"Come with me sweet heart."

Henry took Mary by the arm to a few ladies in waiting.

"Your Majesty, you said you would free John."

"I will, Mary. Be patient."

The ladies-in-waiting's cheeks flustered as Henry appeared. Mary rolled her eyes.

"Ladies, I trust that you will help change my Mary into the most lavishing gowns in court."

"Yes your majesty."

The ladies all curtsied. Mary glimpsed at her father with questioning eyes.

"Your majesty, I-"

"Mary call me father."

Henry's face was struck with guilt as Mary said nothing.

Henry kissed Mary's forehead before the ladies-in-waiting took her away.

"You're Mary Tudor?" asked a young girl with bright red hair.

"Yes, I am."

"You've grown up so much," said another pale haired woman.

As the ladies took Mary to her chambers, they handed her a beautiful blue gown. They stared at her waiting for her to take her clothes off.

"Ladies, I think I shall change into this myself."

The ladies, stunned at her reply waited outside her chamber.

Mary looked around. There was a huge contrast between her chamber at Hatfield and her chamber here. There was a king-sized bed with a large cabinet on the side. There was also a large mirror with a table beneath it that held lot's of jewellery, dark eyeliner and green pigments. There were also small couches with embroidered cushions.

A few months ago, living with her father at court, and residing in such a grand chamber with ladies-in-waiting obeying your every command was a dream. Today, she felt estranged to her former life. She felt hollow inside. These were no longer her people or her way of life. But she changed into her gown and anxiously stepped outside.

She wondered whether Rose and Abraham were searching for her. Mary missed them. Mary never had to be careful with them; judging every thought before turning them into action. Life at court, however was different. And it was now that she returned to court, that she felt enlightened. She wanted that freedom again. She didn't want a life of pretense anymore. She would return to them as soon as John was freed but she knew that she had to be careful with whatever she did.

"Guards, release him."

Henry's guards released John and he bowed down to Henry.

The look on John's eyes hadn't changed. They were still challenging. It made Henry want to execute him right then and there.

"John, I'm letting you go this time because you saved my daughter's life. Thank you. But for this, I do ask you a favour. Tell me John, would you do the favour?"

"Your majesty, it depends on what the favour is."

"Stay away from my daughter. I could give you wealth, titles, whatever your heart pleases. Just stay away from her. You can also have Caroline. I could arrange a grand wedding outside of court, somewhere in the country side without my daughter's knowledge."

"Your majesty, you know staying away from your daughter is something I cannot do. As for marrying Caroline, excuse me for saying this but I do not take used goods."

"How dare you?"

Henry punched John onto the ground. John didn't defend himself but only smirked at Henry which infuriated him even more. He was going to beat John even more but then he remembered what his daughter had told him. John had done what he as a father didn't. He had protected Mary.

"Do whatever you may; your majesty but you cannot separate us two."

"Guards make sure he does not come anywhere near court or near my daughter."

Guards pulled John up and took him away.

Mary entered court. Her gown nicely in it's place without anyone's help, her chestnut hair descending down her back and torso and dark eyeliner eventuating the peck of her almond blue eyes. As she entered, the entire court cheered and clapped on her behalf. She smiled at them and walked with confidence that she felt for the first time in years.

She was a sight to behold at court. Everyone was blown away by her beauty and grace. Her beauty exceeded even Katherine Howard's, the much talked about lady-in-waiting. Her supporters genuinely clapped and cheered for her at her rise. Her enemies, on the other hand, had no other choice but to watch their princess become the centre of court once again.

For the first time, Anne Boleyn genuinely smiled at her stepdaughter reconciling with her father. She finally felt at ease after all that she had done to cause her misery. Anne's face brightened as she saw Henry. She knew that he wasn't too pleased with her but she believed that Henry would want her present as his entire family reconciled. She approached Henry and held his hand.

"Sweetheart what is wrong?"

Henry glared at Anne and shoved her hand away from him. He already had one person enraging him; he did not need another. Henry was waiting for the right moment to charge Anne with treason. Anne had a lot to pay for. Henry had heard his minister's allegations towards her and he was furious over what he had heard from Mary. He knew it was Anne who sent the goons to murder her. It was her all along who had wished for his daughter and Katherine of Aragon's death.

