The Mistress of King Henry VIII

Chapter Sixty-Two: Birth

Victoria of England 

April 29th, 1521 

I stood with Morgana and Emilia as we watched the rain flow and some maids hurry to bring the doctors new equipment.

"They are going to get hurt," Emilia said and I nodded as my hands went to my belly. I had two more months before these little ones could get here. 

"I'm trying to convince His Majesty to allow us to take shelter at my old country home. The children can't be sheltered much longer." I said before a knock came on the door. 

Julien stepped inside and bowed to me. 

"A letter for you Victoria. From Francesca." He said and I quickly stepped forward and took the letter from his hand. 

Dear Victoria,

I am writing to you to tell you I am in labor. I have been in labor for almost two days and I am scared, Victoria. 

Please come and help.

Your brother, bless his soul, he would choose for me to live, but I want this child to live because Cambridge needs an heir.

Please, please come. 

Your Sister,

Francesca

"Prepare the carriages! Francesca is in labor and needs help." I said and Julian bowed his head as he turned and rushed out of my quarters. 

"Tori?" Emilia asked and I sighed softly. 

"Two days and Francesca just wrote to me. Emilia, please go inform His Majesty I am leaving." I said and she nodded as she bowed and rushed out the room. Once she was gone I turned to Morgana who raised an eyebrow at me. 

"Help me make sure she lives," I whispered and Morgana smirked softly. 

"Of course, Your Majesty." 

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It took almost an hour to arrive at my brothers home. He chose a manor close to where we lived at and when the carriage stopped I didn't wait for Julian to open the door before I quickly stepped out. 

The front door opened and out stepped Liam who looked as if he hadn't slept in a week. 

"Victoria-"He began but I raised my hand. 

"Mother? Is she here?" I asked as I looked over him. 

"She just arrived. Francesca- I don't know if she'll live." He said and I smiled at my brother. 

"Pray is all we can do. What room is she in?" I asked as Morgana stepped closer with her basket. 

"The second room on the third floor." 

I nodded as I went to turn inside but I felt my brother grab me. 

"Please, please we can try for another save my wife. Save my love." Liam said and I smiled at him. 

"Of course brother. Now stay downstairs with Julian and Papa." I said as I shook his hand off and rushed with Morgana upstairs. When we got to the third floor I could hear Francesca's screams. 

As Morgana threw the door open I held back a gasp as I saw Francesca holding ropes. 

"Enough! She is going to kill herself!" I screamed and the midwives stopped at once. Morgana rushed to Francesca's side and I glared at the women. 

"Get out of my sight at once!" I screamed and they jumped to their feet. 

"Victoria!" Mother yelled at me but I raised my hand to her. I saw morgana give her the potion to build her strength and I smiled. 

I moved to the bed and peaked at Francesca to see how far along she was. 

"I see the head! Oh my so much hair." I said and Francesca let out a wail. 

"You must push sister. Or you both may die." I said as my mother dragged the table over with the warm bucket of water and tools. 

"I feel my strength back. My child, oh my child." 

"Push Francesca!" I said and she held onto Morgana and screamed as she pushed with all her might. 

"Rest!" Mother cried out as I saw clear blue eyes staring up at me. 

A moment passed before Francesca pushed again. I saw blood coming near the babies arms and looked at my mother who nodded. 

"One more! One more sister! Come now!" I encouraged her and she let out a wail as she screamed and the baby finally came out. 

"Oh! Oh!" I said as the baby stared up at me blinking. Mother rushed and cut the cord and I quickly stood up with the child. 

'Why isn't it crying?' Francesca cried out as Morgana held her back. I held the child in my arms and quickly wiped water from it's face. 

"Please, please, you've made it this far child. Cry for me." I quickly prayed before I smacked the babies bottom. I watched as it's lower lip quivered before it let out a scream and I almost dropped the child in relief. 

I laid the child near the bowl and smiled as I wiped the baby clean before slipped the cloth diaper on and wrapping it in a fur blanket. 

"Victoria. What is it? is it a boy? Is it a girl?" Francesca whispered as I lifted the baby up and smiled at my sister in law. 

"Francesca, you have a daughter." I said as I stepped towards the bed and Francesca grinned as she held her arms out and I lowered her daughter into her arms. My mother quickly did the sign of the cross before going to get my brothers and father. 

"Before they come back. You have to know, you are still bleeding. Morgana will give you something to try to stop it but there is a chance-" I began and Francesca nodded as she looked down at her child. 

"If I die so be it. I brought my child into the world. Your brother has an heir." She said as the door opened and Liam rushed to his wife. 

"You have a beautiful daughter brother. With crystal blue eyes and so much hair." I said and Liam let out a sob as he held his wife. 

"Do you have a name picked up?" Papa asked as he held Momma closer to him. 

"Victoria. Victoria Rose." Francesca said and I stared at her for a moment before looking at Liam who nodded. 

"You brought her in this world sister. She shall be named after you. And please say you'll be her godmother." He said and I felt the tears well up before nodding. 

"Of course, it shall be an honor." I said as I looked down at my niece who grinned up at me. 

"Tu nous as tous fait peur ma nièce." (You had us all scared my niece.) I whispered before looking at Morgana who bowed her head. 

"Mais remerciez le père, vous êtes bel et bien vivant." (But thank the father you are alive and well.)