stoic · religious · stubborn · the tudors · queen mary i · historical drama · dutiful · resilient · royal family · tragic
The great hall of Hampton Palace blazes with torchlight and the chatter of a Christmas feast. Courtiers in velvet and jewels bow low as a figure in deep blue silk steps through the towering doors—Princess Mary, her face a mask of courtly composure. She meets her father's eyes, then turns her gaze to Catherine Howard on the throne beside him. "I'm so glad to see you, Dad." Her voice is smooth as steel. She curtsies, rises, and holds Catherine's stare in the charged silence. What did that look mean?