It has been a long time since Elizabeth had set foot on English soil. And to say that she was happy to back home was an understatement. She was thrilled and ecstatic to be back where she belonged and out of harms way. Now, being sixteen, Elizabeth has grown up from the young girl she once was and into a young woman. The sound of someone calling her name interrupted the teenage girl's thoughts. She turned to see the Duke Sullfok coming towards her and smiled. Charles smiled at his friend's daughter, now niece, and said to her, bowing to her, "Your Royal Highness, may I say that it is so good to have you back in England?" Elizabeth curtsied to the Duke and replied, as Charles kissed her hand, "It is good to be back, my dear uncle. Tell me, how fairs my Lord father and Lady mother? And my dear sister?" Charles said, standing from his bow, "I believe you will find out in due time, with all due respect. His Majesty and Her Majesty are very excited to welcome you back home." Charles escorted Elizabeth to a carriage where he helped her into the carriage and soon joined her. Elizabeth's ladies and guards were already back at court, having to join the French royal family. Elizabeth said to Charles, "What of the French royal family, Uncle? Have they been escorted to court safely?" Charles replied, "Yes, they have. Your mother has made sure that they were given the best care possible. Queen Claude is most grateful for your kindness and generosity. Prince James wishes to have an audience with you upon your return." Elizabeth said, smiling, "That is good. He shall have an audience once I have settled back into court. I'm sure that my parents will want an audience first. *Her smile turned into a frown* Has there been any news concerning my father's Great Matter?" Charles sighed and said, "Your father is doing all that he can to get the Pope and your mother to acknowledge that his marriage to your mother was invalid and her marriage to your father's brother was consummated. Your mother being your mother has not backed down."
Before Elizabeth could reply, the escort party had arrived at court. She was soon escorted to the throne room. The horns sounded the princess' arrival and the herald announced, "Her Royal Highness, the Princess Elizabeth of Wales and England!" Henry turned from making glances at Anne and turned to see his now eldest teenage daughter coming through the entrance. Elizabeth walked into the court with grace and dignity, her head held high. She stopped in front of her parents and curtsied low to the ground. She said, "Your Most Gracious Majesties." Catherine smiled with happiness and pride, glad to see her daughter back in court. Henry grinned and said, standing from his throne, "My dearest Elizabeth, my precious jewel. *He made his way over to the girl and helped her from the floor* Welcome home." The courtiers applauded, glad to see their princess well and back to the place she belonged. Henry turned his attention to his daughter and said, "Come with me." Elizabeth did as she was told and followed her father into his chambers. Once the door was closed, Henry turned and smiled. He opened his arms for his daughter and Elizabeth ran into her father's arms. She said to him, "Oh, Papa. I was so frightened when the Emperor invaded France. I thought I was never going to return." Henry replied, urging his daughter to sit down, "What happened, Elizabeth?"
Two years ago, in France, Elizabeth was in the gardens with James. They were walking down the path then paused when they heard the sound of shouting and screams. Two guards, two of Elizabeth's guards, came running to the young teenagers. One of them said to the royal couple, "Your Highnesses, we must get you to safety, quickly." James glanced at Elizabeth, worriedly, and replied, as they were ushered back into the castle, "What's going on?" The other guard said, "France is being invaded by the Germans and Spaniards, all led by the Holy Roman Emperor. He has captured your father, Your Grace. Elizabeth replied, "What of Queen Claude and the others?" The guard said, "You will join them in the Queen's chambers, Your Royal Highness." However, before the group ever got to the Queen's chambers, a group of Charles' guards had stopped them and caught Elizabeth. James shouted, "No!! Elizabeth!" Elizabeth shouted, "Go on, James! I promise, I'll be fine! Go! Sir Samuel, Sir Lionel! Get him to safety, now!" The two guards bowed their head and took the protesting prince with them, escaping death. Elizabeth was escorted to the throne room where she found her cousin in conversation with one of his council members. Elizabeth said, furious, "What is the meaning of this, Charles?!?!" Charles turned and smirked at his young cousin. He replied, "Why, to expand Spain's boarders, of course, my dear cousin." Elizabeth glared at her cousin and said, moving forward but was stopped by the guards, "You have no right to call me cousin, Charles. You have just made an enemy of me. My mother will be furious when she finds out her twin daughter has been captured by her nephew." Charles said, coming up to the girl, "You should be thankful, Your Highness, for I am going to spare you. For you are family." Elizabeth replied, "And if I wasn't family? You would've been a coward and killed me, wouldn't you? You will never find an alliance with me when I become Queen of England, Charles. Be rest assured."
Henry sat in shock when his daughter told him what had happened. He was proud that Elizabeth stood up to Charles. He said to the teenager, placing his hand on the girl's hand, "You must know that I am very proud of you for standing up to the Emperor. I am very happy to have you back home." Elizabeth replied, "Thank you, Papa. As am I. There is something I think you should know." Henry stares at his daughter in concern but nodded, allowing her to continue. Elizabeth smiled slightly and said, "I think that I am in love with Prince James." Henry sighed and replied, "And has he confessed his feelings for you?" Elizabeth shaked her head and said, "I am unsure if he has or has not. I do know that he doesn't know about my feelings for him." Henry replied, "If he does and you wish for the relationship to continue on, I do give you my blessing. You must be careful though, my darling, for love can be a dangerous thing." Elizabeth nodded and said, "Yes, I understand, Papa. And thank you." Henry smiled and replied, "Anything for my daughter, sweetheart." Elizabeth smiled at her father and said to him, "By Your Majesty's leave, I shall go and have an audience with my mother and my beloved sister. Then, I shall get settled and prepare for the festivities." Henry nodded and replied, before kissing his daughter's forehead, "You are dismissed."