The Mistress of King Henry VIII

Chapter Thirty-Eight: Joust

Queen Victoria

June 21st, 1519

I held Edward in my arms and held Henri's hand as we followed Henry outside to where all the joust were held at.

Julien lifted Mary and Henri up so they could sit in the chairs in front of us before he offered me his hand and guided me up. I sat down beside Henry before I heard the trumpets and looked over to see Francis and Claude being guided to us.

"Claude told me why she doesn't like your sister," I said to Henry earning him to turn to me.

"What?"

"After her husband died she slept with Francis. I thought Claude was lying but Morgana spoke to other French court members and they all confirmed it." I said before Francis and Claude joined us.

I stood up and placed Edward on my hip and bowed my head at them.

"Did you sleep well?" I asked and Francis nodded as he guided Claude to her seat and she sat down.

"Wonderfully! Your beds here are wonderful!" He said and I smiled at them.

"Francis, Claude. This is my son, Lord Henri FitzRoy. Duke of Richmond." Henry said as we ushered Henri in front of us.

Francis and Claude looked down at him and smiled.

"Hello," Henri said softly as he bowed his head and Francis clapped his hands.

"Magnifique! Il est si Jeune Mais connaît très bien ses manières!" (Wonderful! He is so young but knows his manners very well!) Francis said and I grinned.

"Nous essayons très bien de l'élever!" (We are trying to raise him very well.) I said before I sat Henri back down.

"I cannot wait for my little girl to meet him," Claude said before we all sat down. I placed Edward on my lap and watched as Lord Julien waved the flag and soon the joust began.

"Do people of your council joust?" Francis asked and Henry nodded.

"Only if they are challenged. We leave the fighting to the common people and depending on how the joust ends the win a prize." Henry explained as Edward looked up at me and placed his hand on my cheek.

I looked down at him for a moment before smiling and kissing his hand.

"He sure loves his mama," Claude whispered and I nodded as I heard the clash of metal and looked to see one of the men on the ground and Julien claimed the other one the winner.

"I make sure I see him many times throughout the day. I want him to know his Lady, Mother." I whispered and Claude smiled.

"I try to see the children but with each pregnancy, I get more and more tired." She said and I stared at her for a moment before nodding.

"There is a tea my lady makes me. It's from Scotland and boosts your energy. I could have it sent to your chambers?" I offered and Claude smiled.

"I would like that very much." She said and I nodded before I saw Charles on a horse making his way towards me. I stared at him as he lifted up his helmet and bowed his head.

"May I have your favor, Your Majesty?" He asked and I stared at him for a moment before Morgana placed my lilac lace on my shoulder. I stood up and placed Edward on my hip before tying my favor against his joust stick.

"La grêle et adieu." (Hail and farewell.) I whispered and he bowed his head before lowering his helmet back down and making his way over to his opponent. I sat back down and Henry shot me a look.

"What?" I hissed earning him to raise an eyebrow at me.

"You had to give him your favor? In front of Francis?" He snapped back and I quickly turned to him.

"Well as it seems no one else is asking for my favor. Not my husband who still has Lady Anne's favor wrapped around his old joust stick." I growled before we heard a bell ding and I turned my attention back to the joust.

I watched as the first blow came and Charles struck the other man. I smirked softly before I watched the other man get back up and rush after Charles again. ce

"Does it get interesting?" Claude asked and I smiled.

"If you like the fight. As you see Princess Mary does not and has taken her brother to go play. While the Dowager Queen of France enjoys it very much." I stated as I saw my sister in law on the edge of her seat.

"Does she fancy the Duke of Suffolk?"

"Yes, yes she does," I said before Charles hit the man again and was declared the winner. I politely clapped as Charles walked over again and returned my favor to me.

"I name this victory all for you. Your favor granted me luck." He said and I smiled as I stared at him.

"No, Your Grace. All luck is granted to you only." I stated before Julien cleared his throat and we all turned to him.

"We have a last-minute entry! His Highness Prince Liam of Cambridge!" He annouced and my neck snapped toward my brother as he climbed onto his horse and began making his way towards the middle.

"Did you know of this?" I hissed towards Henry who had an eyebrow raised.

"No, last I heard your brothers were back at your home estate." He said and I handed Edward over to Morgana.

"Where are you going?" Henry asked and I shot him a look.

"To get my brother off that bloody horse," I said and Henry shook his head.

"Let him do this. Other's must know your brother is back from years at the battle." Henry said and I glared at him before sitting back down. The trumpet was blown and my brother charged. His sword clashed with the others and I winced at the sound.

"Your brother is very strong," Claude said and I tried my hardest not to snap at her.

"I believe so." I hissed before I heard a scream and I jumped to my feet and saw my brother lying on the floor.

"Liam!" I screamed as I pushed against my seat and rushed down the stairs. Henry was fast behind me and when I reached my brother I quickly took his helmet off and saw a gash on his forehead.

"Fetch the physician!" Henry called out before his hands landed on my shoulder.

"Vicky, we must let the physicians do their work."

"I will not leave my brother," I whispered as I felt the tears well up in my eyes.

"You must go to your parents."

"No! I will not leave my brother."