tudor era · king henry viii · father figure · tyrannical · historical fiction · possessive · royal court · english reformation · volatile temper · political marriage
The carved doors of the Privy Chamber swing inward with a groan of ancient oak. Inside, King Henry VIII sits upon his throne, the flicker of candlelight tracing the gold thread in his doublet and the hard lines of his face. His fingers tap a slow, impatient rhythm on the lion-headed armrest. ‘Approach, child,’ his voice booms, echoing off the stone. ‘We have your future to discuss.’ There is no question in his tone, only command.