by D. J. Holmes
* * *
Later, as Henry’s anger subsides, he remembers the love that he has for Katherine. “Why have I not learned to control my anger? My lovely Katherine, how could I have done this to her? Yet, as the King, I now have to set the example for my people. I must put my trust in the law of the land, hoping that she will be found innocent, and returned to me as a rightful Queen, vindicated in the eyes of my people.”
Envisioning her return, he says to himself, “When she returns to me, we will renew our wedding vows.”
After the King has entered the palace, and before we have left Oatlands Palace, the King remembers something else, and finds us in the stable, getting ready for our journey to safeguard the Queen.
“My good friend, Jon, I would like to ask you for another favor.”
“What do you need, my King?”
“While you are taking care of everything else in the process of shielding my Queen, I would like to have your son, young Jon, to personally be with the Queen at all times.”
He ignores the footsteps that he hears rushing up behind him, and continues his request. “I want no harm to come to her. Remember, when she is found to be innocent, I want her brought back here to me.”
“Yes, my King.”
Because the message is urgent the messenger interrupts their conversation.
“My King, My King, I’m sorry! I was told to get this to you as soon as possible.”
As King Henry reads the message, he slumps into a nearby chair.
“She has signed a confession,” he says in a tone that shows fear and confusion.
“Who has?”
“Katherine.... My Katherine...... She has signed a confession!”
CHAPTER 6