Summary:

In this story Henry Fitzroy the Duke of Richmond and of Somerset doesn't die as a young child but lives on as he did in life only three years younger than his half sister mary. However he won't die in his teens as he did in life. This story will begin after the king has just married Jane Seymore and Richmond's position is changing and he finds a new role within his family.

Chapter 1:

A tall figure nervously stood in front of a set of huge oak doors waiting to be admitted to the room beyond. This figure was that of Henry Fitzroy Duke of Richmond and of Somerset or Richmond as he had become known in the past few years. He was waiting to be admitted to the great hall of Hampton Court the favourite palace of his father King Henry VIII of England. The king had just married his third wife a woman Richmond had never met only days before and he was here to presented to her. However this was not this that was making him nervous it was his father. Even though he was widely considered the king's favourite he rarely saw his father because of his illegitimacy and his unsure future. At this thought the huge doors swung open and an usher bellowed,

"His grace Henry Fitzroy Duke of Richmond and of Somerset and Earl of Nottingham." Richmond slowly step forward slightly and the entire room bowed in front of him and then separated to reveal two seated people both smiling at him. The king stood and they walked to one another. Richmond bowed quickly and the king grabbed him and wrapped his arms around him. When Henry released Richmond from his grasp he gestured to the small woman that had also arisen from her throne. The king taking his wife by the hand and loudly said,

"Jane this is my son Henry." Richmond quickly analysed the women being introduced to him while bowing to her. He noticed a kind face with beautiful blue eyes and glistening blonde hair framing it. Then she broke his concentration and spoke,

"Your grace I am so very pleased to be presented to you and I hope that we may be great friends." Fitzroy could not help but notice how the queen's manner matched the face he had gazed at. He felt compelled to reply,

"Your majesty it is my hope also." All three broke in smiles and the crowd into applause.

"Son please enjoy yourself I have missed you at court." The king pointed out to the court and returned to his thrown. Richmond bowed to his father and the queen and turned to join the court. Music began and the young Duke looked for a friendly the trouble was he spent so little time at court he knew so few. Finally he found Charles Brandon the Duke of Suffolk.

"Your grace, how are you and your family?" Suffolk was quick to reply to the young new comer,

"We are all well your grace. I am glad to see you back at court it is a wonder that the king does not invite you more often."

"Is it my lord Suffolk to my knowledge he very rarely see's any of us." Brandon's face was shocked but at the same time acknowledging of the fact. "Do you know if the king has spoken to either of my sisters?"

"... no your grace, I am afraid my lord the king will not speak to the Lady Mary until she accepts the invalidity of her mother marriage and has not spoken to the lady Elizabeth since ..."

"I see ... thank you your grace. I shall pray for our reunion."

"do you not speak to your sisters my lord?"

"Ah ... no my lord Mary has never liked me but since both has been banished from court it is difficult to see them without angering the king but hopefully resent changes may allow me to rectify the situation." At that moment a man and women that Fitzroy did not recognise approached the pair.

"My lord Richmond may I introduce the queen's brother and his wife Edward and Anne Seymour." Suffolk gestured to them and the bowed and curtsied to him. Then Edward Seymour smiled and began to speak,

"Your grace it is my pleasure to meet you and make myself known to you and hope we can also be friends." It was strange Fitzroy felt none of the warmth he had when the queen had said this but rather a cold stare at him. Richmond wearily smiled at the couple and acknowledge the greeting before moving on. The duke continued to introduce the young companion to curious on lookers. After some time Suffolk stopped in front a group of men and pulled aside a single man and introduced him,

"Your grace may I present imperial ambassador Eustace Chapuys." Richmond could not help but think that Suffolk was waiting to introduce the ambassador because he bowed and slowly backed away from the conversation.

"Your grace it is a pleasure to meet."

"And I you, your eminence, I believe you a friend of my sister Mary." This seemed to spark an interest in the ambassador and was quick to reply,

"Yes I would like to think so your grace."

"May I ask how she is your eminence?" Chapuys face was curious as though to express the thought of such a strange question to ask about one's own sister but he quickly realised the significance of it and swiftly replied,

"She is well your grace she prays for the king's health and for his forgiveness."

"Do you think that forgiveness be given?" there was a short pause,

"only if the lady Mary recognise that her mother and father were never married in the eyes of God but ... I fear that would not wish to do that." A wave of concern over came the young duke.

"Your eminence, is there anything you can do to help my sister?"

"You surprise me sir." Richmond smiled at the comment and responded,

"Because my sister hates me ... the truth is your eminence I do not blame her for it. After all I was the one that set the king on his current path but she, Elizabeth and the king are the only family I truly have and I will protect my family. She may hate me but as long as I breath I shall love her and do all i can for her and endeavour to do all i can for her." Chapuys looked at him and simply nodded and Richmond left knowing no more needed to be said. Fitzroy then felt it was time to have a longer conversation with the king. He approached the royal couple and bowed. When he was greeted with another set of smiles he continued forward and sat next to the king.

"How are you father?"

"I am very well and happy who could not be with such a wife?" Fitzroy knew the comment was directed towards him but merely smiled at the king.

"How is your young wife Henry?" the king refused to go unanswered and his son was reluctant to continue the conversation but knew he could not resist for long.

"Mary is well father." Richmond had married Mary Howard the only daughter of the Duke of Norfolk when he was fifth teen. However, the king out of fear for his sons life had refused to allow him to consummated their marriage. After two years both had began to resent one another as they felt they were just stuck with one another and often refused t be seen together. The king knew all these reasons because his son had begged to live as man and wife but he still refused.

"Is she not coming to court?"

"She is arriving tomorrow." Sensing the tension coming from the youngster the queen jumped into the conversation.

" I look forward to meeting her tomorrow we should dinner together." The queens calm manner washed over them both and the duke replied,

"Indeed your majesty if you wish it."