Note: I've been inspired a lot lately. Enough so that I have a timeline planned out and decided to make it as historically accurate as possible, with some embellishing here and there because obviously Hadrian didn't exist for real. After this chapter, it's going to start skipping around a lot more.
Feb 2, 1547
Hadrian arrived in his rooms, sighing with relief as he discarded his doublet and hose. It had been a tumultuous past couple of days, helping arrange the funeral procession for the late King Henry and securing King Edward's ascension to the throne.
Looking around at his large, elegant, but bare room, he couldn't help but feel lonely. His mother had been executed 3 years ago, and his father had followed soon after her, dying of a broken heart. Hadrian was adrift for a time; before word came that he was to be made the new Earl of Surrey. No one else knew that his father was not his true father, and he was the last of the line despite being illegitimate. He had created a scandal when he firmly stated he was an Evans (renaming himself as such), considering himself more of his Witch mother then his father. The Dudleys of Northumberland tried for his inheritance, but were denied by King Henry. King Henry knew his time was not long, and Hadrian had to be protected by a title when he was gone, if he was supposed to protect King Henry's Heir, the Lady Elizabeth.
Those revelations had made King Henry quite angry. He had put in so much effort to have a male heir, and now to be told that the best Ruler would be his daughter?
Thank Magic, though, that the King had accepted it. The King, his father, and he had made plans that night. They could not change what will happen, but they had to insure Elizabeth was protected through her brother's and sister's reign. The Lady Elizabeth and Lady Mary were invited to court at once for Yule, and people thought the Queen managed to reconcile the family.
After Yule, Hadrian was dispatched regularly to Hatfield in order to befriend Elizabeth, and whenever she came to court, Hadrian made sure she knew he was on her side. The entire thing baffled the courtiers, who didn't understand how Hadrian was in favor with the King, Edward and Elizabeth even when the three had falling outs and Elizabeth was sent away. The Lady Mary and the Queen even regarded him with some favor.
If not for the fact that everyone genuinely liked the polite, stoic, and handsome young man, he would have been accused of witchcraft long ago. Not to say he hadn't been accused of such, but they were usually quieted down by a glare from the Royal family. Hadrian made sure to show that he had absolutely no political aspirations, and it was well-known he hated the intrigues at court. Several courtiers (Charles Brandon, Edward Seymour, Cranmer to name a few) had tried to get him involved in their factions, but Hadrian rebuffed them coldly. It was amazing how he avoided the manipulations and machinations of powerful men despite his tender age. It was a secret, so of course the court knew in a matter of days. They gossiped speculatively on how Hadrian would avoid the next plot to trap him.
When one visiting Howard girl boldly asked him where his support goes and how he holds onto his convictions so firmly, everyone finally received the answer they had been curious about, but it created more questions…
Dec 29, 1544
Hadrian watched as ladies and gentlemen danced, flirted, and plotted. He was standing by a pillar, green eyes flickering everywhere, checking for threats. He made sure to be always in between King Henry and Lady Elizabeth, so if anything happened, he would be able to reach them both.
As the courtiers chatted, many could not help but look at the young Earl. He was only 16, but already tall with an athletic build. He had broad shoulders with a trim waist, and always glided gracefully like a cat. His dark red and gold doublet went well with his black-red hair, and made his green eyes shine even more. The sword by his side (he was given special permission by his Majesty to carry it) gave him a slight look of danger and foreboding. One lady sighed and said it was a pity he did not seem interested in any of the court ladies, to which the others agreed. Any eligible lady between 14 and 25 had tried to catch his eye, but none seemed to hold it. They would be able to get appreciative looks, but always, always he would go back to being impassive and looking after Their Royal Majesties.
They speculated yet again on what happened that night, the night when no one was allowed into the King's chambers where he was in discussion with the late Earl and the current Earl of Surrey. That night cemented Lord Hadrian's position at court, though no one was sure what it was exactly. He wasn't part of any of the Royal households, he wasn't an advisor, and though he acted as a simple messenger and guard he was honored too highly for just that. It was infuriatingly mysterious.
One girl who just entered, noticed the handsome lord standing by the pillars, and smiled coyly. This was the man her uncle had told her about. He asked for her to seduce him, to bring him over to the Howard-Norfolk faction. If not, at least get some information out of him. There would be a great reward in it for her if she succeeded.
Her uncle had scoured the entire clan for the most beautiful, and she was it. With her pure blonde hair, flawless skin and angelic looks attached to a curvaceous body, she was angel and succubus in one. She had lain with men before, and was suitably experienced to handle the task she was given. Looking at him, she decided she would enjoy it immensely. Perhaps if matters worked out well, she would even marry him.
She approached him boldly, lifting her fan so that it only showed her dancing blue eyes. Curtseying to his bow, she said coyly, "My Lord, forgive this breach in etiquette when we have not been introduced, but I found myself intrigued by a Man who does not dance at this festive occasion."
"Tonight I am not in the Mood."
"I have heard, sir, that you rarely dance at any Ball, and only with Her Majesty, Lady Elizabeth, and Lady Mary."
"If I am commanded by my Liege, I will not refuse."
She placed her hand lightly on his arm. Hadrian frowned and shifted slightly, but he did not move away. Encouraged, she continued.
