Chapter 4: Meeting the English King

December 1514

They were at the docks into the new world. Salomé glanced around. She saw white carpet that decorated the floor. There were white droplets that fell from the sky above. She shivered slightly and hugged the fur that covered her.

"What is this white stuff?"

"Snow," he said as he watched the men gather their belongings and brought them down. "Gentlemen, you will escort these belongings to Whitehall Palace and to the rooms where theses young gentleman will lead you."

"Snow, brother?" Akhenaten joined his sister and looked up into the sky.

"Yes, white crystals that falls from the sky. And when a lot falls down, it covers the ground like carpet." She nodded reluctantly.

"Brother, I'm afraid."Salomé whispered as she gripped his hand. He knelt down and rubbed the white fur that clinged to her shoulders. Salomé began to doubt herself. She was frightened and worried if she should make a mistake. She did not want to embarrass herself nor her brother.

"First impressions are important, remember. Don't worry; he is a very gentle king," he reassured.

"Like father?" She asked curiously.

"Yes, like father…but younger of course." She giggled and then he gently placed his hand under her cheek. "You see, you're smiling. Keep smiling, it helps the nerves you're having." She nodded and followed down the docks as a carriage came with horses, much different from the chariots she rides back home. Her brother allowed her to step in first and then him. Inside, it held soft seats and it drove off.

"Ready to impress the king?" She shook her head.

"I think so, but I just feel so nervous." She felt she could not escape the butterflies that fluttered in her stomach.

"Rub your hands together to stay warm." She obeyed.

"Why is it so cold here?"

"Well, remember the weather changes often here. Unlike Egypt, it has cold winters, some cool breezes in the spring, and the summer is slightly warm."

Salomé continued to rub her hands together and poked her head out the window. She saw snow everywhere. It covered over the trees, over many households, and such. England was practically covered from head to toe.

"Wait until spring comes, then you'll see beautiful roses and other flowers blossom from the ground. The water won't be so icy, but lukewarm. The air will be so nice and clean. And ground will be greener than before."

"I'll like that very much."

"So, when you enter court you will…"

"Curtsy low before his majesties and thank them graciously for inviting me here in their most humble and welcoming country.

"And?"

"And, for allowing my dear brother to become natural allies with you."

"That's my girl! You see, that's all you'll have to say. Relax, you're heart is racing."

"I cannot help it," she answered honestly.

"Breathe, remember to breathe." The carriage rode through the streets and within two hours or so they reached Whitehall Palace. The driver opened the door and they stepped out. Salome's mouth widened at the grand castle that stood before her. It was magnificent and decorated for the celebration. "What is today again?" He quizzed her.

"Christmas, it is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the messiah who was God's only son. He was crucified to save all our sins. Therefore, this day is about giving and not receiving."

"Very good, Salome…I think you're ready." She kissed her necklace and walked in the Palace with her brother. It was very warm and cozy inside and they handed their fur jackets. Before entering inside Court, Salomé readjusted her crown on her hair and her dress. Her wardrobe was similar to that of the portrait that the King received from her brother. If he had seen it, then he would recognize her. She held the two small chests that were lightweight. One held three gold rings, with different jewels. The other held fine necklaces and earrings made of jade and silver.

She held beads around her neck and the blue garment adorned her body, like a silk pillow adorns a sleepy head. She took her brother's hand and breathed in deeply. Her eyebrow arched above her forehead to restrain her anxiety. She remembered all that her tutor had told her. Not to look in his eyes, to respond only when spoken to, to obey all he commands, and to always respect and honor his majesty. It was like he was a god himself, with such authority and command. She wondered what he looked like. Was he as young as her brother described? Maybe too young for her appetite. Or was he slightly older and fat? Her brother never mentioned these things, but he wouldn't have unless he did not make a successful treaty with the King.

"Presenting his highnesses, Prince Akhenaten and Princess Salomé of Egypt." They entered in and the crowd's eyes gazed upon them. Then her heart began to race again. She saw a young man, a handsome one seating on a throne that looked like one that her brother had described to her. He was beautiful. He sat beside his queen and she looked pleased to see them. As they reached closer and closer, Salomé tried remembering the words that she was suppose to say. But the words would not come. She was speechless and could not utter a thought. His complexion took her breath away and then she was in front of him face to face. There she curtsied lower than expected as her brother bowed.

"Your majesties, this is my sister, Salome." My brother announces and took my hands to raise me up.

"Welcome to my court, Princess Salome," King Henry said, smoothly. She kept her eyes low

"I thank you graciously, your majesties for inviting me here to your most humble and welcoming country…and for allowing my brother to become a natural ally."

"You're very smart for your age."

"I-I-I h-highly confess to his m-majesty that I am but a girl, and my intellectual being is that of graced by men that you have sent to teach me; for it makes me truly grateful… a-and humble to his majesty." Henry smiled and Salomé looked up at him slowly…into those blue eyes of wonder. "If his majesties would accept these treasured gifts I have in my most giving hands, I would be most happy and truly thankful." He nodded. Salomé handed the chests in a servants' hand. He opened it and it revealed three golden rings that had an emerald, a ruby, and a diamond encrusted.

"This is for his majesty."

"They are lovely. Thank you, Salome." The next chest was open and two glistening necklaces and earrings were shown.

"This is for her majesty."

"Oh thank you, Salome. They are stunning and exquisite."

"I thank you." They curtsied and left their presence. Salomé glanced back and found his eyes gazing at her. She quickly turned her head and her face felt warmer than before.

