Wolsey's reception room

He still observed her, she was still a child but a precocious child, she inherited the stubbornness from both her parents and the modesty of her mother. She would not give up on her question and he sighed deeply, rubbing his chin.

'I still think it's better for your mother to tell you about her...' he broke off, frowning deeply. Henry would never tell her and Katherine would probably be embarrassed when asked about her stepdaughter.
He remembered earlier times, happy times when they were all like a family, Henry was his closest friend and Katherine accepted him, they worked all together peacefully and between all sadness because of the many miscarriages there was happiness when Mary was born. She was adored by both her parents and even though she had a strict upbringing, she was surrounded by love, untill things changed because Henry wished a male heir.

He woke up from his thoughts when she took a sip from the fruit juice and asked him what it was, smiling weakly.
'Ahh, I am glad you like it, it's a mixture from fresh oranges with pineapples from the New World, only recently brought to us by the Portugese...'

Listening at her words about being at court again he nodded in understanding.
'I am pleased to hear this, Your Highness.... most pleased.' He was silent for a while, reflecting, then suddenly raised his eyes to her.

'Your Highness.... my child, do you remember little Henry Fitzroy? He passed away three years ago, around the time you got your title Princess of Wales and the corresponding household at Ludlow Castle.' He paused for a while and added.
'You were present when your father bestowed the title Duke of Richmond on him...'

Mary frowned and concluded that The Cardinal Wolsey would not yield. Still Mistress Cordelia ,who received such love from her mother, remained shrouded in secrecy. A misty veil hung around her- hiding who she really was. Instead of being deterred by The Cardinal's obvious reluctance to talk about Cordelia-Princess Mary was only more provoked and intrigued to discover more.

"Then I shall ask my mother,"she mumbled, frowning and sipping on the juice which seemed to have lost its taste. She was frustrated-again because of her youth she was not permitted to know yet another thing which seemed important. Her father's 'great matter' which everyone whispered about and now Mistress Cordelia. Mary's mood quickly grew sour-her fathers daughter, she had inherited his fickle moods and sharp temper.

Mary noticed the Cardinal observe her, almost as he was was painted her for an official portrait. She looked down, self conscious under his gaze,"The drink is very fine…I have not tasted such a thing like it,"she replied, her small finger running around the rim of the goblet as she spoke.

As he began to think of Henry Fitzroy she glanced up. She recalled her mother being displeased about Henry Fitzroy's title,"I do recall him. May I ask why, Your Eminence?"

He nodded approvingly when she seemed to give up and mumbled she would ask her mother, but when he noticed the expressions on her face, he sighed deeply, stood up and walked to the window, staring outside for a while.

She had been away for several years, safely accomodated in Ludlow Castle, far away from courtlife and its intrigues. Reunited with her mother as the sweating disease broke out, she was back at court now, three years later, with a Governess to take care of her, with tutors to teach her, but no one to protect her against the court gossips and the curiosity of her own youth.

His hands gripped the windowsill as he realized that it was a matter of time before she would discover the truth about Cordelia and he felt sorry for her, the only legitimate child of a fighting royal couple, left in guessing, but also an easy prey for predators.

When she spoke again and told him she recalled little Henry, he bited his lips and turned around, smiling weakly while he approached her and he took one of her hands firmly in his as he kneeled before her to be at the same height.

'You were very fond of him.... you used to play with him. He.... he was your half-brother, Your Highness!'
He took a deep breath and added.
'And Cordelia, or better said: Princess Cordelia is your half-sister...'

The Princess tilted her head as The Cardinal stared out the window. He looked at the droughty glass blankly with a knowledge and wisdom far greater than hers- yet his eyes were distant and dull. They had lost their colour and she couldn't be sure if he was looking at the gardens below at all.

It was not just Mary who noticed the change in The Cardinal Wolsey these passing months. With every day speculation over his health and work load grew-members of The King's Privy Council commented on the vast amount of paper work, audiences and biddings on her fathers behalf The Cardinal was appointed to carry out.

She took a gulp of the juice, enjoying it thoroughly. As The Cardinal approached her again she bowed her head-a sign of respect. She was well taught on proper conduct however some times her knowledge failed her and she acted like any child would. Forgetting all decorum and civility. She placed her small hand in his-she daren't remove it. As he kneeled in front of her she looked up.

