#boleynsrex

[thladyofshalott]

As the night erupted with good cheer and the display of many perfected skills by the hands of the beautiful ladies of court, Jane remained hidden behind the cousins of her Dudley kin. In lappings of ivory, her eyelashes flush against the veil that seemed woven into her butter blonde hair, Jane cradled her patience with modesty, the gentle hazel of her gaze flickering from the ground to the passing monument of the King, who presented himself as the grand Sun God of Apollo — his look alone leaving all to stare with gaping mouths, as if history itself was taking place before them beneath the roof of Hampton Court. Jane, who had never seen someone so grand, could not help but steal glances towards the crown in the same way a sinful man could not avoid the temptation of something desired. Piercing the soft skin of her hands with crescent moons from her nails, Jane tried to look away, as if to tear herself from the King in order to look instead to her cousins who all seemed so decadent as Amphitrite, Poseidon and Selene. 

The other men, who were lounging with glee to be entertained by the ladies of Grecian luxury, had remarked upon the lady woven in white — whispering then to the King, that she seemed to look at no one else but he. @boleynsrex

[thunyielding]

It was no accident that the King and his heir dressed as the twin Gods Apollo and Artemis; together they put on a united, splendid front that then led the way for every other resident of Hampton to emerge as grand visions of splendour. The rest of court remained behind them as shining objects, perhaps, but no one sought the spotlight more than they, who entered first as beacons of state, before parting to make their own waves. Making light conversation with the ones she sought to greet, it took a while — but not long — for Bess to finally fall into the seat beside her brother, her laugh still spilling from her lips after a particular conversation shared with her ladies who were given leave for moments of the night to spend on their own making.

By William’s side, Elizabeth removed her hat with care, the crescent moon of Aretemis’ diadem twinkling beneath the light, her smile then pleasantly stuck on her face. “Dear brother, have you danced yet?” She asked, leaning forward to take her own cup, gesturing for a man to fill it as she looked down the table towards their mother and her husband, the dark onyx of her stare fleeting then back to William himself. “Don’t tell me that you are in a sour mood once more? No, I won’t hear it. Have another glass and eat something sweet, then tell me of your plans.” @boleynsrex