A/N: I hear you guys on the pov change. Multiple of you have expressed how confusing it is with me not labeling it and I hear you. I'd like to say I'm going to change that-but honestly I'm not. For my story, because sometimes things pick up right where something left off, I don't like the labeling to switch pov's. I'll try to make it more clear who's speaking more immediately but as it stands I will not be changing the way I switch pov's. Sorry in advance for any confusion. Hope you enjoy.
When I went to attend the Queen that morning I wasn't prepared to be drawn into her privy chamber.
I hadn't been in her apartments long, so I thought I couldn't be in trouble, but I was the only one she asked to come with her. I looked back at Catty but her face was blank. I don't know why I looked to her anyway. I hated her.
When the door shut behind us I immediately began apologizing.
"I'm sorry cousin Anne-Yyour Majesty I mean. I don't know what I did but I swear it won't happen again I-"
"You're not in trouble Kitty," she laughed. "Sit."
I blushed and sat in the chair she pointed at.
"Do you enjoy being at court?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
She smiled, "Good. Have you thought of your future any?"
I blushed again. "No Your Grace. Uncle Norfolk said that he would handle everything when he got me from Lambeth."
"I'm sure. But sometimes we have to take things into our own hands. Don't you think?"
"I-I'm not sure. I mean to say that I'm confused," cousin Anne always made me nervous.
"When I returned from France my father and Uncle Norfolk both assured me that they would see to my future. They intended me to marry the Earl of Ormond to settle a dispute over the title. If that had gone through I would sit before you a Countess, rather than the Queen. Imagine what fate would have beheld us all if I hadn't have decided my own path."
I stayed quiet as she spoke, just listening. I still didn't completely understand why were discussing this but I hoped my face hid that a little.
"Do you like the young gentlemen of the court?" She asked, catching me by surprise.
I flushed and looked to her.
"They're all rather nice."
"You are young, fair, and beautiful. You're cousin to the Queen and niece to the chief peer in the Kingdom. Of course they're nice, but do you like them?"
"I do rather enjoy the attention." She nodded as though she had thought of that already. I flushed again.
"Do you like any one more than the others?"
I shrugged.
"No need to be so shy Kitty. You won't be in trouble for your answer."
"Well...there's...one of the King's grooms...he's nice to me. I like his face."
"Culpeper."
I noticed she didn't say it like a question so I just nodded.
"Anyone else?" I shook my head. "No one else?" Again I shook my head.
"What do you think of Richmond?"
"My Lady?"
"Don't play coy with me Katherine," she said teasingly, though I didn't know what coy meant. "I noticed your eyes lingering on him when he was in my chambers."
"Iii-well he-he is rather handsome. Bbbut of course I would never do anything to dishonor the family."
She smiled and nodded. "What if I told you that you had our permission to pursue him?"
"Madam?"
"You're young and beautiful, Kitty. The young men of this court will no doubt be following behind you everywhere you go...but you will pay them no mind."
I did my best to keep the confusion off my face as she spoke but I don't think she was fooled.
"We have decided that you will make the Duke of Richmond and Somerset fall absolutely in love with you."
My eyes went wide as she said this. "Uncle Norfolk will let me have him?"
"He agrees that you should be given this opportunity. I presented it to him after I saw how you gazed at Richmond when you thought no one was looking. You have Uncle's support and blessing to ensnare the young Duke."
I thanked her giggling, "I'm very pleased to have his opportunity."
"Good. It will please us greatly and secure a fine future for you if you are successful. Do you have any questions?"
"I would ask how I'm to make him fall in love with me."
"You don't know how to seduce a man?" I blushed. "I do not believe you've had quite the innocent upbringing that the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk-and you-pretend that you did."
"I mean to say that I don't know when I'll see him."
"Oh things like that will be explained to you in due time. Of course that means you'll need new gowns and jewels to help you. Meanwhile, let us return to the rest of the ladies and you can dream about your mission to come."
It wasn't long after that Cousin Anne dismissed most of us for the day. She said only Cousin Mary, Lady Madge, and Nan would attend her. I was the last one to leave so I was on my own for getting about the castle. Even though we hated each other I usually walked with Catty until we got to a bit of the palace I recognized but she'd left me today. Bitch.
