Tower thoughts – 18 May 1536
The morning sun warms my face. One last day to ready myself and I’m grieving that I must leave just as Summer approaches. Some might say I’ve basked in more than my share of sunshine. Perhaps so.
Oh yes, I have regrets—that I trusted one who had so clearly demonstrated his duplicity; that I must now submit meekly to this outrageous betrayal, for her sake.
Only she matters now. Who will protect her? Who will show my little Elizabeth how to survive in this dangerous, fickle world?
But I must resist such thoughts. They will bring me undone.
*****
This is my contribution to this week’s Friday Fictioneers, hosted by Rochelle. You can read all of this week’s 100 word stories here.
*****
I don’t often attempt to write historical fiction, although I’m fascinated by the stories behind the stories – the real motivations and attitudes behind the words and actions of people in the past; the unrecorded realities which can only be addressed in fiction.
In my own reading I’m a fan of alternative histories, stories that imagine ‘what if …?’ What if some historical event, large or small, had played out differently? What would the world be like?
If you’d like to read some background to my story this week, here’s a short article.
Onto the page 
I felt the mother’s pain and her strength
LikeLike
That’s good. I’m glad those qualities came through. Thanks, Neil.
LikeLike
Mothers are always strong and brilliant! What a lovely tale…!!
LikeLike
That’s my take on this particular mother – but I really don’t know how brilliant she was as a mother in reality. Glad you liked the story – many thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I see. 🙂
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was so good, Margaret (especially with the little back story)
LikeLike
Thanks, Dale. It’s not a genre I’ve had much practice in, but I thought I’d have a go.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Margaret,
Of course you know how I feel about historical fiction. I did read the backstory. Perfect title. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Thank you, Rochelle. You’re an expert in historical fiction – I love how you’re able to bring history to life in your stories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Elizabeth managed to live in a man’s world and she detested them – me thinks. Good interpretation of a historical event.
LikeLike
Exactly. I’m so glad you commented on that, James. Anne needn’t have worried herself about Elizabeth. She was a remarkable woman, I think.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your tale really brings Ann Boleyn to life. Well done, Margaret.
I like the fact that she refers to “leaving” rather than the horrible fact that her husband is having her executed. That’s one fact that would “bring her undone”.
A clever title that connects the photo prompt with the Tower of London.
LikeLike
Do you know I didn’t even see the tower in the photo until after I’d written the story, and the title. It was the sculpture that I focused on – I saw a disembodied head and thought of Ann Boleyn. I was quite delighted to notice the tower in the background when I finally did. Thank you for your encouraging comments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, I would never have guessed that you hadn’t seen the tower before writing the story and choosing the title. Thanks for shedding light on what made you think of Ann Boleyn. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good historical fiction, Margaret. Thanks for the interesting link. Well done. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLike
Thank you Suzanne. I thought the article was quite readable and informative.
LikeLike
I like your story and your ponderings, Margaret.
LikeLike
Thank you, Jade.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is the loss of duplicitous people that they cannot honour your trust.
LikeLike
So true. Thank you, Abhijit.
LikeLike
Excellent story, Margaret. Henry’s wives were not to be envied.
LikeLike
No, they lived precarious lives. Thanks, Gabriele.
LikeLiked by 1 person