason. She had a good reason to hide who she was. If I was in her place, I would do the same. I actually have respect for her now that she has broken free from her wretched father and realized that there's more out there for her than to being just a princess or a king's bastard."

"She may be a good person Rose, but that does not change the fact that we could be in trouble again with the king."

"What about her? Does everyone only look at her status? Her mother had died for god's sakes. We have each other but what about her? A girl that was treasured by the whole of England is left in misery without anyone by her side."

"I am sure her father will take her back sooner or later. We shouldn't get involved. This is between her and the king."

"Abraham, how can you be so selfish? I say that she stays. I have grown fond of her in the past two days and I want her to stay."

"Do whatever you want, Rose. I'll be at our chamber if you need me."

Angrily, Abraham walked into his chamber and slammed the door behind him.

Rose rushed into Mary's chamber. She would find a way to make it up to Abraham later.

"Your Highness, please don't leave. I'm so sorry for Abraham."

"Rose, you out of all people should not call me that. You have done so much for me but if it causes fights between the two of you, I really do not wish to stay here."

"Mary, please. I beg of you, I assure you that Abraham will change his mind. He's just not himself right now. He's scared of your father."

Mary chuckled lightly. "It seems as if everyone is," Mary replied thinking about John.

"Please Mary, I assure you that I will be honoured to serve you. And if you don't mind me asking, where will you go if you do leave?"

"I do not know, Rose. But I'll be fine. I'll find a way on my own. I always have." Mary's words were cold as it was spoken. But Rose could see through Mary's strong front. It was clear that despite being a princess, Mary had to undergo many struggles and that she was still struggling.

"Please, I know that we have not known each other for long but if our friendship or my kindness ever meant anything to you, please I urge you to stay."

Mary was speechless. Mary was never shown that much kindness by anyone ever since she had been declared a bastard. She couldn't just leave now that Rose had put her in that position. The truth was that she had looked forward to becoming friends with Rose and even with Abraham. She was looking forward to putting her past behind her but it seems that no matter what she does, her past will always remain with her.

"I don't know what to say."

"Say that you'll stay. Please."

"I'll stay," Mary replied with a smile. Rose embraced her new friend.

"Never feel like you're on your own. You have me."

Anne had heard about Mary Tudor's recent actions and ever since, she had been feeling immerse guilt. Anne had always wanted Mary to sign the documents and acknowledge her illegitimacy, but she never expected Mary to break ties with her own father. Anne definitely felt responsible for Mary's actions. Anne overestimated Mary. Anne thought Mary wanted to become queen just as much as her mother wanted her to be an heir to the throne. But Mary wasn't as ambitious as she had thought. But then again, how long could someone take the humiliation and the pain? Mary who had once been the pearl of Henry's world was threatened to death if she didn't sign. Surely she was offended and it was her offence that reflected her actions.

"Husband, come in. I have got some news for you."

"What is it?"

"I'm with child."

Henry was thrilled. He finally will get the son that he had always craved for, for so long.

"That's great news Anne."

Henry came over to Anne and kissed her softly.

"I hope that this time you will give me a son."

"I will have a son. I am sure of it. I can feel him inside my womb, Henry" Anne replied putting a hand on her belly.

Henry lied down in Anne's bed for the first time in two weeks.

"I hope you're right. Now go to sleep. I think our son needs his mother to rest."

"Henry, I want to talk to you about something."

"What is it, Anne?"

"I heard about the Lady Mary. I heard that she signed the documents but afterwards she left Hatfield claiming that she wants nothing to do with neither you nor your court."

"I do not want to talk about that matter. I have sent guards to look for her. And if she still is not found, I will hold a grand ball in which everyone in this city is obliged to come. I am sure that she has not fled this city. Trust me, Anne. She is my daughter. Whatever happens, I will find her."

"Henry, I am so sorry. I feel like I'm responsible in someway. No matter how much hatred I have shown Mary, I never would wish for this. I would have never wished for you to be separated with Mary."

"Anne, it's alright. Whatever you said or have done, you did it because she would not acknowledge you as her queen. She is stubborn just like her mother. It is such a shame. Anyways, Anne you should be focusing on our children. You should focus on our son. That's what is most important. As for Mary, I will always care for her as she is my first child. But what is most important is our son, the future heir to the throne. Now go to sleep."

"Henry, will you stay with me tonight. You never come to my bed anymore."

"Of course, sweetheart."

Rose entered her chamber. Abraham was thinking intently as he lay on his bed.