Henry spotted his daughter and he smiled when he saw how much the entire court clapped for her. Everyone seemed delighted. They curtsied when they spotted Henry and Anne enter.

Henry approached Mary.

"Mary, I would love to introduce you to many people if you would let me."

"Of course, your majesty."

"Father."

"Yes Father."

As Henry was introducing Mary to his courtiers, he noticed Jane Seymour from afar. Even now, she was away from the attentions of court, talking to her brother.

So without introducing Mary to anyone else, he approached Jane Seymour. He wanted Mary to know Jane Seymour before marrying her. He knew that they would instantly become great friends. Jane Seymour was a devoted catholic just as Henry knew Mary was.

"Jane Seymour."

Jane Seymour curtsied. Henry pulled her up.

"Jane Seymour, I would like you to meet my daughter, Mary Tudor."

"Hello, Lady Jane," said Mary.

"Hello, Lady Mary. It is a pleasure to meet you."

"It is a pleasure to meet you also."

Mary didn't know the reason why her father would introduce her to a random lady-in-waiting at court before even letting her meet Anne Boleyn even if the pale woman was another mistress. But she didn't let the affairs of the court effect her. All she thought about was John and returning home to Rose and Abraham. From the corner of her eye, she spotted Caroline. They both glimpsed at each other.

Mary didn't feel a pinch of uncertainty of John's love for her as she looked at her. Caroline, however, eyed her with envy. But she was helpless. She wasn't going to plot against the king's daughter. She would lose her head. Neither could she force John to love her again.

Mary and Henry bumped into Sir Francis Bryn. His one eye was badly swollen; with the edges a dark blue-black colour and the rims of his eye, bright red. On his forehead was a deep cut.

"Sir Francis Bryn, what happened to your face?" asked Henry.

Francis Bryn curtsied and was dumbfounded to see Mary Tudor. As Mary saw his expression, she couldn't help herself. She burst out laughing.

"Mary," said Henry.

"Excuse my manners, your majesty. It's just that I haven't been at court for so long."

"The Lady Mary, it is a pleasure to see you although I seem to wonder what it is it that is so amusing to you."

"Your grace, what is amusing is that karma seems to have been working in my favour today."

"Mary, my dear, whatever so do you mean by that statement."

"Father, maybe I'll tell you another time. Besides, I think I've been waiting to meet the Queen Anne Boleyn."

Sir Francis Bryn glared at Mary Tudor before both Henry and Mary left. Henry noticed the tension between both his courtier and his daughter but decided to deal with it afterwards.

"Father, have you freed John?"

"Yes, I have dear."

"Father…"

"It has been such a long time since you called me that. I am happy to have you return to court, Mary."

Mary gave her father a warm smile before continuing.

"Father, when I ran away from Hatfield, a couple found me and welcomed me to their homes. They are very nice. They don't know where I am and I was wondering if I could return to their house and tell them."

"Darling, you want to go right now?"

"Yes, Father."

"I will allow my guards to escort you to their home."

"Father, I could go by myself."

"Mary, whatever happened before, I do not want it to happen again. I don't want you to be in danger ever again."

It warmed Mary's heart that her father seemed to care for her again. However with the guards present, she wouldn't be able to visit John as she hoped.

"Father."

"Yes, Mary."

"Never mind, Father it is nothing."

"Mary, don't you hide anything from me. Is this about John?"

Henry didn't want to upset her just as they had reconciled but he had no other choice.

"Mary, I freed him just as you wanted. But I don't want you seeing him, do I make myself clear."

"And what if I do see him? What will you do, will you execute me?"

"Mary," Henry yelled.

"Father, I love him. Need I remind you father, you had given up everything for Anne Boleyn. You had given everything up for love. You even took away my right to the crown and you had abandoned me. Father, I still have supporters. If you give me away to him, I will never be a threat ever again."

Henry felt guilty at his daughter's honest words. Yesterday, Henry did whatever he could to be rid of his eldest daughter. Today, Mary was doing whatever she possibly could to be rid of her father.

"Mary, darling, whatever I did, I did it out of anger."

"So does that mean, since you're not angry with me anymore, you'll put me back to the succession."

"Mary, you have grown some nerve while you were away. You are certainly never allowed to see John ever again. He has made you against me."

