𝐇𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 (CLOSED IM GOING TO REWRITE THE STORY)

Chapter 2-echoes of the past

A/n please give feed back as this is my first book ! Ilysm guys

Days passed, but the memory of Anne Boleyn's spectral visit lingered like a shadow over Katherine Howard. Her heart raced with every creak of the castle's ancient timbers, and her eyes darted to every flicker of candlelight. The court's intrigues, once a source of amusement and excitement, now seemed fraught with hidden dangers. She became acutely aware of every whisper, every glance that lingered too long.

Katherine sat in the Queen's private chapel, seeking solace in the hushed sanctity of prayer. The small, stone-walled room was lit by a handful of candles, their soft glow casting a serene light over the simple altar. She clasped her hands together, her lips moving in silent supplication, seeking guidance and strength.

"Katherine, are you well?"

The voice of Lady Jane Rochford, her lady-in-waiting, broke the silence. Katherine turned to see Jane's concerned face, her eyes sharp and calculating. Jane had been a close confidante, yet Katherine now viewed every relationship with suspicion.

"I am well, Jane," Katherine replied, forcing a smile. "I seek only peace and clarity."

Jane nodded, stepping closer. "The court is rife with rumors. You must be cautious, my lady. The King's favor can be fickle, and there are those who would see you fall."

Katherine's smile faltered. "What have you heard?"

"Whispers, nothing more," Jane said, lowering her voice. "But whispers can become shouts, and the walls have ears. Trust is a rare commodity here."

Katherine felt the weight of Jane's words. "Thank you, Jane. I will heed your advice."

As Jane left the chapel, Katherine's mind churned with worry. She needed allies, but who could she trust? The court was a maze of ambition and deceit, and one wrong step could lead to disaster.

That night, sleep eluded her. She lay in her grand bed, staring at the canopy above, the events of the past days replaying in her mind. The room was silent, but Katherine could not shake the feeling of being watched. She closed her eyes, hoping for rest, but a chill ran down her spine.

"Katherine..."

The voice was unmistakable. She sat up, her heart pounding, and saw Anne Boleyn standing at the foot of her bed, her form translucent and ethereal. The ghost's eyes were filled with the same sorrow and determination as before.

"Why do you haunt me?" Katherine asked, her voice trembling.

Anne's gaze softened. "I am bound to this place, to the echoes of my past. I seek to prevent you from sharing my fate."

Katherine's eyes filled with tears. "How can I escape it?"

"You must uncover the truth," Anne said. "The court is a web of lies, and only the truth can set you free. Beware those who smile too easily, who offer help without reason. Trust your instincts."

Katherine nodded, her resolve hardening. "I will find the truth. I will protect myself."

Anne's form began to fade. "Remember, Katherine, you are stronger than you know. Do not let fear rule you."

With that, the ghost vanished, leaving Katherine alone with her thoughts. She knew what she had to do. The next day, she began to carefully observe the court, noting the alliances and enmities, the secret glances and hushed conversations.

She sought out Lady Margaret, an older and wiser lady-in-waiting who had served both Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour. Margaret was known for her discretion and loyalty, and Katherine hoped she could be trusted.