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The Company Thou Keepest	By : MarianTheBlackadder Category: G through L > Hollow Crown, The Views: 2262 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to "The Hollow Crown Series" of the BBC, Nor the rights to Henry IV nor Henry V of Shakespeare. I make no profit from this story other then the enjoyment of my writing it and others reading it. I recieve no money from this st

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Moments of Grace
            “Was it sudden?” Rayne asked softy. She sat on the floor at Hal’s feet as they held each other’s hands as they had been for some time.
            The Prince shook his head, “No. He had been ill for some time; the spells became more frequent, he was very sick. It was expected.” He paused a moment looking at Rayne’s hands he held in his own taking a breath, “And . . . it wasn’t.”
            Rayne had lost loved ones. James was the most recent loss in her life, but the deepest wound was when her mother died. She didn’t know life without her mother, and they had always been thick as thieves since the day she was born. The loss of a parent one loved with all their hearts was devastating.
            “Your father was a very wise man, and a great King.” Rayne said in a gentle voice. It brought a smile to Hal’s face to hear her say so, considering they both knew how much the King hated her from the moment Hal brought her into his life.
            “I was with him at the last.” Hal said, “We spoke as father and son for the first time since I was a boy. In those last few moments of grace God gave us, we made peace with one another. It was like discovering that all these years we were at odds was one long misunderstanding. In just a few moments, we were strangers and then we weren’t . . . and then he was gone.” Rayne just listened holding tighter to his hands. “I will be King soon, as I have always known that I would be, as I’ve been preparing for my entire life, even when others thought I was ignoring my responsibilities. Now it feels as though it’s happening so fast, so suddenly there isn’t enough or appropriate enough time to mourn him.”
            “Always, is there enough time to mourn those whom we have loved, My Lord.” She said in a soft voice. “No man, no reason can compel you not to, otherwise our hearts will remain wounded and never heal as they should.”
            Hal looked into her eyes, releasing one of her hands and cupping her face. “I must transform into a different man, my sweet Rayne. From frivolous youth, to a hard willed, strong handed King, a devout Christian who loves the church faithfully, who has the responsibility of the kingdom and the world on his shoulders, a father to his people, a solider to defend and protect them, a man no more, but a King on high.” He stroked her face gently, “I must harden my heart to all I have known. My days of walking among the common man have come to an end, for ‘I’ must turn to ‘We’ and I can no longer live for myself.” A tear escaped his eye as the pain inside made his chest so tight he could hardly stand it. He leaned down resting his forehead to Rayne’s, “I fear this change.” He whispered so quickly he could hardly understand himself. “For I will never be able to give frivolous mercy again to any I have called ‘friend’. Those who have abused their privilege of me will find now reality as ice water in their veins.”
            Rayne shook her head and moved closer to him still, “My Prince, those who you have called friend, will know of your duty of your birthright, and if they have truly loved you and regarded you as friend, will love you still.”
            “I have heard those who have professed to love me speak most vilely when the thought I could not hear with my own ears. As soon as my father became ill they turned on each other like rabid dogs. Those who have been closest to me, who should have mourned my father with me, instead rejoiced in excitement and salivated on the favors they imagined they would receive of me once I am King. One imagined I should marry his sister, the other that he should receive titles, lands, and wealth for making himself familiar with me these past years and for no other reason. A well practiced liar who still believes I am ignorant of his true colors.” It wasn’t hard to know who he was speaking of. Never did Poins or Falstaff think she was important enough to pretend in front of. “Even though I have spent these past few years making merry and sport with them and those in the house of Mistress Quickly, I cannot indulge their willful abuses any longer.”
            She was silent just listening to him speak, holding close to him, being there for him. So many thoughts and feelings he held inside and could show to no man now, not even his own brothers who shared in his pain and loss as it was their father too who had died so suddenly. Instead he wanted to focus on one thing, and one thing only. To pull himself from this tragedy for at least a few hours in the darkness.
            Hal didn’t want to think on this anymore. He knew his duties, he knew what had to be done, and he knew in his life all that must be banished. Dwelling on it was only making him weak and sorrowful. The Prince stood and took Rayne’s hands pulling her to her feet as well reaching up and removing the pin that held her hairpiece in place. It was not an attractive hair piece in the least, and hid her beautiful raven hair away. No doubt a wardrobe decision made by her tyrant of a husband. As he removed it, her soft raven black hair cascaded down over her shoulders as he tossed it away. He smiled looking into her green emerald eyes before drawing her close gently and tenderly taking a kiss from her rose red soft lips. She was even sweeter to the taste then he remembered, and it lifted his heart a little from the low place it had been.
