Free Keeper of the King's Secrets by Michelle Diener Page A

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    “In his bedchamber, and when he has bathed and changed his clothes, he’ll move to the Privy Chamber.” Somers bowed to Susanna and then to Parker. “You missed all manner of excitement in the country.”
    “I have excitement enough of my own. Is the King much harmed?”
    Somers shook his head. “He’s well enough, thanks to his groom. The lad will be well rewarded for his quick thinking. He jumped down into the mud with His Majesty and pulled him out.”
    “That must have given you some good material, Fool.”
    Somers laughed. “I haven’t been with the King long enough to make light of his near death.” He gave a theatrical wave of his hand. “Although if the King continues so hale, hearty, and energetic, I may yet have the chance.”
    “I must speak with the King before he moves to the Privy Chamber, so we will take our leave.” Parker gave a quick bow, but Somers laid a hand on his arm.
    “What trouble have you been stirring up, Parker? The moment the King arrived, Wolsey was in with him, complaining about you.”
    Parker looked hard at Somers, then at his hand. With exaggerated flourish, Somers lifted it up, extending a finger and giving a little twirl.
    “So taciturn. So fierce. I have been here only a month, and already I have learned that you are the one to watch out for. And you are so silent and stealthy, you give me nothing to mock.”
    Parker still said nothing, and Somers gave a great laugh that rose from his belly. “Ah, how can I deny you? The King has ordered all but his Fool to be banished from his presence while his servants change his clothes, and since you are such a sweet talker, I will get you before him.”
    “We are much obliged.” Susanna curtsied, and Somers looked at her thoughtfully.
    Parker drew her even closer. “Lead on, Fool.”

    H enry was being dried. Parker saw his lips drawn into a snarl as he endured the nervous pats of one of his servants of the body, and braced himself for the King’s bad mood.
    “Your Majesty.” Parker bowed.
    Henry looked up and some of his irritation faded. “Parker. What news?”
    He would have to play this carefully. “There is something afoot, I fear.”
    Henry lost his scowl completely and rubbed his hands together. “Ah. Tell me. I am in dire need of distraction from my troubles.”
    “This may add to them.” Parker kept his eyes on the King’s face.
    Henry laughed, a bitter, hard sound. “They are so heavy now, I don’t expect a little extra weight will make much difference.” He stepped into fresh body linen and gave Parker a nod to continue.
    “I think we should have this discussion alone, Your Majesty.” Parker knew Norfolk’s habit of insinuating spies into the King’s service, and Wolsey was known for doing the same. None of the listening ears in this room could be trusted.
    “Out then, all of you.”
    Parker held out a robe for the King to put on while the room emptied.
    Henry shrugged into it and sat beside the fire, and for the first time, Parker thought the weight of rule rested heavily on his shoulders.
    “Are you truly well from the fall?”
    “Aye. In body, I am fine. It is the squabbling over who will succeed me if I should die that makes me sick of spirit.”
    “What will you do?” There were only a few options open to the King, and none of them would make everyone happy.
    “I think to make Fitzroy a Knight of the Garter. Elevate him, prepare him. He has not the legitimacy of Mary, but he isa boy. The nobles will not take well to a woman on the throne.”
    “It is a problem.” Parker eased into a chair beside the King.
    Henry snorted. “My one child is a girl, the other is a bastard. Katherine will not bear me another.” He stared into the fire. “I can hear the howls of the dogs closing in on me.” Then he roused himself. “What is this secret news?”
    “I have stumbled upon a plot. I am not sure of it, but it may be the French are trying to steal the Mirror of Naples. Either as a ransom