As the monarch of one of the most powerful empires in the world, Henry VIII was used to having nearly any of his desires fulfilled, from the greatest delicacies on his plate to the most impressive clothes on his form to the most beautiful and agreeable women in his bed. With enough money and power to make Solomon blush, Henry rarely found challenges that were outside the political or sporting arenas. So when one presented itself and was subsequently overcome, King Henry felt himself well justified in celebrating.
In years past, it had been sufficient to be able to seduce and bed nearly any woman at court, particularly amongst the Queen's retinue of Ladies in Waiting. But that had been before the advent of Anne Boleyn, now Queen Anne of England. Not only had she transformed his heart and his understanding of his own passions, Anne had embraced even his need for other companionship. The idea of the harem had been developed between them both, pursued by them both. And now, it had come to fruition.
Anne's role had been as promised-- the group of women were chosen specifically by her for their beauty and their amenable natures toward this unique and unusual arrangement. The Queen's supremacy over them, over any and all aspects of their lives, was made clear and understood, as was the only voice which could command them all, the King's.
For Henry's end of the preparations, he had informed his advisors that due to recent health issues (including the sweating sickness outbreak that had claimed the previous Queen and nearly killed Anne) and with a newfound dedication to the establishment of a household, he would be expanding and renovating the royal suite at Whitehall Palace. The area was now all but forbidden to the majority of the Court, except under certain requirements. Henry supposed that tongues would wag, but they would no matter what he did.
The Royal Household retired early on the night the renovations were complete. A few minutes after the doors were shut and locked and some of the King's most discreet guard posted outside, Henry and Anne stood in the spacious and luxurious chamber that was the living space for the Queen's Ladies in Waiting, who were now King Henry's harem, as well. This room connected to the Queen's rooms, which were now joined directly to the Royal Suite. The women, currently numbering six in all, stood in the comely uniform gowns Anne had selected.
Henry nodded at Anne, deferring for the moment and further establishing this room and these women as her domain.
In years past, it had been sufficient to be able to seduce and bed nearly any woman at court, particularly amongst the Queen's retinue of Ladies in Waiting. But that had been before the advent of Anne Boleyn, now Queen Anne of England. Not only had she transformed his heart and his understanding of his own passions, Anne had embraced even his need for other companionship. The idea of the harem had been developed between them both, pursued by them both. And now, it had come to fruition.
Anne's role had been as promised-- the group of women were chosen specifically by her for their beauty and their amenable natures toward this unique and unusual arrangement. The Queen's supremacy over them, over any and all aspects of their lives, was made clear and understood, as was the only voice which could command them all, the King's.
For Henry's end of the preparations, he had informed his advisors that due to recent health issues (including the sweating sickness outbreak that had claimed the previous Queen and nearly killed Anne) and with a newfound dedication to the establishment of a household, he would be expanding and renovating the royal suite at Whitehall Palace. The area was now all but forbidden to the majority of the Court, except under certain requirements. Henry supposed that tongues would wag, but they would no matter what he did.
The Royal Household retired early on the night the renovations were complete. A few minutes after the doors were shut and locked and some of the King's most discreet guard posted outside, Henry and Anne stood in the spacious and luxurious chamber that was the living space for the Queen's Ladies in Waiting, who were now King Henry's harem, as well. This room connected to the Queen's rooms, which were now joined directly to the Royal Suite. The women, currently numbering six in all, stood in the comely uniform gowns Anne had selected.
Henry nodded at Anne, deferring for the moment and further establishing this room and these women as her domain.