"Hungry?" Her brother asked.

"Nervous, but I am famished."

"You did well…remember to breathe." He led her to the food and he gathered a plate. Just as he was about to, a servant came by to tell him that his majesties' guests will be served at the table.

"I guess we are to join them for a Christmas dinner." She smiled sweetly and followed beside him. Everyone was in good cheer and there was dancing. They arrived at the tables where Akhenaten sat beside the King on his left hand side and Salomé sat by Queen Catherine. Food came by instantly and Salomé held on her plate with various types of fruits and meat…with a glass of wine. She watched as her brother and Henry chatted. She could not stop looking, even when she held the wine glass to her lips, she peeked a glance at him from the corner of her eye.

"So, how has Egypt been?" Henry asked, chewing on a piece of meat.

"All is well. I have your shipment of half of a million pounds worth and that should cover my debt to you." Akhenaten took a sip of his wine.

"You'll need more than that to cover it." They chuckled.

"Your sister is very charming," Henry commented. "Her attire is fastidiously flawless."

"Yes, she is one that had style."

"I am so new and feel unacquainted here your majesty," Salomé said, trying to make small talk with the queen.

"Well, it something to get use to. In time, you'll see."

"Your majesty must be in heaven?"

"Why do you say that, my dear?"

"Well, his majesty looks at you with such devotion that I could not even imagine." Katherine smiled, although she knew herself that it was not true…actually quite the opposite. "I haven't seen so much love, when my father looked at mother like that."

"Well, not all kings happen to be that way, but his majesty and I do share a respectable relationship with one another. Tell me, you must miss them?"

"I do."

"But you'll see them again."

"My father yes, but mother…"Salomé shook her head. Salomé silently let a tear drop as she began thinking of her mother and held her necklace.

"I apologize if I have upset you," Catherine said, placing a comforting hand on hers.

"No…no, I had a moment. She's in a better place and I am grateful for that."

"What other talents does she possess besides speaking graciously in public?" Henry asked, eminently.

"She sings and plays the harp very well. She can write and speak in Latin, French, and Spanish. I am very proud of her and by how she has learned from the tutors you have given her."

"Hmm, yes," Henry said to himself. "She could learn a lot from me," he added, smiling amorously.

"Yes, I know for certain that one day she will become a remarkable ruler of her own country or perhaps betrothed to someone like her. Yes, I can say that she will learn a great deal from you, your majesty."

"She definitely has potential of being something great. I can sense it."

"If his majesty has something in mind for her, she would most honorably accept."

"Can she dance?" Henry asked out of curiosity.

"She has learned many of the dances that your majesty has in your court."

"May I have the permission to dance with her, your highness?"

"Your majesty, you need not ask." Henry smiled and then turned to Salome.

"Salome?" He called. She looked at him, puzzled by his expression.

"Your majesty?"

"May I have this dance?" At first, she could not understand what he said. She looked to the people dancing and then her eyes widened. Oh! He wanted to dance with her. She saw the expression on her brother's face and then she nodded reluctantly.

"Y-yes," she stuttered. She was hesitant to get up, but he pulled out her chair and took her arm in his. She followed suit. Their hands hand touch, palm to palm, and then it alternated. Her hand was smaller than his, but they both felt a tingling sensation.

"It's quite warm in here, isn't it?" She said, feeling slightly uncomfortable.

"I haven't noticed, with you in the room," he answered honestly. The shade of crimson erupted in her cheeks, causing her heart to beat faster. Katherine looked at her husband closely.

"Her majesty is expecting the new year to be well, yes?" Akhenaten asked the queen

"Well indeed sir. Is it nice to b-be back h-here at Court?" She responded, still watching Henry.

"I did miss it, but I did not know why. Although, I must confess that the food was something I did indeed missed."

"But you're back now."

"Your majesty seems to be distracted," Akhenaten said, taking notice.

"I was admiring her sister. She dances lovely."

"Thank you your majesty. By the way, how is the Princess Mary?"

"She is well and has exceptional talent."

"How could she not? She is after all the King's daughter."

"How is it there…in Egypt?"

"Very hot, your majesty."

"You don't say?"

"I should be use to it, s-since I live in under a scorching sun." They swung around, and his chest had linked to her head.

"I can feel your heart beating." She looked up at him immediately.

"You can?" She questioned, feeling embarrassed.

"Yes," he said a matter-of-factly. "I guess I'm nervous."

"What are you nervous about?"

"I don't know if I'll be able to fit in this world of yours."

"You don't need to change for me, Salome. I prefer you as you are now."

"I thank your majesty, graciously." The song had ended and they clapped. Henry walked back with her to the dinner table, keeping his hands behind his back.

"That was beautifully done, Henry," Catherine commented.

"What can I say? Salomé is a wonderful dancer."Salomé blushed slightly and closed her eyes in content.

"You have impressed the king." Her brother said, as Salomé prepared for bed in her new room. It felt more sophisticated than her room back at home. Everything was luxurious and rich.

"I have?" She asked doubtfully. "I hoped I might."

"Yes…well, good night." He placed a kiss on her forehead before leaving.

"Good night." The door closed and she went to bed. She replayed every moment that happen tonight in her mind. She felt like the luckiest girl in the world. She could help but dream of those gorgeous, blue eyes. When you really look at them, really gaze at them; Salomé felt she was sliding into a wonderful fantasy. If only she was older, she thought. But she brushed her thoughts off.

"Why would he want me? He has a wife." Then a tinge of jealously came to her.