February 27th, 1559

Hampton Court Palace

Edward had planned another sumptuous banquet, this time to celebrate his second son's creation of the peerage. He was investing Alexander as the Duke of York, typical of the second son. He was being held by Ruth, the children's governess while Jane and Arthur were sitting beside Isabella, who was seven months pregnant with their fourth child. Ruth was even closer to having her child, while Mariana, newly married Lady Northampton was also heavily pregnant. The joke was spreading throughout court that it had been planned. Edward turned back the door, where many of the royal guests were arriving and as he had to remind himself that his sister Mary had died giving birth to a small girl, Isabel, that died shortly after birth. His only living sister Elizabeth was just arriving, a soft smile on her face.

"Congratulations, dear brother." She giggled as she pulled him in for a hug.

Edward laughed and rubbed her stomach. "Congratulations yourself."

Elizabeth sighed. "Hopefully this one shall be a boy."

Elizabeth had given birth to a daughter, Cecilia Renata.

"Ah, yes. How is my little niece?" Edward inquired.

His sister's eyes lit up again. " Cecilia is doing quite well. She always manages to amaze me in some little way."

"The same with my three, especially Jane Margaret. She is so special to me, and from the way things seem with all of my children, she may be my only daughter. I want to create a title for her, I just do not know what. I do not feel that granting her a peerage would be ideal, as she will end up taking it as her dowry." Edward shook his head as he looked back at his blonde haired daughter.

Elizabeth nodded in understanding. "Why not the Princess Royal? Like in France?"

Edward narrowed his eyes as he mused over this. "This is why I need you in England. I can never thing of these things."

Elizabeth laughed. "It is only because you are always thinking of all of England. I assume you like my suggestion."

"It makes much sense, especially since I am already the King of France." He stood with pride.

"The Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, and now the Princess Royal. Titles for all of your current children and your future son should be given the Dukedom of Richmond. If it is a son, that is." Elizabeth smirked before she walked in the direction of Isabella and her ladies.

Edward thought about his growing family. He hoped for another daughter, he already had two sons and the succession was well secured. However, he needed more daughters to make dynastic alliances. Jane, he hoped, would marry the heir of Navarre so that he could aid his Protestant allies, but he wanted another daughter to marry into a house in the Germanies or in Denmark. He wanted a network of Protestant alliances to secure England's future. As he approached his wife he noticed Lady Marie chatting with Isabella's step mother.

February 27th, 1559

Hampton Court Palace

Marie knew that Isabella had sent her off to find herself a husband, but she was already known throughout the court as a mistress and unclean, to which the queen was oblivious. Marie also knew that the sharp Lady Norfolk was watching her every move and many referred to her as the "little queen" or the "blood hound" because Ruth was always watching, waiting and prying. As Marie walked through the large crowd she saw a woman sitting alone, scowling. It was Duchess Maria of Cleves, and Marie knew she was not happy with being in England, her hatred for her step daughter was well known. Surprisingly, the Duchess motioned for her to beside her.

Marie curtsied. "Duchess."

"Ah, just as I suspected. You're French." Maria nodded and smiled widely.

Marie nodded a bit too eagerly. "What is it that you want with me?"

"You are smart. Smart and French, such a deadly combination for a woman." the Duchess chuckled, darkly.

Marie was curious as she sat down beside Isabella's step mother. She could only want a few things from a lady in waiting to her enemy: information or to murder the queen. Marie would not murder Isabella, she was an enjoyable person, although she wouldn't hesitate to rid herself of Lady Norfolk. However, she would spy for a heavy price. Her gambling debts had become a glaring problem.

Maria sipped her wine. "I need you to displace the queen."

"Displace her?" Marie turned to go but Maria grabbed her arm, too tightly.

"You know of the King's father, Henry VIII?" Maria's tone turned silky.

"I have heard tales. He put away one wife, beheaded the second, the third died in childbed, ignored the fourth, beheaded the fifth, and the sixth was blessed to outlive him. Correct?"

Maria nodded. "Precisely. Edward is his father's son, so you should be able to displace Isabella and become queen. With my assistance of course."

"Queen of England? Not I, I am only a noblewoman. I have not a drop of royal blood." Marie shook her head.

"Neither did four of his father's wives." the Duchess took another sip of her wine.

Marie nodded slowly. "That is very true. However, Henry rid himself of Catherine because she could give him no sons. Queen Isabella has already given him two sons, a daughter and she is expecting again. It seems that she has been pregnant every year since she and King Edward married, she has no problem with having children."

"She has two young sons, they can easily be done away with." Maria was hinting at murder.

"I will not harm the princes. They are sweet boys." Marie snapped.

Maria scowled. "You would allow her children to take precedence over yours?"

Marie contemplated this. She wanted to become a queen, any woman in her right mind would want to displace a queen, but what could she offer that Isabella hadn't already given? She had given Edward sons, unrelenting affection, and was popular with the English people, who weren't easy to please. Marie was a master at seduction; but Edward was a religious fanatic, and his eyes never strayed from Isabella.

"It will not be possible, Edward is deeply in love with his wife." Marie said slowly.

Maria nodded knowingly as she looked back at Edward, who was laughing with Isabella on his throne. Marie watched with her as Edward affectionately rub her belly and smile as he gazed into her eyes. Suddenly, Marie realized how lucky Isabella was. Most kings ignored their wives, especially in France. Yet, Edward made sure that he was able to see his queen every night and he visited his children in the nursery just as often.

"I see it in your eyes, you want to be her." Maria murmured.

Marie nodded. "I want to marry Edward."

"Then do everything as I say and you shall overtake her." Maria offered her hand. "Swear your fealty to me."

Marie took her hand, her blood boiling and her heart pounding. "I swear my fealty to you, Duchess Maria."

With that oath, Marie knew she had made a deal with the devil.