I am going to begin a prequel to this story as some people feel they need more of a back story for Isabella's existence. I will be writing these stories simultaneously as the prequel will be no more than ten chapters, probably closer to 5 or 6. Anyway, enjoy this chapter
October 19th, 1561
Richmond Palace
Edward watched as Archbishop Cranmer said Isabella's last rites. Isabella was unlikely to live much longer according to Lady Sancha, and she had insisted that Isabella be given her last rites before she passed away. Yet, as he watched Isabella he noticed that her breathing was strong and steady, not weak like that of one not far away from death. Cranmer bowed to him before leaving the room, and Edward got up to stand over his wife. Ruth had fixed Isabella's hair, making her look as if she were already in a casket. However, she was beautiful as she had always been. His three-and-twenty year old wife was laying on her deathbed after the birth of their sixth child. Her held her hand in his, suddenly remembering their wedding day. She had been so nervous to become his wife, worrying about her ability to provide him with suitable heir. He then thought about their first child they had lost, she had been afraid of him, and now here she was, only hours or days away from death. He imagined her beautiful blue-grey eyes looking up at him, laughing and telling him she was only jesting. Yet, her eyes remained closed, and she was still. He decided to name their little daughter Constance Isabella, which Lady Norfolk agreed to. He would need to contract another marriage as Northumberland kept insensitively reminding him, and the now sixteen year old Elisabeth of Valois would very likely become his second wife. He didn't want to think of it, he wanted Isabella to make some miraculous recovery, but he knew that once the fever set in that she was a lost cause. He felt numb, and he barely felt Mariana shove him towards the door. He trudged towards his own chambers, and as expacted, Northumberland was there, writing letters to foreign kings to announce the birth of his newest daughter. Edward noticed a piece of paper that Northumberland was copying from that read, "Constance Sybille" written in Isabella's hand.
"Lady Norfolk found this in Her Majesty's letters," He explained as he copied the name on a letter addressed to the King of France.
Edward picked up the paper and rolled in his fingers. He looked on the back of the slip of parchment where she had written, "Edmund". Edward assumed that she intended to name their next son after his great grandfather, Edmund Tudor, 1st Earl of Richmond. He smiled slightly, appreciating how much she had remembered about his family history. He placed the paper back down, sat at his oaken desk, and rested his chin on his folded hands, deep in thought.
Perhaps Lady Norfolk was right. She may very well be the most disrespectful shrew I have ever met, but she has a good heart. She is no fairweather woman.
Northumberland got up from his desk. "Ned, I know you are ailing."
Edward sighed, he paused to gain strength in his voice. "Why? Why, did this happen to her? Why her? Why..."
Edward felt his eyes stinging again, nothing close to the ideal King. Yet, he didn't care, his wife was dying, and he was feeling the deepest bitterness. He hated himself for conducting the affair with Marie, it had killed the only woman he would ever truly love.
Northumberland put a hand on his shoulder. "These events happen, Your Majesty. Your own mother is an example of this."
Edward nodded slowly. "I lost a son the year prior to this, now I lose my wife. Lady Norfolk warned me of this, affairs are looked down upon by God. Henry of France died with his mistress' favor upon his lance."
"Your Majesty, not all men lost their wives in childbirth due to affairs. Your great grandmother Elizabeth Woodville lived long after her husband, although her husband had an affair with Jane Shore." Northumberland reasoned.
Edward shook his head. "I was given a good wife, and I failed to appreciate the divine grace of God. Now my wife is slowly dying, leaving me with five young children, and the task of finding a new wife."
"Elisabeth of Valois is a very favorable prospect..." Northumberland murmured tentatively.
Edward nodded absently. "Whom else?"
Northumberland picked up a list. "Dorothea of Denmark, Sibylla of Pomerania, Amalie of Pomerania, Elizabeth of Sweden, Cecilia of Sweden, Marie Eleonore of Cleves, or Maria of Guimaraes are possible brides, Your Majesty. Many good Protestant brides to choose from, of course if you wish to make the Portuguese or French alliance that is an option as well."
Edward leaned back. "I will tentatively choose Elisabeth of Valois or Sibylla of Pomerania. There is still a possibility that she will return to me."
Northumberland shook his head. "It would be for the best if you let go of her, Your Majesty."
