Author's notes: I am a huge Tudors buff and this is my first online attempt of a fanfiction. I do hope you like it so far and I will try my best to keep it regularly updated. Just remember that this is a fanfiction. A lot of the facts of this time will not be used, although I will try my best to use what I can. As you noticed my Henry is actually based off real life of what he looked like. Also, Mcloud is actually my Scottish family name. I just wanted to tie A personal note to it and thought that the relationship between Alania and Henry would be dampened by the conflicts of Scotland and England during this time.
TY for reading.
Chapter 1 - All Good Girls Go to Court.
I stared out my window on a rainy afternoon and watched the water stream down the glass. Here I was about to embark on a new journey of my life. I was about to go to court to serve Queen Anne Boleyn. Queen Anne had requested only the highest ladies to serve her to make the country, and the court, except her more. However, the view of her person with the people of England was not a great one. Most blamed her for the destruction of the churches and pushing out of the old faith, but if anything she was a glimmer of light. King Henry the VIII was really the beacon behind all of those politics. After all, he had to find a way to push Queen Catherine aside for not producing him a male heir. Still, I had heard this King was dangerous. He loved one minute and hated the next. What if he were to take a liking to me? What would I do? Then again, Queen Anne seemed to hold a power over him. He was ripping his own country apart for her. I highly doubt he would notice the likes of me, a Scottish nobleman's daughter by trade. My thoughts were startled when my maid came in.
"Lady Alania, I do believe it's time to get dress. The coach will be here soon to take you to Whitehall. There, you'll be presented to the Queen's chambers." she smiled at me.
"Thank you, Eliza." I smiled as I walked over to her.
She lifted my shift over my head and I unpinned my hair, letting the dark auburn locks fall down my bare back. I had to wear a gold gown since that was the color the Queen had chosen. I much preferred green, but then again I wasn't the Queen. The gown was just made for court and I had four more packed away in various trunks along with my brushes, basins, pins, jewelry, and personal keepsakes. The maid started to lace my under corset when my mother walked in.
"Your father would be so proud." she smiled at me as she picked up the silver plated brush and started to brush my hair.
"I know mama." I smiled. "I can't wait for his return from the new world."
"Nor can I! Speaking of which, he wrote you a letter to give to you on this very day. It's words of encouragement I'm sure." she said as she brough the parchment I took from a pocket in her dress.
I took it from her, after my dress was put on, and sat in front of my vanity getting my hair pulled up. I broke the wax seal and could instantly smell my father's scent. I missed him terribly these last months. He had traveled to the new world in exploration for England. A race against Spain and France to claim new lands and bring back items not known to us. I smiled as I opened the letter to view his scroll of handwriting, always beautiful.
My Dearest Daughter,
Today you embark on a new journey of your life. A journey where you will make friends and hopefully find a suitable husband. I have every confidence that you will honor our family name with dignity and respect. I have set back a generous sum for you to use at your will while at court. I have also sent several packages ahead for you to give to the King once they arrive. They will be gifts from the new world. Remember, you are a McCloud and you have been educated with the finest of tutors in various fields. Use your knowledge and charm wisely and you will go far. I wish I could be there to see you off, but I shall be home soon. Send my love to your dear mother and brother.
Your father,
Alexander McCloud - Duke of Wynter.
I smiled and started to tear up. I really did miss my father and I was so lucky to have him. He wasn't like most fathers at all. He saw fit to educate me and my brother well. Even though I would marry and carry a dowry to my husband I was still included in on the lands my father owned. While absent, my brother took up father's Duke position at court. His name was Wallace McCloud and he was so named after the brave William Wallace from our beloved Scotland.
"Was it that bad?" my mother asked as she fastened a chain of pearls around my neck. I smile up at her as the maid handed me my color for my cheeks.
"He sends his love to us all." I smile "Wants me to make a good match at court and represent our family well."
"I do miss that man." she said frowning a bit for I could tell his absence was a strain.
"Mama, he will be home soon! I promise!" I said turning in my chair and grasping her hands.