I spent awhile walking through hall after hall. I had meant to go back to the Queen's apartments so someone could tell me how to get nearer Lady Mary's chambers, but then I just got more confused. I was cursing Catty in my head again, she hated that name which made me use it more, when I rounded a corner that had Thomas Culpeper at the end of it. My heart immediately began racing. Culpeper was a handsome gentleman of the court, but so was Richmond-and he was a Duke. And I could be a happy Duchess. He didn't notice me for he was whispering with a man in all black-they both looked around as if they were being watched. I slowed down as I decided whether to turn around or to continue toward them. The man in all black glanced at me and then whispered to Culpeper who looked at me too. He nodded to the stranger and then walked towards me.
"Lady Katherine," he bowed slightly.
"Kitty."
"Lady Kitty," he corrected himself. "What are you doing on this side of the palace? These hallways are not safe for a lady alone. Why so far from Her Majesty's chambers?"
"I don't mean to seem coy," I said hoping that I used the new word right. His slight smile made me doubtful. "Truly, I am quite lost."
"Ah so then you and I are completely alone?" He stepped closer to me.
"Well there was the man you were speaking with," I said looking passed him but there was no one there.
He looked over his shoulder as he took another step, there was hardly room between us. "I don't see anyone. Do you?" I shook my head. "You are so beautiful."
Before I could utter my thanks I felt his breath on my face and then he kissed me. His kiss was soft and gentle at first, both of his hands flat against the wall on either side of my face, but soon it grew deeper. One hand grabbed my face and the other grabbed my breast. When I felt his hand leave my breast and travel under my gown I tried to break the kiss; but pushed up against the wall as I was I couldn't back up and if I went forward he would think I was encouraging him. His hand found its intended goal and I nearly collapsed, nearly forgot where I was as I felt his fingers enter me. Before we could go too far we heard footsteps in our direction and he pulled me into a recess in the hall. He put his hand over my mouth as the footsteps came closer. With a wicked glint he again began trying to lift my skirts but I pushed his hands away and opened my mouth to protest. He pulled my hands over my head and brought his other hand to his own mouth in a shhing motion. The steps got closer as he returned his hand underneath my dress. It took all my power to remain quiet as the voices of men passed by. Well after we were sure they were gone Thomas kept at it until he at last drew out my pleasure.
He smiled down confidently at me, at last releasing my hands from over my head. "Aw look at my hand Kitty, you've made a mess. Why don't you help me clean up?"
Still dazed and pleased from what had happened moments ago, I immediately cleaned myself off his hand. "Good girl. Now come," he said grabbing me by the waist, "I'll take you where you need to go."
When we finally got into hallways I recognized he released my waist and I whispered to him, "This cannot happen again. My family would be very put out with me."
"Hmm. I thought you liked to put out?" He wasn't being serious at all. If my family found out about this I would be in big trouble.
"I'm serious."
"And what if I told them about this little incident? That their innocent, little Kitty was rather experienced for a maiden?"
I gasped, "You wouldn't dare."
"Oh? And why not?"
"Wouldn't you get in trouble for dallying with the Queen's cousin?"
"His Majesty is very fond of me. And I do think it is expected of young men of the court to have their fill of young women. It's the lady's responsibility to refuse. And I never once heard you say no."
I got ready to respond but he was right. I hadn't said no, not once. But how could I? He had his hand over mouth.
"Even when I removed my hand you still didn't protest. Never called out for help. How wanton."
I didn't say anything else. I couldn't, he was right. Cousin Anne had given me a duty and that same day I had ruined it. I would be sent to Lambeth in disgrace if he told.
"Would you like me to keep this a secret?"
I nodded silently.
"Then meet me in the gardens tomorrow evening. We'll discuss what can be done about keeping me quiet."
I looked at him, hope in my eyes for the first time since leaving the Queen's apartments. "God but you are beautiful," he whispered, leaning towards me as if to kiss me again.
"Cousin Kitty," I heard, and we immediately backed away from one another.
"Cousin Hal," I replied. I hated Catty, but her little brother was always kind to me.
"Is everything alright?" He didn't bother to address Thomas but he spoke up anyway.
