His Constant Reminder

Chapter Six

(Winter, 1508)

Rose sat with Princess Mary sewing and listening to one of her other ladies sing. Since the king's ruling, Rose has tried to limit her time with Harry, despite how much it hurt. She knew that Harry would have to marry Princess Catherine and there was nothing that they could do. She wanted to try and distance herself so that it might hurt less when she would have to witness their marriage.

Princess Mary felt terrible for her friend and her brother. It was plain to everyone over the past few years how much they cared for each other. She wanted them to be happy and be together. Mary helped Rose avoid Harry as much as she could. She would send her on errands for her if Harry came into the room. Harry was disappointed every time Rose left the room but he knew why.

After his conversation with his father, Harry knew the only way to keep Rose in his life was to have her become his mistress once he was married to Catherine. He knew it was a lot to ask of Rose so he has been putting it. He knew she could take it one of two ways. She could either accept it and be happy or be completely offended by it and never talk to him again. Being the mistress of the king could have many advantages but it also came with several disadvantages too. By being his mistress, it would allow for them to be together in the only way possible. He needed to find a way to bring it up to Rose without offending her. He would accept whatever her decision was. After a few months of thinking about it, Harry finally decided it was time to ask her. He needed Mary's help.

"I need to speak with my sister." Harry says to the lady who opened the door.

"One moment, your highness." She says.

She goes to Mary and whispers that it was her brother. Mary said he could come in.

"You may come in, Her highness is in the main room." The lady states, letting him in.

Harry walked into the main room and saw Rose sitting there next to his sister. He missed seeing her. She looked so upset.

"My dear sister, I need to speak with you." Harry states, kissing her cheek.

"What is it, Harry?" Mary asks.

"In private if possible, Mary." Harry replies, sneaking a glance at Rose.

Mary nods, understandingly. She dismisses her ladies and motions for Harry to sit down.

"What do you want?" Mary asks.

"Father has told me and made it clear that I will marry Princess Catherine, but he has told me there is another way for Rose and I to be together." Harry begins.

"You want her to be your mistress!" Mary exclaims, shocked.

"Yes, but only if she wishes to. It is completely her decision and I will accept whichever it is. I need your help to talk to Rose. I know what I have to say but not how to say it." Harry explains.

"If this is what you want and what she wants then I will help. I want you all to be happy. When you bring it up to her, do not be blunt. You need to be smart and charming about it. It can be a sensitive topic." Mary replies.

"Can you call Rose back in the room?" Harry asks.

Mary nods, and calls for Rose to come back in the room. Rose walks back in the room and hesitantly takes a seat opposite of the royal siblings. She looked at Harry and saw he had the same sad feeling about him. He was equally upset by his father's ruling. She felt guilty for avoiding him.

"Rose, Harry has to speak to you about something. Would you like for me to stay in the room or would you like privacy?" Mary asks.

"Can we have some privacy please, your highness?" Rose replies.

Mary smiles and leaves the room.

Harry and Rose sat in an awkward silence. Both were unsure about what to say. Harry looked at Rose and he didn't know what to say. Being his mistress could take a toll on her and her family. He would always treat them fairly. He wanted to be with Rose in any way possible. He knew he had to marry Catherine but he would never love her. He would be kind to her and treat her with the respect she deserved as Queen. They could have a friendship but never a loving partnership like with Rose.

"Rose, I've missed you." Harry states.

"Me too, Harry. So much." Rose cries.

Harry gets up and wraps his arms around her.

"After you left, I was talking to my father. There is a way for us to be together." Harry says.

"How? You have to marry Catherine."

"We don't know if the marriage will be successful. What if she cannot bear me any children. I will have to divorce her and then we could be together. But there is another option."

"What other option?" Rose asks, looking at him hopeful.

"This is your decision and I will accept and support whichever your decision is. You could become my mistress and we would be together. I know this isn't what we wanted but it is the only option we have at the moment. If you do not wish to become my mistress, I understand." Harry explains.

Rose sat there, processing what Harry had just said. She knew the reputation that would come along with being a royal mistress. She wanted to be with Harry. Maybe his marriage to Catherine wouldn't be successful and they could be married. Being Harry's mistress would be her only way to be with him.

"Yes." Rose whispers.

"What?"

"Yes I will be your mistress." Rose states.