89 Chapter 21: A New Generation

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

Author's note : I have recieved two anonymous reviews and I am unable to answer directly to this person, so here is it.

« I like the historical accuracy. (I DID fact-check this.) »

I realized after writing a few chapters that I put everything a year later than it truly is ( Edward's date of birth, the annulment of AOC's marriage to Henry etc). I tried though to stick as much as possible to History.

« The author's note about the dress being like Ann's is a bit jarring, and rather unnecessary. Fans like yourself will read the descripiton and say to themselves "Like Ann's dress when..." and those who aren't "in the know" wouldn't know which dress you were referring to anyways. Marina seems a little too perfect. I'm hoping that some character flaws develope, or I will have to name her a Mary Sue. A well-written one, but a Mary Sue nonetheless. »

I must admit that at the very beginning of the fiction, Marina seems really too perfect. Thank you for your review and advices. This fiction is the very first fiction with chapters that I write for The Tudors and probably the first one I'll finish after so many chapters. I was kinda a noob when I started writing this.

For all the other reviewers, I thank you with all my heart.

I think that the story will end soon, with this chapter and an epilogue. I try to gather idea for One More chance. And I have an idea for another Tudors' fiction but I have only the beginning and I'm not sure if it would please the readers.

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The French Bride

Chapter 21 : A New Generation

Princess Anne Catherine Jane Tudor was christened on the 16th of August 1543, held by Lady Catherine Parr, under the attentive eyes of Prince Edward. Marina added the names of Mary's mother and of Edward's mother because she wanted equality among all of her stepchildren. True, Anne was her mother's name, it was also Anne of Cleves' name but for many people, Anne was the name of Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth's mother. So, to avoid any problem, the young woman added Catherine for Catherine of Aragon and Jane for Jane Seymour.

' I already loved my sister. But with my mother's name in hers, I love her even more. ' Edward said when he first saw his new sibling.

The baby had clear blue eyes and her hair was red. The little girl received a lot of presents from many countries: Spain, France, Italy...

After the christening, Katherine quickly went to see her mistress, a letter in her hand.

' From the Vatican. ' She said in Marina's ear.

Under the eye of her husband, the young queen slowly opened it and started to read. Her face became suddenly white, making Henry worry.

' Sweetheart? '

' It is from His Holiness himself... The Vicar of Christ. '

' What does the Vicar of Rome want? '

' I am to receive The Golden Rose... '

When Mary heard it, she signed herself and thanked God. Henry read the letter. The Pope, Paul III, wanted to give The Golden Rose to Marina, queen of England, because of all her actions for peace and unity in her realm for catholics who wanted to continue to believe in their faith. Her humanity was recognized and praised.

' I am not sure I deserve it. I did so little! It was my duty, nothing else. There are several kings and queens that deserve it far more than me... ' Marina said, under the shock.

' Your Majesty, if the Pope himself decided that you were worthy of the Rose, then you must accept it. ' Mary told her with a smile

The young woman remaines silent for a few seconds before agreeing with her setpdaughter.

' We should do something to show our gratitude! To thank the Pope, we will go to the North to forgive all the rebels who took part in the pilgrimage of Grace. We shall announce once more that our subjects are free to believe in the old ways if it pleases them as long as they do not try to force people into their faith. ' Henry declared.

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A month later, the royal family was on its way. Even if she was pregnant, Mary wanted to come. Henry thought it was wise, since Mary was loved in the North and for many, she was the symbol of catholisicm. But he was afraid that such a journey would tire her and her child. This was why he insisted on the fact that she should travel in a carriage. Marina was proposed to be in the carriage as well but she politely declined.

' A queen's place is by her king's side. '

' You just had a baby, Sweetheart. '

Seeing her husband so worried, she gave up and accepted. Elizabeth and Edward were with her as well. Lloyd, Henry, Harmony and Anne were to remain in their castle, under the care of Lady Bryan. During the entire journey, the royal family was applaused, people were gathering in line, hoping to see one of the Tudors.

