Chapter 2
Well, here's chapter 2 of my second Tudors Story! I am really excited. I hope that the reviews start coming soon:] So, I hope you all don't mind that this story will be long as well. I am more focused on this one now. Also, there will be historical events that will be totally fictionalized to fit my story. Plus, I am taking suggestions on the story, since it is progressing more. The chapters will also be a little more longer in this story, as well. So, without further ado, here's chapter 2! Please Read and Review!
September 22, 1547
Hampton Court
The Royal Banquet Hall
Harry and Anne were sitting on their Thrones, watching the festivities for Queen Anne's thirty-second birthday. The entire Court was very excited to celebrate the new Queen's birthday, since she was an avid dancer. Harry was also excited, because Anne loved when her birthday came around. She was not a frugal person or expensive, but she did love celebrations.
Harry looked at his wife and smiled, as she took a sip of wine. They had been married sixteen years and he was still very much in love with her. However, he could see the maturity of his wife. Despite her brown hair, which had already lost it's shine and the plump body she still had from Princess Eleanor's birth, he still loved her and she was his beautiful bride.
Harry leaned toward his wife.
"Are you enjoying your party, sweetheart?" he asked her.
Anne smiled at him.
"Yes I am, darling. Thank you for making this day very special for me." she said.
harry grabbed her hand.
"I would move mountains for you, sweetheart." he said.
Anne smiled.
Harry looked out toward the people dancing.
"However, I do have a surprise for you." he said.
Anne looked at him, with confusion.
"But I have everything here. What else could you give me to make this day more enjoyable?" she asked.
Harry clapped his hands.
Suddenly, Harry and Anne's five children walked into the room and walked up to the Thrones.
Anne, who hadn't seen her children since the summer progress that she and Harry made, started to tear up.
The oldest child, Prince William of Wales, was already fifteen years old. He was the apple of his parents eyes. He was taken from his parents and placed into Buckingham Palace as an infant by his grandfather, since his father had no surviving legitimate brothers. At fifteen, he was about six feet tall, he had a slight muscular build. He had dark brown hair and blue eyes. He was said to resemble his late grandfather, Henry VIII, the most.
He stepped forward and bowed to his mother.
"Your Majesty, my beloved Mother, I wish you a happy birthday and I pray that God gives you many more." he said.
Anne smiled.
"Thank you, Prince." she said.
William bowed and stepped back again.
The next child to step forward was Harry and Anne's second child, Princess Matilda. She was twelve years old and was the oldest daughter. She was very elegant and very submissive. She did as she was told and had no objections. She was told that she was to be the Queen of Sweden one day, so she decided to act like one. She was talented in multiple languages such as, English, Spanish, Latin, French, Greek, German and was starting to learn Swedish, so she could communicate with her future in-laws and spouse. She was considered to be of mild beauty, possessing her mother's chocolate brown hair and hazel eyes.
Matilda stepped forward.
"Mother, I am so honored to be able to celebrate your birthday. You are truly God's gift to us all." she said.
Anne smiled at her eldest daughter.
"Thank you, dear Princess. You yourself are a gift to not only myself and your father, The King, you are a gift to all of England. As are your siblings." she said.
Matilda smiled at her mother, bowed and stepped back again.
The the third born child, Prince Edward, Duke of York, stepped up. He bowed deeply to his parents. Edward was very close to his parents, mainly to his mother. Also born during the reign of his grandfather, his birth was kept a secret, so he wouldn't be taken, like his older brother and sister. At ten years old, Edward looks were striking. He had light auburn hair and blue eyes. Many thought that he would be more handsome than his older brother, the Prince of Wales. However, Edward was also very pious, since he was mainly raised by clergymen. Edward was honestly ready to dedicate his life to God, but Harry said that he wanted hid children to enjoy married life, especially since their marriages and children could be beneficial.
Edward bowed at his parents feet.
