She was content with life in England now that she was home. Court life had not been as bad either, once she made friends with the right people. Yet, just when all was well, she was being turned upside down.

Her mother, however, rejoiced at the news. After all these dreadfully long years, a husband would be had at last, an emperor at that.

And though she did like the Emperor, and she knew her way around  Imperial court, it still did not feel right. Not in the least bit.

Going to English court was one thing. Her mother was just a day's ride away. Now she would be back across the sea, on the continent in a completely foreign - "Stop inventing excuses, Katherina," she said to herself.

"It brings me great joy to hear this." Jane held Kitty's hand. "Your enemies, past and present, can do no harm to you now. You have reached so far where they have only failed. Please be happy for yourself, Kitty. See how high you have risen. How loved you are. Katherine would be proud."

"Katherine, would have rather Mary take my place." Kitty said. "As would I. If any were more deserving of such, it would be she."

Jane frowned, "Do you not believe you deserve happiness as you so much do for others?"

"How can I think of my own when others suffer around me?"

It was at this, Jane's frown curved upward, "How peculiar you are, Katherine. For just only a day ago, you were wishing yourself wed and now, you wish it on another. Perhaps, is it because he is an emperor and not a duke?"

It was to this she sighed deeply, her eyes fixed on the pond before them. Jane had been right, she knew. Kitty desired a husband, but not one that reigned over a country. Now she wondered, if Charles Brandon had been king, would she have said yes?

"We may never know." She replied.

"Mm," Jane hummed but said no more. "There is a positive, however," to this she smiled playfully, "Anne will threaten you no more."

"How I dare laugh in her face if she should. No, my queen, I believe she will be most green with envy. It is one thing to be married to a man with power, such as your brother, but an emperor?"

"She is quite envious indeed." Murmured Edward Seymour upon approaching them. "Sister, Lady Devon. I must congratulate you."

"Brother."

"Thank you, Lord Hertford. Unfortunate though, to heard about your wife. I hope she will recover."

"I have no doubt about that," he grumbled. "But she will leave you alone."

"Good, I could not see myself ever gloating over this. Me, a common English woman, married to an emperor. Not an ounce of royal blood in my body."

"You have a great deal more than I have, sweet Kat, do not forget that. And you were Katherine's beloved Goddaughter. You were as much princess as the Lady Mary."

"Speaking of, Edward, is there any talk of her marriage to anyone?"

"None so far."

"Perhaps in your new position, you will find a suitable match for her." Jane said.

"I can not, for one moment, bring myself to believe how far you and I have come. Very well, when I am wed, I shall discuss this matter with the Emperor. I know Mary is not his subject, but she is his cousin and if he has a suitable match in mind, I shall have him write to the king. And I will write to you, dear Jane, together we shall bring happiness to our sweet Mary. She deserves it most."

• K •

In honor of the wedding that was to be some day, the Emperor paid a visit to England. His period of mourning long from over, he declared the visit as a renewing of alliances, not of one to lay eyes upon his future bride. Though, he did very much that any chance he was permitted.

And from where she stood, Charles ather side, she could see king Henry fuming. From what she had learned, he disapproved greatly but was advise against disputing the match. She was, once more, England's hope.

"Edward once called me a rare jewel," Kitty whispered to Charles. "I am starting to believe it as so. Look how he glares, if his eyes were daggers, the Emperor would be laying in his own blood by now."

"And a war between countries would spark."

"Which is why I am grateful his eyes are just that, eyes." She smiled. "Besides, I quite like the Emperor. I shall be happy with him."

"Good, you are precious to England. We would not be happy if our precious jewel was not."

"You mock me."

"I do not," he replied. "I can assure I am most sincere. Ah, here comes your betrothed now. Your Majesty."

Charles bowed, and then offered Kitty's hand to him. The Emperor smiled, took her hand and led her to floor where a dance was just about to start.

Tonight, he had replaced his cloth of mourning for something happier and much more appealing. She found she liked him best in a deep mossy green, it brought out his eyes better than most colors he chose to wear.

"I confess, I can not wait until we are wed."

Kitty felt her cheeks double in size. They ached too, but her smile did not stop. She felt herself coming to like the Emperor more and more with each passing day. She was starting the welcome the position she was now being groomed for.

And from across the room, beside his Queen, the King sulked in his chair. Suffolk stood beside him, watching, as did many, as the Emperor and Kitty danced gracefully.

"It's almost as if they were meant for each other," Jane observed to Mary.

"She seems happy."

"She is happy," Charles said, turning to Mary. Henry shifted in his chair to look up at his friend.

"And how do you know this?" He demanded.

"Your Majesty, she confided in me just moments before the Emperor took her away." He replied. "Whatever we may feel, it must not be known to her."