His Constant Reminder

Chapter Four

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Henry sat with his father, listening to a council meeting. His father was training him to eventually take over. He was his father's only heir since the death of his older brother Arthur. Arthur's death was a huge blow to the entire royal family and for the country. Henry was the only direct male heir to the throne, if anything happened to him the country could fall into civil war. Henry sat there listening to every word of the councilmen. He took some notes of good points that everyone was making. He watched how his father watched his council. His father nodded along with every word. He wanted to be a good ruler when it was his turn to rule. He wanted to create a legacy and a dynasty that would last. He wanted to be one of the best kings of all Europe. Once the meeting was over, the councilmen left.

"Father, may I speak with you?" Henry asks.

"Yes what is it, Harry?" The king replies.

"I wish to speak about my betrothal." Henry states.

The older Henry was a little stunned. His son was only sixteen, there wasn't much rush to put together a match. Henry was still in negotiations with King Ferdinand about Catherine. He wanted to keep Catherine's dowry because it would bring great wealth to the country. Henry was tempted to marry Catherine to Harry. Catherine has sworn that her marriage to Arthur wasn't consummated and there shouldn't be much of an issue getting a dispensation for their marriage. Catherine was older than Harry by six years.

"Who are you thinking of?" Henry asks.

"The daughter of Viscount Welles, Rose. I know she is not royalty but her father could provide a suitable dowry to make up for it. It would be a love match like you and mother. It would make both of us very happy." Harry states.

"Why her? Why not a royal match?" Henry replies.

"We may both be young but we are in love. It would be beneficial to us and the country. As for a royal match, there are limited options available. Spain has Catherine but she was married to Arthur. France is not our friend. It would be hard to find a mutually beneficial marriage in Europe."

"I will have to think about it and discuss it with the council. Do not get your hopes up. I will make the decision that is best for this country." Henry states.

"Yes father." Harry replies, hanging his head a little.

Harry had hoped that his father would just accept it. He wanted to marry Rose and he was sure that Rose would accept his marriage proposal. Ever since they met, Harry felt a connection to her. He knew that she was something special and she always would be. She would always be something special to him. If he couldn't have her in marriage he would convince her to be with him in any way he could. Rose would be his and he would be Rose's. Henry walked out of the council room and made his way to Mary's chambers. He hoped that Rose would be there. He wanted to tell her about what he had discussed with his father.

"I wish to have an audience with my sister." Henry states.

One of the older ladies of his sister, let him in. Henry made his way to his sister and her ladies. He stood by the wall watching his sister and Rose interact. Rose was laughing at something Mary had said. Mary smiled at Rose then looked up to see him standing there.

"Harry! What are you doing here?" Mary asks, getting up.

"I came to see you and I have to discuss something with Lady Weston." Harry replies.

"Of course, you may use my study if you need privacy." Mary says, motioning for Rose to get up.

"Thank you." Harry replies, kissing her cheek.

Rose follows Henry into Mary's study. She waited for him to make the first move, she was anxious about whatever he wanted to talk about. Henry sat in one chair and motioned for Rose to sit in the other one.

"What is it, Harry?" Rose asks.

"I have spoken with my father about the possibility of our marriage." Henry states.

"What has he said?" Rose asks, sitting closer to the edge of her seat.

"He has said that he will speak to the council about it but not to get our hopes up. If there is a better, more beneficial match then my father will choose that." Henry explains.

Rose's face falls a little. It was not the answer she was hoping for. She was hoping that having a large dowry would be enough. Her father knew of their feelings for each other and was willing to do whatever necessary to make his daughter happy. His elder daughter's marriage was a love match and he wanted that for his youngest daughter as well.

"Rose, we may still have a chance. I promise you, in one way or another we will be happy. I will not be happy in the way I am with you, with anyone else. You are the only one I truly want." Henry says, taking her hand.

"I just wish we would be allowed to marry like we please." Rose murmurs.

Henry sighs, he wished for the same but he knew his duties as heir. He needed to have a good marriage that was beneficial to the country. It was one of his many duties as future king. Every king before him had a beneficial marriage. His father's marriage united the Red and White Rose. Richard the third was married to one of the daughters of the king maker. Edward the fourth was married to Elizabeth Woodville. The marriage wasn't considered beneficial at first but their many children were beneficial enough. Henry knew he had to have a beneficial marriage for his country but there was another way that he could have Rose for himself. If it came down to it, Henry would accept it as his only way to be with her.