Author's Note: This is my first published fan fiction so please be gentle! Check out my profile for polls on future chapters and my cast!
Queen Anne was sat by the window in her private chambers, deeply absorbed in one of her new books which she easily translated from French to English in her head. The room was alive with activity, with her ladies doing all sorts of jobs from stoking the fire, to carrying about pots and plates, to airing out her gowns for later on in the evening. But she took little notice of them. When she read, it was as if she were in another world. It was only when one of her ladies came up to her and addressed her did she finally put her book down.
"Your Majesty, you have a visitor" Madge Sheldon announced.
"Who is it, Madge?" Anne asked, a little annoyed at her cousin for interrupting from a particularly interesting paragraph of her book. She marked the page carefully and placed it on the little table by her side, treating it with as much love and tenderness as she would with her own child.
"Lady Jane Seymour, Majesty"
"Jane Seymour?" Anne pondered for a moment. She knew she had heard the name somewhere before but she wasn't quite sure where. She nodded her head at Madge as a sign that she should let the woman in, whilst she wracked her brain for a face to go with the name. Then all of a sudden it came to her and the lady herself walked into the room and gave a deep curtsey. The woman was very delicate looking, being very slender and petite. The girl raised her head and stood up straight and Anne thought she was look at the face of an angel. She had milky white skin with big blue orbs for eyes and a mane of golden curls surrounding her heart shaped face. Yes, she definetely remembered her now.
"Cousin Jane" Anne greeted and went over to the woman to embrace her.
"Your Majesty" Jane replied in return, not sure how she should act. They had known each other almost all their lives, even if they hadn't seen each other for some time. But back then they were equal of sorts. There was no need for airs and graces between them, they were just young girls and shared the same great grandmother. But now dear cousin Nan was Queen of England. She could not address her by her Christian name. She had to show her respect. But showing her respect meant that she had to lose that familiar warmth that she had at genuinely being happy to see her older cousin. She did not even know if she should hug her cousin back. Was she allowed to touch the Queen's person? Luckily Anne's hug was only brief and she took a step back and looked over the young woman again.
"You have grown so much" she observed, "I do not think I have seen you since we were children"
"Yes, it has been a long time, Majesty. I think the last time we met was at your father's Christmastide feast in 1514 before you went back to France"
"Oh but of course, you do have a good memory. Well, what can I do for you cousin?" Anne asked as she sat herself down in one of her more comfortable chairs and indicated to Jane to do the same.
"I am to be married. I was hoping that you and the King would give us your blessings" Jane explained, getting straight to the point. She couldn't contain her smile of delight that she was finally getting married.
"Married? But I thought you were already married. To William Dormer?" Anne queried. Now that she remembered who she was, she remembered her father and Sir Francis Bryan mentioning to her like it was a juicy bit of gossip. In truth Anne wasn't really that bothered about the love life of a mere country girl and was having her own romances with the extremely handsome Henry Percy, her first true love.
"Alas we were betrothed but nothing came to fruitation. But I am betrothed again and this time it is a love match as well as a marriage of convenience" she smiled and Anne tried to fake a smile back at her. But deep down, Anne was jealous of the girl. It seemed that she had the life that she always wanted. Yes, she was the Queen of England and had the court and country at her feet, but she no longer felt loved by her husband, though others tried to tell her otherwise. These days she found herself dreaming more about her past loves and what her life would have been like if she had married Lord Percy or had let Thomas Wyatt court her like he had constantly pestered her to do.
"How lucky you are. It is a rare thing to find both" Anne mused and Jane looked at her cousin curiously. Why did she sound so sad? She was the Queen of England, with a husband who was King and completely adored her. He risked his immortal soul for their love. She only wished she could evoke such love from a man. However, she was content with her sweet and loving fiancee.
"Majesty?" she questioned and Anne came back to reality, shaking off her daydreams of Henry Percy and Thomas Wyatt, pushing them deep down into her subconscious and trying to forget what she could have had, instead of focusing on what she wanted at the moment. A son to secure her position and a loving husband.
"Nothing. So, who is the lucky man? Is he respectable? Because I will tell you now Jane, I will not have you marrying a nobody. I told Mary the same thing and look where she is now!" Anne warned. Jane had heard what had happened to her other Boleyn cousin. Pretty, flirty Mary, the life and soul of the party rumour had it. She had been one of those ladies that her mother warned her about, the sort that every parent fears their daughter becoming. A wanton whore who lived only for pleasure. Apparently she had an affair with the King before he married Anne. But soon she fell in love and married a commoner, and this seemed to anger her family more than her sinful youth. She pleaded for their mercy but instead they chose to exile her to the country. Poor Mary.