As he spoke she listened intently and remarked,"He was the sweetest, kindest child…"

She flinched when he reminded her that they were indeed brother and sister. Her mother she recalled felt betrayed that her father had bestowed such gifts upon an illegitimate child-Mary was protected at all costs from seeing her mothers anguish…but there are many corners in which one can lurk in court and eavesdrop upon conversations. Mary knew such corners well...

Mary blanched after his final words. A rush of anger and sorrow poured through her-her sister! She knew this great secret and did not tell her! What's more her mother accepted this illegitimate chid!

"No. My mother…Her Majesty would never…,"Mary paused and placed the goblet on the desk, it landed with a thud and she carefully and gently as she could slipped her hand from The Cardinal's increasingly tight grip.

"A princess? No…she must lie. Do you believe her claims?"she whispered-her voice cracking from the crystal ears in her eyes.

`He was a very sweet child indeed...´ he smiled weakly as he noticed she remembered her little half-brother well, even though her mother had suffered by the many gifts Henry had given him, she never prevented Mary to see him and play with him as the king pleased.

He held her hand tightly while she blanched and gasped after his words, unveiling Cordelia's true identity. As she put her goblet on the table he rolled his eyes and sighed deeply. He never really understood why Katherine had accepted Cordelia as stepdaughter.

She pulled her hand back and he let go, though he still kneeled before her.
'It's not for me to believe her or not...' he spoke careful and shrugged.
'... but the fact is that your father has acknowledged her. She was raised far away from court and only recently invitated to come here.' He smiled reassuringly at her.
'Henry Fitzroy and Cordelia are the only two acknowledged by your father, acknowledged, not legitimated!'

Mary smiled fondly as she thought of the little boy. She was young...and younger still when Henry Fitzroy was alive. They were children and children with heart-who knew nothing of the world or of life. They were brother and sister and yet perfect strangers. The Princess did not know that he was her brother...until his untimely death. Mary could not resent Henry-he had barely began to walk when he was pushed down again by the sweat and never rose. Henry was kind, polite and precocious- like Mary. Cordelia however was deceptive and a lier-she taunted the fact she was family.

"Your Eminence I know very well that you are in a high position and must try to serve my father as best you can however I ask you-as a god daughter to a godfather...do you truly believe this...girl-is my fathers daughter?"

Mary frowned-why has she come back? Why could she not stay away? Mary scowled,"Why is she now invited back? Are they to install her into the line of succession..."

He smiled noticing the smile on her face. She obviously remembered little Henry well, they were really fond of eachother and she was very sweet to him. He adored his older half-sister and king Henry, eager to have a male heir to his still unsteady throne, already spoke about a marriage between them both to secure his kingdom.

She frowned and he sighed deeply. Cordelia was a whole different story...
With difficulty he stood up and sat down again, rubbing his chin while he felt the familiair pain in his stomach coming up again.
'My child! Many women came to me in all these years to tell me they expected Henry's child... it is almost impossible to tell whether they lied or not! Your father gave me instructions to send them all away, sometimes he gave them the means to raise their child... it could be seen as a kind of charity.'

He frowned deeply and looked apologetically at her.
'She is his daughter, my child....'he spoke softly and took a deep breath.
'I didn't know of her existence untill she suddenly showed up at court, invited by him.... I don't know why.' He shook his head, the times that Henry told him everything were gone.

'Of course I investigated about her, her mother lives far away and there is no real evidence to find, except the declaration of her mother and the fact that your father personally invited her to come to court. I don't think you have to fear her place into the succession though, ever since she arrived she only.... caused troubles!' He spoke grimm, thinking about the many times he had to deal with her mistakes and prevent her from bringing disgrace to her father's name. It was obviously time to speak to her again and shafe her about her behaviour to this girl, the one and true heir to the English throne.

Mary held her hand against her stomacher-the beads and rough thread pressed against her soft skin as each word came with another blow.

Many women came to me in all these years to tell me they expected Henry's child ... means to raise their child ... kind of charity


Mary stood up holding onto the finely detailed chair,"May I return to my chambers, Your Eminence, please?"

He frowned deeply, thinking of Cordelia and he looked up in surprise as she suddenly stood up and held herself onto the chair. He blinked his eyes as he noticed she didn´t seem well, she was even more pale and held her stomach so he rose quickly from his chair, scolding himself for telling her so much, perhaps too much.

