12 Things a Queen Must Never Be

Chapter 1: the Beginning

Chapter 1: The Beginning

Dear Mary,

This series of letters that I am writing is for you and your future children. I may give it to you when your child is older as I sense great potential in your child, not half grown, it father is the eye if the court and it will be too. I hope for our family’s sake, and yours that it is a boy, if not we will face the King’s wrath. You however, will face the King and our ‘beloved’ uncle’s wrath.

I see not, why the king favours you when I am right here attracting all eyes except his. Everyone with power favours you. Even the queen, she still looks kindly on you yet you are carrying her husband’s child. Henry’s love child. Our dear Katherine looks with a scornful glance towards me as I sit here writing this. Not even an apron on my attire and over many years not once have I ever got ink on me.

This brings me to the main reason I am writing this. The true reason. It is to keep me from going insane. You would not know Mary because she looks favourably on you whereas she loathes me. She looks at me like I would grow horns and take her precious Henry away. I would too, if you hadn’t stolen him and made me stand aside. I have always had the dreams and character but this time you got the glory.

These letters give me a safe haven even when Katherine looms over me with requests to thread her tapestry needle or finish the lengthy blue sky with small sewn crosses or read drear translations of the bible. The bible isn’t dreary only her handwritten translations are, her handwriting thin and serious like her. A small victory has been scored against you and Katherine, henry told me I was the prettiest girl at court today and we walked around the palace gardens at Hampton. He is going off you, now you are big, gross and can’t move properly due to excess weight. A small triumph but one none the less and once our family realises that for our own family’s sake, I would be better for Henry YOU will be told to move out of the way. But unlike you I don’t plan to become his mistress, I plan to be much more …

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As Anne put her pen down and tucked the parchment away that was glistening with ink. The court in England was such a messy thing, whereas France was beautiful and elegant. She had to move because there were no high lords for her to marry in France. Anne sighed heavily and looked up at the monarch, sitting on her carved throne decorated with intricate leaves and small lizards. She could imagine herself sitting on it and Anne could almost feel the smooth mahogany under her fingers. Katherine coughed politely and Anne realised she had been staring at her for far too long.

‘Lady Anne’ Katherine requested politely ‘if you have nothing to do, would you mind helping us finish our tapestry’

Anne fixed a smile on her face.

‘Of course, Your Majesty I would be delighted to help’

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As I looked back at the small corner of sky that had been filled in and my mind couldn’t help but wonder. Anne   was such a tiresome girl, always fighting to be the best even when nothing could be done. However this time she could succeed. My eyes ran over Mary. The Boleyn girls have done it before. I thought bitterly. I am shocked at my bitterness I have never been bitter ever. It was my turn now to let out a huge sigh. Mary looked up.

‘Your Majesty, are you well? Do you need a rest?’

‘No my dear, I am well’

Inside I am withering with the hardship of having to run a whole court on my own. Henry, as dear as he is, has never and will never run a court; someone will always do it for him. I will be devastated to lose my court but a small part of me, that I am ashamed to feel, wants to lose the pain that I am in now. I realised suddenly that whilst this was going through my mind I had not been moving and half my ladies were looking at me curiously, the others with sorrow.

I stood up and brushed my rich, silk skirt with the back of my shaking hand. Forcing a smile I summoned Anne and Mary to my side and let the rest of the ladies follow me out to the courtyard where Henry was. He smiled and came to my side like an exited puppy when we reached the courtyard. He was always happy to be at Hampton Court, his favourite palace.

‘Will you play my dear?’

I knew that if I refused his attention would turn to the Boleyn’s.

‘I do not know what would be better’

‘Your Majesty’ George Boleyn appeared at my side ‘take my place’

Henry smiled happily at George.

'Thank you Master Boleyn’

Throwing the ball I knew I would have to keep this up if my place was to be sustained.

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Her Majesty got close to over taking Henry In the game by a centimetre. However she has perfected the art of losing by so very little. Henry grinned as she handed him the money.

Looking over at my perfect sister standing cheering his majesty on. He looked up at her, eyes fixed on the glistening ‘B’ on her neck. She is the most beautiful girl at Court but she is my sister so I can’t even think about it. It would affect her future as Queen. Anne may however be jeopardising that as she has eyes for more than just henry. The whole court is her goal. She won’t get it; her ambition will be thwarted by Cardinal Wolsey. He could never like her and if she tries to overpower him henry won’t let her and Uncle would disapprove.

‘George are you troubled?’ her perfect face looked at me worried.

‘I could have a better peace of mind’

‘Why don’t you take a rest? His majesty will understand’

Watching her walk away and looking at her exquisite body language I could only wish. After Anne had talked quietly in his majesty’s ear, too close for Mary or Katherine’s liking. Henry smiled at me and proceeded with his game. Walking up the carved stone stairs made me only wish things were different.

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Dedicated to ProbablyDayDreaming as she is just amazing and we have so many inside jokes it becomes confusing. Check out her new book once it is uploaded called the handkerchief tree .

I hope you like this chapter it took me ages.

Keep Day Dreaming,

Lily xxx