Author's Note: I am writing this from Queen Katharine of Aragon's point of view, as if she were writing in a diary. I will take a few creative liberties, but for the most part will try and stick with historical facts. I hope you enjoy.
Chapter 1
21 April 1509
Sitting in Durham House, I gazed out the window. My ladies and I lived in abject poverty and I did not know how we were going to get by much longer. I had to sell most of my jewels that were to be a part of my dowry, which I had been forbidden to do, but how else would I manage to get by?
Suddenly, the sound of ringing bells in the distance shook me from my thoughts. Could it be?? I realized at once that these bells were announcing the death of the old, miserly and cruel king and were welcoming in the new one: King Henry VIII. As if on cue, Maria de Salinas rushed upstairs. "Your highness," she said with a quick curtsey. I could see the hope on her face, which probably mirrored mine. I felt both anxiety and hope intermingled.
What is to become of me now? I wondered. There was talk of Henry marrying some other wealthy European princess. If he chose me, my ladies and I would be lifted from poverty, and I would be queen of England. The thought sent shivers down my spine. But if not…I couldn't even think on it. I looked to Maria and said, "Well, let's make ready to go to Richmond to pay our respects to the new king." Maria and my few other ladies then hurried to prepare to go to Richmond. I was going to take special care to dress in my finest gowns, hoping that the new king would find me attractive enough to be his bride.