Chapter 10

In his chambers, Henry was to be found staring out the window, his mind full of one Lady Granger. Boleyn had given his report about what was happening in the French court, but Henry paid it little mind. Lady Granger's words were echoing in his mind.

"I hope these matters go as you wish them to." She had replied in sincerity.

It had took him by surprise, no body had spoken with sincerity to him in regards to matters of state before. They were always out for their own gain. So wrapped up in his thoughts that Henry did not notice Cardinal Wolsey was still present, Charles had excused himself wanting to speak with Anthony Knivert and William Compton about something or other.

"Your Majesty?" Wosley inquired.

Henry turned to look at Wolsey, waiting for him to speak about whatever it is that the Cardinal wanted. Truthfully, Henry could not wait for the chance to speak with Lady Granger again.

"Yes, Wolsey." Henry asked impatiently.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty. But the matter surrounding Buckingham must be attended to, this situation must be handled delicately." Wolsey explained.

Henry was annoyed, this was the last thing he wanted to deal with right now. All he wanted was to get back Lady Granger and spend time with her, woe her even.

But, alas, Henry sat down at his table so that he and Wolsey could discuss what was to be done about Buckingham. Though Henry very much wanted to simply have Buckingham beheaded.

Meanwhile, back in Hermione's new rooms, Hermione along with some servants was in the process of unpacking her new gowns. Well, the servants were unpacking, despite Hermione's insistence she could do it herself, but Hermione decided to take the time to memorize where things were. What rooms were used for what, as it wasn't a simple bedroom with an en-suite bathroom or as much of an en-suite a 16th century bathroom can be.

Hermione had a study, with a stunning oak desk with shelves already filled with books. Then there was her own little sitting room, which now had a roaring fire and lastly there was the room you first walk into which, to Hermione looked more like a small parlour or waiting area. Which, in truth, is probably exactly what it was.

But, Hermione was to be currently found in her new study looking through the books to see what was worth reading, though she knew without question she'd strive to read them all anyway. It was just who she was. Hermione was just about to pull a book from the shelves when the sound of footsteps reached her ears, turning round Hermione found her breath catch in her throat at the sight of the woman before her.

The woman, was the Queen of England.

"Your Majesty," Hermione greeted politely as she curtsied.

It was obvious to her that the Queen was surprised that Hermione even knew who she was.

"You must be my husband's new toy." The Queen spoke harshly.

Hermione's back went up at the Queen's words.

"With respect, Your Majesty, you must have me confused with one of your current Ladies in Waiting, for I am not now nor shall I ever be any man's toy." Hermione spat back just as harshly.

'Queen or no Queen, I'm not taking this from her or anyone else.' Hermione thought angrily.

Queen Katherine looked at her in shock.

"How dare you speak to me in that manner!" Katherine gasped in shock and outrage. Even her ladies looked scandalized.

"I will dare until my last breath, Your Majesty. You could be the Virgin Mother, herself and I would not tolerate such blatant disrespect, you are angry Your Majesty at the broken heart your husband has caused. That is no reason to take it out on me." Hermione returned with her own anger.

Katherine looked at her in even more shock before turning her head ever so slightly behind her. Making it clear she was to address her ladies.

"Leave us." Katherine ordered.

It was clear to Hermione that the ladies didn't like this order but followed it all the same.

"You are certainly bold, why?" Katherine inquired.

Hermione looked upon the woman before her carefully.

"My reasons are my own and shall keep them that way until I decided otherwise. Your Majesty," Hermione replied.

From what Hermione had seen, Court was like Hogwarts, a cauldron of gossip that continues to bubble at the rim, waiting for something to overspill.

"Walls have ears after all," Hermione added.

Despite herself, Katherine of Aragon found herself liking the young lady before her. No one had dared speak to her like this before, yet she oddly found it to be refreshing and she could see within the Lady's eyes that she was strong willed and of good morals. Yes, this lady was nothing like Katherine was expecting.

"Yes, they do." Katherine agreed. "Congratulations Lady Granger, you have proved yourself to be the opposite of what I feared. Please, let us sit and speak one woman to another." Katherine requested, her demeanour completely changed from how she first appeared.

To say Hermione was shocked was an understatement. Nonetheless, Hermione sat in her new chair behind her new desk and regarded the Queen carefully.

"Very well, Your Majesty." Hermione replied, her instincts telling her that she was about to be told something she didn't like.

Hermione watched the Queen carefully, for she had fallen into a tense silence.

"Lady Granger, you are undoubtedly aware of the King's wandering eye so I shall do you the same curtsey that have you have granted me. Honesty." Katherine told her gently.

'Crap' Hermione thought.

"I have reason to believe that His Majesty will ask you to become his Maistresse En Titre." Katherine told Hermione, who could only look at her puzzled.

Katherine realised that the woman before her had never heard the term before and would have to be the one to inform that Hermione's suspicions were founded.

"His one true mistress." Katherine added.

Hermione felt like her eyes were going to pop out of her head. All Hermione could manage to do was stutter out a gasp of shock.

An hour later, Hermione is left wondering just how she managed to snap out of her shock long enough to finish her first conversation with Queen Katherine, whom as it turned out was merely testing Hermione's intentions at court. Now though, Hermione was pacing around her brand new rooms, her emotions bouncing back and fourth between rage and disbelief.

"Doctor Williams, My Lady." Hermione's new servant, Kathy, announced.

Hermione turned to look towards the door in relief before smiling at Kathy.

"Thank you, Kathy. Why don't you and the others go and explore for a little while, Dr. Williams just needs to tell me what I should avoid doing for the feast tonight," Hermione said kindly, and hoping she didn't sound either rude and snobby.

Much to her relief, Kathy simply smiled with joy.

"Thank you, My Lady." Kathy replied, she dropped into a curtsy and the promptly took her leave.

As soon as Hermione's maids were gone, Williams rushed to his charges side wondering what could possibly be wrong. He didn't think that she would send for him this quickly, they had only been at Court for three hours after all.

"My Lady? What has happened?" Williams begged of his charge.

"Let's just say that the King isn't one for wasting time," Hermione replied, her anger brewing once again.

Williams found himself getting angry also, did the man have no sense of responsibility at all?

Williams ushered Hermione into a chair before taking the one opposite.

"Explain what has happened, My Lady." Williams asked, his voice one of a forced calm.

So, Hermione explained everything from her arrival until the Queen's departure. When Hermione done, Williams really wanted to get her away from Court, he knew through the stories what could happen here. But now that Hermione was actually within the walls of Court, it seemed to become all the more real.

As silence fell between the two of them, Williams found himself praying to find away to get Hermione back to her original time, before something occurs that can not be undone.

A/N: Hope you liked the new chapter.