Kora has always had an obsession with the Tudor era. Especially Henry VIII. One day she gets an email from the university stating a new book has come into the library 'The Curse Of Henry VIII' ecstatic Kora checks the book out straight away.
That ni...
I choose what I believe, and say nothing. For I am not as simple as I may seem. - Catherine of Aragon
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Walking through the automatic doors, I feel like a predator. I know what I want and I will risk everything to get my hands on it. No, it's not a guy or the latest iPhone, but a book. I walk up to the librarian's desk, adrenaline rushing through my body.
''Excuse me,'' I ask panting. ''I'm Kora Darlington, I got an email this morning regarding a new book you just got.''
The woman behind the desk scans me over, she lifts her glasses onto her nose.
''What is the name of this book?'' she asks not giving me a second glance.
'' The Curse of Henry VIII'' I expressed with utter excitement.
I notice the group of girls behind her chatting away and laughing, probably about the night before. Wednesday night is student night and everyone goes clubbing or down to the local pub for a pint or two. But, that wasn't me, last night was June 28th Henry VIII's birthday. So, I decided to stay in and read some more of my Tudor novels.
It's not that I didn't want to go out drinking. I'm a student, it's what we do best. But since Adam and I broke up a month ago, I don't really want to see him with his tongue down a girls throat near the toilets while I'm drinking shots. I couldn't think of anything worse.
''Author?'' the woman interjects, I zone back into reality.
''Oh... I'm sorry the email didn't give an author's name'' I apologise, hoping this won't take too long.
''I'm afraid the book isn't on our system, maybe it won't be put in until tomorrow. You could have a look on the second floor, that's where...''
''I know'' I interrupt. ''I probably spend more time there than the classroom'' coyly I step away.
As I walk towards the stairs on the right hand side, I start to think of where my interest began.
It was high school, we studied the Tudor era in history, all the student's eyes were drooping shut as Mrs Edwards stands at the front with a picture of Hampton Court on the screen. Everyone else might be falling asleep but my mind was on fire. Hearing the tales of Henry and his six wives was only the start of my interest.
As the bell rang a sigh of relief fell across the room. But an annoyed groan left my lips. As we all walked out I stopped in my tracks, like a force holding me back.
''Mrs Edwards...'' She raises her head from her desk. '' I really enjoyed todays class, actually I think I've found something I might actually be interested in.'' A smile rises in her face.
''We will be studying Henry VIII for two more weeks, I'm glad you're enjoying the class.'' she gleams.
''I was wondering if there were any books you could recommend, just to get me started.'' I requested.
She smiled and got some paper from her notebook.
''Here are a few I can suggest'' she picked up her pen and starts writing.
I reach the second floor and smile thinking of that day, the day which I found my true hobby. Entering the second floor the room is covered in silence. I walk along the bookcases searching for my new gem. Looking among the Henry VIII section I find a bright navy book. I take it off the bookcase and admire the gold engraving on the front 'The Curse Of Henry VIII' no author shown. I blow the dust off the book, confused as to how it's gotten so dusty.
I look at the book in wonder and can't wait to delve into it.
Back in my room, I place the book among the others on my bookshelf as I unpack my bag. I take my laptop off my bed and see the email on my screen.
Dear Miss Darlington,
We have a new book available in the library 'The Curse Of Henry VIII'
Sincerely
Elizabeth
I get into my blue and gold cushioned reading chair and I hear my flatmates Jack and Layton laughing in the kitchen, I do enjoy being the only girl in the flat. It's great to have my own space.
Opening the book, the writing looks almost hand written, I've never seen anything like this before. I delve into the tales never heard before of Henry's love for all his wives. Most shockingly Catherine of Aragon, his first wife who he divorced for Anne Boleyn. Hearing of their earlier years as Henry became kings and how they were truly in love warmed my heart.
As night falls and the sound of rain, thunder, and lightning fades into the background, I'm still curled in my reading chair I get to the last chapter.
The Darkness
As Henry loved all of his wives,
Catherine of Aragon
Anne Boleyn
Jane Seymour
Anne of Cleves
Catherine Howard
Catherine Parr
He always had a darkness in his heart. A longing for true unrequited love, a love that goes beyond his crown and station. A love that is equal and heartfelt. For Henry was not meant to be King, only by the death of his brother Arthur did he gain the crown. Henry was always destined to be the Prince of the roses.
As I read the last sentence my eyes feel heavy and I drift off to sleep, but the rain, thunder, and lightning are replaced by laughter and music.
