Empire of Dreams

*37*

I woke up early the next morning and was surprised that everyone was still asleep. Kathyrn herself was an early riser so it was quite a surprise to find her in her bed. Even the servants were slopping around, trying to enjoy the calm before the house succumbed to chaos. I wondered if my father would have organised a wedding this grand if I had decided to marry the Archduke. I couldn't help but think of him in every situation, and wonder what would've become of us today if the tragedy had never happened. I walked out into the gardens the early spring blossoms all bobbing their heads in delight. 

The day was silent, there was almost no wind. The sun looked ready to burn everyone by noon. I sat on the garden bench and took out the book belonging to Anne Boleyn given to me by Elizabeth. It was about religion and why the corrupt old religion needed to be abolished. I wondered if Michelangelo's advice of finding the middle path in this situation would work. Europe was still a Christian country but England was the centre of revolution. France, Spain and England were the big three at the moment, whatever happened here was a big deal. If I became the Queen, I wanted to make sure that I did not lead a major human slaughter festival. 

The book presented a revolting image of Catholicism but I wasn't sure if it was an exaggeration or not. Of course, there was a lot of corruption by the popes and other religious heads, but it wasn't as if every Catholic was corrupt, just like every Protestant wasn't pious. The book was radical, but according to me, the best changes are the ones that can be brought around peacefully. 

After reading the book for about an hour, I decided to go inside and get dressed. After all, I didn't want to be late for my own sister's wedding. Kathyrn had finally woken up and was being coddled by my mother, Mary and Elizabeth. Aunt Catherine had already sent a letter informing us that she would be joining us directly at the wedding as Little Mary was not well.

I summoned Sia and she came in with the most gorgeous gown ever. I was almost worried that I would overshadow Kathyrn which I absolutely did not intend to do. So I wore my magnificent icy blue gown but decided not to wear any jewellery except the hand-crocheted floral earrings which my sister Mary had gifted me. They were childish but still sweet. Just as I was thinking about her, Mary joined me. 

"Jane! you wore my earring!" She squealed as she jumped in to hug me. She was yet to reach her full height, but it was obvious that she would soon catch up with me Kathyrn who was almost a head shorter than me. It hit me then how scarce I had been in her life. I saw her being born, and I assisted in her birth, but I did not know or understand her as a sister should. 

"Why aren't you ready yet?" I inquired as I got up.

"I thought maybe we could get ready together, but you're already.... I'll go to my room," She said in a small voice. 

I regretted getting dressed early now. Mary, though we weren't close, had thoughtfully waited for me and even her thought did not cross my mind once. She was not like Kathyrn. She did not scream and fight for what was rightfully hers. She was cunning and sensible. She was exactly like my maternal grandmother. I did not want to pass on this small but significant opportunity she'd given me to get to know her.

"How about I dress you today?" I asked shyly

"That would be great!" She cheered. 

I instructed Sia to bring in her gown from her room. Her gown was beautiful, a cheerful orange one with streaks of fabric matching my gown. "We match!" She exclaimed as she got into the gown. I braided her dark red hair and let it settle loosely on her shoulder. She smiled up at me before deciding to go and check on our mother. She was the closest to our mother and honestly, that was not surprising at all.

She was the ideal daughter of both my parents. She was the most obedient and never defied our parent's wishes. While I pursued the crown and Kathyrn pursued her career, she was left back at home and because she had the rare talent of being unannoying to everyone, she had thrived in the grey household. 

I left my room and found Kathyrn emerging at the same time, magnificent in a peach-coloured gown while Mary emerged with our parents. Looking at my family, I felt as if this was the first time we'd all be together somewhere important and it was partially true. I sent up a silent prayer that may Kathyrn's wedding go by peacefully and happily.