Son of Hope

Chapter Twenty Four - Slowly we heal

I visited Catherine every night till we set sail for France. The journey across was a tiresome and bumpy one though it made me think that this is what it must have been like for Catherine when she first came to England and ended up landing in Plymouth. But thankfully the trip would be much shorter than one to Spain. Soon enough we docked and made the journey where King Louis was waiting for us.

Upon our arrive the French court waited for us and I dismounted and glanced back at Catherine who was talking with Elizabeth and Mary. They straightened themselves and Catherine escorted Elizabeth to me. I offered her my hand and she took it. I took her to Louis.

"I present Princess Elizabeth of England. May your marriage yield a union that is peaceful and powerful between our two great nations. We gave our respective greeting to one another.

"Princess, your portrait did you and injustice. The shine of your hair is like the back of a raven." he spoke in French then offered her his hand. she let go of mine and took his as she was escorted inside. I turn to Catherine who came forward and took my arm and we followed the betrothed.

The next morning Elizabeth and Louis were wed, though Elizabeth tried to hide it I could tell that she was recoiling at the fact of who her husband was but tried best not to show it to him at least.

"Congratulations on your marriage." I told them and then we bowed and curtsied to one another.

"Elizabeth, you look beautiful." Catherine smiled and the wedded couple moved past us, When I noticed a familiar face.

"Ablany! A Scot in France, why does this portrait not surprise me given the fact your constantly in each others beds." he laughed a little

"Would you rather I was back in Edinburgh, taking back the regency from your sister? I have the right, should I chose it. I am next in line" he questioned as a vailed threat.

"It amuses me that you think you can take something from a Tudor. It is not in our nature to let go of something that which belongs to us. But you're welcome to try if you think you can win against one of the daughter of Hope." I smirk taking a glass of wine and walking off with Harry in tow "When I imagined securing peace, my visions were usually though by means of blood. Its a little unsettling that it could be this simple."

"Your Grace." Lady Pole curtsied "May I....I wish to ask... would you return my land and titles to me?" I raise my eyebrow at her

"Forgive me. It is not for my sake...I'm sorry, the Queen said it was not the best time to ask."

"Why would she say that?" I question her but she looked apprehensive to even answer my question, thought she did eventually.

"Because you are not at your happiest, Your Grace." I turn to my brother with a look of disbelief when a thought struck me.

"Country to popular belief, this is a opportune time. My sisters marriage lifts the spirits as well as other things. I would only be too happy to return your lands and titles my father took from you. Your Earldom, Countess of Salisbury and I'll afford you a modest income." I took some of my wine

"Thank you, Your Grace. I did not think..."

"Providing that you remarry." I shrug

"What? But I am not ready."

"Well, I'd be more incline to give you back the earldom if I knew you were safe from....fortune hunters." I smirk

"I do not wish to remarry. I only ask for my title to endure a good match for my daughter. She has asked for your suggestion." she informed me and I looked around at our entourage falling on a young fresh face.

"Ah, Young Henry Stafford. He's to inherit Buckinghamshire." I gestured over to him as he was in conversation with his father.

"Good, choice brother." Harry knocked my arm

"Not bad, right. Why I did not think of it earlier is remiss of me."

"Thank you, your grace."

"Oh and my suggestion for you would be William Compton." Harry snorted in amusement

"Your groom of the stool. But I do not have any feelings for Sir William." she countered

"But he has feelings for you." I replied "We spend a lot of time together and never misses a opportunity to speak your name. You can always rely on him to be advantageous towards yourself. He is particularly take by the colour of your neck when your embarrassed."

"I will think on it."

"You do that." I humm "Sir Thomas tells me your son Reggie displays a leaning for the priesthood. I have had the pleasure on speaking with him on occasion, such talent and thirst for knowledge. His education has become close to my heart, which is why I have secured a place for him at Oxford. Only the best for a King's favourite. Enjoy the festivities Lady Pole." I saunter on past her.

"Reggie." I held out my arm and he joined me as we walked about

"My Lord, why does the Queen weep?" Reggie wondered and I glanced over to where he was looking.

"She weeps for what is lost and for what she wishes to come, Reggie." I tell him "Return to Sir Thomas." he does so and I make my way over to Catherine. Taking her hand I lift it up and kiss it.

"I am sorry I have been so cruel, Catherine. My heart filled with bitterness and resentment on the loss of our child. Forgive me." he held my hand with her other.

"There is nothing to forgive." she kissed my hand sadly and that night we laid together once more.

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On our return to England. I had received a letter from Charles agreeing to my terms and that he would be setting sail even though it was against Ferdinand advisement. I waited upon Catherine to enter the council chamber and when she did I offered her my hand and a smile as she took it. Kissing it in endearment I stood up addressing the council, Ursula and Henry

"I betroth you to one another" I held out my hands and each of them took one as I brought them together.

"We are strong Archbishop." Catherine commented "And none shall come between us."