Princess Katherine of Aragon (Boleyn)- 48 December 16th 1485
Prince Thomas Boleyn, Duke of Wiltshire-56 March 12th 1477
Isabella Boleyn- 15 September 7th 1517
Thomas Boleyn, Duke of Pembroke- 15 September 7th 1517
Cordelia Tudor-15 year May 2nd 1518
William Boleyn, Duke of Buckingham- 14 June 13th 1519
Anthony Boleyn, Duke of Suffolk- 14 June 13th 1519
Rose Boleyn- 13 March 2 1520
Catalina Boleyn- 12 August 29th 1520
Annette Boleyn- 8, July 7th 1526
Michelle Boleyn- 4, October 29th 1527
George Boleyn, Duke of Rochford- 19 April 17th 1513
Renee Boleyn, Duchess of Rochford- 17, December 23rd 1516
Jane Boleyn- 3 March 28th 1530
Princess Mary Tudor-17 February 18th 1516
Princess Charlotte of France- February 6th 1533
Prince Henri of France- 20 July 10th 1513
Princess Cecily Tudor- 11 July 25th 1521
Princess Elizabeth Tudor- 15 September 7th 1517
Princess Margaret Tudor- 8 years August 14th 1523
Prince Edward Tudor of Wales- 14 February 14th 1519
Prince James Tudor of York- 10 years October 1st 1522
King Henry VIII-41 June 28th 1491
Queen Kathryn Parr- 39 August 30th 1492
Lady Elizabeth Bryan- 14, January 10th 1519
Lady Ursula Middleton- 38 February 2 1495
Lady Amy Hobbs- 14 November 15th 1518
Lady Amelia Sutton, 10, May 18th 1522
Lady Mary Howard, 14, April 24th 1519
Gregory Cromwell Earl of Oxford- 16 October 19th 1514
Prince Phillip of Spain- 21 May 2 1512
Princess Joan of Austria- 13 June 24 1519
Charles de Bourn, Duke of Beaucourt- 13 July 21 1520
William Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire- 18 January 9th 1514
Henry Stanley, soon-to-be Earl of Derby- 16 September 1st 1516
May 2, 30th 1533
Katherine Boleyn, Princess of Spain, Duchess of Wiltshire
"Do you know Elizabeth that Prince Phillip of Spain has the same birthday as me?" Cordelia asked Elizabeth that afternoon as they all played out in the gardens, I shook my head and turned to see a messenger approaching.
"My Lady, a letter from France" I took it eagerly knowing it was from Mary.
"Thank you" I handed him a few coins and he left as I opened the letter.
Dearest Mama,
By now you must know that I have a daughter, Princess Charlotte, she is so pretty mama and I feel so blessed, Henri adores her as well and I could not be more happier. Though I feel a bit horrible for not having a boy, Henri calls her "France's treasure' oh mama I wish so badly you could see her. I know she will be much changed but I had a portrait sent to you, it was made when she was 2 months.
How do you feel about George's new wife? She was very kind when she was in France and I liked her very much when I met her. Of course when I met her I ended up going into labor, Charlotte was a month early but us still as healthy as any other baby. Is Jane well? When she was here all she talked about was you and papa and she held onto Kitty as tightly as Catalina did.
A lot is happening here and I sometimes I wish for you to be here to hold me and tell me what to do, I feel so lost and scared. Henri is happy about Charlotte yes, but King Francis is annoyed and upset he wants us to have a son as soon as possible but Henri always tells me not to worry that we are still young. I cannot help it mama, forgive me, but sometimes I am scared that it will end up like you and papa. That Henri will grow impatient and angry and divorce and cast me aside!
I know I shall not be as lucky as you and fall in love and I want nothing more then just to be happy. Henri makes me happy mama, I thought this would be just a Royal marriage and I would have to put up with him but he goes out of his way to make me happy, I think I might love him and it scares me, I do not want to be hurt.
Oh mama! The most dreadful thing happened today! I was planning on sending your letter out today when King Francis fell from his horse! He died a few hours late and now Henri and I are King and Queen of France! I am terrified and must ask you to forgive the tearstains. You have always told me I was destined to be Queen of France but I have never felt the burden of it till now.
