Chapter 28
Chapter 28 is here! I know it was wrong of me to keep you on the edges of your seats. However, it will be worth it. The question on whether Prince Edward will live or die will be answered in the first part of this story. I won't spoil it anymore, but you all will be happy 😊. Also, we will see a glimpse of another Royal Family, so I hope you all don't get confused. Also, please pay attention to the little things in one particular character, because it will all make sense I'm future chapters. Also, I hope you are all prepared for a long story, because I'm still writing until the year 1603. I hope you all stay until the. Also, I have not abandoned my other story, Golden Beginning. I will post another chapter there shortly. Also, we will see a dark side of King Harry very soon. Please Read and Review!
January 6, 1553
Windsor Palace
Prince Edward, Duke of York's Bedchamber
Prince William had fallen asleep by his brother's side. The physician had officially given up on the teenage Prince and he was left in the hands of God. Queen Anne was in her private chapel and had been praying all night, with her entire household. William just wanted to be near his brother's side. He vowed to not let the man who attacked Edward get away with it.
Suddenly, William heard a moan. He woke up and came face to face face with his beloved younger brother.
Edward tried to focus his eyes.
"William? Where am I?" he asked, weakly.
William made the sign of the Cross and kissed Edward's forehead.
"Little brother, you are well. It's a miracle." he said.
Edward looked around the room.
"I feel like I've fallen off the roof of Hampton Court. Where's mother and father?" he asked weakly.
William looked at a guard to go and get King Harry and Queen Anne.
Edward tried to sit up, but William stopped him.
"No, brother. Lie still. You must be seen by the physician before you are to move.
Edward looked at William, in confusion, but nodded his head.
After several moments, Queen Anne walked in, with tears in her eyes.
She ran to her second son and hugged him gently.
"My boy. My sweet, precious boy. God has heard our prayers. He spared you." she said.
Harry walked in and was shocked at what he saw. Edward was truly awake and was going to live. He wouldn't have to bury his son.
Harry walked up to Edward and tried to hold back tears.
"I'm glad to see you awake, son." he said.
Edward smiled weakly, but did not try to sit up.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Your concern about me is more than generous." he said.
Harry knelt down next to his son and took his hand.
"My dearest boy, I humbly ask you for your forgiveness as your father and King. If you wish to enter the Church, I will not stop you." he said.
Edward smiled.
"Thank you, Father. However, I am not going to enter the Church. I will remain the Duke of York, but I wish to remain chaste and unmarried, unless the Lord says differently." he said.
Harry nodded his head.
"I will let you do that son. I promise we will never be divided as a family again." he said.
Anne took Harry's hand.
"Sweetheart, let us let Edward rest. We can go visit the other children. Also, we should have a letter sent to Matilda." she said.
Harry nodded his head.
"You're right. Let's let him rest." he said as he, Anne and William left Edward to rest.
Unbeknownst to everyone, Queen Anne felt a slight pain In her abdomen, that she dismissed as nothing.
January 8, 1553
Palace of Girona
Girona, Aragon, Spain
Queen Juana and Emperor Charles were going over battle plans with their war council. Queen Juana had a new goal I'm her mind: Conquer Navarre and place it back under Spanish rule. The city of Girona had been invaded by the French Troops, however they were decimated by Juana's army. She was victorious. Since it was winter and there was snow falling, she decided that everyone take refuge in the palace of Girona.
Charles looked at his mother.
"What should we do now. Mother? This snow is not letting up." he said.
Juana began to think hard. She had at least one thousand soldiers to care for abs and compensate. Thankfully, she wasn't strapped financially, however she knew the French probably had a larger army. Also, with the winter weather bearing down, she couldn't let her troops down.
She stood up and walked near a window.
"We have resources that will last us awhile. Give the soldiers extra blankets and warm wine to warm themselves, while they are in their tents. Make sure they have plenty of wood for their fires. Also, send a letter to your daughter, Queen Adriana of Naples." she said.
Charles looked at his mother, in confusion.
"What can she do, Mother?" he asked.
Juana looked at her son.
"The King of Naples is my grandson. Your sister, the Dowager Queen of Naples writes me and tells me that Naples is a very wealthy country. With your daughter as the current Queen, maybe she can convince Alfonso to send us troops. I hear he loves Adriana very much." she said.