"Kitty was just lost. I was helping her find her way."
"That was nice of ya. I think I can get her back from 'ere."
Culpeper nodded and bowed slightly to us. "Good day Lady Howard. I look forward to seeing you again," he hinted. I smiled and nodded slightly. I would be in the gardens tomorrow night no matter what. I was quite excited to see him again. I just had to make sure no one saw us.
"C'mon Kitty," Hal said pulling my hand. "Let's get back to your rooms.
It only took a few more minutes before we were standing in front of the Lady Mary's door. I turned to thank him when he stopped me with the look on his face.
"Look, I'm gonna pretend I didn't see nothin today, but I gotta tell you what everyone keeps tellin me. There's eyes everywhere 'ere at court. The only way to keep a secret is not to have one. I ain't gonna tell on you but if I had been any other Howard today-any other person in this court, you'd be in a lot of trouble so try to remember that."
"You promise not to tell?"
"I swear. Just have a good day and try not to kiss any more random boys." I flushed and kissed him on the cheek.
"That's the last random boy I kiss today, I promise," I giggled as I ran into the Lady Mary's chambers, confident that what happened today would be kept a secret and that I would be able to have my cake and eat it too with Richmond as one slice, and Culpeper another.
The morning after we agreed to push that idiot towards Richmond Aunt Anne was very quiet. After the way she went to bed I had expected her to be distressed...but she was the Queen after all. Not long after everyone arrived we had begun sewing clothes for the poor when Aunt Anne suddenly called that stupid blonde into her privy chamber, no doubt to tell her about everything.
"Stop scowling or your face will be stuck that way."
I smiled immediately, "You've been saying that since I was Annie's size, mother."
"Well you believed me then. You were so stubborn; it was they only way I could stop you from pouting," she smiled at me.
"I'm not pouting, I'm thinking."
"Plotting, you mean."
"Not exactly."
"Well-listen", she stopped whatever thought she was going to voice, "we'll talk about it later. They Seymours are staring."
"How are you enjoying court Lizzy?" I asked suddenly.
She started, looking away from the door that hid the Queen's private conversation. "It's very grand. And I've never seen so many people." I smiled at her, nodding.
"You're new too Lady Carey, how do you find it?" Lady Jane seemed rather sincere, but she was trying to destroy my aunt after all.
"I haven't been at court since I was small babe, younger than the Princess is now, a newborn really. But I find it familiar somehow."
"I didn't know you were born at court," Lizzy said.
"She and her brother were both born at court," mother answered.
"I thought only royalty gave birth at court. Wasn't Queen Katherine around?" Lizzy asked earning a few gasps.
"Princess Dowager Katherine, Lizzy," Lady Anne Seymour corrected mildly. Lizzy paled and apologized.
"Well she was still styled as Queen in those days so she's not technically wrong," Dorothy defended.
"Perhaps, but she's not anymore now is she? The Marquess of Pembroke is Queen, not the Dowager Princess of Wales," Anne said irritably. I got the impression she didn't care for her sister-in-law a sentiment she and I shared.
"It was a slip of her tongue."
"A dangerous slip of her tongue."
"I'm sure she didn't mean any harm," Lady Jane said playing the peacemaker. "It was a mistake but she apologized." By now Lizzy looked miserably close to tears; her face was flushed and the garment she was hemming was all but forgotten.
"Men in the tower apologize daily and evermore beseechingly," Anne said sweetly. Lizzy gasped, wide eyed.
"I didn't mean to offend Queen Anne, honest I didn't," she turned towards my mother.
"I'm sure the Queen, my sister, will understand Lizzy." Mother leaned over and rubbed her shoulder. "Don't distress yourself. You'll see that the Queen is forgiving. Princess Katherine wore the title longer than my sister has done. Though we all know now she wore it improperly, it is still sometimes harder to call her a Welsh Princess rather than an English Queen. Lady Anne is correct, it is a dangerous slip, but we know you did not mean any harm. It is those evil creatures who bare ill will towards our rightful Queen and Princess who should be careful about slipping."
