~ | The Tudors |~

Mid February, 1537; Windsor Castle

~ Elizabeth ~

"Your Majesty?" I felt someone push on my shoulder as gently as they could. Though there attempt to awake me from my deep mid day slumber failed. I just rolled over and grumbled something incoherent, that even I did not know what was said.

"Your Majesty, it's important." Her words had my conscious awaken but I still kept my eyes glued shut so no sun could enter my eyes. "What is it?" I questioned in almost a humble tone.

"The Viscountess of Rochford has gone into labor." Her words had my eye finally pry open. They were meet with the bright rays of the sun, but I ignored that as I slowly gathered myself.

"Has the child been delivered yet?" I questioned as I slipped on my wool slippers standing from the bed. Which did take me a moment for I have the size of a watermelon attached to my belly. Not to mention this is the only time I get a full rest, for my child loves to create a storm in my belly during the night.

"No, but soon says the midwife. Your brother and sister have gathered in his quarters." My lady Catherine spoke helping me put on a comfortable robe. I was in no mood to get dressed, so a robe will have to do to cover my dignity.

"Thank you, Lady Catherine. You and the other laddies can take a break from serving me. I will be occupied with my family and will be in no need of your services." Lady Catherine gave me a small curtsy before leaving me be.

I waddled my way out of quarters and into the many empty hallways. Luckily being Queen means I have access to hallways no one at court can access. Though I did not walk alone two of my guards followed behind me.

As I reached my brother private apartments I could hear the screams of pain from Jane's own lips. Followed by her supporting midwife chanting out encouragements.
I slowly pride the door open and was met with my brother and sister who might I ass were sipping alcohol and indulging in what appears to be poker? "Have any fun?" I teased as I took a seat in between them.

"No. Mary keeps taking my money. It's my day to win not her!" George threw his cards on the table having a little pout on his face.

"As cute as you are George that pout does not have an effect on your two sisters, as it does to every girl at court." Mary teased chucking as she counted her coins.
"So what do you hope for?" I questioned as I pored myself and large cup of ale into a goblet.

"Of course I would love to have a boy. Father has been pressuring me to continue on his legacy. I also love the idea of having a little lord running around my estate. Though I would be happy with either for just knowing she can bear a child, gives me hope of many more to come." George poetically spoke.

I stared into the abyss before speaking again. "Well mother did have many pregnancy and successful births, but she also loss many of them to sicknesses. Be thankful you now have a title and money to keep your child healthy and secure, brother."

"True. I am thankful for that." We all took another chug from our goblets as we listened to the continue screams from Jane's private chambers. Mary dealt out the cards once more including me in the game.