La Reine De Coeurs

'Yeah, I got issues

And one of them is how bad I need you'

Issues by Julia Michaels

1st August 1536, Windsor Castle, Berkshire,

Bleary eyes glared at the bright sunlight that was streaming through a gap in the rich velvet drapes, she stretched out, wincing at the loud crack her aching joints made. Dark eyes flittered to the clock upon the mantle of the fireplace, reading the time to be around four am. She yawned before sitting up slowly, sighing once more as she pulled on her red velvet outer gown to cover the simple cotton nightdress. As she stood, she felt a wave of sickness come over her and she yelped, running to her washing basin on the vanity table. She felt herself heave again, the bile rising as she vomited into the porcelain bowl.

"Your Majesty, are you okay?" questioned a concerned voice quietly, not wanting to wake the other ladies.

Anne tiredly turned to face her companion, tensing when she saw it was Lady Ughtred.

"I'm fine, Liz. Please go back to bed. I'm sorry for disturbing you" Anne sighed, placing a towel over the basin.

"Don't worry, your Majesty, I will deal with that and I will bring you some ginger tea to settle your stomach".

Anne nodded, gingerly climbing back into her large bed and peering suspiciously at Liz Ughtred.

"I won't mention anything to anyone; not the other ladies, not the King nor my family. Please trust me", Liz whispered earnestly, knowing what was on the Queen's mind. All she wanted was to show her loyalty to the Queen.

At the Queen's nod of ascent, Liz left her chambers (after sorting the sick) and made her way to the kitchens, hoping to avoid all other members of the gentry. Although she did not voice her suspicions to the Queen, she knew that Anne had missed her latest cycle and now with the sickness… well, Liz had two children of her own, she knew what a pregnancy looked like, but she also knew the Queen had only just become able to be intimate again…

"Traitor" hissed a voice to her left.

Liz jumped, spinning round to see her older brother, Thomas. His face was curled into a snarl as he looked upon his younger sister, his rough hands grasping Liz's shoulders tightly. She imagined that she would have bruises littering that spot tomorrow.

"You are a fucking traitor, what are you doing with the whore?"

"I presume you are referring to the Queen, Thomas. Heavens forbid anyone hears you use that language about her. Especially now she has secured her position with the birth of her Princes".

"A Queen, a whore…what difference does it make? All women are sluts…Anyway, Jane has asked to me to tell you that you will be spying on the bitch for our family", his cruel smile hit her like a ton of bricks. This wasn't the older brother she had doted on, who had taken her on her first horse ride and promised he'd always protect her.

"I will not betray the Queen" Liz's voice sounded a lot stronger than she had thought it would.

"Sorry Liz, but if you wish to see Anthony and Margie then you will. You see, Father sent our bastard brother to collect them. They are residing with Mother at Wulfhall. If you want to see them again, you will do our bidding".

Liz blinked back tears, her nostrils flaring at the unfairness of the situation. She nodded her answer at her brother before slowly continuing her journey. She couldn't believe how awful her family were being to her. Perhaps the Queen could help her, she faltered then, she couldn't put her problems on the Queen especially if she was pregnant. After all, it was unlikely enough as it is that the Queen would carry to term after the traumatic labour of the twins.

XX

3rd August 1536, Windsor Castle, Berkshire,

The gardens were in full bloom at this time of year and Kitty grinned seeing all the beautiful buddleia and the colourful heleniums. The sun was bright, bathing the large courtyard in warmth. Even her grandmother's sniping and having to carry the heavy wicker basket was not going to ruin the lovely day that Kitty had planned. The Queen, her cousin, had dismissed all her ladies save for Lady Seville and Lady Ughtred which had left Cathy and Kitty free to enjoy themselves. Or at least, they WERE free until they bumped into their grandmother who had invited them both to lunch, which was obviously a pretence, so she could go around uncovering information.

Cathy sighed with relief, her eyes meeting Kitty's as they finally reached the area that Grandmother had chosen to sit. Agnes shrewdly watched her grand-daughters carefully lay the blankets and cushions upon the grass and set out the platters of miniature cakes, bread and cheese. Agnes smiled sharply at Kitty, allowing Kitty to help her down onto a cushion despite the fact she could easily manage herself.