            The Prince’s rooms were many and they adjoined at the main room near the center. After a few moments, he reached down and swept her up into his arms carrying her to his bed chamber, wanting desperately more of the peace she had brought him with her presence.
Long Nights
            The Prince made love to Rayne several times, neither ever stopping for even a breath as they poured and lavished all manner of affection on one another. Months of sorrow for their separation, all of the sorrow that burdened Hal’s heart, the loneliness and the fear both were plagued with melted away like the candle beside his bed did as the hours whittled away.
            At last a break between their activities came and they lay the sheets tangled around their bodies, their two heads sharing a pillow as they looked into each other’s eyes. “In such a painful and tragic time, and mass undertaking of my new station . . . I can remember now the joy and peace that has been absent from me these many months.” Rayne smiled hearing his words.
            “As do I.” She replied softly reaching out and resting her hand over his heart feeling the gentle beat of it in time with her own. Hal took her hand and kissed her fingertips before holding it against his chest once more. “Just to see your eyes look at me in such a way . . . makes the world right again.”
            Hal had done nothing but talk of himself since he first saw her, and Rayne being a loyal subject and his true lover listened intently offering him what comfort she could. Yet now, Hal found himself wanting to know of her sorrow too. Her heart was heavy and not just because his was, she had a world of pain of her own she lived in daily. “How does he look at you?” The young woman didn’t answer right away as her eyes moved to his hand that was wrapped around hers, her smile became less bright and he knew she was unhappy. “Tell me?” He asked gently releasing her hand and cupping her face.
            It was as though she had to gather strength and courage to speak, as she had been living under her burden of sorrow in silence, much as he had. “Not with love, as you do.” It was the simplest answer she could give.
            “What then?” He said encouraging her to talk to him.
            She hesitated a few moments before she made a choice to speak of it, “As a burden.” She began. “One that he had to take with his inheritance that he wished was never born.” This news hardly made Hal happy to hear. “I obey him as he has said he wanted from the first day we met, but it never seems like . . . . enough. I’m disciplined often for not acting as a lady who is his Duchess should.” Rayne paused closing her eyes, a tear escaped and rolled down her cheeks, “He lusts for me, but will never love me. He takes me, but never kisses me.” She opened her eyes looking into his. “Had I not worn marks already for my sins . . . he would have himself supplied them.”
            The Prince knew that it was bad, the situation she was in once she was remarried. You didn’t have to be a scholar to know that, any man with a mind could see it. “That hoarse and impotent candle-mind wretch.” He said starring into her eyes a spark of anger in his voice.
            Rayne quickly shook her head and moved closer to him, “He is not harsh to me always, Hal.” She whispered, “As long as I do as I am meant to, as he says, he can be very civil.” She smiled a little, “He dotes on the boys constantly, he is always happy to see them and calls them his sons. Something I feared he would not.” She admitted, “I am thankful that he has resolved to be a father to them.”
            He sighed his jaw clinched tight. It was a blessing that his sons were treated well, but their mother should be treated with equally good will. “Does he never spend time with his army as he is meant to?” He asked, “Obviously he cannot deal with his duties as a husband, I can only hope that he lives up to his duties as a soldier.”
            “England is not at war or conflict with anyone or itself, there’s no reason for him to stay with his army.” Rayne said softly.
            Hal arched a brow, “That hardly seems plausible.” He said under his breath as England was always at conflict with someone inside or out. Rayne didn’t understand that but she hadn’t been allowed to correspond properly with Hal for some time, and it was unlikely that John discussed such matters with her. His eyes turned to hers again, “He won’t punish you for staying with me tonight.” The Prince said sincerely before cupping her face in his hand, “I promise you.”
            “And if he goes to the clergy?” She asked softly.
            “They are far too busy to be distracted by such petty matters.” Hal said plainly as the death of his father and his impending coronation as King Henry the Fifth. He stroked her face gently as a small smile appeared on his lips.
            Rayne smiled a little too loving the sparkle in his eyes cast by the candlelight, “What?”
