Empire of Dreams

*8*

The winter mornings were Thomas's favourite. He loved the late sunrise and warm tea by the fireplace. This morning I saw him on the top of the castle, drawing plans there for a sunroom.

"Don't you think it would be a nice surprise to Catherine for our anniversary? Mary would enjoy it too, I think" he asked without looking up from the papers.

"Yes, it would be very nice. What's happening in the royal court, by the way? You never tell me anything about how things work there. Father intends to introduce me to the society the next season, I don't luke being a fool. I need to know how things work to secure a proper match for myself"

If Uncle Thomas was even a little baffled by my question, he did not express it.

"A worthy match you shall secure in time, Little Grey, but I don't think courtly matters are of any importance to young ladies like you. You should seek Catherine's advice on this matter, perhaps a queen would know better?" He joked.

I still couldn't figure out if I was offended or outraged. This was what happened to me in my dream and this was what was happening again. I couldn't let this happen. Not when I had failed once. Perhaps I should ask Mary or Elizabeth.

Elizabeth!

I was reminded of her letter suddenly. I was yet to tell anyone about it though a grievous matter it was.

"My lady" Sia curtsied, still catching her breath after climbing three storeys.

"Yes Sia?"

"The Baroness has summoned you. You have a guest"

Who could it be, coming to meet me even before breakfast?

I followed Sia down while pestering her with constant questions.

"Who is it?"

"I don't know!"

"Oh but you must know, that is literally your job- to know everything to eventually report it all too me. It's not like I enjoy gossip, but it is harmless fun, right?"

"Lady Grey, go on" she gave me a tight smile, pushing me ever so slightly towards the parlour.

"My Queen!"

"Michelangelo!" I was so excited, I couldn't think straight. He had been my instructor back when I stayed with my parents but more that a teacher, he was my best friend.

"I am glad to find you in good health"

"As am I to see you here! How are you? How is life?"

"Oh I am fine, my queen, it is you I need to know more about."

"You both can have a chat but I am way too tired. So you will have to excuse me" Aunt Catherine said, getting up.

Once she left the room, Michelangelo and I decided to take a walk around the garden instead of sitting inside. He insisted on the fresh air.

"You have grown into a beautiful young lady, my Queen"

"Stop calling me that" I giggled as I said.

"But that's what I have been calling you for the longest time"

"Yes, but now that I'm almost ready for my debut in the court and in the society, you must not call me that, for it will be considered as treason to the King."

"You'll always be My Queen" Michelangelo smiled as we reached the stone benches and the pond. It was then that I noticed the aisle with a canvas and paint.

"You should have told me!"

"Just for old time's sake"

He set up the aisle while I thought of a perfect dress and pose for a regal portrait.

"Go and dress like a queen"

I went up to my room and pulled out the ornate case Mary and Elizabeth had given me. It had two gowns of each queen, complete with the shoes and headdreses to go with them.

I had a hard time choosing but finally picked out a dress of Catherine Howard. Something about Catherine Howard always intrigued me. She was the Queen least remembered. King Henry threw her away undeservingly and so did the people of England but in ways more than one, she was always my favourite. All the other queens were truly commendable but she was my idol.

I rolled out her majestic gown and it's accessories while Sia prepared for the dress up. It was silver blue gown in the typical tudor style with the classic pearl necklace. Sia combed my hair and left it open. The rosy brown complimenting my fair skin.

Michelangelo was ready as I took my position on the chair beside the royal lilies looking straight at him. It took him a couple of hours to complete the painting and for a moment I let my mind wander. If what Queen Anne said was true and I was to be the first Queen of England, what would I do for England? Where would I stand in the religious war? What territories would I be able to bring under our holy banner?

"Michelangelo, what are your opinions on the church? Do you believe in the church of England with the King as it's head or do you stand with the pope?"

"My queen, I think it is not my answer you seek but my advice and so I will give you some. Stand by what you believe but do not punish faith and belief. That is what they are doing wrong. Do not punish them for believing in god like a child believes in his father"

He turned the painting towards me and for a moment I was left speechless. He had emphasized the royal lilies, symbol of royalty.

"What a beautiful painting" Catherine came smiling with little Mary in her arms.

The servants followed her with lunch for us. It was already afternoon but the sunlight was still mellow.

"I apologise, my lady, but I must leave now for I have to meet an uncle in an hour" Michelangelo bowed and sending a smile my way, he left, just like he had come.

"I need to talk to you" I said to Catherine and her expression changed at my serious tone.