"It seems, then, you must be commanded to dance my Lord. Would you take a command from a Woman?"
Hadrian looked at her, amusement flickering through his eyes. His lips gave the barest hint of a smile. Looking up and down her body slowly and languorously, he smirked. Two can play this Game. He was no fool. The Duke of Norfolk must be getting desperate to try and resort to such measures. Still, she was not unattractive, and she was a not a Witch that he was in danger of binding his Magic to. It was obvious by the taint around her that she had known many men. Perhaps she would be an enjoyable way to pass the winter.
He took her hand and kissed her fingers lightly, enjoying her surprised face that was quickly erased to a more seductive look. Shooting her an intense look, he said, "My Lady, if you would command me, then I hear and Obey."
To her shock, the girl felt a shiver of pleasure run through her body at the way he stressed the word 'obey'. Oh, this will be fun. She hadn't had such a challenge for a long time.
"Then dance with me, Lord Hadrian."
To the shock of all the courtiers, who were watching the two out of the corner of their eyes, Lord Hadrian joined the dance with the Howard girl. They expected her to get shot down like all the others before her, no matter her beauty. King Henry nearly facepalmed, muttering to himself about the Howard Vermin that just refused to lie down and die away. Still, even he had to admit that Hadrian and the Girl made a striking couple. They were nearly the complete opposite in coloring, but it melded together harmoniously rather than clashing.
Courtiers hurried to pair up and join the dance, in the hopes of being able to listen to their conversation. This was all fascinating! Lord Hadrian had finally shown some interest in a lady! Many others began plotting on how to use the girl best; she represented a new weakness that they could finally exploit. The one page that was standing near the pillar where they talked, looked as if Yule came early; he was about to have a heavy windfall, as courtiers started taking him aside to ask him for more information.
The night went on in a blur, but everyone remembered the pivotal moment when the girl, frustrated, bluntly said:
"My Lord, you are infuriatingly polite in your manner, but such a rogue that you would not even answer the simplest question with detail but instead with vague puzzles, forcing me to try and decode your answers. A true gentleman would not bother a lady's mind with such headaches."
Hadrian shot her a smirk, and replied:
"Perhaps I do not wish to be a gentleman with you. A rogue you call me, but I believe Rogues are infinitely more interesting; and we are more experienced in our speech: we know the perfect amount to smile, to open our mouths, to form our tongues just so to elicit the correct response."
The look Hadrian shot her implied other things then just wordplay. Heat infused her cheeks, but she would not be deterred from at least getting a morsel of information out of the man.
"That may be so, my Lord, but indulge me in one straight, honest answer to my next question and I believe we can come to an understanding and part on amicable terms."
He raised his eyebrow. This could be interesting, and if it was her only price to getting her in his bed tonight and future nights, he could be generous and answer her.
"If I must do so to redeem myself to you and enjoy the pleasures of your company again, I do not object. State your query my dear Lady."
She smirked. She had him. Lord Hadrian had a reputation of never lying, though he may omit or cloud the truth. People thought it strange, but dismissed as another one of his quirks. He underestimated her, and now he will pay for his arrogance in thinking he could overpower her.
"My question is this: Where does your loyalty truly lie and what will it take to get it? For all Men want something, and while you are well known for staying away from the politics of Court, every man has a price."
Hadrian nearly snarled at her. With her question she had ruined some of his plans! Now he had to find another way to stay in favor with all the Royals, as well as keep the vultures of court off his back. Sometimes he cursed the additional Oath he had taken, preventing him from flat out lying. But perhaps he could still be a little ambiguous… and maybe it won't be a bad thing to leak something. Lowering his voice, he answered her.
Those close by strained their ears to hear his answer, but could not. Disappointed, it wasn't until a couple of servants and nobles managed to overhear the Girl's report to the Duke of Norfolk that his answer spread around Court…
"Well, girl? What did you find out?" the Duke of Norfolk demanded. He was an imposing man still, though getting on in age. His hawk-like eyes were fixated on the Girl. He was pleased that she had seemed to have gotten through the boy. No man was immune to such charms, and if the Earl was, that was ammunition the Duke could have used against him.
She trembled slightly under his glare. Her uncle had always intimidated her, and she dared not go against him because he held all the skeletons in her closet. He could ruin her, and she knew it. Yet Lord Hadrian scared her with his intensity. Last night she found pleasures she never knew before, only given, but his eyes… His eyes would be burned into her mind till the day she died.
"Uncle…" she hesitated, "Lord Hadrian cannot be brought. He is not a mere Man with needs of Greed, Flesh or Power. It seemed like he was being driven by something, whether by God, Destiny or Calling."
"Do not prattle on about things you shouldn't concern yourself with. He is not God. He is a Man. Every Man must have a price. Now tell me word for word what he said."
The Girl took a deep breath.
"He said: My loyalty lies with the King and his True Heir. I was given a task by my mother, and I intend to see it through. Despite being reviled as a Witch, she was one of the most Honorable Ladies. I have sworn an Oath by Soul, Blood and Sword; and I and my line shall always protect the Royals. To try and gain my loyalty one must kill me, for loyalty can only be given freely when I am dead and no longer bound to the promises and oaths made to the living."
I keep on ending things with a quote. I'm excited to write this. Can't wait till I finish and read it all the way through at once.
