'Thomas Culpepper. Even the name sends a shock of pure ecstasy running through me. But it is short lived and soon replaced with anger followed by revulsion, disappointment, and last of all fear. I was only ten when my family moved to London at the King's request. That was when I first met the ambitious young man. He was sweet and kind. His disposition soon changed though as he ascended through ranks at court, eventually becoming one of King Henry's favorites. We drifted apart… but as fate would have it my peace didn't last.'

Evelyn sighed and placed her journal on the desk. She had no more else to write about Culpepper, the wretched man. For three years they had been separated. It had been a wonderful three years too. If only the King did not rely so on her father Evelyn's happy life could continue without interruption. But no. Henry's leg was worsening and Jonathan Byron was the only physician His Majesty wanted.

What did Thomas Culpepper have to do with all this?

"Once upon a time…" Evelyn muttered to herself. She didn't realize that the Lady Mary Tudor had entered the room.

"Pardon?" Mary's sweet voice rang throughout the deserted sitting room. Evelyn turned casting a gunmetal gaze on the disowned princess. "I did not mean to intrude. I simply saw you looking very lonely and thought I would speak with you."

Evelyn stood immediately and curtsied. "You were not interrupting milady. I was only writing." She gestured to her discarded journal.

"May I inquire as to what?"

"Yes. It was about a friend of mine. He came to court about three years ago and we have recently… reconnected."

Mary smiled. "Why does that fill your voice with such revulsion?" She sat and gestured for the physician's daughter to copy.

Evelyn hesitated before replying. "He has changed milady. I no longer see the young man whom I had loved."

"Loved?"

"He was my closest friend as children. The love I had for him was that of a sibling and a playmate."

"What happened?"

So inquisitive, Evelyn thought happily. She didn't mind. It was nice to have a person to speak with. "He is a handsome man milady. It pains me to admit, but I do feel a slight attraction to him. Though his personality is quite a turn off. And he offended me before heading off to serve in your father's court."

"How is his personality so horrible?" Mary titled her head to the side. Her dark eyes bore into Evelyn's. "Surely if you were friends with him he cannot be so horrible."

Evelyn sighed. "Milady, it is difficult to explain. Thomas," His name rolled off her tongue perfectly. "Is arrogant, selfish, and conceited now. It wasn't always so." She thought for a minute. "May I tell you something in the strictest of confidences?"

Mary nodded.

"He's pursuing the Queen. Or she is pursuing him. I know not which."

"I never took you for a gossip Evelyn." Mary said scolding. "Katherine is married to my father."

Evelyn shrugged. "It isn't gossip if there is proof. Jane Boleyn told me about it herself. And does marriage truly matter in this world? I am beginning to think it is simply meant for luxury and advancement. There is no love anymore."

Mary patted her friend's hand. "You don't mean that Eve. From the sounds of it Culpepper is busy chasing after that dumb whore the King married. You need not worry about him."

"But I do Mary. I saw him earlier today and he… he winked at me." Evelyn stood and crossed her arms pacing back and forth. "I want him to leave me be."

"I can arrange that for you. Just say the word and Culpepper will disappear like that." Mary snapped her fingers with a smile. "Let us just see where this goes Eve."

"As you wish milady." Evelyn collected her journal and curtsied to Mary. "Father expects me back for dinner. Time ticks closer."

Mary nodded. "Meet me at nine tomorrow morning. We will go for a walk in the gardens."

"Yes milady." She left the room hesitantly. The corridor was dark and damp, lit only by a few torches. It cast an eerie glow throughout the stone hall. Her footsteps echoed loudly matching her pounding heartbeat. She hated being alone. Especially with Thomas out on the loose. Who knew where he was.

"Hello Evelyn."

She jumped at the sound of his familiar voice behind her. "Damn it!" She cursed quietly. Louder Evelyn said, "Hello Culpepper."

He scoffed. "Is that anyway to speak to a dear friend?" Thomas wrapped his arms around her waist. Her breath hitched in her throat as he kissed up and down her neck. One of his hands went up to cup her breast. Despite herself Evelyn moaned. Thomas smiled against her neck.

"Do you like that Evelyn?"

"No." She lied. "Thomas, I refuse to be your whore. I leave that job to Queen Katherine." Evelyn pushed away and continued down the hall.

Thomas smirked. "I know you still care for me Evie! I never stopped thinking of you!"

Evelyn ignored his words and continued walking. When she made it to her family's chambers she sunk down to the floor and sobbed. For years she thought she had rid herself of him. Now he was back. The monster who stole her maidenhood.

"Damn him!" She whispered.