Everyone wants me to have a son so quickly now and I had to employ a nursemaid for Charlotte, I was feeding her myself before. I can see it in the courtiers eyes, they do not even look at my face only to my stomach each hoping that I shall become with child soon. I am trying my best mama I swear and I pray each and everyday when ever I get the chance. I know you were in this position before, please write me as soon as you get this and tell me what I should do, I miss you so much mama!
Your Loving Daughter
Queen Marie of France
I was in shock as I finished reading the letter "what is it mama?" Annette asked tugging on my dress, I looked at the portrait of my granddaughter in awe, she looked so much like Mary.
"Isabella, please help the nursemaids" I left quickly up to see Henry, as soon as I entered his office he looked up.
"I already know" he said scanning over papers, I clutched the portrait closer.
"Mary sent me a portrait of Charlotte when she is about 2 months, would you like to see it?" I asked kindly and he looked up sharply and nodded. I walked over and handed it to him, he smiled and let out a low laugh.
"She looks like Mary" I smiled.
"That is what I thought…" I trailed off and held her letter tighter, "she is scared Henry, she is scared that what happened with us will happen to her" I whispered softly. "I know how she feels, the pressure to have a son can be suffocating at times" I said sadly and he did not move for a while.
"She will be fine" he said his voice never wavering.
"I know that, but she is so scared" tears filled my eyes as I thought of my little girl.
"Mary is strong Katherine, a lot stronger then you give her credit for, she may be scared but I know she will not let any of those French Courtiers push her around. If she can stand up to me, a King, then she can stand up to them" I laughed softly remembering all the times Mary had fought with him.
"You know very well that this is far different then that and nothing you can say shall make me feel any better" he nodded and looked down at the small picture of his granddaughter in his hand.
"Charlotte has made her stronger then she was before, she will not let them push her around Katherine, she will fight for her daughter" he stood up from his seat and led me over to a large sofa.
"It hurts me to think she is scared to end up like us, for some reason she is scared history shall repeat itself" he looked down the carpeted ground.
"And that is my fault, I was wrong for the way I went about things when she was younger" I looked up in shock, he never apologized before. "I am sorry for all that happened, when I look back on it I realize how cruel I was and I hope that one day you shall forgive me" I sat in stunned silence not moving.
"I have forgiven you Henry" I whispered softly, "it is all in the passed, all the matters now is the children, especially Cordelia, you know how sensitive she can get at times" he nodded and ran his fingers through his dark graying hair.
"Do you remember when she was little and she would order the dogs to play with her?" He asked and I let out a small laugh.
"Yes, she would get so angry when they ran away and would yell at them that her papa would throw them in the Tower" it was his turn to laugh now.
"Do you remember when Mary took her first steps?" He asked and I stopped laughing and brought the memory forward.
"I do she was around a year, she was at Hatfield and we were visiting her when we tried to leave she followed" he smiled fondly at the memory.
"They grow too fast" I agreed.
"It is hard to believe that Elizabeth and Isabella shall be getting married this year then starting families of their own" I whispered in pain, I hated thinking of them leaving.
For the next hour Henry and I talked about when Mary was little and about Cordelia and they other children.
Thomas Boleyn, Prince of Spain, Duke of Wiltshire
I paced in my chambers angrily when William and Anthony came in "papa do you know where mama is?" Anthony asked curiously.
"She is talking to the King about Mary" she has been in there for an hour and a half now and I could not help but lead myself to one conclusion. The King never really talked to Katherine about anything and to now say he was spending the morning talking about the children? I do not believe it.
"Are you mad?" William asked.
"No, I am just a little stressed working out agreements with Spain and I need to ask your mother some questions, go back to your rooms and make sure Annette and Michelle are alright" they nodded and left cautiously.
She did not return for another 15 minutes before finally she opened the door and walked in, immediately I grabbed her arms roughly and she let out a small shriek.
"Where the hell have you been!" I snarled in rage and she stood absolutely still in shock her large blue eyes looking at me with caution.
"I was talking with the King, I thought a servant told you…" she trailed off looking away, I shook her tightening my hold on her shoulder and she let out a hiss of pain.
