The Golden Years

by melanietudor312

With Henry VIII now dead and his son,Henry IX now on the throne, how will the Tudor Family live through the Golden Years? (Sequel to A Change For The Better)

41. Chapter 41

Chapter 41

Hey everyone! I hope everyone loves this chapter. Just remember, I love your reviews and messages. If you have any questions or comments, don't hesitate to ask. I'm hoping to knock out the year 1554 in this chapter. So without further delay , here's Chapter 41 and please Read and Review!

August 2, 1554
Hampton Court Palace
Queen Anne of England's Bedchamber

Anne and her ladies were sewing together, while eleven year old Princess Eleanor was playing the harp And four year old Princess Margaret played with one of Queen Anne's dogs.

Anne looked at Lady Mary Brandon. The twenty-one year old Duchess of Suffolk was expecting her second child in just two months and was well respected for her beauty, kindness and her utter devotion to her Queen.

Anne touched Mary's hand.

"How are you, dear?" she asked.

Mary smiled.

"I am just fine. I admit I become more tired now, but it will be over soon. I cannot wait to hold my new child in two months." she said.

Anne smiled. Now nearly aged thirty-nine, Anne knew she would never bear another child. Despite the danger to her life, her courses had been very sporadic since the birth of Princess Margaret.

Suddenly, Prince William walked in. The twenty-two year old was co-regent with his mother, while his father was in Navarre.

He looked at Lady Mary.

"Lady Mary, please take my sisters somewhere else. I need to speak to the Queen in private." he said.

Lady Mary looked at Anne. She was not used to taking orders from a Prince.

Anne nodded her head, signaling it was OK to follow Prince William's command. Lady Mary stood up and escorted the two young Princesses out, followed by the rest of Queen Anne's household.

Anne looked up at her eldest son.

"What can I do for you, William?" she asked.

William cleared his throat.

"I was told that you met with the Council today. Why wasn't I present as well?" he asked.

Anne stood up.

"Sweetheart, we were discussing your sister Margaret's betrothal to Austria. As Queen and your mother, I do not think you are ready to deal with diplomatic affairs and your father, The King agrees and they are his orders. However, you may handle civil matters." she said.

William became angry.

"Why did Father make me Co-regent, with no damn power or authority?! One day I will be King!" he said, yelling at his mother.

Anne walked closer and took William by his arms gently.

"William, I will not tolerate your tone. You may be Regent, but you are not King yet. Also, when you become King, I'll still be your mother and I will be respected as such. Now, please excuse me. I would like to rest before supper." she said.

William, with a remorseful look in his eyes, bowed to his mother and left her presence.

As soon as Anne was alone, she clutched her stomach as a wave of pain came over her. She suddenly felt the need to empty her stomach and did so in her chamber pot. She took a cloth and wiped her mouth and drank the tonic she was given by her physician and laid down in bed for s brief nap.

---

2 August 1554
Pamplona, Navarre

When Queen Catherine of France entered the private dining chambers of Queen Elizabeth of Navarre, she was somewhat shocked at the splendor of the room. It was not decorated in the tastes of its former occupant, Margaret of Navarre, but had a uniqueness about it that made one pay attention. It was a graceful blend of England, Spain, and Navarre wrapped into one. Elizabeth was the first to speak.

"Your Grace," she said, motioning to the chairs across from her at the elegant, but small, dining table. "Given the topic we are about to discuss, I assumed something private was in order."

Catherine sat and nodded to the younger woman. Elizabeth looked at her servants and maids, who immediately revealed the meal that had been prepared, gave the customary bows and curtsies, then left the room. "Shall we get to it then?" Elizabeth asked.

"Of course, your Majesty," Catherine said. "The way I see this war is that it began as one of pride and arrogance on both sides of the table. I know my husband, King Henri, was prompted into it over several minor matters that wouldn't have turned his head, normally, but add in the jests of several young noblemen eager to prove their worth and a lust for glory that all men in his position seem to feel, and there's your war."

Elizabeth nodded, surprised at the French Queen's candor, but she had heard that Catherine de Medici often spoke her mind. Elizabeth took a bite of her fruit and allowed Catherine to continue.

"Frankly, your Grace, we could continue the fighting for years with the money that is at Henri's disposal from my coffers in Italy, but I would much prefer to spend that money on the arts and schools."

Elizabeth agreed that there were much better ways of spending money like that and was curious, "What do you propose to end it, Your Grace?" Elizabeth questioned.

"Henri will end his part in it if there is enough money on the table," Catherine said with all certainty. "He wants money to rival mine, so he no longer needs me. I, however, prefer he never has quite that much. We need to make him think he's gaining something that Queen Juana of Castile would see as important enough to risk ending the war over."

"The most important thing to her Majesty is her family," Elizabeth said, thoughtfully. The two queens ate in silence for quite some time before an idea came to her. "Right now, Isabel, my daughter, is my only heir. She would inherit the throne of Navarre should something happen to me. If we were to somehow convince King Henri that a betrothal between your son, Francis, and my Isabel might result in a second throne for your son, that might be enough to peak his interests in ending the war, would it not?"

Catherine liked where this was going! "Yes, it would," she responded. "And there is nothing that says the betrothal had to continue once you have a son for Navarre who will replace her as heir presumptive. Do you think your husband would agree to such a match, knowing how his great-grandmother feels about the French?"

"I do not know. I would dare say that anything that was possible when it comes to Isabel and her future. The idea that she might be a cornerstone that would cease the fighting once and for all could persuade him in that direction," Elizabeth told her.

"Then that would be a good possibility for ending this war," Catherine said, "a betrothal between our children."

Elizabeth nodded.

"Henri is set to receive an envoy from England to discuss reinstating the betrothal between our Elisabeth and your nephew, Prince Edward, within a few weeks of our return to France," Catherine informed her. This was news to Elizabeth, but she was glad of it. Her nephew had asked her for help concerning the matter, and Elizabeth was glad to hear that it was already in the works. "Once that contract is negotiated, I will put a bug in his ear about Princess Isabel and our Francis, saying that it would be a benefit for France if our son was betrothed to your daughter and could potentially gain a second throne through her."

Elizabeth smiled at the idea of tricking the King of France into thinking that this would happen. It was almost ingenious to consider ending a war in this manner. "Perhaps you could even use the war to make it seem like you are in support of it?" Elizabeth suggested.

"How so?"

"If the war with Spain were to continue indefinitely, then Francis would, when he became King and married Isabel, have a second staging ground from which to attack the Spainish?"

Catherine thought for a moment, then laughed. She liked this young woman very much. The Queen of Navarre may be young, but she already thought like a well-established monarch.

"That is brilliant!" Catherine exclaimed. "How could Henri refuse?"

Just then, the chimes from Elizabeth's mantle clock played, signaling the lateness of the day. Catherine rose from her place and thanked Elizabeth for the luncheon, then said that she would be in touch with the younger woman. She curtsied to her hostess and then left the room. She had to gather her belongings for the return trip to France, including her thoughts. She was about to trap a King.

---

2 August 1554
Pamplona, Navarre

'Don't be an idiot, man,' he thought to himself as he paced the floor in his chambers, 'you're just asking her to write you and continue the conversation you were having about books.'

Ferdinand left his rooms and hurried down the hallway towards the front of the castle. He hoped she hadn't left yet; most of the guests had. He was almost to the doorway when he spotted her carriage out front, but she was not in it. She was standing in front of the doorway with Queen Elizabeth saying goodbye. He saw her curtsey to Navarre's new queen and turn towards her ride.

"Princess Anna," he called from where he was standing. The woman turned and waved at him, delaying her departure as he rushed towards her.

"Your Grace," she responded, once he had reached her side.

"I was hoping to catch you before you left for Denmark," he told her.

"Oh?" she questioned.

"Yes, we were having such a wonderful conversation last night in the ball room," he began. "I didn't want you to think that I didn't enjoy the time we spent together yesterday discussing Greek poetry."

"I enjoyed our conversation as well, your Grace," she responded. "It's rare to find a man who will take the opinions of a woman into consideration, especially when it involves matters of intelligence."

"I, unlike my counterparts, am not intimidated by a woman who is educated, your Highness," Ferdinand said. "I have no reason to be."

"Many of my suitors have been," she informed him, "so you will have to forgive me for my assumptions."

"No forgiveness is necessary. I value a woman who will speak her mind," he said.

"I think I believe that is true, your Grace," Princess Anna responded.

"If I might ask, why is it you never married, your highness?"

"That, your Grace, is a long story for another party," she said, her gaze becoming distant and sad. "However, to keep the gossip of court gatherings down, I will tell you this much before I go. My betrothed died before we were married, and I have yet to find a gentleman worthy of taking his place."

Ferdinand was take aback by her statement. Of all the things he could have imagined surrounding the princess' marital status, the untimely death of her fiancée was not one of them.

"And did he value your intelligence, your highness?" Ferdinand asked.

Princess Anna thought for a moment before answering his question. She wondered where this might lead and if it was anything more than a friendship, if she was ready for that type of relationship yet. "Yes, your Grace," she responded, walking towards her awaiting carriage, "I believe he did. And now, I really must go. We have a long journey to Denmark."

Ferdinand followed her and helped her into her coach. As he kissed her hand, he asked, "Will you write to me in Austria, your Highness? I would love to continue our conversations, despite the distance between us."

"It would be my pleasure, your Grace," she said, and with a simple wave, she disappeared inside her carriage and started the journey home.

---

2 August 1554
Pamplona, Navarre

Princess Matilda was looking at herself in the mirror. She was excited. She was going back to her homeland, after three years of being away. She greatly missed her mother and brothers and sisters. She hoped that this reunion would bring her joy again.

