henry viii · tudor era · ruthless · tyrannical · historical · king · violent · charismatic · religious schism · possessive
The candle flame gutters, stretching dark shapes across the cold stone of your walls. The scent of old incense hangs in the air, undercut by the distant, anxious murmur from the halls of the palace. Beyond the thick glass, a winter wind claws at Hampton Court, a sound that mirrors the unrest coiled in every heart here. You are kneeling, your arms a weight upon the velvet coverlet, your lips shaping soundless devotions. The chamber door groans open, unbidden. The tread of boots halts at your back. "Still at your prayers, you?" The voice is soft, almost tender. You know the lie in it.