"I know he will. I just miss him and now my only little girl is going off to court. I can't tell you how careful to be Alania. The men of court can be extreme." she warned.
"Mother I promise not to go running of into the gardens giving my virtue to any man who will have me. You both have raised me to be a young lady and that's what I will be." I spoke with confidence as I put on my claddagh ring which was symbol that I was unmarried and pure. True, it was Irish but so was my mother.
"Well then let's take a look at you." she said as I stood.
The gown was beautiful. It was a soft gold color flowing down my body with hints of green vines tangling through the under cloth. The gold brought out my red hair even more and the color of my eyes.
"You are beautiful..." my mother smiled as I blushed slightly. I didn't take well to personal comments.
"Well this is it mother. Wish me luck!" I smiled at her as I hugged her one last time.
She squeezed me to her for the longest of moments before she let me go, smoothing my dress back out for me.
"Write me!" she said as I walked to the door.
"You know I will." I smiled.
I watched my childhood home for 18 years grow distance as the horses clopped on the wet ground. We had a long journey ahead of us to Whitehall. The maid in attendance, sent by the Queen to help me, smiled at me offering me slices of apple and playing cards to pass the time. Honestly, I was a nervous wreck. What if I didn't bow deep enough or showed signs of disrespect? We are living in a age where one can be condemned just by their actions alone. In fact, it was recently that a man was executed for poisoning a bishop's household and in the most horrible way. He was boiled alive! My stomach grew queasy as I thought of the agony of the poor soul. I would have to learn to guard my tongue if I wanted to make it in this court. I stifled a yawn as I tried to stay awake and view the countryside, but sleep was my enemy and I succumbed.
"M'lady McCloud, we are here." the maid spoke as I woke up from napping.
I stretched to see that we were at the gatehouse of Whitehall. The place was truly beautiful with a line of neatly trimmed trees growing up the pathway. The front yard was filled with flowers and fountains too. The carriage jolted up to the front steps and one of the guards opened the door, giving me his hand. I stepped out and stared up at what would be my home in the coming months. In the distance I could hear geese calling out on the front lawn, obviously they were happy about it raining.
"Please Lady McCloud...this way." the guard smiled as I smiled back.
"Thank you." I said as I followed him into the main hall.
The place was huge and it wasn't something I was prepared for. I had heard of people getting easily lost in Whitehall's pathways but I didn't think I would ever figure the place out. I kept up with the guard as he went through a series of tunnels before stopping at a set of double doors.
"Please tell her majesty, Queen Anne, that Lady McCloud has arrived and wishes to request an audience in her chamber." he spoke.
The guard nodded before disappearing into the double doors. When they opened I heard giggles and laugh erupting from inside along with instruments. I waited outside with what seemed like forever before the door opened and I was allowed inside.
"Hello Lady McCloud. I am Lady Rochester. Please follow me to the Queen's chambers." she said as bowed slightly.
We walked through a crowded room and everybody turned silent as I passed. I could have sworn I heard the words "Scot" whispered amongst a group and got irritated. Tensions between Scotland and England were not the best in the world. Most English thought us to be barbaric but we were rather learned. My father fought with King Henry the VII on the battlefield of Bosworth. He helped King Henry the VII pluck his crown from the bloody battlefield and usurp the throne. In turn, Henry the VII funded my father's expeditions to the new world. Most people assume my father was given a title too, but this was simply not true. My ancestors were highlanders and noble by their own right and bloodlines. Still, most English did not like the Scots and I can honestly say that most Scots didn't like the English. We walked through two doors and I was instantly in front of the Queen who had her back turned to me. Her long, dark hair flowed down her back and the crown on her head sparkled with the candles in the room. I bowed low as she turned around and bid me to rise.
"Lady McCloud? Welcome to court and as one of my ladies. I trust you brought everything you needed." she said as she moved over to her desk and picked up a document.
"Yes your grace" I said bowing. "and thank you for accepting me into your household."
"Well I expect all my ladies to behave with decently and morals. I expect you to devote your studies to the English bible which is always open in my apartments." she explained. "I am told you are fluent in Spanish, Latin, and French..."