"Happy birthday, my dear mother. I thank God and the Holy Mother that I was bestowed up you and my blessed father. I hope I satisfy you, as best as I can, as your son." he said, while on his knees.
Anne walked up to her son and helped him to his feet.
"My sweet Eddie, you are a credit to your father and I." she said, as she kissed his forehead.
Edward smiled and walked back to his siblings.
Next up was eight year old Prince Owen, Duke of Buckingham. He was the fourth child of his parents. He was the most like his grandfather, Henry VIII. Even as a young child, he seemed to have a charm about him. He was a true English Prince. He had very light brown, almost dark blonde, hair and brown eyes. He was also very pale, despite being in perfect health.
Owen smiled at his mother and bowed.
"Happy Birthday, mother. I hope that you liked the jewels my siblings and I sent you for this wonderful occasion." he said.
Anne giggled.
"Yes I did. They were very beautiful. Thank you all so much." she said.
Owen bowed and stepped back.
Finally, little Princess Eleanor. At four years old, she was the baby of the Royal Family. Despite her young age, she was fluent in German, Spanish and her native tongue, English. She was also a beautiful child. She had peaches and cream complexion, reddish-brown hair and dark blue eyes.
She walked up to her mother, carrying a bouquet of red roses and curtsied.
"Happy birthday, Mama!" she said, with a smile.
Princess Eleanor's nursemaid, who was behind the Royal Children, gasped loudly.
"Princess!" she said, through her teeth.
Harry looked at the woman, angrily.
"Leave her be." he said, in a sharper tone.
The woman lowered her head, in shame.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty." she said.
Harry nodded and smiled at Eleanor.
"Go on, sweetheart." he said.
The four year old handed the roses to her mother.
"These are for you." she said, never taking her smile of her face.
Anne smiled and took the roses from her daughter's small hands and sniffed them.
"Oh, they're beautiful, darling. Thank you, my sweet Princess." she said.
Eleanor smiled and stepped back.
Harry stood up and looked at his five children.
"Stand up here with your parents." he said.
The children walked up, stood by their parents and looked at the Court.
Harry picked Eleanor up and kissed her cheek.
"This is the source of happiness for the Queen and I: Our beautiful family." he said, with a smile.
The entire Court applauded. King Harry had just shown that while he was a sovereign and showed the sternness of one, he was a true family man and adoted every one of his children and his Queen.
September 26, 1547
Hatfield House
The Royal Gardens
A teenaged young girl was sitting on a bench, reading a book by herself. She was Princess Elizabeth Tudor, the youngest surviving child of the late King Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon. She had been residing here at Hatfield House with her mother and nieces and nephews, ever since her brother's coronation. She was delighted that Harry allowed their mother to reside in Hatfield with her. Elizabeth wanted to be with her mother as much as possible, before she departed for Spain in two years. Despite the fact that she enjoyed her quiet life in Hatfield, many courtiers couldn't deny that Elizabeth was a very beautiful young woman. Now fourteen years old, Elizabeth had beautiful long brown hair, piercing gray-blue eyes, and was growing into a nice height. She was showing she would be a tall woman, but bit too tall.
Suddenly, Katherine Howard, known as Kitty, walked up to Elizabeth. She was the wife of Edward Fitzroy, Elizabeth's illegitimate brother. At twenty-six years old and the mother of two young daughters, she was well-respected in Court and was a dear friend of Elizabeth.
"Princess, I am sorry to disturb you, but your mother, the Dowager Queen, is looking for you." she said.
Elizabeth smiled and closed her book.
"Is she alright?" she asked.
Kitty smiled.
"She's fine. She is just asking for you." she said.
Elizabeth nodded her head and began to walk back to the house. She turned towards Kitty.
"Are you feeling better?" she asked.
Kitty gave her a small smile. She had gotten pregnant recently during one of Edwards visits during the summer progress. She just found out, but the morning sickness was starting to plague her.
