Princess Madeline's bedchamber

When she opened the door I saw anguish in her face, I was very concerned. I walked over to the sofa and tried to prepare myself for what she was about to tell me.

"Madeline, your making me very nervous. What is it?" I said looking at her questionably.

I swallow hard as I am unable to look him in the eyes. I nervously place a hand on my stomach then began to tremble lightly. I feared my brothers' reactions....especially James.

I...I am with ....child!

having spoken those dreadful words, I prepare myself for the reaction I feared...anger and yelling.

As I hear those words leave her mouth, my anguish turns into anger.

"MADELINE!! how could you behave so foolishly?!" I say angered, and then nod my head. "Don't you realize who you are? This is going to bring so much more attention to the family." I said as I poured me a goblet of wine to calm my nerves. I then looked at her and her belly. "Tell me, who is this man who has fathered your child? Does he least come from well breeding?" I asked hoping she didn't just lay with some commoner.

I burst into tears and lower my eyes , my hands clasped tightly together in the front. I hiccup between sobs and manage to speak. I knew the identity of my bastard child's father would anger him more.

He...he is best friend to King Henry. His name is Anthony Knivert.

I wipe my eyes and my nose as I still look away from my brother. I have shamed my family, the Stuart family.

"Knivert, I've heard of this man. He's just another social climber just like all the others." I put my hand on my forehead. "I want to meet this man....Bring him to me." I said as gave her my kerchief. I hated to see her cry she was my little sister and all I wanted to do was protect her.

I took his handkerchief and dabbed my eyes as Inod my head in shame. My eyes are red and puffy and I hope William will not be too harsh on Anthony. Blaming myself, i would never forgive myself if anything were to happen to him, thinking I was in love with him.

I will have him brought to you, brother. Please....i beg you. Do not be too harsh on him. I know James will.

I take a deep breath and sigh, "Well the deed has been done there is nothing can do about that. I just know of this man and his promiscuous behavior. I'm sure he has children all over Europe." I said blaming myself particularly because I should have kept a closer eye on her.

"There is no use in prolonging the meeting. Bring this Knivert to me."

I listened as my brother spoke to me. He claims Anthony is promiscuous. He has never been disrespectful toward me. I'm sure he his mistaken . Anthony is not promiscuous. I nod as he asks for him so I send a servant to fetch him

yes, William. A servant has gone to summon him for you. He shall be here shortly.

I received a note summing me to the Princess Madeline's chambers. I was worried so I rushed over right away. When I arrived I was stunned to see her brother William standing there waiting for me. I bowed respectfully.
"Your highness" I said with a lump in my throat knowing I was about to engage in some what of an argument.

When Sir Knivert was announced to the room I looked at him precariously. I never imagined my sister getting involved with such a man. I then looked at Madeline, "Sister, will you excuse us while I speak to this gentleman" I said then directed my attention back to Knivert.

I skipped right to the point, "Tell me Sir Anthony, what are your intentions with my sister?" I asked almost sneering at him.

I could sense the anger Madeline's brother had toward me, although I stood tall and looked him in the the face. I knew I had done wrong and was ready for the consequences.
"Well your highness....I intended to do the right thing and be a father to this child. I also will be at Madeline's side when ever she needs me." I said in a clear and honest voice.

I laughed at his answer, it definitely was not the answer I was looking for. "Your going to be by her side?!" I said questionably
"I'm not going to have my nephew be a bastard!!" I glared at him. "This is what's going to happen, you will marry Madeline and we will forget this mess ever happened." I said and held back the urge to strangle him.

I stepped back when I heard his reply. I was not completely shocked, although I knew I surely not the best suitor for the princess.

"Your highness, you can't possibly choose me to marry your sister. I for one, am not of royal blood and come from a common family. Although, like I said before I shall be a father for this child and be in his life." I said hoping he would agree with me.

I listened to his words and thought about it for a moment. "I have a question for you lord Knivert....do you love my sister?" I I asked wanting to know how he really felt for Madeline.

I was blindsided by his question, it took me a moment to respond. "Yes, I do care for Madeline very much" I said keeping eye contact with him.

I sighed and looked at him in face "That's not what I asked you, I asked you, do you love her? It's a simple question man." I said knowing he was the perfect definition of the kind of men I despised.