To Catch A King

Chapter 21: A Small Surprise

Chapter Twenty-One - A Small Surprise

Greenwich Palace
January 1541

It's been three weeks since my midnight meeting with Culpepper, and since then we have had two more secret gatherings in the dark and discrete places of the palace.

I cannot describe the euphoria that I experience every time that we are together, even the way that he looks at me is magical. I am walking on eggshells of course, almost all of the time, through fear that someone may have seen us during one of our rendezvous. But the utter joy that I have with him puts all of my worries out of the picture, at least, for a time.

But the hardest thing for me is not to leave Culpepper, not even to spend nights away from him, but to try and remain loving with King Henry. It is not that I hold anything against him in particular, other than that he cannot please me the way I wish, he just cannot compare with Culpepper. Nevertheless, I must remain as good a wife to him as I can, he will be expecting me to produce an heir and nothing can seem untoward in our marriage. 

I received a message from the King earlier asking to see me in his chambers. This is not unusual, I have nothing to suspect that this is bad, but all the same I cannot say that I am looking forward to it. Henry tries so hard, but he cannot hide his temper, his weight, his thirst for power from me completely, it seeps through his pores.

Entering though the grand double doors, I feel the surge of warmth hit me from the multiple fires roaring in his rooms. The King's rooms must be kept warm in this cold month, at all costs. But then again, Henry VIII has never been concerned with the cost of things, he is not his father. I smile as genuine a smile as I can when I see my husband, hoping that he cannot see through the façade. For what it's worth, I can at least be my true self when I am with Culpepper, and not have to force a fake happiness, an undying loyalty to the court after the deception that my family has played out.

Suddenly, I see something that makes my heart drop to my stomach in fear. My nerves begin to shake and I feel dizzy, barely able to comprehend what this might mean but conscious of trying to remain placid in my expression.
Culpepper is here.
He is standing by the King, who sits the by the window. No, it cannot be that Henry has found out. So much hangs in the balance with my secrets: my position, my family's reputation, my life. Everything that I have worked for will vanish before my eyes if this is true. I pray silently as the seconds tick by.

"Catherine?" Henry walks over to me. "Are you okay, my dear?"
"Yes...yes." I stutter, unsure as to whether Henry is being calm before the storm ahead. Culpepper pours two cups of wine in the background. He seems calm.
"You look...unwell. Are you sure that you are alright?" Henry continues.
"I'm fine, my love." I reply, trying desperately to get rid of the shakiness in my voice.
"Come sit with me."
Henry and I take a seat by the window. I catch Culpepper's eye as Henry begins to talk about something benign. Culpepper smiles quickly and nods reassuringly. Everything is fine. He does not know. His eyes speak to me that we are safe in our secret. I zone back in on Henry's conversation with a much lighter heart, relieved more than I can describe. I take a long sip of my wine to cleanse my parched and nervous throat. I relax as the liquid slips down easily and soothes my anxious body. I grip the cup, suddenly so very grateful for such simple things like wine. After thinking that my life was on the line, I feel that I will never take anything for granted again.

A messenger appears at the door informing Henry that the council need to speak to him urgently on matters of foreign policy. He sighs and apologises to me, aware that this has interrupted our time together on numerous occasions. He leaves the room, and I am left with Culpepper. Once I am certain that we are truly alone, I speak.
"Thomas...I don't think that I have ever been so scared in my life...I thought...when I saw you..."
"Ssshhh...Catherine, it's okay." He takes my face gently in his hands. "Nobody suspects anything at all."
"I cannot take a shock like that again, we really need to be careful."
"We are always careful, trust me, nobody will ever find out."
"I am not so sure..."
'But we love each other, don't we?" He questions.
"Yes...but this risks so much!"
"And it is all worth it."
Culpepper kisses me softly, and I cannot argue with him any longer. Off course this is worth it for our love.
"Thomas, stop!" I giggle. "We are in the King's private rooms!"
"He will never know." He smiles at me.

I gaze into his eyes and have nothing but trust for him. Thomas is right, we are safe and will always be careful.
I love him deeply, and the risk is all worth it.

Nobody will ever discover us.