~ | The Tudors |~

~ Chapter 24 ~

The whole court has been celebrating the pending rival of our child and so have I. I have always dreamed of having children, but never in a million years would I believe my children would be a prince or princess.

"Your Majesty?" One of my laddies called out interrupting my examination over the finally details of tonight's Christmas dinner and celebration.

"Yes, lady Joan?" I spoke looking up at her while settling my hand on my slight baby bump.
"His Majesty has sent you a gift. He has asked you looked out the window."

Her words had me wondering what could possible be outside. I slowly made my way over to the window drawing back the curtains slightly. I was in awe at what was in front of me.

Two beautiful thoroughbreds standing behind Henry who looked up at me with pure joy. One was a pure black while the other was pure white.

My eyes light up indicating to Henry my love over his gift. I gently opened the window. "Henry you don't have to." I spoke loudly so he could hear.

"Of course I did. You have giving me a gift I couldn't match." He indicated to the child in my womb. "And these are only one in a few gifts I have for you. Now close the door it too cold for you." I listened to him latching the window back up.

"Your Majesty, the Countess of Wiltshire." I mentally rolled my eyes. I have no energy to deal with what she has in store today.

"Your Majesty." My mother spoke from behind me. "Could we have a word alone?" She asked while more like demanded.

"They can stay." I don't bother looking back at her as I continued with my task at hand. I could hear her grumble under her tongue. "If you wish to speak to me then speak. If not I will have you excused from my presence." I now turned to face her with a serious look.

"Your father has informed me you are dogging his letters." She walked over to an empty chair.
I huffed out a breath of air. "You cannot doge a letter unless it is being thrown at you. I simply don't open them for I do not have the energy for it." I gently spoke with a serious tone.

"Elizabeth, you cannot Ignore him especially. He is your father and you are now the head of the family. Certain decisions can be made only by you." She snapped.

"You're talking about Mary, aren't you? You and papa want her gone from court and stripped of their titles."my mother went quiet after my words, so it was a clear indicator I was right. "I do not have time to discuss this with you, and it is not even up for a debate. You're excused." I turned my back on her continuing with my task over more.

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"How are you feeling?" Henry asked for the dozenth time. He was rubbing my small belly as we watched the court dance and celebrate. Laughter and joy filled the entire palace.

"Good, morning sickness is lighting up and I finally can start looking at meat." I teased earning a laugh from him. "I heard the court is already putting odds on the gender and when I will deliver." I spoke popping a cherry in my mouth.

Henry chuckled slightly. "Of course they are. Everyone is overjoyed by this, especially me." He stopped rubbing my belly and placing a kiss on my hand. "Even I have placed my own bets."