´Your Highness! Of course you may return to your chambers.... are you alright, my child? Is there anything I can do for you? '
While he stared at her with concern, a servant entered and handed him a parchment. He unfolded it to give her time to make up her mind and nodded at the servant.
'Wait... I will answer this in a moment.'

He approached the Prinsess Mary and whispered.
'If you really want to go now, I will walk with you and accompany you to your rooms.'

"No,"she said,"No, thank you, Your Eminence."

She stood up straighter and clasped her hands before her chest. She swept a deep curtsey and kept Her eyes on the Cardinal,"I should make my own way to my chamber but I thank Your Eminence for your...hospitality and honesty..."

He looked at her for a moment and bowed deeply.
'Your highness... you're welcome, there is no reason to thank me. If ever you feel the need, just come to me. And about Cordelia... don't judge her too hard, she is not well-mannered, but in her heart a good person.'

As she assured him she could find her own way to her rooms, he smiled and shook his head.
'No my child, I will not let you go on your own! I understand if you want to go by yourself, but one of my servants will follow you from a distance.'

He gestured and a servant approached, bowing deeply before her and waiting to follow her outside the room.

Mary nods thoughtfully and bobs a curtsey,"As you wish, Your Eminence."

A servant then took her hand at the Cardinal's command and guided her out the room.

He smiled and bowed his head slightly as she left the room, looking thoughtfully after her.
She was obviously shocked to find out about Cordelia, but she had a right to know the truth. Nevertheless it was hard for her to learn she has a half-sister, older than her, here at court.

He sighed and shrugged, the Princess Mary was of weak health though strong-minded. She would find a way to deal with Cordelia and if not, he would interfere on her behalf.

A gentle cough made him turn around and he noticed the servant, still waiting for an answer. Quickly he made his way to his desk, sat down and took a parchment to write the Princess Madeline that she was welcome at any for her convenient time. He handed it over and before the servant bowed and left the room, he already took another parchment from the giant stack of correspondence that needed to be read and answered as soon as possible.

Upon receiving the Cardinal's response, I make my way to his reception rooms. Once there, I am greeted, and announced by his servants. I enter his chambers , to find him standing by his desk. I curtsy to him and smile faintly as he greets me in return.[i]

Your eminence! tis a privilege to see you. AS you know, I have just arrived from my brother , King James' kingdom, for a visit. He sends his regards to you, being a devout catholic himself.

There is a matter I was asked by my brother to verify. I speak of the King's relationship with a certain lady Anne Boleyn and his treatment of her Majesty!

I blush slightly at my words, not knowing how my words would be received[i]

As the servant announces the Princess Madeline, he puts down his quill and stands up immediately.
She enters and he approaches her smiling, bowing deeply.
'Your Highness, I am most pleased to see you in such good health and beauty... I highly appreciate your visit.' While speaking he makes an inviting gesture for her to sit down, but when she starts to speak his smile disappears, he stands behind her as she sits down and slowly walks to his own side of the desk, frowning deeply and biting his lips as long as he is out of her sight.

He sits down and smiles again.
'I thank your brother most hearty for sending his regards to me... it means a lot to me. Is he in good health? Please bring my regards to him as well, as soon as you see him again. Now, about your question on his behalf, I appreciate his concern for Her Majesty but there is no reason for him to worry, Her Majesty is treated with all regards she deserves in her position. But please, let me offer you something to drink, would you like some fresh water, or milk, or juice, I have a delicious orange juice if you'd like to taste it, Your Highness...'

I smile softly as he receives me so gracefully and offers Orange juice. I accept the offer and take the cup, lightly sipping it as we speak. I feel nervous of this delicate subject as I am well aware of the King's temper. I take a deep breath as the Cardinal assures me of her Majesty's well being and manage to get the courage to go on.

I am pleased to hear her Majesty is well treated. However, The queen is the aunt to the Emperor Charles and my brother fears war if he divorces her. Divorce is a grave sin, your Eminence! I do not like to speak of this subject but I am afraid my brother has made me to do it. He believes it to be better received coming from me.

I shake my head softly as I frown, now regretting ever letting my brother talk me into such an impossible task.