I watched from the corner of my eye as Jane Rochford, my aunt by marriage, studied the exchange closely. No doubt committing every word to memory. Mother had told me long ago before coming to court that she was Uncle George's wife, but Uncle Norfolk's spy.
"You will tell the Queen I'm innocent?" Lizzy begged.
"Of course sweet one. Why don't you finish your shirt so that you will be able to show her how diligent you are to her cause of helping the poor?"
She nodded enthusiastically, "Of course my lady."
A short while after that Aunt Anne and the simpleton emerged from the privy chamber with smiles on their faces. Aunt Anne had barely sat down when Lizzy leapt out of her seat towards her, presenting the shirt she'd finished. Aunt Anne was confused and looked to my mother who only smiled as the girl chattered animatedly about how dedicated she was to clothing the less fortunate. She didn't care for the Seymours, but Lizzy's innocent demeanor, more compelling than Jane's, was hard to resist and soon the Queen was thanking her and complimenting her shirt.
After another half hour Aunt Anne dismissed most of us so that we may have the day to ourselves. Mother stayed with her so I was left on my own. Usually I tried to wait for the simpleton, knowing that she wasn't familiar enough with the palace yet, but she was taking forever and I was still vexed with her from the previous night. I walked towards the Lady Mary's chambers, alone, thinking of what I could do to amuse myself for the afternoon.
I was reading when the Queen's dressmakers came.
"Her Majesty wants to get you measured for one of her gowns," one said expectantly.
"Of course," I said allowing them in to Mary's chambers.
When they were finished the older one turned to me, "We were told to dress two of you."
"Oh. She's probably in the gardens. I'll send for you later or perhaps tomorrow if that's agreeable." If she wasn't here when the dressmakers came that was her own fault.
"Yes, my lady," they curtsied and left. It was always so strange when people addressed me that way. The price I paid for being the Queen's niece.
Mary hadn't been back to her chambers yet so I assumed she was still with Elizabeth. I had yet to meet our little Princess but I would soon for I missed Annie. She was so small and cute; she looked like a miniature of mom. Smiling, I picked my book back up and sat on a random couch. Soon I found myself distracted by thoughts of Henry and Annie. I hadn't seen much of him since we came to court either. I reasoned that I should become more accustomed to that but it was hard. I was their elder sister and I loved them more than anything. As I thought this, that little fool of a cousin of mine came prancing into the room, flushed and smiling. I ignored her as I read. I thought about not telling her that the dressmakers had come but I would most assuredly receive the blame for that. So without acknowledging her I asked a maid to fetch them back so she could be fitted for her dress.
"The Queen has given me a commission," she simpered as I read the book the Lady Mary had given me. I couldn't read as well as her but I was trying to improve. If being at court had taught me anything it was that a smart, ambitious woman could rule the world if she wanted to.
"Did she?" My voice sounded as completely disinterested as I was.
"She did. It seems I am to be the favorite."
I snorted delicately while trying to make out a word. O..Obs-
"Pretty soon I'll have my own ladies and what will you have? You'll still be nobody."
"There's great comfort in being a nobody," I said repeating the words of the only father I'd ever had.
"I suppose you'd know a great deal about that," she taunted and I sighed at my book. What was this word?!
"You can ignore me for now. But soon I'll be of higher rank than you, and you'll have to answer me when I talk."
I looked at her then, my head turned slightly. And I laughed. I giggled so hard tears formed.
"What is so funny?" She looked unsettled as I wiped my eyes, hands on her hips.
"You are of course, you little, blonde fool," my words were sharp at the end. I'd have let her have her moment to bask in her glory but I'd never be commanded by her. If she pleased Uncle Norfolk well enough she might become the favorite but I'd never live in her shadow. I wouldn't become my mother. I flinched at my own thought-where did that come from? "What did Aunt Anne tell you exactly?"
"That I'm to secure the Duke of Richmond for the Howard's. That I'm to make him mine through and through."
"And did she tell you how you were supposed to do that?"
"She said I would be find out in due time."
"Well I think it's due now."
"What does that mean?"
A knock on the door interrupted us. The maid had returned with the dressmakers.
I waited silently while they fitted her for the Queen's dress. When they were finished I turned to them.
"She's to have a few more dresses." They nodded while she looked surprised.