"Are you angry at me?"

"I am not angry Rose. It's great how much of a big heart that you have but you need to understand that letting the king's daughter live with us can destroy everything that we have worked so hard for. He let us go for disobeying him. Do you really think he'll let us go for not handing over his daughter to him, to hold her in our custody?"

Rose sat on the bed. "Abraham, Mary's not the little girl that she once was. She is seventeen now. We're not holding anyone in our custody. Mary wants to stay with us."

"But Rose, is it really worth the risk?"

"Abraham, it is. If the king was looking for us right now, and we had to find a place to stay, would you like it if nobody invited us into their homes because they were afraid of the king? Princess Mary had gone through way more than a girl her age should go through and we should help her."

"You know that I have always loved this about you."

"Loved what?"

"How wise you are. You're the kindest woman I've ever known. You're always putting others before yourself."

Abraham looked into her hazel eyes and put a strand of her copper brown hair behind her ears. Even today, he was just as crazy about his wife as he was on the day that he had met her.

"Mary could stay."

Rose pulled her husband in for a hug.

"Thank you Abraham. I love you."

"I love you too Rose," said Abraham as he pulled her in for a kiss.

As Abraham pulled back, Rose went forward and kissed him again passionately.

"Looks like you're in a good mood today."

"I most certainly am."

Gradually, Rose moved her fingers from where it was grasped on to his back up to his neck.

Abraham shoved her until she was lying on their bed and he was on top.

Rose giggled in delight.

Abraham took a moment looking through Rose's eyes as he softly caressed her lips with his thumb.

"You're beautiful, you know that?" Abraham said as he stared at her beautiful face, noticing her flawless olive skin and striking hazel eyes. Her eyes had a type of innocence that once had drawn him to her; they were eyes that had taken over his soul. Rose's long brown hair lay on the pillow underneath her like a curtain of copper silk.

"You're beautiful too, husband."

Abraham laughed at his wife's sense of humour. Rose laughed along at her husband's reaction.

"You're adorable."

"Enough of the flattery, kiss me already."

Abraham didn't have to be told twice. He pushed his lips against hers, and one of his hands were pinned down to hers as her other hand caressed his hair. As he broke free from the kiss to catch his breath, Rose tugged at the fabrics of his linen shirt as she raised it in a quick manner urging to take it off as quickly as possible.

Abraham noticed the pounding heart of his beloved and smirked at the thought that he still can make her feel like this. Rose observed his golden, sun-kissed torso. He was a moderately muscular man. The warmth of his strong arms always made Rose feel protected and cared for but at the moment, she couldn't wait until they roamed around her body, touching every part of her, making her feel whole again.

Abraham kissed her neck as Rose grabbed on to his back. Then, he took Rose's hand and kissed it softly. Rose slightly sat up as Abraham untied her bodice as all of Rose became exposed. Abraham observed her slowly, photographing the beautiful image of her in his mind. Then he kissed her slowly, but after seconds it turned into a fiery kiss.

Charles V opened the envelope.

Dear majesty,

I am most content to say that the princess Mary is safe. A young couple had found her and now she is living with them. They seem as if they are kind and want the best interests of Mary.

I have found out some information about the couple. The girl was a daughter of a noble courtier and the man was the son of a simple commoner. The king betrothed her to one of his third cousins. But being in love with the commoner, they both eloped.. King Henry sent guards looking for them but they were nowhere to be found. After his own problems began, he forgot about the estranged couple.

I do not know if it is a good thing for the Princess to be living amongst such a radical couple. I do know, however that they seem like good people and the Princess will be safe and happy living with them.

King Henry has found out about the princess. However, the only actions that he had taken was to send two of his guards in search of Mary; two guards which instead of searching intently for the princess had been wooing girls at a bar.

Your humble servant,

Joseph Anderson.

Charles V was happy that Mary was safe and some action had been taken in order to find Mary. That shows that Henry still had some love for his aunt's daughter. Although, Henry's "obedient" guards weren't in search of the Princess, Mary was safe and happy with a roof over her head. Charles V certainly did not want the Princess around such company; in case the couple's drastic behaviour will rub on her as well. But the princess being happy and safe will certainly buy him time to deal with his own problems before he could take some actions to help her.

Considering the fact that I didn't have too much homework this week, I had to update. I know you've all been really patient. The next chapter will be the best one yet and Henry will finally see his grown-up daughter for the first time. Thanks for reading so far, and review and tell me what you think. :)