Chapter 9

                                    

                                          
That evening, Elizabeth stood in her chambers as her ladies and Lady Bryan helped her get ready. A knock sounded on the doors and Lady Bryan went to answer the doors. One of Elizabeth's guards bowed to the governess and said to her, "Letters from Her Royal Highness's parents and beloved sister to Her Royal Highness, Lady Bryan." Lady Bryan took the three letters and replied, curtsying to the guard, "Thank you, milord." Lady Bryan closed the doors and turned back to her charge. She curtsied to the princess and handed the girl the letters. Elizabeth first took the letter from her mother. 
My most dearest Elizabeth, 
I hope you have faired well on your journey to France. Your presence is well missed back here in the English court. Not only by myself but by your father and others. I must express this to you for the near future, my letters are being opened by the Cardinal and I am sure that he will open and read your response. I am sure that you are aware of your father has taken in another mistress and intends to make her the next Queen of England and to divorce me. I beseech you on my behalf to not heed the poison this woman will speak to you and to your father. I can only worry what damage she will do to not only yourself but to your poor sister, Mary. Mary has been sent to another estate, far beyond my reach, as you have been sent to France. Another matter, your beloved father has given his bastard son, Henry Fitzroy, a title of a Duke, placing you, your father's heiress, below him. I hope that you will do whatever you can in France to keep that boy from taking what is rightfully yours. Also, while you are in France, I entrust that you shall continue your studies and make some new friends amongst the French court. I await your response. 
With all my love, 
Your mother, Queen Catherine of England. 
After the girl read her mother's letter, she was fuming to hear what her father and his mistress has done to her mother. She gave the letter back to her governess and took the letter from her father.
My precious jewel, 
I hope your journey to France went well. I can't express how much I have missed your and your sister's presences here at court. The duties of being King are a daily occurrence. Your godfather, Sir Thomas More, has expressed to me how well you were going in your lessons before your departure for France. I am very proud of your achievements. Though, that aside, I do wish to express my disappointment with your welcome to Anne. Anne has told me of how you expressed your feelings to her with such sadness. I do wish that you could bring her into your good graces for it would bring me so much happiness and pride. I await your response, my darling daughter. 
With all of my love,
 Your beloved father, King Henry VIII of England.
After reading her father's letter, Elizabeth couldn't help but feel furious with his letter. When she took her sister's letter, she hoped this one will bring more happiness rather than sadness and disappointment. 
My most beloved sister, 
I am sure you have already received Mother and Father's letters. So, I will have you know that I have no intentions to repeat what they have said or anything else. I wish to express to you how much I have missed you. I miss those days where it was just you and I, just running around the court, making mischief. I am sure you would want to hear the news from court. Father has been parading and praising that harlot in court and in front of Mother. It seems that he intends to make her Queen. I also wish to tell you that I have heard what you had said to Mistress Boleyn from the rumors at court. I applaud you for keeping such dignity in saying so. As for your visit in France, send my regards to the French royal family. I hope you stay well and continue doing your biddings. 
Your ever loving sister, 
Mary Tudor, Princess of England. 
Elizabeth smiled after reading her letter from her sister. Finally, a letter that doesn't have any disappointment or displeasure or sadness. She turned to her governess to hand her the letters and noticed another letter. She said, pointing at the closed envelope, "Lady Bryan, who is that from?" Lady Bryan replied, "I wasn't told, Your Royal Highness." Elizabeth sighed and said, "I do hope that it is not from Aunt Margret, telling me the same thing as Mother and Father." Elizabeth took the letter and opened it. 
Your Most Gracious Royal Highness,
I do hope you find your stay in France quite enjoyable as I did when I came to France, when I myself was your age. I must confess that this is not the reason why I am writing this letter. I'm only asking for support for the Great Matter and I was hoping you could convince your mother that it is her time to back down and say the truth. As for a reward, I will welcome you to court with open arms and love as your future stepmother. I only wish for you to welcome me back in your good graces. I will also do what I can to help keep your rightful title as Princess of Wales, befitting your station.
Your loving servant,
Lady Anne Boleyn.
To say that Elizabeth was furious was an understatement. Lady Bryan watched with shock as the princess crumbled the letter up and threw it in the fireplace. Elizabeth turned to her governess and ladies and said to them, "No one must ever speak of what has happened of the letter or what I have said. Is that understood?" Her ladies and governess all curtsied to her, responding with 'Yes, Your Highness.' Another knock on the door sounded and one of Elizabeth's guards said, "They're ready for you, Your Highness." Elizabeth took one more glance at the mirror then turned to Lady Bryan. She said, with a smile, "Let's get this show on the road, shall we?" With that, the doors opened and Elizabeth walked out of the chambers, followed by her ladies and guards.