"How did you know-", I interrupted her.
"Make one of pale silver with pearl seeds along the neckline", I said walking over to her and pointing where I wanted everything. "The neckline should be cut low, quite low, straining propriety low. And then add silver mesh across to cover her some. With heeled shoes to match."
"I don't want-"
"And another one of light blue. Very light blue. The sleeves should be capped and then show her bare shoulders until her elbow and then cover from elbow to wrist. The bodice should be incredibly tight, such that it draws attention to her waist. The skirt should be parted in the middle by cloth of gold, though not too rich. The shoes should be flat."
"What are you-"
"A riding habit of very rich blue with designs on either side of the chest in gold stitching. Line it with a less expensive fur. Oh and her riding hat absolutely must have a feather, preferably a brown with white stripes or spots. And a pale green dress with an intricate design in light brown which should match the fabric in the split of the skirt. Not tan, just a light brown. A very intricate design on the bodice. A flat shoe again. When those are finished we will ask for more."
"On what authority do you decide what I wear?"
"That will be all ladies, thank you." They bowed and left me alone with the simpleton.
"You do not decide for me! I am the favorite not you! Your only hope is that the King names you a bastard."
"The bastard of a King, is of higher rank than the whore of a bastard of a King."
Her eyes went wide as she flushed.
"How dare you? I'll not be a whore! I'll be a duchess twice over." I gasped.
"Hold your tongue! Before you get us all in trouble", something about my tone or face must've gotten through to her for she quieted immediately.
"What?",she whispered.
I adopted her tone, "The marriage of Richmond is a matter of state. To even suggest that you'll marry him can be construed as treason. Our enemies plot against us daily. Would you hand over the Queen all over a fight with me?"
She looked ashamed at that and sobered some. "Well if he loves me, he will marry me. So what else is there to say?"
"Oh you are a fool aren't you?" The pity in my voice was sincere. She really didn't understand.
A knock on the door interrupted us and a lady let herself in. "The Countess of Wiltshire summons you. Both of you."
It was a long walk to my grandmother's chambers. I tried to remind myself that I wasn't in trouble, that I wasn't here to receive a scolding. But when we were let into my grandmother's chambers my heart began racing. Her, my grandfather, and Uncle Norfolk were all seated at a table facing us. I immediately curtsied.
"Your Graces." Katherine looked at me and stumbled into one of her own.
"Rise," called my grandmother's voice.
We did and I lifted my chin but kept my eyes downcast. The simpleton, apparently unaware of the tension in the room, kept her head held high.
"The Queen has told us of her plans for you Katherine. How do you like your new charge?"
"I like it very much, Uncle." Norfolk nodded at that.
"Good. You are to beguile and enchant him. Just like the Queen did with the King you will keep him in league with this family."
I made a face at that and before I could fix it back my grandparents caught it.
"What was that?" Grandpa asked.
"Out with it," his wife insisted.
"I apologize," I said curtsying, hoping to appease them.
"Pray continue, niece", Uncle Norfolk said a little too sweetly.
"I-I think that perhaps she needs to understand her duties a bit more clearly," I whispered the end.
"Louder."
"My Lord Grandfather, I dare not say this out loud," I met his eyes pointedly. I took a deep breath and tried again for his eyes showed no sign of sympathy. "She thinks to go exactly the way of the Queen since Her Majesty started off as a mistress and became a wife."
They all three snapped their heads at her and she blushed furiously.
"What have you to say about this?" My grandmother's voice rang out.
"I...The Queen said that I...she said I was t-t-to to she said-"
"You're saying that the Queen told you to commit treason?"
"No madam! Just that she said to-"
"I will make this plain enough that even you will understand," My grandmother said and I heard that fool gulp. "You are to entertain and entrance that boy until he loves you so much he wants to become a Howard himself. You are not going to be a Duchess. You have neither the breeding nor the skill. Nor are you deserving of it. If you lack the intelligence or ability to discuss your intimate details you need to speak now and you can return to Lambeth and be replaced. You are a woman unwed, and therefore quite replaceable. The matter of Richmond's marriage is a matter for The King and his council to decide. Do you think you know more than learned men who were raised to serve the King?"
