How are we going to explain this to Katheryn? If King Henry wants to see her, he will get what he wants. He is the monarch, after all. But is there a way we can stop them from marrying?

We head back to our chamber to see that most of the blood has been cleaned. "Thank you, Katheryn. You have been a great help."
"Thank you. How did it go with the King?"
"He's angry at the Protector rather than me."
"That is great news."
I nod and smile. At least there is that. "He also wants to speak to you about the situation."

Katheryn's mouth falls open. "Me? What should I say? What should I do?"
"Just be yourself and tell him the truth. That is all you can do."
Katheryn nods. "I can do that."

King Henry requests to see Katheryn that evening in his private chamber. Mummy and I accompany Katheryn to his Privy Chamber. "We will wait just outside," I tell her, "shout if you need us."
"I will," Katheryn promises, and she knocks on the door. The usher opens the door and allows her inside before closing the door behind her.

Mummy and I wait outside. We cannot hear the conversation happening on the other side of the door. Whatever it is, I hope it's going well. Mummy and I sit on two seats facing the door. "What do you think is going on in there?" Mummy asks.
I cross my arms. "Do you want the answer to that?"
"Maybe not."

It's some time before Katheryn emerges from the King's chamber. Mummy and I stand up. "How did it go?" I ask.
"I was intimidated at first," Katheryn says, "but the King quickly put me at ease. I told him what happened, and he seemed calm throughout."
"That's good," Mummy says, "that must be a good sign, right?"
I nod. While the King remaining calm is a good sign, could it mean he noticed Katheryn?
"He wants to see me again."
Mummy groans. Why did King Henry ask to see Katheryn again? The entire thing with the Protector should end soon, so why does he want to see her again?

He might want to court her.

My heart falls at the thought. King Henry is almost forty-nine! How can he think about courting someone who isn't even sixteen yet? It's horrible. Why does no one stand up to him?

Because they're terrified of losing their heads. It's a legitimate reason to be terrified of the King.

I look out of the window to see snow falling. So much has happened that I'd forgotten it's only January. If this month has already gone downhill so fast, I dread to think of what the rest of the year will bring. It can't get much worse.

I should know better than to think that. Things can get much worse. I could accidentally change history for the worse. Another person can intervene and change the king. It's completely possible. But there is little I can do if someone else tries to interfere.

But what about the Protector? I cannot remain linked to her any longer. There must be another member of her species that's willing to make a contract with me. But who would choose to live their life at Court? Who would willingly choose to live a life of danger?

It's probably a stupid idea, but it's the only one I have.

Katheryn and I walk back to the chamber I share with Mummy while Mummy goes to find Katja. "Are you all right?" Katheryn asks.
I sigh. "I'm thinking about what I should do. I cannot continue my contract with the Protector if she's happy to violate it so easily. I know I put a clause in there that means she can help me protect others, but I didn't mean for it to mean she can kill whoever is threatening those I love!"
"Your intentions were pure. You didn't mean for this to happen."
I stop walking. "But would that be enough? Who would believe such a thing?"
"The King believes that."

I look around the corridor and find no one else is present. I beckon to Katheryn and lead her to a seat by the window. "I sometimes wonder whether this is worth it."
"What do you mean?"
"Should I have travelled here? Three of my friends are dead."
Katheryn takes my hands in hers. "You saved me."
I look her in the eyes. "It might only be temporary. You're meant to be King Henry's fifth wife."
"I will be Queen of England?" She squeals, but her smile quickly falls. "But what about Queen Anna? I do not want her to get executed."
"None of us want that. That is where our group comes in. We used to be about preserving history, but I recently had a visitor in the form of a talking lion." Katheryn laughs, her voice warm and inviting. I start laughing with her. "I know, it sounds silly, but it's true. I was visited by a talking lion named Aslan."
"Aslan?" Katheryn stops laughing. "What did he say?"
"That if I keep history on track, the future will be horrible for my kind."
"Your kind? As in, hybrids?" I close my eyes and nod. Katheryn gasps. "That's awful. What can I do to help?"

I open my eyes. "You want to help?"
"Many of my friends are hybrids, including you." Katheryn gently wipes one of my tears away. "If I can improve their future, I will do it."
"That future is several centuries away."
Katheryn stands up and puts her hands on her hips. "They have not contended with me yet! Anyone who messes with the hybrids also mess with me!"
I grin at her. If only everyone had that attitude. Maybe things can become better.