Katherina 'Kitty' Blackbourne portrayed by Adelaide Kane

Henry VIII portrayed by Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Charles Brandon portrayed by Henry Cavill

Katherine of Aragon portrayed by Marie Doyle Kennedy

And Anne Boleyn portrayed by Natalie Dormer

• k •

By the grace of God, Lord and Lady Devonshire were gifted with a babe. A girl she might have been born but her parents did not care. She was a blessing and one day they would discover her true purpose.

• • •

Updates may be slow.

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❤

❝Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies,❞

- Mother Teresa

"The Duke of Buckingham's daughter?" Her dark eyes peered over the cards she held in her hands, "Surely, Sir Charles, you should not have."

"Ah," His lips curved upward into a grin the screamed mischief, "she wanted it."

"Did she say she wanted it?" she inquired, ignoring the look of warning her father gave her as the old nobleman sank down into a chair between them.

"She did, my lady," replied Charles.

No words passed her lips while she glanced down at the cards in her hands. Quietly, she folded them together and placed them face down on the table. She no longer wanted to play this game, a game that led to this conversation. What Charles Brandon spoke of, taking a nobleman's daughter even with her permission, it did not settle with her. How would Buckingham find a suitable husband for his daughter when she no longer possessed her virtue.

"Sweet Kat," his voice drifted in through her conflicting thoughts. She glanced up to see his worried expression and that they were once again alone. "Have I upset you?"

"I can't help but feel it wasn't right," she told him honestly.

"Don't worry your pretty little head," he leaned forward, ruffling her chocolaty brown hair, "If you met Buckingham, you would see he deserved it.

"But it was not his grace who you ruined!" she exclaimed, swatting away his hand. "Charles, women are not like men. There is much expected from us."

"I can assure you, I was not her first," Charles sighed softly upon seeing her expression remain the same, "But you are right, Kitty Kat, and I do apologize for my behavior."

Her gaze drifted toward the hands in her lap, "Of course, I am right," she said quietly, "I am a woman."

His laughter filled the hall they sat in. Charles placed his cards on the table and stood up, his laughter slowly dying, "I have forgotten my true reason for coming here tonight, you have distracted me, Kitty."

"Don't blame me," she glanced up at him, a smile curving her lips, "So what new from court have you brought?"

"Not really news from court," he smiled, "Just that his Majesty, the King, intends to join our next hunt."

Her face fell as she jumped to her feet, "Why?"

"Why not?" he started for the door, Kitty hot on his heels.

"Now I'll never be able to go with the King tagging along."

"Says who?" Charles stopped.

"Charles, you know that woman! Once word reaches her ear about this she will never let me out of her sight."

"Relax Kat," he chuckled, his arm held out for her to take. "I'm sure your father will do his best not to mention it."

"And suffer the wrath of my mother?" She scoffed.

Charles kissed the back of her hand and changed the subject, "I hear you will become a lady to her majesty."

"No surprise," she grumbled. "Mother wants to ensure that I am being brought up a proper lady and hopes that by being a lady to the Queen, I will find a decent husband."

"Do you not want a husband?"

"Not if he's to keep me locked up like some animal and expect me to entertain his guest. You know me, Charles."

He chuckled softly, "I do, Kitty, I do."

"Perhaps you should marry me!"

"Alas, I can not."

"Why not?" She asked. "You're the only man I know who would allow me my freedom."

"You are the daughter of a Duke."

"So?"

Charles leaned forward, his face inches from hers as he took her hands in his. "You know your mother."

"I will be an old maid then."

Charles chuckled again, "You will find a husband in time Kitty."

"But he will treat me no better than I treat the dogs."

"Then perhaps you should treat the dogs better and God will find you a husband who treats you just the same."

She glared up at the old family friend who only smiled back before bowing and leaving the room.

• • •

I can only pray this gets better with time.

"Papa,"

"Kitty," He turned slowly, his long strides falling short so that he could glance at his daughter.

"Will I like it at court?"

"You will not," he replied, his pace quickening the closer he got to the stables.

"Am I expected to marry?"

The Duke suddenly stopped walking. Katherina, unaware, collided into her father's backside. Stumbling back and rubbing her nose, she peered up to find the old man turning to stare at her.

"That, my love, is up to the queen."

"I do not wish to marry!"

"Nor do I wish you too, but if you do not and remain without a son, another will receive my title. And if they do not, the Blackbourne name shall die out with you."

"But if I marry, I will not be a Blackbourne."

He raised his silver brows. "You will always be both in blood and spirit."

She tilted her head, considering his words and then nodded her head. "Just not in name."

