The Mistress of King Henry VIII

Chapter Thirty-One: Celebration

Queen Victoria

April 5th, 1519

I sat in my dressing chambers with Henry beside me as Emilia was finishing up my hair. Tonight we were having a feast in order to celebrate the news of Henry and I expecting another child.

When Emilia placed her hands on my shoulder to let me know she was finished Henry stood up and placed my crown on my head.

"There, now you look every bit the Queen you are." He said and I smiled softly at him as he offered me his arm and we made our way out of the chambers and downstairs towards the banquet hall.

"I was thinking we soon change the court." I offered and Henry raised an eyebrow at me.

"Change courts?"

"Yes, Henry. We have been at Buckingham Court for so long. Why don't we return to Hampton Court for the summer?" I offered as we stood in front of the closed doors.

"When do you propose we leave?"

"Middle of May. My father told me all of the wonderful stories of the court being held over there." I explained and Henry chuckled as he kissed my forehead.

"I'll tell the privy council tomorrow at our meeting about moving court." He said as the trumpets began to play and the doors opened.

As we walked inside all the ladies bowed lowly to the ground and the men took their hats off and bowed. I smiled softly at them as we made our way to our thrones. Henry guided me to my seat and when we faced everyone the stood up.

"Everyone must be wondering why we are holding this feast. It is with a great pleasure in my heart to announce my wife, Queen Victoria is with child again. Another Prince or Princess shall be joining our family a month before Christmas time." Henry annouced and everyone broke out into applause.

I bowed my head slightly to them and waved.

"It is with a great pleasure in order to tell you all I am with child again. I ask for all of you to pray for us and pray for a healthly child to be born." I said before the music began. I watched as Charles stepped towards Henry and bent down to whisper something in his ear.

A grin formed on his face before he turned and grasped my hand.

"My sister has arrived. Mary has arrived finally." He said and I raised an eyebrow at him.

"Mary, isn't she the Queen of France?" I asked as he helped me to my feet.

"She was. My father before he died married her off to King Louis XII of France. She hated it but I made an agreement with her that after he died she would be allowed to come home and marry whoever she wishes." He said as he led me out of the hall and out to the courtyard.

I saw a young brunette woman turn around and she bowed lowly to us.

"Your Majesties."

"No need to bow Mary. For you are the Dowager Queen of France now." Henry said as we walked towards her and Mary threw her arms around her brother and hugged him close.

"Those bloody French people never cared for an English Queen. I have been away from home for three years Henry and I have no wish to leave." She said before she turned to me.

"Queen Victoria. From gossip, in my old court, I have a feeling I will like you more than that hag Catherine." She said making me bow my head.

"From that statement alone I believe so as well. Welcome back to court Your Grace." I said and she smirked.

"Much has changed little sister. You have a nephew now. His name is Edward and he is fast asleep tonight. You shall meet him tomorrow." Henry demanded and Mary rolled her eyes as she turned to me.

"You are pregnant." She said and my eyes widen in surprise.

"I am. Around three or four months along now." I whispered and Mary smiled sadly at me.

"People wanted me to have a child with Louis but he was too old. But now that he is dead I can marry whomever I want." Mary said as she walked beside me and we went back into the banquet hall.

Everyone gasped when they saw Mary and me stood slightly in front of her to protect her.

"It is a great pleasure to announce Queen Mary, Dowager Queen of France has decided to come back to court after the mourning period of her late husband. As well as celebrating my second child we shall also celebrate Mary returning." I annouced and everyone clapped as I made my way to my seat and sat down.

Morgana brought over my food and I looked over to my taster and watched as she began to eat her food. I waited a moment before I reached for my fork when someone screamed.

I looked down the table and saw my taster with blood pouring out of her nose and ears.

"Oh good lord," I whispered before Henry was in front of me smacking the food away from me.

"Did you eat some of it?" He demanded as he forced me to stand up.

"No, I was waiting to see if something happened. Have you eaten?" I asked and Henry shook his head.

"Charles! Take Victoria to the children and stay with them!" Henry ordered but I stared at him.

"No! Henry where are you going?"

"To the kitchens and to find whoever tried to poison my wife and Queen."