To Catch A King

Chapter 14: To Be A Queen

Chapter Fourteen - To Be A Queen

Greenwich Palace
Early August 1540

I have been the Queen Consort of England for only a few days now but already I am making my mark on this court. There are more parties arranged, more banquets and more competitions, all sprinkled across the calendar like rain drops of a window pane, livening up this dead court.

My apartments are to be redecorated shortly, with bold colour and decorations to bring life to the rooms that I now call my home. Roaring fires will heat the cold, stone floors and walls, a truly cozy and beautiful atmosphere will be created to celebrate this new era.

Outside, the trees and shrubs are turning orange, red and brown in the change of season. I plan to have all of my outfits matching the seasons. Autumn will see me in bold reds, Winter in crystal blues, Spring in green and Summer in gold. I shall be the height of fashion at all times, and the King will stop at nothing to spend whatever he must to ensure that I have everything I need. After all, I have an image to uphold.

"Your Majesty."
I turn to see Lady Rochford standing behind me, smiling and holding a small wooden chest in her hands.
"Jane!" I grin at her, for, despite the doubts I had about it her, she has truly been a good friend to me these past few weeks. "What is that?"
"This," she holds it towards me, "is a small gift from the King himself."
"A present?" I squeal in happiness at the thought of another gift, one of the main advantages of being Henry's wife. "Here, let me see."

I take it from Jane and collapse down on a small sofa with her. Placing the box on my lap, carefully, I slowly unclasp the catch. The chest itself is embedded with jewels and gemstones; rubies, emeralds, diamonds, whatever else you can name. The gems sparkle and glisten in the light, reflecting in the wide and excited eyes of myself and Jane. But inside this chest lies the real treasure. Upon slowly opening the lid, I feast my eyes upon the most beautiful necklace. Four strings of white pearls, connected together by a golden clasp at the back, meet once again at the ruby centrepiece. Around the stone, set into the golden plate, are tiny sapphires and quartz. A truly magnificent and fantastic piece of jewellery, fit only for a Queen.

"The King would like to wear it tonight; he is holding a feast in celebration of his new wife."
"Well..." I stare at the jewellery, stunned; "this is too kind of him...I cannot thank him enough - of course I shall wear it tonight!"
"I believe it will look beautiful on you, Catherine." Replies Jane earnestly.

I allow Jane to fasten the clasp at the back and look at my reflection in the mirror. In awe, I raise my hand to lightly caress the beautiful jewel against my throat. I cannot say that I am madly in love with him, but the King truly does care about me, that much I can tell.

***

As I walk down the spacious stone corridor towards the main hall with my procession of ladies, I feel a sense of excitement, of urgency. I have chosen to wear a long gown of dark scarlet, and, of course, my new necklace. This is my first feast as the Queen Consort of England, every single step counts towards how everyone will think of me. My expression remains happy, placid, despite all of these emotions in my head.

But something inside of me changes as we turn the corner and see the lines of people watching. Not excitement. Not even anxiety. But fear.

Suddenly all of these questions flood my thoughts.

What if I can't conceive a second son for the King?

What if people do not like me?

What if the King decides he does not love me anymore?

What if I am a bad Queen?

I realise at this moment that not everything is a simple as golden crowns and gifts, there is so much pressure put on the Queen, so many expectations.

I have the most awful sentiment that I will not be able to comprehend them all.