Chapter 7: News for the royal family

Hello guys! English, it is not my motherly language, I'm French so I apologize if there are some mistakes. Don't hesitate to tell me where they are so that I can improve.

This is my first full length fiction, with chapters, I hope it will please you. It is a AU where Katherine Howard does not marry Henry and where Cromwell is spared. Instead of katherine, Henry marries a french noble lady, on the advice of Cromwell.

I hope my little story will please you..

Sincerely

Marina Ka-Fai

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The French Bride

Chapter 7: News for the royal family

' Your Majesty' everyone said while Marina was running to find her husband on this beloved day.

She was certain of her. Her heart was beating happily to this thought. Henry did not expect to find her while he was leading a reunion of his lords. All surprised, they got up to welcome her. The king took her to a place they could discuss.

' Marina, are you silly?'

' Silly beacuse happy Henry! I am carrying your child!'

Henry had a moment of blank. Then he realized. Marina was pregnant. He knew it was the day his daughter was celebrating her birthday. His queen was carrying the future Duke or York. He kissed her with love and smiled.

' I am sorry, I made you angry but I had to tell you. I have just learnt the new.'

' How can I be angry now? This is marvellous!'

' It seems the child was concieved around Christmas. Our children I should say.'

Henry did not understand. Their children.

' The physicians said it was certain we concieved twins. They even think of triplets, but it is not certain thought about this third child.'

The king never felt so young in ages. He was going to be a father again, thanks to a marvellous wife.

' Do I have your permission to tell our children?'

' Of course! And I will write to Francis, to ask him to be the godfather of one of these marvellous gifts from God. I will make a new alliance with him.'

' As for the godmothers, I was thinking of Elizabeth and Lady Anne of Cleves. Lady Howard if we have a third child.'

Henry nodded.

' Now, you should go and rest. Do not tire yourself.'

Marina smiled and she went out. Mentally, Henry thanked God for this happy marriage, fo this happy day. He would announce the good new to court later, he did not want to spoli Mary's party. He thought of her, and of the gift he was thinking for her. This was just perfect.

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In Marina's rooms, it was only joy and happiness. The queen recieved visits from her children to congratulate her. Katherine was so happy for Marina! She cried tears of joy when she learnt the new. Ursula was actually smiling and she secretly hoped that she would be soon pregnant, since she was not a Missledon anymore but a Bryan.

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Henry was hunting with Charles. His friend never saw him so happy. He looked younger.

' I am going to be a father! Marina and I concieved twins! It is also possible that we will have triplets! This marriage is trully a goft of God! Peace in my family, peace with my health, a young and beautiful wife!'

' Your Majesty is very lucky. And so am I. Thanks to you.'

The king smiled to Brandon.

' Who else can I trust to be my daughter's husband? And there is no problem of incest. Even if you had been her uncle once, you have no blood links with her. Cranmer himself showed himself in favor of this marriage.'

' Does my fiancée know?'

' It will be her birthday's gift.'

Charles smiled to this idea. Being married to the Lady Mary was great in his opinion. He could do what he could not do when her mother was alive. Protecting her. And he was certain that Margaret would have been happy to see what he was trying to do for her niece. She would be able to pray without being spied, without fear, she would be able to pratice freely her religion in his estates. And if it was her desire, he woyuld love her, he would make love to her, he would get her pregnant. She would be the Queen of Suffolk.

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The castle was full of nobles,music was playing happy tunes. Suddenly, a man announced Mary's arrival. Everyone bowed.

' Mary, my beloved pearl! Happy Birthday!' Henry said while Maary finsihed her bow

' Thank you Your Majesty.'

' No, today, I am just Father.'

Mary turned to Marina.

' Lady Mary, I wish you a very happy birthday.' Marina said, kissing Mary's cheek

' Thank you, Mother.'

She finally said it. Mary was proud of her. What she could not say to Jane, she said it to Marina. And the queen was so touched that she had tears in her eyes. She knew why. Secretly, Mary prayed for an healthy son. Elizabeth and Edward arrived, they bowed to their parents and to Mary. They took place and then, it was time for Mary's presents. Henry offered her a memento of her mother, the earings and necklace made of gold and ruby.

