It is the year 1533 and Isabella sfortza duchess of Milan leaves Rome to marry Henry Viii of England. She must now navigate life in a foreign country, her growing feelings for her soon to be , his appetites and giving him a son so that she won't suf...
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Lucrezia had decided to take a stroll in the gardens. the kings Hampton court was fairly quiet...during the day at least the night scene was a different story. ever since she stepped into the king's court Lucrezia had been hounded by the lords and ladies of England all too eager to learn what it was like to live under the same roof as the holy father and how it was like being a woman holding the high ranking of duchess in her own right. she had always enjoyed her own company. in solitude one had time to think and plan their next move, in solitude one need not pretend to care about who lady bleu was blowing in the confession chambers.
Just then, a steward came rushing towards her. "Your grace, his Majesty request your presence." Lucrezia sighed "i shall be there momentarily."
"Immediately, your grace." The steward mumbled. "Did his Majesty say why i must him now it is after dark."
"He did not say your grace." Lucrezia rolled her eyes " very well then, lead the way"
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Lucrezia sat opposite her betrothed, playing a game of cards neither saying a word, and Lucrezia's patience was growing thin so too was his Majesties. "Lady, it seems you have made an impression on the court." Henry stated looking deeply into the duchess's eyes. "I supposeso your Majesty, may i ask why have tou called me here?" Lucrezia asked, looking down at her cards in deep thought."Well, my lady, i wish to know my bride." Henry smirked putting down a full house. lucrezia looked up from her cards "what would you like to know you Majesty?" Lucrezia asked in a sultry tone before her winning hand of a Royal flush this surprised Henry, but he kept his composure. "what are your interests?"
"Well your Majesty, i dabble in a great many things."
"Such as?"
"Of course there are the normal lady like persutes like needle work and art and various instruments, literature and then there are the non lady like persutes like hunting, mathematics, philosophy and politics with are skills I do in fact need to be able to conduct my business."
"Your business?" Henry asked, puzzled."i am a duchess you Majesty and the only surviving member of my family, which makes me soul heir of everything my family has ever owned that comes with a million responsibilities." Henry smirked "yes of course, but you will not have to worry yourself with such matters much longer."
"Whatever are you talking about?" Isabella was puzzled surely Henry was not implying what she thought. "Once we are married, my lady your lands and title will pass to me, you will no longer deal with these strenuous tasks." This was almost laughable, if it wasn't such a serious topic Isabella might have fainted at the humor of the whole situation. "Oh your Majesty has no one told you?" Henry was again confused "told me what my lady?" This moment brought Isabella much pleasure "my dowry does not include my title in fact it clearly stated in the contract you signed with the pope that my lands and titles will pass to my second born as the first is set to be king of England."
Henry was furious Isabella had never seen a person tuned red so quickly, it was a marvelous sight. "Surly, you are mistaken. I am to be your husband. i am entitled to those lands." Of course just as Isabella thought this man couldn't possibly be more entitled. "The people of milan are very proud my lord they will not stand for a foreign king ruling them."
"Why was i not made aware of this?" He was now at the fireplace staring at the Flames as if to rival the intensity "it was our understanding, mine and the popes that is, that your cheif advisor was to rely upon you the terms of this arrangement."
"Well i wasn't informed of any of this." Isabella smirked outright as Henry was faced away from her. "My dowry still holds some seven thousand pounds and two hundred Italian warriors your Majesty." Hebry scuffed at that moment Isabella wanted to well and truly throw him into the fire. "Surly that has to be enough as the wedding tomorrow your grace, their is nothing to be done now." Henry was officially in a corner dangerous decisions at every turn and no matter which he chose he would either lose the Pope's support or the support or England which is exactly where Isabella wants him. "Yes i suppose." It was now time to play the devoted wife
"Just think, tomorrow we shall be wed , is it not a spended thought your Majesty." Isabella lead forward and as the king turned to face her his eyes were drawn to her breasts that were slightly visible from the corset of the dress she'd worn. "Tell me my lady what do you imagine this marriage to look like."
"Well i see us baskingin the glow of love your Majesty, i shall attend to your needs as a wife should." Isabella's eyes were now fixed on Henry's and he could not look away"my needs?" Isabella had him in that moment "yes, whatever your heart desires you shall have, as a wife I hall obey you." Isabella took a sip of her wine ensuring some would fall from her lip onto her breats "allow me my lady" Henry was swift in his movements he wiped the wine away before it could ruined the dress but he lingered never actually removing his hand from Isabella's breast. His eye traced the curve of her neck before landing on her full lips, she noticed. "You are radiant" the compliment slipped fron Henry's lips before he could stop himself. "My lord, this is improper." Henry took his hand from her breast and took her hand in his "i shall have you anyway tomorrow we shall wed and none of this will matter." This man was truly insufferable Isabella thought but she kept her composure. "You shall have me tomorrow your Majesty but now i must bid you good night as the hour grows late."
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"Did he realy say that?" Bianca let out a breathless laugh as Isabella recounted her evening with the king. "Could you believe it and i think he might dismiss wolsey."
"Whatever for?" Lucrezia asked as she sat braiding Isabella's hair "it was his job to inform the king of the terms of the dowry which he failed to do." Bianca giggled."Haven't you been listening?"
"Let her be lia, little lu's been in her own world ever since we arrived." Lucrezia couldn't contain her blush "whats on your mind lu?" Isabella asked as her friend looked especially down "do you think they'll be kind ?"
"Who?"
"Our betrothed, when we were comming here the pope said that to strengthenthe alliance us ladies would have to wed English men of mobility" the room grew somber. "All the men here behave like brutes and savages." Bianca's comment trigger snickers from the girls. "Dont you worry girl i will been taked with finding your matches as lady of tge house. " Isabella looked at each of the girls "i shall not let you marry a cruel man." The girl beamed and rushed to embrace the duchess. No matter the circumstances Isabella always had the girls best interests at heart. "Now i have very important tasks for you all."
"What is it?"
"My dress and jewels are still locked away in that big heavy trunk I'll need everything to be laid out tomorrow and a milk and honey bath with vanilla to be made for me and a full breakfast waiting at the table for us all." As Isabella listed off things that need to be prepared for the wedding tomorrow the girls took notes in their diaries. "We must all look our very best tomorrow so after you've informed the maids of my wishes you must retire to bed." The girls nodded and left shortly after making sure everything was settled for their lady
