The Mistress of King Henry VIII

Chapter Sixty-Four: Death

Queen Victoria of Cambridge

April 30th, 1521

I sat near the window wishing I could take all the children out. The doctors and advisors say the sickness is ending as many people aren't getting sick but still Henry is worried something could happen to either Edward or Albert. 

I rubbed my belly and smiled as I felt both babies kick me. Soon they should be here and soon everything would be alright again. 

"The Dowager Queen of Scotland ma'am." One of the maids said and I looked towards the door and saw Margaret smiling at me.

"I did not know you would be coming. If I did I would've sent for food and drinks." I confessed and she smiled at me. 

"Nonsense sister, you are caring my future nieces I believe. Rest all you can. I've grown bored being in the tower so I've come to visit." She said as she sat in front of me. 

"Any news of Mary?" 

"Yesterday they said she was sleeping longer. Time is coming." She whispered and I reached to grab her hand. 

"And your boys?" 

"I got a letter from James governess. He is well, still will not let anyone near Albert without me there. He is still keeping with studies. He said even if he is King he needs to be smarter then his advisors." She gushed and I grinned. 

"He is going to be a wonderful King Margaret. And all thanks will be towards you as his Lady Mother." I confessed before I heard a knock on our door. 

I turned to Julian and he peaked his head out the door before coming back inside. He stepped towards us and placed his hands near letters in his hands. 

"Your Majesty, Dowager Queen." He began and I saw the tears in Margaret's eyes. 

"We have just been informed Her Royal Highness Mary, The Duchess of Suffolk has passed away. The Duke and King have been informed also. My deepest condolences." He said and I flinched as Margaret let out a sob. 

"Mary has left letters. These two are addressed to you both." He said as he gave me mine and placed Margaret's beside her. 

 I stared at my letter for a moment before I peeled the wax away and flipped it open. 

Her Majesty, 

If you are reading this I have passed to be with my Lady Mother and Our Lord. I write to you Victoria because I know Charles will need you. 

Don't worry I haven't said anything to my brother no matter how many times I wanted to. 

Please watch after my son. He is so small and shall never truly remember me without just hearing stories. He is a Tudor as much as he is a Brandon. 

Tell those two babies you have growing inside of you of me as well. About their wild spirited Aunt who loved them even though I have and will never meet them. 

Console Charles, you and I both know he can never process his emotions very well. 

I have assigned one of my ladies as my chief mourner for my funeral but I ask of you to arrange it and make sure I am given the funeral of a Queen. 

I will be watching always. And you may not believe it but I am rooting for you Victoria. 

Yours Truly,

Mary, The Duchess of Suffolk

I folded the letter back up and stood up. I felt a tear fall down and went to wipe it before looking at Julian. 

"Have one your men take her back to her quarters." I whispered before I walked out of my quarters and turned to the corridor. 

I saw people lined up and stopped halfway through. 

"The Duchess of Suffolk is dead!" 

Everyone stopped and stared at me. 

"Have all flags hung at half mass! Nation wide mourning will begin now until I deem it to be over!" 

I felt myself breathing hard and placed a hand on my stomach to steady myself. 

"Well?! What are you waiting for? Spread the news!" 

I watched as everyone scattered and I waited for the corridor to be empty before I leaned against a window and let out a sob. I felt my body shake before I stood up and cleared my throat. I wiped my eyes before turning left and waking to Henry's office. 

When I pushed the doors opened I saw him and Charles surrounded by advisors. 

"All of you will leave. Now!" I screamed and they all rushed to get out of the room. 

They both held the letters in their hands and I sighed. 

"Henry." I began as he stood up and walked over to me. He brought me into a hug before I felt him sobbing. I looked over at Charles and saw him sitting there just staring straight ahead. 

"I must go and tell the children." Henry said as he broke away from me as kissed my forehead. 

"Of course. Do you want me to come with you?" 

He shook his head before looking at Charles. 

"Do not leave him until I come back. I fear what he might do." 

I bowed my head as Henry walked away and out of the room before looking at Charles. I stepped towards him and placed my hand on his shoulder. 

"Do not hold it in. It will drive you crazy." 

"How am I to mourn a woman I was forced to love?" 

"By mourning the mother of your son." 

He stood there for a moment before reaching up and holding my hand. 

"Victoria." 

"Shh," I whispered as I sat beside him and brought him into a hug. 

"I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."