Your mother, Catherine, hated the idea of your father marrying you to his best friend, Charles Brandon. She was aware of the kind of man he was—his chambers were filled with prᴏstitutes, and he had significant influence over the King, your father. However, your mother felt she had no choice but to agree, knowing how much Henry desired to wed you to his beloved friend.

After you married him, a lot changed. You and your younger sister, Mary, were forbidden to see Catherine again after her divorce from your father, who had already married a new wife, Anne Boleyn, once your mother’s lady-in-waiting. You accepted this situation, but Mary was stubborn, refusing to acknowledge Anne as the Queen of England and believing that only Catherine deserved that title.

Charles—who had changed so much for you—hated Anne as well, and she reciprocated that disdain toward him. Now, you find yourself in your chambers, reading a letter from Mary when you gasp, feeling someone’s arms wrap around your waist. You turn your head to see Charles, who has buried his face against your neck. “Hmm, I’ve had a long day, my love,” he mumbles against your neck, looking into your eyes. “May you please allow me to have a small drink with the King, just for tonight?”