Suddenly, her husband, Prince Eric appeared behind her.

He kissed her cheek.

"Beautiful as always." he said.

Matilda smiled. She had let Eric visit her bed only one time, but she knew that he wanted it more frequently, but she was not fully ready to open the doors of her bedchamber completely.

Eric sighed.

"England. I never thought I'd ever go there. It was a new experience being here, with the whole Catholic side." he said.

Matilda turned towards him.

"I don't care about the differences. I am just happy to see my mother and siblings again. I bet little Margaret doesn't even know who I am." she said.

"She does. She has seen your portrait." a male voice said

Matilda turned around and was face-to-face with her brother, Prince Edward.

Matilda walked up to her younger brother and hugged him.

"Eddie, what are you doing here?" she asked.

Edward smiled.

"I apologize if I'm intruding, but Father is ready to depart. We are to meet him in the Throne Room. He is saying goodbye to his sisters." he said.

Suddenly, King Harry appeared.

"No. I wouldn't miss the chance to escort my lovely daughter to our carriage. However, I would like to say goodbye to my sisters." he said, as he linked arms with Matilda and began to walk away.

Prince Edward and Eric looked at each other nodded and followed Harry and Matilda.

---

2 August 1554
Pamplona, Navarre

"There you are," King Henry IX of England said as he entered the throne room of Navarre's palace. The woman who was standing near the throne turned at the sound of his voice and smiled. "I was hoping to see you before I left."

"I'm glad you found me then," she replied, and embraced him. Just then, the doors behind the throne of Navarre opened and Queen Elizabeth walked through.

"I thought I might find you two in here," the Queen of Navarre said.

"Where else would we be?" King Henry said to his youngest sister. "The throne room was the one place we all loved to be as children."

The older woman laughed. "Too true, Harry," she said, fondly remembering their games when their father, the late King Henry VIII of England, was away from court.

"Remember the time we thought Father had left and he caught us playing hide and seek in there?" Harry said.

"Oh, goodness, do I," Queen Mary of Portugal said, smiling at her older brother.

"Tell me about it," Elizabeth requested of her older siblings, looking confused.

"You hadn't been born yet," Harry began, "and father was taking one of his mistresses on a hunt. Isabella and Mary and I thought he had left and started playing hide and seek in the throne room, but he had forgotten his riding gloves and came back to fetch them himself, instead of sending a servant."

"He was furious!" Queen Mary exclaimed. "I thought we were in for it."

"I think we all did," Harry said, "until Isabella stood up to him."

"Isabella?" Elizabeth questioned.

"That's right," a voice said with a chuckle from the receiving doors that led into the hallway. "I was scared out of my wits, but I stood up to him, or so Harry and Mary here thought. What I really did was play to his vanity."

"Really?" Elizabeth said.

"Yes," Isabella replied. "I told him that when he was gone from court, we missed him so much and that being in the throne room reminded us of what a noble and glorious prince our father was and how he had to see to the welfare of the land, even if he wanted to be home with the three of us." Isabella smiled at the memory. "I knew it wasn't true, and I think he knew that I knew it, but he believed that Harry and Mary thought that way."

"You had a way with him," Harry said, "that's for certain."

Isabella smiled at her little brother and nodded. "Someone had to, otherwise we would have all been in trouble more often."

Mary sat on the steps leading up to the throne of Navarre. "Do you ever wonder what our lives would have been like had we not had Henry VIII as a father?"

Harry nodded. "I used to quite often. Sometimes I wondered if things would have been different if our Uncle Arthur would have lived."

"I did too, when I was younger," Isabella admitted. "I wondered if mother's other children would have lived."

The four siblings looked at each other for a moment.

"Well, now," Harry said finally, "I guess it's time for my departure."

"Oh Harry, must you?" Elizabeth questioned. "The ship won't leave without you. You are King after all!"

"Yes, I am afraid so," Harry replied, hugging his youngest sister to him. "But who knows. Perhaps another blissful event will bring us back together in the future."

With that, Harry hugged Mary close. Then he looked at Isabella. They had not gotten along in several years, not since she married without a papal dispensation and lied to all of Christendom about it. The scandal was horrible. "Isabella," he began.

"It's okay Harry," she replied. "I understand."

He shocked her as he pulled her into a hug and waited for her to come to her senses and hug him back. "I only wanted to say that it was good to see you again, and that I am truly sorry about the loss of your husband, the Marquess."

Isabella's face saddened at the mention of her beloved Andres, but she held her composure, other than a single tear from her eyes. "Thank you, brother. I miss him deeply."

"I will pray for you sister, for God to send you comfort," Harry said, and kissed her hand. "May God bless you all." With that, he turned and walked quickly out of the room, not wanting his sisters to see the tear falling down his cheek.

---

5 August 1554
Pamplona, Navarre
The palace gardens

Lady Jeanne d'Albret was standing near the fountain in the garden of the palace where she had grown up. She missed her father. He had taken walks with her in this garden nearly every day that she could remember. It was a beautiful scene with the fountain in the center and the shrubs and flowers growing nearby, but she was not happy. Over the past four months, she went from being a Princess to being a Lady betrothed to a man she really did not know and in less than a month, she would be his wife. She knew that this was the life that nobility was destined to have, but she liked it less and less with each passing day and wondered why the Spanish hadn't exiled her to France with her mother instead.

"Pardon me, Lady Jeanne," a man's voice said from behind her. She turned to meet the eyes of her betrothed, Lord Alexandre Dumane, Duke of Lautrec. He was a handsome fellow, there was no doubt about that, but Lady Jeanne couldn't feel anything for this man that she was about to marry. Not yet anyways. "I saw you standing here alone and thought that this might be the right time to discuss our upcoming wedding with you?"

"Certainly, your Grace," she replied. "What would you like to discuss?"

"Well, as we know nothing about each other, perhaps that would be a good place to start?" He suggested. "Would you care to take a seat?" He motioned towards one of the benches, and she moved to do as he asked. He followed her and sat beside her. "I'm not sure how this is supposed to go, to be honest. I've never been engaged before, my lady."

"Neither have I," Jeanne replied.

"Well, I am Alexandre Eduard Dumae. I was born in France and moved to Spain with my father when I was only ten," he told her.

"Just your father?" she questioned.

"Yes, my mother died giving birth to my younger sister, who died herself a month later," he said.

"Oh," Jeanne replied, "I am so sorry."

Alexandre nodded. He missed his mother, but he had barely known his sister, and a ten-year-old boy was not interested in babies. "My father sent me to the best schools in Spain, where I learned to be a soldier eventually. That is how I met the Prince of Asturias."

Jeanne smiled at him, trying to think of him as a boy with a sword in his hand, learning to fight. "I was raised here, at the palace, obviously. I have never been outside of Navarre in my life."

"Never?" he asked.

"No, never," she confirmed.

"We will have to fix that once we are married, if you wish," Alexandre told her, and she nodded in response.

"I would like that," she said.

"I like to travel, myself," he replied. "I love to see unfamiliar places, so we can do that."

"I also like to read," she said.

"Well, then you will have to stock the library of our home with whatever books you find interesting," Alexandre told her. "Although the books I have read have been entertaining, I have little time to pay attention to them, so I wouldn't know where to begin."

Jeanne smiled again. Perhaps her life with him wouldn't be so bad. "Do you like children?" she asked.

"I think so," he answered. "I haven't been around many of them."

"I always wanted a large family," she told him, "if that's not too forward of me to say, since, as you pointed out, we really don't know each other very well."

Alexandre shook his head, "We will be married in less than a month. I don't see anything forward in discussing such things this close to our wedding."

"I was an only child after my brother died. I can remember hoping that mother would have more children, so I wouldn't be lonely so often, but she didn't. It led me to wanting a large family of my own," Jeanne told him.

"I can understand that," he said.

"I hope you won't take this the wrong way, but I'm terribly frightened of being in a loveless marriage," she said. "I have seen so many of those in my short life that I know that's not what I wanted. My father had promised me that I could marry for love as long as my husband met certain requirements, but it seems that is not to be."

Alexandre looked at her for a moment, unsure how to respond to her admission. "I would prefer to have a marriage that was based on love," he confided in her, "but we must do as the Queen commands."

"I know."

"Perhaps if we work at it, ours can be more than just something that was demanded of us in time?" he questioned.

"I'm open to the possibility," she replied.

"Well then," he said, standing up and after looking around for a moment, he reached behind him and plucked a yellow rose from a nearby bush and handed it to her. "Please accept this token of my friendship, Lady Jeanne, and would you do me the honor of taking a walk with me every afternoon around three?"

"I would be delighted, Lord Alexandre," she responded, smiling at his gesture and taking his outstretched hand to begin the first of their many afternoons together.

---

August 9, 1554

Hampton Court, England

The Royal Throne Room

Queen Anne was sitting on her Throne, wearing a smile on her face. Finally, after being apart for awhile, her husband and her second eldest son were finally home. She had heard that they were en route to the Palace and she had ordered the cooks to prepare a feast in order to celebrate their arrival.

Prince William walked up next to his mother, bowed and stood by her side. Even though he had been appointed Co-Regent, she had absolutely refused for him to sit in his Father's Throne.

"Mother, you seem happy." he said, with a smile.

Anne looked up.

"I am. I have greatly missed your Father and your brother." she said.

William nodded. He had to admit that he liked being regent. However, he knew his Father had a long life ahead of him.

"I admit i missed them both as well. It is a relief to know that i will soon be in Ludlow with my own Household again." he said.

Anne smiled.

"I know you prefer to be on your own, but when you become King, you will have many people around you. Privacy is a luxury that a King can never afford." she said.

