Son of Hope

Chapter Twenty Five - Blessed

We were joyous once more upon the news that Catherine was pregnant again. I could feel it in my bones that she carried the twins, I had seen and that Melusina had promised me that night at the river. Speaking of Catherine, I saw her in the corridor as i came out of council amidst the hustle and bustle of court.

"Catherine, how is my magnificent son and radiant daughter you carry?" I question laying my hand on her stomach.

"Already looking to his first ale and her first wine, I'd wager." Harry joked " Can they throw punches in there?"

"They tell me they would have air and exercise." she smiled walking past me

"But Catherine, you know you must rest. You carry not one but two heirs of England." I say following closely behind her.

"And sport. They are their fathers children. A King and Queen in the making."

"Yet with their mothers will." I commented to my brother who chuckled and I fell in step with my wife and we took a stroll in the gardens. During which we came across Charlie and Elizabeth."

"Ah, here's Charlie with his bride to be." I comment seeing my friend with his ward and future wife. Along with her ladies "The Radiant Lady Elizabeth." I bowed and they did the same

"I believe we now address is as Viscount Life." Catherine chuckled

"Ah, of course. Viscount, yes."

"The first of many gifts I'm sure my encroaching marriage will bestow upon me, Your Grace." Charlie looked down at Elizabeth "Uh, perhaps you will excuse us. Elizabeth wishes to see the Blooming yew tree in the grounds." I nod and we walk past them. Catherine took my arm

"What news?" she wondered. I hummed then sighed

"Wolsey asked if I'd make him chancellor." I told her and her grip tightened on my arm.

"But he has just been made archbishop." 

"I know which is why I told him no. Frankly I do not wish him back at court so much. The impression that he makes upon you makes ill thought and when things progress so well with our children you carry. The ill humour he brings to you made me give the answer in firmness." she hugged my arm as we carried on with our walk together.

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All was quiet for a couple of days I worked on matters of state, and waited for Duke Charles arrival so that a wedding may proceed.

"Edward." I looked up seeing Catherine, the expression she held was one of distress. I scowled.

"Catherine? Is it the children?" I question lowing my will and rising to my feet, concerned.

"No, no. They are quite well." I made my way to her resting my hands on her stomach. "It is another matter. Your sister writes to me."

"About the hatred of her fat French husband, I now she writes the same." I sigh

"No, not Elizabeth. Meg. She has remarried. Archibald Douglas the Earl of Angus." she told me and I stepped back blinking a couple of times.

"She did what now?"

"The Scots are up in arms about it, saying they will terminate her regency in favour of the Duke of Albany, who they have summoned back from France." I shook my head walking to the window.

"What in Gods name is wrong with her? After everything we've done for her, this is how she shows us thanks. One condition, she had only one condition and that was not to remarry till Jamie was of age."

"She asks for you to send a army. But to, uh, make it clear they come in peace." I scoff and roll my eyes

"An army of peace. Of all the gospel, she has become deluded since becoming a widow. How would she imagine I should do that? Put them all in dresses?" I sat down back at my desk.

"I know."

"The Scotts would think I invade. One instruction. Just one. She keep her regency and in turn England peace with Scotland for me. I put my trust in her to do that and now she writes all this to you and not I? I don't know which i am angry at more. You are carrying my children and in writing to you, she risks your health and survival and that of my children. She knows of your delicacy yet she ignores it. No. No I will do nothing for her." she stepped forward to protest

"Do not reply." i took the letter from her and place it on the table. Then rise again holding her stomach. "Go back and rest. I will not have my sisters foolishness harm you in any way." she sighed but nodded leaving me on my own again and I took the letter written out on cloth and read it.

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The next day members of the court joined me in small game hunting. In a few days Charles would arrive and there would be another wedding so we were enjoying as much down time as we could. I was talking with Eleanor when where there was a applause

"You skewered him right through the heart Harry." Charlie chuckled

"The Captain here taught me well in my younger days." Harry replied as Oviedo loaded up another arrow for him with the crossbow.

"It is easy to guide the eye of one with a gift such as your, your highness." I bowed my head to her and held my hand out fro my cross bow as I joined the others.

"Are you a keen huntsman Lady Pole?" William Compton wondered to my 'Aunt' as he tried to whoo her. I could see she was not fond of him but I couldn't find the heart to care. The hurt son in me enjoyed her discomfort.

"I am not. I see no joy in a kill. But I think my daughters suitor has commitment for us all." I shot down a pheasant.

"Do you eat meat though, Lady Pole do you not?" I question handing off the cross bow to be reloaded

"I do. For many years, there was little food in my belly or in the bellies of my children." I turned to her "Because i suffered when my husband died."

"Penance for your sins surly?" I tilt my head and walk over to her. "But now God and King smile down on you with a most advantageous match to our most faithful servant, Compton." I smirk going past her to have something to eat. I was talking with Harry about Meg.

"The Scots already think that Meg's marriage to a Douglas is my attempt to rule them. Never mind me sending a army to help them." I shake my head "What on Gods earth was she even thinking?"

"That her husband was dead and she was to spend the next 17 winters without him." Harry countered "Not that I'm saying you weren't right to do nothing, that's what I would have done. How can you get anywhere if even your own family can't follow one simple instruction. We love Meg, but she's always been the act first think later. Growing up it was amusing now..."

"It's dangerous. Since being married I've learnt that some women fantasies blow to hot for reason. Wolsey says they're sentimental creatures and thinks it unwise to have one rule a country sister or not."

"You spend too much time with him, Harry he's becoming a bad influence on you." I scowl eating some grapes.

"On the contrary your highness. All of my daughter are educated in the classics and have finer minds than many men I know, certainly more reason." Thomas Moore commented joining our conversation.

"I should have you re educate my brother, Thomas, as well as the soon to be Prince and Princess when they are of age." Wolsey decided to grace us with his presence. "your ears must have been burning Wolsey."

"I have only come to ask about the request."

"The answer is no. It was no in the beginning and still is, you do well as archbishop and follow my orders. Besides two promotions in such short a time. Patience is a virtue." he bowed not saying anymore on the matter.

"Lady Hastings seems to be finding better sport on members of the court rather than any game. I think she is in need of assistance." Harry smirked

"Oh no you don't, your already on bad humour with your wife. Your arguments with one another keep up most of the castle." I stop him from doing something stupid "Lady Hastings, maybe I should help you with your aim." I call still looking at my brother before going to help.