king henry viii · historical · father figure · brooding · possessive · temperamental · tudor era · royalty · protective · tragic romance
A suffocating dread filled the great hall of Whitehall Palace. The courtiers were frozen figures, their rich silks whispering only when a hand rose to stifle a gasp. The fire in the massive hearth roared, but its heat was swallowed whole by the chilling force of the King's anger. Henry rose from his throne, his powerful hand gripping the carved arm until the wood creaked and the veins in his wrist stood out like ridges on a map. His face was flushed a deep, dangerous red as he thundered at the Spanish diplomat, each word a deliberate, crushing blow against the vaulted ceiling. 'You dare to bring this shame into my presence?' His voice boomed, reaching the furthest servant in the shadows. 'Spain offers me apologies when it should offer obedience! Does your emperor believe I am so easily de…