Son of Hope

Chapter Twenty Nine - Now you see

Catherine battled with whether to tell her pregnant niece or not of her husband's affair with her lady. Though it became crystal clear that she really had dodged a heartbreaking life with the other Tudor. She thought that if Harry could do it to her niece while pregnant and after having sons, then imagine if he had been in Edwards place and just with a daughter. Though she had her rough patches with Edward he was loyal and loving to a fault, she looked back on their marriage so far, pain had come to them as it must go to all people, but Edward had never faulted with her. Not when he easily could have, like his brother.

Bessie and Lina helped Catherine ready for the day, the first marriage was of Henry and Ursula and in a couple of weeks Mary and Charles. Bessie went to match a necklace with her mistress.

"What are you doing?" Catherine restrained herself in her anger removing the necklace which was trying to be put around her neck "Not this one. Don't dress me like some dowager. If you can't even do your job, get out." she snapped as Edward entered

"Leave us Lady Blount." she curtsied and Edward came to stand in front of his wife. He took her hands and kissed them.

"You are angry, my love." he noticed

"She flaunts around here as if she has done nothing wrong, it sickens me. Cavorting with your brother, the husband of my niece who has done nothing wrong. She has given him sons and daughters. Why would he?"

"Because he is Harry." he sighed "I wish I could say your revelation surprised me but it did not. As for the Lady Blount I will have her removed if she distresses you so much. Married off and sent somewhere far, far away. Like the edge of the world." Catherine smiled a little

"There is that smile I long to see. Do not let this overshadow your happiness, my love. We are happy and healthy with two beautiful children. To add your husband is a magnificent matchmaker. Henry Stafford and Ursula Pole are delighted to have reached their wedding day. They have even sent a golden purse as thanks. I fancy we shall have a masked performance after the service. In fact I've already arranged it since I know such a performance always brings you good cheer."

"Have they said they want one?"

"Everyone wants a masque." Lina and Lady Pole came in with the children "Ah, here they are. How are they Lina."

"They, thrive your grace." i laugh and look down at the two with pure joy and happiness.

---------

Henry and Ursula were wed and we exited the church. Catherine and I were arm in arm till I saw Charlie behind us.

"Uh, Charlie have you set the day for your marriage?" I questioned then broke from my wife and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "I tell you what, you ditch Harry for your favourite twin and the two of us will eat for two weddings, we will get bloated on a orgy of beer and wine and pastry. What do you say, come on."

"Well, you are the King." he chuckled "If you say I must."

"Wonderful." we headed back into the palace and to the celebrations when I saw the dark cloud that was my sister march up to us.

"The wedding is over so speak to me." she declared making me sigh "You said your mind was on the wedding it is now done. So give me my inheritance from Arthur so I can pay for troops and take my children back."

"Two corrections...sister. I told you weddings as in more than one. Second I also told you, you would have it if you kept the peace in Scotland and after Jamies third birthday. You failed in that endeavour so now..." i trail off going to walk past her she shoved me

"I kept the peace until these last few months, as you know full well. How long a peace you had in mind? Until I died? Oh, How convenient for your treasury." I let out a long breath through my nose.

"Terms of your regency were that you do not marry. Your broke those terms. Therefore your regency is over. How many times do I have to repeat this to you?"

"Oh, How can you bare him Catherine? How can you bear my lying pig of a brother and his pet dog Wolsey?" I raise my eyebrow.

"It is a wedding, Meg." Catherine tried to calm her

"I will go back to Scotland, and I will take my sons, and I will reclaim everything that is mine, with or without your consent." Meg sneered at me and I hummed

"Tell me, how will you do that from a cell?" I wondered "Guards, escort my sister to the tower. Now matter how much she screams or protests you will not yield to her incessant whines." She was taken away.

"Let me go! Let me go, Edward!" I stared at her

"Edward surely, this is excessive."

"No, I am done being a wooden horse for her to whip and ridicule. She has gotten away with it for too long. It's finally someone stands up to her" I hold my hand up and she sighed but took it. The fanfare sounded and we entered the hall to those giving their bow or curtsy as we sit down upon our thrones.

"Your graces, we give our thanks to God that he has joined my son, Henry Stafford, with his bewitching Bride Ursula." we clapped as they entered to stand before us.

"To the bride and groom." I raise my glass to them "And as a very special wedding gift to our newly wedded couple. I have commissioned a masked performance, a celebration of love." I held out my hand for it to began then moved to take Catherines hand.

"Edward, will you come to my rooms tonight?" Catherine asked

"Of course." I leant over and kissed her cheek, enjoying the rest of the performance that was until the masked performers revealed themselves. One of which was lady Blount. Oh this was so Henry. The children started crying and my head turned towards the noise, distracted from my brothers mistress.