"Talking with the King? I do not believe you" hurt filled her eyes before I pushed her away from me.
"Do not believe me? Thomas what do you think I was doing then?" She demanded anger and hurt mingling in her voice.
"I do not need to think Katherine, I know very well that you slept with him!" She said nothing to my accusation and I walked toward the door.
"I have not slept with him! And how dare you put such an accusation on me like that! Just because you have recently been unfaithful does not mean I would follow your example" She cried out and I stopped in my tracks.
"You spend close to two hours alone with him! And with your history what should I be lead to believe" I snarled, I went to leave and she grabbed my arm tightly.
"We were talking of when Mary was little and Cordelia and all the children! She said he was sorry for what happened long ago and now that he looks back on it he was cruel to us. Thomas I would not sleep with him again why would you let yourself think that?" I knew she was probably telling the truth, but I was too angry and jealous to care.
"You would not sleep with him again?" I demanded and her eyes went wide.
"You know I did not mean it like that! Christ Thomas please stop this!" She begged quickly putting herself between the door and I.
"Then tell me how you meant it?" I hissed in her face and she let out a small whimper.
"The last time I slept with him was to bring you home from war, you know that" tears were forming in her eyes and I ground my teeth together.
"Liar" I pulled myself away and grabbed the door handle when I felt her punch my shoulder.
"You know I am not lying!" She cried in tears and I grabbed her arm dragging her to the bedchamber and pushing her onto the bed.
"You do not hit me Katherine" she bounced right back up and pushed me back.
"Then do not push me around!" I grabbed both her arms and dragged her close, she struggled for a few minutes before realizing she was not getting out and gave up. "Why are you accusing me of this? Thomas you know I love you" I grabbed the back of her hair and pulled back so her throat was exposed.
Her hands flew to my shoulders as I glared at her inspecting her appearance "I know that you love me, but your love for me has never stopped you before" she closed her eyes as started to cry harder.
"You are being so cruel! Why would I want to sleep with him? I already told you that I like you better" she sobbed opening her eyes up.
"Because I cannot please you as often as you would like!" I finally snapped speaking of my own insecurities. I let her go and turned my back on her, she did not say anything for a while.
"I did not sleep with him, you please me well enough Thomas I do not need to go anywhere else" she whispered touching my shoulder. Slowly she walked around and wrapped her arms around my neck, "the King could never please me like you do" she said softly. "You know in your heart I have not slept with him" she was right and I said nothing for a few minutes, "Thomas look at me" she caressed my cheek forcing me to look down at her.
"I am sorry sweetheart" I finally sighed and pulled her close, she buried her face in my chest, "I have a surprise for you though" I whispered with a small smile and she looked up curiously.
"What?" She asked and I kissed her deeply.
Mary, Queen of France
I was now Queen of France my husband King and my little Charlotte the heir of France. She was 3 months now and I played with her in my chambers, it was nighttime but I did not want to send her away just yet. "Wife, she must go to bed" Henri said walking into my chambers, Charlotte smiled when she saw her father and kicked her little legs on my bed.
"I wanted to spend more time with her" I sighed softly kissing her little nose, she giggled loudly and he smiled walking over and sat next to me looking down on her.
"You can spend tomorrow with her, but right now I wish to make her a big sister" I smirked softly and tickled her belly.
"You do not need to try" he looked at me oddly, "Henri I am a month pregnant" he only looked at me for a few minutes before kissing me deeply.
"When did you find out?" He asked in excitement.
"I had my suspicions last week but they were confirmed tonight" I said with a small laugh and he lifted out little girl up and cradled her close.
"Did you hear that Lottie? Mama is having another baby" he kissed me again and allowed Charlotte to spend the night with us.
June 28th 1533
Today was my fathers birthday and we were announcing to the Court that I was expecting another child, we wanted to wait a bit before announcing it to the world. Everyone was excited and I retired to my chambers early so I could relax for a bit "Your Majesty, a letter from England" I took it eagerly, I have not heard from my mother in so long and so desperately wanted to know what was going on in England.
