I had been away from court for quite sometime, My father, The Duke of Norwalk, had sent me away to France to practice my chivalry. Though I don’t know how well it took. I have been known to be reckless and rebellious. Having a tendency to act without regard for authority or consequences.

Now I am being entertained by the King’s dearest friend and ally Charles Brandon, the Duke of Suffolk in the Privy chambers of the Hampton Court Palace drinking wine as I tell him him amusing stories about the French. Especially the Winter Solstice where they burned a dozen cats and a fox over a bonfire in celebration.

“I actually saw King Francis himself light it with a torch wrapped in velvet. Of course!” I huff out a breath in amusement. Expecting nothing less from the King of France. Having to use a torch of extravagance.

“Tell me, my Lord Surrey,” Charles begins, collecting himself from his own amusement. “After so long away, how do you find the English court?”

Sighing heavily, I think about what the court has been turned into. No longer were you surrounded by respectable men and women, but vultures. Who held nothing sacred. Not even their virtue. “I find it full of mean creatures.” I can’t help but say with distain. “Many of them in the service of his Majesty.”

Charles furrows his brows in curiosity. “Of whom do you speak?”

“Those men of vile birth: Lawyers, university men, Machiavellian intriguers whose only desire is the destruction of the nobility of this country and I hate them all.” Letting out a scoff, a smirk graces my lips as I take another drink of my wine.

“And now that you’ve returned,” My Grace leans forward with scowl upon his face. His jaw clenched in displeasure. “What are your ambitions?”

“To surpass the achievements of my father and my grandfather.” Raising my eyebrows, I let out a breathy chuckle as though my answer was the most obvious thing. “I’m a Howard.” I say with a cold smile. “It is expected of me. And always has been. And I will not fail.”