One morning, I wake up with such a horrible stomachache I feel immobile. My head hurts, and I lie under the covers and close my eyes. I hear the ladies move around and whisper, but I dare not open my eyes. Maybe one of them will tell Catalina I am indisposed and cannot work.

I always hear at least one lady in the room throughout the day. They don't talk most of the time, and I only hear them when they cough or sneeze. On occasion, I hear someone else, and they speak quietly.

In the afternoon, Catalina sits with me. "I know you're awake, Emma. There is no way you can still be asleep."
I groan and open my eyes. The sunlight streams into the room, and I shut my eyes against it.
"Is the pain that bad?"
"It's getting worse."
Catalina buries her head in her hands for a moment. She soon sits up and catches my gaze. "I will send for Sarah Jane and Ruby immediately."

Before Catalina can leave, another lady runs in. "I am sorry to disturb you, Your Majesty, but there are two visitors for Mistress Smith-White. I told them she is not receiving, but—"
"Not to worry," Catalina says. "Emma, do you think you can get up?"
I sit up and wince. While the pain isn't as bad as earlier, it's still unbearable. "I think so."
"Very good." She turns back to the lady. "Tell her visitors that Mistress Smith-White will meet them in the garden."

It's almost impossible to get dressed on my own. I nearly give up until Catalina laces me into my kirtle. "You shouldn't be doing this," I say.
"You are my friend. If anything, I should have helped you more years ago." Catalina helps me finish getting dressed and gives me a once-over. She nods when she approves of my appearance and sends me on my way.

Mum and Mummy meet me in the garden, and we walk around. "We got your letter," Mum says. "You could have told us what happened."
"I was acting on instinct." I shake my head.
"Ah."

The three of us fall silent and complete a lap of the garden. "Anne thought you saw them," Mummy says. "She feels guilty about what happened and refuses to let Jane near her."
"And why would this interest me?"
Mum grins. "The only thing Anne will let her do is empty the chamber pot."
I smirk, and the three of us start laughing.
"Anne also asked us to give you this." Mum pulls a letter out of her pocket.
"How did you get the seamstress to agree to give you a pocket in your dress?"
"I made it," Mummy says. "Since we'll have so much time here, I may as well learn some useful skills."
"That is a great idea." I break the seal and read the letter.

As I should have expected, it is all in code. Whatever Anne wants to tell me is dangerous and cannot fall into the wrong hands. I sit down on a nearby bench and read through the letter, translating each word.

Dear Emma,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am sorry about what happened. When Jane talked to me, I had no idea you were there, nor that your feelings towards her were changing. Your parents explained it to me when they realised you vanished. King Henry knows you are missing and why you might be gone and orders the guards to keep an eye out for you. If you wish to return to court, I will have a place waiting for you.

Stay safe.

Anne Boleyn

I fold the letter. History says I remain at Court; at least, historians think I stay at Court. But I don't want to return while Jane is there. Should I continue with history or go with my heart?

We're already planning on killing Henry VIII. Everything else pales in comparison.

"Is there something else going on?" Mum asks.
"What do you mean?"
Mum sits beside me and places both hands on my shoulders.
"Your most recent letter caught us both off guard."

Ah, that. If it caught both my parents off guard, I must not have worded it right or calmed them. Was I wrong to write it?

"Emma, your situation has grown worse. You can't wait until 1553. You can't even wait until 1540."
"What?" How is this happening?
"You have to do it this year."

I shake my head. "This can't be happening."
"I'm sorry, Emma. If you don't do it this year, you could die."

I sit in silence. Had seeing Jane with Anne triggered it early? There is no way I can answer that now, so I must think about a solution. I don't want to do it with someone I don't know. During this period of history, giving up my maidenhead is critical. If Anne, or worse, King Henry, find out, I could lose my place at Court. So, I need someone who can be discreet.

But there is no one I can trust who will be discreet. The only person here I trust completely is Catalina. I will not force that decision upon her. If it means I must return to Court, I will. But to leave Catalina on her own? Can I make that choice when all her friends are elsewhere?

"It is a big decision," Mummy says. She is the only one with me now. Where did Mum go? "And Ruby said it could be best if you don't travel."
"Travelling can't make it worse. It can't...can it?"
Mummy shrugs. I shake my head and groan. Court is no longer an option.

I begin walking around the gardens. Maybe it will help a little, and I can clear my head. "What options do I have left?" I ask.
"I can only think of one. Catalina. Whether she'll agree to it or not is another matter."
It all comes down to Catalina and what she says. Is that where Mum went? If so, I hope she handles it discreetly and carefully.

When Mum returns, Catalina is in her wake. They stop before us, and Catalina shakes her head. "It seems like you can't keep out of trouble."
"I've done well until now."
Catalina smiles. "I think I will be the judge of that. Ruby told me about what is going on."
"I figured that was what she was doing."
"We better take this conversation to a more appropriate setting."

We find ourselves back in Catalina's bedchamber. It feels like old times, except the group is largely diminished. While we're spread throughout the country, I'll find a way to bring us together again. "When?" Catalina looks at Ruby.
"Before the end of the year."
Catalina grins. "I know when we can do it. Anne Boleyn said she wants a coronation she will never forget? We will make sure it is done."

That night, Catalina asks me to stay with her instead of one of her other ladies. "I am happy to help you," she says. "And if it means I get to stick it to my ex, then so be it."
"Which one?"
Catalina considers the question for a moment. "How about both? If we get word to the King that I am happy without him—"
"That goes against history."

Catalina's smile falls. "We're already changing history."
"I know, but this could be too dangerous."
We sit in silence for some time. The candle flickers, casting shadows onto the walls. "I want to help you and show Anne and Henry I don't need them."
I hum and look around. I must find something to say to convince Catalina to back off.

My tentacles start flailing around, and I flop onto the bed, landing on my back. My stomach hurts, and I shake in agony. "Emma?" Catalina asks. "Can you hear me?"
"Help me!" It takes me a few moments to realise I'm screaming. "Help me, Your Majesty!"
Catalina claps a hand over my mouth. "Not so loud! You'll bring everyone running."

Tears start streaming down my face as the door opens. "What is going on?" Mummy asks.
"What is wrong with Emma?"
Another figure appears in the doorway. "You cannot wait until the coronation," Mum says. "I am sorry, Your Majesty. We will make sure no one disturbs you."
"Thank you."
"It is the least we can do," Mummy says as they shut the door and leave us alone.

"I am sorry, Emma," she says. "I know you didn't want this, but—"
"Please," I beg. "Do it. Please."
Catalina nods, and her lips pressing against mine is the last thing I remember before blacking out and the pain taking over.