"He isn't Majesty, he is a noble. He is great friends with Francis Bryan, that is how I met him. His name is Lucas Burganey" Jane assured her and Anne was satisfied. She tried to recall the name Burganey.
"Hmm, the name sounds familiar. Well if he is good enough for Francis I am sure he will be suitable. I will petition a blessing to the King on your behalf" she informed her and Jane's face lit up with joy at the thought that she may get her wish to marry and receive the King's blessing upon them. She had dreamt of her wedding all her life and soon it was to come true.
"Thank you, Majesty. You are too kind" she gushed and flashed a genuinely warm smile to her cousin who returned it back to her. Her enemies said that she was a cruel and callous woman who only did kind things for her own benefit. What they didn't realise was that Anne was quite supportive and generous to those dear to her, and it didn't take much to befriend her. However, it also didn't take much to lose her friendship and she was slowly starting to realise that she was alienating herself from her supporters. She championed her family because she couldn't trust anyone else, but her enemies said she was nepotistic.
"In the mean time, what are you doing with your life? If you like I could find you a place at court. I've had to clear up my household a bit, first Mary and then a few other undesirables" she almost spat the word. That whore Eleanor Luke who thought she was so perfect, seducing the King and rubbing her favour in the Queen's face. Many a time she had the urge to slap the silly little cow but she restrained herself. She had class and dignity, and she went about getting rid of her in the right way. Well, the fairly right way. She hadn't become Queen of England by playing by the rules. She got Eleanor Luke to resign her position after brother George threatened to plant the Queen's royal jewels in her room. But at least she let her resign with dignity. She could have very well had a guard search her room and find them, and then had her locked up and made them throw away the key. She wasn't all bad!
"That would be wonderful. But only if your Majesty thinks I am fit enough to wait upon you" Jane insisted. Anne shook her head in dispair at her cousin's integrity.
"Of course. We are kin after all, we take care of our own. And I'm sure I can find a place for Lucas amongst Henry's men. Yes, we shall all have a jolly time. Bring Lucas to court tomorrow and I will introduce you both to the King and speak on your behalf" she informed, thinking that she wanted her family as close to her as possible. She needed more people in her faction and every courtier counted. Besides, she could reminisce with Jane and they would become good friends again. She knew Jane would be a lot of fun and would help her take her mind of her worries.
"Yes, your Majesty. Good day your Majesty" Jane curtsied after she rose up from her chair, and Anne nodded her head at her so that she was excused. Madge showed Jane to the exit and once the door was firmly closed behind her, she ran down the corridor to find her love and tell him the good news.
The next afternoon, Henry and Anne were sat on their thrones and accepting nobles back into court as well as discussing petitions. Although they were sat together, people observed their body language and whispered about goings on in their relationship. Anne was leaning on the arm rest of her throne closest to her husband. It seemed her whole body was positioned so that she could be as close to him as possible. Every now and then she would lay her hand upon his, but he would never take hold of it like he use to do in the beginning of their relationship. He seemed cold and distant, sitting straight and upright, paying little attention to her and focusing on the great many people approaching them. In fact, he paid more attention to his friends the Duke of Suffolk, Charles Brandon, who was standing behind his throne, than he had to Anne all week. She thought she would try her luck now.
"Sweetheart. Will you do me a great favour and approve the marriage of my kinsman and her betrothed?"
"Of course, my wife. Anything to make you happy" Henry told her, though he purposely failed to show her any of the affection and loving words that she lavished upon him. But she hadn't given up hope yet. There was still time to get pregnant. He was still visiting her bed, even if it was becoming scarcer and fewer in between. She turned to the herald at the door and nodded her head, a signal that he should bring forth her cousin.
"Lady Jane Seymour and Sir Lucas Burganey, Your Majesty" he shouted moments later, and in walked Jane and her fiancee. Anne took a good look at the man. He was quite tall and gangly, so much so that he had an endearing awkward aura about him, and although he was by no way conventionally attractive with his long face and equally long and slightly crooked nose, his quirky features made him quite appealing. The two of them came forward hand in hand and bowed to their King and Queen.
