Winning The King's Affections

Hope

1528

It has been a week since Henry last summoned me to his chamber and he has not spoken or even summon me,i am both relived and worried that he has tired of me and will focus on the Lady Anne, I was walking through the corridors when i heard a sound.

I peaked through a corner and i saw the most horrible thing, i saw it, Harry,my sweet Harry talking with Margaret Wallace, the Lady's face was rosy and harry was smiling at her,the same smile he gave me, i felt my heart break. I knew they were betroth and that he loved me but to see them like that was too much.

I turned away and i forced myself to walk back to my chamber. My heart thumping in my chest. I entered my chambers and i fell on my bed with tears, they were feeling heavy on my chest. I thought he loved me,i now know that i was a fool.

I stood up and went to the window, i saw Henry walking with the Lady Anne, I always thought if Henry had discarrded me i could be with Harry, but now it seems that hope is lost. I took a deep breath and i went to the hall. I saw Henry and curtsey to him,remembering ettiqute.

I saw Lady Anne, i felt the anger in jealosuy in her eyes at she looked at me, i was twenty-three to her twenty-seven years and i had better looks than her,i admit. We were gathered and Henry said "Today there will be a joust" I saw Queen Catherine eye's lit at the mention, i knew it would remind her of the happier days,when she was the beautiful and love of the King and the days were glorious.

I saw Harry, his eyes met mine but i looked away,i felt a great pain in my heart whenether i saw him. I stood like a stone as Henry called out the people who would participate, i heard Harry's name and my eyes met his. He was not with Margaret Wallace. I forced myself to look away.

I followed the ladies to Lady Anne's chambers to get her ready for the joust this evening, I made sure her dark hair was neat in its tight chignon, Jeanne helped Anne to her green gown that accentauted her neck. I knew i would have to do the same if i wanted to be Queen. 

The sun was bright as we walked to the dais,Queen Catherine sat on the throne, I sat next to Jeanne and Lady Lucy Wallenburg. I saw the men who were participating getting ready, some were asking for a lady's favor.

I knew i could not expect any man's favor. I saw Jeanne giggling as she gave her handkerchief to Edward Tilney, i was so greatful that Edward stopped his persuit of me, if only i knew that Henry had too. I saw Harry, looking so handsome and debonair in his armor. His dark hair glistening in the sunlight.

He rode his horse near Margaret Wallace, i heard him say "My Lady, are you sure you want to be here? i can tell the Queen that you are unwell?" I saw Margaret shake her head and say "No,thank you,I prefer the outdoors" I saw Margaret turn to get her Handkerchief but before she could even give it to him, he rode his horse near me.

I met his eyes and he said "Lady Catarina, I hope you are enjoying the fresh air" I felt butterflies in me but i maintained my calm and said "Yes, I am Sir Perry" He smiled at me and he said "Would you please honor me by giving me your favor and handkerchief?" I was surprised and taken aback. I did not know what to do.

I looked at Margaret Wallace, she was already talking to another lady, I looked at him and i hesitantily gave him my handkerchief, as he leaned in to take it,i felt the touch of his fingers, even under the metal he wore,i felt the warmness of his fingers. I felt my heart race faster.Our eyes were locked.

It felt as if the world disapeared, only the sounds of the birds heard. I knew that i could jepordize my plan and i gave it to him and said coldly "be careful of it" I looked away and he rode away. The joust began, it was Edward Tilney with Tom Wyatt, Edward succedded. It then was Henry Norris and Charles Brandon,Charles won that one. Then,it was Henry with Charles Brandon, I knew that Charles was Henry's best friend and no doubt liked me as someone to dethrone the Lady Anne.