The Tudor Rose: A New Age

Chapter 11

The day that James and Elizabeth went to France was the hottest day known all around, especially with Elizabeth being pregnant. Elizabeth had brought her ladies-in-waiting and Nicholas so he could be with his aunts and uncles. She knew that if they had stayed in England any longer, her father would want to introduce her and her siblings and son to the new Queen but she didn't want to meet the new Queen. Her ladies had the displeasure of meeting Katherine Howard and from what they had told her, she was unfit to be Queen. From their point of views, it seemed that all she wanted to do was to enjoy the splendor of pretty clothes, jewelry, and dancing, not the duties of being Queen. The royal couple finally arrived in France where they were greeted by the French court and royal family. James' brothers and sisters stood behind his parents who stood front and center of their thrones while the courtiers made a pathway for him and Elizabeth. James said, in French, "Vos Majestés, c'est un honneur d'être de retour dans votre cour. Je suis très honoré et reconnaissant d'être dans votre présence." Francis smiled at his eldest son and replied, also in French, "Mon fils, vous et votre famille êtes les bienvenus ici. Votre famille vous accueille à bras ouverts." The French courtiers cheered and clapped at James and Elizabeth's return as Francis brought James into a tight embrace.

James was then brought into a tight embrace by his mother. Claude said to her eldest son, "Oh, my dear James. You have no idea how much I have missed you. It has been lonely since you have been gone." James raised his eyebrows and replied, "But, Mama, you have my brothers and sisters to keep you company and so many others. Besides, Elizabeth and I have only been gone for a year and a half." Claude gave her son a look and said, "A year and a half is too long for a mother, James." Claude then made her way to embrace Elizabeth who was talking to Francis 2nd, James' first brother. Elizabeth smiled at her mother-in-law and said, curtsying to her, "Your Majesty." Claude smiled and replied, bringing Elizabeth into a hug, "Oh, enough of that. Let me hug you." All this time, Nicholas watched his parents interact with the French royal family with awe and confusion. He held Lady Eleanor's hand in his small one and said to her, "Lady Eleanor, who are these people?" Lady Eleanor knelt to her friend's son's height and replied, "Why, this is your father's family, Your Highness. He came from France and is the heir to the French throne while your mother is the heir to the English throne." Nicholas raised his eyebrow and said, "But I thought that only men could have the throne, that is what Grandfather told me." Lady Eleanor replied, "Your mother is the exception, Your Highness. From the time she was born, she has held the title as Princess of Wales and even with Prince Edward's birth, she is still the heir apparent."

Nicholas nodded in understanding and turned back to watch his parents with a look of pride on his face. Elizabeth came up to her son and said to him, kneeling down to the boy's height, "Are you ready to meet your father's family, Nico?" Nicholas nodded hesitantly and took his mother's hand as she led him to meet his father's family. Elizabeth came up to her father-in-law and mother-in-law and said to them, curtsying to them, "Your Majesties, I would like to introduce a very important person to you." She gently pushed Nicholas forward and said to them, "This is my son, Prince Nicholas Francis Alexander the 1st of France and England, your grandson." Nicholas bowed to the French Queen and King and said to them, in French, "C'est un honneur de vous rencontrer, Vos Majestés." Francis 1st chucked out loud and clapped for his grandson. He said, "Bravo!! Well done, Your Highness. It is an honor to finally meet you, my grandson." Elizabeth and James shared a smile as the French King welcomed their son with open arms. Elizabeth said to her father-in-law and mother-in-law, "I have wonderful news for the both of you and I think you will be very happy. I am with child." Francis 1st and Claude grinned from ear to ear like the Cheshire Cat at the news of another grandchild. Elizabeth continued, "James and I have made the decision that we would at least like to have one of our children be born in one of our kingdoms. Nicholas was born in my home kingdom so I would like for this one to be born in James' home kingdom." Claude grinned and said, "Of course, Elizabeth. You are always welcomed in our court. Let's get you settled then we'll have a feast in honor of your arrival." Claude led her eldest son's family to where they will be staying.

Later that evening, when Elizabeth and James were getting ready to retire for the night, Lady Caterina came up to Elizabeth a letter in her hand. Elizabeth was brushing her hair at the vanity when Lady Caterina came up to her. Elizabeth raised her eyebrow in confusion and said to Lady Caterina, "What is the matter, Lady Caterina?" Lady Caterina curtsied to the princess and replied, "A letter from your sister, the Princess Mary, Your Highness." Elizabeth took the letter from Lady Caterina and opened it. From the other side of the room, James watched his wife with confusion and curiosity as she opened the letter and read it.

My most dearest sister,
I have received news that you arrived in France and wanted you to know that you are in my family's prayers during your stay in France. I know you have told me that you wanted to be in France during your pregnancy in hopes of the child being born in France but I can't help but feel worried for you. His Majesty has introduced Lizzy and Edward to the new Queen this past week and they have talked nonstop about her. I can't see why everyone is so entranced by Katherine Howard. She is just a young girl who enjoys the pleasures of life. I had the displeasure of meeting her and she wanted us to be close as our stepmother. You know that I have told you that I will not have a girl younger than ourselves be our stepmother. She had the audacity to confront me about my attitude towards her and demand me to explain my actions, like a spoiled girl. With all that aside, if I do not get a chance to see you anytime soon, I wish you luck in your childbirth and good health.
Your beloved sister,
Princess Mary Tudor of England.

Elizabeth was speechless after reading her sister's letter and placed the letter on the vanity, heading towards the bed. James soon followed in after his wife and said to her, with curiosity, "What did Mary have to say, Elizabeth?" Elizabeth replied, making herself comfortable with the help of Lady Caterina, "She just told me that Father had introduce his new wife to Lizzy and Edward and that she had met the new Queen. She has a strong dislike for the young Queen. Thank you, Lady Caterina, that will be all. You may be dismissed. Get some rest." Lady Caterina curtsied to Elizabeth and said, smiling, "Of course, Your Highness. Sleep well, Your Royal Highnesses." As Lady Caterina exited the room, she blew out the candles and closed the door behind her. James said to Elizabeth, laying on his side as he faced her, "Mary must at least get along with Katherine Howard. She is after all the Queen of England." Elizabeth turned to face her husband and replied, "You and I both know that once Mary has a dislike for someone, she will make their life a living hell. After the title of Queen was taken away from our mother, Mary has made the vow to recognize anyone but our mother as Queen, unless I take the throne." James said, giving his wife a comforting smile, "We are longways away from taking either of our parents' thrones, Elizabeth. You don't need worry about that. *He then placed his hand on his wife's small baby bump* Worrying is not good for the child." Elizabeth chuckled and replied, "Believe me, my love, I know. Let's get some sleep, shall we? We have a big day tomorrow." James nodded and said, leaning forward to bring Elizabeth into a kiss, "Yes, we do, don't we? I love you, my sweet Elizabeth." Elizabeth replied, leaning in the kiss, "And I you, my beloved James. Sleep well." After the kiss, the royal couple blew out the candles on the nightstands on their sides of the bed and got comfortable in each other's embrace.

Translation:
James: "Vos Majestés, c'est un honneur d'être de retour dans votre cour. Je suis très honoré et reconnaissant d'être dans votre présence."-- "Your Majesties, it is an honor to be back in your court. I am very honored and grateful to be in your presence."

Francis 1st: "Mon fils, vous et votre famille êtes les bienvenus ici. Votre famille vous accueille à bras ouverts.-- "My son, you and your family are welcome here. Your family welcomes you with open arms."

Nicholas: "C'est un honneur de vous rencontrer, Vos Majestés."-- "It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesties."