November 27, 1531

Hampton Court Palace

Henry stared blankly at the man in front of him. Did he say his name was Robert? Now it doesn't matter anymore. The words he spoke were so astonishing that they almost made the King of England snort in disbelief.

He held a glamorous banquet and danced with his beloved Anne. When he was informed that one of the spies he had assigned to watch Catherine had urgent news for him.

At first, he was annoyed that they were interrupting his celebration and merriment. But doubt and fear soon arose in his heart. Spies usually send their information in letters. They rarely come directly, this must be something significant. He knew of Catherine's ill health, and this quick arrival only increased his suspicions. His wife must have passed away.

He should be happy, now he can marry Anne without any obstacles. But he did not find a place for happiness in himself.

For all the resentment he harbored at Catherine's stubbornness and his unwavering belief that their marriage was never valid, he did not want her dead. They have been married for 22 years, and he has loved her most of his life. The thought of her death made him incredibly guilty. Henry hated that feeling.

Henry was delusional. All his assumptions and expectations fell apart like a house of cards. Not even in his wildest dreams did he expect this turn of events. This... ... This can't be true! He looked at Robert again and commanded him.

"Say it again! I believe I misheard you." He tried to make his voice sound collected and dignified. But even to himself, it sounded more like a mixture of hysteria and superstition.

Robert looked like he'd rather be anywhere else right now. He cleared his throat and slowly complied with his request. "Her Majesty Catherine gave birth to a perfectly healthy son yesterday."

... ... ... ..

There's no way he misheard twice.

He always knew what to do, even when his decisions did not turn out as he expected. For the first time since he took the throne, Henry Tudor did not know what to do next.

Son, healthy son! The main reason this all started. And Catherine gave birth to him, his wife, who was said to be no longer capable of bearing children.

On the one hand, he felt great love, happiness, and pride. He became a father again, according to Robert's words, a healthy son. He wanted to celebrate, dance and show off his new child everywhere. Henry finally has an heir!

On the other hand, doubt and fear were equally present. The son was born at probably the worst moment. Fortunately, he and Catherine still haven't officially divorced, which means the child is legitimate. However, he declared himself the head of the Catholic Church and is well on his way to complete separation. Anne, the love of his life, to whom he promised a future together, added another layer of complexity. If he annuls his marriage to Catherine, then his son and Mary will be declared bastards. Henry cannot take away the legitimacy of the heir he has been waiting for so long.

He sighed and called his assistants to arrange his schedule. He must visit Catherine and their child as soon as possible. Not only that, but he had to see his son in person, hold him in his arms, meet him. Only then will Henry know what to do.

.

.

.

In the empty room, from which the King of England has just rushed out, stands Richard (not Robert, as Henry thought his name was), uncertainly. This actually went better than he expected.

Although the king has not given him permission to leave the room, Richard does so. Hoping the king was too preoccupied with this to even think about him.

--

His days as a baby were extremely calm. Arthur's life revolved around simple routines – sleeping, eating, changing and even posing for the occasional admirer in the castle. By admirers, he means his mother's ladies-in-waiting. No, really, Arthur just lays there, and they squeal like he did something incredible. He wouldn't admit it, but he became attached to the people in this castle. So much so that he was tempted to look for Excalibur even though, technically, he only has three days.

Speaking of Excalibur, is it still with Vivian? Did Bedivere obey his last order? Bedivere has always been his most faithful knight. He was with him from the earliest days of his struggle and is one of the few who did not leave him until the very end. There was no reason to doubt his friend's loyalty. And yet, he had a bad feeling.

As a person who fought in wars to unite and protect Britain from the Saxons from the age of 15, Arthur learned to trust his instincts. That decision saved his life more than once, and something in him says that things are not right.

As if something is missing. He takes a deep breath, as much as is possible for a three-day-old infant, and the realization hits him like a blow to the head. The air is too clean. How did he not notice it earlier? The answer was practically all around him. There is hardly any MANA in the air. It's as if magic is on the verge of disappearing from this world.