William looked down, realizing that he was lucky in that regard. He and his friends and household could do whatever they wanted, but if he was to act like this as a King, he wouldn't get far.

Suddenly, The Herald called out:

"HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, KING HENRY XI AND HIS HIGHNESS, PRINCE EDWARD TUDOR, DUKE OF YORK!"

Anne stood to greet her husband and son, as the Large doors opened and Harry and Edward walked in. Anne smiled when she saw her husband of twenty-three years walk in with his head held high.

Harry made it to his wife and embraced her, as if they were the only two people in the room. The entire Court burst into applause. Their King had returned.

Harry looked at Anne.

"I have missed you, my love." he said.

Anne melted in Harry's arms.

"Oh, I have dearly missed you as well." she said.

Anne turned towards Edward.

"My precious boy. I am so glad to have you home. How was Navarre?" she asked.

Edward smiled.

"It was a quaint little country, but i have a feeling in the coming years, Aunt Elizabeth will bring that land to greatness, as it merges with Spain." he said.

Harry touched William's arm.

"How are you doing, my son?" he asked gently.

William nodded his head politely.

"I am well, Father. I pray that your journey was pleasant and calm." he said.

Harry smiled.

"It was, my son. I pray you and your mother, The Queen, had no problems ruling our beloved land." he said.

Anne shook her head.

"Our beautiful England remains intact.' she said.

Harry smiled.

"I have a surprise for all of you, as well as the entire Court." he said, as he sat on the Throne next to his wife.

Anne frowned at Harry slightly. He knew that she wasn't as luxurious as some other Queens. She would most likely donate the gift, so that she could feed a nearby orphange, that she was a patron of.

"Harry, you know that I do not like expensive gifts." she said.

Harry smiled.

"It is not expensive at all. However, i will need our Princesses and Prince Owen brought down." he said, as she looked at the guards.

Within moments, fifteen year old Prince Owen, eleven year old Princess Eleanor and four year old Princess Margaret were brought down. Both girls were excited to see their Father and older brother, however controlled themselves, as the entire Court was watching them.

Harry smiled as the herald called out:

"THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESS, CROWN PRINCE ERIC OF SWEDEN AND HIS WIFE, CROWN PRINCESS MATILDA!"

The entire court began to murmur in surprise, as Matilda and Eric walked in, side by side to the Thrones.

Queen Anne began to tear up, as she watched her nineteen year old daughter walk in, looking more like a woman than the young girl who departed from England three years ago.

William couldn't believe this beautiful young woman was his younger sister and that she was now a wife and mother.

Matilda and Eric made it to Harry and Anne and bowed.

"Your Majesties." they both said.

Anne, forgetting decorum, stood to her feet and rapidly hugged her eldest daughter.

"Oh, Matilda. I have missed you so much." she said, as tears of joy rolled down her face.

Matilda hugged her mother back.

"I have missed you too, Mama." she said.

Eric cleared his throat and Matilda turned towards him.

"Mother, this is my husband, Prince Eric of Sweden." she said.

Eric took Anne's hand in his and gently kissed it.

"Your Majesty, I am pleased to make your acquaintance." he said smoothly.

Anne nodded her head. She had to admit her son-in-law was handsome, but for some reason she did not trust him.

Harry smiled, as he looked and for the first time in years, all six of his children were around him and his wife. It was at this moment, that he felt like the wealthiest King in all of Christendom.

---

August 10, 1554

Hampton Court

Princess Matilda, Crown Princess of Sweden's Bedchamber

Matilda was sitting by her window, reading a good book. It was barely sunrise and she was up. She chose to sleep alone, since Eric had become really drunk at the banquet and she wanted him to sleep it off. She was happy to be visiting her family again.

Suddenly, there was a knock at her door.

Matilda looked up from her book.

"Come in." she said.

The door opened and Matilda's mother, Queen Anne, walked into the room.

"Sweetheart, I know it is early. However, I have not had a chance to speak to you, just the two of us." she said.

Matilda smiled. She and her mother had always been close and she did miss her warm embrace. Being around her mother and looking at their relationship made her crave her own children, who were nearing two years old and she hoped to have the same relationship with them, that she had with her mother.

"Mother, it feels good to be back home. Sweden is so much different from here. The people are different." she said.

Anne smiled.

"The Swedish Ambassador has said that you are thriving in the Court. Many people respect you, because you adopted their customs and have not tried to influence your own." she said.

Matilda nodded.

"It wasn't easy at all. Everyone loved me after i gave birth to the twins." she said.

Anne smiled.

"How are my grandchildren?" she asked.

Matilda face lit up.

"Oh, Mama. They are my everything. Johan is such a sweet little boy. He loves to kiss and hug me. Astrid is a little imp and she has a cute little temper. She keeps her nurses on edge." she said.

Anne smiled. She would most likely never meet any of her daughters' children when they were all married, so hearing about them was a treat and a blessing.

"That is wonderful, darling. How are you feeling?" she asked her daughter, a she placed her hands on Matilda's arms.

Matilda looked at her mother, in confusion.

"I am fine, Mama. Why do you ask?" she asked.

Anne sighed.

"Your father told me about the baby who didn't make it." she said.

Matilda's eyes began to water at the thought of her poor daughter, sleeping forever in a small lonely tomb. She began to cry.

Anne held her daughter and they sat on the bed together. She rubbed her back and began to soothe Matilda.

"There, There. Don't cry, my darling. Mama is here. I know it hurts. God will bless you with more beautiful children." she said.

Matilda nodded.

"Unfortunately, I was not blessed with a faithful husband." she said.

Anne looked at Matilda with a confused look.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

Matilda looked at her mother.

"Eric has been unfaithful several times. We argued about his last mistress being in my household, when I lost our daughter." she said.

Anne began to fume internally. How dare that boy hurt her sweet child. She would not let him get away with this.

Anne stood up and kissed her daughter on the forehead.

"I will see you this evening sweet hear. Get more familiar with your siblings today, when you aren't with your husband. Remember, little Margaret has no memories of you." she said.

Matilda smiled.

"I'll make sure I visit her and the rest of my siblings." she said.

Anne nodded and turned to leave. As Matilda returned to her book, she didn't notice her mother place her hand on her stomach, wince in pain and take several breaths, before walking out of the door.

---

Later that evening

Hampton Court Palace

The Grand Ballroom

Harry and Anne were sitting on their Thrones. Harry could tell that Anne was very angry. She had a stoic look on her face.

Harry leaned to her.

"Sweetheart, what is the matter? I have never seen you this upset." he said

Anne put on a fake smile.

"I am fine, darling. There's no need to be concerned about me. You just returned from a long,tedious journey. Don't fret over me." she said.

Harry looked at Anne, for a moment, before turning back to the crowd of courtiers dancing.

Suddenly, Matilda came up to her parents.

"Father, can I trouble you for a dance?" she asked.

Before Harry could say anything, Anne nodded.

"Harry, dance with our daughter. I am going to retire to bed anyway." she said, as she kissed him.

After Matilda led her father away, Anne looked to a corner and saw her son-in-law, Prince Eric, talking to another young lady, who looked very uncomfortable. Queen Anne rose from her Throne and walked over to the two.

The young Lady bowed to Anne and Eric did as well.

Anne smiled at Eric.

'My dear son, would you mind stopping by my chambers tomorrow morning?" I would love to speak to you?" she said.

Eric look surprised, but nodded his head.

"Of course, Your Majesty." he said.

Anne smiled and continued on her way to her chambers, with her ladies-in-waiting following closely behind her.

---

August 11, 1554

Hampton Court Palace

Queen Anne of England's Private Chambers

It was late morning and Anne was sitting in her chair. She was feeling very weak, but she was a mother and she had to speak up for her daughter. Matilda did not deserve the heartache that he had inflicted upon her. Anne was also feeling very tired and slightly ill, but she attributed her symptoms to the summer heat outside. Her ladies were all attending to her, but Anne did not want them to know that she was feeling very ill.

Suddenly, Lady Mary Brandon walked in, her hand resting on her seven month pregnant belly.

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince of Sweden is here to see you. He said you were expecting him.' she said.

Anne nodded her head.

"I am expecting him. Please send him in and you and the rest of the ladies may wait in the outer chamber." she said, with a smile.

Lady Mary nodded and walked away to guide Prince Eric into the room.

Prince Eric bowed to Anne.

"Your Majesty, Thank you for extending this invitation to me. To what do I owe this pleasure?" he asked.

Anne stared at him.

"I am afraid, Your Highness, that this is not a pleasantry visit. Please have a seat." she said.

Eric looked at his mother-in-law, in confusion. Why was she speaking to him like this? She hadn't really spoken to him since his arrival.

"Have i done something to offend you, Your Majesty?" he asked, as he took a seat in front of her.

Anne glared at him.

"As a matter of fact, you have. How dare you disgrace my daughter in such a manner, that you forced her to lose your poor child, my grandchild?" she asked, angrily.

Eric became very defensive, but kept calm, out of respect.

"Madam, i mean no disrespect, but your daughter is now my wife. Matters in are marriage are private, even from you." he said, trying to keep his temper.

Anne slowly stood up.

"Prince Eric, you must remember you are the father of a daughter and I am sure you would not want a man to treat her the way you treat my daughter. I know every Prince will not be a true Christian..."

Eric stood to his feet.

"Madam, I am a true Christian!" he shouted.

Anne shook her head.

"A true Christian would not forsake his wedding vows to his wife and God..."

Eric began to turn red.

"HOW DARE YOU INSULT ME! I AM ALLOWED TO TAKE A WOMAN TO MY BED IF I PLEASE! I DO NOT NEED PERMISSION FROM MY WIFE'S MOTHER!" he screamed.

