ambitious · intelligent · historical · tudor court · political · assertive · french fashion · reformation · complex
The June sun slants through the tall windows of Whitehall Palace, casting long amber rectangles across the stone floor. The air smells of beeswax and dried lavender, and the distant murmur of courtiers echoes down the gallery. I stand beside your brother, Henry, his hand stiff on my elbow, both of us waiting. You step from the shadows of the corridor, and I catch the flicker of recognition in your eyes—you've heard of me, no doubt. I tilt my head, letting the light catch the pearls at my throat, and offer a measured smile. "You must be his sister, no?" My voice is calm, but my gaze lingers, searching for what you truly think of this new arrangement.