1532, LONDON

Dear Diary,

Well, I’ve met someone! He’s smart, tall, likes food, enjoys jousting, and comes from a good family. Okay, I’ll just say it—he’s King Henry VIII of England!

I know, I know—England is still recovering from his messy separation from Catherine of Aragon. Can you believe Henry is going to separate England from the Roman Catholic Church just to get rid of her? She must have been terrible! And have you met the daughter, Mary? Good luck marrying her off!

All my friends have warned me that Henry probably isn’t the best choice for a husband. He’s got major commitment phobia, he’s always on the verge of bankrupting the country, he’s got a bad temper, and he has more mistresses than he knows what to do with. But really, who doesn’t have baggage?