The simpleton shook her head.
"You will be his mistress. His confidante. His lover. His friend. His servant. Everything he tells you, you will tell us. No." She shook her head. "Everything he tells you you will tell Cat and she will decide what to tell us. You will report to her every single day and she will tell you how to behave. With everything and everyone. Every conversation you have in this court will be common knowledge for her. She will instruct you on how to curtsy, to talk, to walk, to dress, and how to capture the Duke. Disregard her at your own peril."
"Yes Madam."
"You are fortunate to be at court at all. This is a privilege, not some right you are owed. You will never again choose someone else's side over your family's again. You are going to be warned this one time. You are never going to be Mrs. Culpeper. You may let the idea of that die now. Bury it and any feelings you have towards him. If you ever again go out of your way to put Cat in a dangerous position for the sake of this boy, or any other, you'll be sent to a worst fate than Lambeth. Do you understand?"
She nodded quietly.
"You may go."
We both curtsied.
"Not you Cat," Uncle Norfolk called.
The simpleton looked between us and turned to leave the room.
I kept my eyes trained on the wall behind them, studiously examining the tapestries. When the door shut conversation began again.
"Thomas Seymour," my Uncle called out. "You seem to think he's taken a liking to you?"
I nodded.
"And what do you plan to do about it?"
"Do?" In my confusion I dared to meet his eye.
"Her Majesty has decided that you seem talented enough to keep him dangling on a string. Do you agree?"
"I would not think to contradict the Queen."
"Good. For now we will play this your way. Push Katherine towards Richmond and pull Seymour towards you. Katherine may think she's the favorite, and she may be the one going forward but you must always remember whose maidenhead we're willing to sacrifice and whose we're not."
For a moment I forgot myself. I forgot who my mother had described these people to be. They were kin but they were much crueler than any stranger. For just a second I forgot this and I smiled.
"But if she is not in Richmond's bed soon we will not his favor and neither of you will have mine."
"God but you are beautiful," I heard as I turned a corner. I had been exploring the palace when I walked down a hall and saw Kitty with a young man.
He was gonna kiss her. They were gonna kiss. I couldn't let that happen. It would be one thing if I didn't know, but I did and I couldn't just let it happen. Uncle George'd kill me.
"Cousin Kitty," I said trying to make my voice low but loud, the way I heard Uncle George speak.
They backed away from each other immediately, her skin was flushed and her chest had red marks on it that were already fading. She wasn't that stupid, she couldn't be. She greeted me breathlessly and he nodded towards me.
"Is everything alright?" I asked her trying to remember where I'd seen him. When I saw the flower on his clothes I remembered the groomsman who played with us at bowls. He was the one who stared at Cat when he thought she wasn't looking, not knowing that my sister saw everything. Now 'ere he was getting familiar with my cousin.
"Kitty was just lost. I was helping her find her way."
"That was nice of ya." 'Kitty?' I thought. 'Very familiar indeed.' "I think I can get'er back from 'ere," I said out loud again. He was older than me but I was the Queen's own nephew so I was more important than him.
He took the hint, good of him, and said his goodbyes to Kitty hinting that they would speak again. He could talk to her all he wanted...in front of our kin.
I told her I'd take her back to her rooms and we were on our way. The entire time she seemed distracted and nervous, so much so that she didn't see all the stares we received. I kinda wondered why but shrugged. It could be for any reason, sometimes people just seemed to stare. Ignoring the stares, I watched Kitty some more and figured she must be nervous because she thought I was gonna tell.
When we got in front of my other sister's rooms I did my best to calm Kitty down. I promised her I wouldn't tell nobody what I saw and she kissed me on the cheek. My heart sped up and I tried to hide my blush. She replied something cheeky and I went on my way, trying stop thinking about how good she smelled. I walked back in to court and looked for a face I recognized. I saw Grandpa and Uncle Norfolk talking but I didn't wanna join them, besides I knew they'd see what Kitty had done just by looking at me.
"Lord Carey," I heard. I was about to keep walking but realized they were talkin to me. I turned only my head and saw two men and some women, one of them made me feel the way Kitty had moments ago.