Agnes allowed her grand-daughters to get comfortable, watching them select food and noting what they preferred. Kitty loved the cakes and the sweetened fruit whereas Cathy preferred the freshly baked bread and sliced meat. Agnes' cunning eyes settled on the two adolescents before her; picking apart their flaws.

Cathy was tall and willowy, although Agnes could spot the beginnings of budding curves, with eyes the colour of the ocean, skin as white as snow and chocolate brown hair that sat tamely around her shoulders. Cathy would be much alike her mother, Mary, in looks. Mary, despite how dim-witted she was, was certainly a beautiful woman. Agnes knew getting young Cathy a betrothal would be easy. She was certainly popular at court, especially amongst the pages in the King's household. Agnes was certain Anne would be able to get Cathy a respectable husband from a decent family (and Anne would definitely be able to override damned Mary's whinging about being free to pick her own husband for love). But most importantly was the fact they would need to build bridges with Cathy's marriage, and select a husband that would be loyal to them but who would also bring something to the family.

Kitty, on the other hand, was a loose cannon. She was not particularly beautiful, but she was charming, although naïve. Kitty had blonde hair and pale blue eyes, but she was skinny with a smile that was too wide for her face. And she is damaged goods, a voice whispered to Agnes as she looked upon her grand-daughter, irritated once more that the lax chaperoning of Mistress Branch led to Kitty's deflowering. Unfortunately, Kitty's dowry would have be much more than Cathy's due to this unfortunate issue. Especially if they wanted to keep it hidden. Kitty could not become a burden to the Howards.

Agnes' attention was suddenly pulled to a dark-haired youth with a lazy devil-may-care smile who was grinning at Kitty as he sat by the large pond. His face was certainly attractive, sharp cheekbones with a strong jaw line, but his eyes were cold. They glittered almost emotionlessly as they stared at Kitty and even Agnes felt uncomfortable by the young man.

"Girls, you are to listen to me. Stay away from that boy. He will bring nothing but trouble to you both", Agnes sternly stated, pointing her walking stick in the direction of the adolescent.

And with that warning and a harsh glare at the dark-haired boy, Agnes limped back towards the palace, muttering to her Lady's Maid about the foolishness of youth.

As soon as their grandmother had left her charges, the boy approached, sauntering, like an eagle who had been stalking his prey. He crumbled to the ground in an oddly careful way and swiped the last éclair from the basket.

"So, you two are the prettiest ladies I've seen around here", he complimented, biting into the éclair as his eyes pierced the girls.

Kitty flushed at his words, her cheeks a pretty pink as she smiled at the man.

"I bet you say that to all the girls" Cathy retorted snottily, remembering that their grandmother had always been an excellent judge of character.

"Ah, the famous Boleyn tongue there. Always so haughty, aren't you, Missy".

Cathy's face reddened with irritation.

"I'm not a Missy. My name is Catherine and I'm niece to her Majesty".

"Ay, I know who you are. I just think you're a little big for your boots, considering your mother is well known for making herself mistress to Kings".

Cathy scowled at him, itching to slap his smug little face. Instead she grabbed the picnic basket and turned to her cousin, "Kitty, are you coming? Let's go back to the Palace. We could find Hal and Charlie".

Kitty shook her head, her eyes focused on the handsome man in front of her. With a concerned look, Cathy scuttled off in search of her cousin and her friend, hoping they would talk some sense into Kitty.

"Good riddance", the youth smiled, his lips curling, revealing his perfect teeth, "I'm Thomas. Thomas Culpepper".

"Katherine…Kitty Howard".

As his lips brushed her hand, Kitty felt her heart skip a beat. And at the tint of red upon her face, Thomas knew he had reeled her in.

XX

15th August 1536, Hatfield Palace, Hertfordshire,

"I must admit that I was surprised that you wished to accompany us to Hatfield, Lord Edward", Anne's tone was light, lilting almost but her words were suspicious.