"Yes your grace. My father raised me with a fine education." I said.
"Good because I can use some one to help me transcribe Latin into English. I want to see to several projects that give the people a chance to read works for themselves" she explained. "What do you think Lady McCloud? Don't you agree that all people should read the bible?"
I swallowed hard not wanting to reveal my belief one way or another. Still, I had to make a stand. "Yes your grace. I do believe we all should read the good works of our savior."
She smiled at my answer and took me by the hands with a smile. "We understand each other quite well Lady McCloud. Now. let's go finish sewing shirts for the poor. I promised I would have them delivered tomorrow!"
I nodded as I followed her back to the main room. I was introduced to the rest of the ladies and gentlemen of the Queen's household before I sat at the Queen's feet with the other ladies to work on shirts.
"So Lady McCloud is Scotland as dreary as they say?" The Lady Jane Seymour asked.
"No. It's a very beautiful country if I say so myself." I said as they all stared at me.
"Well let's hope for your sake that we do not get into another skirmish with them."Lady Madge laughed.
I didn't find it amusing at all but before I opened my mouth to say something back the footman announced the king was on his way. We all quickly stood as in walked Henry the VIII with his lords, including my brother. My eyes lit up as I saw Wallace in the room. I was tempted to run and hug him but I had to remember manners. This was also my first time to lay eyes on King Henry and I must say I was impressed. He was quite tall with a athletic build and golden red hair. He was every bit the prince they said he was.
"Who is this new lady?" he asked staring at me.
I felt the red burn my cheeks as Anne turned to me. "Oh Lady McCloud from Scotland. She has been accepted as a lady in waiting."
"Lady McCloud? Wallace! Why didn't you tell me your sister was coming to court? he jested.
"I wanted it to be a surprise, your grace." my brother answered as he winked at me.
"Well I had no idea you were Wallace's sister. Welcome to court M'Lady." he smiled as he turned back to Anne. I thanked him for his acceptance.
"How is the babe today?" he asked Anne.
"He is great." Anne said putting emphasis on he.
"Good my Queen! I wanted to come by and see you before I head off hunting. I will be glad when you are no longer with child so you can join me again. I get really lonely without you or your ladies accompanying us." The king smiled.
"I am so sorry to displease you, you grace. Surely the time will past fast." Anne smiled.
"My sister is an excellent hunter, your majesty. She even best me with bows and arrows." my brother grinned.
I knew my face was flushed with red as Henry turned back towards me. He eyed me suspiciously as if he didn't think I could shoot a bow. Then he did something I would have never expected him to do.
"Well I want to see how good she is. Lady McCloud, please join us for the hunt." the king commanded.
"But Henry she just got here..."Anne said to protest but Henry interrupted.
"My dear I do believe she will enjoy it. We won't hurt her on her first day. You have my word." Henry said as he bowed to leave.
Somehow I didn't think Anne was too concerned with me getting hurt as she was with Henry taking a special liking to me. In that area she had nothing to fear for I was not going to be anyone's mistress. My brother extended his arm as he walked me out.
"Wallace! What do you think you are doing? I should not be going out!" I said in hushed whispers.
"Dear girl it's just a hunt! I promise sister I have our family's best interest. Now go change into your riding dress so I can escort you out!" he said releasing me.
"It's nice to see you again too." I half smiled as he turned to talk to another man in the hallway.
I walked to my room and quickly changed from a gold dress to a deep blue riding dress with brown boots. I got my maid to pin my hair better so it wouldn't fall out of place when I rode. When I was done I found my brother and we walked to the stables of the castle. I was given a beautiful horse to ride who was such a gentle creature and helped into a saddle by my brother. As I sat I heard clops of another horse come up beside me. I turned to see the king himself grinning ear to ear.
"Lady McCloud I do believe you'll need these." he said as he handed me a bow with a quiver of arrows.
"Thank you, your majesty." I blushed.
"I look forward to seeing you shoot. Let's see how well Wallace tells the truth!" he laughed as we all took off from the grounds.
Little did I know that this very day would spark uncontrollable events and changes forever.
