The King's Artist

Author's Note

Dear Reader,

I want to start off by saying how much I truly appreciate every read, every vote, and every comment dedicated to this story. Looking back, I can't believe this story took four years for me to write. I can safely say I now know way more about Henry VII and the War of the Roses than I ever thought I would. 

The general story itself changed shape a lot of the years, but from the very beginning, I had never intended for Adelaide and Henry to end up together. As a result, I had a number of different endings prepared that I think would be fun to share with all of you.

In one, I had actually considered having Kayden and Adelaide get married and fall in love, but I later felt that would have been unfair for Kayden. I had constructed the story nearly entirely around Adelaide's love and devotion to Henry, and I felt that no other man would be able to compare, at least in her eyes. I ultimately didn't want Kayden to end up with someone who could never love him first. 

In another ending, I had actually thought of killing Adelaide off in the final battle. It would've made more sense than why Henry would name his firstborn Arthur. But I really didn't like that sort of end mainly because I disliked the notion that Adelaide never knew happiness without Henry. I felt it was important for both of their characters to experience life with and without one another. 

Lastly, there was a moment where I contemplated Adelaide staying with Henry and becoming his mistress. But just as with the first scenario, I felt that result went against both of their character dynamics. Henry didn't want to be unfaithful nor did he want to put Adelaide through that sort of pain. Likewise, Adelaide wouldn't have wanted him to deal with that sort of guilt nor would she have wanted to witness every day him married to another woman.

So, yeah, I would love to know your opinions on these alternative endings, along with the ending that I ultimately ended up choosing. Any other feedback is welcome, too.

I know this story isn't perfect, and it probably went in a lot of directions that people didn't want or like, but The King's Artist holds a special place in my heart. I've spent a lot of time with these characters and really grew to care about them as I wrote. I'm actually a little sad that it's over. 

But with that said, thank you again for reading The King's Artist. Hopefully, you enjoyed the journey as much as I did!

Sincerely, 

Sandie (A.K.A. Tic_Tok)