My daughter,
Everyone here is fine, Isabella is doing so well in her studies and Tom has mastered his Latin. Cordelia's 15th birthday came and there was a large celebration at Court for her, everyone had such a good time. William and Anthony are still up to the same mischief and by time you get this their 14th birthday shall have passed. Anthony recently told us that he has decided he wants to be a lawyer, so both the King and his father have given him many books and tutors for his studies which he is very good at.
William though enjoys talking politics with Tom and George and seems he will make a very good one! Catalina has had her fits about going to France but is helping out a lot and has grown up a lot. Rose has gone through a lot of changes, Lady Elizabeth FitzWalter has visited England and brought with her 2 daughters, Annette who is 7 years, her birthday is in July and little Michelle who is 4, her birthday is in October. She abandoned them here and Thomas and I have been raising them as our own.
George, Jane and Renee have arrived perfectly well and I think she is very nice and treats Jane very well. I know all your siblings miss your dearly and Isabella, Rose, Cordelia, Catalina, Elizabeth, Margaret, Cecily, Tom, William, Anthony, Edward and James all wish me to tell you that they miss you and love you.
Do not worry Mary, I know you shall have a son and history shall not repeat itself, I have good news as well! We have decided to visit France! Twas my husbands idea and he misses you as well! We shall leave to France in June and should be there by August. It brings me great happiness to know I shall see you soon and I cannot wait for you to visit Annette and Michelle who are now Boleyn's as well. Isabella's marriage has been a bit postponed though and Lord Devonshire has been very kind about it, he shall be visiting with us too and I hope you do not mind if they get married in France.
Your Mother,
Katherine, Princess of Spain, Duchess of Wiltshire
I screeched in happiness getting up and lifted Charlotte up with me and kissed her little face "Mary! What is it!" Henri asked nervously coming over to me.
"My family is visiting France! They shall be here in September! Oh Henri I cannot wait! Mama shall meet Charlotte and maybe I can persuade her to stay till this baby is born! Oh Henri I am so excited! It seems Lady FitzWalter has abandoned two more daughters into my mothers care Annette and Michelle and I shall meet them. Isabella is coming too and might get married here to Lord Devonshire! I shall plan her wedding with her and it shall be beautiful!" I giggled in excitement.
"I am happy for you Mary, the baby is due in January, I believe she would stay with you" I was so excited and he kissed me deeply. "Now you need to calm down for this child" I nodded and Charlotte giggled happily at everything around her.
Isabella Boleyn
We were all excited as we were on the boat for France! I helped with Michelle and Annette, we have been on the ocean for a few weeks now and Tom, William and Anthony were with the captain along with papa as mama stayed with us in the chambers.
"Will Mary like me?" Annette asked mama softly.
"I believe she will love you" mama kissed her head and she hugged around her neck.
"Mama I want papa" Michelle announced, she loved papa and spent a lot of time with him, I think it is because she never had a father figure before.
"I shall take her mama" I offered and she nodded and a maid followed us closely as we went on deck.
"Papa!" Michelle cried seeing him and ran into his arms happily.
"Michelle, have you been good for mama?" He asked and she nodded with a large smile.
"Isabella, do you remember when we went to Germany?" Tom asked and I tried to think.
"A little, but I cannot recall most of it, only being sick on the boat" he nodded and leaned forward on the rails looking down to the sea.
"Do you think Catalina shall change her mind?" I laughed softly.
"I doubt it, she was angry we are going in the first place she believes it is a plan by papa to make her love France and marry her off while we are there" he rolled his eyes and looked up to the dark skies.
"Children, it is going to rain, we are going back to our rooms" we all nodded and William and Anthony raced down the hall and into our large rooms.
"Boys! Do not run!" Mama snapped to them and they quickly stopped "I swear you are like Tom and George on the first trip we had" she sighed in annoyance and caressed Anthony's cheek and hugged him close.
"Oh mama I am not sick" he sighed before mama could ask him, I cannot remember it but apparently Anthony almost died on our trip to Germany and mama has been very protective of him since we got on the ship.
"Katherine leave the boy alone" papa sighed as Annette hugged around his waist.
"Mama I am bored!" Catalina cried out in annoyance.
