April 16th, 1556

Hampton Court Palace

Edward rose earlier than usual, stirring quietly beside his wife. He had been sleeping in her room ever since the babe had been lost to ensure that she was recovering. Some days she seemed like her former self, others she laid about and moped, refusing to allow even Lady Norfolk entry. Not that the Duchess of Norfolk took offense, she had known Isabella long enough to be used to the way she grieved. It was 16th of April, Isabella's birthday, and he truly hoped that she would not be depressed. Elizabeth had been invited back to England to help celebrate Isabella's eighteenth birthday, to which Elizabeth had eagerly accepted. He hadn't told his queen anything of the planned banquet in an effort to surprise her and make her happy. Isabella began to stir beside him, and he smiled. She whimpered a little as she opened her eyes and looked up at him.

"Good morning, Edward." Her voice seemed flat and it put a blow to his hopes for her to have a happy disposition.

He pushed it aside. "How do you feel today, my love?"

She pulled herself into a sitting position. "I feel better than yesterday. It was ten days ago, when I lost our son. Now that I know you are not going to lock me away and repudiate me, I do feel well."

He gave her kiss on her forehead and then climbed out of her bed.

"Are you to leave now?" She pouted playfully.

He chuckled. "I am afraid I must. You have your ladies to keep your company."

"That is correct. Would you mind sending Ruth and my correspondence?" She inquired as she got out of her bed and began crossing the floor to meet him.

"Not at all, Izzy. I will return to you when the night falls." He bent to give her a peck on the lips and turned for the door.

It was encouraging to see her that way and he hoped she remained in her optimistic mood for the rest of the day. He walked quietly through the outer chamber where her ladies had all curled up together sleeping, save for Catherine and Marie de Meluen, who were sleeping on the opposite side. He spotted Ruth laying closest to the door and made sure he did not accidentally step on any of them. He bent down to prod Lady Norfolk, whose eyes immediately flicked open, and she sat up.

"Is something wrong with Izzy?" Her voice hushed, although he could hear the panic.

Edward shook his head. "She is alright. She asked me to send you and for you to bring her correspondence with you,"

Ruth seemed to calm at this. "Very well, Your Majesty."

Edward watched as his wife's 'sister' and attendant pulled herself to her feet, reach in a box for her letters, and disappear into the queen's chamber.

April 16th, 1556

Hampton Court Palace

Eric walked into the English Palace with Elizabeth at his side. He had noticed her disposition change when they landed on English soil and that she was much happier, not towards him but happier. Her ladies trailed behind them and Eric had already informed King Edward that he intended to leave all of Elizabeth's English ladies in England once they returned to Sweden. All except for Catherine Carey, not because she was Elizabeth's blood relation, but that she was his brother John's mistress. He had no memory of his wedding night, only remembering getting drunk after the priest left. Elizabeth had avoided him since, refusing him entry into her bedchamber. He respected these wishes, but he was in desperate need to have a woman in his bed. He had dismissed his mistress, thinking it would cause Elizabeth to warm to him, but the Crown Princess of Sweden would not yield herself to him. Prior to their official wedding, Elizabeth had been quite friendly to him but afterwards she became quite distant, in fact the banquet would be the first time he had seen his wife since January. Even still, she appeared cold, bitter and angry towards him.

"Elizabeth, I need to speak with you." He whispered.

She turned her head slightly, "Yes, Eric?"

"I'm in desperate need to know why-"

A young woman with red hair approached them and bowed. Eric grimaced as he stopped mid-sentence.

Her voice had a heavy Spanish accent. "Hello, Prince Eric and Princess Elizabeth. I have just come to inform you that King Edward has arranged for the two of you to sleep together in the same room."

Eric brightened at this, but he noticed Elizabeth's horrified expression.

"Can you please inform your King that, although I'm grateful for his hospitality, I would appreciate a separate room from my husband."

The girl shook her head. "I'm afraid that it is not possible. His Majesty already informed me that he will not be providing you with a separate room,"

Elizabeth relented. "Well, thank you anyway."

The girl curtsied and hurried off to join a group of women, all of them floating around one pregnant noblewoman. He knew it was not the queen, for he had been informed that she had a miscarriage. He also knew he and Elizabeth would not have a child any time soon if she continued to refuse him. He, like all men of power, needed an heir to continue the Swedish succession. Tonight would be the night that he would bed her and create a child.

"Elizabeth, why do you refuse my presence?" he inquired.

Elizabeth turned to face him, her eyes narrowed into slits. "As if you do not know."

"I honestly do not," Her tone made him truly question himself but no memory of their wedding night would come.

"You forced me!" She hissed, pain was evident in her voice and she turned and walked away quickly as possible.

Eric could only stand there in utter disbelief. In his drunken stupors, of which he had no recollection, he was violent, so he was told by his closest friends. He was drunk often and was always left with no memory of the night prior. It was very possible that he had forced her that night. It occurred to him that he would have to rectify this with her. Immediately.