The Mistress of King Henry VIII

Chapter Sixty-Five: Scotland

Queen Victoria of Cambridge

May 5th, 1521 

I sat in my office with Emilia and Morgana as we sorted through letters. Mary's funeral was tomorrow and receiving letters have been more than I can remember. 

"The Dowager Queen of Scotland, ma'am." The pageboy said as he bowed and Margaret came inside. 

"Sister." Margaret said as she bowed her head and I smiled at her. 

"Hello Margaret, it's good to see you in better spirits." I said as she walked towards the desk and sat to my left. 

"Well Alexandra is starting to crawl. It always brings me joy watching my children grow. Are these the letters from the people about Mary's death?" She asked and I nodded. 

"Yes, I sent for you because this pile of letters is for you." I explained as I pushed them towards her. 

"For me? From who?" She asked with a smile. 

"Well this one I believe is from James. Your son." 

Margaret stared at me for a moment before she opened the envelope and stared at the letter. 

"He writes just like his father." 

I watched as her eyes skimmed over the paper before she looked up at me. 

"Victoria." She whispered as she handed me the letter. 

Mummy, 

How I desperately want and need you here by my side as we prepare for my coronation. But the Lords of Scotland are still conducting their investigation on whether or not you had something to do with fathers death. 

I do not believe you did as you loved father more than anything in this world. Why you did I will never understand. 

My coronation will be June 15th and I wish for you as well as my sisters to come. I also want Uncle Henry and Queen Victoria to come as I wish to finally be at peace with England and Wales after all these years. 

The only way The Lords of Scotland will allow you into Scotland and prove your innocence in fathers death is if you renounce your claim to the throne. You cannot be my regent but you may be one of my advisors. 

Send a letter to them with your answer. I miss you very dearly mother. I hope to see you. 

James

I looked up at the letter and saw Margaret staring at me. 

"I cannot tell you how to respond to this. But your brother may. I would go seek his council in this matter." I explained and she nodded as she took the letter back and stood up. 

"May one of the guards bring the rest of the letters to my chambers?" 

"Of course. I'll send Julian to do it himself." I said and she nodded before she bowed her head and rushed out of the office. 

"The Lords would let her come back if she renounces her claim to be little James regent?" Emilia asked and I nodded as I felt one of the babies kick my side. 

"They can do as they please. They are technically running Scotland right now until James is crowned. He will have a regent until he is about thirteen." I explained and Morgan shook her head. 

"Scotland has not been the same since James grandfather was King. I just hope that boy is better than the Kings before him." She explained and I smiled as I reached over and rubbed her hand. 

"You are not in Scotland anymore. You are protected over here in England and in Wales. I will not let anything happen to you." 

Morgan smiled at me before the door opened and a guard bowed his head. 

"Their Royal Highnesses, Princess Mary The Princess Royal, Prince Edward of Wales, and Lord Henri, Duke of Richmond." 

 I looked over to see Mary, Edward, and Henri walking in. 

"Mother." They all said as they bowed their heads to me and I smiled. 

"Oh! Every time I see you three it is like you all grow so much. Come." I said as I opened my arms for them. 

"And where is Prince Albert at? Did you leave your brother alone?" Emilia asked with a smile. 

"Albert is with Papa. They are with Aunt Margaret and the Lords." Mary explained as she helped Edward into his chair before helping Henri. 

"Hmm, my smart girl. How are you doing?" I asked and she smiled softly at me. 

"I will miss my aunt dearly. But knowing in my heart she is not in pain and with God means more to me. My lovely godson Francis, I vow to look after him." She stated proudly and I clapped my hands. 

"Every day you remind me of the Aragon blood that runs through you. You remind me of your grandmother. She was a strong Queen." I explained before I waved for the maid to bring over the drinks and food. 

"We will eat lunch here. Morgana take the letters away." 

I watched as the three children I have raised bow their heads in prayer before eating their lunch and wondering was I doing everything right for them. 

As almost half an hour past I heard the stomp of a staff and looked towards my door. 

"His Majesty, The King!" One of the guards announced as the doors opened and in came Henry. 

"Victoria! I need your help!" He said as he made his way towards me. 

"What has happened?" 

He handed me the letter and shook his head. "It's Charles."

Henry, 

I will not lie. It is hard these days not having Mary around. Not hearing her laugh or seeing her hold our son. 

I should take comfort knowing she is not in pain anymore but I will be selfish enough to wish my wife was still here with me. 

I write to you for you to come and grab Francis and bring him to court until I can find a proper governess to help with raising him. 

I do not know how to live without Mary. I do not know if I can live without her. 

She was my wife and the love of my life. I try not to wish for this, but there are some moments when I wish to join her in the afterlife but how can I leave Francis all alone.

Your Servant,

Charles, Duke of Suffolk

I stared up at Henry with wide eyes. 

"He is planning to kill himself."