"It is suppertime so I guess you should not be bored much longer, after this is bedtime and I shall not hear differently" she breathed in shaking her head. Our sleeping arrangements were a bit confusing at first, papa, William and Anthony slept in our main bedroom in his and mama's bed and we slept in the smaller room connected, the bed was big which was good because it had to fit mama, me, Cordelia, Rose, Catalina, Annette and Michelle.
The reason why is because at first we were going to sleep in the main room because the bed is a lot bigger but papa did not want that because if anyone walked into the room they could lock his door and hurt us I guess. Since we were in the back room the only way in is from the main room and papa was a light sleeper on the ship and if the door was opened he was on alert.
"Do we have to go right to bed mama?" Cordelia asked softly in a plea.
"No, but you must get ready for bed, I do not want any of you getting into the habit of staying up late" she scolded and we all nodded.
Mama said goodnight to papa and we went into our small room and got ready for bed, once we were all in our chemises we sat in bed and talked, mama held Michelle in her arms and Catalina had her head in mama's lap. "Will George's ship get there once ours does?" Rose asked curiously.
"Maybe a couple days later, I am not sure" mama answered, she was quiet and sad since out departure, it was the last time she would see Elizabeth.
Katherine Boleyn, Princess of Spain, Duchess of Wiltshire
I could not be happier going to France to see Mary, but it broke my heart that I had to leave Elizabeth when I knew I would not see her again.
-Flashback-
"Elizabeth" I whispered, I wanted to say goodbye to her alone for I knew it would be very emotional.
"Nana" she answered quietly sitting in her chair.
"I want nothing more then to be there with you on the day you leave for Spain" I told her petting her cheek as I sat on the edge of her seat. "I love you very much Elizabeth and I know your mother would be so very proud of you, I know it may seem at times I did not keep my promise to her but I want you to know that I always made sure you were taken care of. I personally selected every maid and servant in your household and was given reports on your studies, you are very smart and I know you will make a very good Queen" she hugged me tightly.
"Oh Nana he is in his twenties!" She cried and I felt her tears.
"He is a little older then you yes, but Spain is a very beautiful place, my mother used to be Queen and now you will be someday, do be a favor and visit my mother and fathers tomb for me" I begged kissing her hands.
"I will, and I promise to have the most beautiful flowers laid before them" I kissed her cheek and hugged her tightly.
"I love you Elizabeth and I want you to write me when you can, do not forget your father or siblings" she nodded and held me close.
"I love you Nana"
-End Flashback-
It broke my heart leaving her but I knew she would be happy in Spain, there would be so much to keep her busy! "Will you marry Lord Devonshire in France Bella?" Cordelia asked Isabella who blushed deeply.
"He is onboard with George, and I guess if we find the time, I do not want to impose on Mary so we might wait till we return to England" I smiled at my daughters as they giggled and talked about trivial matters.
"Girls, it is time for bed" I told them, both Annette and Michelle have fallen asleep and I laid them down. They still whispered after I blew the candles out and were tucked under the covers I shook my head as they thought I could not hear them.
July 2nd 1533
It had been raining these past few weeks and finally the sun broke out and all the children were up on deck, "Thomas they are getting bored of this" I sighed as he held me close.
"I know that, have the girls help you fix the shirts and chemise and embroider handkerchiefs and pillows our something, the boys I can easily keep busy helping on deck" I nodded and kissed his cheek.
"I miss you at night" I whispered to him and he smirked.
"I know that, and I promise you when we get to France and have our own rooms I will make up for this" I giggled softly and Catalina screeched running over to us.
"Papa! William said he would through me over deck and into the water!" She cried in anger.
"William, do not throw anyone over deck it would hold us up" Thomas sighed and she hit his shoulder as he laughed "and it will upset me very much because it would hurt your sister" he added and pulled her close into a hug.
"You are mean papa" she laughed just a little and he kissed the top of her head.
"Ewww" Michelle groaned seeing green slime on the ground, Tom lifted her up and she giggled grabbing around his neck. Both Thomas and I were not stupid we both knew that by time they were both of age to be married he would be in his 60's and I would be in my late 50's we have already talked about it and decided not to make any contracts of marriage for them and leave it to Tom.
They would be Tom's responsibility to be married off, George would still be an ambassador and agreed it would be best that Tom take care of them since he would be around them more often. "Mama, is the water cold?" Annette asked curiously.
