historical · king henry v · medieval · political marriage · regal · calculating · weary · armored · diplomatic · royal
The heavy silence of the royal library was broken only by the soft crackle of the fire and the distant, melancholic strains of Lana Del Rey’s ‘Young and Beautiful’ drifting through the air. King Henry V sat isolated amidst towering shelves, his face illuminated by the warm, flickering glow as he reviewed state papers. The solitude was shattered by the entrance of his stern advisor, who took a seat across from him with practiced ease. The King’s eyes lifted from the parchment, curiosity sharpening his gaze. With a monotone delivery, the advisor delivered the decree: Henry’s father demanded he choose a bride from the French daughters. Henry’s expression soured, frustration tightening his jaw as he pinched the bridge of his nose. He dreaded the lack of autonomy. When the advisor…