To the shock of everyone at Henry VIII's court, the estranged Princesses, Mary and Elizabeth, seemed to bond with each other overnight.

"How now, Mary and Elizabeth. I'm glad you ladies have settled your differences." Queen Catherine Parr stood on an elevated dias before Mary and Neville, in the throne room. Her blond hair and blue eyes reminded Neville of Simone's coloring. He missed her terribly. "What are you both up to today?" She smiled as walked down the steps, towards them. Despite her kind demeanor, and the warm tone on her voice, a worried sadness emanated from her,  for Edward her step-son, had taken to bed again with another chest cold.

"We thought our young brother could use a merry surprise." Mary brought the small wicker basket she held from behind her back. A sprig of holly with a bright red bow was tied to the handle. The basket moved slightly as a bark emanated from within.

The Queen tilted her head sideways. "Is that a puppy?"

"Yes, your Highness."  The Queen laughed delightedly as A little red and white masked dog's head popped out of the basket. The jaunty Cavalier's round gentle eyes were set well apart, giving it a sweet expression. The dog's long coat was silky smooth.

The queen gathered the dog in her arms.  Sensing her motherly instinct, the puppy snuggled happily against her chest. "Ah, how lovely" The puppy's long, feathered ears fanned outward at the sound of her voice, his tail waiving gaily. "This little traveler will be the perfect companion for the Edward. Let us bring him this lovely gift right now."

Neville, Mary and the Queen found the frail Prince awake, propped up on the pillows of his bed. The young boy had his mother's elfin features as well as her blond hair and blue eyes. Neville was surprised how little of the king he saw in his son. "Look at the wonderful surprise your sisters have brought you, Edward."

The boy sat up and coughed loudly. His intelligent eyes widened with surprise at the sight of the puppy. Without being invited, the dog bounded out of the Queen's arms onto the silken bed cover. He snuggled next to the boy allowing the sickly prince to gently stroke his butterfly shaped ears. He's so soft." What's his name?" Neville was delighted how the well behaved dog had bonded with the boy.

"As his new owner, we thought you should be the one to choose his name." His mother teased.

"Perhaps you can name him for his unique coloring," Neville volunteered. He had picked a red and white Cavalier with a partial red mask.

Edward looked thoughtful. After a moment of deliberation, he announced. "I shall call him, "Whitefoot." He gently held up one of the dog's paws. "For he looks like he sports a pair of woolen socks."

Neville smiled at Edward's serious thought process. He will make a fine King. Neville and Mary smiled at the boy's obvious delight. Little Whitefoot was soon snoring under the blankets besides the young prince.

"I think he likes me." Although still sick, the boy's demeanor had become more relaxed.

"Of course he does. He not only likes you, he trusts you enough to fall asleep in your arms." Catherine laughed, the worry lines disappearing from her face.

"Mary and Elizabeth. I thank you for your thoughtfulness." Edward smiled at them before turning away to endure another coughing fit.

Neville thought the boy's lung's sounded congested. It's too bad Sarah isn't here to make him a poultice for his chest. He has great difficulty breathing. Her remedy and her soup would help him more than being in this drafty castle.

"I'm so glad you came to see me, sisters." The boy smiled at the two girls. Neville instantly liked the young dignified Prince's sweet temperament. He's so much like his mother. Before they left, the Princesses promised the young Prince they would both visit him again during the twelve days of Christmas.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That night, Neville lay back in his luxurious bed, sighing with delight. I could stay in this wonderful bed all day. He snuggled deeper under the down covers, wriggling his toes. This was the only time he could strip off all his constrictive female clothing. Because the down created an air pocket, it allowed him the freedom to sleep in the nude, his own body heat keeping him warm. On the cusp of falling asleep, he heard a noise at the foot of his bed. Cold air flooded over him as someone rudely lifted his blankets. A body fell heavily onto the bed, landing next to him like a sack of potatoes. "Who goes there?"

"It's me, silly!"

"Mary! What are you doing here?" Exasperated, Neville pulled the covers closer, surrounding his nakedness.

"Shhh, keep your voice down. I was cold." The determined Princess snuggled next to him, hogging the bedcovers.