' Oh Father... Thank you so much!' she said almost crying

Marina offered her a wonderful painting of her, as a child, carried by her father. She hoped that she did not do a mistake while painting this. But when her husband and Mary congratulated her, her doubts vanished. Edward's gift was a beautiful green dress. Then, it was Elizabeth's gift. The translation of the Bible from Latin to Spanish.

' I know how much you like Spanish.' she said

Mary thanked her sister. She noticed she was wearing her ring.

' You know how much I hate you Anne, but there is only one thing I respect you for. You offered me a lovely sister.' she thought.

She had presents from Francis I, from Charles V and from Chapuys. A ring he had from his king, who had it by his aunt, Catherine. Everyone thought it was over but Henry rose up.

' There are others gifts for you Mary. Charles!'

Brandon arrived. He managed not to smile. Marina's pregnancy really made his friend day, he was a bit playful with this idea. Charles bowed to the princess and offered her a wonderful ring, made of gold and pearls.

' Thank you My Lord.' she said to him

' There is another gift Mary. You have that ring, and the man you gave it to you.'

Mary did not understand at first. Then she realized. She was going to marry! She was going to be a wife! With a family! She would be near for her family and she would have children even if she was not pregnant. She always respected Charles. Falling in love with him was another matter but she did not fear at all. She knew she was going to be well. Lady Mary Brandon, Duchess of Suffolk, daugther of the king of England and of a spanish princess. It sounded great.

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Henry joined Marina for dinner later. She looked tired but happy.

' Do not tire yourself too much. I beg you. I have lived so many miscarriages in my life, I don't want that, beacsue it will only hurt you.'

Marina kissed her husband.

' I promise.'

He sat and they began to eat. He noticed she did not eat a lot. A disgust of food? It happend when Catherine was expecting Mary.

' This was a great party. Mary looked so happy! I bet she will be just amazing in her wedding dress!'

Henry smiled.

' Just like her stepmother.'

Marina blushed a little. She was wondering if Henry would have a mistress since she could not have sex with him now that she was pregnant. She wondered who it would be. Then, she realized that she did not care much. She knew that a man had its needs. It was natural. She knew she had his love. She just prayed that it would not vanish with the birth of two or three girls.

' One of my grooms would like to court on of your ladies, Sweetheart.' Henry said

Marina looked at him.

' Thomas Culpepper.'

' I know him. He seems really trustable. So I don't see why I would say no to that. Who is his protégée?'

' Katherine.'

Marina had a huge smile.

' They would make such a beautiful couple! I pray with all my heart it will work.'

Suddenly her smile vanished, she felt trully unwell. Henry went next to her, feeling that something was wrong. A few seconds after, his queen had fainted in his arms, in pain.

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Henry did not slept this night. He was too worried. Doctor Linacre was with her but he was fearing. He did not want to loose her like he lost Jane. And their children? He tried to hide it. Only Charles, who knew him, realized that. But what could he do? Or say? This is why when he left, he discretly place his hand on Henry's shoulder. And it was enough for both of them.

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Katherine was running as fast as she could. She almost fell but Culpepper helped her.

' Lady Howard?'

' I need to see the king! It is very important!'

He took her to Henry, she was out of breath. She made a quick bow.

' Katherine?'

' I have good news Your Majesty! The queen is alive! Out of any danger! And your children as well! It seems that Her Majesty's body has some difficulties to have this kind of pregnancy but she is well now. All that she needs is rest, good air, calm.'

Henry felt a wave of relief and it surprised the whole court to see the king of England, with an injured leg, running quite well to his queen's chambers. Marina was resting on their bed, she looked better, even if she was a bit pale. He sat next to her, took her and cried.

' Do not give me such fears again.'

' I am so sorry... I'll do better next time.'

She was smiling to him. An angel. Sent by God to ease his pains.

' My sweet sweetheart.' he said before kissing her