Victoria of Cambridge
February 1st, 1518
I stepped out of my living quarters with Emilia walking on the side of me. I nodded politely to all those who bowed to me. I have been at court for over two weeks now and I never wanted to leave.
"Vicky." A voice called out and I turned around and saw Henry.
"Your Majesty," I said with a slight smile as I bowed to him. When I stood up he took my hand in his and kissed it.
"You look lovely today." He said and I smiled as we began walking through the courtyard. For the past two weeks at court I have taken daily walks with Henry and he has made sure my father brought me along to one meeting a day.
"I heard from one of the guards the Queen is in labor," I said and I watched as Henry smiled.
"Yes, she is. I had just come from visiting her when I saw you walking with your lady." He said and I nodded.
"Yes, Your Majesty this is my head lady Emilia," I said and Emilia bowed her head. Henry nodded at her before we continued our walk before we got to a bench in the middle. Henry sat down first before patting the spot next to him.
"What do you think is the Queen is having?" I asked as I held onto my cloak Emilia handed me.
"I do hope it is a boy. England does need a Prince of Wales." He said and I smiled.
"With every good King by his side is a Great Queen," I said and Henry smiled softly at me.
"I remember your father saying to me your birthday is this month," Henry began and I nodded as I watched the children walk by.
"My birthday is the fourteenth. I was born on St. Valentine's Day." I stated with a smile.
"We must celebrate it properly then. You should come to dine with me alone. I do sometimes get tired of the feast every night." He said and I smiled softly.
"I would love that Your Majesty," I said and Henry shook his head.
"I have told you numerous of times Victoria. You may call me Henry." He said and I raised an eyebrow softly.
"You call Vicky which is a childhood name I have. Did anyone ever call you Harry?" I asked and he smiled softly.
"My mother did. When I was around Mary's age." He said with a smile.
"May I call you Harry?" I asked and he nodded before we turned and saw one of the physicians and two ladies walking towards us. I looked at Henry who took a deep breath and stood up.
"Your Majesty, Queen Catherine has delivered a beautiful baby girl." The physician said and I turned to Henry who looked angry.
"But?" He asked and the physician shared a look with one of the ladies.
"The baby is very sick Your Majesty. She was not due until the end of the month. We do not believe she will survive the night." She said and I stood up and stepped in front of Henry as if to protect him.
"Enough. He has heard enough." I said and the two bowed before walking away. I turned to Henry who looked as if was in tears.
"You have to go to Cathrine. You need to be beside her." I whispered as I stood in front of him.
"I cannot go to her again. I cannot comfort her while another of my child dies." He said and I shook my head.
"Henry you must. She is your wife. If it will help I will go with you." I said and Henry stared at me and my heart broke as I saw tears in his eyes.
"Will you please?" He asked and I nodded before I let him lead me to Queens chambers. When we walked inside everyone bowed low to Henry and I pressed my hand gently against his back to push him to the bedchamber.
"Your Majesty," I whispered as I bowed to her.
"Henry." I heard her whisper and my heart broke at her weak voice. I stood up and one of the wetnurses handed Henry a baby so tightly wrapped up but she still shook.
"Isabel. Her name is Isabel." Catherine said and Henry nodded. He looked down at the little girl and I wanted to cry,
"She is beautiful Catherine," I said as I took the little baby out of Henry's arm.
"Are we going to christen her?"
"No, no point. She'll die soon." Henry said and my head snapped to him.
"Henry," I whispered and he shook his head as he turned to Cathrine.
"No more. I will not get my heart broken each time you get pregnant and my child dies." He said and I looked down at Isabel who was struggling to catch her breath.
"We will try no more," Henry stated firmly before he took the child out of my arms and kissed her forehead before handing her to Catherine and leaving.
I stared at the Queen and watched as she sobbed before I ran after Henry.
"Henry! Henry wait!" I called out as I pushed past Charles who ran after us.
"Henry! Henry!" I said as we got to his office and he let me in before slamming the door shut.
"Henry, I am so sorry." I whispered as he fell to his knees before me. I stepped towards him and let him wrap his arms around me.
"I have lost six children and only Mary lived yet she gets sick so quickly. I need an heir, Vicky." He said and I smiled.
"You will have an heir, Harry. You must not lose faith." I whispered as I knelt in front of him.
I watched as he scanned over my face as if he was trying to find any proof of me lying. He leaned towards me and I wanted to lean back but instead, I leaned forward.
His warm lips touched mine and I tried my hardest to hold back a moan. I wrapped my arms around Henry's neck and he lifted me up and placed me gently on the desk.
He pulled away from me and I stared at him for a moment trying to catch my breath.
"Be mine." He said and I raised an eyebrow before laughing.
"You have a wife if I remember." I began before shaking my head.
"You want me as a mistress." I whispered and Henry shook his head.
"You will be a Queen in all but the crown. Catherine cannot give me an heir but you could."
"He would be a bastard! No one will accept a bastard, King!" I yelled and he glared at me before stepping closer.
"Tell me you did not feel what I felt when we kissed Victoria. Tell me and I will leave you alone." He said and I shook my head and turned away. Before Henry could say anything someone knocked on the door.
"Come in," Henry called out and in came Cromley.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness." He said as he bowed to the two of us.
"What is it, Cromley?" Henry asked and I watched as Cromley stared at me.
"Bessie has given birth Your Majesty. You have a son." He said and I let out a laugh as I climbed off the table and fixed myself.
"Well, there you go Your Majesty. You do not need me anymore as it seems you already have a son and you don't need me." I said before I bowed my head and walked past them towards where I live.
"Victoria! Victoria please!" I heard Henry yell out but I started running before my father walked out and caught me.
"Vicky? Vicky my darling what's wrong?" He asked as I held tightly to him and started crying.
"I want to go home. I do not want to be here." I cried out and father held me as he turned and walked inside.
"Talk to me." He whispered as we sat on the couch.
"He wanted me a mistress to give him an heir. But Cromley came in and told him a woman named Bessie gave birth and he has a son." I whispered and father sighed as he held me close.
"If you want to go home, Jonathan is there you may go." He said and I sighed in relief.
"He broke my heart today Papa."