"Your majesty. The Lady Elizabeth to see you." I smiled and nodded She entered with her governess, the Lady Bryan and the both nodded
"Sweet Elizabeth."
"You majesty" I laughed and opened my arms. I hugged her then stood back.
"You have grown so much. A beautiful, young princess" I whispered and her smile lit up.
"Now, tell me are you ready to meet your father?"
"I must admit my gracious Queen I am very nervous. We did not part on good terms."
"I know sweet Elizabeth. But all will be fixed. You are a jewel of his eye, he has just forgotten that for a period. Now you remember your sister. Mary." they curtsied to each other, then hugged.
"You will be presented at the Christmas Eve celebrations. "
"Should I call you mama?"
"Not if you don't want to. I can never replace you mama, ever." she smiled
-
The next day I sat with my family at the celebrations I was rubbing my stomach because it hurt. I masked the uncomfortableness. Ursula came in late and curtsied before joining us.
"Your Majesty?" Mary asked
"Sweetheart." he leaned over to her
"May I present someone to you?"
"Very Well" I saw Mary incline her head and a woman turned around.
"The Countess of Salisbury was my old governess."
"I know, I know the lady very well. Lady Margret." she curtsied
"Your majesty."
"You are very welcome here at court." I motioned Ursula to come over. She did and I asked for some water. I felt very hot. I sipped my goblet in attempt to ease myself. When I felt another twitch. I gripped the goblet and breathed
"You are an example to everyone at court. How is your son Reginald Pole? is he still studying in Italy?"
"Yes indeed, your majesty. He is now at Padua University and has more reason than most to be grateful to Your Majesty since until very recently you continued to pay his fees." was that a little dig. I looked at my ladies who wore trying to hide a smile. I noticed Henry leaning towards me so I leaned as well.
"I showed great interest in him. He showed great promise as a scholar. As well as being my cousin." he sat back up "Still, when he refused my offer to make him the youngest Bishop of Winchester I remember I had to thump him." There were muttering around the court
"Your majesty must believe that it was not ingratitude on Reginald's part. No, no. Well he was in tears after leaving your majesty's presence. The truth is my son is too much of a scholar and private person ever to desire public office or notoriety."
"Then after all, I forgive him." she curtsied once again
"Majesty." Once she was turned away I shared a knowing look with Mary. She smiled and I know Henry noticed
"Are you ladies conspiring something." I giggled slightly but covered my lips. I then leaned closer
"We would both like to present someone else this Christmas tide."
"Very Well" I smiled seeing the small girl come fourth. She looked very nervous and scared, her eyes glanced to me and I smiled at her nodding my head.
YOU ARE READING
Queen Charlotte (Discontinued)
Historical FictionNow married to Henry, Charlotte settles into her life as a Queen, as a wife and as hope for the dawn of a new era. Will she manage to succeed in what thus far no other Queen has done, or will it be a tough marital life for the new Tudor.
