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The sound of Henry Fitzroy's voice calling out my name in a velvet tone catches me off guard, drawing the attention of everyone present. I hadn't anticipated being thrust into the spotlight in this manner, especially not with Charles Brandon at my side, a relative by marriage. It is his bride, however, who has orchestrated this encounter, positioning me as the target of their triumph.
As I stand before him, a wave of fatigue and despondency washes over me, fueled by the knowledge that I am viewed as a pawn in their schemes. The sight of the fine leather boots adorning his feet fills me with a desire to destroy them, to crush them beneath the weight of the turmoil burning within me. I recognize the betrayal that lies beneath his facade of politeness, knowing that I am merely a Spanish daughter trapped in the house of my half-relatives, subjected to their mockery and derision.
When Charles Brandon steps forward to greet me with false cordiality, I am appalled by the charade playing out before me. It is all for show, a carefully orchestrated performance in which Charles Brandon plays the role of a serpent, concealing his true intentions beneath a veneer of amiability.
As he steps back, all eyes are on us, waiting to see how the interaction between brother and sister will unfold. I cannot bring myself to tolerate the thought of communicating with him, or with anyone for that matter. Yet, I know that God has a plan for me, a plan that involves enduring the harsh realities of life and learning from them.
As Henry Fitzroy addresses me, his words dripping with honeyed sweetness, I feel a surge of defiance rising within me. I refuse to bow to his authority or acknowledge him as the heir to the throne of England. In the sacred confines of God's house, I stand firm in my convictions, refusing to be swayed by the whispered temptations of the devil.
My outburst earns me nothing but laughter from Henry Fitzroy, a reaction that only serves to strengthen my resolve. I will not be cowed into submission, nor will I allow myself to be silenced. I may have signed my own death warrant with my words, but I will not back down.
With a heavy heart, I turn and leave the chapel behind me, unable to bear the weight of the judgmental gazes that follow me. Yet, as I walk through the corridors of Whitehall, I know that I have upheld my principles, refusing to compromise my beliefs for the sake of comfort or convenience.
And then, just when I think I am alone, I bump into an unexpected figure—the Countess of Wilshire—a reminder that God's tests of my patience are far from over.
YOU ARE READING
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓦𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓼 𝓞𝓯 𝓘𝓷𝓷𝓸𝓬𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓮
Historical FictionThis narrative revolves around Queen Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII of England, whose reign was shrouded in intrigue and speculation. Some portrayed her as a sorceress who enchanted the king, leading him to break from his marriage to Cat...