"Yes?" I asked realizing who they were. Seymours. The pretty one, Elizabeth, reminded me a lot of Kitty, but different somehow. More like me maybe.
"How are you today?"
"Good," I said plainly.
"Enjoying court?" I knew my aunt didn't like any of them so I didn't try to make conversation.
I shrugged and looked around, "It's fine." I could see my Grandpa looking at us.
"He's not very talkative is he?" One of the ladies said. She was one of the one's presented to the King but she didn't look like any of the other one's, so I figured she was the wife. Whose name, I didn't remember or care.
I shrugged again, "Don't have nothin to say."
They both laughed and I looked unashamed. I didn't have nothin to say to them. Wasn't tryna be rude or nothin.
"Don't tease him. Forgive them Lord Carey, they're being rather rude," one said. I was awful with names but she was the one Auntie hated the most. Joan or something like that.
I shrugged again, "Nothin to forgive. Children tease each other all the time."
"Are you calling me a child?" I could tell the talky one was miffed.
"I ain't calling you nothin."
"Now I'm nothing."
"You know yourself better than I do, maybe you are nothin."
He was about to say something when Uncle George appeared from nowhere. "Gentlemen, ladies."
"My Lord."
"Lord Rochford."
They chorused and bowed a little to him. He placed a hand on my shoulder. "Little Henry, where have you been? I've been searching all over for you."
"I thought you were 'ere. Came to find you but I got distracted," I said turning back towards the quarrelsome one.
"Well I'm here now. Come. I'm sure you can be excused now," he said and looked at them.
The quiet one cocked his head a little and Uncle George led us out of the court. "What was that about?"
I told him I came across Kitty wandering alone and led her back to Mary's rooms before I got into it with the Seymours.
"The irritating one is Thomas. The quiet one is Edward-did anyone see you with them?"
"Like who? Well grandpa and uncle were there but I think only grandpa saw."
He sighed, "And whatever uncle didn't see, father will tell him about and they'll expect an account."
I scowled at that. I hated talkin to them. He chuckled, "Don't worry nephew, I'll tell them. Now cheer up, I have something to show you."
"Where is it?" We'd been walking awhile.
"Be patient." I grew excited and continued asking questions. 'Is it for me? What is it? Where are we going? How much longer? How much further? Are we nearly there? Why are we outside? Where is it?'
"Good lord boy, remind me to never try to surprise you again," he laughed.
"I'm sorry Uncle George but I'm really excited."
"I can see that," he pulled on gloves. "Now what did I promise you?"
I shook my head too excited to remember and too wound up to notice that he was walking towards the stables. "What did I tell you I would get you once you were received at court? Think now."
I tried to calm down and think about what he'd said. '...and the day you are received at court I'll buy you one of your own.'
I gasped with wide eyes and he smiled and turned to a stable boy, "Bring it here lad."
The boy returned with a black speckled white horse. It was huge, just like his own mount. "I bought it the same day you were received but wanted to test his temperament. Come on, he's not going to eat you."
I felt frozen to the spot before I ran and hugged Uncle George. "Thank you so much uncle!" He was still before he ruffled my hair.
"You're welcome, now come inspect him so we can make sure you want him."
"I do want him!"
"Calm down I'm not sending him back, I want to make sure you can manage him."
Once I had finally got in the saddle, after a few tries, I asked Uncle George his name.
"You may call him what you like, boy."
I thought for a moment before coming to a decision.
"Can we take him for a ride?"
"Hold a moment I need to check on your sister's horse."
"You got her one too?"
"Aunt Anne received some new horses as a gift from some lord or another; she's going to give her one of those but she told me to pick it out."
"Got a good seat Hal?" I turned and saw Cousin Francis walking with Cousin Surrey and the King. I tried to get down to bow to the King but my foot got stuck and I would've fallen if Uncle George hadn't run over and caught me.
"Maybe not," Surrey commented.
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah I'm fine Uncle George. I thought my other foot was free."
"If you break your neck falling from a horse your mother will kill me."
"Lady Boleyn was always forgiving Rochford, but even she has to have her limits."
"Especially since she doesn't know about the horse yet."
"You didn't tell my mother?"
"No. And you won't either."
The King laughed, "What are you up to George?"