"Father-"

"Mary, go see your friends. This would be the last time you are allowed out of court to go and see them. Although, if you desire you may invite them to court. As for John, you will never see him again."

Tears shone in Mary's eyes threatening to fall down any moment. But she tried her utter best to hold them in. She was trained to hold her tears back at a time she didn't wish to show vulnerability and that was the only thing that gave her the strength to hold back.

Henry saw his daughter's distressed state. But he walked away angry and furious at how everything had become. Later Mary was followed by a few guards as she went to Rose and Abraham's cabin.

Henry returned to his rightful spot on his throne besides King Francis after asking the guards to make sure that Mary doesn't see John.

"Brother, I see that you have reconciled with your daughter."

"I guess I have."

"She's a lot like her mother, is she not?"

"She's worse. She's even more stubborn and disobedient."

Francis laughed as he remembered how Mary even used her feisty tongue towards him.

"She resembles you, I must say."

Henry nodded.

"I suppose that you have denied her the right to marry that simple commoner."

"Of course I have. I hate the boy's nerves. He thinks he could make my own daughter rise against me."

King Francis smiled. A few days ago he was planning to leave for France. Right now, however, he found a new reason to stay.

"So your daughter seems to be of marrying age. Who do you suppose you will marry her to?"

"I do not wish to marry her to anybody right now. I wish to keep her at court with me for now."

"And why is that?"

"Although I love my daughter, I'm still thinking about her current status. I do not know whether she should marry a prince or of someone more fitting her station. Besides, right now I am undergoing problems of my own. She is seventeen. She has more time."

Mary arrived at Rose and Abraham's house. Rose was home but Abraham had gone looking for her. When Rose saw her, she immediately hugged her. The guards waited outside as they entered.

"Where were you? We were looking everywhere for you."

"The king found me and wants me back at court."

"But how did that happen, you were in your chambers yesterday? How did he-"

"I went outside to get some fresh air and then I found John waiting for me. He attempted to talk to me but the king's guards saw us both and chased us. We escaped and stayed at a cabin in the forest but in the morning the guards caught us and took us back to the king."

"Then?"

"Then the king was going to send John to the tower but I begged for his life and eventually the king set him free but he said that I can never see him again. Neither could I go outside of court ever again."

Mary instantly broke into tears and Rose comforted her as she pulled her into an embrace.

"Rose, last night he told me that he loves me. I have never felt this way about anyone."

"I am sure you two will be together."

"I don't want to return to court, Rose. I do not like it there but I have no other choice. Rose, could you come meet me at court with Abraham, often. You two are like a brother and sister that I never had and I don't want to lose you both."

"Of course we will, Mary. You know we have grown attached to you as well in the past two days."

Rose and Mary ate lunch and Mary cherished the moments that she spent with Rose knowing that she may never have it again. She would never have a meal again without putting on a façade; never have another meal without filtering every word she said.

After having lunch, Mary wrote a letter to John insisting Rose to give it to him.

Dear John,

I am sorry for all of the pain that my Father had caused you. He had taken away your lover and he had almost put you in the tower. Now he has not granted me permission to see you.

John, I want you to know that I love you and I would leave behind everything for you. I have never felt this way towards anyone nor have I said these words to any man before. After all that I have been through, I had not only lost faith in men but the human race in particular. But then you came into my life. You were opposite of everything that I had ever seen. You were different. You were kindness when I was only accustomed to hostility. You were carefree when all I had ever been accustomed to was keeping false pretences and holding back my emotions. You were faithful when all I had ever been accustomed to was betrayal.

A few months ago, all I had really ever wanted was to be reconciled with my father and gain back my rights to the throne. Now, all I could think about is you. You have taught me how to live. You have taught me what really mattered. You had risked your life for me when everyone else sought to take advantage of my poor state.

I also really miss Layla. The little girl is so sweet. I would do anything for her. She's like a gift and there's nothing I wouldn't do to have her as a daughter. So the answer to your question, John is yes I will marry you. But I will marry you when the right time comes. We have to be very careful, John. Any move can get us sent to the tower. So John, I will write to you often but please do not risk anything to see me. If the king finds you anywhere near court, he's not going to think twice before sending you to the tower next time. And I will never forgive him or myself if that happened.

Your Love, Mary Tudor.

