A Jewel in Henry's Crown

Chapter Three ~ And So it Begins

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The carriages shook as the horses drew them across dirt roads in the meadows during the late afternoon. Charlotte peered out her window and released a sigh. Her mother was asleep, her head lightly bobbing up and down due to the movement of the carriage. Charlotte glanced at her mother, nearly giggling as she heard the light snores coming from her mother. Earlier that afternoon their father had decided to ride ahead in a separate carriage along with his guardsmen. Despite the dreadfully tedious carriage ride from Birtsmorton Court to Hampton Court, Charlotte had found herself entertained with a book of poetry that had been written by Thomas Wyatt. She found herself enthralled by his sonnets and other short verses, especially when he wrote of love and passion, "My heart I gave to thee, though not to do it pain/ but to preserve, it was to thee taken/ I serve thee not to be forsaken, but that I should be rewarded again…"

Charlotte was gnawing at her bottom lip and fiddling with a strand of her hair as she read the lines of his sonnets. She desperately wished for someone to be passionate with and someone who would return the passion. She found that poetry ignited her emotions and soon found herself thinking of the Duke of Suffolk again. He was a fine, handsome man to be sure, Charlotte thought. But, she knew his reputation amongst the women. He was almost as horrid as the king when it came to bedding and romping with women. There was no denial that Charles thought of her in his bed. Three nights ago when he had danced with her, Charlotte could see the lust in his eyes — no doubt undressing her in his thoughts. Charlotte continued gnawing at her lip as she thought of him. If I could be anyone's mistress, I'd be his. Thoughts swam in her mind constantly. There was no end to them.

There was a sudden jolt in the carriage, causing Charlotte to shriek and grip onto the edge of the seat. Lady Wallace woke with a start and her incessant light snoring had finally stopped.

"Good gracious, whatever is the matter?" Lady Wallace asked one of the footmen as he came to the door of the carriage.

"The back wheel has snapped off its place. It will take a little while to prepare the damage but, it can easily be fixed, my lady."

"Ahh, well, we have been sitting in this carriage far too long. Come Charlotte; let us take a turn outside."

"How far do you suppose we are from Hampton?" Charlotte asked the coachman.

"I'd say a half hour or so yet, my lady."

Charlotte sighed and strolled along the green meadow to a large oak tree and glanced up. Sunlight shown through the cracks of leaves and crevices in little golden rays as Charlotte rested against the tree trunk.

. . .

"…Charlotte," there was a distant voice in her thoughts. "Charlotte, come my dear, the carriage is nearly repaired."

"How long was I asleep for?" she asked, tiredly. Her voice was a little hoarse as she stood up off the ground.

"A good while," Lady Wallace answered. "I have asked your ladies maids to dress you into a more appropriate gown."

"Must I do so out here?"

"Charlotte, we must make do with what we have. Moreover, I would not want my daughter looking like a country tavern wench in the presence of a king."

Charlotte giggled as her ladies maids arrived with her dress and a large drape that they hung on a low branch to hide Charlotte from the road if anyone should pass through and see her indecent. The maids slipped on her blue and silver dress and pulled at the laces tightly, causing Charlotte to gasp.

"You are hurting me. Not so tight," she exclaimed.

"Sorry, Miss," a maid apologized. Once they finished dressing her, they retreated back to the carriage and continued their way to Hampton Court.

. . .

"Ah, at last! We have arrived. Look, my dear," said Lady Wallace as they pulled into the inside of the main gates and past the open portcullis. The basilica was full of bustling people as the carriages were pulled up. There was a hand full of the king's ushers waiting to greet the Wallaces and guide them to the Great Hall where Charlotte would be introduced to His Majesty. One usher opened the door to the carriage and offered his assistance to Lady Wallace.

"Welcome to court, my lady. His Majesty has been greatly expecting your arrival," the usher welcomed them kindly. Charlotte slipped out of the carriage gracefully and stared up in awe of Hampton Court. Its orange tinge was bright against the setting sun and flags were raised upon the higher towers with His Majesties' emblem stitched onto the flags. It was a beautiful sight and Charlotte had been slightly disappointed to have been interrupted. She was forgiving, however, to the one who had interrupted her.

"Welcome to court, my lady," The Duke of Suffolk was dressed in fine clothing as he walked down the steps.

"It is a pleasure to be here." Charlotte said, with a low curtsy. "Your Grace,"

Charles lifted her up and offered her his arm.

"You are escorting me to His Majesty?" she added, while accepting his arm.

"Do you not prefer my company?" Charles inquired.

"That is not what I meant, Your Grace." Charlotte returned, with a blush creeping up on her cheeks. "I am glad to know a familiar face in court."

"I was jesting, my lady." Charles said, quietly. Charlotte smiled.

"You are not very good at it."

They both laughed softly as they entered the foyer and down the corridor to the Great Hall.

"No, I suppose I am not."

"Do you suppose His Majesty will be fond of me?"

"How could he not be?" Charles answered. Charlotte blushed again and felt her heart racing at they entered the grand hall. Music continued playing as Charles led her around the dancing couples to His Majesty. She curtsied low and remained down as the king stood up. He took her by the hands and lifted her off the ground.

"Welcome to court, Lady Charlotte." He greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.

"It is an honour to be in your presence, Your Majesty. Thank you for your kindness and inviting us to court."

Henry cupped her chin and gently lifted her head up so he could see her dark brown eyes. She was even more beautiful than Charles had depicted. And far more elegant than the painting he'd received. He smiled and kissed her hand.

"It is my pleasure," Henry returned. "Would you do me the honour in sharing the next dance with me, Lady Charlotte?"

