April 16th, 1556

Hampton Court Palace

Isabella sat beside her husband, her hand being held in his. Northumberland sat on the king's other side, glaring at her and she sent the look back. Edward appeared to be uncomfortable and sipped his ale nervously. She turned away from him and looked out into the crowd at her ladies. Ruth was at the center, Mariana and Madeleine were putting their hands to her pregnant belly, giggling. Although Isabella was happy for Ruth, she couldn't help but feel jealous that God had taken her child, Edward's heir, while Ruth remained pregnant. She had refused to see Lady Norfolk, the very sight of her sent Isabella into despair. Edward assured her that children would come in time, but she couldn't help feeling that her own womb had been cursed.

"Isabella!" Edward's voice was uncharacteristically sharp.

Isabella turned her head. "I am sorry, Your Majesty. I did not mean to offend."

Edward nodded. "Northumberland wishes to ask your opinion on a very important matter."

What could he possibly wish to ask me?

"I was thinking to marry my son, Guildford, to your lady-in-waiting, Jane Grey." Northumberland mumbled.

Isabella looked up from her glass, shocked. "Jane Grey? Edward's cousin?"

Northumberland sighed. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Isabella smiled thoughtfully. "I shall consent to this marriage. If Jane Grey and her heirs are removed from the succession."

Edward and Dudley both appeared surprised at Isabella's request.

"Your Majesty, I do not believe that Jane Grey needs to be removed from the succession considering that she is currently fourth, behind your husband and his two sisters. Of course she will be further away from the crown after you give birth to an heir. If not, it shall pass to Mary's children and finally Elizabeth's children before Jane and her children." Northumberland asserted.

Isabella shook her head. "The succession will pass over Jane to her sister Catherine or there shall be no marriage."

She noticed Dudley's crestfallen expression. "I thank you for your consent, Your Grace."

Edward opened his mouth to speak but closed it again and took another sip from his glass.

Isabella nodded and rose to her feet. She took one last sip of her wine and walked out into the crowd, wishing to be far away from Dudley. Elizabeth was storming off from Eric and bumped into Isabella.

"Excuse me, Your Majesty!" Elizabeth exclaimed.

Isabella chuckled. "It is alright, Elizabeth. How has your marriage been? I see that you are not yet with child."

Elizabeth's face darkened. "Oh, Eric is, well he is often with his father, attending matters of state."

Isabella stared at Elizabeth, who was normally articulate, stammer as she spoke about her husband.

Well is she not out of sorts? Quite odd of her...

"He must have a mistress." Isabella offered.

Elizabeth nodded vigorously. "Yes, a mistress. Well what can be done? A future king with a king's appetite."

Quite odd indeed.

"I am quite flushed, I believe it is best that I turn in early tonight. I deeply regret it, but I am sure you understand." Elizabeth fanned herself.

Isabella nodded and summoned Marie. "Marie, I would like you to escort Princess Elizabeth to her chambers."

Marie curtsied. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Isabella watched as the blonde French woman led Elizabeth down a corridor.

Elizabeth was lying in the bed of the chamber when Eric entered. Vulnerable, she knew she would have to submit to his will as his wife. However, she also noticed that he was not drunk and the hunger in his eyes was modest.

"Elizabeth, you have claimed that on our wedding night I forced you. I have no recollection of that night, but we both have a duty as the heirs of Sweden. You must conceive an heir." He stated plainly as he began to remove his clothing.

Elizabeth took in a shaky breath. "I am aware of this, Eric. I just do not wish to. You have made it a great suffering for me to lay with you."

"I've only been to your bed once Elizabeth. You and I are aware that I can do what I wish to you, you are my wife. I have attempted to make you warm to me by respecting your wishes, but my patience has grown thin. Elizabeth, I have dismissed my mistress and I will lay with you on this night."

Elizabeth did not speak but she could feel the hot tears slide down her face. As Eric laid down beside her he wiped them away.

"I will not harm you, Elizabeth. I only want to right what has happened between us."

Elizabeth sunk down, her eyes screwed shut. She felt his hands upon her legs and a heavy weight on her body. A whimper escaped her, she waned to be away from him desperately. She opened her eyes and his blue eyes burned into hers, lovingly like when she had first arrived in Sweden. She tensed as she felt him enter her but she allowed herself to be used by her husband and her mind began to drift to her future children. She could see them, blonde haired and blue eyed, playing in the halls of Kalmar Castle while she was the humble queen, proudly presiding over her court. She then thought about Eric being a drunkard king and bringing the country to ruin, leaving the nobles to turn to her as a regent until her son's majority. Eric groaned and rolled over, leaving Elizabeth feeling empty but hopeful. Eric meant nothing to her, he was rash and bold, qualities she admired but knew were detrimental to government. She would raise her son to be a cautious ruler, one that would keep the country on track. Eric soon fell asleep beside her and she stared up at the ceiling.

Eric may have defiled me and reduced me to something less than human, but I shall have the last word. My children shall be raised by me alone and I will ensure that Eric cannot influence them to become the horrible creature that he is himself.