King George II POV

August 3, 1531

Hampton Palace, England

I, King George II of England, was but a lad when I was wed to the 16-year-old Mary of Guise. It had only been two days since my father's death had been announced and I felt immense grief, but I was quickly pulled into preparations for our wedding day.

Though I was not yet aware of it, my stepmother Ariana Plantagenet, née Black, was pregnant with supposedly my father's children. She had been sleeping with one of my father's guards, and now she was bearing multiple offspring due the next day.

My father had also been married to my mother Nadine. He had twenty-nine children with her, George, aka me, Rowan, Mary, Elizabeth, Arthur, Artemis, Beauregard, Henry, Edward, Eric, Fredrick, Gideon, Morgana, Daniel, James, Guinevere, Angelique, Theodore, Raphael, Gabriel, Sage, Rosetta, Aria, Caspian, Serenity, Alfonso, Miriam, Matthew, Miruna, and Felicity before her death delivering Caspian, Serenity, Alfonso, Miriam, Matthew, Miruna, and Felicity.

My half-siblings by my father's first wife, Queen Isabella, were Violet who was in Germany with her husband, Dean the Duke of Berlin, Willow in Spain with her husband Felipe the Duke of Barcelona, and Rachel in France with her husband Alexander Angouleme. Meanwhile, Elizabeth was in Portugal as the Crown Princess. Beauregard was in Russia with his wife Princess Tatia, Artemis was married to King Louis XIII of France, Gideon was in Greece with his wife Princess Diana, Prince Frederick was in Russia married to Princess Olga Makarov, Daniel was in Spain married to Princess Maria, Guinevere had died of sweating sickness, Angelique of stabbing, and Morgana of poison. Rosetta was married to The Duke of Lorraine, Antoine, Sage was in Venice with her fiancé Leonardo, son of the Doge of Venice, Theo was married to Princess Jasmine of the Ottomans, Miriam had gone to live in Germany with her betrothed, Prince Felix of Germany, Caspian was in Spain with his fiancé Princess Rosetta of Spain, Serenity was in Venice with her fiancé Prince Augusto of Venice, Alfonso in Italy with his fiancé Princess Isabella of Kilpersberg, Matthew had married Princess Kattina of the Empire of Romania, and Miruna was soon to be married to Prince Macarius of Savoy. Felicity was living with her betrothed, William Seymour.

Today, I wed Mary of Guise and was coronated King of England. As king, I was to be surrounded by some of the finest in the land and granted the ultimate honor of being anointed King in a grand celebration. I went along with the procession, feeling an immense reverence as the people gathered around us to witness this grand occasion. We were being heralded by a grand opera and the night was illuminated by beautiful fireworks. As we sat down to enjoy a feast to mark our union, I was overwhelmed by a sense of joy and optimism as I realized how new beginnings and possibilities were ahead of us, on the foundation of my father's legacy. Together, with Mary of Guise, I was determined to build a lasting kingdom, far stronger than I had ever imagined.

Mary of Guise POV

I am Mary of Guise, daughter of Claude de Guise, duc de Lorraine and Antoinette de Bourbon and my family holds a great power in our French court. I have only been married a few hours now, and the court gossip suggests that the court expects the two of us to consummate our marriage tonight.

I can only imagine the scandal if I am unable to satisfy the King. I lay in my bed and prepare myself for the union. I try not to think of what is coming. I try to remain calm and think of the potential benefits from this marriage. I know this marriage could potentially benefit my family, as well as bring greater stability to the throne.

The door to my room opens and I see King George enter. He is tall and regal in a deep blue velvet robe. Without a word, he approaches my bed and lays down beside me. We are both nervous for what is to come, but I find the comfort of his presence comforting and, try to remain strong.

He begins to caress my body and I shudder with pleasure and anticipation. He kisses me, slowly at first then growing more passionate. His hands move over me; soon exploring my body with more and more intensity.

We lay together, intimate and connected, as we explore the passion of the night. We eventually reach our climax after several hours, and I bask in the afterglow. Afterward, we simply look at each other, saying nothing.