Anne looked at Eric in his eyes.

"I hope you say that when you are sent to the bowels of Hell at your midnight hour and you look at Lucifer in the face." she said, as she was taking deep breaths.

Eric looked at his mother-in-law, with fury in his eyes. Before he could retort, he noticed how pale Anne was and the dark circles under her eyes.

He stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, are you ill?" he asked.

Anne placed her and on Eric and suddenly fell to the floor, unconscious, before Eric could catch her.

Eric sat beside he and cradled her.

He looked toward the door.

"HELP! THE QUEEN IS ILL! SHE NEEDS HELP!" he screamed.

---

Later that day

Queen Anne was sitting up in bed, drinking a cool drink. She couldn't believe that she had fainted in front of her son-in-law.

The Physician looked at the Queen.

"Your majesty, i am surprised that this is happening. I thought the tonics would have worked." he said.

Anne smiled weakly.

"Well, it did for awhile. We just need a new cure. Is there anything else you can do for my bad condition?" she asked.

The Physician nodded.

"I will instruct your ladies how to do it, discreetly. However, the King is aware that you have fainted. What should I should tell him?" he asked.

Anne sighed.

"I am sure you will think of of something. However, tell everyone I will be resting." she said.

The physician nodded his head and left the room.

Queen Anne rolled on her side and placed a hand on her stomach and was wondering what was going on within her body.

---

August 20, 1554

Pamplona, Navarre

Queen Elizabeth I of Navarre's Bedchamber

Queen Elizabeth was enjoying a rare private dinner with her husband. Ever since she became Queen of Navarre, it was a little difficult to enjoy a quiet dinner alone with Luis. After being apart for so long, she loved every moment with him, but she knew that the war with France was not over yet and that he would soon have to return back on Campaign. She hoped that the marriage offer of her precious Isabel would keep France at bay, so that her husband could remain by her side.

Luis smiled at his wife.

"This roasted meat is very delicious. It's no wonder the D'Albret man was a little thick he ate well." he said jokingly.

Elizabeth looked at Luis.

"Luis, you shouldn't joke about the dead. Make sure Lady Jeanne doesn't hear you talk like that." she chided gently.

Luis nodded.

"You're right, Mi Amor. You seem to really feel for that girl." he said.

Elizabeth nodded.

"That poor thing. She has lost pretty much the entire world in which she was brought up in. I can't imagine what her mother, The Lady of Navarre, must be feeling being separated from her only living child." she said, compassionately.

At that moment,another plate of freshly cooked roasted chicken and roasted vegetables was placed in front of Elizabeth. Unlike her father, Elizabeth loved the taste of vegetables and local farmers took pride in knowing that their vegetables would be served to their new young Queen. However, the smell of her supper began to turn Elizabeth's stomach. She pushed her supper away.

Luis looked at his wife, with concern on his face.

"Are you ill, sweetheart?" he asked.

Elizabeth shook her head.

"No, darling. I am just tired. I will leave you to your supper. I think i will retire to bed." she said, as she rose from her chair.

As Elizabeth started walking to her bedroom, she was hit with a wave of dizziness and lost her footing and fell to the floor. After hearing his wife hit the floor, Luis stood up and ran to his side, along with Sancha Guerra, who rushed in, despite being with child.

Luis and Sancha helped Elizabeth to her feet.

"My Lady, what happened? Are you hurt?" Sancha asked.

Elizabeth shook her head.

"No, I felt dizzy, but I am fine now." she said.

Luis shook his head and looked at Sancha.

"Sancha, please go fetch the physician. I want the Queen examined." he said.

Before Sancha could leave, Elizabeth grabbed her.

"No. I am fine. There is no need to fuss." she said.

Luis looked at his wife.

"You nearly fainted. You need to see the doctor." he said.

Elizabeth looked at him.

"I am fine. I have been very busy with government affairs and i haven't slept well in weeks. I am just tired. I promise." she said.

Luis backed down. He knew that once Elizabeth made up her mind, there was no changing it.

"Alright. Sancha, get the Queen ready for bed." he said.

Sancha nodded and helped Elizabeth to her room to put the young, tired Queen into bed for a hopeful peaceful slumber.

---

August 24, 1554

Hampton Court Palace

King Henry XI Privy Chamber

Harry was fuming mad. He had just received news about his cousin, the Lady Catherine Grey, that greatly troubled him. He was praying that it was just a terrible rumor. He knew that ever since her husband's execution one year ago, the Grey family was viewed with disgrace. However, Lady Catherine still had respect in the Court. He prayed that what he heard was not true.

Suddenly, the Herald announced:

"THE LADY CATHERINE GREY, MARCHIONESS OF PEMBROKE AND LADY MARGARET MARLOWE, COUNTESS OF STAFFORD!"

The two Brandon sisters walked into Harry's privy chamber and bowed to their cousin.

"Your Majesty." they both said.

Harry told them to rise and glared at Catherine.

"Cousin, there are some disturbing rumors that i have heard. I would like for you to to explain." he said.

Catherine swallowed and looked at Harry.

"What rumors have you heard, Your Majesty?" she asked.

Harry took a deep breath.

"I have heard that several weeks ago, you married a gentleman in your household by the name of Adrian Stokes. Are you familiar with him?" he asked.

Catherine nodded.

"Yes, he was my Master of the Horse." she said.

Harry cleared his throat.

"It seems that he has been mounting more than your horses. Tell me...have you married him?" he asked.

Catherine didn't want to lie to her cousin and King. She looked at Harry directly in the face.

"Yes, Your Majesty. My husband and I were married in secret on the 12th of August in the year of our Lord 1554." she said.

Harry gripped his chair, in anger.

"You married a servant? Without the permission of your King?" he asked.

Before Catherine could speak, Margaret spoke up.

"It was my fault, Your Majesty. I pushed her to marry him. She loved him and she just wanted their child to be legitimate." she said.

Harry's eyes opened, in shock.

"Child? You are...with child?" he asked Catherine.

Catherine nodded.

"Yes. I am due in the spring. I understand if you must put me in the Tower, but i must ask, that if I carry this child to term, please let it be raised by my husband. It will be the last piece of our love." she said, as she began to tear up.

Harry shook his head.

"No...because you are not going to the Tower." he said.

Catherine looked at her cousin, with surprise.

"I'm not?"she asked.

Harry shook his head.

"Of course not. I am not a monster. I want you to be proud of your marriage and pray to God for the safe and healthy delivery of your child." he said, as he gave his cousin a smile.

Catherine began to tear up and fell to her knees.

"Oh, Bless you, Your Majesty! You are the most merciful and kindest of all Kings!" she said.

Harry smiled.

"My two cousins, please retire to your chambers here at Hampton Court and then you may return to your homes. I will publicly announce the marriage of Lord Adrian and Lady Catherine Stokes. You return home and deal with your unborn child." he said.

Both sisters bowed and walked out of the room, both relieved that their cousin was a merciful man and not a tyrant.

---

1 September 1554
Pamplona, Navarre

The bride wore a dress of lavender and black satin made in the latest French style. Her hair was long and loose down her back, a symbol of her virginity. The groom was dressed in his finest clothing with his robes of nobility adhered to his shoulders. Both the Queen of Navarre and her King Consort were present to make certain their permission was known. The vows were said, the priest blessed the union and they were pronounced husband and wife before God, Queen and country, Navarre's new Duke and Duchess of Lautrec.

The wedding feast had lasted for hours. Guests ate from golden plates and drank from silver cups. Wine flowed freely from caskets spread out all over the hall. Couples danced, while men talked politics and women gossiped amongst themselves. Everyone was smiling. Everyone except the bride. She was too overcome with emotion to do much of anything other than what was expected of her. She did not love the man she married, but his efforts over the past three weeks caused her to admire him for his honesty and for making the attempt to make this marriage more than just one ordered by the Queen of Navarre. When the time came for the wedding toasts, some were serious, while others joked about marriage, but none touched her heart like the one her new husband gave.

"Today, Lady Jeanne and I begin our new life together, bound by the laws of man, the church, and almighty God. I never thought that arranged marriages could amount to anything, as the couple had little to no choice in the matter, but in the past three weeks, since I have started spending more time with Lady Jeanne, I have come to realize that perhaps there is hope in every marriage to become more than what it starts out to be. It isn't often that a man will admit being taught anything by his wife, but I would do her a great injustice if I did not say that she has taught me to have hope and that in time, perhaps all things really are possible. She has given me reason to smile and has listened when I told her about my past. She has encouraged my dreams in our conversations, and she has shared parts of her soul with me, that others need not know about. I cannot tell you how honored I feel to have such a caring and generous woman as my wife, other than to say that I hope those who are yet to be married are as lucky as I feel I have been in finding a wife like Lady Jeanne. To Lady Jeanne!" Alexandre said, and was echoed by the guests.

Jeanne stared at him for quiet some time as he went around the room thanking various guests for coming and showing their support. He glanced in her direction and she smiled at him with a genuine lightness in her heart. He was right. Perhaps there was hope in the future for their marriage.

After the feast, they rode in silence towards their new home, which was nearly two hours from the palace. By the time they arrived, they were both exhausted. Alexandre took Jeanne's hand and led her to her rooms, which he had had redecorated for her arrival. He used the colors of yellow and peach, which she had told him were her favorites because they reminded her of sunset. She turned to look at him after she had inspected the room, and noticed he was not getting undressed. She went up to him and kissed him softly, showing him that she was willing to comply with her duties as a wife, but he took her hand gently and kissed it.

"I appreciate the gesture, wife," he said softly, without chastising her, "but I will not have you this night."

