Edwards's Study

I sit in my study after Mary's birth waiting for Sir Francis to show. I do wonder what he needs my help for?

I entered the study by help of the servants, and nodded my thanks to them. I bowed once more to the prince and, my hands clasped behind my back, began. 'Your Highness...I hope everything went well with the marquess's childbirth?'

I smile, still confused as to why he is here. Yes everything went fine. The Marquess has given birth to a healthy baby girl, my daughter Mary. The hope for Scotland. I call for some when and graciously beckon him to sit. Now please tell me of your visit to Ballindalloch my lord....

I smiled. 'Congratulations! God Bless the child.' I sat in one of the leather upholstered chairs and paused a moment before speaking. 'I'm looking for someone, someone very important. A princess. She has run away and this was the only place anyone could think that she might have run off to." I paused again. 'I'm sure you're familiar with Princess Cordelia, the daughter of King Henry?'

I feel my face drain of all its color. Yes I know her. We were supposed to be married until she told her father that my former wife was with child and called it off. I look out the window, sighing. I do not know where she is.

I watched as Edward paled. 'That is a shame you don't know her whereabouts. The king has all but gone mad at the thought that is dear child has gone missing. It's likely she can't have gone far. She had no guards to protect her... I wonder, with all due respect, what was your reaction to the wedding being called off?'

I look back to him, I broke, simply broke. I finally felt what love truly feels like just to have it taken away from me. I will never be the same.

Edmund chapped on Edward's door after seeing Elizabeth.

Edward of Shetland wrote:

I look back to him, I broke, simply broke. I finally felt what love truly feels like just to have it taken away from me. I will never be the same.

I slowly nodded as I took in his emotion and knew I couldn't really muster the same feeling. 'But, you must look at it from her point of view. The princess was trying not to get hurt, or at least not to get hurt worse than she already was,' I spoke softly. 'But now I fear her heartbreak has led to recklessness, and she might be anywhere, in danger...' I broke off as I heard a knock at the study door wondering if Edward would want another visitor.

I turn my attention to my desk and the documents uponnit. Slowly I pick them up and begin to read the frayed pages. It is true! I was to marry this woman I dont know. I look up at her and beginto wonder.

Why was I never informed of this before? Dont you think that I should have known? I continue tomlook at her. Just sitting here, I believe that I have found her to be a rather cold person. I was supposed to marry her?

I take a deep breath, attempting to calm down. I sink completely into my chair, no believing what I have been hearing. What are we to do about it this then Your Grace? I stare up to the ceiling..

You wish to carry out the whole marriage idea? I look to her in almost shear terror. I have lost two wives already...

I cannot help but to shake my head, How could you displease me when I dont even know you. I have now lost two wives. Oh wow. I look back up to the ceiling...

I sit in my study....alone. My wife is gone, my brother is at court, and all I have is my daughter Mary. My life needs to hurry up and be happy again.

Mary's little voice breaks up my thoughts. I smiling, immediately rising out of my chair and rush to Mary, picking her up. Oh my Mary. How is PaPa's little girl?

She is all I have left in this world. My eyes begin to well up, filling with tears as memories ofCordelia and our deceased son. Mary's ppresence reminds me of the good in the world. I look up to Elizabeth, How have you been Elizabeth?