"Of course, Your Majesty," Charlotte curtsied again as Henry held her hand and led her to the floor with other dancing couples. She could see the way Henry had been staring at her and it slightly unnerved her…no doubt he was undressing her with his eyes, imagining what it would be like once he bedded her. Once they began dancing an allemande, Charlotte found it to be rather seductive, especially when she found herself only inches away from the king. She knew he caught a glimpse of her bosom but she said nothing. Once the allemande was finished, Henry bent down to whisper in her ear.

"Come to my chambers tonight."

She curtsied once more before he left the hall. Charles found her and offered her a chalice of wine which she accepted.

"I shall escort you to His Majesty later tonight when he is ready for you. How do you like it here at court?" Charles inquired as Charlotte sipped her wine.

"I have not yet decided my feelings toward the court. Once I have, I shall inform you."

Charles smiled as she laughed. Something about her made him stir and he was envious of the king. He always got everything he wanted even if he had to murder innocent lives because of it or destroy members of his court for it. And now he was almost about to have this young beautiful woman in his bed…only to tire of her after.

"Charlotte, I—," he caught himself and shook the thoughts away.

"What is it, Your Grace?"

"Nothing,"

He cleared his throat and poured himself some more wine. One of the doors opened behind them to reveal about two or three of the queen's former ladies-in-waiting walking through. One of them stopped to greet Charles.

"Lady Charlotte, allow me to introduce Lady Jane Boleyn, Viscountess of Rochford. She is the sister-in-law of the late Queen Anne."

"It is a pleasure," Charlotte said, with a quick curtsy. Jane followed her example and smiled at the young girl.

"You are new in court, are you not?" Jane inquired.

"Yes, we just arrived this evening."

Jane smiled at the young girl. She took hold of Charlotte's hand and guided her away from Charles.

"I do hope we may be friends. It appears that because of my marriage, I am also considered a traitor. George, my husband, was executed along with the queen."

"I would be glad to have another friend in court, Lady Rochford."

"Please, do call me Jane."

"Of course,"

The girls giggled and continued talking that evening until Charles came to escort Charlotte to the king.

"You are to be a mistress?" Jane asked, with a slight frown. "But you are just a child,"

"My father insists," Charlotte sighed, wearily.

"Your Grace, please, let no harm come to her." Jane pleaded, quietly to Charles. Charles gave a simple nod. "She does not deserve such a burden."

"I will do what I can," he promised.

Both the Lady Rochford and Duke of Suffolk watched the young girl as she bade good night to her mother and father who were discussing matters with other courtiers. Charlotte sighed and glanced back over at Charles to let him know she was ready to leave. He followed her out of the grand hall and led her past several apartments and corridors. Charles glanced at her and could see Charlotte breathing heavily and fidgeting with her hands. She gnawed at her lower lip and kept her gaze ahead of her. Charles placed a hand on the small of her back, making her jump.

"Everything will be fine,"

"No, Your Grace, it shan't be unless if I birth the king a son." Charlotte muttered. "How can anyone stand to be a mistress? To be a king's mistress is no better than being a common whore on the streets."

He didn't respond; he didn't know how to respond to her opinions. Yes, he had taken mistresses just like the king but he hadn't really thought much about who he bedded until now. Charlotte glanced up at him knowingly as he cleared his throat.

"Here we are," Charles announced after a long uncomfortable silence. Charlotte curtsied to him and he gave her a small nod. "If ever you need anything, I am at your disposal, Lady Charlotte."

"Thank you, Your Grace," she said, feebly. Charlotte caught his gaze and fumbled for the doorknob behind her back. Once she had disappeared behind the door, Charles felt a smile creep up at the corner of his mouth as he turned to leave the king's apartments.

. . .

"Your Majesty," Charlotte walked gracefully towards the king and curtsied low and remained at her feet as Henry walked towards her. He was only in his trousers and a shirt that had been loose on him and showing a part of his chest. Henry lifted her up and began to untie the drawstring on the front of her gown. He brushed her dark curled hair behind her shoulders and began removing her dress and corset until she was in her undergarments. Through the thin cloth of her undergarments, Henry could see her full breasts and moved her arms away as she covered herself.

"Do not be ashamed of your beauty, Charlotte." Henry whispered in her ear. "Let me admire you. Go and lie down."

Charlotte obeyed and placed herself on the silk sheets of the king's bed. She saw him strip his shirt off and untie his trousers. To Charlotte, that night had been one of the most painful moments she had. He was passionate and crazed in bed. Charlotte did her best to hold back her cries her maidenhead was taken from her. Henry kissed her frequently and he smelled of wine. She realized he must have had far too much to drink before she came to his bedchamber. She gasped as Henry spilled his seed into her once he'd finished. He dropped on the bed beside her and glanced at her as she caught her breath.

"Do you not take pleasure in your king?" Henry asked her, as she refused to look at him. He caught her gaze as she turned to face him.

"I have never done this before, Your Majesty. I am not—,"

"You will learn the ways of my court and once you have given me a son, I will give you a handsome dowry and our son a title and a position," said Henry. "I should like to have you tomorrow in the evening as well. Join me for supper here in my study."

Charlotte sighed and agreed.

"Yes, Your Majesty,"

He got up and put his shirt back on and trousers before handing Charlotte a red and gold robe to put over her. She accepted it and slipped it over herself. Her legs shook as she walked across the king's bedchamber to the doors.

"I will send an envoy to come to your apartments tomorrow to receive you." Henry added. Charlotte curtsied before quietly leaving the king's chambers to her own. She sighed and brushed out her hair with her fingers and hummed quietly to herself. Nothing could change what had been done. She was now no better than the whores she spoke of to Charles and began to weep. God, help me. For it had only just begun.

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