Chapter 26
Chapter 26 has arrived! I hope you all will enjoy and love this chapter. This chapter will include several things, but I will not spoil anything for you guys, you just have to read on to find out everything. The events will also carry on into January 1554. Things are going to spice with every chapter. There will be some very interesting plotlines gong on so stay tuned to everything. Please Read and Review! Enjoy Chapter 26!
December 10, 1552
Palace of Stockholm
Stockholm, Sweden
Princess Matilda of Sweden's Bedchamber
Matilda was sitting in her bed, sewing a blanket for her child. She had grown so big, that she had decided to confine herself to bed, since it hurt her to walk. Thankfully, Eric had decided to spend this day with her, instead of with his mistress. He still hadn't told her about the affair and Matilda hadn't told him that she knew about it already.
Eric smiled at Matilda.
"How are you feeling, my dear?" he asked.
Matilda sighed.
"I feel like a cow. I am bigger than most pregnant women I have seen. My mother didn't even get this big when she was pregnant with my little sister. I feel that this child will be big as a heavy stone." she said.
Eric chuckled.
"I hope not. You'll need to heal, so I can visit my wife's bed again. I miss your touch, Matilda. I need it again." he said, seductively.
Matilda smirked.
"Be careful, my Lord or you'll just end up putting another child in my womb." she said.
Eric smiled.
"I wouldn't mind it, however I want to enjoy you, before we have more children." he said.
Matilda was going to reply, before she her bedding become suddenly wet.
She looked up at Eric.
"I think my time has coming." she said.
Eric quickly ran out of the room to fetch a midwife.
Matilda screamed in pain, as the first of her contractions hit her.
Several hours later...
Matilda was becoming very tired, as she labored even further into the night. Everyone was worried for her, since the child seemed like it would be very large. The midwife already had Matilda's confessor give her the Last Rites, just in case the birth killed her.
Matilda let out another loud scream.
"I FEEL LIKE MY BELLY IS ON FIRE! KILL ME! TAKE IT OUT! " she screamed.
The midwife shook her head.
"No, Your Highness. You will live and so will the child. The bigger it is, the healthier it'll be." she said, trying to soothe the tired Princess.
After several more pushes, the midwife could finally see the head. Matilda gave another huge push with all of her might.
Finally, the child pushed through and let out a loud cry.
The midwife smiled.
"It's a boy, Your Highness. God had blessed you with a son." she said, with joy.
Matilda smiled. She'd done her duty and given birth to a future King of Sweden.
As the midwife went to clean the newborn, Matilda started to scream again. The midwife handed the baby boy to a maid and went to the screaming mother.
"What's wrong, Your Highness?" she asked, worriedly.
Matilda screamed more.
"MY BELLY FEELS LIKE IT'S GOING TO EXPLODE!" she cried out.
The midwife looked between Matilda's legs and was shocked at what she saw.
"Your Highness , you need to push. Your son has a twin! Push, Your Highness." she said.
Matilda pushed for several minutes, before the second child slipped out and let out a cry, like a kitten.
The midwife smiled again.
"It's a girl, Your Highness. A beautiful sister to our future King." she said.
Matilda closed her eyes. She was completely shocked that she had given birth to not just one, but two children. She was proud of herself.
After she was changed into a new nightgown and her sheets were changed, Eric walked in wearing a proud smile.
He kisses her forehead.
"I heard we have a son and a daughter. I can't believe it." he said.
Matilda smiled.
"That explains why I was so big. " she said.
The midwife brought one of the babies over and placed the child into Matilda's arms.
"Here's your son, Your Highnesses." she said.
Matilda looked down at her son and was mesmerized by his appearance. He had a film of pale blonde hair, fair skin with rosy cheeks and he was chubby. He was a healthy infant. When he opened his eyes, he had dark blue eyes.
Matilda smiled down at her son.
"He's absolutely perfect, Eric. He looks like an angel." she said.
Eric nodded his head, as the midwife walked up with the second child and handed her to him.
"This is your daughter, Your Highness." she said.
Eric looked at his daughter. She was a beautiful child, but he could tell that she was not as strong as her twin brother, but still healthy. She also had a fair complexion, with light auburn hair and blue eyes. He was sure she would be a redhead, like his mother and himself.
He kissed her.
"Hello, my little Astrid ." he said.
Matilda smiled.
"Astrid? That's her name?" she asked.
Eric nodded his head.
"Yes. Princess Astrid of Sweden." he said.
Matilda smiled.
"What about our little Prince? " she asked.
Eric smiled at his son.
"Let's name him Johan, after my brother." he said.
