Son of Hope

Chapter Thirty Nine - Not having it

The council convened as Thomas More presented the heretic evidence before us. There was a mass of it which became unsettling.

"Printed upon London presses and sent all over the country." Thomas declared dropping a book of the incriminating evidence that he had collected.

"And the hideous poison spreads." Catherine voiced

"Now they say that the Church cannot absolve sin and that giving alms does not cleanse the soul." Thomas recited.

"Then what do they think Christ died for?" Catherine retorted "Sin can be washed away. We can be made clean again by God's grace."

"The Queen is correct. I thank God we stopped the publication of anything else in Blackfriars. But one press does not eradicate the problem. Continue with investigation and the arrests." I add to the conversation. I saw Stafford shaking his head "Something wrong Stafford?" I question

"Are we not in danger of hysteria, your majesty?" he questioned

"Meaning?"

"This group of fanatics is a tiny minority." he continued and I hummed nodded

"For now they are small, but it takes one lit match to cause a fire. Why wait till this has accumulated a following to do something. If we are quick, swift and smart about it, we could stop this in its tracks."

"But what about the drain to our men and taxes that our army needs."

"Stafford we are talking about a treason to our faith, to the higher power that has gifted us our life. If this is left unchecked it is my fear that this could lead to another riot and chaos in the streets. We've already had that and I will not see it happen again if there is a chance of prevention. Sacrifices must be made for the greater good, it is not what we wish for, it never is but it is what we must do to preserve order in the world. You're all dismissed." the rose to their feet and bowed. Then they took their leave.

"Stafford dares to speak such...."

"Stafford plays the devils advocate. He is tasked with being the voice that challenges me in the safety of council. I must admit to being narrow-minded at times and once in a while like you do for me I need to hear the other side of things. He does not mean any ill will. We argue for clarity."

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Catherine came up with the idea of accumulating all the scripture of the heroics and publicly burning it to send a message. Catherine and I came down hand in hand to the bonfire and the crowd that had amassed gave their respective greeting

"Good people of London. His majesty, King Edward, and his exalted Queen Catherine, ask you to observe, to listen and to pass on what you see." Wiltshire voiced and then our new Cardinal prayed.

"And he will also say to those on his left. Depart me, accursed ones into the eternal flame which was prepared for the devil and his angels. All that is not of God, be it paper of flesh will go to God's fire." The soldiers carried on with the burning of the articles that had been found, Sebastian and Hope joined in. Resolute in the fact while we respected the other faiths that were of this world. We did not respect the heresy and lies spewed against those we believed in."

(A/N: I don't know if what i write is coming across well, So I'll put something here just in case. Edward respects other faiths like Oviedo as Muslim and those of the same beliefs. He also respects other religions. What he doesn't respect is Martin Luther and the way he condemns the Catholic church. And that he as King was not anointed by God. If this wasn't needed good if it was then okay but I felt the need to add this.)

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The children played with their cousins and Catherine, Eleanor, Charlie, Betty and I watched in amusement and Harry who brooded at the fact that Little Henry was returned back to our Aunt Elizabeth's care.

"Look! It's Mean Aunt Meg!" Sebastian called pointing and we all turned as seeing our sister stride over to us.

"Oh fuck me." I sigh "Not again."

"Did you teach them that?" Betty scolded slapping my arm and scowling at me "Ned! How could you."

"What? you're acting as like I didn't speak the truth . She is mean, and entitled and a pain in the ass. And she's come to whine and complain again oh woe is..."

"Carrying on playing children." Catherine called to them as Meg came to face all of us.

"Brothers, sisters. How nice to see you again." she greeted "Harry is see that your back in favour."

"Stood next to you the light practically shines out of my arse, sister." Harry rebuffed which I did have to admit was amusing. I was not the only one to find it so.

"Harry, is it me or does our older sister love long rides?"

"I believe she does, brother." he countered

"No, in fact, I do not. But I ride to claim what is rightfully mine, my inheritance." I groan and shake my head

"Your inheritance, yes the usual state of affairs. I want my money!" i mimic her my stomping my foot "Give me my money."

"Ned, behave." Betty tuts.

"Thank you sister." Meg breaths "It's nice to see someone with sense."

"Oh I do not stick up for you, Meg. I just don't want Ned to get in a argument which upsets the balance of humours to those carrying children in their belly. Or did you fail to notice past your own entitlement that Catherine and i swell with new babes. I pretty sure you did but what else should i expect." Betty sassed our older sibling.

"Oh, that has you told." Harry laughed

"I simple want what is mine. What I'm entitled to."

"As usual." Us three siblings comment

"I do not have what you seek, Margaret." I sigh, shrugging. "To be completely honest I haven't had it in months, not really."

"What do you speak of?" she questioned

"There was a loophole in the inheritance, I've put it in trust till Jamie and Alexander are of age. Or due to certain circumstances. With his approval, of course. he is safe, where he is and when he journeys to spend time with his Aunt and Uncles. So you see...sister I've already fulfilled my debt. Thus you have no purpose. Unless your gonna bully your sons into retrieving that money."

"Edward Tudor. You foul, loathsome..." she went to hit me but I grabbed her arm before she could land the blow.

"Now, now sister, to harm a King is treason family or not. You wouldn't want your sons to find out your the reason they're would be a war. Not when we finally have peace." I let go and she stands back glaring at me. "Go home, Margaret. Go home, to Scotland be rest assured that I have my nephews best interests at heart and that they will never know the cruelty you imposed upon your siblings."

"Catherine, surely..."

"My husband has saw to your children welfare and that of Scotland, both are financially and emotionally secure." Catherine replied taking my arm.

"Goodbye...sister. Come on children time for your studies." they came running over to their parents and we all headed back inside. I stopped and turned back "Oh and Meg." she looked my way

"If you ever step foot back on English soil, I'll send your straight to see mother and father " i turned back and carried on.

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Catherine and i dined with the rest of the family in the upcoming days. The unsettling encounter with Meg, now a thing of the past.

"I'm told that the English people have taken heed of the warnings you issued them." I tell my wife "They're buying authors pamphlets and punishing his followers. You have done fine work, my love." she gave a small and brief smile.

"Now that we have solved the enigma that is your sister, what will happen to her now?" she wondered

"That is up to her, if she wishes to ruin herself, then so be it. I'm no longer interested." I shrug