Tired out with the long meeting with Cardinal Wolsey, King Henry returned to his privy chambers for a rest. As he hurried along, nodding and smiling at people, only one thought was at the back of his mind. To get back to his chambers and relax with the Groom of the Stool. His longing to see Compton was getting the better of him. Ostensibly, Anne was distracting attention of the Court from his relationship with William and that was the way he liked it. It gave a delicious flavour to his forbidden love.
As he gave instructions to making the bed of the King, the Groom of the Stool had a mysterious smile on his face. The sheets were straightened and placed neatly and the bed checked for unwanted objects. Once this was done, he dismissed everyone; people who now gave him obeisance since he had the ear of the King. He grinned to himself as he realized that it was not only his ear that the King had.
It had all started the day when the King was caught between the fight of Queen Catherine and Lady Anne Boleyn. Having been outsmarted by the Queen, Henry rushed for solace to Anne and all he got from her was another scolding. He had rushed to his private apartments angry, upset and in need of the softer emotions that none of his women seemed to be able to give him. Moodily playing cards with his men, Henry's eyes roved over Francis Bryan, Nicholas Carew, William Brereton, Francis Weston and William Compton. All handsome men, and his own very loyal servants.; they all belonged to him to do with as he liked. Was not the phrase oft used "At His Majesty's pleasure"?
Soon bored, he opted to leave his men to their cards and went to his inner sanctum planning to be alone. He heard a slight noise and turned to see that Compton had come in as well, like a faithful dog following his master, never giving up in times of trouble. He said nothing, though he still managed to convey his sympathy, his support and his love. The King stretched out his hands pleading for a hug, some love and William responded immediately. Satisfying the King was his sacred duty.
Their bodies met together in a warm hug, arms around each other. The warmth from one's body spread to the others' and soon they were basking in the shared heat. They drew apart regretfully, realizing that where before nothing existed, there was something very special. It was more than a hug; it was an expression of love, friendship and ... desire.
"Thank you, William." When Henry said these words, Compton threw all protocol to the winds for the first time in his life and did something that he had never dared to before. He asked no permission before he kissed Henry, his King, his Henry!