The Mistress of King Henry VIII

Chapter Fifty-Six: Charles

Queen Victoria of Cambridge 

January 31st, 1520

I stood in the corridor watching as Mary and Henri ran around the snow-covered courtyard as Lady Byron and their guards watching them. 

Snow days like this were my favorite. Back in my country home when I was younger mother would send Liam, Jonathan, and I outside for hours and we would come home only when we were far too cold. 

"You always did enjoy these snow days." A voice said and I looked to see Charles walking towards me. 

"Well, snow days were my favorite since I was younger. Just to curl under a warm blanket." I said and Chares bowed his head. 

"Have you heard the news?" 

"No, what news?" 

"Mary has gone into labor." He said and my heart froze for a moment. Knowing his wife was giving birth to a child he would have to claim as his heir. 

"Already? Is it not too soon." I said and Charles nodded. 

"It is. She has been in labor since sunrise. I have been praying all day to at least let Mary live. We could always try again for a child." He said and I heard the sadness in his voice. 

"Charles, at least you will have-" I began before I stopped myself. Charles stared at me and smiled. 

"You mustn't say it out loud. There are spies everywhere we turn." He said and I smiled softly. I went to step towards him when I heard footsteps and turned to see one of Mary's ladies walking towards us. She looked pained and I couldn't help but remember this happening with Henry and Catherine. 

"Charles-" I started but he stepped in front of me and cleared his throat. 

"Your Grace, Her Highness has given birth to a son." Her Lady said after she bowed to both of us. 

"Is the babe well?" I asked and the lady lowered her eyes. 

"The physician believes the babe will not last the night. Her Highness would like you to join as the baby is christened and named." She said and my heart ached as Charles's eyes welled up with tears. 

"Has she already named the babe?" 

"Yes, Your Grace. She has named him Henry. Henry Charles Brandon." 

"Fine. She may christen the child. She knows the rules that I am not allowed to be there." He said and I stared at him for a moment before looking away. 

As the lady went to step away I cleared my throat and she turned and looked to me. I took my rosary beads out of my pocket and placed them in the lady's hands. 

"Give these to her. Tell her to pray and to know I am praying for her to heal." I whispered and she bowed her head before turning and walking away. 

Once I was sure she could not hear us anymore I turned to Charles who wiped his eyes. 

"Charles," I whispered and he shook his head. 

"No, I knew in my heart that the babe would not survive but I cannot look upon Mary's eyes and grieve when we both know the truth." He whispered as he grabbed my elbow and began leading me towards the nursery. 

"Charles. you are hurting me." I whispered as we stopped at the doors and he looked around before shoving me into an empty corridor. I broke away from Charles and glared at him. 

"Charles," I whispered but he shook his head. 

"Please, Vicky. I beg of you to tell me the truth. If you care for me you will. Henry has claimed him as his child and spare. But I beg-" 

"Albert is your heir," I whispered revealing the secret I have known for so long. 

Charles's eyes met mine and I couldn't help but remember why I fell into bed with him. 

"That is why you named me his godfather." 

"So you may always be in his life. So it would not be suspicious for you to constantly be around him." I said and Charles nodded before he brought me into his arms and held me. I stood frozen for a moment before I relaxed and hugged him back. 

Charles held me in his arms for a moment before we broke apart and we stared at one another. 

"Is he in the nursery?" 

"Yes, come," I said as I stepped away from him and started up the backway to the nursery. The guards bowed to Charles and me as we stepped inside. 

"Mummy!" Edward cried out when he saw me as he stood up and rushed over to me. 

"Oh, there is my sweet boy! Have you been behaving for Lady Amelia?" I asked as I pressed a kiss to his forehead. 

"Yes, mummy! Hello uncle!" He said as he saw Charles and I smiled softly before I stood up and saw Amelia holding Albert. 

"My baby. How has he been?" I asked as she placed him in my arms 

"Very well. Now at nearly two months, he is almost sleeping through the night." She said as she bowed her head before walking out of the playroom and towards her private quarters. 

I turned over to Charles who was looking down at Albert. 

"May I?" He asked and I smiled softly as I lowered Albert into his arms. He stared down at his son for a moment before leaning down and placing a quick kiss to his forehead. 

"My son and heir. How long I have waited for you." 

I sighed softly as I looked over at Edward who was playing with his wooden rocking horse. If only I could have changed my life two years ago.