The Mistress of King Henry VIII

Chapter Fifteen: Motherly Duties

Queen Victoria

September 1st, 1518

Now in September, we draw nearer to the day I would soon give birth.

I stood with Mary in the royal nursery and smiled as I placed the bedding down.

"How much longer until the baby is here?" Mary asked as she got off the rocking horse.

"Two more months my love. The baby is still growing inside of me." I said as I grabbed one of the blankets and placed it in the cradle.

"But I want the baby to come now." She whined and I raised an eyebrow at her.

"Mary, what do we say about whining?" I asked and she huffed before turning to me.

"That it is not very princess-like." She said and I smiled as I placed a hand on my stomach.

"That is correct. Now Lectio velox tempus" (Time for a quick lesson) I began as a maid brought in a pile of white blankets.

"Ego Paratus sum mama." (I am ready mama)

I smiled at her before I took the blankets into my hand and began folding them.

"Quid color est vexillum nostrum?" (What color is our flag?)

"Nostrum vexillum rubrum et album." (Our flag is red and white) She responded and I chuckled softly.

"Your Latin is very good Mary. What other languages would you like to learn?" I asked and she stared out the window for a moment before smiling.

"I want to learn Spanish, German, and French." She listed and I nodded.

"I think we will begin with Spanish. It is your mothers first language and you should know it." I explained as I handed the blankets to a lady before the door opened and in came Emilia.

She bowed to both Mary and me before standing up.

"Is everything alright Emilia? Has Lady Morgana arrived?" I asked and Emilia nodded.

"Lady Morgana is getting a tour from Lord Julien. His Majesty requests yours and Mary's presence in his office at the moment."

I watched her for a moment before holding my hand out for Mary and we walked out of the nursery and towards the east side of the castle to Henry's office.

Charles opened the doors for us and Henry's men bowed to us before I spotted Henry. Mary and I bowed our heads as Henry stood up and strolled to us.

"There they are! My beautiful wife and daughter. You all may leave us." Henry annouced and his men filled out of the room.

"Is everything alright? Emilia said you needed us." I said and Henry nodded.

"Yes, I hear you hired another lady," Henry said as he pulled out a chair for me to sit down.

"Lady Morgana. She hails from Scotland. A gift actually from your sister." I said and Henry chuckled.

"Before we get to that, Mary how are your lessons going?"

"Wonderful papa. I get to start Spanish lessons soon. Mama just needs to find a tutor." Mary explained and I grinned.

"Her Latin is as good as mine. I believe it is time to start her Spanish lessons. She has mathematics, literature, archery, riding, history, and soon she shall start dancing." I listed and Henry clapped his hands.