Son of Hope

Chapter Thirty Five -Field of Cloth and Gold

Calais, France.

We arrived on horse back to the sea of tents for the summit that was gathering of two countries. It truly was a sight to behold, a magnificent sight. If nothing else came of this trip that this was defiantly something to remember.

"If Englishmen hear tales of this extravagance when many struggle to find work..." Catherine voiced

"My love, I know the woes of my people, I do but you cannot tell me you find it hard to find this impressive. We will attend to such matters in good time but for now, enjoy the moment." I encourage her and she inclined her head and eventually we came to a stop and dismounted. I link my wife arm through mine as we make our way to our tents. I rid myself of my cloak and hat and Charlie enters.

"Charlie. Tell me how does my sister fair being back in France?" I wonder then biting into a apple.

"She is discontent, your grace." I scowled "She feels guilty that because you kept your promise to her in making her choice of second husband. Her niece must now take her place in securing an alliance with France." I hummed sighing a little

"Then reassure her I bare her no ill will. To have her close and in good will to me is something that is priceless. You know as well as I that long lasting sibling relations is something to be desired as of late. As you've witnessed I have lost my twin, my other half of me to fate I saw coming. My older sister to pride and vanity. All i have left is Betty and Mary. It was my wish that across lands and oceans we would stay united in a cruel world. But alas it was not meant to be with some." Charlie gives a grateful smile just as Catherine enters

"Charles and Mary are here, my love." she informs me and I tilt my head in confusion but leave the tent and am escorted by my wife to where my sister and brother in law are dismounting.

"Brother!" Mary chimes running over to me

"Mary." I lift her up and twirl her around in happiness. "To what do we owe the pleasure of your company?" I wonder lowering her back down and then shaking hands with Charles, who has just greeted his Aunt.

"Ah, well it is a meeting of great Kings in Europe. It's a chance to see my Lady Aunt and my wife her most beloved brother. We remember many stories of your prowess when you beat the French and won a great victory for England."

"A shame to let it go to waste when an alliance between Spain and England makes us strong." Catherine voiced and I could see her plans unfold before her."

"That it does which is why we have a triple marriage alliance." I counter back to her "Our countries are at peace with one another and have been for years." 

"Well either way it gives us a chance to finally give you our gift." Mary chimed and gesturing to behind her husband and we turned our attention to the magnificent stallion.

"His name is Guerrero." Charles informed us

"Warrior." Catherine voiced

"A token of our nations friendship. Please." he stepped away and Mary let me go so I could inspect.

"He is trained as my mothers was...to kill a man with a single kick" I stroked him

"Thank you." I say, "we accept your gift."

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The sound of drums thudded against my ears and King Francis and I stood across from one another and then slowly made our way to meet each other on the pristine red carpet. We stopped now face to face with one another, then bowed in respect.

"Brother France." I greeted holding out my arms

"Brother England." he acknowledged "Although, I hear we are triplets and brother Spain is also at our party." I lowered one and and wrapped the other around Francis.