Disclaimer: I do not own the Tudors.
Today marks the 484th anniversary of the execution of Queen Anne Boleyn, mother of Queen Elizabeth I of England.
Chapter Forty-Two: Princess Elizabeth.
7th of September 1533 - Palace of Placentia
"I want jousts, banquets and masques to celebrate the birth of my son," King Henry announced walking through the hallways, a smile set upon his face at the mere thought that in a matter of hours there should be a new Duke of York. It was most pleasing to him that his wife and beloved Queen was preparing to gift him with a second son, this day reminded him greatly of when their cherished Alexander had been born.
Anne had been labouring for a few hours now and Henry had no doubts that it would not be long before there would be some sort of news; he was most certain that this labour would run just like her last. The news had come to him while he had been breaking his fast that morning and he had been most relieved to hear such news; they had waited a long time it felt for this day.
"I've already asked the French Ambassador to hold him at the font for his christening, if he drops him it's war," King Henry declared, knowing how much that would please Anne who was in favour of a French Alliance more so than an Imperial one. Not that King Henry could blame her for such, after everything that he had suffered through with Katherine he had no plans to ally himself with her kin anytime soon.
If the news that Anne was in labour was not enough to please him then the news that the Duchess of Hertford had found herself with child was; he would be a grandfather in the New Year meaning his line would be secure. Walking through the halls, King Henry was pleased that everything was in order and when the moment came that the bells would be rung to let all of England know of their new Duke of York's birth.
A second son would continue to prove that he was right to discard Katherine further than her acts of treason would, his line would be secured by his children and his legacy would live on. With Lady Mary married off and with child, King Henry had turned his attention to Henry Fitzroy knowing that his was high time his son was also married; he had started to look within the Queen's family for such a match.
Lady Mary Howard had been put forward by her father, the Duke of Norfolk as a possible bride and the King was most pleased with the choice; he had stopped one child from rebelling to take the throne now he would focus on the next. He had been a fool to advance his bastard son to a Duke twice over, it would prove problems now that he had a healthy son by Anne and another on the way; King Henry was drawing up an act to ensure for certain where the line of succession lay.
The little Duke of York would want for nothing, King Henry would make certain of that recalling his own time as the spare to the throne and how he had been treated. While there would be no denying that Alexander would be King, he would make sure that his younger son would not be forgotten nor would he be destined for the church like he had once been.
"Is there any news on the Queen?" Henry asked turning to look at those who followed him, the Dukes of Wiltshire, of Bedford and of Suffolk had offered him company while he waited for Anne to be delivered of their son. It had felt long a rather long day so far and with no news yet on a delivery, a fleeting moment of concern bubbled in Henry's chest and he wondered if all was well with his wife.
"Nothing yet Your Majesty," Thomas Boleyn stated with a shake of his head, he was sure they would have news soon enough and all care had been taken to make sure Anne was well before the birth. His daughter had been in confinement for a month now and Thomas knew that her mother and sister had been visiting her along with the Lady Mary. It disturbed him that Henry's daughter by Katherine was pregnant, it would not do especially if her father decided to truly return her to the succession behind her siblings; they could not risk that her son would not displace Alexander or his brother from the throne.
"But no news is good news Your Majesty," Charles Brandon added, he had been at court since the passing of his wife unable to bear being at home. He wished to serve Henry as a true friend and making sure that Boleyn did not grasp more power especially if Anne succeeded in having a second son; he would not be surprised to see the other man grant more offices.
This labour had moved quicker than the last and she had no doubts that they would not have to wait long before their little Duke of York was here; he would be named Edward after Henry's grandfather. They had talked names and Anne could not help but smile when she had heard the names that Henry had suggested it had made her smile; she loved that he was considering names from her own family for their children.
"We can see the head now, Your Majesty," the midwife encouraged glad that the babe was making progress, this was moving quicker than her last labour and they were certain to see the babe soon enough. It had been over a year since the Queen's last pregnancy and the birth of a long-awaited Prince of Wales, there was no doubt that this son would be as adored as the last.
Anne gritted her teeth, focusing on pushing her babe into the world and giving her husband a little Duke of York; she wanted nothing more than to be done with this already. Anne gave one last almighty push and collapsed back against her pillows just as a shrill cry filled the room, she barely heard the words that Elizabeth said to her in congratulations of her delivery of her child as she tried to catch a glimpse of her son. The midwife handed the newborn off to the Countess of Buckingham to clean up once the cord had been cut and prepared to deliver the placenta while Mary wrapped the baby up to keep them warm.
"Give him here Mary," Anne called out to her sister, she held out her arms so that she could take her son and hold him; her heart pounding in her chest and she wondered just who this child favoured in looks. Alexander reminded her of Henry, there was no denying that he was the son of the King and Anne was curious to see if this one looked anything like her; she was hopeful that one would look like her or have her eyes.
"It's a girl," Mary Boleyn whispered not sure what else to say, she knew how much everyone had expected this one to be a boy just like Alexander; a healthy prince to further secure the Tudor line. Instead Anne had birthed a daughter, she watched as her sister's face fell and disappointment replaced the joy on her face; she moved forward and carefully placed the baby girl in Anne's arms.
Looking down at her daughter, Anne was taken back at the familiar eyes that stared back at her and recognised them as her own; her daughter at her eyes and Anne felt her heart melt as she held her in her arms. The doors to the chamber burst open causing Anne to look up from her baby and catch eyes on her husband, her heart dropped hearing him dismiss those who attempted to stop him.
"Let me see my son," Henry called with a large smile on his face, he had not wished to wait to see his son and he was most certain that this boy would be like Alexander; the sons of Tudor that would bring about a new age. He could picture them being like his maternal grandfather and his brothers, bringing in an age that England would not forget; the birth of a second healthy son was not to be sniffed at after years without any.
"It's a girl Henry, I am so sorry," Anne whispered shaking her head, she looked at him not sure how he would react to such news when they had been so sure it would be a boy. They had only had a name picked out for a son, she knew how much he had hoped for another boy and instead she had given him a daughter; she glanced down knowing not what to say to him.
Moving forward, Henry sniffed and held out his hands to take the baby girl from his wife; he held her close once she was deposited in his arms for the first time. She was incredibly beautiful and Henry had no doubts that they were going to be blessed with her, she seemed like a perfect blend of them; she had Anne's dark eyes and he was sure no man would be able to resist her.
"We will love her very well," Henry murmured holding his daughter in his arms, she was beautiful though he had no doubts that she would be as beautiful as her mother. The birth of any healthy child was welcoming and a sign that their marriage was blessed, he had no doubts that they would have many healthy sons and daughters in time.
"She shall be Elizabeth. For my mother and yours," Henry decided looking towards Anne, the perfect name for their beautiful daughter; she would be blessed and he had no doubts that they could expect great things from her.
Highly recommend Athenais Penelope Clemence's story, Chained by Love and War as well as the short prequel An Enchanting Dance in Calais by Countess of Sherwood. I also recommend For Even as Love Crowns You by wizardfantasy and Sanctuary by Cattyfan
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