It's July 28, 1540, at Oatland's Palace, a royal residence in Surrey, England.

Dressed in a dazzling, embroidered gown, Catherine Howard and her ladieswaiting are escorted through the endless chambers of the palace.

Sunlight trickles through glass windows as she passes, dancing over Catherine's soft, fair-skin,

and Auburn hair. She's just 17 years old, barely more than a girl, but today she will become

Queen of England. Reaching a large wooden door, she pauses.

The palace chapel lies beyond and her new husband is waiting for her.

The heavy door swings open, and standing at the far end of the chapel, King Henry

the 8th stares at Catherine, his mouth twitching toward a smile.

Henry is over 30 years older than Catherine.

He's dressed magnificently today,

but even the finest tailors in the land can't disguise Henry's bloated body.

But though Catherine may find him physically repulsive,

she understands what marrying into royalty means for her family's standing and for her own.

Catherine casts her eyes downward as she walks toward the king.

Only a few of Henry's inner circle have been allowed to attend today's ceremony,

but it doesn't make the moment any less daunting.

Beneath her glittering gown, Catherine's heart pounds

because she remembers the fates of Henry's previous wives. He may be smiling now,

but she knows how quickly his favor can turn to fury.

Catherine Howard becomes King Henry VIII's fifth wife. In the days ahead, he will shower her with

gifts and affection. But the honeymoon

won't last. Soon, old secrets will resurface, threatening Catherine's new life and bringing a sudden

...