The Tudor Rose: A New Age

Chapter 6

During the first few months of their marriage, Henry and Anne had yet to successfully consummate their marriage and it was still known throughout the English court. Elizabeth had done everything she could to help her father come to love Anne but her efforts were useless. No matter how many times she had tried, her father would retaliate with 'I like her not! She looks like a horse!' She would come back and say, 'If you only gave her a chance, I am sure Your Majesty would find her good of company and a beauty! I gave her chance, as did Mary and Lizzy. Why can't you?!' Of course, her father would just dismiss her and she would sadly walk off. Elizabeth couldn't help but feel bad for Anne since she had to put up with Henry's dislike for her and her looks. Anne had told her that Cromwell came to her to tell her to be agreeable to Henry and to be quick with child. Elizabeth was furious and ordered an audience with the secretary, immediately.

She couldn't allow Anne to be a pawn of Cromwell's political games just like Anne Boleyn had been of her father. The princess was with her husband and son, along with her ladies, when Cromwell came. Lady Eleanor opened the bedchamber door to see Cromwell and said to her mistress and mistress' husband, "Your Royal Highnesses, the Lord Cromwell is here." Elizabeth stood from where she was on the ground next to her husband as Cromwell entered. Cromwell bowed to the Prince and Princess and said to them, as he took Elizabeth's hand and kissed her knuckles, "Your Highnesses. I was told that you requested an audience with me?" James could only stare at his wife with confusion then noticed the anger on her face. He took that as a sign to leave and ushered everyone out of the room. He kissed Elizabeth and said to her, "I'll return later, darling." Elizabeth smiled at her husband and returned the kiss. Nicholas looked up at his father and said to him, "But, Papa, I want to stay here with Mama." James knelt down to his son and replied, "Your mama has a meeting with Cromwell now, Nicky. We will join her later when she is finish. How about we go find your Aunt Mary and cousin and go for a horseback ride?" Nicholas cheered in excitement and was about to leave before he turned to his mother. He wrapped his arms around Elizabeth, causing her to smile, then released from the embrace and bowed to her. Soon after, Nicholas took his father's hand and followed him out of the bedchamber, leaving his mother and Cromwell. Elizabeth smiled after her son and husband, feeling pride overtake her.

Once everyone was gone and they were left alone, Elizabeth turned back to Cromwell and took a seat, leaving him to stand. She decided to give him a little silent treatment before explaining why she had requested an audience. Elizabeth glared at Cromwell and said to him, "I am sure you are aware, my Lord Cromwell, of how much I dislike when someone twists someone's words and force someone to do something they are uncomfortable of doing." Cromwell nodded and replied, holding back a shaky breath, "Yes, Your Highness. I know that very well." Elizabeth clasped her hands together and said, "Then, tell me why is it that the Queen has told me of you coming to her to be agreeable to the King, my father, when she has been nothing but courteous and gracious to him? From the moment I first met Her Majesty the Queen, I have found her to be a great noble lady. The reason I say this is because I have a reason to believe that you are the one who is making my father behave repulsively towards the Queen. *Cromwell went to say something but she interrupted him* I would advise you to choose your next words carefully, Master Cromwell." Cromwell bowed his head and replied to the princess, "Your Highness, I am sure you are aware that it was not only you who agreed to the marriage of Her Majesty to His Majesty but the council also agreed to the marriage." Elizabeth held the urge to roll her eyes and said, "Yes, I am well aware, Master Cromwell. However, I was the one who told my father of his bride candidates. You advised against it and wanted to rush into choosing Her Majesty. Be rest assured that if you cross one line with poisoning my father's ears with your ramblings, I will tell him that it was you who wanted to rush the marriage and get the glory for yourself. If I find out from anyone that you are butting your head into anyone's business that shouldn't have been butted into, there will be dire consequences. You are on thin ice, Cromwell. Remember that. That will be all." Cromwell was shocked but bowed to Elizabeth then excited the bedchamber. Elizabeth felt an burst of triumph as she watched Cromwell retreat with fear on his face. It looked as if a dog had been given a telling off to and walked off with its tail between its legs.

The news of Elizabeth's telling off to Cromwell spread around court and she became increasingly like in the eyes of the court. The news soon reached Henry and he immediately ordered his daughter's presence. As Elizabeth made her way to her father's study, the courtiers bowed/curtsied to her as she passed by. She stopped in front of her father's study and said to the guard, "I was told that His Majesty requested my presence?" The guard bowed to the princess and replied, opening the door, "Of course, Your Highness." The guard led Elizabeth inside and said to Henry, "Your Majesty, Her Highness Princess Elizabeth 1st is here." Henry looked up from his paperwork and replied, "Oh, thank you, Sir Daniel. You are dismissed." The guard bowed and left the King and his daughter. Elizabeth curtsied to her father and said to him, "I was told you needed to see me?" Henry nodded and replied, motioning to the seat in front of his desk, "Yes, please, take a seat." Elizabeth did as she was told and waited patiently for her father to speak. Henry stopped what he was doing and said, "I heard that you gave Master Cromwell a good telling off, Elizabeth. Care to explain why?" Elizabeth took a deep breath and replied, "Her Majesty had told me that she felt as if she was being bombarded by Cromwell's pleas to be agreeable to Your Majesty and to be quick with child. She felt as if her privacy was being invaded and she came for help. As a member of this family, I felt obliged to take charge and help." Henry smiled and chuckled then began to laugh. Elizabeth stared at her father in confusion and said, "Father? What is it?" Henry sighed and replied, "I wish someone gave a telling off to Cromwell sooner. He's been meddling in things for far too long." Elizabeth said, "Perhaps, if Your Majesty permits me, I could call upon the council and find out ways on how to deal with Cromwell. I have heard some rumors among the court that he has been practicing heresy in your court and has done foul play in your marriage." Henry replied, taking in what Elizabeth had said, "Yes, do it but do it discreetly." Elizabeth nodded with a slight smirk and said, "Of course, Your Majesty. And does Your Majesty give me permission to tell Her Majesty first before this spreads among the court if you plan on looking for a divorce?" Henry sighed but nodded at his daughter. Elizabeth nodded at her father then stood. She curtsied to her father then left the room. Things were going to change.