Anna Brewster

King Henry VIII, the young and ambitious monarch of England, prepares for war with France but is dissuaded by the diplomatic manipulation of his powerful Lord Chancellor, Cardinal Wolsey, who proposes that the King sponsor a “Treaty of Universal Peace.” The harmony of the King's domestic affairs is threatened, however, when he discovers that Elizabeth Blount, the young and beautiful lady-in-waiting to his Queen, Catherine of Aragon, is pregnant with his child.

Allegiances shift at home and abroad. Despite extravagant claims of loyalty to France during the “Field of Cloth of Gold” ceremonies, Henry contemplates an alliance with Charles V, King of Spain, who was recently named Holy Roman Emperor. Because he is dependent on the support of the French cardinals, Wolsey’s chance to become Pope is threatened. A gift of Machiavelli’s The Prince makes Henry wonder if it is better for a king to be loved or feared. For now, he sets about achieving both. He executes the scheming Duke of Buckingham for treason and celebrates the birth, by Lady Elizabeth Blount, of a first healthy baby son, whom he names Henry Fitzroy.