Winter's Queen • Tudor

Eleanor felt the Henry's grief and clearing her throat, took his hand and clenched his fingers in her palm. "She was your wife, my cousin, and mother to your children. While I have no true understanding of your grief, I want you to know that should you need me, I will be here for you. Always."

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"She is a daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor!" Margaret argued, looking to her son as he held his head in his hands. "Seeing as the alliance with Spain has failed and Isabella has died, Catherine is no longer a valuable ally. Neither is Spain."

Henry bit into the soft parts of his cheek, knowing that while what his mother said was true, he would require a dispensation to end his mourning period early to propose marriage to her. The ailing man sighed and shook his head. "My wife just died, Mother. Please have some tact."