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Negotiations had been going on since the later part of the last century. But finally they were agreeable to both parties, Scotland and England. King Henry VII offered his thirteen-year-old daughter, Princess Margaret, to the King of Scotland, King James IV, sixteen years older than the oldest princess of the newly established Tudor King. King Henry VII was eager for an alliance with Scotland, who every three or so years, would wage battles in Northern England. The Scots always won some land and they always lost some. The English King hoped that this marriage would end the battles and build a lasting friendship. The Scottish King had similar hopes, though also hoped to beget an heir for his kingdom, not wanting another civil war.

The Palace of Eltham had been a favourite hunting lodge of past kings because of plentiful deer. Now, it was the royal residence of three children. The oldest was the thirteen-year-old princess Margaret, who essentially ruled over the children in their daily routine. The second oldest was the eleven-year-old Duke of York, Prince Harry. He often argued with his older sister, frequently resisting her orders and teasing her about the Scots. The baby of the Tudor family was six-year-old Princess Mary Rose. Mary Rose was slight awe of her sister but loved her with only the love an adoring baby sister can possess. However, she often sided with Harry when he and Margaret argued. She did this because he would immediately stop arguing and sweep the little princess into his arms. Margaret would glower at the two of them and stalk off.

"Why are you excited to go to Scotland anyway Maggie? Don't you know the Scottish King has a lover?" Though Henry was only eleven, he was very clever and picked up on things quickly. He knew that his elder sister was going into a hostile environment. The Scottish didn't like the English and the English didn't like the Scottish. Even though he thought his sister was a pretentious poseur, he had to protect her.

Margaret stared at her brother. Was it really necessary for him to bring up her future husband's mistress? She already knew about Janet Kennedy, his newest love at the moment. Margaret knew about his illegitimate children and to be honest with herself, she wasn't sure how she felt about marrying a man who was well known for his love affairs. She tucked a strand of russet-coloured hair behind her ear before she spoke. "I will be Queen. I'll give him a son and he'll be eating out of the palm of my hand. If she's at court, I'll be able to send her away. I'll be invincible." Even as she said this, doubt ran through her body as she wasn't sure she would be able to send his mistress away. She had been taught that a King had the final say in everything and anything. A Queen was supposed to comply with whatever command the King gave her and submit to his will.

Since birth, Margaret had been taught with the belief that England was meant to control Scotland and to put English interests ahead of other interests, including her own. She wasn't sure how she would be able to do this in Scotland. Margaret was sure she wouldn't submit easily to her soon to be husband, like her mother did to her father. Margaret was feisty and proud. She wouldn't give in without a fight, even if it wasn't in her best interests.

Henry looked at Margaret with an almost pained expression. "Margaret, he's the King. Have you ever heard of a Queen sending a King's mistress from court? Our own grandmother, the Queen Dowager, Elizabeth Wydeville tolerated our grandfather's mistresses." Little Mary Rose kept looking from her brother and sister for their reactions and replies to the other. "Then I'll be the first. I just have to give birth to a son, the heir of Scotland. When I do, I'll have power."

Mary Rose gazed at her elder sister with awe. How she wished Margaret could stay at Eltham Palace with her. But they were born into royalty and their father would marry them off to foreign princes or Kings. Mary was still too young to be seriously considered for marriage but offers were on the table, little Prince Charles of Spain among the suitors. He was four years younger than her and a nephew to Mary's own sister-in-law, Infanta Catalina of Spain. Charles was also a member of the powerful Habsburg house, which was the current ruler of the Holy Roman Emperor. This was a powerful temptation for King Henry VII, to be related through marriage to the Habsburgs and to solidify his claim to the English throne.

-Author's Note-

Hi everyone! This is my very first historical fiction story so please be nice! I was inspired to write this story after I couldn't find any stories about Margaret. She's my favourite Tudor and the most interesting in my opinion. I know it's short. But later chapters will be longer. It might take me a while for the second chapter to be written but it will be! I really hope you like this story and spend your time reviewing my story. I like to know what people think of my writing.