King James V POV
Linlithgow Palace, Linlithgow, Scotland
February 21, 1537
I looked across the throne room inside Linlithgow Palace to my new bride, Queen Elene. At just 17, she had made this union, something my mother had dreamed of ever since the first negotiations for my marriage had begun.
When we wed, I had just turned 25 and it had been slightly strange at first as she had been part of the English royal family by marriage as her sister was Queen Anne Boleyn of England, Ireland, and Wales. It had been months since that fateful day and three months since my wife had become pregnant with four of my own babies.
My heart ached at the thought of starting my own dynasty with her, a dynasty I was confident would preside over Scotland for years to come. I loved my country and wanted nothing more than for them to have the best of everything.
As I looked around the beautiful throne room, I could feel my spirit swell with pride and happiness as I thought about the future for Scotland and my own royal family.
It was a sign of faith that my people had bestowed me with the power to create such great a legacy. I would serve them with all of my heart, and provide them with a safe and prosperous future.
The thought of this made me tremble with excitement, but it was also a bit daunting. After all, I had so many responsibilities weighing down on my shoulders.
Though I was young, I had been groomed and trained to accept the heavy burden of being a King. I was ready now more than ever, to take on the reins of my own country and provide even more for the people of Scotland than my father ever had.
As Queen Elene smiled up at me with her loving gaze, I knew I was on the right path. I could feel the strength and faith that our union would create radiating off of her.
Scotland was about to make history with our marriage and the four beautiful babies that would soon be born. I was ready to be the greatest King I could be for them and use this position as an opportunity to serve my people with all my heart.
Queen Elene Stuart nee Boleyn POV
Linlithgow Palace, Queen's Chambers, Linlithgow, Scotland
July 21, 1537
I lay there in the queen's chambers in the Linlithgow Palace, trying to hold back my tears as I deliver my children into the world. I had known the labor wouldn't be easy, but I never expected what would happen next.
As each of my children, one by one, entered the world, I was filled with a mix of shock and excitement. It had only been a few hours since I began labor, but now I was staring into the eyes of my seventh child.
I looked up from my newborns to the midwife and courtiers in the room, as if demanding an explanation. But no one said a word. Finally, I whispered what I knew to be true.
"They're all my babes."
The midwife nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. You've given birth to seven children in one day!"
Instantly, I felt a surge of pride for my accomplishment. I had entrusted my secret to my husband, King James V of Scotland, and he had come to visit me in the night as I lay in labor waiting for the seven babes to come out.
I held each of my babes close as tears welled up in my eyes. Seven children! It was a true miracle. I knew now why I had been chosen to be Scotland's queen.
I decided to name them after my husband and my family members. Alanna, Helena, Mary, Elizabeth, Frances, Margaret, and Anne.
I smiled through my pain, knowing that this was only the beginning for these seven special little lives. With one hand, I held my children close, and with the other, I had faith that the future was indeed bright for my seven little miracles.
July 22, 1537
I felt the warmth of his hand as he touched my belly that still seemed bloated from childbirth. I looked into his eyes and felt so much love as we lay in the bed together.
Quickly my husband's loving caresses turned into passionate and urgent desires, and I knew that he wanted to make love to me. Although exhausted from giving birth, I felt my longing for him reciprocated and I eagerly started removing my clothes, ready to succumb to his loving desires.
I felt the excitement in the air as we embraced each other and began to make love. We were both in ecstasy, wrapped in each other's arms and we gave into our sacred moment.
Little did we know that this night would conceive seven sons. As the hour passed and each moment of passion and pleasure filled our bodies, I knew in my heart that I was new pregnant.
I lay there in contentment with my husband, laying aside my exhaustion, as I held on tight to the knowledge and the hope that I had become pregnant with seven sons.
Seven sons that will bring the prosperity and joy to our family, our kingdom, and to our people.
The thought of our seven sons who would be named after seven family members brought a smile to my face.
On that day, I embraced the power of the life that was created between my husband and me, that even in our weakness, we could create so much strength for our kingdom of Scotland.
February 22, 1538
I am overcome with emotion as I give birth to my eight sons – the eyes of my husband, James V, and of our family present all sparkling in tears of joy as each son greets the world with their first cries.
I am Queen Elene Stuart nee Boleyn, wife to James V and I am surrounded by my children at Linlithgow Palace in Linlithgow, Scotland on the winter night of February 22nd, 1538. Along with my new eight sons, I already have with me my nine-month-old daughters, Alanna, Helena, Mary, Elizabeth, Frances, Margaret, and Anne, who have already filled my heart with love and pride.
I carefully name my sons after my husband and our family members, James, John, Thomas, Edward, Henry, Robert, George, and Alexander. As I gaze at their sweet little faces, I already see them all have a bright future of greatness ahead of them.
Though I am exhausted from giving birth to eight sons, I cannot help but smile from the pure bliss of being a mother. I am overcome with joy, knowing these are the same sons that my husband and I have prayed for and have now been graced with.
A contentment washes over me as I hold my seven sons tight to my chest for the first time. From this day forward, I will cherish every moment I have with my children and will ensure that they will have the best life I can possibly give them.
The air around me is alive with laughter and love, all thanks to the eight little bundles of joy I now call my sons.
King James V POV
Linlithgow Palace, Linlithgow, Scotland
I, King James V of Scotland, am overcome with emotion as I bestow titles of royalty upon each of my eight sons. Here in Linlithgow Palace, I marvel at the majestic surroundings and realize the privileged future my sons will have. I know each of them will be a leader and I am sure they will strive to take Scotland to greater heights.
As the eldest, James, Duke of Rothesay, is granted the title of crown prince. I can already witness the bright spirit in his eyes and the pride on his face as he bears this title. My second son, John is made the Duke of Ross and he is certain to be an admirable ruler.
My third son Thomas is anointed the Earl of Mar, a title he will undoubtedly fulfill with the same courage and valor that has been seen in his brothers. Prince Edward is named Earl of Morton and I am certain he will represent the country of Scotland with the highest dignity and honor.
My fifth son, Robert is made Earl of Rothes, ensuring that he will be an extraordinary ruler and well respected among our citizens. Prince George is rewarded with the title of Earl of Perth, and I feel assured that his presence will fill the court with an energy of majesty and zeal.
Prince Alexander is given the title of Earl of Stair while Prince Henry is made the Earl of Orkney. I know that their stewardship of Scotland will prove to be unparalleled.
As I behold my sons standing proudly, I am filled with immense joy for their vibrant and glorious futures. I pray to God that each will be an honorable leader and that our country may prosper with their guidance.
