Son of Hope

Chapter Nine - What could have been

I took Catherine out on a picnic, another attempt that we may not be complete strangers. She has had some sort of kin ship with all of my siblings it was only right. Opening up a pomegranate I shared half with her.

"Maybe we should go hunting together, or riding. Then we can see of each others talents." I suggested.

"I would like that." she nodded in agreement. "I have written to my mother. I am certain she will respond as I have asked." she added

"What have you asked of her? Since your arrival here I can only assume it is not what you had imagined growing up. I apologise for my grandmother again. She can be...over zealous with her actions. It takes a certain hand and power to quell her. One that father has forgot to enforce lately."

"My life is what God plans it. I will succeed in learning what he wishes me to." i hummed "If we are to wed, maybe I can help poor Maggie Pole. I've written to her, offering whatever help I can give. Who will take care of her now that she's lost her husband?" I sigh and lowered the half eaten fruit.

"She will be forced to live on the charity from relations. You've such compassion, in recent times it has become one of the many things I have come to admire about you." I marvelled. She saw those for who they were now not all the bad blood in between as I had done. It put me to shame sometimes though I found to hard to let some things go.

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Running through the halls to attend the meeting of the Privy council, I was out hunting when i was brought back and told to attend without delay. The doors opened and i skidded to a stop.

"Forgive me father, I was hunting." i sat down beside him "I was told there is urgent news?"

"Isabella of Castile is dead." Lady Grandmother announced "The new Spanish Queen has been blown off course in stormy seas sailing from the Habsburg Empire to claim her Kingdom. God has seen fit to bring her to these shores." Lady Grandmother looked like she was about to cry in happiness from the news.

"Begging your pardon, but am I failing to understand the point?" I wonder "What is the fortune in this?" I question her confused by her joy.

"Queen Joanna's husband Phillip is the son to the Holy Roman Emperor Maximillian...who harbours our most wanted traitor Edmund de la Pole?" Oh, now I understood.

"We've invited them to court while their ship is towed to Tilbury docks for repair but it will only take a day or two." Father continued

"We must impress upon this Phillip the many benefits should he persuade the Emperor to turn his York friend over to us" Lady Grandmother finalised

"I thought Maxamillian would never do that." Wolsey voiced

"Then we must be persuasive." I glanced up and gave a faint sigh. This would not end well, I had a really bad feeling about this.

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I stood to one side of father while Lady Grandmother had his other side. Harry was no where to be seen, but no doubt he would rear his head when there was trouble to be had. The new King and Queen rode horseback with their tired and disgruntled entrance as well as a English Envoy. The came to a stop and dismounted, then escorted over to us. The Spanish Ambassador stepped forward.

"Your Majesty . Queen Joanna of Castile and King Consort Phillip" We all bowed to them.

"We share your sadness on the death of Queen Isabella. Please leave your weapons here. You're our guest." Joanna's face dropped as she looked to her husband. I glanced at my lady grandmother who was looking to Phillip. And so it begins.The men handed over their weapons and we headed inside. The two were settle into their accommodation for their stay and that is when my brother turned up.

"Looking for trouble?" I commented leaning against the wall outside the hall lazily.

"Me? Trouble? Never" I roll my eyes as he smirks at me then comes to stand across from my position. "Brother, I apologise for my actions since our mothers death. I wish for us to be brothers in arms once more."

"I glad you claim to feel that way Harry."

"Claim?"

"Yes, claim. Because of her." I turn to see Catherine make her entrance she was dressed in all black, mourning for her later mother and the rise of her sister. "A huge part of me wants and already does believe you and always will, but now she is the walking embodiment of my doubt of you. But you have my thanks for at least trying to mend the fences." I slap his shoulder and make my way over to her.

"Catherine I..." I breath but then bow before her "I know you loved her very much. It saddens me that you have to share in such a grief."

"Yes." she answered "But it seems my sister didn't and doesn't." I clear my throat

"My father says that since your mother has passed our proposal to one another is...non such. We will not be married. He also informs me that your father will not pay the dowry either now that your mother is with God. And to add insult to injury Lady Grandmother voices that your ranks has dropped too low to be the wife to the King of England." she looked heartbroken "But..." she looked up

"I think this might fall back in your favour. After all I was not the brother you wished to marry in the first place, was I?"

"Edward..." I gave her a sorrowful glance

"You need not deny it, Catherine. That would be beneath you. But I will say this before you return to my brother. I may not have been the original Prince of Wales or your first choice after Arthurs death. But I would have been a good husband to you. I would have sworn upon my life to love no other. To have you in my company and thoughts as wife and Queen. To treat you with love, respect and loyalty. And all the vows that come with marriage I would have lived in earnest till my dying breath." I took her hand and kissed it. "Be good to him Catherine, but be firm my brother is..."

"Edward." Father interrupted me "You must meet the Spanish royals properly." he told me

"Yes father. Lady Catherine. " I nodded and gave Catherine one last smile before leaving with him. Harry joined us in the introduction

"Your Majesties may I induce my sons. Edward the Prince of Wales and Prince Harry Duke of York." we bowed.