Empire of Dreams

*33*

Libitina now updated me on the king's health twice a day. The court reported back its dicussions and decisions to me and the palace workers reported to me but Edward made sure he still had the final say.

He could still walk and talk, but he did both of those scarcely, only when necessary. He couldn't breathe well and one of his legs had developed a rather nasty pus filled lump which made it difficult for him to walk.

Queen Anne came to visit him every three days and though it was clear he looked forward to them, his very little improvement didn't go unnoticed.

"I think he should abdicate" one of the lords said one day.

Some agreed with him, some diagreed. A whole day was wasted just arguing about that. Finally, fed up with the lords and ministers, the court was dismissed and Lord Northumberland came to the private study for a discussion with the king. Just like any other ordinary day, I was there too.

"I asked for a private discussion with the king. Go away!" He snapped at me without any salutation or respect.

Immediately, three guards had swords at his neck and Edward sat up on his bed.

"Lord Northumberland, it would suit you better to learn to respect my sister, because if you don't, you'll very soon be dead" Edward threatened.

The Duke looked like he would jump on me like a dog and tear me into pieces but when Edward and the guards didn't back down, he apologized grudgingly.

"Well, what did you come here to discuss?" Edward asked while gesturing me to sit down.

"Your majesty, I suppose I bring troubling news. The lords in your court are ..... What you may call, dissatisfied, in your reign and some deem you unable to rule the kingdom"

"Lord Northumberland, I would like to remind you, that under no circumstances, will I leave my birthright. I am the son of the Late King Henry VIII and I will not suffer this deceit and betrayal from my own court."

"There is no need to be enraged, Your Majesty, I am simply conveying the message. Of course you are not under any pressure to act on this and considering your condition -"

"What do you mean to imply, dear lord? That I'm dying? Aren't all of us on our way to death? I am the King of England and let this be known to you and all the members of my court who have convinced you to so kindly grace me with your presence and advice- I will not step down and I will not get a regent. What I will do though is behead each and every one of you, so tread carefully with me"

On hearing the life threat, the Lord hastily bowed and scuffled away. Most of the time, Edward's sickly and innocent appearance didn't let people realise that he was Henry's son through and through. He may be dying, but he was as vicious and dangerous as Henry himself was. What a pity that he hadn't inherited his mother's peacemaking traits.

The days went on as I carefully ignored my family but of course we can't ignore anything when the fates have decided against it. Soon came the invitation to Kathyrn's wedding and a probability of my own.

I wanted to throw out both the letter and the invitation but Sia stopped me. I still refused to read it though. I knew about Kathyrn's wedding and it deeply hurt me that we were not even on speaking basis at such an important point in her life. I guess that how this worked.

I wrote to my mother, asking her to come stay with me a few days but she declined saying they were busy with the wedding. I couldn't understand whether she was annoyed at me or not. I decided if she wouldn't come then I'd have to go. So with permission from Edward, I packed my bags and set put for my home. Or what had been home a long time ago.