Charles nodded his head.
"Very well. I'll make sure I get that letter sent to her as soon as possible." he said.
Juana nodded her head. She turned to one of her advisors, Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, Duke of the Infantado. He was married to Charles's eldest surviving child, Infanta Maria, Duchess of the Infantado. Unlike her parents, Juana wasn't too fond of the powerful Mendoza family, but they were loyal to the Crown and Diego loved her granddaughter, Maria.
She sighed.
"Any suggestions, Diego?" she asked.
Diego stood up. Although he was nearing forty years old, he was still very attractive. He and the beautiful Infanta Maria made a beautiful couple.
"Yes, Majestad. I suggest we write to your nephew, the King of Portugal, to send more troops. He is not currently involved in a war. I'm sure he could spare a few hundred." he said.
Juana nodded her head.
"I think you may be right. However, I don't want to just depend on that. Let's see what Naples says first. I don't want to be in debt to two Christian Kingdoms , while fighting a third." she said, as she walked out of the room.
Infante Luis, Prince of Asturias Bedchamber
Luis was kneeling in front of his altar, saying a deep prayer. He looked forward to this quiet time, especially after seeing war. He prayed for the souls of the men who had all lost their lives. He asked God to shelter him and his family from the enemy.
Suddenly, Infante Juan came in the room. War had taken a toll on the young man. He had changed in different ways. He was more serious about things, even though he had bedded several women since the war started. Now at twenty-three years old, he was still handsome and with the war, had let his hair grown down past his shoulders.
Juan cleared his throat.
"Luis, do you mind if I sleep here tonight? Pedro has two whores for the night and I really need the sleep." he said.
Luis nodded.
"Yes, but only tonight." he said, as he concluded his prayers stood up.
Juan laid on the spare bed. He looked over to Luis, who had taken his shirt off.
"Did you hear about what Elizabeth did in Segovia?" he asked.
Luis smiled and nodded.
"Yes and I have never been more proud of her. How did you hear about it?" he asked.
Juan handed him a letter.
"My sister, Maria, sent me that letter. I didn't know we still had problems with some of those Moors. I thought they left sixty years ago." he said.
Luis nodded.
"They resurfaced about four years ago. It wasn't a huge deal. Grandmother Juana just burned them." he said.
Juan sighed.
"I just hope it doesn't end in Civil War again. I hate war. I want to go back home." he admitted.
Luis nodded his head.
"Unfortunately, our place is at war. I hate it, as well. However, I'm not going to let them take my daughter's birthright from her. France isn't going to keep invading us. I hate being away from Elizabeth and Isabel, but I will fight for them." he said.
Juan admired his nephew's courage. He stood up and walked near Luis.
"Luis, I want to apologize to you. Ever since we were children, I have always been jealous of you. You were the heir after my brother. You and your sister were always Father and Grandmother's concern. I resented you for it. However, after seeing this war, I realize the burden you have to carry and I do not envy it. I hope you can forgive me." he said.
Luis smiled and hugged Juan.
"You are more than just my uncle. You are my closest friend. We grew up together. My true companion, other than my sister. I'll always forgive you, Juan. My heart cannot stay angry at you." he said.
Juan smiled. He finally knew that no matter what, he had at least one friend, other than his own sister.
January 10, 1553
Windsor Palace
Charles Brandon, 2nd Duke of Suffolk's Bedchamber
Charles and Mary were lying in bed, holding on to one another. They had not had a moment to themselves like this. Charles never thought that he would fall in love with any woman he married, but Mary just had such a claim on his heart. Besides her physical beauty, which was her fair skin, fiery hair and warm hazel eyes, she was intelligent and kind.
He kissed Mary's cheek.
"I thank God Prince Edward survived. I don't know what I would have done with the King, if he were to suffer such a loss." he said.
Mary nodded her head.
"I am too. Now I can feel less guilty about returning to Westhorpe Hall." she said.
Charles looked at his wife.
"Why do you need to return home? Are you ill?" he asked.
Mary nodded her head.
"Yes, but I pray your child will give me rest soon." she said.
Charles' eyes opened in shock.
