Chapter 16: Long live Queen Marina

Hello guys! English, it is not my motherly language, I'm French so I apologize if there are some mistakes. Don't hesitate to tell me where they are so that I can improve.

This is my first full length fiction, with chapters, I hope it will please you. It is a AU where Katherine Howard does not marry Henry and where Cromwell is spared. Instead of Katherine, Henry marries a French noble lady, on the advice of Cromwell.

I hope my little story will please you..

Sincerely

Marina Ka-Fai

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The French Bride

Chapter 16 : Long live Queen Marina

Henry went to see Eric and Ambroise as soon as he heard of Eric's awakening. He found them with his wife. She looked relieved, loving to them. When Eric noticed him, he wanted to bow to him but Henry made him understand that as long as he was unwell, there was no need for it.

' My Lords. I want to assure you that this horrible crime won't stay unpunished. We found the aggressor, he confessed his guilt. He will be executed next week.'

' Thank you, Your Majesty, it is a relief to know that no one will suffer anymore because of this man.'

' Both of you are the most welcome to my court. When you are better, I will present you the members of my family. I hope you will find yourself at ease here.'

Henry left the room, followed by Marina, who whispered a " I'll see you later" to her cousins in french. Once they were out, she asked for details about the aggressor. Her husband explained her everything.

' Mary is our saviour here. If she had not make him talk, we would have never known about this small rebellious faction.' He added

' She did? Oh God... This must have been an awful experience for her.'

' She said that it was her duty to help her stepmother.'

Marina smiled to this. She had to thank Mary and she would find a way.

' Henry. Thank you for what you have done for my cousins.'

Henry kissed her forehead.

' You're welcome Sweetheart, it is only Justice. You look tired, you should rest.'

' I cannot. I'd like to but I cannot. I am the queen of England. I have duties to fulfil. A court to rule. There are certainly plenty of ambassadors eager to have some news.'

' Very well, but do not tire yourself.'

Henry kissed his wife's hand before he went to his office. Marina, as for her, went to the main room where every noble man or woman could wait and hope to have a conversation with a member of the royal family. And, as she had guessed, the room was crowded. The court knew that Eric was out of danger but the shock was huge. She walked through it, talking to every person who wanted to. Eustace Chapuys came to see her, he bowed.

' Your Majesty.'

' Excellency.'

' My master wants to assure you that this event has shocked him as well as every princes in Europe and he gives you his friendship and support.'

' Your master is very generous, I thank him with all my heart.'

' There is something else. My master also thanks you for your actions towards the catholic faction and the monasteries.'

The young queen felt that it was a dangerous thing. She did not want to be involved too much in religious matters, it killed Anne Boleyn.

' Your master, once again, is by far too kind. The decision was made by my husband the king.'

' Indeed but there are rumours. They say that you were the one who suggested this.'

' I only did my duty as a wife who listened to her husband and tried to ease his problem. I would like your master to know something. I am young but willing to dedicate my life to my country. My people is what matter the most for me. So, catholics, protestants, I do not see the difference. My only goal is to help each person in my kingdom. My only desire is a peaceful land for every child God fathered.'

Eustace smiled to this. He let Marina and then, Monsieur Marillac, ambassador from France, came to see her.

' Majesté.'

' Cher Monsieur Marillac! It is so nice for me to see you!'

' His Majesty, King Francis, is horrified by what happened and he wished he could be with you to help and support you.'

' Please, tell my brother that he is still in England since he is always in my heart.'

They spoke a bit then Marina saw far away in the room Anne of Cleves. She loved that German princess. Henry invited her to celebrate Christmas the previous year with them and Marina immediately loved her. She referred to her as her dearest sister-in-law.

' My dear sister! What a nice surprise to see you!'

' Your Majesty! I have heard the terrible new! I came as fast as I could to be by your side, if I can be of help of course. I cannot abandon my gracious queen in such a terrible moment!'

' That's very kind of you, thank you.'

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' A mass shall be celebrated to thank God for sparing Eric de Champagne's life.' Henry announced to Charles.

