The Belle of St. Petersburg •The Tudors

chapter •margaret

"Your Majesty." Kathleen bowed. She looked up at Anastasia who was staring at her in suspicion. Anastasia sat in her chair by the roaring fire. Winter is soon to arrive.

"Kathleen, sit with me." Anastasia invited, motions to the chair across. Kathleen bows and sits down across from Anastasia. She got the feeling that Anastasia becoming curious, yet upset. But all of that will change soon. Anastasia leans in and grabs a hold of Kathleen's hands.

"You are my closest friend and I hold you close in my heart. We grew up together. I know that you would never lie to me, right?" Anastasia tells.

"I would never, Your Majesty. Iis something wrong?" Kathleen asked.

"I need you to tell me why Henry summoned you." Anastasia says without thinking twice.

Kathleen lowers her head to look at the ground. "Forgive me, My Queen, but I can't."

Anastasia took in a deep breath before talking again.

"Naturally, as a wife, I have to assume that you have become his mistress." Anastasia says. That's what brought Kathleen head back up.

"No, I would never!"

"Then tell me the truth!" Anastasia raises her voice. Before either could say another word, a groomsman walked in and bows.

"Your Majesty, the king has summoned you, immediately." The groomsman informed. Anastasia stands up quickly and walks out with Kathleen following. The other ladies stand to follow as well. It was silent the whole way.

"Her Majesty, The Queen!" They announce. Everyone stood off to the sides and bow to Anastasia as she walks pass. Anastasia was stopped by the Duke of Suffolk and Thomas Cromwell. They bowed.

"My Queen, the King is inside but he has requested for you to cover your eyes." Charles informed. Anastasia stared at him confused.

"Why?"

"It is a surprise, one His Majesty hopes you will enjoy."

"Ladies." Anastasia said. Maria and Anna stepped forward and grabbed Anastasia by the hands and arm and lead her in as she closed her eyes. Gently leading her in through the doors. Anastasia felt her ladies let go and was replaced by a pair of strong arms. The scent was familiar too. It was Henry.

"Sweetheart, open your eyes." Henry says softly. Anastasia eyes them slowly to take in the view and smiles happily.

"My Margaret!" Anastasia couldn't stop herself from running to where Tatiana stood with the Princess Margaret in her arms. Margaret cooed with her arms out to reach for her mother.

Henry stood back and watched the scene play out. He saw the true smile Anastasia has on her beautiful face.

"How has she been?" Anastasia asks Tatiana.

"Very well, Your Majesty. Hardly ever cries, eats well, and her health is perfect." To Henry, that was good. It meant that any sons Anastasia bore will be healthy.

"Come to mama." Anastasia grabbed Margaret gently. Tatiana smiled and walked away to greet her friends. Kathleen walks over and bows.

"Lady Kathleen, thank you for your help." Henry says. Anastasia looked at him and Kathleen. Henry looked at Anastasia. "Your lady was the one who suggested to bring Margaret here to cheer you. Are you cheered, sweetheart?"

"Yes, immensely. Thank you, Kathleen." Anastasia says sincerely, now feeling horrid for accusing Kathleen.

"No need to thank me, Your Majesty." Kathleen said with a smile. Kathleen looked from Anastasia to Henry before retreating back to the other ladies.

Only one lady-in-waiting was missing. Can you guest who?

"WHAT?!" Jane screamed at Caroline's face. Caroline had just informed her sister of the return of Princess Margaret.

"The Lady Kathleen had suggested it to the King. I guess he took it at heart and brought the princess back." Caroline adds. The older Edward walked forward and wrapped his arms around Jane to comfort her. Caroline looked at them, it was a bit strange especially how he was holding her.

"Lady Kathleen, you say?" Edward spoke. Caroline nods her head. "Well then, I guess we'll just have to be rid of her one way or another."

Edward grins sinisterly and places a kiss on Jane's head, one that lasted a bit too long...

DO YOU KNOW WHERE THIS IS LEADING TO? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS IF YOU DO.