"Are you with child already?" he asked.
Mary nodded her head.
"Yes. The midwife says I should be brought to childbed in August." she said.
Charles hugged and kissed his wife.
"Oh, darling I am so happy. However, don't leave so quickly. Let's wait until the child quickens." he said.
Mary nodded her head.
"Anything you want, my love." she said.
Charles leaned in to kiss her again, but they were interrupted by a loud banging on the door.
Charles rolled his eyes, got out of bed and went to open the door. It was his sister, Lady Catherine Grey.
Charles looked at his elder sister, in confusion.
"Catherine, what are you doing here this late at night?" he asked.
Catherine shushed him, looked behind her and came in the door. After coming in, she spotted Mary.
Catherine grew red in her face.
"I'm so sorry, Mary. I thought Charles was alone." she said.
Mary shook her head.
"No, but I can leave if that would make you more comfortable." she said.
Catherine shook her head.
"No, you are my brother's wife. I will not disrespect you in such a manner. However, please keep our talk private. No one is to know." she said.
Mary nodded her head.
"You have my word." she said.
Catherine turned towards her brother.
"Henry has really gone crazy. He's the one who tried to kill Prince Edward." he said.
Charles was taken aback by his sister's revelation. Mary sat back down on the bed, in shock.
Charles glared at his sister.
"That bastard has definitely gone mad. Why did he do something so damn stupid?" he asked.
Catherine sat down in a chair.
"Henry is convinced that the King advised Prince Edward to repudiate his betrothal to Jane in open Court, in an attempt to embarrass the Grey Family. According to what he said, he told Jane to send a message to see Prince Edward and after they talked for awhile, Henry grabbed Edward and stabbed him." she said.
Mary gasped. Charles folded his arms and shook his head.
"He is going to burn in Hell for this. You have to tell the King what you know. He committed treason. You've been in hell married to this snake for twenty years. You can end it now." he said.
Catherine smiled at the thought of being free of Henry and just enjoying her three daughters and maybe even remarrying to a much kinder man. However, she knew she couldn't take that risk.
She shook her head.
"Charles, if I turn him in, he will implicate my Jane and she will follow him to the scaffold. I don't think I could survive my child being executed." she admitted.
Mary looked at Catherine.
"He would willingly let his daughter be beheaded?" she asked, in slight disbelief
Catherine nodded her head.
"He knows that it would hurt me most of all. Also, it could even affect my other two daughters. Katherine and Mary would have a much difficult time finding husbands at Court, because they would be branded as the daughters and sisters of two traitors." she said.
Charles nodded.
"She's right. We need to find a way to solve this, without Jane losing her life in the process. Until then, no one is to say anything. Is that understood?" he asked.
Both his wife and sister nodded their heads.
Charles looked at Catherine.
"Go back to your chambers. Quietly." he said.
Catherine stood to her feet and walked to the door. Before exiting, she turned and looked back at Charles and Mary.
She smiled.
"Thank you both so much." she said.
Alcala de Henares Palace
Madrid, Castile, Spain
Princess Elizabeth of Spain's Bedchamber
Elizabeth was sitting by the fire, holding her two year old daughter, as she slept. Elizabeth had not let little Isabel out of her sight since the incident in Segovia. She felt like a failure as a mother. She couldn't believe that her only child was put in such danger.
There was a knock at her door.
Elizabeth stood up.
"Come in." she said.
Andres de Cabrera walked in, holding a document.
"Alteza, these are the death warrants for you to sign. Queen Juana has said that anyone involved in the plot must die. As Regent, you must order it." he said calmly.
Elizabeth nodded her head and began to sign the warrants. She did not want these men to die, but they had placed the life of her only child in danger and she could not forgive that.
She sighed.
"I hate that I am causing their deaths. However, this is my family. Isabel is my only child. I am so worried about her." she admitted.
Andres smiled. Behind the stoic public appearance, there was a young mother, who worried for her daughter.
"Alteza, forgive me for speaking above my station, but Infanta Isabel is very well protected. Nothing will happen to her. I assure you. She won't be an only child for long. Soon, the war will be over and you and Infante Luis will provide Spain with it's future." he said.
Elizabeth smiled.
