Queen Isabella of Denmark// King Henry VII

Chapter Seventy-Three: Mistresses

Queen Isabella

January 10th, 1542

I lowered Queen Elizabeth of Yorks crown on my head and stared at myself in the mirror. I have decided to stay in court for a little while longer. Today Henry had meetings but set up for us to have dinner today in my chambers.

"Anything you would like for me to do today?" Aylee asked as she stepped near me and took away my water.

"I would like for you to stitch the fur with the fabric for the twins blanket. It gets cold sooner." I said and Aylee nodded.

"Anything else?"

"Yes, I am almost done with the new blanket for the baby. My hands have been swelling up. Can you finish it?" I asked and Aylee bowed her head.

"My will is yours, Bella. Greer and Kenna are outside waiting for you." She stated as I stood up and made my way outside. Both Greer and Kenna bowed their heads to me before we began our daily walk through the corridor.

"Anything happening in court? It is always boring after the New Year." I stated and Kenna snorted.

"Always. But no. The only interesting thing is Elizabeth's family is visiting her. Lady Mary Boylen and her children." Kenna stated and I stopped walking.

"Lady Mary Boylen. I want to speak to her. Is she here?" I asked and Greer nodded.

"Since breakfast? Shall I fetch her?" She asked and I nodded as I fixed my coat.

"Leave the children with Elizabeth. She needs more friends her age that is not in books. But tell Lady Mary to see me near the pond. Come, Kenna." I said as we turned towards the direction of the pond.

"Why do you want to speak with Lady Mary?" Kenna asked as I saw dogs running around and yearning for one.

"Lady Mary is the only mistress of Henry who is not dead or banished. She was the mistress during my godmother's reign and during her sisters as well." I said as I sat down on the bench and sighed as the pressure came off my feet.

I heard footsteps and turned to my left to see Lady Mary. She bowed low to me before standing up.

"Your Majesty, how may I assist you?" She asked and I smiled at her.

"I am happy to see you spending time with your niece. Where is your father?"

"On a trip with mother to Italy. She hates being in England near Anne and George's birthday. She falls very ill." Mary explained my eyes soften.

"I have found out you know Lady Katherine Howard," I added and Mary's eyes narrowed.

"I warn that girl. I said she was very foolish for throwing herself at Henry. I told her it would be her death but she would not listen." Mary explained and I raised a hand to silence her.

"Is it true? She is sleeping with Thomas Cuppler and another man?" I asked and Mary stared at me.

"I have five children, Your Majesty. I am all they have and I refuse to leave them without a mother."

"You will be protected. My ladies find out everything just as they found out you knew Lady Katherine. So answer my question Lady Mary, is she sleeping with other men beside King Henry?" I asked and Mary nodded.

"I have visited Elizabeth many times. I have seen men leave Katherines chambers looking as if they have just rolled out of bed." She stated and I stood up and walked over to her.

"I banned you once from my court but I need your help. I need Katherine Howard gone and you are going to help me."

"And how shall I help?" Mary sneered and I smirked softly at her before reaching out and fixing her cloak.

"You get her to be sloppy and reveal her being the whore we all know. You have an estate in your name and an allowance of one thousand gold coins to you and your children monthly from my personal account." I said and Mary's eyes widen.

"How will I get her to reveal herself?"

"You were his mistress for years, Mary. Even when your sister was married to him. Many still believe your son Henry is his son. Find a way to do so." I growled before I turned and sat back down on the bench.

I saw Mary stare at me for a moment before bowing her head and walking away. Kenna stared after Mary for a second and rolled her eyes.

"I can see where Henry might find Katherine attractive but Mary Boylen I see nothing." She said and I let out a snort as I rubbed my stomach and felt the baby kicking around.

"So many people forget that I am a Queen of two powerful nations for a reason. Just because I am with child does not mean anything. I am still Queen." I hissed and Greer quickly sat beside me and nodded.

"We know Bella. But if you stress yourself out anymore you can risk yourself losing this child and yourself dying." Greer said and my thoughts went back to when Catherine told me her vision.

My child will survive but there could be a chance I will not survive the birth and I could die as well. I closed my eyes and rubbed my stomach as the baby kicked harder.

"I hate being in court when Lady Howard is here. I feel everyone staring at me and gossiping." I whispered and Greer pulled me close to her and held me close as she rocked us back and forth.

"Du er dronning Isabella. Du er magtfuld. Glem aldrig." (You are Queen Isabella. You are powerful. Never forget.) Greer said and I inhaled sharply not realizing that I was sobbing already.

"Jeg kan ikke gøre Dette mere Greer." (I cannot do this anymore Greer)

"Du kan og du vil. Jeg er her med dig." (You can and you will. I am here with you.)