            “You are still even more beautiful to me each time I see you.” He admitted softly to her, “Even more lovely then when I first knew you under Mistress Quickly’s roof.” Hal leaned his forehead to hers as they closed their eyes just feeling each other’s bodies against one another. Their hearts beating as one, the feel of their breath deep within and upon each other. “I love you still, and I love you even more each day.”
            She held tight to him feeling the same, but knowing once he was King so many things would change. This was likely the last night they would ever spend together in each other’s arms regardless of feelings. He was expected to be wild and promiscuous as the notorious ‘Prince Hal’ persona he had been taken all as. But as King, there would be so many more expectations of him. He couldn’t afford scandal and embarrassment and all his actions he would be accountable for every moment of every day. Rayne knew this, and it hurt her heart and wounded her deeply. But she wouldn’t speak of it to him, or let him see her pain. Hal needed her to much right now; he needed someone to help lift his burdens so they would not crush him in the days ahead. She had done that, and perhaps his time of mourning and promotion to King would be somewhat bearable now.
Returning Home
            The Duke and Duchess of Norfolk stayed for all the state affairs. The funeral, the coronation and all the other traditions and rights that came with passing the crown from the previous king to the next. After the night she had spent with the prince she returned to her husband. As Hal had promised it was never mentioned or spoken of by John. When all had been completed it was time to return to Norfolk, but Rayne would be returning alone. John was called back to his army as all needed to be accounted for and the numbers made current for the King’s knowledge of his kingdom.
            Rayne felt numb inside and spent the journey in silence. Now, more than ever, she felt alone. She hadn’t even been permitted by her husband to visit her Aunt while they were in London. He would not have his wife seen socializing with peasants, whether they be family and friends or not. The only mercy he afforded her in that area was to allow to her write to Mistress Quickly when she wished too.
            When she arrived home, she felt joy again when she saw her sons Thomas and Nicolas. They were growing so fast, and Thomas most of all looked like his father. It cheered her heart to see her boy’s happy bright smiles as they rushed eagerly calling her mother thankful to have her home. She stayed with them all day and put them to bed herself at night, staying after they had drifted off to sleep, watching them quietly.
            There was a feeling in her heart that she had only twice before in her life, but she dismissed it. She had only spent one night with the Prince and with all the emotions and passion they shared together in those hours spent, it was more than likely from that then what it had been before. Her heart telling her that she and the Prince’s love had created life.
She stood from where she had been sitting and kissed each of her boys goodnight, before blowing out the candles, and stoking the fire that kept their room warm. Then Rayne returned to her own chambers retiring for the evening.
Secrets
            Two months after returning from London, John still had not returned to their home. It seemed with the new King came rebellions and uprisings that had to be put down. Control had to be exercised over the Kingdom so that all knew that Henry V was not easily overthrown and wielded his forces with a strong hand as well if not better than his father had.
            Rayne had discovered that the feeling in her heart she had when first returning home and dismissed as nothing more than raw emotion had been truth. She was expecting again, and there was no doubt in her mind by whom and when this life inside her was created. She stood at the window looking out towards the fields where one of their herds of wild horses crossed against the sunset. Her hand rested over the pendant that she had been given by her lover, still never having removed it.
            For the first time she felt genuine fear that she was going to be a mother again. John had been so determined that she would give him children that he had not stopped trying to impregnate her since the day they were wed. Every night was the same endeavor which had yielded no results. However one night spent with the Prince as they pieced together and mended each other’s hearts, and now she would once again bare his issue. It would not bode well for her if John didn’t assume and accept that it was by his efforts she was with child.
            The moment she received the news and was certain she wrote a letter to John telling him that they were expecting. Knowing that their relationship was nothing like the one she had shared with Hal, she couldn’t fill it with joy and excitement otherwise John would recognize that something was wrong. But she was certain to be thankful for the situation and hope that he would be pleased with the news.
            It was a relief to Rayne when she received a letter from John filled with praise for her being with child. The first praise she had received from him in the course of their marriage. She knew she should feel guilty knowing the truth, but she felt no remorse.
Court Summons
            As the Duchess of Norfolk, she was expected to attend certain events in her husband’s absence. One of which were tournaments held by nobles on Howard lands. Rayne enjoyed going to them because Thomas and Nicholas loved the spectacle and were always excited to go. Thomas was fond particularly of the joust and sword, while his younger brother Nicholas of the Archery. They had attended 3 tournaments in the past month. It was exhausting for Rayne who was now 6 months pregnant with her 3^rd child, but she went taking her sons nonetheless.