"Thank you. Before you go, I must ask you about my sister. I hear you all had another child." she said.
Andres nodded.
"We did. A son that we named Enrique, after your brother, the King of England." he said.
Elizabeth sighed.
"I miss my family. Please tell her I love her and I will keep her in my prayers." she said.
Andres nodded.
"I will. As you know, one of the Princes of England was nearly murdered. My wife was tempted to return to England to comfort the King. However, Queen Juana may not give permission." he said.
Elizabeth shook her head.
"I doubt it. It is way too dangerous, especially with the war and it doesn't help that one of my nephews is betrothed to the eldest French Princess, Elisabeth of Valois and my niece is betrothed to the Dauphin. Queen Juana was not happy with my brother." she admitted.
Andres glared.
"My wife is a Princess and a former Queen. She should be treated as such." he said.
Before Elizabeth could say anything else, he took the signed death warrants, bowed and left Elizabeth in her room.
Elizabeth sat back down and sighed. She loved her sister, but she also barely knew her. She hadn't seen Isabella since she was nearly six years old. Both of her sisters were basically adults by the time of her birth. She managed to have a close relationship with Mary, but Isabella was more distant.
Elizabeth shook her head.
"Isabella deserves better than this." she said aloud.
January 20, 1553
Windsor Palace
King Henry IX of England's Bedchamber
Harry was sitting by his fire, reading his Bible. He was very thankful that Edward had survived and even ordered Masses be held to thank God for his survival and his slow, but steady recovery. According to the physician, it would take weeks before Edward could leave his bed. He was truly lucky to be alive.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
Harry looked up.
"Come in." he said.
Charles Brandon walked in and bowed.
"Good morning, Your Majesty." he said.
Harry smiled at his cousin.
"Good Morning, Charles. It's a little early for business. What can I do for you?" he asked.
Charles sighed.
"We have a message from France. The King has repudiated the betrothals of Princess Eleanor and the Dauphin and Prince Owen and Princess Elisabeth of Valois." he said.
Harry glared.
"Why didn't I see this coming? What are his reasons?" he asked, trying to hold his temper.
Charles cleared his throat.
"He feels that little Elisabeth of Valois deserves a grander match than the third born son of a King. He feels that since she is the eldest daughter, she deserves to be a Queen. He sees no political advantage of keeping that betrothal. He is still waiting to keep the betrothal of the Dauphin and Princess Eleanor, however he wants to increase her dowry from three hundred thousand pounds to six hundred thousand." he said.
Harry laughed.
"Now I see the issue. He needs more money to keep his war with Spain going. Well, I'm not his banker. I'm sure I can find more marriages for my children. Tell the Council to send a letter to the King of France that I understand his plight, but will not help him. Even have enough problems here at home. I don't really care that Spain is decimating the French." he said.
Charles nodded and turned to leave. Before he left, he turned around.
"Your Majesty, I should tell you now. I'm going to be a father." he said.
Harry smiled at his cousin.
"It's about time, old man. I know you and Lady Mary will be wonderful parents. Remember that a daughter is a blessing, just as much as a son." he said sternly.
Charles nodded.
"I know that, Your Majesty. Besides, Mary isn't even twenty years old yet. If this child isn't a son, we have plenty of time." he said.
Harry nodded his head.
"That's true. Also, I need another letter sent to Spain." he said.
Charles nodded.
"Is it for Princess Elizabeth?" he asked.
Harry shook his head.
"No. It's for Isabella. I wish to congratulate her on the birth of her son." he said.
Charles nodded his head.
"I'll have it sent right away." he said.
Harry smiled and nodded and continued to read his Bible. He knew that his sister and he did not have the best relationship, but now his hatred was placed on the attempted killer of his son. Hatred of his elder sister just did not seem plausible anymore.
January 23, 1553
Edinburgh Palace
Queen Mary of Scots' Bedchamber
Young Queen Mary was sitting at her desk, going over her Latin. She would be turning eleven years old by the end of the year and she was showing great maturity for her age. She was also showing signs of being a beautiful young woman, with her long auburn hair, fair skin and hazel eyes. She was also becoming tall like her mother, Mary of Guise.