Mary put her letter into her envelope and sealed it.

Katherine Howard swung around in the golden gown that Thomas had given her. She found it this morning at the doors of her chambers with a tiny slip that said "Thomas Culpepper, Your Love."

There was a knock at her door. As she opened the door, she found Thomas Culpepper gazing at her with hungry eyes; something she was accustomed to.

"Hello, milady."

"Your Grace, what a wonderful surprise. But I must wonder, what exactly brings you here?" Katherine answered frivolously.

"Why, I had come to see whether or not you have taken a liking of the dress that I had given you."

"Of course I have, it's beautiful. Come in, your grace."

"Call me Thomas and I shall call you Katherine."

"As you wish, Your gra-Thomas."

Instead of her couch, Thomas sat on her bed grinning at her as his dark blue eyes watched her intently as she closed the doors to her chambers.

Katherine's cheeks burned. It was a feeling she never got with King Henry.

"So Thomas, why did you gift me a dress?"

"Why do you ask, milady?"

"I was just curious that's all."

"Ever since that kiss, I could not stop thinking about you. You even haunt my dreams these days, my fair lady."

Katherine sat next to Thomas.

"We cannot see each other."

"Are you worried about the king, my love?" Thomas said caressing her flushed cheeks.

"His majesty's interests lies on someone else now, my love. The lady Jane Seymour, I believe."

Katherine Howard couldn't believe it. She had worked so hard to keep the affections of the king and now he was interested in another lady. She knew that the king's affections towards women deceased easily but she couldn't believe her effects had worn off so fast. She made men weak in the knees; men did whatever they could for her hand.

She looked at the man beside her. There was no denying how handsome he was. His dark hair cascaded to his forehead and his blue eyes blazed as they watched her intensely. The kiss they shared had her vying for more and she was more than happy when she got his present.

Sensing her despair, Thomas put his hand on hers.

"Katherine, I don't know how any man can choose another woman over you. You're so beautiful. I do not mean to be too forward but I was hooked the very first time I saw you."

Katherine looked up at Thomas who slowly tossed a strand of hair behind her ears.

"You really think I am beautiful?"

"I think you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen and I would be more than pleased to court you if you'd let me."

Katherine Howard knew she was beautiful but she loved hearing it again and again especially if it was from a handsome man.

"I really want to kiss you right now, Katherine."

"Then what are you waiting for, Thomas. Kiss me already."

He didn't have to be told twice. Instantly, he locked his lips with Katherine Howard's. She had kissed many men before and she knew exactly what made them burn with passion. She dominated Thomas instantly. She chewed on his lip and soon their tongues became entangled. She grabbed his hair, slightly pulling it driving Thomas crazy. But Thomas wasn't about to get dictated by a girl. He grabbed her waist and shoved her to her bed. Katherine giggled in delight as they broke the kiss to catch their breath.

Mary returned to court with guards following behind. She was at the gardens and she couldn't help but observe the beauty of her former home.

"Your Majesty, the princess has not eaten anything since the morning. And she will not obey when we tell her to eat her lunch."

Katherine of Aragon bent down to meet her daughter's gaze.

"Mary, you have to eat sweetheart. How will you grow if you do not eat?"

"But Mother. The food is not tasty. I will not eat"

"Mary, you are so picky. You will have to eat. Come I will feed you."

Katherine of Aragon took a platter of food from a lady-in-waiting.

"That is if you can catch me first."

With her remark, Mary dashed away carelessly leaving behind a stunned queen that scurried after her daughter.

Mary smiled as she reminisced through memories with her mother but the smile was gradually followed by a tear that scurried down her cheek. The guards noticed their beautiful charge's state but it was Thomas Mackenzie that decided to inquire.

"Are you well, Lady Mary? You've been away from court for a long time. I suppose that this place brings back many memories."

"I suppose it does but there are some memories one has to put behind them to move on."

"Are you remembering the deceased queen?"

"Yes, I was."

"I know what it's like. I lost my mother and sister a few years back. Look Lady Mary, I know it's been awfully hard for you. It's not easy fitting here in court. But if you're looking for a friend and if you ever need anything, you have me."

Thomas didn't know what it was but he didn't just feel pity for the former princess but she also reminded him of her deceased sister. Thomas vowed to protect her and help her if she ever needed anything.

