Son of Hope

Chapter Seventeen - Tudor Happiness

Catherine, baby Henry and I came out to fanfare of the joust tournament. I raised mine and Catherine's hands up to the cheers of our people then lowered them and kissed her before removing Henry from his swaddling and picking him up, cradling him into my embrace for a moment then living him up for the people to see. He wriggled and I brought him back kissing his head. Then placed him back in his carrier and kissing Catherine once more before going to prepare myself for the joust.

I was fixed in all my armour and exited the tend making my way over to my horse. I was brought over some ale and took it. Noticing who it was.

"Henry Pole am I correct? Your mother is Lady Pole?" I took a swig of the ale

"Yes, your grace." he bowed his head.

"Humm." I handed the cup back and mounted my horse and was handed my shield and lance before riding out infant of my wife and family. "My wife and Queen, might you bring me extra luck my giving me your favour?" She stood smiling as i lowered my lance and she tied her favours around it. I winked at her and made my way to my place. I was up against Stafford . I lowered my visor and so did he then we rode and i lowered my lance as we charged at one another. I knocked him off his horse and slowed to a stop turning around. I handed my shield and lance over seeing grooms rush to his aide and him not getting up. I jumped down and ran over to him.

"Edward, I'm sorry." I felt sick at the slight of his eye literally hanging out of his socket. Catherine ran over and dropped down beside him as he yanked off his eye. Now I really thought i was going to be sick.

"Bloody dogs can have it." he grumbled andCatherine ripped a part of her under dress to help with Staffors wound. "Do not fret my lady. I can still admire you with my left eye." he jested

"I didn't know you'd rather be the court jester, Stafford. Come." I helped him up along with Catherine. He held onto me and gave me a reassuring nod

"King Edward, unharmed in the armours from his foundry! I should have worn the same." he breathed heavily

"And yet Lord Stafford, born with English steel in his bones. God Save the King!" Catherine called and they repeated. I took Stafford away to be tended to.

"You didn't need to do that. But thank you." I expressed

"All in service of my King." he was taken away and I removed my armour in my tent when Catherine returned to my side. She helped me in my slightly shaken state and once everything was removed we left and talked with King Ferdinand.

"Catalina is her mothers daughter. She had convinced me. King Edward, you will have your war with France and a continued treaty with Spain." I broke out into a broad smile

"God be praised." I kissed and embraced my father in law. Then stood by my wife side.

"And Charles? We will all stand united?" Catherine questioned her nephew.

"We will rise up for the Pope." he agreed

"You may consult with my daughter on all matters as though you speak to me. She is the will of Spain." the two converse softly with one another and Ferdinand held his daughters cheek for a moment in affection

"Tomorrow we will return to Spain. We will ready for our war." Ferdinand and Charles left and i shared a joyous laugh and kiss with my wife.

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Catherine joined me in strategising our war with France to take back our lands and what was taken form the papacy. She told us of her fathers wishes.

"My father says we should send troops to St Sebastian and he will join us there." Catherine declared

"Sail to bloody Spain? Your Grace, we're meant to be invading France. We only have to cross the channel."

"Our aim is to deal with the French threat to Rome your Grace." Stafford added "A ressalout march southeast is needed."

"England has a strong claim to the duchy of Guyenne. Which is nearby and we can swell our numbers there." I looked over the map the wheels turning in my head. War was the making of a King a show of strength and the ability to protect one's country and family. Advisors had their say but it came down to me.

"We split. Our forces have grown enough over the past couple of years to do such a attack. A group of troops will sail to Cailas, another to meet your father and one more will take Aquataine. We will essentially surround them and tell King Louis that he simply cannot bully his way into peoples affections especially of God himself."

"My fathers Army will head north to meet us." Catherine moved the pawns

"That's good your grace." Harry complimented

"My father is a boastful man. He will wish to make a grand display of military power. and he will have that as we march together into France.

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I took Henry from the nursery and went to the Queens chambers waiting for her. All my life i had known my mothers love as the strongest of them all. Looking down at my own son I wondered these days if father had felt the same for me or if all his love had gone to loving, raising and morning Arthur. Catherine entered with Lina.

"He has the eyes of a hunter, watching my every move with a need to strike." I chuckle, she came and sat down to me and undid the top of her dress. "I count down the days till i can take him hunting and put that gaze to good use." Lina left the three of us.

"I love that you would feed our son yourself. All other princes have wet nurses." I handed him over "You have given me so much, I didn't think possible." she moved him so that he could feed.

"I have given you a new Spanish army to play with. I do it all for you and this country, for our Camelot." she kissed me sweetly.

"No one wishes for war my love. It is a curse and sometimes a gift depending on your reason and view." i mumble brushing some of her hair back "War can make you not only as a man and King, but it can also brutally cut a life short especially when there is much more to be done. A necessary evil. I would rather be here, with the two of you and another one swelling your belly."