The Heart Made of Broken Gold
Chapter 15

Chapter 15: Christmas

Christmas has arrived and Elizabeth and Edward traveled to England to visit King Henry. King Henry is pleased that Anne and Jane have faith in him and have granted permission for Elizabeth and Edward to come to England. Elizabeth hasn’t been to England since she was three years old and has forgotten what it looks like. Edward presents Jessica with a lovely locket, which she adores. Elizabeth and Jessica gift Edward a chessboard with sterling silver game pieces. In return, Edward surprises Elizabeth with a gold pen, knowing her passion for writing. Paul spoils Jessica with numerous gifts.

King Henry has already made plans for Edward to marry Princess Mary Elizabeth, whose father is King Ben. King Ben is the ruler of the prestigious City of London. England has three kings in power. Jane becomes upset upon discovering that King Henry is attempting to arrange a marriage for Edward with a girl he has never met. She firmly expresses her opposition to King Henry, stating that Edward should marry for love rather than for political reasons. As a result, King Henry cancels the engagement. Additionally, King Henry has spent time with Susan and Steve.

Princess Mary Elizabeth was furious upon discovering that King Henry had cancelled the engagement. She had always desired to wed Prince Edward, whom she had loved since childhood.

“I am determined to marry Prince Edward!” Princess Mary Elizabeth exclaimed with anger.

King Ben reassured her that she would, in fact, marry Prince Edward. Queen Victoria, King Ben’s wife, questioned why King Henry had reneged on his promise. “He will honor his word!” King Ben responded angrily.

“I hope he does!” Princess Mary Elizabeth replied.

The day after Christmas, King Ben, Princess Mary Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria paid a visit to King Henry. They were hoping to convince him to reconsider his decision.

“Why did you call off the engagement?” King Ben inquired.

“My son is not interested in marrying Princess Mary Elizabeth,” King Henry responded.

“But you gave us your word that your son will marry our daughter,” King Ben reminded him.

“I did give you my word, but it’s not my right to do so. My son never agreed to marry your daughter, and I refuse to force him into a loveless marriage,” King Henry explained.

“Prince Edward and I can learn to love each other!” Princess Mary Elizabeth fiercely objected.

“My dad told me the same thing when I married Princess Katherine. I could never replace it in my heart to love Princess Katherine. My marriage to Princess Katherine was a nightmare. I am now married to the woman I love and have three sons. Princess Katherine marries a man whom she loves, and they have a son and a daughter. You’re not going to marry my son! King Henry’s response was filled with fury.

“Why does your son not like me? What did I do to him?” Princess Mary Elizabeth asks angrily.

“My son does not dislike you,” King Henry responds calmly. “He simply does not have any romantic feelings for you. I would watch how you speak to me if I were you. I am not going to put up with a spoiled brat speaking to me with disrespect.”

“How dare you speak to my daughter like that!” King Ben’s response was filled with anger.

“How dare you allow your daughter to speak to me disrespectfully.” I am not going to tolerate your daughter disrespecting me. I am glad my son is not marrying your daughter because I do not want her as a daughter-in-law!” King Henry replied angrily.

“You can forget about us being friends!” King Ben threatened.

“Oh, really?! Do you think I care about having you as a friend?!” King Henry replied laughing.

Jane felt incredibly proud of King Henry for standing up to King Ben and defending their son. It was clear to her that King Henry loved their child deeply, and she was grateful for his bravery in protecting Edward. She knew that he would do anything for Edward, and it filled her heart with joy to see him stand up for what he believed in.