"Have I done something to displease you?" She asked, worried that he was angry with her already.

"Not at all," he replied. "I want to wait until you love me before we consummate this marriage and wait I will. If, in the next year you still do not, I will go to Rome and seek an annulment myself and make sure that it is understood that your virtue is intact. I want you to be my wife because you want to be, and I will not make you mine until you are certain it's what you want."

With that, he kissed her forehead and her hand, then told her to get some sleep before leaving her rooms, showing her as much respect as possible. Jeanne was stunned, and that was what she felt as she fell into a deep sleep.

---

September 2, 1554

Pamplona, Navarre

Queen Elizabeth was sitting on her Throne, feeling a little sad. Now that the marriage of Lady Jeanne and Alex was complete, Queen Juana and her entourage were returning to Castile, to regroup and possibly advance back into the war with France, that she was so desperate to end. She really hoped the Queen of France was still on board to help her end this war.

Suddenly, Luis walked up and sat next to Elizabeth on his Throne.

"Don't be sad, sweetheart. We will return to Castile soon." he said.

Elizabeth nodded.

"I have just realized that this will be the first time that i am truly alone. I am running country. I am still scared, Luis." she said.

Luis held her hand.

"There is no need to fear, Mi Amor. I am by your side and together we can do anything." he said.

Elizabeth smiled.

"I know." she said.

Suddenly, Queen Juana, Emperor Charles, Infante Juan and Infanta Catarina walked into the Throne Room.

Elizabeth stood to greet them.

"Are you all prepared for the journey to Castile?" she asked.

Juana nodded.

"We are ready. Everything is as it should be. Elizabeth, my dear niece, you are going to be a wonderful Queen. Your mother would be very proud." she said.

Elizabeth smiled.

"I hope i make her and my father very proud. I pray that you all have a safe and peaceful journey. Especially you, dear Catarina. I heard that your child quickened yesterday." she said.

Catarina smiled and nodded.

"It did. I pray that it is healthy." she said.

Elizabeth stepped down and held her niece's hand.

"We all do. Just remember that I am here for you." she said.

Juana then spoke up.

"One last thing, Your Majesty. Your sister, the Dowager Marquessa of Moya, has requested to stay here with you longer, before returning to Castile under careful watch." she said.

Elizabeth nodded.

"I welcome my sister. I will make sure she stays in line and she wil return to Castile a changed woman. Hopefully, she will even be able to join the Court." she said.

Juana nodded.

"Hopefully." she simply said.

With that, Juana bowed her head and the others bowed if they could and they all departed from the Throne room to their carriages, to depart for Castile and Aragon.

---

September 4, 1554

Tordesillas, Valladolid Spain

Queen Juana and Emperor Charles were riding in their carriage. Charles was happy to be returning to Spain. Navarre was very different to him, but he knew that it was an important thing to his mother. It was meant to be an inheritance to her and even though she would never personally rule over it, she at least managed to get Navarre back into the family.

Charles looked at Juana.

"Mother, I am proud of you. We have Navarre, Elizabeth is Queen. There is nothing that can go wrong." he said.

Juana looked at her eldest son and nodded weakly. She was profusely sweating and laying her head on the wall of the carriage, as it rode gently.

Charles looked at his mother.

"Madre, are you well? Should we stop?" he asked.

Juana shook her head.

"Hijo, I will not lie. I feel rather ill. Maybe we should stop for the time being. Is there anything close by?" she asked.

Charles looked out.

"We are passing the convent of Santa Clara. I am sure the Sisters would not mind us stopping here." he said.

Juana nodded.

"That will be fine. I cannot go any further." she said.

Charles informed the driver of Queen Juana's condition and ordered him to stop at the convent so his mother could rest. The entire entourage traveled to the conent and was met by the Mother Superior.

She bowed her head.

"Mi Senor. To what do we owe this honor?" she asked.

Charles looked at the elder woman.

"My mother, the Queen, has fallen ill. She's nearly seventy-five years old and needs rest. Would you mind hosting our Court, until she is well enough to continue?" he asked.

Mother Superior smiled and nodded.

"Of course, Majestad. Follow me. We will give you rooms." she said.

Charles nodded and went to help his mother, but Juana pushed him away.

"I will not be seen as feeble and weak. I will walk in on my own accord." she said.

Charles lightly chuckled, as his mother, despite being ill, walked into the convent slowly, but on her own.

---

September 15, 1554

Linz Castle, Upper Austria, Austria

Infante Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria's Private Chamber

Archduke Ferdinand was sitting in his favorite chair, drinking his favorite wine. The fifty-one year old youngest son of Queen Juana had been living and in charge of Austria for nearly thirty-years. Now a wealthy widower since the death of his late wife, Archduchess Anna of Bohemia and Hungary in childbirth in 1547, he had been content with his life and the lives of his many children. Before her death, Archduchess Anna had managed to bear Ferdinand fifteen surviving children. Only three children predeceased both parents. Archduke John, Archduchess Ursula in childhood and Archduchess Elisabeth, Crown Princess of Sweden and Norway in childbirth month before her mother.

Suddenly, one of Ferdinand's messengers walked in, holding a letter.

"My Lord, a letter from Princess Anna of Denmark." he said.

Ferdinand, normally a serious man, smiled despite himself.

"Thank you, you may go." he asked.

As the younger man left, Ferdinand opened his letter and began to read:

My Lord Archduke,

I have taken your invitation to write and i hope that the offer is still open. Since arriving back in Denmark, I have been in my stepmother, Queen Maria's, household. She is a sweet woman. I have done more reading and i will say, i am reading a book now that has completely interested. I will send you the book when i am done. My family is doing very well. I am still amazed that your mother conquered Navarre at her age, She is a true testament to your late grandparents, the Catholic Monarchs. I do hope you enjoyed the books i have sent you. I have a library at my disposal and I pray that i have not sent you books that you already possess. I also wonder, do you have a love of art. I paint in my spare time and will send you my works.

Your new friend,

Princess Anna of Norway and Denmark

Ferdinand smiled. The letter even smelled like her. He didn't know why he was so captured by this young Princess. He knew she would never be with someone like him.

Suddenly, Ferdinand's son, Archduke Ferdinand the Younger, walked into his father's room. the young man was the apple of his father's eyes. He was handsome, charismatic and was happily married to Infanta Isabella of Spain, the daughter of Charles V, Ferdinand's older brother. The marriage was a happy one and the young couple already had several children.

The young man smiled at his father.

"Father, who is the letter from?" he asked.

Ferdinand frowned at his son playfully.

"That is none of your concern. However, if you must know, it is from Princess Anna of Norway and Denmark. We have a love of literature and decided to write each other in friendship." he said.

Ferdinand the Younger smiled.

'Father, you are smitten with that Princess. You looked at that letter the way that I look at Isabella and also the way you used to look at Mother." he said.

Ferdinand sighed.

"No one will ever take the place of your Mother in my heart." he said, as he looked at a portrait of the late Archduchess Anna hanging on his wall.

Ferdinand the Younger walked over to his father.

"I know that. However, maybe there is room in your heart to love another." he said.

Ferdinand looked at his son and he began to wonder if it was possible to love another. His younger children did need a mother, but could he truly love another woman?

---

1 October 1554
France

The sun rose through the window of the Queen of France's bedroom, shining its light on her bed, and waking her gently as the warmth hit her face. She stretched and opened her eyes, as she had done for so many mornings over the past several years. She sat up on the edge of her bed and put her feet on the bear-skin rug that was beside her bed, feeling the soft fur between her toes. She reached to the cord dangling next to her bed and pulled the rope to signal the kitchen for her breakfast to be sent up to her.

Catherine moved to the window and soaked in the morning rays. After a few moments, her ladies came into the room. They were well aware of their mistress's schedule and knew how early she rose in the mornings. The women busied themselves with the tasks of getting their Queen ready for her day and took no notice of the expression Queen Catherine wore. If they had noticed, they might have guessed what was wrong.

Catherine stepped behind her dressing screen and began to change for her day. It was when she put on her corset that she first saw an issue. She could not lace it up as tight as she normally did. She thought she must have put on weight during the feasting in Navarre a few months prior and had her ladies unlace the garment slightly. As they were helping her into her dress, her breakfast tray arrived, filled with fruits and breads. The smells were delicious to everyone in the room; to everyone except the Queen of France. It was then, when that wave of nausea hit her, that Catherine knew what was going on and she sat down quickly.

"Send for the midwife, Niccolette," Catherine ordered.

"Majesty?" the girl questioned.

"That was not a request," Catherine replied.

The girl curtsied and then left the room to do as she was bid.

While she waited for Nicolette to return with the midwife, Catherine had her other ladies remove her corset and assist her back to her bed. The midwife entered her chambers moments later and proceeded with the usual exams. When the midwife was finished, Catherine dressed and emerged once again from behind her screen to await the answer to the question, thankful for the fact that she had dismissed her ladies from the room prior to the exam.

Catherine looked at the woman with impatience. "Well?" she questioned.

The midwife curtsied to the Queen and smiled. "You are with child your Majesty. It appears that you are about four months along and the child will be born in the early spring."

Catherine smiled. She knew herself well enough to have realized she was pregnant. Now, how to tell her husband without his mistress finding out and trying to take over the plans for the baby's birth and christening, as the woman had with all of Catherine's other children. For now, she would settle for keeping this secret to herself and the midwife. "Your silence on this matter is appreciated," Catherine said, handing the woman her payment, and a second bag for the silence.

The midwife nodded, smiling at her reward. "Not a word, your Majesty," she said and curtsied to her Queen.

