Son of Hope

Chapter Thirty Two - The word of a King

-3rd Person-

With the news now out in the open of Harry's affair and a child by a woman who was not his wife. Edward played things safe and close to his chest. Before Mary set out on her mission, she was to be married to Charles securing the triple alliance with Spain. Eleanor, in thanks to her brother in law spoke with her brother and impolored upon him that her husbands actions were his own and not a true representation of the England she and their Aunt had come to known.

Furthermore to spare her some pain and humiliation, Edward had sided with her in the matter and done all he could to stop this from hurting her more than it had. With that conversation, Charles kept his engagement and married Mary, though their honeymoon was on pause till the plague had subsided and Mary had completed the task of which she was entrusted to do.

Mary rode with Thomas Howard and a small group of men to speak with the Duke of Albany in Scotland. She arrived weary and tired but a fierce sense of loyalty to not displease her brother like her older siblings had done. Upon arrival she was given accommodation and rest before speaking with the Duke.

"My Lord you have my thanks for being welcoming and hospitable. I know relations between England and Scotland are tense to say the least." Mary had some wine while she picked at her food.

"You are a lady of nobility and whether in Scotland or not it is not in my nature to be of such disrepute to a woman of your nature." Albany replied "Though I was surprised by your brothers letter, I wrongly assumed he himself would come on behalf of his sister not you."

"My brother, has many a matter to deal with. That and he felt that this discussion needed a more level head. Relations between my older siblings are of something to be desired."

"I hear he threw her in the tower. That she is still there while plague runs amok with your people."

"I would say Kingly temper but that would be a lie. Brotherly temper, is more like it. My sister is quite a stubborn and an entitled character. Something we thought she would grow out of with Queenship and motherhood. Tell me do you know of the...circumstances surrounding my sisters former regency?"

"A bit, mainly that she would not wed till Jamie was of age." Mary nodded

"Yes, and as recent events show, she did not or could not hold up that end. Which is why the Scottish Lords sought to have you back. Why she is where she is right now."

"Which begs the question for your reason of being here?"

"My brother wishes that the relations between our two countries not to be impaired by the actions of the former Queen. Our father and your late King worked tirelessly in negotiations to secure peace and prosperity. While there has been complications he is keen to avoid further argument and dispute. Which is why he does not wish to hinder or argue your recency over his nephews."

"He is in support, how kind of him?" Albany scoffed

"My Lord. England and Scotland are sisters in land and in God's love. For generations, for centuries those before us have tried and failed to cease the bloodshed between us. My brother does not wish to impose upon you or any of the Scottish nobles. All he wants is the bloodshed to stop. Once and for all, he had hoped it would be with the help of his sister but now he asks it from you. To help guide my nephew as King to preach peace and do what others could not. To value both sides of his heritage Scottish and English. he hopes that Jamie and him will be close as nephew and Uncle could be. open trades between us that the senseless raids are off no use.

He hopes that you will see reason more than our sister has done. He proposes that you stay as you are as regent, be the guiding hand to Jamie. While at the same time granting a bond to be formed, one week out of every month or so. Jamie and Alexander come to England to be with his family, spend time with his uncle and cousins. Let wisdom be parted not only between Kings but between Uncle and nephews. With hopes of one day animosity quelled."