"I was going to the see the Queen's new horses to choose a horse for my niece, then take him out riding."
"Fine day for a ride. Would it be alright if I joined you Lord Carey?"
"Sure," Sir Francis raised his eyebrows at me when I answered.
The King and Cousin Surrey followed Uncle George into the stables and Cousin Francis walked towards me. "Your answers are lacking something."
"What'd I do?"
"He is the King, boy. Address him as such."
"Sorry."
"Just be careful. Amuse the King and it won't matter so much. He knows you're new to court and unfamiliar with the protocol. But others will try to use that against you-us."
"The Seymours?"
He laughed, "We have way more enemies than just the Seymours. Just be careful."
"Henry," Uncle George called, "What's your mother's horses name?"
"Uh Jesmond. Why?"
The King smiled and said something to Uncle George, too low for me to hear.
"Let's teach the boy how ride," The King said, and after they mounted their own horses, including the King's groomsmen-the one Kitty was with included, we were off.
It took a while. It was harder than I thought, but Uncle George was patient, and the King was nice.
"Don't be so hard on him Surrey. Sir Francis is rather impatient isn't he, Harry?"
I remembered though. I remembered that I was supposed to be good at everything-like the King was. If I was good at stuff, especially stuff men did, then the King would like me. Mother would be happy if the King liked me.
"I think I'll get the boy some riding lessons. He's doing well for his first day. You'll be an expert in no time Harry," he said finally talking to me.
"Your Grace is too generous. It is an honor, is it not nephew?" I got the hint this time.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I pre-appreciate it very much. I don't deserve it."
"It's my pleasure, you're very good at this, and you're the Queen's nephew-you are deserving."
We were arguing over whether or not to return to the palace-Francis and I wanted to stay, Uncle George and Surrey didn't-when the King suddenly asked Uncle George something odd.
"Does the Queen still have the ward ship of Harry?"
"I believe so Your Grace."
"So he's still technically the Queen's son?"
Uncle George nodded.
"I suppose some would argue that makes him my son since she had adopted him when we were married."
Uncle George laughed, "I don't think they're prepared to name a Carey the Prince. If a Boleyn Queen upset them, a Carey Prince would make them run to the scaffolds."
The King laughed at that and so did my cousins. I didn't see what was so funny but it seemed to make the King happy.
"I suppose you're right Boleyn. But there's part of me that'd love to see the reaction anyway."
After dinner that night, I didn't eat with the court-I hardly ever did-I went to go see Annie.
"Princess 'Lizabeth," I bowed when my little cousin ran up to me.
"Up! Up!" She demanded this every time she saw me.
I quickly snatched her up and put her on my back and began running around before her worrisome governess could meddle.
"Faster, faster, faster!"
"Lord Henry! A little decorum in the nursery if you please," I knew that lady would interrupt our fun.
"Your governess says I gotta put you down now," I whispered to 'Lizabeth.
"Aww I don't wanna," she pouted. I laughed and walked her further into her chambers and saw the Lady Mary and the King's other son.
"My Lady. My Lord," I bowed a little to them but 'Lizabeth was pulling me towards her toys, Annie was crawling around on the floor and giggled when she saw me. I put her in my lap and sat down to play with them until Lady Bryan said it was time for bed. When I was almost to the door Richmond stopped me.
"Enjoying court?"
I shrugged, "So far it's okay."
"Just okay?"
"Yeah-yes."
"Hmm. Enjoy your ride with the King today?"
I nodded. How would he know about that and why did it matter?
"Enjoy his Majesty's favor while it lasts-I mean if it lasts."
I frowned at him. "Goodnight my lady," I bowed a little to my sister and walked into the court. I knew I should just ignore Fitzroy but something about what he said made me nervous. My heart was beating fast and I couldn't think-so I did what my Uncle and cousins had taught me to do. I walked up to the first servant I could find and got some wine and drank until my heart beat steady in my chest again.
So I thought I'd try something a little different this chapter with the kids' perspectives. If I do this again I'll be including the Lady Mary's pov as well but for now I thought I'd just try it with the Howard kids.
If you like the switch up let me know and I'll be sure to try and do some more of it. R&R and happy reading.