The Mistress of King Henry VIII

Chapter One: Being brought to Court

Victoria of Cambridge

January 15th, 1517

Papa had written to Mama one week ago saying he was brought on to the King's council and he was given living chambers and we were to join him.

"When we arrive at court and we step out you will bow to the King first. You will wait until he says to stand and then say hello to your father." Mama said and I rolled my eyes as I looked out the window and saw shops and stores passing by.

When the carriage stopped I fixed myself before the door opened and the pageboy offered me his hand. I grasped it before I stepped down the carriage and turned around to see everything.

I turned and smiled when I saw the King and stepped towards him.

"Your Majesty, this is my daughter Victoria." I heard Papa say and I smiled softly before bowing. I watched the floor and when the King offered me his hand I gladly took it and stood up.

"Welcome to Hampton Court Palace, Victoria." The King said and I smiled as I stepped towards my father.

"The pleasure is all mine, Your Majesty," I said before I hugged my father. When we pulled apart we watched as Mama stood up.

"Is this your first time at court?" The King asked and I nodded.

"I am only seventeen, Your Majesty. This is my first time at court." I said and Papa smiled as he held onto my shoulders.

"Now that I am on the King's council we will be at court for a very long time." He said and the King nodded.

"Your husband is a wonderful asset to the council. His information on the soldier's technique from France and Denmark is extraordinary." The King said and I smiled.

"Papa would be a wonderful asset anywhere," I said and the King nodded.

"Vicky, birthday is on Valentine's Day, Your Majesty. We are very excited and hope within that month we can find her a proper husband within that month." Papa said as the King began to lead us towards our living chambers. I watched as our trunks were brought into our room.

"We are throwing a feast tonight to welcome your family Jonathan." The King stated and I smiled.

"Will the Queen be there?" I asked and the King stared at me before nodding.

"My wife is in the last month of her pregnancy. She has not told me if she will make it out not."

"Your daughter, Princess Mary?" I asked before I felt my mother pinch me.

"I do not know if my wife has sent for her. The past pregnancy Mary was kept away." He said and I smiled.

"May God make sure a healthy baby is born, Your Majesty," I said and the King watched me for a moment and then smiled.

"Please, call me Henry." He said and I stared at him for a moment a nodded.

"Henry, I like that," I said before I bowed to Henry before walking inside. I smiled as I took my gloves off and walked around the dining area, sitting room, bathing chambers before I got to mine.

"Emilia!" I said as I saw my head lady-in-waiting. I rushed over to her and hugged her.

"I am so happy you are finally here. Your father has been set up for an entire week." She said as she helped me take my headpiece off.

"I still am in amazing that we are at court. Papa said the last time he was here was when Prince Arthur died." I said and Emilia laughed.

"Did you see the way that the King was looking at you?" She asked as I took a trunk away from her.