' God bless His Majesty! '

' Long live His Majesty! '

All this love touched Marina deeply. A small smile from one member of her family, a small wave of hand made the people delighted.

' See how much they love us! ' Henry told her while they were resting a bit

' I shall never forget this moment. It would be my greatest unhappiness to let them down. '

The king smiled and kissed her hand.

A few hours later, they reached their destination: Lincoln. The vision of a united family, praying together in the cathedral made a huge impression on the people gathered in this place. After the mass, Henry spoke to the people.

' People of Lincoln. Do I need to remind you that many of you here and about rose up in an unlawful and unnatural rebellion against your king? To whom, by the laws of God, you are bound to obey? Well, today we come here for another reason. Today we come here for a pilgrimage of forgiveness. We are here to forgive all of our subjects for their past sins and disobedience. And since we have seen how much you love us, and seens all of your signs, means and token of loyalty, with a free heart, we forgive you. '

The people applaused Henry, saying "Long live the King", " God bless the King!". Marina looked proudly at her husband. He seemed so regal and more beautiful than ever. Mary seemed relieved for the people of the North. With a huge smile, she joined the crowd in its applause. The speech made a huge impression on Edward and on Elizabeth. They knew that their father was the king of England. They had just witnessed that it was not just a title. Henry rose his hand to ask for silence, he wanted to add something.

' We are also here to tell you one important thing. A thing my precious wife, Queen Marina, made me realize. Faith is important. But the way you show your love to God is a detail to the Lord, as long as he knows that you love him. The way you love God does not matter as long as peace rules the land. We want to assure you that, if you desire to follow the old ways, there will be no persecution against you. You are free to follow them as long as you do not force others to follow them. The way you show your love to God is a personal matter. But we are all one because we love the same Lord. '

The crowd applaused him even more.

' It is your victory, Your Majesty. ' Elizabeth said to her stepmother

' No. It is England's victory. ' Marina replied with a smile

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7th of January 1544

The wailing of a newborn child woke Henry and his wife at dawn. It meant only one thing: Mary was a mother.

' Life has a twisted sense of humour. ' Henry thought

His first grandchild was born the day of the anniversary of his grandmother's death. Marina took it as Catherine's blessing, she was convinced that in Heaven, the queen was watching over her daughter and wanted her to be happy on this day and if she cried, it would be tears of joy and no longer tears of sadness. Charles himself came to tell the good new to the royal couple.

' Congratulations on being a father, Charles! ' The king said

' How is Mary? ' Marina asked

' Mary is very well. And so is our son. '

Henry remained silent for a few seconds.

' I have a grandson? ' He asked with disbelief

' Yes Your Majesty. You are the proud grandfather of a healthy baby boy. ' Charles replied with a smile.

Marina woke gently Elizabeth and Edward, who had been sleeping in the same room, excited to meet their nephew or their niece. The five people went to see the new mother. Mary looked radiant despite being tired. In her arms, there was a small baby with delicate features. Eustace Chapuys was here as well, Charles, on Mary's demand, went to fetch him as well.

' Congratulations Mary! ' Henry said to her, kissing her forehead.

Marina, Elizabeth and Edward congratulated her as well, the two children looking at their nephew.

' He is so tiny! ' Elizabeth said

' I can't wait to be able to play with him! ' Edward added

' Are you still okay with the names we told you about, Father? ' Mary asked

' I am, Sweetheart. '

Looking at her baby with pride, she declared:

' It is my wish that my son bears the name of his godfather, a trusted and cherished friend of mine. Welcome to the world, Eustace Owen Brandon! '

The spanish ambassador could not believe it. His princess wanted to name her baby after him?!

' If it is okay with you, Ambassador. ' Mary added

' Nothing would give me a greater joy. ' Chapuys replied

To be continued