The King's Rose by Alisa M. Libby

Author:Alisa M. Libby
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: , Biographical - European, 1491-1547, Fiction, rulers, Great Britain, European, Europe, Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General, Great Britain - History - Henry VIII, Royalty, d. 1542, Royalty (kings queens princes princesses knights etc.), Historical Fiction (Young Adult), Girls & Women, Biographical, Juvenile Fiction, King of England, Historical, Henry, Marriage & Divorce, Family - Marriage & Divorce, queens, Catharine Howard, Family, 1509-1547, Queen, General, etc, VIII, Kings, Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12), etc., Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction, consort of Henry VIII
ISBN: 9780525479703
Publisher: Penguin Group
Published: 2009-03-24T22:05:02.688000+00:00

XXIII

I watch through a pane of puckered glass as caravans of guests depart; snow slants across the window, blurring the scene in a veil of white. As I bade my good-byes I felt lighter, in spite of my trepidation of what the future might entail. I had hoped that the Christmas celebrations would be a way to display Henry’s love and devotion and desire for me, but when he fell ill I felt overlooked, wholly unnecessary. If physical love is all that I have to offer him and he is too distracted or ill to appreciate it, then what will become of me?

I don’t forget the duchess’s words about finding another to take my place. I don’t forget the pale blue eyes I saw at the Twelfth Night masque. Though I may be overlooked by Henry, I am not so insignificant to others. I will always be in danger, and I must endeavor to protect myself at all costs.

Danger follows me, even into dreams: since Twelfth Night, my sleep has been restless. I yearn to close my eyes and find peace, but instead I see the maidens’ chamber at Lambeth: the candles burn low, the wine has been drunk, the late-night treats devoured. Francis takes my hand—his pale blue eyes shine in the dimness—and leads me to my bed, in the corner of the room. The ladies giggle and pinch me in jest as we pass them.

These dreams startle me awake; I stare at the ceiling, trembling in fear.

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