A Frary Tale

What Matters

Kenna was at Henry’s chambers and watching over him sleep. “Kenna?” Henry mumbled. “Good. You’re awake. Do you want me to bring you anything?” “No. But can you ask for Nostradamus?” Kenna nodded and left for Nostradamus.

“Nostradamus. I’m dying right?” Nostradamus was startled. He thought that the King had no idea of his condition. “Yes your grace.” “Is there a cure?” “Not that I know off. You were poisoned by a mixture that is so complicated.” Henry’s face went sad. “Nostradamus, I need you to do something for me.” “Anything my king.” “I know that Kenna is pregnant. I need you to slip in herbs to her food. Herbs that would terminate her pregnancy. I’m dying and I want her to be happy in the future and I don’t want my child to be the cause of her sadness.” Nostradamus just nodded in defeat. Little did Henry know that Catherine was listening at the other side of the door. She knocked. “Henry are you awake?” Catherine said. “Yes. Enter my queen.” He gestured for Nostradamus to leave but Catherine stopped it. “Don’t terminate her pregnancy unless she wanted too.” Catherine said. “Eavesdropping are we?” “Live for a year and claim the child. Please, I’ll claim the child with you if it’s the last thing I would do for you my king.” Catherine teared up. “Oh Catherine.” “Please. She loves you. I can see that.” “I know. But the truth is I’m still in love with you. But fine. If she wants to keep the baby, I’ll try my very best to live for at least a year.” Catherine smiled and Henry called for Kenna. Henry explained to her the plan that Catherine proposes. “Of course I don’t want to kill our baby.” “Oh Kenna. What if I die? A dead king cannot claim a child.” “I don’t need you to claim him. All I want is a part of you.” Kenna said and Henry smiled. He never thought that someone would feel like this toward him. He just smiled . Then they heard the fanfare. “They’re here.” Kenna said. “Who?” “Francis, Mary and the children.” “What? Of course you’d call for them. It was Catherine’s idea wasn’t it?” “Yes.” Henry just smiled. “Help me dress up?” “Alright.” Henry might be poisoned but the poison did not affect his stamina. Well, at least for now.

They all gathered in the great hall to welcome the return of the King and Queen of Scots and their children. “Welcome my children.” Catherine said beaming. “Granmere!!!” The two little royals run towards Catherine hugging her. “Mishoo Granmere.” Anne said kissing Catherine’s cheeks. “Oh don’t I get a hug too.” Henry said then immediately the two run towards him “Granpa!!!” “Mary you look pale.” Catherine said touching Mary’s cheek. “She’s been light headed. Maybe it’s the travel.” Francis said. “Where’s Aylee?” Kenna asked. “Well, her pregnancy got complicated so the midwife advised her to not travel until she gives birth. I told Marcus here he could take the year off but you know him.” Mary said.“I’ll be travelling back and forth and Aylee wouldn’t forgive me if I left you to your work alone.” Marcus said. “Fine.” Mary said then suddenly she went off balance but Francis caught her. “Let’s go to the infirmary now!!! No buts!” Mary nodded as Francis got worried.