Son of Hope

Chapter Twenty Six - Over his head

We all returned from hunting and dismounted, when I noticed that Catherine had come out to welcome me back. I smiled to her which she returned

"I'm sorry my shooting is so poor." Lady Hastings captured my attention for a moment " I am very grateful for your guidance your highness." I bowed my head

"Pleasure, my lady." I left her to join my wife

"My Lord." I kissed her cheek and entered the palace, making my way back to my chambers and pouring myself some ale. The doors closed behind me.

"Edward, I believe I have solved your sisters woes in Scotland. We cannot send a army, no, but what if General Thomas Howard were to ride out with a small retinue and negotiate her position?" i drank some of my alone and sat myself down by the fire "It would not be a show of force but implies we may take a stronger line if this is not resolved."

"I said I chose not to." I sigh toying with my cup as Catherine rest her hands on my shoulders and leant down to my ear

"Edward, you cannot leave your sister at the mercy of the Scotts." I took her hand and turn my head to her

"I would gladly leave my sister to the mercy of all demons for her choice to marry that idiot in a kilt." I sigh letting go and removing my boots off my aching feet.

"Well, that's unfortunate as Howard is already riding." I stop mid action and turn slowly to her "I had no choice. We couldn't leave her there." I removed my second boot and stood up

"Why would you disobey me when I clearly told you not to? How many times have we had this discussion, how I requested of you to leave things to me. She is my sister, not yours, Catherine."

"If you leave your sister locked up in a pantry, then the Scots see you as weak. A peaceful Scotland is what England needs, which means your sisters sons must take the throne. If Albany returns then they will not. "

"What about a peaceful England, Catherine?" I question "That is what us Tudors have worked hard to build and maintain since taking the throne. We broker marriages and wars. Pray for heirs to succeed us as well as happy marriages. Strategising how I do not let England fall into either another civil war or a war with everyone else. Everyday I do this without complaint or woe. All I ask this that those around work with me to keep England safe. Elizabeth does that with France, Harry and I have done that with Spain and Mary will soon join us. Meg was sent to do that with Scotland, she gives them legitimate heirs and since marrying that is all she has done.

One instruction, one. Do not marry until Jamie can ascend the throne. With that she keeps a sense of loyalty to her dead husband, she keeps up appearances. She moulds her sons to be friends with us instead of against us and keeps the peace. The Scots while they did not like it, adjusted to it. Especially with Elizabeth in a prime position to keep Albany away. We cannot afford another dispute with the Scots let alone a war. Her marrying again let alone to one I've heard out of all the clans they dislike more than any other. Put not only her at risk but us as well. Because now they all want Albany...again.

I chose not to help her because she needs to learn that if she makes a mess if she screws things up. Then she needs to fix it. She is in this mess because of her, we're not children anymore. Harry and I aren't going to take the blame just because someone assumes it was us." I clasp my hands together as I tried to calm myself down.

"Harry, Meg, Mary and Elizabeth are my siblings. Mine. I am their brother and their King. Harry, Mary and Elizabeth have no problem coming to me to work things out or discussing important things to me in private when something is amiss. They don't have a problem doing as I ask when they've aired out their grievances and I explain to them why. Just because she is older does not make her any different." I pour myself another drink

"But she needs your help."

"She would have gotten it if she had come to me." I retort "If she had written to me, confided in me, I would have done my best to help her. I'm not saying I could have fixed the problem but I would have tried my best."

"Edward, you must do as you see fit. But Howard is already riding so claim this outcome for yourself or blame me for it, as you wish."

"You know that is no choice. If I blame you I look weak, the first seed that i have decent in my own family." I open the door to the guard standing outside "Fetch me my brother, the Duke of York." he gave firm nod

"Please escort the Queen back to her chambers." I opened the door further for Catherine to leave. She did and I closed the door.

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I explained to Harry what was going on and sent him to meet up with Howard to retrieve our sister but make sure they do not arrive with such haste. Later that evening I called the council.

"As you know, my sister Meg has rashly made a marriage that has compromised her regency. I've sent a troop of soldiers up to Scotland under the stewardship of General Thomas Howard."

"Make sure he doesn't nod off on the way." Charlie commented making the others chuckle.

"And my brother the Duke of York. Although I have instructed my brother and Howard to take their time. It will do my sister good to think of what she's done before she is reinstated on the throne."

"Bloody Scots have the forgotten Flooden" Stafford huffed

"You do well to remind them of England's might, Your Grace." Boleyn added

"England will not be intimidated. We are mighty. We will be obeyed. And soon we have not one heir but two." I held out my hand for Catherine to take she stood doing so "God blesses us and he will keep us."

"God save the King." the repeated "God save Queen Catherine."

"England prays for you." Wolsey commented indirectly to my wife.

"God blesses us. The heirs in my belly proves he finds us worthy and devout." the other men bang on the table in agreement.

"And a uh new direction on your sisters predicament." he aimed toward me

"The King showed her his mercy." Catherine voiced and I glanced between the two

"Something the matter Wolsey?" I challenge him but he bows his head

"Of course not, your grace." he steps away leaving the two of us.