            When they did return home, a messenger arrived with a summons for Rayne to Court. It was unexpected but was written and signed by the King himself, she knew his hand well. She and the children left immediately for London. Their rooms had been prepared for them as their arrival was expected and they settled in resting from their long journey.
            The following day, instead of summoning Rayne to him the King made his way to the Howard apartments and entered finding Rayne with Thomas and Nicholas who were in a lesson reading from a book. The King smiled as he stayed out of sight not making his presence known watching through the door taking in the sight as Nicholas slowly and carefully read from the book, his brother sitting nearby writing on parchment. When he finished the passage, Rayne smiled and praised him for his efforts.
            Henry clapped suddenly making his presence known as he entered the room. Rayne’s eyes went wide as she instantly stood from the chair setting Nicholas to his feet. Then she and the boys knelt down on the floor making their obedience. He smiled and walked over reaching down taking Rayne’s hands and pulling her to her feet before motioning for the boys to rise as well. “Your majesty.” Rayne said not certain what to say.
            Rayne looked over at the maid who was in the room with them, and she immediately took the boys out with her to go out to play, leaving the King and the Duchess alone. Henry took her hands again holding them tight looking into her eyes, “It does me good to see you.” She looked a little nervous and uncertain and he laughed a bit embracing her but stopped taking her hands in his, looking down at her body, “You’re with child.” He said surprised as she had not sent him word since leaving court. He had been on the move with his armies often, and had been so busy with his duties he could not write to her either.
            “Yes, my lord.” She said bowing her head again not knowing how she was meant to act.
            The King gave a nod in silence a moment, “John’s.” He said with a sound of disappointment to his voice.
            Another silent moment passed and Rayne still didn’t raise her eyes but she answered leaning close to him, “No.” in a quiet whisper.
            Henry looked up at her surprised before leaning closer to her, “Mine?” He questioned.
            Slowly she turned her eyes up towards his, “Yes my lord.” Rayne whispered again. The King grinned and kissed her hands still holding them tight in his. Before reaching down and resting his hand over the swell of her abdomen in excitement.
            “Does John know?” He questioned realizing that this might have made her marital matters worse, but she shook her head. The grin returned to his lips as he kissed her hand again, before touching her chin raising her eyes to his. “Rayne,” He whispered just as silently as she had been whispering to him, “Did you think that once I was King, I would not still love you?” He questioned.
            “You are King now.” Still whispering, “How am I to behave?” Rayne was honestly concerned she would offend him.
            Henry chuckled and kissed her lips tenderly before looking into her eyes again, “As you always have in my presence when we are alone.” A smile swept her face as they kissed again and embraced tightly.
Visitation
            Rayne smiled walking hand in hand with Henry in his private rooms having just come in from outside, “It was a sight I never thought I would see, you playing with your sons.” She said beaming having watched them in the garden playing swords for hours.
            “They have grown so fast.” He admitted. “Each time I see them it’s as though a lifetime has passed.”
            “Sometimes.” She responded. “Thomas reminds me so much of you. I fear he will be quite the handful in his coming years.”
            Henry laughed remembering his life as Prince Hal. “Perhaps. But if he is anything like his mother he will have a sharp wit and a keen eye, and there is nothing to worry for.” Rayne started to say something else but she turned pale as though all the blood had drained from her, and her legs grew week causing her to stumble. The smile fled Henry’s face as he caught her holding her too him. She was short of breath and seemed dizzy. “What is it darling?” He asked. “Rayne?”
            She took a few breaths and smiled as she seemed to regain her color shaking her head, “It’s nothing my lord.”Carefully he set her back to her feet but didn’t release her for fear she would fall. “I am just worn out from the day.” The King knew something was wrong, as they had spent the day together with the children and he had seen and heard her cough dreadfully more than once when she thought he could not hear and assumed she was hiding it from him well.
            “I should send for the physicians.” Henry said seriously.
            Rayne shook her head, “No. Henry, I am alright.” She promised with a smile. “See? Already I am better.” She said looking down indicating that she was supporting herself and didn’t need aid. “I become weary sometimes, that is all.” Henry was still concerned but could see she didn’t want to talk about it. He half smiled and gave a nod before kissing her gently.
To Be Continued . . . .
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The Company Thou Keepest