Matilda looked down at her son and kissed his cheek.
"Prince Johan of Sweden. I like it." she said.
December 16, 1552
Westhorpe Hall, Suffolk, England
Charles Brandon, 2nd Duke of Suffolk's Bedchamber
Charges was lying naked in his bed, smiling. Next to him was his new bride, Lady Mary. They had gotten married in September and the last three months had been beautiful for them both. He had to admit that he had fallen in love with his wife. Despite being sixteen years younger than him, she was very smart and kind. The staff all loved their new Duchess.
Charles caressed her long auburn hair and kissed her cheek, which made her stir awake.
Charles smiled.
"Good morning, my love." he said.
Mary stretched and smiled.
"Good morning, sweetheart." she said.
Charles kissed her lips.
"I'm going to hate when we go to Court next month. I love our life here." he said.
Mary nodded.
"Court was fun, when Father presented me. However, he warned me that Court can also be dangerous." he said.
Charles nodded.
"It can be. That's why when you are with child, I want you to leave the Queen's service and come back here." he said.
Mary nodded her head.
"I will do just that. Do you think we will have children soon?" she asked.
Charles nodded.
"Yes I do. I'm fact, let's get a little more practice in." he said, as he leaned in and kissed her.
Mary responded with the kiss and Charles rolled on top of her and proceeded to make love to her.
December 18, 1552
Windsor Palace
Windsor, Berkshire, England
The Royal Throne Room
King Harry, Queen Anne and Prince Edward were waiting to formalize Prince Edward's betrothal to Lady Jane Grey. Harry couldn't help but notice that his second son was very quiet and looked very melancholy. He hoped that he would cheer up, since the entire Court was waiting to see this betrothal.
Finally, the Herald called out:
"HIS GRACE, LORD HENRY GREY, MARQUESS OF DORSET, HIS WIFE, LADY CATHERINE GREY ABD THEIR ELDEST DAUGHTER, LADY JANE! " he said.
Catherine Grey walked in, with her head held high and looked very distinguished. Henry grey was wearing a smug look on his face and was looking excited at the room. Fifteen year old Jane was looking very nervous, but was looking very regal and beautiful for her age.
The Grey Family reached the Thrones and bowed deeply.
"Your Majesties." they all said.
Harry smiled, stood up and walked over to Catherine.
"My dear cousin. I am pleased to see you." he said.
Catherine smiled.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I am glad to see you in excellent health. The Lord continues to bless you." she said kindly.
Harry nodded and turned toward Henry Grey and his smile fell from his face. It was no secret that Harry despised this man. He was too ambitious and untrustworthy.
"Lord Dorset, I trust you are well." he said.
Henry Grey smirked.
"I have been well, Your Majesty." he said.
Harry contained himself, to not lash out at this brute of a man. He turned away and looked at Jane.
He smiled at her.
"Lady Jane, you seem to be a pride to both of your parents. Welcome to Court." he said.
Lady Jane smiled.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." she said.
Harry beckoned Edward to come forward.
"Allow me to introduce you to my son, Prince Edward, Duke of York, He is your betrothed." he said.
Jane smiled.
"Hello, Your Highness. I am looking forward to our upcoming marriage." she said shyly.
Edward cleared his throat.
"Lady Jane, I'm sorry that you have traveled all this way for nothing. I have no intention of marrying you." he said.
There were gasps and murmurs all over the room.
Harry turned toward his son.
"Edward, you will marry her. I have ordered it." he said.
Edward shook his head.
"No, Your Majesty. I will marry who the Lord intends. Not you." he said, as he left the room.
Lady Jane looked at her parents, in shock. Henry Grey looked at King Harry, angrily.
"You told your son to embarrass my daughter before the entire Court?!" he asked.
Catherine turned to him.
"Do not address the King in such a matter. Prince Edward is his son and it is the King's decision on what to do. Your Majesty, may I please escort my daughter to our Chambers?" she asked.
Harry glared at Henry Grey, but nodded his head.
"You may. Lady Jane, you have my most sincere apologies." he asked.
Lady Jane bowed and left the Hall with her parents.
Harry turned toward Anne.
"I cant believe Edward pulled such an effort. Let us go to him and talk to some sense into him." he said, as he extended his hand.
Anne nodded and took her husband's hand and they both left the room.
The Royal Nursery
William was sitting in a chair with young Princess Margaret in his lap. He was fond of his youngest sister. He was listening to Edward vent about what happened at the betrothal ceremony. After walking out of the ceremony, he went straight to the nursery, because he needed to speak to his siblings.
Owen laughed. at thirteen years old, he wasn't taking the situation seriously.