"I'm fine, Princess. I have been throug this twice already and hopefully this won't be the last time. You'll see once the Good Lord starts to bless you and the Prince of Spain with beautiful children." she said with a smile.
Elizabeth face fell. She had accepted the fact that she was going to be married in a couple years time, but the consummation of that marriage frightened her. However, she had time to dwell on that later. She was more excited to see Kitty pregnant again.
She linked arms with Kitty.
"Do you think you're having another girl or a little boy this time?" she asked.
Kitty laughed.
"It doesn't matter to me or Edward. Now that King Harry is on the Throne and made it lawful that daughters can inherit, I don't have the pressure on having a son. However, it would be nice to have a little boy, who look just like Edward." she said, picturing the child.
Elizabeth smiled.
"Edward will love the child either way." she said.
The two friends then made their way into Hatfield House.
Dowager Queen Katherine's Bedchambers
Katherine was sitting in her favorite chair, sewing shirts for her grandsons. She had lived a relatively quiet life since her husband's death. She had fulfilled her destiny and even lived long enough to watch her son be crowned King of England. Now the main thing that Katherine was focused on was her grandchildren. The Royal children, besides William, resided at Hatfield with Katherine and Elizabeth. King Harry wanted his mother to still be involved, do she oversaw their education, along with their tutors. Katherine enjoyed this life to Court life. She was nearing sixty years old and wanted whatever years she had left to be peaceful.
The door opened and Elizabeth walked in.
"You wanted to see me, Mother?" she said.
Katherine smiled.
"Yes, sweetheart. I wanted to know if you wanted to join me in sewing." she said.
Elizabeth smiled and nodded.
"Of course, Mother." she said, as she sat down by her mother.
Katherine smiled and handed her a letter.
Elizabeth looked at it, curiously.
"What us this?" she asked.
Katherine nodded her head at it.
"Why don't you open it and see, dear?" she asked.
Elizabeth opened it and began to read:
Dearest Isabel,
I know I haven't written you, since the untimely death of your father, el rey Enrique VIII. However, these past few months, the French tried to invade Aragon. My great-grandmother, la reina Juana, has been very stressed. Despite nearing seventy years old, she spent these last few months on campaign. I was with her myself, while my sister stayed behind with out mother. I actually fought the French and I am not yet fourteen years old! Unfortunately, great-grandmother will not let me fight against, until I have a child with you, after we are married. My uncle, Infante Juan, who is betrothed to your niece, Catarina de Portugal, angered grandfather and my great-grandmother, when he was caught with one of the maids, who is in grandmother's household. She was about ten years older and is actually married. My grandfather, Charles, the Holy Roman Emperor, was furious about this. Now, the woman is expecting a child and isn't sure who is the father. It could be her husband or Juan. I am deeply disappointed in my uncle, who is more like my friend, due to our closeness in age. I can assure you that I will never hurt you like that. He seems to not care about anything, but getting women into his bed. I hope he changes. I would hate to see his future wife hurt. I will say that I am excited that it is almost time for us to be married. However, I must end this letter.
Your future husband,
Infante Luis, Prince of Asturias and Girona
Elizabeth smiled, as she read Luis's sweet words.
Katherine looked at her daughter.
"It is fine to be excited, sweetheart. He seems like a fine young man. I think he will be very kind to you." she said.
Elizabeth looked at her mother.
"I guess I am just scared that he will be like the Infante Juan." she said.
Katherine touched Elizabeth's hand.
"If you fear everything all of your life, you will never know true happiness. You are worrying about something that you do not know for sure will happen or not." she said gently.
Elizabeth looked at her mother.
"Maybe you're right, Mother. If it is God's will for me to be married, I just hope Luis is good to me." she said.
Katherine stood up.
"The important thing is that you are good to him. God will not judge your soul due to Luis's actions. He will only judge you on your own." she said.
Elizabeth nodded her head.
"I know that, Mother. However, I just don't know what to do. I want to give my life to God." she said.
