The Mistress of King Henry VIII

Chapter Forty-Eight: Preparing

Queen Victoria

October 16th, 1519

I stood in the new nursery that we have cleared out for the new baby. In four days I would be going into confinement.

With my pregnancy with Edward, I did not go into confinement because I wished to learn how my body would be. But now that this was my second chance I did take the advice and will go into confinement.

I heard a knock on the door and looked over to see my mother standing in the doorway.

"Mother! I didn't know you and dad would be coming to court!" I said as I walked towards her and hugged her softly.

"Of course we would be coming! Look at how your belly has dropped." She said as we pulled apart and she rubbed my belly. I noticed a blonde woman standing behind her.

"Who is this?" I asked as the woman bowed to me.

"Vicky, meet Lady Francisca Ana. She is from Spain and is to marry your brother Liam in six months." She introduced and Francisca bowed to me.

"Es un honor conocerte, su majestad." (It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty.) She said and I smiled as I bowed my head.

"Es muy agradable conocerte. Mi hermano me ha contado mucho de ti." (It is very nice to meet you. My brother has told me so much.) I responded and Francisa smiled.

"So my darling what are you doing now?"

"Finishing up the nursery. I have Edward's old clothes in that trunk over there in case it is a boy and Henry brought Mary's old clothes in that trunk near the bookshelf in case it is a girl." I explained as I stepped to the rocking chair and sat down.

"¿Qué crees que estás teniendo?" (What do you think you are having?) Francisca asked as she started helping my mother fold some blankets.

"I want it to be a girl. Henry has his heir and I adore Mary I do but she is not mine by blood." I confessed as I rubbed my stomach.

"I hope it is a girl as well. The family could use fewer men but Henry will want a spare." Mother said and I tried my hardest not to roll my eyes.

"I know. He reminds me." I said as I felt a kick and looked down at my belly and smiled softly. I watched as they folded the blankets and placed them around the room before sighing.

"¿Ya elegiste una fecha para la boda?" (Have you picked a date for the wedding yet?) I asked Francisca who smiled at me.

"Deseo que sea en primavera. Pero Liam no." (I wish for it to be in the springtime. But Liam does not.)

"I shall speak to him." Mother said and I chuckled as the door opened and in stepped father with Liam and Jonathan.

"Ahh, Francisa! I wondered where you went." Father said as Liam stepped towards his fiance and kissed her hand.

"Mother stole her away so she shall meet me," I commented as I went to stand up but nearly fell over.

"Okay wait for me," Jonathan said as he rushed over and offered me his arm as he helped me stand up.

"You look as if you are getting closer."

"I go into confinement in about four days. I am finishing everything up."

I stepped to my father and bowed my head softly to him as he pressed a kiss to my forehead.

"I hope for another grandson. Edward has Henri but what could one more brother do?" Father comment and I couldn't help but roll my eye.

"It shall not matter what it is, father. Vicky has already given an heir, more than Henry has expected. As long as the baby is healthy and strong, Vicky can always have more children later on in life." Liam said and I felt myself stand up stronger at my brother's comment.

"Alright, well everything is done in her. Shall we talk a walk?" Mother offered as she tried to clear the tension.

"Yes, let's go," I said as I fixed my ring and tiara before walking out of the nursery. Julian and Morgana waiting for us outside and fell into step as we took a shortcut to the garden.

Jonathan rushed to my side and offered me his arm. I smiled softly at my brother as we walked through the garden.

"Are you alright?"

"I worry. Birth is very scary. And I have to be in confinement which I did not do last time."

"We will visit you every day, Vicky. You won't be alone." He said as he patted my hand.

"May I ask you do something? While I am in confinement?"

"Of course little sister."

"Henry. Watch him. He took a mistress my last pregnancy and though he has not yet. While I am in confinement and resting to return to normal. If you see anything please tell me." I asked as I stopped walking and faced my brother.

He stared at me for a moment before bowing his head.

"Of course little sister. You have my word."

I watched my brother for a moment before smiling.

"Thank you, big brother."