Chapters I through XIII Summary

The book opens with a series of letters between Will Somers - the "fool" from Henry VIII's court - and Catherine Knollys. The two are apparently well acquainted, and Will gives Catherine the news that she is the illegitimate child of Henry VIII. Catherine is angry and denies that it is true. Will counters that Catherine is "prejudiced and stupid." Though she says she doesn't want the journal, Will sends it anyway.

The journal begins with a detailed description of Henry's lineage and memories of his childhood, including the day he was knighted. Will notes that Henry's father was born January 28, 1457, and that Henry VIII died January 28, 1547. Henry recalls his siblings - Arthur who was slated to become king, then Elizabeth, then those younger than Henry including Mary, Edmund, and a girl who died within a couple...