But why? And how could this be? Magic is part of the world, it's always been there. Without her, there would be no fairies and dragons, as well as wizards and witches. Although only a select few possessed the gift of wielding magic, it had always been an omnipresent force, like an invisible current beneath the surface of reality. It's hard to imagine life without her.

He was reborn in the future, it's normal that things are different from what Arthur is used to. But to what extent exactly? For now, the differences he knows are:

1) Possible complete disappearance of magic in the future

2) England most likely separated from Wales and Scotland

3) The clothes are much more complicated than what he is used to

4) It seems that poetry and art are given much more importance

5) Separation from the Catholic Church

For the first time since his rebirth, Arthur felt the dread of the possibility that this really wasn't the world he knew anymore.

--

Catherine was lying in her bed, the soft sheets squeezing her like a cocoon. It was customary for a woman to remain secluded in her quarters for two weeks after giving birth, a period of rest and recovery. The only visitors allowed are her husband, the maids, and the doctor.

This time was calm and good for her, although she longed for the sun and a walk. Arthur was healthy and didn't die immediately after giving birth, but as a mother who had lost five children, she knew she couldn't relax. Despite her limited mobility, she did her best to ensure that her son received the best care and attention. Now she just had to wait for Henry to come.

That thought scared her a little. Arthur is a healthy son, what Henry wants. Finally, everything can go back to how it was before. The king would remember that she was his lawful wife and the queen of England. Catherine would see Mary again, and her daughter's position would not be shaken. England would have an heir.

Things should actually be better than before, right? Can she really be sure of that?

Henry declared himself head of the Catholic Church, what if he sees Arthur as an obstacle. He is convinced that Anne Boleyn will give him an heir. He might think that Arthur is not really necessary to him. The threat isn't just Henry, there are plenty of people out there whose interests would be to hurt her son.

She sighed. Is there a way to protect her children? Whatever path she takes, there are dangers. No, she will. God gave her a sign that it was his will.

Now is not the time to rest if she wants them to be safe. She reached for the parchment and quill, her nimble fingers hurrying to convey her message. She must turn things to their advantage. She writes a letter to her nephew, tells him about this event, and hopes for his help and support. Catherine also writes to her loyal allies, wanting their positions to ensure Arthur's legitimacy. Even if Henry rejects their son, she will make sure they are in such a position that no one can harm them.

The last person she writes to is Mary. Her dear daughter tried to visit her whenever she could. Although the king rarely allowed her to do so, fearing that they were plotting against him. Mary deserves to know that she has become a big sister. That their family is still not finished. And that Catherine loves her with all her heart and always will.

She carefully sealed the letters, handed them over to her trusted servants for secret delivery, and returned to bed, her heart filled with a mother's steadfast love. Her gaze around the room is distant, she is afraid of the minor troubles that await them in the future.

--

In a simple room, shrouded in silence, stood a frail lady with dark eyes that seemed to see beyond the physical world. A white scarf covered her long dark brown hair, and her black dress hung like a shadow.

Ever since she was 19, she has been receiving visions. The messages the Lord sent her. They were warnings, gentle glimpses of the future and calls for people to return to the path of righteousness. Many believed in her and followed her teachings. But there were always those who objected when they didn't like the truth. One of them was the King of England himself, who dared to reject God's words.

But this night brought a vision she had never seen before.

In the dim candlelight, her expression was a mixture of awe and apprehension. Her heart pounded as she relived the images that flashed before her closed eyes.

First, it was the familiar sense of doom, the darkness that hung over Britain like a shroud. Then a silver sword appeared like a beacon. It was a symbol of hope, redemption, a destiny that could change the course of history.

Elizabeth Barton, the holy Maid of Kent, could not fully decipher what the vision meant, but its profound effect on her was undeniable. The weight of this revelation weighed on her, filling her with both a sense of purpose and a gnawing uncertainty.

She knelt in prayer, her whispered words a plea for guidance. "Lord, reveal to me the way we must tread, for I am only your humble servant. Show me the way to bring salvation to this world, shrouded in both darkness and light."