As you know, your Eminence, we Stuarts are devout Catholics as his the Holy Roman Emperor. A divorce from the Queen would cause unstable relations with Spain. My brother does not want to be involved in a war with Spain.

He keeps smiling though he raises an eyebrow when she speaks, a little offended because she dares to read him a lesson about sins.
'Your Highness... indeed, divorce is a great sin! It is why our king does not want a divorce, he only wants justice about a marriage which could be regarded as a sin from the very beginning, because he married his brother's wife! We are talking about an annullment here, not about divorce!'

He watches her intently, his hands folded under his chin. So king James sent his sister to speak for him, afraid of their reaction!
'You Stuarts are devout Catholics indeed.... as we are! I can tell you in confidence that a war with the Emperor is not likely!' He stands up, restless and approaches her, his face close to hers.

'Your brother doesn't want unstable relations with Spain then.... now tell me, as a true Christian: who are we to obey, the Pope? Or.... the Emperor?'

I take a deep breath as the Cardinal approaches me, his words stinging as he defines the difference between divorce and annullment. I lower my head, my cheeks flushing, not wishing to offend the Cardinal. i swallow hard as he speaks of my brother's concerns.

Forgive me, your Eminence....I simply relay the concerns my brother harbors. If you say The King's marriage is invalid due to the nature of circumstances, then God truly is the only judge of that, not the Pope nor the Emperor. My brother simply does not wish to choose sides in this matter. He shall only side with God!

I keep my head lowered, not wishing to anger the cardinal. I clasp my hands nervously together, as the Cardinal stands so close to me

He looks sharply at her but his face softens as he notices her embarrassment and he stands upright again, his arms crossed.

'Yes... we all obey to God, of course we do!' He slowly walks back to his seat but doesn't sit down.
'I am sure you agree with me though that the Pope is God's representative on earth... and not the Emperor!
And your brother can't deny that the Emperor is threatening the survival of the Catholic Church by the way he acts, so he'd better stick to his ally with the French, who is our ally as well!'

I raise my eyes to look at him, irritated at my brother for putting me is such a position, where I have been shielded from politics most of my young life. I take a deep breath and carefully consider the cardinal's words. I slowly nod my head , without really understanding the extent of the matter.

Your Eminence, while I do agree that the Holy Father is God's representative on earth, I cannot say my brother feels the same of the Emperor. What I mean to say is that should the Emperor decide to break alliance or to move against England on this or any matter, my brother will not be supporting anything he believes to be sinful in the eyes of God.

I lower my eyes again and speak softly

I love his Majesty! He is my cousin and I have most respect for him. My brother is more difficult to deal with. i was sent here to learn the ways of the English court but not if sinful ways are practiced. That is what I was told by my brother, your Eminence!

He smiles scornful and thinks quickly. So the Scottish King sends his sister to make clear to them that England can't count on his help in any matter! Well, he knew he could not count on him, why should Scotland help England, while the English crown was there to pick up easily as soon as Henry would die without a male heir?
He sigh, bites his lips and turns his eyes to her again.

'Your brother is right, he should never act against God's wishes, as we do here! You can assure him that England, as always, wants peace between all countries. But peace is only possible if everyone cooperates and no country overrules another country... or religion! If the Emperor will conquer all European countries, your brother should think if he still wants to be aloof, because I think we can't allow all Christians in Europe to obey only to the Emperor instead of to their Holy Father, the Pope!'

Good Morning your Grace,
it is a lovely day, are you well ? have you seen his majesty ?

He frowns at the interruption, smiles as he notices the Countess and shakes his head.
´Good day to you as well, my lady... and no, I have not seen him today. Now if you excuse me, I am in the middle of a conversation, I ´d like to talk to you another time.´
He nods friendly and waits for her to leave the room, then looks at the Princess again.
´I apologize for the interruption, I guess my servants did not stop her in time... ´ One of them enters, bowing deeply and humbly, he walks over to him and talks quietly with him, then waits for him to leave as well and walks back to his chair.
´Again my excuses, it won´t happen again!´ He smiles friendly.

I frown as I look down, still clasping my hands together, intimidated by the Cardinal's presence. I swallow hard as he speaks, wishing Royce was here, as he was always protective.

Your Eminence.....I agree. I know not exactly what my brother's thoughts are but please keep in in mind, he is but a young King and he follows mostly his advisors' words.