"I will tell the King when I am ready. I do not want to alert him to my condition until I am sure the child is moving and will survive," Catherine explained. The midwife knew all too well what might happen if the Queen miscarried, despite having given the King four sons already, three of which were still living, so she believed the Queen's explanation and didn't question the action. She curtsied again and left the room.

Catherine took a moment to look at herself in the mirror before her ladies came into the room again. She was not yet showing. She could afford to keep this secret for a few more weeks probably, but a month at the most unless she purposely hid it, but that would be cause for Henri to suspect her of something, as it could be considered lying to the King and that was treason. No, Catherine decided to keep it hidden until she was obviously showing, then let the King of France know he would be a father again.

Catherine turned from the mirror as her ladies reentered the room and stared at their Queen in anticipation of her news. "False alarm," Catherine told them, receiving their heads hanging in disappointment at the news. She had to keep the secret for just a while longer; just until she could tell Henri that the events surrounding the baby's birth had been taken care of and no planning from his mistress was necessary. This child would be hers, boy or girl, and she would take charge of his or her life regardless of what Diane thought.

---

October 9, 1554

The Swedish Royal Ship

Princess Matilda of Sweden's Bedchamber

Matilda was standing in Westminster Abbey, dressed in black. She could hear bells in the distance. She saw a procession walking up to a casket and many people were crying. Whoever this person was, they were very important.

Matilda began to look around and she saw her three brothers, wearing black and unshed tears glistened in their eyes. Matilda was shocked, as she had never seen her brothers cry like this.

A woman sobbing caught Matilda's ear. She turned and saw her cousin, Lady Mary Brandon, crying, as she stood behind the casket. Matilda felt sick to her stomach.

"Who has died?" she wondered to herself.

Suddenly, she saw her younger sister, Princess Eleanor, crying into a handkerchief. Matilda knew something was definitely wrong.

Slowly, Matilda walked up to the coffin and when she looked inside, she was filled with immense pain.

The person lying in the coffin was Matilda's own mother, Queen Anne of England.

Matilda began to tear up. Her mother couldn't be dead. Not now and not ever.

Suddenly, Matilda began to scream in grief and fell to her knees.

Matilda jumped up in her bed and screamed loudly. Her ladies rushed into the room.

"Are you alright, Your Highness?" one asked.

Matilda looked around her surroundings. She was only dreaming.

She looked at her ladies and nodded her head.

"Yes, i just had a nightmare. Will one of you please fetch the Prince for me? I need to see him." she said.

One of the Ladies nodded her head. Matilda laid her head down.

A few minutes later, Prince Eric walked into her room, wearing his robe. He had clearly been sleeping.

"What is it, Matilda?" he asked, slightly irritated.

Matilda looked up at him, with tears in her eyes.

"I had a horrible dream. I was hoping you would sleep with me tonight." she asked.

Eric felt bad for his wife. He took off his robe and lid into bed with her and held her against his bare chest.

"What was it about?" he asked gently.

Matilda began to cry.

"I had a dream that I will never see my mother again. I saw her death." she said, in between sobs.

Eric held her. He hated seeing Matilda cry. He had grown to really care for his wife. Even though she was a Tudor by blood, she was sweet and gentle, unless she was crossed.

Suddenly, Matilda looked up at Eric and gently kissed him. Eric was taken aback at first, but since he missed his wife's touch, he responded enthusiastically and the two made love most of the night, until they were able to fall asleep.

---

October 19, 1554

Pamplona, Navarre

Queen Elizabeth I of Navarre's Bedchamber

After a long day with several meetings, Elizabeth was exhausted and not feeling too well. She had this uneasy queasiness in her stomach. She never liked to show any sign of weakness with her new subjects, especially since she still had to prove herself to be a good Queen.

Suddenly, Lady Sancha walked in, with her hand on her large belly that held her child, which was due in two months.

"Your Majesty, is there anything you need?" she asked, slightly out of breath.

Elizabeth smiled and nodded.

"No, my dear friend. Go rest. You have to think of the child in your womb. I am going to get ready for bed on my own." she said.

Sancha smiled and then left the room, as Luis was walking in.

Elizabeth smiled at her husband.

"Where were you?" she asked.

Luis kissed her cheek.

"I was with Isabel. She was having trouble sleeping." he said.

Elizabeth smiled. She loved how Luis was a hands on father. She hoped that if she ever had anymore children, that he would be just like this with them.

"I wish I could have seen her today. I just don't want her to become ill. I have been feeling rather peculiar today." she said.

Luis smiled.

"Why don't we take a walk in the gardens? That always makes you feel better." he said.

Elizabeth stood up and all of a sudden, became dizzy. She stumbled and fell to the floor, before Luis could catch her. He rushed to help her up, with a worried look on his face.

"Sweetheart, what happened?" he asked.

Elizabeth waved her hand.

"I am fine. I had a dizzy spell because i have been working hard." she said.

Luis shook his head.

"No. You had this weeks ago. I am fetching a physician." he said, as he helped her into bed.

---

Less than an hour later...

Elizabeth was laying in her bed. She was being examined by a physician and she was watching him. She noticed that every time that he pressed on her belly, she could feel something hard and it was very uncomfortable.

The physician turned from Elizabeth and she sat up from her bed.

"So it's nothing? I can return to my duties?" she asked.

The physician smiled.

"Your Majesty, there is a change with you, but it is a wonderful. My Queen, you are with child." he said.

Elizabeth looked at the physician, with shock and smiled. All these months, she had been scared that her daughter would grow up an only child. Now, she was finally with child and more importantly, she could be carrying a son and heir for her Kingdom and for Spain, that way Spain and Navarre would be one.

Luis walked in, finally impatient.

"What is going on with my wife?" he asked, slightly impatient.

Elizabeth smiled.

"Luis...I'm with child." she said.

Luis eyes opened in surprise and he rushed to his wife's side and kissed her.

He looked at the physician.

"How far along is the Queen?" Luis asked.

The physician cleared his throat.

"The Queen is roughly three months with child, which means that she will be due to give birth in April of next year." he said.

Elizabeth smiled. She had thought the absence of her courses was due to the large amount of pressure she was under, but now she knew exactly why they were absent. She had finally managed to conceive another child the first night that Luis had come home, while she was still in Castile.

Luis looked at Elizabeth.

"Do you want the Court to know about your condition?" he asked.

Elizabeth thought hard. She had managed to be pregnant for over three months and everything seemed fine. However, she knew Queens were very hesitant to announce a pregnancy, until the child moved. She decided to be smart.

She shook her head.

"No. Not until the child quickens. Doctor, you will be paid for your silence." she said.

The physician smiled and left the Queen and King Consort alone.

Elizabeth smiled at her husband.

"We are going to have another child. Maybe this will be a son and heir for us." she said.

Luis kissed Elizabeth.

"Whether it's a son or another Infanta, I will be happy." he said.

Elizabeth smiled. She was blessed to have a husband, who wouldn't pressure her for sons, but secretly, she hoped that the child slumbering in her womb was a son and heir and that he would rule over Spain and Navarre jointly.

---

30 November 1554
England

The Earl of Stafford sat at his desk working on papers for some of the new tenants he acquired recently. He wondered if he would ever get used to the endless amount of paperwork that came with being an Earl, rather than the rather boring task of making shoes before his ennoblement. He sat back and started to drift back to the day his life had changed when a knock came at the door of his study.

"Enter," he said, sitting upright once again.

The large, oak door of his study swung open and a maid carrying a tray entered the room. She sat the tray down on a small table near his desk and curtsied to him before attempting to leave. "Is it lunch time already, Tina?" Sir John questioned the young girl.

"Yes sir," she replied. "Mistress bade that I bring you your lunch since it was obvious to her that you would not be joining her, but she asked that I inform you that she insists you join her for dinner."

"Of course," Sir John replied. "Tell my wife that I would not miss it." With that, he nodded, and Tina left the room, leaving him to his affairs.

(Later that night in the Marlowe's dining room)

"Everything looks lovely, Margaret," John said to his wife as he entered the room. "Forgive me for being lost in the paperwork and forgetting the time."

Margaret tried to pretend to be hurt over his forgetting their dinner together, but she smiled at her husband. She knew the new position he held gave him cause to worry of whether or not accepting the ennoblement grated him by the King of England when he saved the Queen's life was the right decision, but she also knew that he didn't regret it for a moment because it was what had brought the two of them together.

"Of course, my dear," she replied. "I wouldn't have drug you from your work except that I have something important that I think you need to know."

"Oh?" He questioned his wife. "What could that . . . "

A sharp knock at the door caused his attention to divert to the person requesting his attention. "Who on earth could that be?" Sir John asked.

"John," Margaret began, "Can't it. . .?"

"One moment my dear," he interrupted her as he went into the great hall to answer their door, not remembering that they had servants for that now.

"Ned?" Sir John said, surprised to see the stable boy standing there in the dark.

"Sir John, forgive the interruption," Ned replied, "but you asked to be informed when Philomena was having her foal."

"Ah, indeed," Sir John said. "We were just sitting down to super. I will come out once we are done."

"Very well, sir," Ned replied, then turned and headed back to the stables.

John Marlowe returned to the dining room to a rather annoyed wife and a lukewarm meal. "My apologizes Margaret," he said, returning to his seat. Margaret shrugged, clearly annoyed at the interruption of what she was about to say. "You were about to tell me something?"

Margaret swallowed her food and took a sip of wine. "Yes, I went to see my sister earlier today about the troubles I've been having with feeling tired all of the time. While I was there, she got a letter from her girl, Jane, who recently found out she is expecting her first child."

"Oh, that's grand, Margaret!" Sir John said. "You will be a great-Aunt."

"Yes, but there's more," Margaret told him.

"More?"

