~ | The Tudors |~

~ Chapter 24 ~

I rolled my eyes over his words. I would except nothing less from him. "Did you hear that one of the duchess at the French court delivered twins. I couldn't imagine having to give birth not two children at the same time." I look down at my small, yet growing belly smiling at the thought of my own child coming into the world.

I looked up to see Henry looking at a group of young children playing around with their new toys and games. "Soon our own child will be here enjoying Christmas with us." He spoke grabbing on to my hand.

I gave him a huge smile thinking about his thought in my head. My heart always burst into millions of pieces when I think of our soon new arrival. I have always wanted children and now here is my chance.

"Can't wait tell I can start to feel there movements. My sister said it is like a fish at first just flipping around." I squeak. Doing little fish movements. Henry just chuckled while sipping on his ale.

"What do you think it will be?" I questioned Henry who was staring and rubbing my belly. Henry smiled while taking a few moments to think.

"No clue. Every time I put trust in the astrologers they always predict wrong." He spoke referring to my sister and his late wife Catherine of Aragon. As much as I feel for Henry. My womanly instincts hurt over the pain those two felt because of him. A pain I hope to never have experienced.

"Well I guess will have to wait!" I spoke with excitement hoping to get those lued thoughts out of my head. Henry smiled with a ln excitement look on his face.

"Your majesties." We were pulled from each other's gaze to be faced young my father and mother. My father held a wicked look upon his face. Probably boasting to the court of "his" accomplishments of providing an heir to the throne. My mother looked smug as well.

She use to be down to earth, but with more titles my father received followed by money and power. She has turned into an ungrateful arrogant woman. I hate having to call my own mother that but it's the truth.

"We have come to congratulate you on the impending royal child and to wish you a merry Christmas. We have also brought you gift for this momentous occasion." My father spoke offering us another bow.

There two servants steeped from behind them and walked up to our table. They set two chest in front of me and Henry. I kept a grateful look on my face as the whole court was indulging in this conversation.

I did not want to give off a bad impression that my family has broken apart. Even though it sadly has. "Thank you Earl and Countess of Wiltshire. We are delighted that you have so thoughtful thought of us during this time of year." Henry spoke before opening his chest.

I followed him in suit. Mine was a collection of jewelry. A red ruby necklace with ruby earrings. The red rubies symbolizing the English Queen. In all honestly these were beautiful and I was smitten with them, but the hurt I have for my parents still played on my emotions.

Henry had revived more entire for his hunting gatherings. He was thrilled with his new weapons like all men are. " well thank you for theses thoughtful gifts. We will cherish them." I spoke handing my chest off to a servant boy.

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The night had finely reached it end, while for me anyways. Being with child and having royal duties might I say is exhausting. I have no clue how my sister of Catherine did it with such grace.

Henry is having a joyful time playing cards with Charles and a few members of his privy council in his own quarters. I on the other hand was content with cuddling up to the warm fire in a blanket with a book.

My laddies had gathered on the table in the same area as me playing cards. They were betting with money and gift they had received today. I would hear cheering, grunting, and other noises when they or someone else won.

While reading I also liked to ease drop and watch there card game. I like to give them freedom when I do not need them in that moment. My sister was strict, but I want them to like me not think I'm a dictator.
Though I will put my foot down when the need arises.

My door opened with one of my pager boys behind it"Your Majesty, the Lady Mary has requested an audience." My fave light up in joy over the young boys words.

Lady Mary and Elizabeth had come to court for Christmas. I hadn't seen them much today only passes for they were busy having fun and I did not want to intrude. I know they were under much restriction during parts of their life. I don't want that to continue I want them to be free and have a spending time.

"Please send her in, James." I lifted my head to the boy who was quick to oblige.

The lady Mary walked in given me a small curtsy. "No need for formalities in private Mary. Just call my Elizabeth. If would like you may join me by the fire." I closed my book setting it down on one of the end tables near me.

She decided to take my offer sitting across from me. "Lady Joan, would you be a dear and get the Lady Mary a blanket." I interrupted the still continuing game of cards.

"Of course, madam." She spoke halting the game rushing to gather a blanket for Mary. Once she obtained once she rushed back wrapping the wool blanket around Mary. "Thank you, Joan. You are so very kind." Mary spoke before Joan went back to the card game.

"Thank you for allowing me to see you." Mary spoke turning to face me. I felt so sad for her. The joy on her face is one I haven't seen since her mother was on the throne.

"No need to thank me. You are always welcome to come and see me whenever or whatever I am doing. I am your stepmother not your dictator. My sister should not have treated you the way she did." I reached out to hold her hand in comfort for a brief moment. Earning a beautiful smile from Mary.

"I still appreciate it. I just wanted to thank you for inviting me to court personally. It meant a lot. I haven't been to court this many times in a stretch of a few months in years. I forgot how much I miss it." She turned her attention to the roaring fire.

"You could always stay at court permanently. I could arrange for you to have your own quarter and laddies to attend to you." My words had her jumping in joy in her seat.

"I would love that, Elizabeth! Besides then I can help support you with your pregnancy. After all it will be my half sibling." I was now the one smiling like a kid who just got a piece of desert at the dinner table.

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Hello Everyone!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I'm trying to post more since I have been gone for a good couple of months.

I have read your lovely comments from the last chapter and I am taking them into great consideration when deciding on her pregnancy and gender.

If you have any other comment please leave them here for me to read! ——————->

Bye for now 👋