Rose Garden

I lay on the grass, leaning on my elbows as I read the letter that has come from Whitehall. I ponder each word, each promise from His Majesty's pen; I miss him greatly, and my heart yearns for him. And yet, I must stay here with my father and mother, while Henry works to annul his marriage to Catherine. I fold up the parchment, placing it into my little purse that hangs from my girdle. I look up to the clouds that hang in the unusually clear sky, imagining what my future with the king shall be.

I drift off into dreams of Henry: within the machinations of my head, I see myself on the throne, a child in my belly. I look up into the rafters of the cathedral to see the box where Henry sits, smiling to me. I awake, stretching my arms and yawning before heading into my chambers.

I will write Henry a letter back: it is my destiny to be his wife.