"Yes, it is very cold" I told her and her large brown eyes went wide.
"I do not want to go into the water" she whimpered in fear.
"Why would you think you are going into the water?" I asked curiously.
"Cause Willy said he would throw us in!" I looked to Thomas who nodded.
"That is it William, you are going into the water" Thomas sighed walking over and caught William, he laughed and struggled with his father.
"Oh papa I was just playing with them?" He laughed.
"Well stop playing with them like that" he nodded and Thomas let him go.
"Girls, come along it is time to work on your embroidery" I called and they moaned in annoyance and walked down to our room.
Isabella walked with me as the maid made sure the rest of the girls got to the room "mama" she whispered nervously as a crewman stumbled up the narrow hall obviously drunk.
"Hush Isabella" I held her hand tightly as we tried walking passed, but his arm slammed into the wall before us making her jump in fear. "Let us pass" I demanded wanting to be strong for my daughter, but inside I was scared.
"You can go, I just want to talk to Lady Isabella" he slurred and she hid behind me.
"No, now move aside" I snapped, he elbowed me back and tried reaching for my daughter but I quickly slapped him across the face.
"Isabella go get your father" I said quickly and she hesitated before I pushed her back up the hallway where we came from.
"You rotten bitch" the drunken sailor snarled holding his red cheek, he grabbed my throat and slammed me up against the wall and squeezed so I could not breath. I struggled for air desperately clawing at his hands and he only squeezed harder, black spots appeared in my vision as he looked down on me in rage.
I vaguely saw a body crash into his own and I was released and slumped to the ground gasping for the air I was deprived. I looked up to see Tom punching the sailor in the face angrily and William and Anthony came to my side helping me up immediately. "That is enough Tom!" Thomas said pulling him up, Isabella was standing next to him with the captain who had him immediately sent to the haul of the ship.
"Are you alright mama?" William and Anthony asked me repeatedly as I struggled for air, my body started to shake as I realized how close to death I just came.
"I…." I could not form a sentence and Thomas quickly came over and wrapped his arm around my waist lifting me up.
"Your mother needs rest, Lady Middleton keep the children in the main room" he told them and brought me to the girls and I bed. He touched my neck gently anger in his eyes as dark bruises of fingerprints began to appear.
"He wanted Isabella" I whispered once I could speak, but it hurt.
"Everything shall be alright, I do not want you walking alone anymore you will be accompanied by either Tom or I, other then that you and the girls are not leaving the room" I nodded and hugged him tightly. Later on in the night is when the children started peaking in and getting anxious "you may come in now, but do not bother your mother too much, it is time for bed" it only took a second for all the girls to race in and Catalina placed Michelle on the bed who quickly climbed up to me.
Thomas Boleyn, Duke of Pembroke
I have never felt that angry before, that…bastard had his arms around my mothers throat and you could see the life draining from her eyes as every second passed where he would not let her breath. "Boys" papa said and William, Anthony and I all looked up nervously, I knew what we did was foolish. A sailor is much stronger then us and could have easily hurt us all, but I was not going to just watch him murder my mother.
"Papa I-" he quickly cut me off with the wave of a hand.
"I am very proud of you three, you protected your mother and I cannot find any reason to be angry at you" he said and we all relaxed.
"What is going to happen to him?" Anthony asked curiously.
"Sailors justice, out on the open see there is not court or judge and they are too impatient to wait for the trip back to England, they do not take kindly to hurting woman and children" they would kill him for sure.
"Will she be alright?" I asked, I wanted to see mama tonight but papa said she needed rest and to leave her alone.
"She is a bit shaken, she and your sisters shall not leave this room anymore without an escort from either you or me, and I want this door locked at all times" I nodded, inside I was excited. Finally he was giving me more responsibility and stopped treating me like I was a boy.
"What about us papa?" William said quietly.
"I am proud of you too, your first care was to help your mother, you must help Tom watch all your sisters and make sure they are always safe" they both nodded with large eyes happy to take on the job as little as it was.