As the sun rises, I know I have fulfilled my duty to the throne. I lay there, feeling a deep satisfaction, as I drift off into a peaceful sleep.

August 4, 1531

Hampton Palace, Dowager Queens Chambers

Ariana Plantagenet née Black POV

The screams of birth echoed through the chambers, reverberating off the stone walls as I brought forth children. Eight babes all swaddled in blankets, each with a different hair color, had emerged from the struggling and anxious grasp of my own.

The room reeked of the flowers that had been brought in from the gardens in an abundant rush to make the Palace feel fresh and expectant, and yet all the aromas seemed so sweetly dull in comparison to the new lives we had welcomed with their first breath.

I looked up from my seated position, spurred by the faces that filed in before me; As the Queen Mary, my stepsons, stepdaughters, brothers and sisters, and a host of Palace staff gathering around to admire the eight little angels who had graced the air of Hampton Palace.

But as I rose on shaky legs and the crowd around us began to buzz with excitement at the sheer fight and love that had brought about this remarkable miracle, my heart filled with the dread of what they would think when they learnt the truth.

The babes were not truly my deceased husband's, they were of a different father. The father of these eight babes was none other than Sir Theodore Nott, a Royal Guard who had filled my sleepy nights, and our broken hearts, with untold affection since we could not be together even though my husband had passed a few days ago.

We had promised to love each other for the remainder of our days, yet this promise had come at a cost.

The babes, four girls and four boys, were my beloved's and my shared responsibility. Perhaps, in some way, this was the way that fate had decided for us to have a family together without having to outright claim it as so.

I named them, Orestes Plantagenet, Athenia Plantagenet, Aegina Plantagenet, Mycenas Plantagenet, Castor Plantagenet, Andromeda Plantagenet, Cassius Plantagenet and Pollux Plantagenet, in honor of their diverse heritage. I looked at their little faces, nestled in my arms, and as I spoke their names aloud, I knew that everything would be alright.

The crowd around us seemed to cheer with joy and all the palace seemed to be buzzing with elation for nearly forty minutes, their blissful and innocent ignorance of the truth warmed my heart.

As the crowd dissipated, I caught a gaze in the corner of the room and noticed Mr. Nott, who had lingered in the shadows to watch the birth of his children. Our eyes met, and for a split second, I saw the reflection of love, shame and sorrow in his eyes as if to say, 'we have done something wrong, something forbidden.'

But in that moment, our secret was safe, and I know it would remain so for the rest of our days, and for the days of our children.

Everyone had been fooled, but we both knew the real story of our children's birth.

We had been united with blessed love and secrecy, and I slept peacefully knowing that these eight precious bundles of joy were ours to protect and cherish.

Queen Mary

November 11, 1531

Hampton Palace, Queen's Chambers

I adjusted my dress and looked in the mirror. Today, November 11th, 1531, would be the day I would tell my husband, King George II, the news I had been delaying for weeks - I was pregnant. I knew that it was his first child and that it was to be my first pregnancy, but I was terrified of how he would receive the news.

I heard a knock on the door of my chambers, and I heard the voice of my trusted lady in waiting. I called for her to enter and, once inside, the lady in waiting noticed my paleness and asked if I was feeling well. As I was breathing deeply, I told her that I was not feeling well, and the lady in waiting immediately called for the midwife to come to the room.

The midwife examined me and followed up with the expected news - I was three months pregnant. The gravity of the situation hit me suddenly, and I threw up in reaction. I had suspected it for weeks, but now it was confirmed. I asked the midwife to give my husband the news, but the midwife advised me that it was a private communication best shared between the two of them.

I gathered myself and walked to the King's Study in Hampton Palace, where King George II was reading letters. I shared the news with him in private, and though he was in shock, George II was happy to soon have our first child.

George II and I chose to keep the news to ourselves for a few more months so that we could be prepared and to tell my subjects at an appropriate time. The couple had achieved something that looked impossible, a child conceived out of love. From that point on, everything was different in our lives, and we embraced our new life as proud parents with open arms.

King George II of England, Ireland, Wales

November 17, 1531

Hampton Palace, King's Study

I was in my study in Hampton Palace, contemplating the news my had just received from my sister, Queen Artemis.

