Coronation feast of Anne Boleyn

I smile towards the kind lady Katherine.

"Your French is very good my lady so nice to meet someone who speaks my native tongue.

I had arrived in fine fashion to with my ladies and i dressed in traditional French colours with vast jewels.

I then look to the lady and i say in French.
"You are most kind and i am honoured with your kind help".

"I would like to meet lord Brandon and i was wondering do royal guests sit at the high table with his majesty my lady?
I would like to meet Brandon my lady but i do enjoy your company as we barely know anyone here.

With a smile, I set off and headed back to the table I had been sat at. The lady attending me followed behind, evidently fretting over the gift and the failure to show me the proper deference... though I was enjoying the anonymity. The ability to be myself like breathing the fresh air after smelling only a stuffy chamber.

“Normally they would, sitting among the royal family...in line with precedence.” I explained. “However, as this is the Queen's day, they are sat next to the high table. I’m honoured that you would wish to, but do not worry, we will see each other even after you have met the Duke.”

“...Not even the King's sisters will be sat with them, will they your Grace?” My lady asked pointedly. Clearly my time as an unknown was over. As I weave between the assembled guests, I cast a glances over my shoulder and offer a bright smile.

“No.” I replied. “No, we are not.” I was not sure whether the revelation would need to be underlined or not, but all I could hope is that the French Princess and her ladies would not be angry. It would be horrifying to cause anyone embarrassment and it would cause trouble in my family. Today was a day not to be spoiled. With a deep breath, I smiled and spoke as musically as possible.

“I should have introduced myself: I am Katherine, Princess of England and dowager Queen of Navarre.”

I look at the Princess with a smile and i signal to my ladies and they curtsy to Katherine.

"I am truly honoured to meet your Highness and sister to the king must be quite challenging. I would be most honoured to sit with you and your family at this feast after i have met her Majesty of course.

"Please accept my apologies for having not recognised your Highness and not acknowledging you.

"Your French you spoke earlier was most exquisite may i ask where you learnt to speak it so well your Highness

"Charles was talking with lady Anne when he noticed that Katherine left them to welcome two guests. He smiled at them, gesturing to reach them at their table"

“Thank you, your Highness.” With a smile, turn around and continue to weave through the throngs filling the hall. I had spoken and written French fluently since childhood, at times I wondered whether I could speak it better than English... a youth spent at Poissy had made such ideas possible. With a glance over my shoulder, I speak in a voice of silk. “... It is a long and winding tale, but I was raised in France... and les sœurs would be thrilled that you think so.”

My attention is caught by Charles, beckoning us over, and carve my way through the crowds. The murmured respects paid to me by chattering courtiers fade into the sound of the hall; like the birdsong that filled the morning sky. As I approach my great family friend, a beaming smile spread across my features, I spin around and extend my arm elegantly towards and indicate to the important French guests.

“Dearest Charles, I have found some more guests that were looking for you... ” Returning my attention to the Princess and her ladies, I sing joyously. “Your Higness, this is his Grace, The Duke of Suffolk.”

I see Isabelle had joined my side and i smile at her.
"Thank you for coming with me Isabelle you are always good to me.

Me and my ladies follow the Princess to the table.
I look at my ladies and as we approach Brandon they drop into a curtsy.

"I am honoured to meet you Lord Brandon. These are my ladies Juliet and Isabelle."

I then look to Katherine

"You have been most helpful to me my lady please stay with us and tell me more about your French then if i may join you in my presentation to the queen and his Grace.

"Charles looked up at Katherine while she was introducing him new guests. He smiled"

Thank you very much, dear Katherine. You're perfect as landlady. Your Highness, welcome to english court. Please have a sit with us with your ladies..

"He added with kind voice"

"I thank you my Lord Brandon we have had a long journey and the Princess here has been very kind to us.
We would be honoured to join you and when will her Grace arrive my lord?

I am so pleased to have finally met you Lord Brandon as we arrived and was not sure who anyone was. Your letters were nice to receive and you have a skilled hand my lord from what i could tell

“You know me, Charles: born to be a hostess.” I chuckled, teasing my dear friend. I had always been the least likely of my sisters to have played the lady, holding court and performing in acts of courtly love... especially as I could never compete with their beauty. Ironic then, that I should have become a queen. I scoffed to myself, the joke capturing my thoughts for a moment.

Once again, I took a seat. With the skirts of my gown arranged and my hands folded elegantly into my lap, I looked at the necklace presented to the French Princess... it served as a reminder that I must present my own gift to our new Queen, eventually. “It is lovely.” I offered with a smile, before my eyes began to wander around the room, trying to find my brother amongst the crowds. It had been a while since Henry and I had spoken. Something I wished to rectify. I may have had misgivings about his choices and found myself torn between my faith and my family, but he was still my adored brother. For all his faults, I loved him.

“Has the King arrived yet?” I asked, turning to address all those sat around the table. My tone was jovial and cheerful, a mask for the mild anxiety that fuelled my question. “I should so like to see my brother...”

I look at Isabelle.

"Please do sit down and join us Isabelle. That necklace is beautiful and i shall wear it now". I say putting necklace on then asking everyone.
"What do you think?

Katherine Tudor wrote:

“You know me, Charles: born to be a hostess.” I chuckled, teasing my dear friend. I had always been the least likely of my sisters to have played the lady, holding court and performing in acts of courtly love... especially as I could never compete with their beauty. Ironic then, that I should have become a queen. I scoffed to myself, the joke capturing my thoughts for a moment.

