A Queens Duty

Chapter One, The Truth

Queen Katherine Howard paced back and forth in her chambers. She had been confined  to her room for 2 days on false charges. The king believed the rumours But he refused to hear her side of the story. That was were Katherine realized the problem was. Henry never let anyone tell him something he didn’t want to hear.  If there was any truth in any accusations….then people would die. But she knew if she could get to him, get him to listen to her….she could tell him the truth.

 

When the guard brought in her supper, she managed to run past him and into the dark halls of Hampton court. Knowing that by this time of the night, Henry would already be in his chambers, she cut into the back way.. “Henry!” She began screaming. The king would be leaving on progress the following morning, so this would Katherine’s last chance.

 

Much to Katherine’s shock and the shock of her ladies, she had grown to love the aging king, over the past year they had been married.  She knew now that all she wanted was the man behind the crown. The man no one saw.A guard caught her by the arm and she started screaming again, “Henry!”

 

Henry pulled his doors open “For gods sake, contain her!” Katherine fought against him, “Henry you haven’t been told the truth. Henry I can tell you the truth please. as a final request.” Henry was quiet for a moment before sighing, “Bring her in and sit her down.”

 

She was pushed into the room and then pushed roughly into the seat across from Henry.  The guards posted outside, Henry glared at the woman in front of him, “Speak!” He yelled, causing her to jump. “Henry, Francis Dereham wrote that letter. He is angry with me because I refused his advances.” Henry waited a moment before motioning for her to go on.

 

“Francis Dereham was brought on into my household by The Duke of Norfolk and the Dowager Duchess. They claimed if I didn’t they would twist my past, I was scared Henry.”

 

She took a few breaths to calm down and was relieved when Henry motioned for her to continue. “When I lived with the Duchess, She would allow men into our rooms to groom us in the art of seduction. Francis was allowed into my room and when I refused him, he overpowered me.” Henry held his hand up and she looked up at him, “Are you claiming he raped you?” She nodded, tears spilling down her cheeks.

 

“My lord, on the nights you would visit my bed, I know it angered you that I wouldn’t allow you to remove my night gown. This is why.” She slowly stood and she undid her robe. She pulled the shoulder of her night gown down revealing her shoulder...and the deep scar that took up most of her shoulder. It was in the shape of a bite mark, and Henry could even see teeth indentations.

 

He stood and he slowly brought her into the light, his agitation disappearing. He traced a finger over the bite and he looked at her, “He left it, claiming that he had marked me as his own, so no man would want me.” Henry stared down at her, ‘You're a great actress Katherine, Supposed you're lying to keep your jewels and social status.”

 

Katherine sank to her knees in front of him, ‘Henry look into my eyes. Though at first I didn’t want this lifestyle, I grew to love. I began to see the man behind the crown. I Love you Henry. I want to give you children. Son’s and daughters. I want to grow old with you. I want to be a loving wife to you. I want to be your Queen because I Love you. Look into my eyes and you will only see truth.”