Anine was surprised to find Henry and lady Anne waiting by the castle gates, laughing and engaging in affection that made her feel slightly jealous. Both the king and Anne sat upon two beautiful black horses, the king holding the reigns to a third horse, it's coat was as white as snow.
"Awe Anine, it's such a pleasure to have you accompany us," Henry said, with a lingering look he turned his attention to the horse. "I hope ye love the gift,"
"It's beautiful, your majesty," she responded with a curtesy.
With a boisterous laugh Henry handed the reigns to a young stable boy. "You're more humble then a daughter of Lady Maraush should be."
"I've learned that being humble helps keep the rumors spreading milord."
As she courts eyed again, Charles Brandon rode up on his similar color of horse and Anine knew that the horse had come from his stables.
"The steed is strong," he said with an amusing grin. "I should know I raised it from when it was a colt." He straightened, puffing himself up. "Second fastest horse in the royal stables."
Though she detested the Duke, she accepted the steed by climbing up into the saddle with grace and speed that would match the animal.
I do not wish for this man's affection, she thought, and I must make him lose it.
(C) Kelcey Winn
YOU ARE READING
The Seventh Queen (On Hold: Revising)
Historical FictionAnine Wallace was once betrothed to King Henry the eighth before he was king. That was before his brother died and he inherited his brother's wife. Almost ten years later and her mother or the woman who pretends to be her mother forces her to go bac...
