Richmond Palace, Kingdom of England, March 1517
A gust of freezing air hit her face, and Eleanor huffed in annoyance
Yes Henry, this was the perfect day for a joust. She was so irritated, in fact, that the Queen of England had half a mind to beat her husband over the head with his own helm. Despite this, she fixed a pointed smile on her face as she sat upon her throne in the royal stands. Eleanor turned her head as she noticed a flash of red cloth out of the corner of her eye. Her mood almost immediately improved as she realized who it was, and she dipped her head,”My Lord Cardinal.”
The cardinal showed equal respect, before clearing his throat, looking on the scene before them. The King had just unhorsed his opponent, one George Talbot, though the Earl had performed valiantly. Henry had stopped his horse shortly after, not riding off until he was sure that Talbot was unhurt.
The stout clergyman murmured disapprovingly,”He wears her colors, that scarf of hers still flutters on his lance.”
“I am aware Wolsey. Mary Boleyn will not trouble me for much longer…”
“Surely you will not do as you have done before in regard to her?”
Eleanor of Austria sighed,”No, I would no longer have the element of surprise, but I have other methods.”
“Go on…”
The Queen wetted her lips for a brief moment, considering what she was about to say carefully,”I would have another supplant her in his bed. A woman that I can trust, and that I can control.”
Wolsey nodded, and added,“Surely not Lady Johanne, she may be beautiful for a woman of her age, but I am not sure if she would attract his interest.”
“Agree with you I may, but I suspect you have other motives…
“I do not know what you speak of majesty…”
Eleanor chuckled at this,”Of course you would not say so. I do not condemn you, she is a good woman, and priests such as you are still flesh and blood. There is another that I propose though, a lady that I can trust…”
…
The girl’s face was the very image of shock when Eleanor asked her. Her face even paler than ever, Carolijn stammered,”But… Milady, what you propose would be a betrayal, a sin against you. And what will people think of my mother, to have one of her daughters as the King’s mistress?”
Queen Eleanor paced around the nursery, careful not to be too loud, for little Mary had just fallen asleep.
Oh, my little girl, I hope that you never have to break your own heart in this way.
She looked to Caroljin, and cried some silent tears,”Do this for me. Please… I am with child again, and I cannot bear to see Henry with the Boleyn girl any longer. Help me save my marriage, and I vow that I shall not resent you for doing what you must.”
The teen trembled, but nodded,”I had promised to serve you in whatever capacity you wish of me my Queen, and so I will.”
Eleanor hugged her lady in gratitude, whispering,”Thank you... Thank you so much Caroljin!”