Rose Boleyn
Mama fell asleep quickly with Michelle and Annette but Isabella, Cordelia, Catalina and I all stayed awake. "I want to go home now" I whispered mournfully more to myself then to the others, we were all sitting at the end of the bed so we would not bother mama, Annette and Michelle.
"Do not say that, think of how excited Mary will be when she sees us and mama has been looking forward to this for so long, let us not ruin it with our sadness and do not let the monster ruin it as well" Cordelia said hugging me.
"I want to be home as well, everything is so much more scarier out on the sea, I do not like it" Catalina whispered and we all then looked to her.
"There is nothing to be afraid of" Isabella said and Catalina shook her head.
"That is easy for you to say you get to stay in England, you all call me a baby and make fun of me for it but I do not want to live in France, if it is so much better then why not any of you take my place instead?" None of us said anything.
"We never said it was better Catalina, we just tried to make it easier for you" Isabella told her softly.
"Nothing will make it better!" She said a bit too loudly and mama stirred from her sleep.
"Girls, it is bedtime" she whispered painfully, we knew her throat hurt and none us wanted to make her speak again so we quickly crawled under the covers. I was laying next to mama and she wrapped her arms around me kissing my head, Michelle was snuggled into Catalina and Annette between Cordelia and Isabella.
July 7th 1533
Isabella Boleyn
Today was Annette's 8th birthday and though we could not celebrate it like we wanted to we still made it fun. Mama was more quiet and did not leave the room only when she and papa dined with the captain of the ship "I do not feel well" I whimpered softly, mama got up from her chair and felt my head.
"You do not feel warm, maybe it is just from the sea? When you were little you had sea sickness as well" I nodded and placed my arm around my stomach.
"I hate sailing!" I whined and she only laughed kissing the top of my head.
August 5th 1533
Nothing brought us greater happiness then getting off the boat and getting into a carriage headed for the France Court, I was excited to be able to see my sister again and could not wait to meet my niece! It was suppertime by time we got there and mama was a bunch of nerves as we were escorted to our rooms where we all freshen up then were brought to the Mary's chambers and anxiously waited in her parlor.
"Katherine calm yourself" papa whispered to mama as she fretted with Michelle and Annette's dresses.
"Their Majesties King Henri and Queen Marie of France" the herald announced and we all looked up to see them walk in. King Henri was large with light brown hair and very light brown eyes.
We all curtsied our bowed and gasped when we saw the small extension in Mary's sapphire gown, she was pregnant again. "Oh mama!" She cried hugging mama tightly, "I have missed you all so much!" She looked all around and we each hugged her tightly before her eyes fell on Annette and Michelle. "You must be my new sisters, please call me Mary" they both nodded and Michelle reached up for Tom to lift her up.
"You are pregnant!" Cordelia said and she giggled in embarrassment.
"Yes, I am 4 months along now, but I believe you must first meet Charlotte" her husband, Henri, nodded to a maid who brought her in. She really did look like Mary with the dark chestnut hair but her eyes were the same light brown as her fathers, "this is Charlotte, she is about to be 6 months soon" Mary said to us all in pride.
"She is beautiful Mary" Rose said in awe.
"Yes she looks like you!" Catalina added with wide eyes.
"You must all be hungry, supper has been set up" King Henri said and papa nodded and motioned for us to follow our governances.
Katherine Boleyn, Princess of Spain, Duchess of Wiltshire
Charlotte really did look so much like Mary. It hurt me to see her so grown up now and expecting her second child! "Mama there is so much I want to tell you about everything, I smiled and kissed her forehead.
"We are going to be here for a bit so you do not need to hurry yourself now, you shall have plenty of time" her smile grew wider.
"Papa! I was hoping….well I am asking you if you may stay till January? Tis when the baby is due and I would really like you all to be here with me" she begged of Thomas and I looked to him with hope in my eyes.
"We can stay" he sighed and she shrieked in happiness.
"Mary, you need to calm yourself for the child" King Henri told her in a serious tone and she nodded and we took out seats next to the children and sat down for supper.
"Isabella, I hear you are to be married soon to the Duke of Devonshire" Mary said after a couple minutes of calming herself down.
"Yes I am, but the date has not been set, he is in France as well and his boat was right behind ours" she blushed looking down at her plate.
