Before Anne Boyeln, there was another. This is her story.
Scarlett, an orphaned, seventeen-year-old girl grew up on England's monarchy, tending the stables. Scarlett's gift of beauty soon becomes a curse as she catches the eye of the most powerful...
Every Thursday for the last few weeks, the King and I have scheduled visits with each other to escape the hustle and bustle of the kingdom. First, we would head to the library, discuss a new book the other had read that week and then continue to a new room in the castle to explore.
Before meeting with the King today, I thought I'd get up extra early and visit the stables. I crept through the halls, trying not to be seen - which was quite a difficult task considering the frocks the King had provided for me to wear. Oh how I missed Elliot and the others I used to work with, it was strange not seeing them every day, let alone not being with them for several weeks.
I pushed through the large chipped wooden doors, shinning mornings first light onto their tired faces.
"Scar!" Elliot beamed, running over and wrapping his arms around me.
"My favourite boy," I said, roughing up his hair, "how has the castle been without me?"
"Dim." He admitted. "But so much better now. Are you returning to us?"
I looked away from him. I don't think I'd ever be allowed back here unless I am unsuccessful in producing an heir. That's of course if the King lets me go with my head attached. "Not yet Elliot, but I promise I'll come back for you and visit more often," I said, grabbing all their hands and leading them outside.
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"You promise?" Elliot spoke. I know he was not a fool. The King had his grasp on me now, I shouldn't be making promises I'm not confident I can keep.
"I promise," I swore to Elliot.
"You were mine first." Sweet Elliot said. He was so young, yet already planned our future together. We were getting married one day and going to live in the country, once we escape the kingdom of course. Never mind I was nine years his senior, I went along with his stories. Anything to keep his mind from the harshness of the kingdom.
"Remember our plans, Elliot? We will be a family. We are a family." I said, placing a kiss on his dusty forehead.
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That afternoon, as per usual, I headed to meet the King. However, today he sent me a note asking to meet him in his chambers. Upon entering, I was confronted by someone I hoped I would never cross paths with, Queen Katherine of Aragon. Of course, the news of the King and I's special arrangement had spread like crossfire around the kingdom, and all eyes have been on me... especially those of her minions.
"Oh, your highness," I bow, "sorry to disturb you, I was not expecting to see you," I admitted, before curtseying and heading towards the exit.
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"Then who were you hoping to see, Lady Scarlett. My husband, the King of England." She bluntly spat, marching over towards me, "Yes, I know who you are. And as your Queen, I must be honest and true to all my subjects," she whispered in my ear, "he will tire of you, like all the others."
My jaw clenched and eyes filled with rage, "If you'll excuse me, I have an audience with His Majesty,"
"That's all you're going to say to me? Coward." She fired behind me. "Don't cross me, girl. I will make your time here a living hell."
"Well, my Queen, as you know I am but a poor woman, lacking in both wit and understanding. Nothing I say to you would be of any importance, and I guess the same goes for what I have to say to the King." I paused, towering over her. "I guess he'll just fondle my breasts and swear his affections for me, and then return to your cold bed." I hissed.
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The gasps of all her ladies filled the silence. I know I was blunt, but after the anonymous threatening notes I had received in my chambers since I first bedded the King, I had something to say back to the 'anonymous' scripter. The King's protection was my security, and from what he's told me, Katherine is dead to His Majesty, and thus not a threat to me.
I tried to forget the awkward encounter earlier today and search for His Majesty. At last, I found him buried within the library.
"I thought we were meeting in your chambers, today? I received your note?" I probed, putting the book I had finished this week down on the table in front of me.
"My note?" The King questioned, "I did not send you a note? Lady Scarlett, if I wanted to share words with you, I would meet you at your chamber door." He hinted, waltzing over towards me.
Katherine, of course. She wanted to finally meet me and threaten me in the flesh. "Oh, never mind." I faltered, "What are you writing?" I probed, heading back towards where he was sitting.
King Henry rushed over and fumbled with the papers, "Oh nothing..."
"Hmm, didn't look like nothing to me. Are you a secret poet, your Majesty?"
He chuckled, "I wouldn't say I was a poet, I'm no Thomas Wyatt, but I do tend to write words that assemble what some would call basic poetry. "
"Anything about me?" I questioned, leaning closer.
"You occupy my constant thoughts, dear Scarlett. And that's all I'll ever let you know." He admitted, as his cheeks became flustered.
"Then I'll have to just to leave your words up to my imagination." I beamed, "Come on," I began as I lifted him up from his seat, "I know where I want to go today."
