To Love A King

PrologueThe Tower of London, January 1499 “Papa!” little Topaz shrieked. She pulled free of her mother's grasp and bolted after the bruised, bleeding prisoner. Sabine grabbed her daughter. “No, stay back,” she warned as two guards dragged her husband, his chains scraping over the stone floor. He fell to his knees and their eyes met. She froze in terror. “Ed—” His name clogged in her throat. He held up a grimy hand to warn her away. The guards jerked him to his feet and shoved him forward, ignoring the horrified woman. Watching him suffering like this tore at her heart. “Where are they taking Papa?” Topaz's cries echoed off the stone walls. The torches pulsated in unison with her demand. “I know not, little one. I know not.” But Sabine did know. She dreaded this day. Her beloved Edward, imprisoned in this foul, stinking prison by the cruel King Henry the Seventh, was condemned to death. Her mind spun her back through the years: the passionate courtship, the blessed marriage, God's gift of three precious girls. As the dark maw of the stairwell swallowed him, Sabine slid to the floor in heart-wrenching sobs. Seeing her mother like this, Topaz began to cry. That scene haunted her for the rest of her days. Part One