Alfonsina Garcia's Bedroom

She smiled weakly and squeezed his hand.

"I love you , too my one and only.. I want you to be sure about Thomas. If he is being taking care perfectly or not.. I think I can't see him until I get better."

Edward nodded and rubbed his eyes,"He is thriving and my mother is supervising his care while she is at court and when winter comes he will go to the country."

Edward touched her warm face,"If I could take this away I would. I would die a thousand times over if meant you had no pain."

She watched his face. How handsome he was.. She couldn't think a moment which she lost him or left him. But this disease.. She didn't know what this illness would bring.. She smiled after his words.

"I know.. But if something bad happens.. You have to promise me that you will be happy the rest of your life with Thomas.. Love him so much that everbody watches you two with jeaolus but you won't get any harm."

Edward cleared his throat and said firmly,"No. No you won't leave me."

His voice broke and he tried to be strong-his beautiful now lay as pale as the moon and yet she had a fever that was as warm as the sun of a summers day,"I will love and protect him forever but you need to be here for him-he needs his mother...and I need my wife."

After last words of him , her eyes were full of tears. Then she nodded.

"I know I know.. And I will do my best not to leave you.."

Edward nodded his head and kissed her lips gently,"Can I fetch you anything to make you feel better?"

"Water.."

She barely talk because her throat was dry.

Edward nodded and walked to the small jug of water and poured it into a glass. He then returned to Alfonsina and handed her the cup,"Here you go,"he whispered softly.

She took the cup , carried it towards her pale lips. Then she took a sip from water. But her stomach didn't want even water , she started to vomit.

Edward grimaced as she began to be sick-it was like the start of their marriage again when she poorly...maybe she would not be so strong this time.

Edward grabbed a bowl from the room and offered it to Alfonsina. He held back her hair and gently hushed her to try comfort her.

As Edward gave a bowl to vomit , she used it. While her vomit was finishing , she saw a little blood in bowl. Then she picked a swab from the table which was near the bed and cleaned her mouth. Then she turned to Edward.

"I am so sorry.. I know it's very disgusting."

Edward shook his head,"Hush it is alright-don't apologise..."

He took the bowl away from her and sat beside her again. He kissed her forehead and smile weakly...

She turned her back to Edward and started to cry silently.

"I don't want you to see me like this. From the beginning of our marriage , I kept on being ill all the time. I couldn't even make you happy."

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Edward held her close, holding her head to his chest and wrapping his strong arms round her,"No, no. You have made me very happy -my love- you love me in return, you gave me a son...don't apologise."

She cleaned her tears and smiled weakly.

"You are the best husband in the world , do you know that? I am very lucky to have you. I pray to God that you are mine."

Edward laughed softly and kissed her hair,"You are the best wife-it is I who is the lucky one,"he paused and whispered,"I think you should sleep now though-the physician was right...you need rest."

She smiled weakly and nodded.

"Okay I will sleep then my love.."

She fell asleep as soon as she closed her eyes.

Edward carefully laid Alfonsina's head on her pillow and walked quietly to the door-he beckoned a servant forward to dispose of the vomit. At that he wrote Alfonsina a note...

My love, I have gone to see our son and will return to you soon. Be safe. I love you.

"Charles was walking along corridor, thinking about his meeting with Norfolk. He surely talked with King about Wolsey. Suddenly he noticed the physician coming out from Alfonsina's room. He frowned, wondering what was wrong. She gave birth since days...so she should be alright. Although, he felt worried and decided to knock at her door"

Alfonsina...may I come in? It's me...Charles...

She was sleeping when she heard a knock on the door. She opened her eyes slowly. She still had fever and she was still feeling the pain in her body. Before she answered the door , she saw a blood stain on her pillow. She turned the pillow face down and spoke.

"Come in please.."

"Charles opened slowly the door and walked inside room. He saw Alfonsina lying on her bed. Her face was terribly pale and she was staring at him with empty eyes. Scared, he ran towards bed and sat on it, next to her"

Alfonsina...how do you feel? I saw the physician coming out. I...I'm so worried for you. What's wrong, my dear?

"He asked worriedly, rubbing softly her cheek"

She smiled as much as she could when she Charles.

"Charles.. It's good to see you.."

Then she answered his questions.

"I don't feel very well Charles.. The physician says it is puerperal fever."

"Charles frowned. He closed his eyes for a while and suddenly he reminded Margaret's last days. He shook fastly his head and tried to smile"

Puerperal fever? Oh...I know it's very common after giving birth. Anna had the same fever after giving birth little Jane. You will be well again, Alfonsina. Don't worry...

"He said holding her hand, hoping to reassure her"

She smiled to him softly.

"Thank you for your support Charles.. It means a lot to me , you know.."

Then her smiled disappeared.

"What about you? How have you bee recently?"

"Charles sighed and nodded slowly"

I'm better...Of course I miss her. But I know I have to be strong. I'll never forget her...

"He paused for a while, before adding"

Rather...what can I do for you? Would you like some water? Or maybe another pillow?

"He asked, wishing strongly to help her"