Once again, I took a seat. With the skirts of my gown arranged and my hands folded elegantly into my lap, I looked at the necklace presented to the French Princess... it served as a reminder that I must present my own gift to our new Queen, eventually. “It is lovely.” I offered with a smile, before my eyes began to wander around the room, trying to find my brother amongst the crowds. It had been a while since Henry and I had spoken. Something I wished to rectify. I may have had misgivings about his choices and found myself torn between my faith and my family, but he was still my adored brother. For all his faults, I loved him.

“Has the King arrived yet?” I asked, turning to address all those sat around the table. My tone was jovial and cheerful, a mask for the mild anxiety that fuelled my question. “I should so like to see my brother...”

"Charles smiled and nodded"

Yes...of course, I know you. I guess the King will find you a suitable husband soon. Such a talented lady can't be alone for long..don't you think, my love?

"He asked turning towards his wife Catherine. Then he looked at the necklace shown by the Marquis of Rambuillet"

Very nice gift, Madame. Prince Henri must love you very much, Altesse..

"He said, addressed to Madeline. Then he poured some wine to Anne of Cleves and smiled at her. Glancing around, he finally replied to Katherine"

Uhm..I think the King is over there, Katherine. He is talking with Master Cromwell..

Henry VIII of England wrote:

Henry was sitting now on his throne, watching people eating, drinking and talking each other. Thomas Cromwell was standing beside him

I can't see Bishop Fisher..

He said glancing around Hall

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Geoffrey was serving food in the Hall. He could see lady Anne sitting at her table, surrounded by her ladies. He was now serving some fresh fruits and wine next to King's throne. He noticed he was talking with Master Cromwell. While serving food, he could perfectly hear what they were saying:

Thomas Cromwell: "No, Your Majesty.."

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I smile at Charles Brandon.

"I do thank you my lord for your kindness too.
My brother the future king of France cares about me very much and i am glad that he does.

I was wondering Lord Brandon may i ask will you present me and my ladies to her Grace so she knows we have arrived?"

I look at Isabelle

"Can you pass me a mirror Isabelle as i would like to see what it looks like on

I smile as Lord Brandon pours me some wine.

"Thank you my lord this wine is very nice may i ask where this wine is from for it has a nice taste

"Charles smiled at lady Anne"

This wine comes from my vineyard in Suffolk, my lady. I'm glad you like it. I'm sure in Bavaria the wine is good as well..

"He replied while looking at her"

Henry VIII of England wrote:

Henry nodded slowly. He glanced around Hall again

And where is Thomas More? I can't see him neither.. has he not been invited?

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Geoffrey was placing some flowers upon a table when he heard Cromwell replying:

Thomas Cromwell: "He has been surely invited, Your Majesty.."

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Charles Brandon wrote:

Katherine Tudor wrote:

“You know me, Charles: born to be a hostess.” I chuckled, teasing my dear friend. I had always been the least likely of my sisters to have played the lady, holding court and performing in acts of courtly love... especially as I could never compete with their beauty. Ironic then, that I should have become a queen. I scoffed to myself, the joke capturing my thoughts for a moment.

Once again, I took a seat. With the skirts of my gown arranged and my hands folded elegantly into my lap, I looked at the necklace presented to the French Princess... it served as a reminder that I must present my own gift to our new Queen, eventually. “It is lovely.” I offered with a smile, before my eyes began to wander around the room, trying to find my brother amongst the crowds. It had been a while since Henry and I had spoken. Something I wished to rectify. I may have had misgivings about his choices and found myself torn between my faith and my family, but he was still my adored brother. For all his faults, I loved him.

“Has the King arrived yet?” I asked, turning to address all those sat around the table. My tone was jovial and cheerful, a mask for the mild anxiety that fuelled my question. “I should so like to see my brother...”

"Charles smiled and nodded"

Yes...of course, I know you. I guess the King will find you a suitable husband soon. Such a talented lady can't be alone for long..don't you think, my love?

"He asked turning towards his wife Catherine. Then he looked at the necklace shown by the Marquis of Rambuillet"

Very nice gift, Madame. Prince Henri must love you very much, Altesse..

"He said, addressed to Madeline. Then he poured some wine to Anne of Cleves and smiled at her. Glancing around, he finally replied to Katherine"

Uhm..I think the King is over there, Katherine. He is talking with Master Cromwell..

With a chuckle, I offer my old friend a faint smile. "We are all at his Majesty's service...And we shall see." The topic of marriage was a delicate one. As a widow with a child, I had proved my ability to produce heirs and as a dowager queen, I commanded a high price. However, the break with Rome would cause issues. No self respecting and devout Catholic would seek my hand in marriage... not unless it was significantly to their advantage. It was a worry that plagued my thoughts constantly, and one that I could find no solution for. All I could do was wait and see. Patience had rarely been a virtue in my family, but if Henry could wait so long to marry and crown his obsession, then I could wait also.

I caught myself and without hesitation, masked any hint of concern with a bright smile. Today was a day of celebration... Whatever I felt about it. We had a new queen, I had a new sister... and any thoughts of the last queen to be crowned and honoured in the same hall were another subject to be pushed to the back of my mind...

My eyes followed where Charles indicated: my brother was attended by Cromwell. "Thank you darling Charles... It's time I greeted my brother, and her Majesty." I rose from the table gracefully and offered a gracious smile to all. "Enjoy the celebrations and I do hope we shall see more of each other."

"Charles smiled at Katherine as she left them to reach the King. Then he noticed his secretary William in the Hall. He stood up wanting to greet him after so long time"

My ladies...forgive me for just a moment...

"He left his table walking towards William Pennington"