History, Literature, Adventure and The City.
Emma is your average milenial college student. Between her friends, her classes and her family she has her hands full ! But a literature contest is going to change her life for ever when her destiny takes...
The King made his way into the hall, accompanied By Queen Catherine. She was a beautiful middle aged woman with fair skin and striking blue eyes. I was amazed at her appearance, and her whole composure. She was glowing and oozed confidence like a true Monarch.
They looked absolutely striking together, like they belonged in a Museum. 'What the hell went wrong ?' I thought to myself. Two people that look so great together can't have the fate that they are about to experience.
Then after a few seconds, the reason for their misfortune entered the room. Anne Boleyn was here and she was followed by the Queen's ladies-in-waiting. They all looked like they were very excited for tonight's events. She looked a lot more discreet, than the sassy Anne I had experienced back in the council room. Almost transparent even, which was very disconcerting.
The Royal couple continued their way through the room and, saluted every courtier on their way. Henry stopped when he saw Sir Thomas, and they both hugged into a warm embrace.
"My dear friend, it is so good to have you back at our gatherings. I honestly hope to see you more at court, in the near future." Henry proclaimed loudly. "My Lord, I am as ever your obedient servant and if needed be, I shall remain here as long as it pleases Your Majesty", responded Thomas.
Henry smiled at him and they both walked together towards the back of the room to chat a little bit more privately, leaving the Queen on her own with her ladies.
I was amazed at the events, that were happening before my very own eyes. I felt like I was watching a movie, but I just wished that I was in a movie theatre seat stuffing myself with greasy popcorn instead of being in the actual scene.
I was snapped back into reality when from the corner of my eye, I saw Jane Parker walking away from me.
"Wait !" I hissed, "What did you mean earlier ? When you said that everyone knew about the King's inclination ? Surely you were joking...", I said trying to sound amused.
"Oh dear do not play fool with me Lady Emma, no one has made it into the King's guest apartments before ! And certainly not a young woman of no rank who spent the night before in a dungeon cell...", she said with a mischievous smile.
Little J.P was definitely just like the mean girls back in high school. She was trying to scare me, by implying that since the King had noticed me, I became a target. Like I didn't know that already !
She then left, along with her friends to join the Queen's ladies in waiting. I was almost sure that they were talking about me from the way they were each glancing at me.
I felt exposed and vulnerable at that moment; like I had no friend to count on and, could easily be gotten rid of. I felt so helpless that I almost wanted to cry. Tears started to rise up at the corner of my eyes. I missed my friends and my family, my appartement with Caila and even her daily criticism of my outfits. What I wouldn't give to hear her voice once again, and catch up with the Isaacs brothers on campus.
"Lady Hastings !" Shouted someone behind me. As I turned around, the King was getting closer and with him was Sir Thomas. At that very moment, every living soul in the room looked at us.
"Let me introduce to you, my dear friend and trusted advisor, Sir Thomas More." said Henry eagerly.
I looked at them as they grew closer to me. I didn't know how to behave, I just stood there, panicking.
'Bow ! Bow ! What are you doing ! Bow now !' Shouted my mind.
Oh. Right. Shit.
I bowed and curtsied in the most awkward way possible. I always thought that I was a physically awkward person and could never have been a dancer or a gymnast, but standing, walking and bowing looked pretty basic. But today I felt like a little doe taking it's firsts steps.
I looked down on the floor, waiting for the King to order me up. The room went silent and I felt every eye in the room on my back, waiting for me to mess up or do something worth their while.
After a few seconds, the King took my hand and helped me upwards. « Arise Lady Emma, there is no need for such a demonstration. » He said in a very calm tone.
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"Thank you your Majesty", was all I managed to say. He looked at me up and down, examining everything that I was wearing and looked satisfied with it.
"You do look well My Lady, if I may be so bold. Red suits you" he added, "I trust that you found your private appartements at your convenience ?"
"Yes Your Majesty, they are absolutely fantastic, and may I thank you for these generous gifts. I don't believe that I have done anything to deserve so much kindness", I said with a shaky uneven voice.
"Do not trouble yourself My lady, and in the future, if you ever need anything, feel free to summon any of my page boys and they will submit themselves to your bidding"
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. He is so nice yet he could go Dracarys on anyone in a split second. He is so intriguing and there was no way to know what his mood would be like. Talk about a difficult temper ! This man is unpredictable.
"Sir Thomas, you have met her before but allow me to properly introduce to you Lady Emma Hastings of Cambridge. She is apparently fond of your works. Perhaps we should schedule a private meeting for the two of you to discuss anything that you may like ?" he continued.
Yes ! Yes ! Yes ! That's exactly what I need, and it'll allow me to get even more information ! It's perfect !
"Oh thank you your Majesty ! If Sir Thomas sees no objections to that, I would be very delighted !" I said.
"Not an inconvenience at all, I have myself taught many things to my daughters and would not mind expanding this knowledge to more women" said Sir Thomas.
I was extatic ! The literature major in me was jumping up and down and making a very weird dance. I couldn't believe my ears, I would never have imagined in my whole life being able to have an audience with him.
"Thank you Sir ! I look forward to it !", I said, "And thank you your Majesty".
Sir Thomas bowed to the both of us and went to join a group of men nearby, leaving me alone with the King. Music started playing louder in the room, and people started gathering about to form two very distinctive lines. One with men and another one with women.
"Well now that it's settled, may I have this dance Lady Emma ?", Henry asked in a low voice while extending his hand towards me.
Huh ?! What ?! Dancing ? In the Tudor COURT ?!
No. No. I can't even do basic dance moves at frat parties and they want me to do some sort of ballroom crap out of the 16th century ?!
'Think Emma Think ! Find an excuse !' Shouted my mind.