The Duke opened his mouth to speak, but then closed it as his eyes darted to what was taking place behind his daughter.

Katherina turned, her eyes following her father's gaze. "Is that..." her voice trailed as the party grew closer, the thunderous roar of horse hooves on the luscious grassy terrain filled her ears like a sweet summer song.

The party came to a halt in front of them, Katherina watched as her father's expression changed from confusion to surprise and then he bowed. She could only assume that the man before them, handsome and athletic, was the King of England.

"Your majesty," her father greeted the young king.

"Harry," the king called out and dropped from his horse.

"Welcome, I did not expect you to arrive so soon. May I introduce my daughter, Katherina?"

"Lady Katherina," his majesty flashed her a dazzling grin as he took her hand in his own and kissed the back of it.

"Your Majesty," she rose, still not reaching anywhere near the king's height. Her eyes stared straight at his chest, leaving her to tilt her head up just to see his face.

"I have heard many great things about you, my lady," he said. "Your father and Sir Brandon speak of you in such a way, I feel as if we are already friends ourselves. And I hear you are due to come to court in service to the queen?"

"Indeed, yes I am, your majesty."

"Forgive me," the king suddenly stepped back. "I did not mean to intrude. We were just nearby, hunting, when Charles brought it to my attention that your estate was close, Harry. I hope you do not mind."

"No, no, your majesty is most welcomed into my home any time you see fit."

"Harry, I do not recall if you are acquainted with Thomas Boleyn, Lord of Rochford or the Duke of Norfolk."

"Indeed, we are," he bowed his head toward the two men still on horseback. "Welcome. Shall we go in?"

"Indeed," the king turned toward the men still on their horses and inclined his head for them to dismount and follow. Katherina watched as the two men, Rochford and Norfolk shared a quick glance before dismounting and handing over their reins to the grooms.

Her father and the king were already engaged in conversation and walking back toward the house, leaving Katherina free to accept the hand Charles offered.

"Charles," she greeted her friend with a charming smile.

"Kitty," he smiled back. "Were you and your father on your way to see the horses?"

"No," she replied as they walked, Rochford and Norfolk following behind them. "We were discussing court and marriage. Do tell, how was the hunt? I see the men are empty handed and the dogs exhausted. Did he lead a good chase?"

"Indeed," replied Brandon. "One the led us all the way here."

"And he got away?"

"Indeed."

"He would not have if I had been there," she said confidently. "In fact, the servants would be preparing for an extravagant meal right this moment."

"Do you hunt, my lady?" The cold voice of Rochford called, reminding Katherina and Charles that the two men were still behind them even as they entered the large home.

"Very little," she replied, turning to examine the gentleman. "When the Lady Devonshire permits me to."

"And have they been successful?"

"Indeed, they have. I once caught a stag the size of a fully grown horse."

Charles burst out laughing, "I do recall, Lady Katherina, it was my arrow that finished him off."

"Never the matter, I still saw him and it was my arrow that weakened him" she turned back toward Rochford and smiled. "He was still rather delicious."

"Who was?" Her father's voice turned their attention toward the king and himself.

"The stag your daughter shot a year back."

"You hunt, Lady Katherina?" The King enquired.

"Very little, mother does not deem it ladylike and only permits me on special occasions to accompany father and his men."

The king's blue eyes flickered to the elder woman and a smile appeared on his lips, "I do hope, with your permission, of course, Lady Devonshire, that you will allow your daughter to accompany me in any future hunts."

Katherina turned to find her mother's sharp brown eyes fixed on the king. Although it was paining her to do so, she nodded her head and said, "If your Majesty wishes it."

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I'm no historian nor am I an English major, I merely write for a hobby and I write about what I love. Dabbling with history is a major risk I never wanted to take but we should never be afraid to take risks.
With that said, apologies if this is cringy because I'm cringing. It may not be one hundred percent accurate to their times but I actually do try to research before writing.
I know in the show, Jonathan has dark hair while Henry has red. We will stick with that. The red hair... not the brown 😂

Thank you for taking the time to read this extremely long author's note. I promise all further chapters will not have these.
And I pray this gets better with time.

Be sure to comment and vote if you enjoyed this chapter or this story.

♡

"It's Your Grace now, isn't it?" She smiled softly, her arm linked through his.

Charles nodded his head swiftly, together they strolled through one of the many gardens that had been created within the palace grounds.

Katherina had come to court at last, now in service to her majesty the queen. It had been a struggle for Katherina, adjusting to court life. But with her father, Charles, and even a new friend, she was beginning to prosper.

"I am happy for you, Charles," she removed herself from his side and turned toward a budding flower. Katherina had found one thing she loved most about court, the extraordinary gardens.