"She is very shy of the whole marriage thing" Tom announced for her and she pushed his arm.
"I am not shy, just unsure" William and Anthony snickered from either side of her causing the table to laugh.
"Mama, I no get it" Michelle said tugging on my sleeve.
"It is alright sweetheart" I patted her cheek and she held tightly to my dark skirts.
"Catalina, I know you may hate me but Lord Beaucourt is here as well" Mary said watching her younger sisters face.
"No offense to France for I find it to be a very nice country, but I still say I would rather stay in England" she said with a hint of malice in her voice.
"Catalina Boleyn" Thomas snapped at her and she lowered her head.
"Excuse my comments" she added quickly and became silent.
"You are excused, my brother is a very nice and I am sure you shall like him very much, you are both the same age and born in the same year" King Henri said and she did not reply.
"Are the gardens pretty?" Cordelia asked Mary and she brightened up.
"They are! Though I am not allowed out much" she sulked a little and laid a hand on her stomach. "But I am sure we can all go out tomorrow for a little bit" she looked to her husband who nodded.
"Mama I am sleepy" Annette whispered and I nodded and had Lady Middleton put the little ones to bed, Isabella and Tom were allowed to stay up but everyone else was sent to bed.
"Goodnight mama" William and Anthony sighed in annoyance, they wanted to stay up.
"Goodnight boys" they all said goodnight to their father, sister and…..brother-in-law and went to bed.
"How are things in England?" Mary asked softly once they had all left.
"They are well, Elizabeth is leaving for Spain a week after her birthday, I knew she was very saddened by it" she nodded sympathetically.
"All is well, Elizabeth shall be fine she is very strong and smart for a girl her age" Thomas said after me.
"She was always a good listener, tis where she got it all from" Mary said and turned to Henri, "Elizabeth is my younger sister, she was the first daughter born to….to Queen Anne Boleyn" she trailed off at the end knowing how upset it made Thomas.
"I know, My Lady we have not been properly introduced, I am Henri King of France" he said to me and I curtsied. "Lady Isabella, your sister has talked much about you and I believe has many plans" Mary hit his shoulder.
"Well I was going to ask you if you wanted to have your marriage in France, it is so pretty during the wintertime and it would be of no bother to me" she quickly said trying to explain herself. Isabella looked down though not willing to answer, I knew she was scared to get married.
"Sweetheart, it is alright you have no need to be nervous" I told her softly taking her hand and she forced a smile for my benefit.
"I would love to have my marriage here, forgive my nerves though" she whispered.
"It is okay to be scared" Mary sat down near her and we talked over what kind of wedding she wanted and the dress and flowers, I believe Mary was far more excited to the idea then Isabella was. But slowly she warmed up and grew to be just as excited as Mary.
"I believe it is time for bed" Thomas announced as Isabella let out a yawn, "we shall see you tomorrow Your Majesties" they both nodded and we escorted Isabella to her rooms and kissed her goodnight.
When we entered our rooms we found Michelle and Annette snuggled in the bed "they were both scared to tears Your Graces, it is a new place to them" we nodded but I knew Thomas was slightly upset.
"Have no fear, after tomorrow they shall get used to everything and it shall be only you and I in bed" I promised him and lay a gentle kiss upon his lips.
Mary, Queen of France
I was so excited my family was here! I wish Elizabeth, Edward, Cecily, James and Margaret could be here as well as papa and my stepmother, but I was thankfully for this at least. "Isabella and I talked and we decided her wedding is to be in November, like papa and mamas" I told Henri.
"That sounds nice, but please do not stress yourself over it and try to spend as little as possible" I nodded and lay a hand on my stomach as I felt the baby move.
"I am so happy mama and my sisters and brothers are here, I wish they could stay here forever" I whispered softly, but I knew they would have to return.
"Do not cry, cherish the time you have with them" Henri said pulling me close to him, I snuggled into his side and closed my eyes, it would be so much fun spending time with them all and getting to know my two new little sisters!
So I rushed through the trip to France because there's not that much I can write for it, the more important part was getting to France and Mary seeing them all again. 2 months on a ship seemed to be the most boring thing to write, their routine was the same everyday. Please review!
