It had been almost a month since I was poisoned, and during that time, no suspects had been caught or rumored to have poisoned me. Although I had recovered, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease around those close to me. Would someone try to harm me again? As I pondered, my stepmother, Anne, entered my chamber carrying little Jasper, my baby brother.
"Catie, dearest," Anne called out. I turned to look at her, my long hair draping over one side of my face. Anne gave me a warm smile as she approached, cradling little Jasper in her arms.
"Stepmother, little brother," I greeted them with a soft smile. Anne settled into the chair beside me, Jasper on her lap as he nestled against her chest.
"I'm still afraid," I admitted softly. Anne nodded, encouraging me to continue. "I'm afraid it might happen again. I don't understand why I was poisoned, but I'm expected to be the epitome of a dutiful daughter and lady at the king's court."
"My dear, sweet daughter, I understand your fear, and it's natural. But you are Catherine Guinevere Tudor. You must show the world that you do not fear them. You are the beloved daughter of the king," Anne reassured me, smiling. I returned the smile.
"I will ask my ladies to prepare me to rejoin the court. I won't cower. Thank you, my lady queen," I expressed my gratitude as Anne left with little Jasper, exiting the chamber. I called for my household to assist in dressing me.
A few hours later, I strolled through the court's halls, accompanied by my ladies and maids. As we walked, I spotted my sister, Mary, back at court. I couldn't help but feel elated at the sight of her.
"Sister Mary, you've returned!" I called out to her. Mary turned to me, exuding a healthy glow. She seemed more at ease compared to before her marriage to Edward Seymour, now the Duke of Heford. Mary smiled at me.
"Sister Catherine, you're well enough to be out and about at court. I'm thrilled to see you in good health," Mary remarked as she and her retinue approached mine. I took a moment to observe my sister closely. Mary was adorned in a dark green gown with a matching hood that complemented her red hair.
"I am. I must admit I was frightened, but I am the king's daughter. I won't falter in front of the public," I confided in Mary, who nodded in agreement.
YOU ARE READING
Catherine Tudor
Historical FictionIt is a story about the daughter of Katherine of Aragon and Henry the 8th, as a what-if story and how she would survive and live. Would she make the same decisions as her mother and sister, or would she sign the oath and live in her father's favor?