"Thank you, my lady," he replied softly, a soft smile curving his lips.

She stood up straight and turned to him, "Perhaps now we can marry?" His smile faded, she knew it would. She knew even with a title Charles would never take her hand in marriage. "Not even my inheritance can persuade you, can it?" Of course not, she was a child still in his eyes.

Charles opened his mouth to respond, no doubt with something he deemed appropriate to respond with, but an announcement had silenced him. Katherina turned around just as the king strolled toward them.

"My lady," he kissed her hand and lifted her up.

"Your majesty," she offered her best smile, a smile that kept the King's eye for a moment longer. He smiled back.

"Are you well? Have you found court life at all to your liking?" She noticed the men that followed the king, her father included.

"I am, thank you for your concern, your majesty." She said. "It has been a change, yes, but I find court to be very exciting. I quite welcome the change."

He seemed pleased with her answer and it was then he turned from her to Charles. "I must beg pardon, my lady," began the King, "I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me for stealing away our dear friend."

"There is no need," she smiled up at Charles, "I was just about to take my leave before your arrival."

The king bowed and Katherina sank into a curtsy. She rose swiftly, nodded her head to acknowledge her father and with that, she left.

• k •

"I have heard from a little bird that you have caught the eye of the king." Anne Boleyn kept her voice low in fear of being overheard, but their was no mistaking the smirk she wore.

"I dare hope not," Katherina whispered frantically, her dark eyes widening with fear. "I have no interest in the king, nor do I wish to become his mistress! I serve his wife, our queen!"

Anne surveyed the room, her eyes taking in every lady in service to her majesty the queen. She turned back to Katherina, placing a soft, small hand over her own.

"There are many others that will happily take your place, but if these rumors are true-"

"They shouldn't be! The king is a friend of my father's. Aside from being my king, that is all he is to me, my father's friend."

"All the more reason for these rumors to spread. He is close to the crown and one of the richest men in England. Many would love to see your family fall."

"But we have done nothing! Anne, there must be something we can do to quell these ridiculous rumors."

"I am certain there is something," she said at last, "You must trust me. Do you trust me?"

Katherina felt her brows furrowing, she had been astonished by Anne's question. How could Anne dare ask something of the sort?

"You're my only true friend at court," she replied, leaning forward, "of course I do."

• k •

"So you're to leave me?" Katherina found Charles again later the night, this time he had delivered the news to her.

She hadn't been aware as to why Charles Brandon went from a low rank to Duke of Suffolk, but now she knew. He was to escort the King's sister, Princess Margaret to her future. She would marry a king.

"I fear I am," he squeezed her arm gently, "I shall return."

"Oh, I do hope so."

They had met in her father's apartments where there would be no question of her maidenhood. Katherina was aware she could not act as she once did in the safety of Devonshire. She could not cling to Charles or curl up in his arms. Not while in public. It had to be behind doors, her father's doors.

She rested her head against his shoulder and sighed softly. She would miss him while he was away. He always brought a great deal of comfort after a long and dreary day at court. It was exhausting and only growing worse with this newfound rumor.

"Charles?"

"Hmm?" He tilted his head and peered down at her through tiny slits.

"You are close to the king, are you not?" She had removed her arm from his.

"I suppose I am," he replied, he sat forward with his elbows propped up on his knees. Charles rubbed at her tired eyes. "Why?"

"Have I... have I caught his eye?"

His head jerked upright, blue eyes wide, "Katherina, please tell me court has not changed you."

She pressed a hand to his arm, "No, it's just I've heard a rumor. I've caught the king's eye. I don't want to Charles. I've heard what happens to his mistresses, and the queen. Oh Charles, the queen is good to me! I could never do such a thing to her. If she hears these rumors? If anyone..."

He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to his chest and rubbing her back. "Hush now," he cooed, kissing the top of her head. "His majesty has said nothing of the sort to your father or I. And trust me," he placed a finger under her chin and tilted back her head, "If you had caught the eye of the king, you would know."

He smiled down at her. She felt her heart flutter at the sight. His smile filled her with a new sort of warmth. It left her body tingling in a way she'd never felt before. She had loved Charles, for as long as she could remember what it was like to love, she had loved him. And now, as she stared at the fullness of his lips, she wanted to kiss him.

•a.n•

I hope this is what you have all been waiting patiently for.
I can not express how badly I've been wanting to update this story for all of you wonderful readers. For awhile I would write but nothing I wrote seemed right.

♡

She was a sweetheart, Katherina had thought the moment she met Anne Boleyn, an absolute angel. Though no great beauty, as many in Katherine's household had been, she had made up for it with her charming personality. And Katherina had greatly admired Anne for it and more.