Suddenly, her door opened and her grandmother, Dowager Queen Margaret, walked in. Now at age sixty-three years old, Margaret was starting to slow down. However, she was still formidable and was not willing to back down to anyone, especially her French-born daughter-in-law.
She kissed Mary's forehead.
"How are your lessons going, my dear?" she asked.
Mary looked at her grandmother.
"They are excellent, my Lady Grandmother. My Latin seems very simple." she said.
Margaret nodded her head.
"Excellent. As Queen, the more languages you know, the better. You don't want foreign diplomats to visit the Court and see Scotland's Queen as frivolous and weak. You need to be strong, strict, unyielding." she said.
Mary cocked her head.
"I thought as a wife, I am supposed to yield and submit unto my husband? If that is true, I don't want him to be my subject. I want him to be my equal, especially since I will never be seen as his equal, since I am not a man." she said.
Margaret listened to her granddaughter. She was proud that her granddaughter had finally stopped whining and was willing to be diplomatic.
"That's true. I am looking forward to your marriage. England and Scotland united under one ruler. I hope I live to see it." she said.
Mary stood up.
"You will, Grandmother. I always want you by my side." she said.
Margaret touched Mary's cheek.
"One day, I will no longer be apart of this world. I am doing my best to prepare you for that time. The time when you will be your own woman and the decision will rest with you. Everything that you have learned from me, you will pass on to your own children, especially your son that will inherit both Crowns. I just want you to know that I love you, Mary. I always have and I always will and I just want the best for you." she said.
Mary smiled.
"I love you too, Grandmother." she said.
January 31, 1553
Stockholm Palace
Princess Matilda of Sweden's Bedchamber
Matilda was watching both of her children sleep. She was captivated by their beauty. Prince Johan was her perfect angel. He had grown more chubby in the month since his birth and he still had a film of pale blonde hair. Princess Astrid was the opposite of her twin brother. She was a fiery redhead and was crying almost constantly, to the distress of her nurses. Matilda found the way to soothe her fussy daughter and now both twins slept peacefully at night.
There was a knock at the door.
Matilda looked up.
"Come in." she said.
King Gustav of Sweden walked in and smiled at his daughter-in-law. Matilda rapidly stood to her feet and bowed before him.
"Your Majesty." she said.
Gustav held his hand up.
"None of that is necessary. I just came to check on my grandchildren, however I see I came at a bad time." he said.
Matilda smiled.
"They sleep like angels. I'm sorry, Your Majesty. If I had known you were coming to see them, I would not have put them down so early." she said.
Gustav shook his head.
"No. They need their sleep. You are doing a wonderful job in being their mother." he said.
Matilda smiled.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." she said.
The door opened and Prince Edward walked in. Once he saw his father, he bowed.
"Father, what has made you grace us with your presence?" he asked.
Gustav smiled and pointed at the twins.
"Sweden's future." he simply said.
Eric looked at his son and daughter and smiled.
"They are healthy and strong. I will make sure that my wife and I have many more sons to secure Sweden, Father." he said.
Gustav nodded.
"Excellent, however let our beautiful Princess get her strength back. Too many pregnancies took your beloved stepmother, Queen Margaret, away frome too soon. I do not want you to suffer the same pain I had to endure losing her." he said.
Eric looked at Matilda. He had to admit that in the year and a half since their marriage, he had grown fond of her and was even beginning to love her. He did still have affairs, but he kept them out of her sight and now she had provided Sweden with its next generation. He was beginning to care more for his wife.
Eric smiled.
"I will not do anything to endanger my beloved wife." he said.
Matilda smiled. She did love Eric, but she would always make sure to keep her wits about herself for protection.
A/N Phew! Another long chapter for you guys. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. The next chapter is currently in the works. As you all saw here, Charles and Mary Brandon are expecting their first child together. What should the gender of the new baby be? Gender and name suggestions are welcome. Also, there will be major drama and conflict coming soon. There will be a time jump happening soon, probably after the summer of 1553.i don't want to spoil too much, but heads will roll. Prince Edward is on the mend as well, since I decided not to kill him. I'm still debating on how to reveal Henry Grey. I have one idea, but it's in the air still. Please Read and Review! Chapter 29 will be up very soon!