The Mistress of King Henry VIII

Chapter Fourteen: Goodbye Banquet

Queen Isabella

August 14th, 1518

Henry had told me when I woke up that we would have one final banquet to say goodbye to Charles and Isabella before they leave tomorrow morning.

I held onto Charles' arm as the doors opened to the banquet hall and the four of us walked inside. Everyone bowed lowly when we walked past before we made our way to our thrones.

I broke apart from Charles and stepped beside Henry as everyone clapped for us.

"Thank you all for the warm welcomes that you have extended to our Spanish friends. Tomorrow morning they will journey back home." Henry began and I smiled.

"It has been wonderful getting to know all of you and we hope you have enjoyed your stay here in England as much as we have enjoyed you here," I added and everyone cheered before I turned and sat down on my throne.

"Are you tired, my love?" Henry asked as a table was brought to us and our food came next.

"No, the baby is just kicking a lot in there. With only three months left I believe the baby is getting impatient." I said and Isabella smiled.

"I thought the same with my first child and prayed to give birth early. The baby ended up dying two days after." She said and I froze as I looked over at Charles who was speaking to his mistress.

"Stress can cause miscarriages and stillborns. The physician told Henry and me that." I said earning Charles to turn to us.

"Is that true?"

"Very, that is why Vicky has been very relaxed this pregnancy. We cannot afford to lose the next King of England." Henry said and I was so happy that he decided to back me up.

"Stress causes miscarriages? Like seeing your husband with a whore?" Isabella said and I lifted the goblet to my mouth to hide my smirk.

"I believe so. I vowed not to take a mistress while Vicky was pregnant." Henry said and I raised an eyebrow at him. If he ever took another I would personally be his downfall and rule as regent until my child is old enough.

I looked forward and smiled as the Spanish dancers came out and the music began playing.

"Victoria, may I have this dance?" Charles Brandon asked and I smiled.

"I may be a bit rusty due to this belly," I said as I took his hand and allowed him to led me to the dance floor. He spun me around and when he brought me closer I stared at him.

"How can I be of service, Your Majesty?" He asked and I cleared my throat.

"If Henry was to ever have a mistress would you tell me?" I asked and he smiled.

"My duty is first to my King. I am sorry Your Majesty." Charles said and I let out a laugh.

"I am the daughter of a well know Duke and Duchess. The Pope himself approved of our marriage and we did not go to war. Do you see where I am going, Charles?" I asked as he dipped me.

"You have power." He said and I smiled.

"In England as well as France and Scotland. King James V is a third cousin of mine. The Francis was a possible suitor for me but I refused." I explained before the music stopped and I clapped my hands.

"If Henry is to take another you will come to me and you will tell me and that is an order, Duke," I said before I turned and walked towards the table only to be stopped by Charles.

"Your Grace, enjoying the goodbye banquet?" I asked and he smiled.

"I overheard you speaking to the Duke of Suffolk. I applaud you for standing in what you believe in. You do have power and you know how to use it." He said and I smiled.

"I was raised by amazing parents who told me to never back down. I have had my name thrown into the dirt for being the possible mistress of Henry. I will not lose my title as Queen." I stated and Charles smiled.

"I hear the whisper about Isabella in court. I hope soon you will visit our court. I meant what I said, if you were not married to Henry, maybe I could've married you." He said as he took my hand and kissed it.

"It should be your wife receiving these compliments Your Grace, not I." I said and he stared at me.

"Isabellam te diligit: Charles. Ne amore mori." (Isabella loves you, Charles. Do not like that love die)

"We have been married and yet she has not carried a baby to full term." He said and I smiled as I placed my hand on his shoulder.

"Give her time Charles," I whispered before I nodded my head to him before turning and walking towards my seat.

"What was that about?" Henry asked as I sat down. I raised an eyebrow at him before smirking.

"Jealous Henry? You married a beautiful woman. Men do stare." I said as Emilia filled my goblet.

"He is the Emperor of Spain." He hissed and I rolled my eyes.

"And you are the King of England! I love you and not him." I said and Henry stared at me for a moment.

"I cannot help it, Vicky. You are beautiful women and men with their lustful stares." He began and I held my hand up.

"I care nothing for those men Henry. All I care for is you."