Edward Seymour did not flinch or shy away from her words, he merely nodded tightly, his eyes focused on the Queen, "I must admit to finding that the Princess is a wonderful and intelligent child, and the Princes…well…you know why I have vested interest in them".

Anne nodded, her sharp eyes watching him. Her lady (and Edward's sister) stood stiffly by their side. However, the soft pitter-patter of feet drew Anne's attention away from Edward and towards her daughter who was coming towards them, her hand holding her governess'.

Kat Ashley had proven to be a good choice for her precious daughter. Kat was widely read and talented in languages. Elizabeth had blossomed under her tutelage and her care.

"Your Majesty, Lord Seymour, Lady Ughtred" curtsied Kat, her eyes remaining to the floor as Elizabeth copied her.

"The Princess is doing well in everything, your Majesty. She excels in French and Latin and I would love to ask your permission to begin teaching her some Spanish and Italian as she enjoys languages so much. She eats all her supper although she prefers sweet treats and she adores being outdoors. She is still struggling with her teeth, but we have been giving her rags of cloth dipped in whiskey to hold against her teeth for relief".

Anne nodded, in sorrow, pulling her daughter into a hug and kissing her forehead softly. "Tooth pain is really the worst, isn't it, my darling Lizabeth".

The princess nodded sadly, determined to milk as much sympathy as she was able. She smiled smugly at her mother's promise of a new gown and a new doll to cheer her up.

"I, at the risk of sounding impertinent, also think it would be best for the Princess' development if she could have companions to educate her socially" smiled Kat as she looked at her charge fondly.

"What a brilliant idea, Lady Ashley. Lady Ughtred, I would love for you to help me create a list of companions for Lizabeth".

Elizabeth grinned up at her mother, her gappy teeth visible, "Mama, make sure they are fun!".

Edward laughed loudly at the Princess' demand, drawing Lizabeth over to show him her reading ability.

Baroness Bryan, with Lady Parry at her heels, were soon in front of the Queen, carrying their young charges in her arms. Her little George was not so little anymore. He was a chubby baby, all ruddy cheeks, dark eyes and soft red curls. He was almost the spit of her Lizabeth.

"Prince George has been doing so well, your Majesty" smiled Baroness Bryan, cooing down at her giggling charge, "he can crawl now and has begun to say some words. His first one was Mama".

A tight pain gripped Anne's chest as happy tears glinted in her dark eyes. Oh, she wished she was a normal lady now, not a Queen at all. If she were a mere lady, she would be able to rear her children herself rather than relying on others to do so for her. She missed them all so dearly when she was away from them. She took George in her arms, kissing his sweet little nose.

"Oh, my darling, Georgie, you are a clever boy" she murmured at him, clutching him to her chest.

"Mama" cooed Georgie, his chubby fist grabbing at the sapphire necklace that adorned his mother's long neck.

"Prince Louis is beginning to crawl too" piped up Lady Parry, bringing the squirming baby to the Queen. Louis was still smaller than George, and oddly slim for a child of his age. His bright blue eyes, so alike his father's, were wise almost and his blonde hair was beginning to curl at his temples. She gingerly shifted Georgie onto her left hip so she could also take her dear Louis. Murmuring hushed words of love to her boys, she made her way over to her Lizabeth and to Edward. To her surprise, Edward was smiling quite openly at her daughter, showing her how to make a simple necklace out of beads and string.

She carefully sat on the floor, observing Edward with her daughter, as the boys crawled over her, mewling at each other.

Edward caught Anne's staring and he grinned to himself, playing with her children was clever, after all the way to her heart was through her children. At the slight tinge of red that hit her cheeks as she turned after he caught her watching him, he knew that it would be easy to insert himself as her closest companion when the time came for Prince George to become King. And building a relationship with the Tudor children was intelligent. After all, he would be the second most powerful man at court, advisor to the new King, friend to the Princess and long-term confidant of the Queen Dowager.