"Edward, why can't you just marry Jane? it's not a big deal." he said.
Eleanor rolled her eyes.
"Shut up, Owen. He doesn't want to marry her and he shouldn't have to marry her, if he doesn't want to." she said.
Edward smiled. Despite being only nine years old, Eleanor was wise beyond her years.
William stood up.
"Edward, our Father is the King. Unfortunately, we all may have to do things that we don't like. It's the consequence of being Heirs to the Throne." he said.
Suddenly, Harry and Anne walked into the room. Harry glared at Edward, while Anne took little Margaret from William's arms. The two year old laid her head on her mother's shoulder, since she could sense that her father was furious.
Harry walked forward to Edward, who stood his ground.
"Did you enjoy your little stunt? Shaming a poor young woman, who has done nothing to you." he said.
Edward sighed.
"Father, I did not mean to hurt Lady Jane, but I do feel troubled marrying into her family. Her father is a viper and everyone knows it. I am troubled in my spirit at the thought of marrying her. I beg you as your son. Do not punish me for doing what is right for my soul." he said.
Harry's face turned red.
"YOU DISOBEYED YOUR FATHER AND KING! YOU WILL MARRY LADY JANE AND I WILL NOT HEAR ANYMORE TALK ON THIS MATTER!" he screamed.
Edward sighed.
"I am sorry Father, but I refuse this marriage and I will not marry her. This marriage troubles me and I will not stand at any altar with her." he said.
Everyone was looking at the two, in shock. Edward never talked back to anyone in his life.
Harry clenched his fists.
"I want your belongings packed tonight and you will leave first thing in the morning. You will return to York Castle and stay there until I can stomach your presence again." he said, before turning and leaving the room.
Anne handed Margaret back to William. She turned toward Edward.
"Sweetheart, don't mind your Father. He is just angry. I love you and I pray you have a safe journey." he said.
Edward nodded his head, trying not to cry.
As Anne left, a messenger came into the room.
"Prince Edward, the Lady Jane Grey wishes to see you." he said.
Edward nodded.
"I'll see her. Where is she?" he asked.
The messenger sighed.
"Near her chambers." he said.
Edward nodded.
"I'll go right away." he said, as he left the room.
William watched Edward leave, with concern.
"Something isn't right about this situation." he said.
Outside of Lady Jane's Chambers
Jane was standing outside of her chambers. She looked very nervous and sad. She couldn't believe that she was about to be with Edward for the first time.
Suddenly, Edward walked up.
"You wanted to see me Lady Jane?" he asked.
Jane nodded.
"Yes. Why do you not wish to marry me? Is it because I am not desirable to you?" she asked.
Edward sighed.
"It's not any of that. I have fond memories of us as children, but you are not meant to be my wife. I know we would never be happy together as man and wife. Also, I cant help but feel that your father is up to no good. I'm sorry, but you will forever be my cousin and my friend." he said, with a smile.
Jane smiled.
Suddenly, a man grabbed Edward from behind. It was Jane's father, Henry Grey. Edward tried to struggle to loosen the grip. Jane just froze, with tears in her eyes.
Edward looked at Jane, with pleading eyes.
"Cousin, get help. Please." he begged.
Henry Grey chuckled.
"No one will help you." he said.
Suddenly, Henry turned Edward around to face him and held him by the throat. He unsheathed his sword.
Henry glared at Edward.
"No one makes a fool out of a Grey and lives to tell it." he said, as he stabbed Edward in his stomach and the tip of the blade exited his back.
Henry Grey pulled the sword from Edward's abdomen and let him fall to the floor. Edward put his hand on his bleeding wound and began to breath heavily.
Henry Grey spit on Edward and grabbed Jane by her arm and pulled her away from the scene.
After several minutes, William was walking in the corridor and saw his brother lying on the floor, bleeding heavily. He dropped his sword and ran to Edward's side. Edward was unconscious, but was still breathing.
William began to weep.
"Edward. Eddie, little bother wake up. Who did this to you? HELP! GUARDS! THE DUKE OF YORK HAS BEEN STABBED!" he shouted.
A/N Here's chapter 26! I know it didn't focus on much, but the next chapter will. I have decided to not do a time jump quite yet, as a few new plot ideas came up. In this chapter, Princess Matilda gave birth to twins! If anyone has the outcome of these two children, please leave ideas. Also, we saw the unfortunate stabling of Prince Edward, Duke of York. Should he live or die? How should Henry Grey be caught? What will King Harry say when he finds out his son has been attacked? Will he feel guilty at all? The next chapter will take place in the New Year. Please Read and Review! Chapter 27 will be up soon!