~ Samantha
Guest Post by Tony Riches
The final
book in the best-selling historical fiction Tudor Trilogy, this is the story,
based on actual events, of Henry Tudor, who changes the history of England
forever.
Bosworth
1485: After
victory against King Richard III, Henry Tudor becomes King of England. Rebels
and pretenders plot to seize his throne. The barons resent his plans to curb
their power and he wonders who he can trust. He hopes to unite Lancaster and
York through marriage to the beautiful Elizabeth of York.
With help
from his mother, Lady Margaret Beaufort, he learns to keep a fragile peace. He
chooses a Spanish Princess, Catherine of Aragon, as a wife for his son Prince
Arthur. His daughters will marry the King of Scotland and the son of the
Emperor of Rome. It seems his prayers are answered, then disaster strikes and
Henry must ensure the future of the Tudors.
April 1489
Reaching out with slender fingers, the latest gift
from the King of Spain munched at the succulent grape as if it were an apple.
Less than a foot high, with a long, thick tail, the monkey had brown fur except
for a cap of black. It fixed Henry with a pleading stare and held out a hand
for more.
He offered another
grape, which it took and began to suck at the sweet juice. ‘Do you think it has
too-knowing eyes?’ Henry smiled. ‘I feel it can read our thoughts.’
Elizabeth spoke in
a hushed tone, as if frightened of alarming it. ‘Does it have a name?’
‘I thought to call
him Rodrigo,’ Henry laughed at her surprised expression, ‘after our esteemed
ambassador. I wonder if this little monkey has also been sent to spy on us?’
‘Will the
ambassador not be... offended?’
‘He should take it
as a compliment that I consider his name worthy for my new pet.’ Henry gave her
a grin. ‘Others have given us presents of lions, yet I received a monkey as a
gift from his master.’
‘You plan to keep
it in our private apartments?’ Elizabeth frowned with concern as she watched
Henry feed the creature another ripe grape.
‘It amuses me.’ He
grinned at her discomfort.
Elizabeth studied
the thin gold chain which ran from a leather collar around the monkey’s tiny
neck to prevent it escaping. ‘It has sharp little teeth...’
‘I think Rodrigo
is clever enough not to bite the hand that feeds him.’
‘The
ambassador...’ Elizabeth lowered her voice so the ever-present servants could
not overhear. ‘Has he made progress with his negotiations?’
Henry nodded. ‘It
seems we’ve found a suitable princess for our son. I expect a considerable dowry—and
if de Puebla’s word is to be relied on, Princess Catalina is a pretty girl and
bright for her age.’
‘It must be
difficult to be certain.’ Elizabeth looked doubtful. ‘I understand the princess
is only four years old...’
‘Arthur is only
two years old, yet you agree he’s as handsome as his father—and as quick-witted
as his mother?’
Elizabeth smiled
at the thought. ‘Of course, but then as you often remind me, he is a Tudor.’
‘Half Tudor, half
prince of the House of York.’
‘And soon there
might be another...’
Henry embraced
her. ‘Elizabeth!’ He stared into her amber eyes. ‘You are with child again?’
‘God willing.’ She
failed to prevent a giggle at his enthusiasm for the news.
‘I prayed for
God’s blessing upon us yet it seemed to be tempting fate to ask for another
child.’ His face became serious. ‘I haven’t forgotten the toll Arthur’s birth
took on you.’
‘It is a small
enough price to pay.’ A fleeting shadow drifted over her face, the fear of all
parents, then the moment passed.
‘I will pray for
your good health and that this time it goes easier for you. Now we must
celebrate our growing family!’
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