"Yes. While I was there I began to think about my own issues," she began, but was interrupted again by a servant coming to bring a letter from court, summoning them to the festivities at Christmas. After John had read the letter, he turned his attention back to his wife, who was clearly annoyed at this point. "Please, Margaret, continue."

"As I was saying," Margaret started to resume her tale, "I realized that . . . "

"We really must make arrangements for the servants to take care of the house while we are gone," John interrupted her of his own accord this time. He stood from his place at the table and turned to walk out the door saying that he would return momentarily and then she could tell him whatever it was she needed to say.

Margaret was furious at this point, not to mention being hormonal as many women are during their first pregnancy and she stood up herself, throwing her napkin to the table before shouting at him. "If his lordship is too occupied to allow me to speak without countless interruptions, then I have no choice but to assume that the coming arrival of his first child is doubtlessly unimportant." With that, she stormed out of the room leaving her husband bewildered at her behavior, and once his brain caught up with the events, leaving his jaw on the floor at the news that he was to be a father himself.

---

8 December 1554
Scotland

"To her Royal Majesty on the day of her 12th birthday. May she have many happy birthdays in the future, surrounded by those who love her, family and subject alike," said Prince Arthur, Duke of Albany and uncle to the Queen. "To Queen Mary!" The room, filled with Mary's family and courtiers echoed his sentiments and raised their glasses to toast the Queen of Scotland.

The young Scottish Queen looked at her family, friends, and subjects and smiled. "Thank you all for coming to my party," she said politely. "It means a great deal that everyone is here to help me celebrate my birth." The room applauded, and the Queen signaled for the music to begin, then turned to sit on her throne, with her grandmother, the Dowager Queen, Margaret on her right, and the Queen Mother, Marie de Guise, on her left. Though Mary was only twelve, she could feel the tension between the two women and was grateful that both were keeping their cool tonight.

Queen Mary watched the dancers with awe. It wouldn't be long before she could join them, but her grandmother insisted that she not until she was thirteen. 'One more year to wait,' Mary thought to herself and smiled. She saw her newly married cousin, Lord Duncan Stuart, her Uncle Joseph's eldest son, and his new wife, Lady Jane Grey, sitting near a window, hand in hand, talking. Lady Jane was rumored to be one of the best dancers at English court, but the young woman couldn't dance now as she was carrying their first child who was due to be born in the fall of the following year. Lady Jane looked around and her eyes met those of her new Queen, which brought a smile to her face. Queen Mary nodded and returned the pleasantry, then looked away from the couple.

She noticed her Uncles, Prince Arthur and Prince Victor, standing to the side of the dancers with glasses in their hands, talking amongst themselves about something or other. She wondered what they were talking about, as they kept looking over at where she sat on her throne as they talked, but neither man acknowledged her looking at them. She noticed that her uncle Arthur did not look pleased, and that filled her with more curiosity than before. Before Mary could react to anything, her grandmother leaned towards her and put her hand on the young girl's arm. "Never you mind them, Mary," Margaret whispered, as though she could read the Queen's mind. "There has been an offer for your mother's hand in marriage, as she is still young enough to bear children for a foreign court."

Mary's head turned sharply at her grandmother's words. "Do not worry my dear," Margaret said. "I know that your mother is the only parent you have left in this world, and despite the fact that I rarely agree with her, I would never force her to live away from you as long as she remains no danger to this court. I have told Arthur that we will not accept any offers for her hand until you are wed and have given an heir to both Scotland and England." Mary sat back on her throne a bit, relieved at the news that she would not have to lose her mother so soon.

"My lady Grandmother," Mary said, "would you tell me a story before I sleep tonight?"

"A story?" Margaret questioned. "Aren't you getting too old for bedtime stories, my dear?"

"Okay, then will you teach me a bit of history before I sleep?"

Margaret chuckled, arousing the attention of those closest to the throne. "What history would you like me to teach you?"

"I don't know," Mary said. "Teach me something about our family's history and England's history? I will spend half of my life there once I am married to the Prince of Wales. I should know something of the nation's past, shouldn't I?"

Margaret nodded in agreement. She was impressed with the way her granddaughter thought these things out. "Yes, Mary, I will, but not tonight," Margaret informed her. "I will begin your English history lessons this coming Friday and we will continue them until you know them by heart my little one."

Mary smiled. She loved spending time with her grandmother, when the older woman was simply being her grandmother and not her regent. In four years, she would be both Queen of Scotland and Princess of Wales. It was time she knew about the nation that was to be her home, as Scotland had always been.

---

December 12, 1554
Portugal

King Carlos ran through the halls of the palace, frantic. His wife, Queen Mary, had fainted in the gardens while walking with one of her ladies and had yet summoned him to inform him of what happened, but he had gotten word of her collapse from one of her guards. It was rare to see Portugal's King in a state of panic, but when it came to his wife, the love of his life, he couldn't help himself.

The guards outside the Queen's chambers stopped him as he approached the heavy, dark colored doors.

"Forgive us, Your Majesty," one guard said, bowing to the King, "The court physician is with the Queen and asked not to be disturbed until the examination of her Majesty had concluded."

"That is my wife in there," Carlos replied.

"Yes, your majesty. We are just obeying the orders we were given by the doctor and the Queen. Please forgive us."

Carlos looked at the doors to his wife's chambers again and then at the guard who spoke to him. He knew the man was just doing as he was told, but this was his wife and he couldn't even dream of living his life without her. What if something was horribly wrong? He'd lost his mother at a young age. He had lost children with Mary as well. He knew what the emptiness left by death felt like and he couldn't bear the thought of that emptiness being the death of the woman he loved, who had stood by him, regardless of her personal comfort and happiness. He paced back and forth in front of the door trying to decide what to do.

(Inside Queen Mary's chamber)

"I'm feeling much better now, doctor," the Queen replied to a previously asked question. "Besides, I know what's wrong, so there's no need to fret."

The doctor looked at his Queen with a smile of knowing. "So, you think you know what is ailing you, your Majesty?"

"Of course, doctor," Queen Mary replied, sitting up on the edge of her bed. "Given my age and the fact that I have not conceived a child in years, the change has finally come. My mother went through the same fainting spells when she was experiencing the change. I remember it all too well."

The doctor nodded at his Queen, "Yes, many women do experience episodes like this when going through their change. Some experience worse."

"I don't know how I will tell the King. I know he was worried about me carrying another child now, but I hope this will give him some relief. I am filled with sadness that I will not be able to give his Majesty another son, but God is the one in control of these situations. I have faith that He knows what is best for my life and for Portugal," the Queen stated.

The court physician looked at his Queen in a new light, amazed at the strength she had, despite everything that had happened just moments before. "Your majesty," the aged man began, but was interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Your Majesty," the guard bowed to his Queen. "His Majesty, the King, is outside and is quite frantic over the health of his Queen. Should I give him leave to come in yet?"

"Of course," replied Mary. The guard closed the door behind him.

"Your Majesty," the doctor tried again, but again was interrupted by the doors swinging open and the King entering his wife's chambers.

"Mary," Carlos exclaimed in a worried, but gentle voice, rushing to the Queen's side. "I heard what happened in the gardens and had to check on you."

"I'm fine, love." Queen Mary replied, placing her hand on her husband's cheek. "I'm just not as young as I once was." She gave the King a look, that explained what she was referring to. In the years they had been married, they had learned to communicate without saying a word to one another. It baffled the court at times, but many within the inner circle took it as a sign from God that their King and Queen were destined to rule, as secrets never had to be spoken out-loud for the other to understand.

"Oh, I see," Carlos said, embracing his wife. "Well, it's a good thing that we have our family around us, and soon we will be grandparents, I have no doubt."

Mary giggled like a teenager at the thought of their daughter, who was newly married to Prince Juan, having a child. "Yes, that will be a blessing, God willing."

"Your majesties," the court physician tried again to deliver the news that he had to the couple. They were blissfully unaware that the man was still in the room until that point, but both turned to look at the healer.

"Yes, what is it doctor?" the King questioned.

"Her majesty is aging, yes, as we all do, but she is not going through the change. Another condition caused her to faint in the garden," he stated calmly, as to not invoke further panic.

Queen Mary's eyes grew wide and she looked at her husband in fear. "What do you mean it's not the change? I haven't had my monthly courses in at least a month, perhaps two. I fainted. I've been weak and tired. They are the same signs my mother experienced when she went through it."

"Yes, your majesty," the physician said. "But it is not the change."
"Are you telling me that my wife has a growth?" the King asked with a fearful tone. He looked at Mary, his beautiful Mary, who was the light of his existence. She couldn't be dying. He couldn't lose her.

"No, your majesty. The Queen does not have a growth, at least not one like you are thinking," the doctor said. "I dare say that the Queen does have a condition, but she will more than likely be perfectly fine in about seven or eight months time, God willing." Mary and Carlos looked at the doctor, both speechless, but the news had registered with them. The doctor, not understanding the look, stated what was now obvious to everyone in the room. "You are with child, your Majesty."

Carlos looked at his wife, still fearful for her life, while Mary looked at her husband with tears of utter joy in her eyes. She was to have another child; another heir for Portugal, and God willing, another son for her husband. Her hand covered her stomach protectively, as Carlos knelt before her in amazement.

"You will never cease to surprise me, my Queen," he said with as much love in his voice as he had the first time she had told him she was carrying his baby. Mary smiled at her husband and ruffled her fingers through his hair, as she did when they were first married. The King and Queen of Portugal then started whispering to each other, as teenagers in love would have done, and the aged physician took this as his cue to leave the room, which he did, without delay

---

December 14, 1554

Westhorpe Hall, Suffolk, England

Lady Mary Brandon, Duchess of Suffolk's Bedchamber

Lady Mary was sitting by her window and was watching as the snow fell outside. Ever since she was a child, she had always the snow that fell. She did miss Court life and missed serving Queen Anne, but she knew in a few short months she would return. However, right now someone else needed her attention.