XX

24th August 1536, Thornbury Castle, Gloucestershire,

The gentleman in front of her was stern, unsmiling. Instead of the hose and doublet worn by most of the courtiers, he wore a robe similar to those that Monks would wear. The robe was a raven black with the most detailed silver embroidery, depicting the constellations of the stars. His eyes were glassy, almost unfocused as he stared at the beautiful queen before him, an obsidian mirror clutched into his hand.

Anne wore a simple dress, a rich red in colour, adorned by beautiful pearls fetched from seas far away. A cup of ginger tea sat undrunk in her hands. Although she was slightly uncomfortable by the odd man, she had sourced him especially from France.

"I understand what it is that you want of me, Your Majesty, however you must know that consorting occult practises and astrology can be unreliable at the best of times".

The voice was croaky, almost as if it was hardly ever used. Her dark eye flickered to the man in her outer chambers.

"I know the gift of sight can only see as it wishes. I merely request that you tell me what you can see of my future, of my family", her words were little more than a breathy whisper. She was desperate for the promises of happiness in the future.

"Ma'am, if I may interrupt, I don't think this is a wise endeavour" murmured Nan Saville, as she exchanged the cold ginger tea for a warm one. She stared mistrustfully at the Frenchman, begging her mistress silently to see sense. To see that the future was hidden for a reason.

Instead Anne ignored her close friend, following the seer's instructions to place her slim hands onto the obsidian mirror. Her brows furrowed as she watched the seer's quiet whispering when suddenly he started rocking.

"The stars have spoken. I see all that is laid before me. A new baby, a new plot against you. The blonde lady brings much pain…A new dawn is coming; the prince brings so much promise to the land when he takes to the throne... Your daughter, your pretty daughter, so clever…so foolish…"

His hands suddenly grasped Anne's wrists tightly as squeezed, "blood…so much blood and then the red lion falls".

XX

Notes:

Thank you all for your lovely reviews (and those who have followed and favourited this story). I'm sorry it has taken me so long to update but I've been extremely busy, and I've had Carpal Tunnel surgery so I've been unable to type!

Guest – No need to worry. I think you'll find that Anne will become indifferent to Henry. After all, self-preservation is an instinct and she will seek to protect herself from pain. x

I love Kol Mikaelson – I hope this chapter was worth the wait! x

Guest – Elizabeth has been betrothed to Charles Valois but only time will tell if the betrothal will last. Thank you for the ideas for the other Tudor children though x

Elizabeth 'Liz' Ughtred (nee Seymour) had two children with Sir Anthony Ughtred called Henry (1533) and Margery (1535). Henry was placed in the care of Helier de Carteret, Bailiff of Jersey, after his father's death. Margery was born after her father's death at Wulfhall. In this story, Liz's children are called Anthony and Margie to stop confusion between characters. Both children have been residing with Helier de Carteret until now.

So, Thomas Culpepper has been introduced now. I hope you're not expecting a love story between Kitty and him. I will state that my Thomas Culpepper is not a nice person and poor Kitty is heading down a dangerous path.

Elizabeth I was fluent in French, Greek, Spanish, Italian and Latin. She was also able to speak Flemish, Gaelic, Welsh and Cornish.

Elizabeth I did struggle a lot from her teeth, as shown in accounts from that time. Margaret Bryan, herself, noted it in letters to Cromwell. Unfortunately, this was a pain that would plague her for the rest of her life. Whiskey being rubbed onto the gums was a popular source of pain relief for toothache back in the Tudor times.

Edward Seymour is a tricky character, I hope my writing gives him justice.

It was extremely common to consult astrologers and seers in the Tudor Times. Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII were said to have consulted some when she was pregnant with Elizabeth (the soothsayers were wrong as they proclaimed Elizabeth would be a boy). Elizabeth, herself, had an occult practiser at her court called Dr John Dee. Anyway, Anne has accessed one who had given her a terrifying prophesy…

Next Time – A betrothal comes for one of the princes, Mary Tudor makes her choice, Jane Seymour flashes her pregnancy around, Hal tries to talk to Kitty and the prophesy scares Anne.