My brother assured me I would be happy in my new marriage, that this marriage will make all of Germany happy, too. He told me my mission is to plant the seed of our Lutheran faith in my new country. But how will I be able to do this, I asked, when I don't even speak the language? He responded by reminding me that the king chose me based on my portrait, not my intelligence. I smiled at this but inside I cringed. I don't want to be valued for whatever beauty I might possess because I know it will not last forever. I'd rather be valued for my thoughts and opinions. But I know there is no point arguing with my brother. Besides, I am in England married to an English king now and far away from the assurances of my brother. The one thing he did not advise me on was what to do if my husband detested me on sight or became repulsed by my very smell. I've heard he calls me &quot;the Flanders Mare.&quot; Meanwhile the ghosts of his previous wives haunt my dreams, reminding me of the importance of staying in the king's favor. 2008-07-06T19:33:49Z http://ficlets.com/feed/story/22588 <p>Did anyone ever think to tell Henry that maybe it was his fault he hadn&#8217;t gotten any sons yet? Is it always the woman&#8217;s fault?</p> http://ficlets.com/stories/22588?basename=76822 2008-07-06T19:33:49Z penguincaptain18 http://ficlets.com/authors/user_5439 <p>she is like the wife in Rebecca, unsure, lack of confidence timid.<br />LoA</p> http://ficlets.com/stories/22588?basename=44019 2008-02-27T00:11:15Z Kermitgorf http://ficlets.com/authors/kermitgorf