The Mistress of King Henry VIII

Chapter Fifty-Nine: Worry

Queen Victoria of Cambridge

March 1st, 1521

I stood standing in the corridor and watched as all the children ran around with their two governess chasing after a ball.

"They seem so peaceful." I heard a voice say and I turned to the left to see Henry walking up to me. He bowed his head before he placed a kiss on my forehead.

"They are young. They know nothing yet of how evil the world is." I said and Henry nodded his head.

"I have come to speak to you. About Margaret and the children." He said and I watched him for a moment before nodding. I slipped my hand through his and let him led me past the children.

"Papa! Momma!" Edward cried out as he waved to both of us. I smiled softly at him and waved back before Henry and I made our way to the small lake and sat at the bench.

"Have you heard from Margaret at all?"

"I did. She was able to get this letter out to us through a merchant." Henry said as he pulled an envelope out of his pocket and handed it to me. I unfolded it and saw Margaret's handwriting.

Henry,

I pray you to get this message. It is true, James was killed in battle and I took the role of Regent over my son James. I was able to keep it a secret from other countries until the other Lords found out it would not be James's brother being regent.

The last time I saw my boys was two weeks ago at James' public funeral. When we were leaving I was pushed into one carriage and they into another. I have Elizabeth and Alexandra with me but I beg of you brother to save me.

Every day my freedom is being taken away from me. I fear my boys are not alive anymore, much like how our mother's two brothers were taken to the tower all those years ago.

I ask and beg for you to send an army to get me and my girls and maybe one day my boys. I care not for my son being the next King of Scotland. I want us all to live. I beg of you, Your Majesty.

Your loving sister,

The Dowager Queen of Scotland

I looked up at Henry and stared at him.

"Your Uncles, were taken to the tower?" I whispered and Henry nodded.

"Yes, many years ago when my grandfather died, my Uncle was named King. But then my Great Uncle, he said the marriage was never true and declared them bastards and had them taken away. They were never seen again. Not alive anyway." Henry explained and I stared at him.

"You will send an army, right?"

"Yes, she has asked for aid and in the letter, for herself, she rebukes her claim to the Scottish throne." He said and I sighed softly as I folded the letter up.

"James is ten, Elizabeth is eight, Albert is what four now? And Alexandra will never remember her father."

"I can only retrieve my sister and the girls. To try to get the boys-"

"Will end up declaring England at war with Scotland again?"

"I have been at war with Scotland. I did not battle them, Catharine did. She killed James' brother and lost our child."

"She went into battle pregnant?"

"She did. She was in her sixth month. She claimed it was to defend England." Henry said as he rolled his eyes.

"I would have done the same thing. Not being pregnant, but I would have gone into battle with a sword in hand to defend England. Much like Catherine did." I stated and Henry stared at me.

"You would?"

"Catherine was known for warrior parents. I will also be a warrior if need be. Now, who will you send to get them?"

"I will go. As well as Charles, your brother Jonathan, a few soldiers and George Boylen." He said and I stared at him for a moment before sighing softly.

"Of course a Boylen has to weasel their way into any plans. They figure, our son helps save your sister and niece and Anne can go back in your bed." I said as I stood up and placed a hand on my swollen belly.

"Victoria-" Henry began but I held my hand up as I heard small laughter. I looked over my shoulder and saw Mary, Henri, Edward, and Albert running towards us.

I bent down and scooped Edward and Albert into my arms and pressed a kiss to their foreheads.

"Oh, my loves! Are you having fun playing?" I asked as I looked over to Mary and Henri.

"Yes mother," Henri said and I smiled softly before looking over to Henry who stared at his children.

"Why don't you all give your father a hug? Yes?"

"Why? Are you leaving?" Mary asked as she turned and faced her father.

"For a little while. I promise I will return. And while I am gone, Vicky shall be in charge." He said and I bowed my head to him before placing the boys on the ground and watching as they all rushed over to Henry and hugged him.

He stood there for a moment and held his children before Edward whined.

'Hugging too tight." He said and Henry quickly let them go and smiled at them.

"I need you all to promise me something. Can you do that?" He asked and when they all nodded their heads he smirked.

"I need you all to be strong and to listen to your Lady Mother. I need you to be the strength of England, can you do that?" He asked and I grinned softly when I saw Mary drop into a curtsy.

Her brothers stared at her for a moment before bowing their heads. I looked over at Henry who had tears in his eyes for a moment before he cleared his throat and turned to walk back towards the castle.

"He will be back right?"

"Of course he will. He is the King of England."