Katherine smiled.
"Many married women still live for God. My mother did." she said.
Elizabeth began to think. Was it possible for her to be Luis's wife and still be totally committed to God?
October 4, 1547
Alcazar of Segovia, Castile, Spain
Infante Juan of Castile and Aragon's Bedchambers
Infante Juan was sitting at his desk, nervous. He heard that his father and grandmother were furious at him, after what they found out he did in Aragon. He didn't see what the deal was. He was seventeen years old. Clearly he had the right to have mistresses. His father even had an illegitimate child, even though the child was born after his beloved mother's death. He missed his mother do much. He sometimes felt his father and grandmother were against him. The only person who he loved and trustrusted the most was his younger sister, Infanta Lilliana, who was now fourteen years old.
Suddenly, Charles, The Holy Roman Emperor, Juana father and Queen Juana of Castile and Aragon walked in.
Juan stood up and bowed.
"Altezas." he said.
Juana was cleared her throat.
"Juan, I must say that your father and I are very disappointed in you. How could you do this? You had carnal relations with a married woman! What were you thinking of? You are fortunate that her husband is claiming the unborn child in her womb. We do not need scandal." she said.
Juan stayed silent, as his grandmother scolded him. As a child of the Catholic Monarchs, she was raised by her mother to have good moral character. Even though she was nearing seventy years old, she had her wits about her and was in perfect health.
Charles tried to calm his furious mother down.
"Mother, he's my son. Let me talk to him." he said gently.
Juana glared at her son, but eventually nodded and walked out of the room, angrily.
Charles glared at his son.
"I am not going to yell at you, like your grandmother did, but I do agree with her. We are trying to not have scandals in this family and you are not helping matters. I did not want you to be like your brother." he said.
Juan glared at his father.
"How can you say that about Felipe? He was your son. I guess since he left Luis and little Juana, that you are happy he is dead!" he said.
Charles looked at his son, in anger.
"I loved your brother! That doesn't mean that I accepted how he lived his life!" he screamed.
Juan stood up.
"All he did was take women to his bed! What is wrong with that? You've bedded women since mother's death! I guess when I do it, I am sinning, but when you do it, it is justified! I bet you took many other women to bed while mother was still alive!" he screamed.
Charles slapped his son. Juan stumbled and held his cheek. He tried his best not to cry, but the tears welled up in his eyes.
Charles stepped forward and looked at his son in the face.
"I will have you know that I loved your mother very much. I never took another woman to our bed while she lived. I will never say that since her death I haven't had women, but not like you or your brother. Juan, it is bad enough that you are having intercourse before you are married, but it is more trouble that the woman is also married." he said.
Juan just looked at his father. He was speechless.
Charles hugged his son.
"I love you son, but you are going to have to be punished for this. By orders of your grandmother, the Queen, you are not to be alone with any woman, unless they are your sisters. Your tutors are being temporarily dismissed. You will be taught by clergymen, until she says differently. Also, you are prohibited from doing any activities with your companions. You are only allowed to see Luis and myself." he said.
Juan looked shocked.
"Why is Grandmother doing this? I am a man. I have needs." he said.
Charles shook his head at his son.
"Juan, you will learn that your sexual needs are not as important as you think. I just hope you learn soon enough." he said, as he left his son alone in his room.
Juan sat down at his desk, in shock. He didn't think that him making love to women would be such a big deal.
A/N I hope you all enjoyed chapter 2! I had to make some corrections to the first chapter, so I must give my apologies and a shout out to the reader who pointed out the small error:] Also, you may see some difference in the writing, so I hope that you all like it. Lastly, I will be sticking to basic talk when it comes to the foreign languages. For example you will see me write "Madre" sometimes in Spanish. Also, if anyone has any questions about characters or want me to clear some thing up for you, feel free to Private Message me and I will clear it up the best way I can. Chapter 3 will be up soon:]