Dear Brother,

I am four months pregnant, with triplets. As your sister and Queen of France, I must tell you that I fear the pressure that Louis is placing on me to give birth to a male heir. With three children on the way, I worry that I will be unable to provide him with a son.

I will not know the fate of the kingdom until my children are born. Louis openly communicates his expectations to me, and oftentimes I feel exhausted and overwhelmed. In my search for strength, I can only think of turning to You, my brother.

I know you understand the importance of a legitimate male heir, and I turn to you for guidance in this difficult hour. I seek the wisdom of my brother, and I can only hope that We will all make the right decision to ensure the best future for my Kingdom and our children.

With a heavy heart, I must now go and prepare for what is to come.

Your Loving Sister,

Queen Artemis de Valois

I was sitting in his study at Hampton Palace, contemplating what my sister, Queen Artemis de Valois had just told me in her letter. My heart filled with both joy and dread as he considered the news of my sister's impending triplets. What kind of burden would this place on her and his brother-in-law, King Louis XIII of France? I was keenly aware of the importance of having a legitimate male heir.

I felt a wave of pride as I thought of my sister being pregnant with the next royal generation. I remembered well how Queen Artemis had endured the court's glaring disapproval when she and Louis had wed. I was proud of her fortitude and courage.

At the same time, I could not help but to fear for Artemis and her children. What if she could not bear a male heir? Would Louis be angry? What would become of my beloved sister if her children were not boys?

I sat forwards in my chair and pressed my forehead against my forefinger and thumb. My letter to Queen Artemis would have to be carefully thought out. I knew my words were of paramount importance to her future.

Dear Artemis,

Sister, stay strong for the heirs you carry, and for your Kingdom, France. Louis XIII should be lucky to have you as his wife and Queen and not complain about the gender of your upcoming heirs. I am doing my part in England, Ireland and Wales, as I am sure you will do yours in France.

I am relieved Louis XIII has been good to you and shows signs of caring for you, my advice would be to show him patience and love unfailingly.

My generous offers in regard to alliances between our Kingdoms could not be refused. Your kindness in accepting them has earned you my utmost respect and protection. I will be sure to keep the channel of communication with France open so that we remain loyal to our bond.

The continent needs stability: May the alliance we have just formed be for the good of all the Kingdoms in our beloved Europe.

Take good care of our family and yours, always.

Your King and Brother,

George II

An hour later, I sealed the letter off with wax and sent it off to France, hoping it would find my beloved sister safe and better for it.

Felicity Plantagenet POV

Seymour Mansion, Felicity's Chambers

My rooms in the Seymour Mansion are sparsely furnished compared to what I was used to in my father's estate, but I don't mind. Life here is different, but it's peaceful. William and I spend our days walking through the gardens, meeting Mary's many children.

It's a strange sensation to think this will become my family, once the marriage goes through. My demeanor shifts easily to them, and they don't seem as intimidated by me as my peers did in my home country- I would never be able to wear the bold fashions I'm used to outside, yet I'm grateful for the always-open approach these Seymours exhibit towards me.

William and I are wed today at the grand St. Michael's Cathedral, and I don't think I have ever felt luckier to be so in love with such a kindhearted soul. My aunts and uncles all commented on how kind and caring he was, and my mother wept with joy, knowing that I was going to marry into such a large and loving family.

Nervously I step outside my chambers, William who stands below, proud as a king. The wedding's guests are gathered in attention, faces I recognize with respect. Pilgrims, Emperors, Kings, and Queens, all here to enjoy the festivities.

The Archbishop of Canterbury states the protection of marriage we are to share, and the cheers and applause fill the room with endless joy. I see Mary's eyes filled with a touch of sadness, knowing she will soon let her youngest go to me, and I hear laughter as friends and family congratulate us.

I am thrilled to be married to William and I am beyond grateful to have such a wonderful family. The promise of our future carries a sweet warmth, and though I am no longer living in Plantagenet, our hope, our courage, and our love are our finest inheritance, and I am already proud of being part of the Seymour family.