Courting Dragons by Jeri Westerson

Author:Jeri Westerson [Westerson, Jeri]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Severn House
Published: 2022-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

TWELVE

I hovered by Henry’s inner sanctum door, which wasn’t suspicious in itself, for Will Somers could always be counted on to abide near the king wherever he was at court, even at his close stool. There was many a time I helped along the king’s regularity by spouting some nonsense, and he shat himself right good laughing in the best place for it.

But on my oath, I felt as guilty as any sinner, felt it could be read right off my silly face. For I desperately needed to steal back that letter!

Why had I been so stupid as to think that Henry did not know of plots threatening him? Surely Cromwell and the many courtiers of the privy council knew of these plots and had already made them known to him. Or kept it from him so he would not erupt like a volcano. And here I was, bumbling Will Somers, tossing fuel into the eruption.

I needed to leave the conspiracies to the men who knew what to do about them, and stick to foolery. For I didn’t want to get poor Rodrigo killed on my account.

Still … should that also be left to the investigators? And who might they be?

‘First things first,’ I admonished myself. ‘Get that letter.’

I had no chance to get in there, for Henry was in one or other of his rooms all day and it looked as if he’d be there into the evening, gaming, plotting …

Maybe I could lure him out with other entertainments. Yet if I was with him, how would I get back to the chamber?

But then, like an answered prayer, here she was, my excuse, my savior. Simply strolling the corridors without her ladies.

I bowed low. ‘Lady Nan.’

‘Will Somers, you vexation.’

‘Indeed, my lady. What are your plans this fine evening?’

‘My plans are none of your affair.’

‘Oh, but they are.’ I took her arm, and though she resisted at first, she relaxed when she reckoned the only thing I had in mind was to hold her close, like siblings. ‘But you are not here with your ladies. What would the court think of this!’

‘You prating fool.’

I forced a laugh. ‘No, my lady. What do you think of this suggestion? Take Harry out to the gardens and walk with him.’

‘What? Why should I bother to do that?’

‘Because it is a fitting thing to do while the king is still married.’ Her body stiffened and she pressed her lips together. Aye, when she went about in the city or into towns, the people called out to her most viciously, calling her a whore and a sorceress. And in the same breath hailed our queen. She knew it all well.

More softly, I said, ‘Henry loves the outdoors. He’d sleep out there if he could. Take him for a lovely walk and amuse yourselves in the privacy of the gardens. A lovely place to woo and be wooed.’

Cods! She was actually considering it. ‘He’d like that?’

‘Anything you’d suggest, dear lady.’

She had decided. She had probably thought

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