Edward raised his hand, signalling for Dudley to leave. Northumberland bowed and closed to door behind him. For the first time, Edward was truly alone and he cried. It was terrible sound that echoed off the walls. He sobbed hysterically, his body shaking. He didn't want Elisabeth or Sibylla, he wanted his sweet Isabella. He would have given his life in place of hers.
That damned Marie!
October 20th, 1561
Richmond Palace
Edward rose early, it was the day that Constance would be christened. As usual, Ruth would carry the child in procession, and Sancha would carry the baptismal cloth. However, afterwards he wouldn't carry their newborn back to Isabella's rooms and spend the day with them until his work pulled him away. Today, he would return to his Privy chamber to settle the new tax policy as Ruth carried his new daughter back to the nursery. He, like the majority of the court were dressed in mourning clothing, a normally happy occasion had become a large display of grief. A heavy pounding upon his chamber door made him jump.
"Enter," He called.
The door opened and Lady Norfolk opened the door, her eyes wild and her hair, a tangled mess on her shoulders. She swept into an awkward, hurried curtsy.
"The queen!" she croaked.
Edward ran to her and shook her. "What about the queen?"
"She-She hath awakened!" Ruth stammered.
Edward pushed past her and sprinted to Isabella's rooms. Sancha was dabbing at her forehead, but he could hear her weakly protesting. He felt his legs go weak as he walked to the side of her bed. She looked at him slightly confused, as if she couldn't remember who he was.
He couldn't contain his smile. "Isabella?"
He felt her hand rest upon his. "Edward, my love."
Edward kissed her forehead. "I cannot begin to explain how grateful I am to God of your return to us."
"What do you mean? Surely it hath only been a few hours." Isabella looked around her chamber.
Edward shook his head. "No, my dear. You were dead to us for three days. We were all sure that you were lost to us."
Isabella's eyes widened with realization. "Where is my child?"
"Our daughter is with Lady Madeleine, being prepared for her christening. Constance Sybille is the name you wanted, correct?" Edward tried to calm her.
Isabella nodded absently. "How-how is our daughter?"
Edward chuckled. "She is beautiful, my love. She is your reincarnate."
The door creaked open and Marie skulked in. She flashed a large smile at Isabella, but Edward could tell it was forced. He ignored her and wrapped his arms around Isabella.
She gratefully rested her head on his chest. "I feel so weak."
"You will be healed soon, my love." He kissed her gently.
Suddenly, the playful light returned to her eyes. "Are you late for something, Your Majesty?"
"Ah,yes! The christening!" Edward kissed her cheek and then ran down the corridor to the chapel.
He entered the church smiling. It may have been his daughter's christening, but he had already received his blessing.
October 20th, 1561
Hampton Court Palace
Marie returned to her apartments. The queen had risen from her fever, and it was unlikely that she would die. She had been looking forward to the day that she would have been hailed Queen Marie and had Lady Norfolk bowing at her feet. Her two daughters, Eleanor and Bridget, were unacknowledged bastards and she was a secret. No courtier knew, save Northumberland and Lady Norfolk, and both looked down upon her. Northumberland had formed a grudging respect for the queen and Lady Norfolk was her closest ally. She had received a letter from Duchess Maria, urging her to poison Isabella. It would be too risky to outright poison the queen. She had a food taster in any case, and Marie did not want any blood on her hands. She looked into the mirror in her vanity. She noticed the darkening circles around her eyes and wrinkles that were beginning to form around her mouth. Her mother had been right to warn her daughters that beauty was fleeting. She touched her finger tips to the glass. She was only one and twenty, should she appear this old? Queen Isabella was three and twenty and she looked just as youthful as when Marie had first became her lady-in-waiting. She turned back to her two daughters. She was waiting for the priest to come baptize Bridget after the princess was baptized. Isabella's children would always be treated better than hers. They were royal, they would have the best marriages and the best tutors. Marie's children would only get leftovers and be kept out of sight.
"Unless someone tell Isabella her dear husband has not been as faithful as he wants her to believe." She chuckled to herself.
Marie turned back to her mirror and her fading looks, if she wanted to benefit from her relationship with Edward she would have to do so quickly. However, she had to find a way to reveal the affair without telling Isabella herself. Isabella would have to discover them together herself, Marie knew she would dismiss it as court gossip if she were simply told. All Marie needed was the perfect time to destroy Edward's marriage.