Unlike the other ladies, Anne did not judge Katherina for her parents lack of proper upbringing. She did not care for rumours unless they affected Katherina, and she most certainly did not involve herself in gossip. And because of that they had become great friends.

"My father was the ambassador in France," she said one mid day when they had an hour free to themselves. Katherina knew about Anne Boleyn's father and where she had been but she felt it impolite to say so, so she listen on as Anne continued. "I was also a lady to Queen Claude, it was an absolute dream, Kat. French court is much livelier than English court."

"Really?" Katherina ate up every word Anne said. Her expression resembled an enthusiastic child being told a story so fascinating that it changed their whole outlook on life. "Oh, I only pray to experience what you have. We are the same age, Anne and all I've done is hunt and train horses."

"That is still very exciting," she replied, lifting Katherina's spirits and filling her with a newfound confidence, "not many ladies can say that they have done what you have."

"That's because no lady would dare," Katherina giggled softly. "Oh mother was furious with father when she found out, and she still has yet to forgive him."

Anne laughed with her, she placed a small delicate hand to Katherina's arm and leaned in close as they laughed. Many in the hall turned, their curiosity getting the better of them. Many also whispered, a look of distaste on their faces.

"Oh dear," managed Katherina with tears in her eyes, "I believe the court is talking about us." 

Anne slipped her arm through Katherina's, a smirk now replacing the genuine smile she wore. She led her friend across the hall, "Let them talk," she said loud enough for all to hear. "they have nothing better to do."

Laughter erupted from the back of their throats and filled the hall. It had gone silent there, all but their laughter bouncing of the paneled walls as they took their leave. Katherine would get wind of this, Katherina knew, and perhaps before their return. But she only smiled as Anne led her down the corridor.

"Come, I wish to show you something," Anne pulled Katherina toward the corridor that led to her own apartments in court.

"What is it?" Katherina asked the moment they entered Anne's chambers.

"Promise you will tell no one," she closed the door behind her. Without waiting for a word from Katherina, she briskly walked toward a chest, opened the lid and started to shuffle through the contents within.

"Who am I to tell?" She asked after some time.

"The queen," Anne bit back. "I know you are close to her, closer than me."

"She and my mother were old friends, she is my Godmother."

"And you are my dearest friend, Kat," Anne fell back on her heels and turned to face her. "Promise me."

"Okay, okay!" She sighed. "I promise."

Anne sprang up from the chest, a smirk plastered on her face as she held a piece of folded cloth in her hands. Without explaining she removed the fabric to reveal a fine set of jewels.

"Oh my," gasped Katherina. She pressed a hand to her mouth, "Anne, they are beautiful. How? Who?"

"The King," replied Anne. Her lips had been pressed tightly together to form a thin line, but Katherina could see the smirk trying to appear. A new feeling settled within her stomach, a feeling that left Katherina feel queasy. "I had thought it had been you who caught his majesty's eye, but I had been wrong."

"But the queen?"

"I have no intentions of keeping them," she covered them back up and tucked them safely back into her chest. "I do not wish to be with the king, not as his mistress."

"Anne, there is no other way you can be with the king."

Anne closed the chest and stood up, she remained silent with her back to Katherina. Then she turned, a smile curving her lips and making her more beautiful than ever.

"Shall we return to the queen?" She asked, walking over to take Katherina's arm in hers.

Katherina did not utter a word as she allowed Anne to lead her from the room to the Queen's chambers. She kept her silence even while she preformed her duties to the queen. When she could keep her peace no more, she sought out the one person at court that could offer a word of advice, her father.

"Thomas Boleyn is an ambitious man, he no doubt has a plan," her father said. "It will serve you well to distance yourself from Anne if you wish to keep favor with the queen."

"And what if they succeed in whatever treason they intend to? What if Katherine is removed and Anne crowned Queen?"

"England would much rather see blood shed than have it come to that."

Katherina sat down in a chair, "But Anne seemed so sweet."

"Something she learned, no doubt."

"You did warn me," she sighed again, "I am sorry I did not listen."

"I am afraid this will not be the end of it. But if my council is what you seek, then I advise you go to your queen and you tell her."

"And break my promise?"

Devonshire tilted his head to peer at her daughter, "That is entirely your decision, Kitty."

•a.n•

I appreciate my past self for never deleting chapters because my present self realizes some of these aren't so bad and all I have to do is tweak them a little to fit the current plot and you all will have a new chapter to read.

Unfortunately there happens to be more chapters that follow the old plot and I can not fix those for the current one. But if I ever come out with another Tudor related story they may come in handy 😊