"I'm sorry for your loss. It's painful when a loved one passes away. And Thomas, thank you. That's the kindest anyone has been to me since I returned."

"Father, I want a mother. Everyone at school has a mother. Why don't I have one?"

John caressed her hair. Layla pouted.

He knew that he would have to deal with this topic with Layla sooner or later.

"I promise that you'll get one very soon."

"Father, do you miss Isabella?"

"You miss Mary, Layla?"

"Oh right, she's Princess Mary. Yes I miss her very much."

"She will come to meet very soon, Layla but you need to sleep," John replied unsure of what he was telling her.

"Okay, Father."

John kissed Layla's forehead. He loved the little girl. He wondered what would've happened to her if he were to be executed.

"Good night, Father."

"Good night, sweet heart."

As John left Layla's chamber, he went outside his cabin and observed the sea ahead.

The waves caressed the rocky beach as it rustled back and forth. The full moon's sheer whiteness illuminated the entire beach. The warm breeze steered John's curls as he intently gazed at the letter Mary had given him.

So the answer to your question, John is yes I will marry you.

He thought about those words again and again. He would finally have Mary Tudor, the princess that had been haunting his dreams; his childhood lover; his soul mate. He stared at the serene view in front of and he remembered how beautiful she looked while she carelessly swung water at him. It was that day when he realized that he was hopelessly in love with her. It was then he realized how complete his family would be if she was in it.

But then another particular man appeared in his thoughts. Though, he knew that King Henry would go to many lengths to keep him away from his daughter, it wasn't that king he was worried about. He saw the way King Francis looked at Mary on the beach; the way he asked her to dance during the ball and that thought alone made him want to rip his eyes out. He knew he was residing at court just as Mary was and he knew that her wretched father would be too engaged in his own affairs to realize his intentions.

John punched his wooden chair straining his knuckles. He had her. He had her right where he wanted her; right where he could protect her and keep her away from every sorrow that had ever come upon her. But as soon as he had her, she was taken away from him.

Mary entered court. As soon as she did, everyone's eyes were on her and there was nothing more she wanted to do but go back to her chambers. But as soon as she scurried to go to her chambers, her father approached her.

"Mary, I see that you have come back."

Mary curtsied. Henry noticed her red-rimmed eyes. It was evident that she had been crying.

"Are you alright sweetheart?"

"Of course, your majesty, why wouldn't I be?"

With all the strength that it took, Mary smiled at her Father. She wished that she could be grateful for having one parent still alive. She wished she could cry in his arms and mourn her mother's death. But whenever she looked at her father, all she could think about was his betrayal; how much he had hurt her mother; how much he had hurt her. The man standing in front of her used to be her favourite person in the whole wide world; he used to be her Papa.

Seeing his daughter, guilt sunk in his chest. He felt estranged with his daughter. He could sense the distance between them, and the uneasiness she felt whenever she looked at him.

King Francis and Anne Boleyn approached them.

"Your Majesties."

Mary curtsied.

Anne Boleyn smiled at her step daughter and pulled her up.

"How are you faring, Mary?"

"I'm well, Your Majesty."

"Mary, you have no idea how happy I am to see you at court. Enough with the formalities, Mary. You out of all people don't need to refer to me as Your Majesty."

Anne Boleyn pulled Mary into an embrace. Although, he was currently angry at Anne, he smiled at her gesture.

Mary smiled as she embraced her stepmother. From the corner of her eye, she could spot the brooding stares of King Francis. As they pulled out of the embrace, their eyes met and she instantly felt frightened at the way King Francis stared at her.

"Your Majesty, I think I am going to retire early."

"Aren't you going to have dinner with us, Lady Mary?" asked King Francis as he stepped forward.

"I feel sick. I am just going to go retire to my chambers."

Mary curtsied and as soon as she was away from the attentions of the court, she ran to her chamber and locked her door. She sat on her bed and sobbed. She turned around and her eyes brightened at the familiar face at her window.

She opened her window and as soon as John climbed out, she fell into his arms.

Okay I know my story has many clichés but what can I say, I guess I'm a romantic at heart. So what do you think? Do you think if the real Mary Tudor stood up to her father, and didn't kiss up to him as much, he would've at least regretted all that he'd done to her and make things right for her?