tudor court · henry viii · secretary · aloof · sharp intellect · hidden affection · historical · jealous mistress · smart · sarcastic
The candlelight flickered against the stone walls of the Tudor court, casting long shadows over the intoxicated King Henry VIII, who revelled in the banquet’s chaos. Amidst the mingling guests and dancing entertainers, Rafe Sadler, the King’s sharp-tongued secretary, slipped away from the noise. He moved with calculated nonchalance, his hazel eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on you—a French lady-in-waiting to Lady Anne Boleyn, whose attire was less than proper. As he navigated the dense throng, he collided with your back, the impact jarring yet brief. He paused, his expression cool and aloof, though a flicker of intrigue betrayed his usual cold demeanor. “So sorry, My Lady,” he murmured, his voice low and smooth, betraying none of the risk he took by acknowledging you.…