Chapter 331: They Love You

"They love you regardless of their suspicions," she said softly. "Do you understand that? They love you."

Henry gave a quiet, disbelieving breath.

"They do," Livia insisted. "You have been an incredible king. You listen to the common folk. You solve their problems from behind the scenes. You remember petitions other men would burn. You care about the price of grain, the safety of roads. You think no one notices because you do it quietly...They notice. We notice."

"We love you."

he looked helpless before those three words. "Anyone who thinks you would make anything less than a perfect queen should be checked by a physician. Let us concentrate on the wedding... The Archbishop’s men were going to come for you tomorrow morning. That was why I needed to get you out tonight."

"Where will I go?" she asked.

"To the Abbey," Henry said.

Livia nodded slowly. "So I will not see you until the wedding?"

"If you want me to sneak into the Abbey, I will."

She laughed. "I would love to see that,"

"The Archbishop would have a stroke if we were caught."

"That, I would also love to see."

"Bloodthirsty woman."

*****

Lionel stood in the courtyard the next morning, waiting for the king’s intended to come down so she could be escorted to Westminster Abbey. He had made every arrangement necessary for Lady Livia’s safety during her stay at the Abbey. Only men he trusted had been chosen. Men from households without blemish.

He would remain with Livia as much as possible. At all times, if he could. Yet there was the other matter with Stephen, and that required a few hours of absence. He adjusted his gloves and surveyed the guards again. The formation was correct.

The palace doors opened. Livia came out with the king beside her. Mrs Crowe followed behind them.

Livia wore a modest travelling gown, rich enough for her station but sober enough for the Abbey. Her hair was covered properly.

Henry walked beside her. Lionel gave the guards their formation with a sharp gesture, then mounted his horse. The courtyard settled into readiness around them. Henry turned to Livia.

So much had passed between them since the previous night that words seemed too small and too crowded all at once. He had tried to send her away. She had come back. He had confessed what he feared would make her leave. She had stayed.

"You take care of yourself," Livia said.

Henry’s brows lifted slightly. "You have been mothering me since last night."

"I know," Livia said softly. "I apologise. It is only hard to be away from you for so long."

He reached for her, pulled her close, and brushed aside a loose strand of hair that had escaped beneath her veil. His fingers lingered there, gentle against her cheek. "I will survive...because I know that in a few days, you will be my queen. That comfort gives me peace," Henry continued, his thumb grazing lightly along her jaw. "I also look forward to something else, my queen. Something I have tortured myself with for far too long."

Livia understood at once. Her face flamed. "Henry," she whispered. "There are people here."

"I assure you, my lady," Mrs Crowe said as she passed calmly towards the carriage, "all of Whitehall knows your private activities with the king."

Livia’s head dropped forward onto Henry’s chest. Henry’s chest vibrated beneath her with a chuckle.

"You see?" Henry murmured above her head. "There is no need for embarrassment. The realm is already prepared. I do not think an heir will be a problem," Henry said, still teasing.

"Please stop."

his arms tightened around her. "Hey...I love you. That is all that should matter."

She lifted her face and kissed him briefly. "You are still going to speak to Richard?"

"Yes," Henry said after a moment. "Yes, I will."

"Do not kill him."

"No promises. But I still think you should be the one to speak to him."

"This is not mine to mend."

"He listens to you."

Livia placed a hand against his chest. "This is a chance for you both to mend your friendship. It may not go back to what it once was." She touched his face. "I know from the way Richard used to speak about you that he loved you very much...He is just hurt and broken."

Henry drew in a breath, then looked towards the carriage, the road waiting to take her from him for a few days. "I suppose forcing him to get married did not help either, did it?"

"No, no, it did not," Livia said.

"My lady!" Mrs Crowe called from the carriage.

Livia turned her head, but Henry caught her hand before she could leave.

"Please tell me that when you become queen, Mrs Crowe will be lady of the household and no longer your personal maid," he said.

Livia smiled. "Would you like that?"

"Yes."

"Who would keep you humble?"

Henry considered that with grave seriousness. "I am King of England. Humility is not strictly required." He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles, then leaned in and pressed a kiss to her forehead. A few days. That was all. A few days until the wedding.

A few days until she became his queen.

"Go," Henry murmured against her forehead, "before I change the Church rules of England."

Livia gathered her skirts, curtsied, and turned towards the carriage. Henry watched every step. Mrs Crowe took Livia’s hand and helped her inside.

Henry looked up at Lionel. The king’s guard sat straight in the saddle, one gloved hand resting near his sword. No words passed between them. None were needed.

She was to return whole. Lionel bowed from his horse, spurred it forward, and the carriage began to roll out of the courtyard, escorted by the carefully chosen guards. The small procession passed through the gate and away from Whitehall.

Henry stood until it disappeared. Only then did he turn back towards the palace. He crossed the courtyard and entered the palace.