Suddenly, a small cry came from a cradle nearby and Lady Mary stood up and walked over to the cradle that held the newest member to her family: Her daughter, Lady Caroline Brandon. Lady Mary had given birth to her first daughter on the 24th of October. The birth was long and difficult and unfortunately, her husband was on a diplomat trip to Austria, so he missed the birth of their second child.

Lady Mary picked up her daughter and cradled her to her bosom. The infant girl had dark hair and hazel-green eyes.

"There, there darling. Mama is here." she said.

Suddenly, there was a male voice that spoke and said:

"Yes and so is her Papa." it said.

Mary turned her head and saw her husband smiling at her.

She smiled and walked over to him.

"Charles, I am so happy to see you. I have missed you." she said.

Charles kissed her lips.

"I have missed you, as well. Now, introduce me to this little cherub in your arms." he said, as she looked at the infant baby girl.

Mary smiled and handed him their daughter.

"This is Lady Caroline Brandon, our first daughter named after your late sister." she said.

Charles looked at his new daughter and fell in love immediately.

Mary looked at him sad.

"Are you disappointed that she isn't a boy?" she asked.

Charles looked at his wife and shook his head.

"Never. We have a healthy son and now we have a healthy daughter." he said, as he kissed little Caroline's cheek.

Charles then looked at Mary, with concern.

"I was told that you developed a fever after her birth. Are you well, sweetheart?" he asked.

Mary nodded her head.

"Yes. It wasn't childbed, thank God. The physician just said it was an ague. I feel better now." she said.

Charles sighed in relief. He and Mary had only been married two years and she had already given birth to two children. Even though he was thirty-seven years old, Mary was only twenty-one years old and had years of bearing children ahead of her. He made a mental note to be careful and not get her with child too quickly. The last thing he wanted was to lose his wife, who he loved dearly.

---

December 17, 1554

Pamplona, Navarre

Queen Elizabeth I of Navarre's Bedchamber

Elizabeth was sitting in her chair and had a hand resting on her belly. She and Luis had just officially announced her second pregnancy to the Court and everyone seemed excited that their Queen was proving herself fertile and hopefully this would be their future King. Even if it wasn't, Elizabeth had youth and time on her hands to provide a son, if this child proved to be another daughter.

Suddenly, there was a knock on her door.

Elizabeth looked up.

"Come in." she said.

Suddenly, her good friend and chief lady-in-waiting, Lady Sancha de Mendoza, nee Guerra, walked in.

Elizabeth stood up, revealing the small bump in her midsection.

"Sancha, what are you doing out of bed? You're due to give birth any day now." she said.

Sancha smiled.

"I just feel restless. I haven't seen you in weeks, Your Majesty." she said.

Elizabeth smiled. She knew that even though Sancha was a married woman and was expecting a child, she was still only seventeen years old and Elizabeth loved their friendship.

Elizabeth hugged her.

"I can't wait until both of our babies are here. they will make the perfect companions." she said.

Sancha smiled.

"I agree. I just wish my mother was here." she said.

Elizabeth looked at her friend, with pity.

"I know. I think it's much worse to have your mother alive and far from you then if she were dead, like mine. Tell me about yours." she said.

Sancha smiled.

"She's an Infanta of Portugal. After my father was lost at sea, she pretty much stays in her estate with my younger brother and my younger sister." she said.

Elizabeth sighed.

"When was your father lost?" she asked.

Sancha looked at her friend and Queen.

"He was lost at sea four years ago. I was only thirteen years old." she said.

Elizabeth looked at the young woman, with sadness. She lost her father around the same time that she had lost her beloved mother.

Suddenly, Sancha grabbed her stomach and began to breath heavily.

Elizabeth stood up.

"Is it time?" she asked.

Sancha nodded her head.

Elizabeth walked outside to her ladies.

"Take the Viscountess to her rooms. Her child is on its way." she said.

The maids all ushered Sancha to her rooms, with Queen Elizabeth following close behind.

---

Early the next morning

Outside Lady Sancha Guerra de Mendoza, Viscountess of Narbonne's Bedchamber

Elizabeth sat outside her favorite lady's room, as she heard Sancha scream. She held on to her rosary, praying for her dear friend's life. Elizabeth had been scared to get close to another female as a friend, since the untimely death of her beloved former governess, Kitty Howard-Fitzroy, the Duchess of Richmond, over two years ago.

Elizabeth looked at Sancha's husband, Lord Carlos de Mendoza. He was a gentle soul and was very bothered hearing his wife screaming in the pains of childbirth. He probably was also reminded of the fact that his mother died during a horrific premature birth just one year prior. His father had also just remarried a month ago to an Italian Princess, who was also a granddaughter of Queen Juana.

Elizabeth was gonna comfort him, when suddenly, a loud cry was heard. Lord Carlos walked to the door, as the midwife walked out, wiping her bloody hands on a white cloth.

She smiled at Carlos.

"The Viscountess of Narbonne is delivered of a healthy boy." she proudly.

Carlos beamed. The twenty year old man almost teared up.

"I have a son?" he asked.

The midwife nodded her head.

Carlos smiled and rushed into the room. Several moments later, He came out, holding a red crying infant.

He looked at Queen Elizabeth.

"Your Majesty, meet our son, Enrique. Me and my wife would like you to be godmother." he said.

Elizabeth smiled at the infant.

"I would be honored, Lord Mendoza." she said.

---

24 December 1554
France

The hall was a bustle of activity with the many noble guests of the court for the Christmas festivities. The feast was over, and the dancing had just begun with the King and Queen leading the opening dance, as tradition demanded. Everyone knew that once the dance was concluded that the King would find his life-long mistress, Diane de Poitiers, and spend the rest of the evening with her, leaving the Queen to herself for the duration of the party. Queen Catherine actually preferred it that way, as she could rarely stand the company of her husband anymore.

The party guests applauded at the end of the music and all eyes turned to the King and Queen, standing near their seats at the head table, waiting for the King to make his typical speech about France and the war. They were not disappointed when the court herald tapped his staff three times, and everyone grew silent.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the court," King Henri II of France began, "it is with great pleasure that we are able to share our Christmas tidings with you, once again. The war with Spain is going well, despite the recent events in Navarre. We have pushed back the rebels and they no longer occupy our border cities." Henri paused for the applause and cheering from his guests, then raised his hand to silence them so he could continue.

"It is also with great pleasure that we announce the renegotiated betrothal of our beloved daughter, Princess Elisabeth, to Prince Edward Tudor, Duke of York. During our time in Navarre, we had the opportunity to meet the young Prince and he won our hearts with his honesty and intelligence. Through this, and his father's ambassadors, we have agreed to reinstate their betrothal and are most joyous to give our Princess in marriage to such a virtuous and chivalrous young man." Henri paused again to await the applause and glanced at his mistress in the corner of the room.

What was coming next would shock his mistress, as he had decided against telling Diane prior to the event. He wanted to give her the night to calm down before he was forced to deal with her anger over the expected arrival of his next child with his Queen. Diane knew that there would be children from his lawful marriage when they became lovers so early in Henri's life. She expected it. She even encouraged it when Henri had not wanted to be with Catherine at all. Catherine was a cold creature when it came to emotions, and as a teen, Henri had preferred the warmth of Diane and everything that surrounded her to his wife. However, as time passed, and Catherine was forced to watch Henri with Diane, she became colder, not more like the older woman as Henri had hoped she would. No, Queen Catherine of France would never warm her heart to a man who would use another woman to make her jealous, and make no mistake that Catherine knew exactly what Henri had started out to do. Catherine withdrew into herself rather than open up, as Diane had showed her so many times in the past. Henri never could figure out why. Tonight, however, Henri was determined not to face Diane and would instead show Catherine some respect and devotion, as the coming child would be the ninth that she had provided for France.

"Also, the Queen and I have some rather joyous news to share with you all," Henri began again, reaching for Catherine's hand, who was rather shocked herself at his behavior, but put her hand in his as he was silently demanding her to do. "It has come to our attention that the Queen is expecting yet another heir for France. She is due to be delivered sometime in March." Once again, the room exploded with applause as King Henri kissed Catherine's hand, showing his appreciation for what she had done for his nation. Henri took a moment to glance in Diane's direction. His eyes met hers as she turned and stormed out of the room. He knew there would be hell to pay tomorrow, but tonight, he did not care. He turned his attentions back to his wife. "Let us all remember the Queen in our prayers tonight, and every night from now until she is safely delivered."

Catherine blushed at Henri's display of concern for her health and safety. For a moment, she allowed herself to believe that he might actually care whether or not she survived the ordeal, especially after seeing Diane storm out of the room and Henri remain by her side. After all, Christmas was a time of hope for the world, and if the world could experience renewed hope, perhaps even the French monarchy was not immune.

A/N I am sorry for the long wait, but we are officially done with the year 1554! The next chapter will be the beginning of 1555 and hopefully will past by with more ease. I hope you all enjoyed Chapter 41 and the events that took place. As you all see, Queen Elizabeth of Navarre, Infanta Catarina , Lady Catherine Brandon, Lady Margaret Marlowe, Lady Jane Grey-Stuart, Queen Catherine of France and Queen Mary of Portugal are all expecting new babies in the year 1555. What do you all think the outcome will be? I want to know your thoughts on these women. What would you all love to see in 1555. Leave your thoughts in the reviews. Chapter 42 is currently in the works and will be up soooner than you think!