The Mistress of King Henry VIII

Chapter Twenty-Five: Snow Day

Queen Victoria

January 10th, 1519

After Christmas and the New Years have passed, I have been allowing Henry to get closer to me. Last night I even allowed him into my bed after months of not sleeping together.

We had our first big snowfall and I stood in front of my doors and placed my hand against the glass and smiled at the cold air that hit me back.

"Your Majesty?" A voice called out and I held up a hand.

"Quiet, Henry is sleeping," I said as I turned around and was shocked to see Emilia.

"Emilia, when did you get back?" I asked as I wrapped my cloak around me and walked towards her and led her to my sitting area.

"Last night, Your Majesty. Thank you for allowing me to grieve my mother's death." She said as I motioned for her to sit in one of the big chairs.

"Of course, have you went by to see Edward?" I asked and she smiled softly.

"I am gone, seven months and you give birth to the next King of England." She said and I nodded.

"I have missed you, my friend. I am very happy you are back." I said before I heard footsteps and turned to see Henry standing there.

"Henry, your clothes and a bath is waiting for you in the bathing chambers," I said and he nodded as he walked over and placed a kiss to my forehead.

"Hello, Lady Emilia."

"Your Majesty." She said as she bowed her head softly. I watched as Henry walked away before standing up.

"I have to ask, are you coming back as one of my ladies or just visiting?" I asked and Emilia smiled.

"I would be honored to come back as one of your ladies." She said and I grinned.

"Wonderful! It's the first snowfall, do you want to come outside with me?" I asked as I reached for my fur gloves and began walking outside.

"So what other ladies are on your service?"

"Lady Megan, who is an older and horrible woman who believes because she is older I should do what she says. Then there is Lady Morgana, I believe you two will be friends. Then my guard is Lord Julien, he is very funny." I explained as the guards opened the doors for us and we walked outside.

I smiled as I saw the snow and closed my eyes as I heard the snow crunch underneath my shoes.

"Why do you love snow so much?" Emilia asked as she began walking the path with me.

"Living at our estate when it would snow we would go outside and have a snowball fight. I miss my brothers." I said as I reached my hand out and smiled as a snowflake fell into my hand.

"You have changed from the last I saw you," Emilia said and I turned to her before nodding.

"I have, I am now a Queen and a mother. My husband has cheated on my with Lady Anne Boylen and now they are expecting a child. So yes, Emilia I have changed, and if you have an issue with that you do not need to be my lady." I stated but Emilia smiled at me.

"I began this journey with you, Vicky. I intend to finish this journey with you." She said and I grinned before I spread my arms wide and spun around.

"Vicky, what are you doing?" I heard Henry asked and I stopped spinning and turned to see Henry walked towards me with Edward in his arms and Mary trailing behind him.

"¡Mi pequeño! Ven a mami." (My little boy! Come to mommy!) I said as Henry lowered him into my arms.

"How old is he?"

"He just turned three months. He can hold his head up and notices our voices now." I explained as I looked down at Edward and saw him fast asleep.

"I thought you had meetings?" I questioned Henry as Mary and Lady Byron began making snowballs.

"I was on my way until Charles handed me a letter. I thought you should see it." He said as he pulled a piece of parchment out from his pocket and gave it to me.

I opened up the letter with one hand and began reading it.

My dearest Vicky,

I know you heard months ago that I was being allowed to come home from the battle but I am sorry for refusing.

But I am coming home now. I should arrive by the twentieth the latest. I cannot wait to see how you have grown and to meet my little nephew, Edward. Mama and Papa already know I am on my way home and I shall see you soon.

Your brother,

Liam of Cambridge.

"Liam is coming home!" I cried out as Henry took Edward out of my arms and I read over the letter again.

"When is he going to be here?"

"He said by the twentieth by the latest. I cannot wait! I haven't seen my brother in over a year." I said as I looked at Henry who was smiling.

"Thank you, my love! But go to your meetings. I have our darling son and daughter. Where is Henri?"

"Who is Henri?" Emilia asked and I turned to Henry who inhaled deeply.

"My first illegitimate child. His mother was beheaded for spreading lies about Vicky and myself. I took custody of my son." Henry explained as he gave me Edward. I watched as Emilia glared at Henry.

"Have you recognized him as your child?"

"No, I am waiting until he turns a year old. He will be a Lord and nothing more. I shall see you for dinner." Henry said as he kissed my forehead and turned towards Mary.

"Remember Mary! One hour outside and then back to your lessons." He said as he waved goodbye before walking inside.

"How have you forgiven him?" Emilia asked and I shot her a look.

"You have been gone, Emilia. You have no reason to judge. I have brought myself up from the dirt and I have no interest in falling back down." I hissed before I fixed my cloak and looked down at Edward who was wide awake.

"I know my love. We will be going inside soon." I whispered as I rocked him softly.

"No te preocupes, mamá está aquí." (Do not worry, momma is here)