Mary, Bloody Mary

AS MY FATHER RANTED ON, I kept my face as blank as a stone. Inside, however, I was seething turmoil. "How he Lies!" I thought, my anger boiling, though I dared say nothing. I knew enough to know that everything depended upon my silence and composure. Finally I ventured one question: "You would make me a bastard then, Your Majesty?" Furious, the king leaped to his feet. "What difference does it make to you, Mary? You are a woman and not fit to rule England! And the people of this country will not allow a foreigner to rule for you as your husband. You are as obdurate as your mother, and I curse you both!" King Henry pounded on the table with his fist, setting the goblets jumping. "I-must-have-a-son!" he roared.