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°➶☽∘ ✥ ∘☾➴°
❝𝐈 𝐖𝐀𝐒glad to get your message," Harry says as he makes his way to stand in front of Catherine. The young princess had sent her ambassador to request Harry's presence when he came to deliver a letter from the princess's mother.
Harry was hesitant to come, preferring to stay with Alexandra who was reading in the gardens. Unfortunately, he knew he had to keep the act up or else Catherine would grow suspicious. He had played his part well and made her convinced that he deserved her.
So with much reluctance on his part, Harry went to Catherine. They met in an open field by where Catherine was staying. She smiled when she saw the young prince approach her.
"God has placed this moment in my lap," Catherine replies, looking up at Harry, "He means to make me see myself. . .and listen to my heart."
Catherine smiles widely as she says the next part of her speech, "He means for us to be together."
Harry sighs in false relief. He moves forward, closing some of the distance between the two. He takes Catherine's cheeks in his palms, cupping her face.
"But-But what has changed? Did your mother refuse my father?" Harry asks as he stares into her eyes.
"No, she wrote and gave permission," Catherine replies proudly.
"Then how-how are we to-"
"Trust in God," Catherine replies, cutting him off, "Trust in me."
Harry doesn't respond, only pulls Catherine into a hug. She misses the uneasy look on his face that displays his true emotions for Catherine. Which is what an acquaintance would give another. The truth of the matter is, Harry would never have feelings for Catherine - even if he wanted too - he couldn't.
His heart would always belong to his beloved Alexandra.
Always.
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It is that same day, Catherine pays the King of England a visit. She enters the room and bows to him with an uneasy smile on her face, "Your Grace."
Henry smiles at her, responding by motioning for her to take a seat.
"We received a letter from your mother," Henry informs the girl, although she already knows.
"I am aware of it, Your Grace," Catherine replies, sitting down.
"And do you give consent?" Henry asks, meeting the girl's eyes.
"Would I make you happy?" Catherine wonders softly, "Would I make you as happy as your wife did?"
Henry sighs, "As you know Catherine, I, um - I loved my wife. I still do, but - uh - I would try to be a husband for you. I would be respectful and considerate, and I would not bother you too much. It was her dying wish."
"If she knew you could not love me, then she did it for the safety of your country," Catherine replies, "For the alliance between Spain and England."
"Yes," Henry agrees.
"But marrying me does not secure that," Catherine counters her previous statement, "In fact, it would do the opposite. If we wed, our children won't succeed us."
"Of course not," Henry replies, "Harry's will as Lizzie's son. The throne belongs to Harry and then his son and then his grandson."
"So how long would your treaty hold with Spain?" Catherine wonders, "Only until, God forbid, you pass away and Harry takes the throne. And then, just when he needs it the most, there will be no protection. I would be the widow to his father. I could not command my country to his side. He would be alone in all of Europe. . .and then whoever rules Spain would make treaties with your enemies."
"Or else they would renew their pact with England," Henry counters, "There are many benefits."
It is silent for a moment - after that - as Henry just stares at Catherine for a moment, trying to read her and her thoughts.
"You wish to marry Harry," Henry says, realization washing over him, "My wife had many gifts, and she said if you married him, then there would be no sons. She saw this."
"You don't think your wife saw in your eyes how lonely you would be?" Catherine questions softly, "And in pain for you, perhaps she was confused. Because the first time I met her, she told me she would do anything to save her sons. She'd kill for them. Don't take the risk. Give Harry the alliance. Keep him safe, for her."
Henry doesn't respond verbally, instead, he makes his way over to her. Holding her jaw in his hand, lightly, he kisses her forehead. And with that, he turns, opening the door to the room.
He leaves without another word.
°➶☽∘ ✥ ∘☾➴°
It is later that day, with only Lady Margaret, Harry, Henry, Alexandra, and Catherine in the chambers that Henry announces his breaking off the engagement between himself and the princess of Spain.
"Lady Catherine of Aragon and Castile. . .I withdraw my proposal of marriage to you," Henry announces as he sits on his throne, "You will instead be betrothed to my son, Henry, Prince of Wales."
Lady Margaret shifts slightly, a look of shock covering her face. Even Alexandra raised an eyebrow as she wondered how the Spanish princess had done it.
"Your heirs will ensure the continued peace between our two kingdoms," Henry continues, though his voice is void of emotions.
"Thank you, Father," Harry says with a fake smile plastered on his face as he looks to Catherine.
"Henry - " Lady Margaret starts, only to be interrupted.
"I will send my letter to the pope. . .requesting his dispensation," Henry states, seemingly not wanting to discuss it any further.
"Thank you, Your Grace," Catherine says, bowing slightly.
"If he grants it, you may be married. . .only when your mother sends the dowry," Henry finishes, standing from his throne. There is warning in his tone as he looks at Catherine, "Your future hangs upon Castile."
With that, King Henry VII of England leaves the throne room.