' How is Lord Eric?' He asked

' His life is out of danger. The one who did it is going to pay the price!'

Henry looked terribly angered. The mere thought of this rebel gave him a terrible need of blood.

' Why did they do it Charles? Why? Isn't Marina the sweetest woman on Earth? Hasn't she done everything she could to please both factions? Isn't she the mother of two beautiful princes? Her tolerance is admirable and yet, they are not satisfied!'

Charles did not answer. He knew that no word could help his king in those moments of anger. He let him speak his mind, it was the only way Henry could ease his pain. A few minutes after, Henry was calmer.

' How is Mary?'

' She is very well, Your Majesty. Still a bit under the shock of what she had witnessed but her health is perfect. My children love her.'

' When will you two have a baby? I can't wait to be a grandfather.'

' I do not desire to force your daughter into something she would not like. If it is her desire to have a child, then, I'll try to make her pregnant. My only true desire is to make her happy.'

' I was right, I could have never chosen someone better than you to watch over the pearl of my world.'

Henry smiled to Charles.

' When Lord Eric is better, there will be Marina's coronation. It will be the most rich and beautiful coronation ever seen. Even in the future, children will say: " Queen Marina of England had the most marvellous coronation in our kingdom's history."'

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Henry made sure that his wife could spend time as much as she liked with her cousins. She was grateful. A week after the event, the aggressor died, booed by peasants.

' How could you do that to the queen?'

' Die, you monster!'

The Earl of Surrey had been asked to witness the moment. He also witnessed how much the people of England loved their queen. When the man died, the crowed shouted:

' Long live the queen! Long live her blessed children!'

He was quite happy to hear that his queen was loved.

' Long live the queen indeed.' He thought

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December 24TH of 1542

Queen Marina's birthday became Queen Marina's day of coronation. She arrived to London by the Tames on a gorgeous replica of the Bucentaur. With their nurses, her babies were with her. The crowd was cheerful, everywhere, she was wished to have a long live, a lot of children. The streets were decorated with colourful banners, children and women wanted to give her flowers. Each smile of hers, each greeting from her caused a wave of applause, of cheers.

' Long live the queen!'

' May God bless you, Your Majesty!'

Marina's stepchildren were in Westminster Abbey. The Archbishop Cranmer made a speech in latin and then, in English, following Marina's request. She wanted the two different factions to be reunited and honoured. Henry let Cranmer crown his wife. It was not like Anne's coronation. When it was Anne, Henry crowned her himself to show that he was the one who gave her power. What he gave, he could have it back. But Marina was different. She was an angel sent by God, therefore, only a servant of God could crown her.

Her cousins were here and they looked so proud of her! Nothing could spoil this happy day. But with Marina around, nothing could go on a normal way. Katherine's waters broke when the new queen arrived at Greenwich castle.

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December 25TH of 1542

Marina and Henry were having breakfast with their children when Thomas Culpepper arrived.

' Well?' Henry asked

' Your Majesty. My wife, Katherine, is safely delivered of two fine daughters named Anne Elizabeth and Henrietta Mary. We named them after the blessed members of your family and after her beloved uncle, the Earl of Surrey.'

Henry looked happy. And he was certain that the earl felt quite honoured.

' How is she?'

' Tired but fine Your Majesty.'

Together, they went to see the new mother and their babies.

' I apologize Your Majesties, I have spoiled the Queen's day...'

' Don't be silly Katherine, the most important thing is that you and your babies are fine. It is a gift from God to thank you for being such a good friend to my wife. It is a divine sign, your daughters will be protected by the Lord himself.'

Katherine smiled to this. Her daughters... The children of her beloved Thomas... Their birth was hard and painful but it was all worth it.

They stayed a bit and then, it was time for the royal family to receive their Christmas gifts. The ceremony last for three hours. A few minutes after the end, Marina went to see Henry.

' I have another gift for you, Husband.'

' You spoil me, sweetheart.'

He hold her tight.

' I am with child again.'