"Seymour? Is she related to John Seymour by any chance?" Henry asked after he beckoned Charles closer so he could whisper in his ear.
"Yes, she is his eldest daughter I believe" Charles informed him, and Henry found he already had great respect for the beautiful girl who was the daughter of a dear, old friend of his. He waved Charles back and studied the young couple for a moment, leaving the room in silence. Anne decided that it would be she who broke the silence, and she lent in towards her husband to inform him,
"This is my kinswoman"
"Come closer, child" he commanded her, and she looked nervously towards Lucas who indicated with his eyes for her to step forward. She obeyed him and stood at the bottom of the steps that led up to the King's throne, her cheeks glowing pink in her embarrassment and her eyes hovered down towards the floor, only occasionally flickering up towards the King as she was that nervous and awe struck. Henry found it rather endearing. "How is your father, Mistress Seymour?" he inquired.
"He is very well, your Majesty. He still speaks as highly of you as he did when we were children and he had fought by your side" Jane informed him, finally being brave enough to give him appropriate eye contact with her wide, blue eyes that captivated Henry instantly. He let out a little chuckle at her words as he fondly remembered his time with Sir John.
"Sir John fought beside me in France" he informed the rest of the courtiers who were listening keenly to what was being said, "He is a great man and an excellent swordsman. And who is the man that wishes to marry you?"
"Lucas Burganey, your Majesty" the man announced, taking a few steps forward though making sure he didn't go too far in case he angered the King. He already thought himself foolish for daring to speak to the King before he had spoken to him first. But the King seemed to like his boldness and did not take offence.
"And are you capable of providing for the fair lady?" he inquired in an almost father like manner.
"Yes, your Majesty. I have recently inherited my father's fortune" Lucas explained.
"Take care of her then Master Burganey, she is indeed a rare jewel of womanhood. You have my blessing" he bestowed upon them both, and both of the youth's face lit up in happiness as they finally received what they had wanted for so long. Now they could marry and be together for ever.
"Thank you, your Majesty" Lucas showed his gratitude, bowing down so low to the King that his nose almost touched the floor. Then he rose up just as swiftly with a silly grin on his face, spreading from ear to ear, and took hold of Jane's hand so that they could walk back into the crowd.
"God bless your Majesties" Jane announced and Henry smiled kindly at the girl as Anne took hold of his hand and squeezed it lovingly in thanks for the favour. As soon as Jane and Lucas had emersed themselves back into the crowd, Henry put his hand up to the herald in order to stop him from announcing any new visitors. He had had quite enough for one day. And he yanked his hand away from Anne's, who whilst hurt from this show of hostility put on a brave face and still kept on smiling to her people who were watching her every move. She couldn't show signs of weakness now.
Henry rose from his seat and summoned Brandon over as he walked to the side of the hall and made to dissapear into one of the smaller ajoining rooms so they could chat in private.
"Such a sweet little thing, it is a shame that she should be wasted on a fool like him" Henry observed and Brandon immediately knew who he was talking about. He had seen the way his King looked after the Seymour girl. It seemed half of the court noticed it too, though thankfully not the Queen or she would have flew into one of her infamous rages again. Perhaps a new mistress would be good for him. He hadn't seemed his usual self for a good couple of months now, and Charles had put this down to marital difficulties. He knew how fiery and stubborn the Tudors could be. After all he had married one himself. But he could also handle them and he knew that the Seymour girl would be a calming influence on Henry.
"Your Majesty is going to prevent the marriage?" Charles queried. He assumed that this was the case. He did the same against to the present queen, or as he liked to call her in private, 'the pretender queen' or even the 'Great Whore'. Yet he actually felt a little sorry for the young girl if Henry indeed was going to go through with this. She seemed sweet enough, as did her fiancee. But then again, bad things happen to good people, as Queen Catherine found out the hard way.
"No I could not do that. Break the poor little thing's heart and have that harpy nagging at me" he replied. He could imagine it now, Why did you break off their engagement? You gave them your blessing! What made you change your mind? If you love me you will let them marry! Is it because you want her yourself? No, he would not put up with that. And besides, all he wanted was a bit of fun. No need to ruin the girl's life. Let her marry her fool and love her King. "But I would like to meet her in a more intimate setting, if you get my meaning Charles" he raised his eye brow suggestively.
"Your majesty is relentless" Brandon smirked and Henry burst out into hearty laughter as the two men slapped each other on the back.
Author's Note: So what do you guys think? Please review, all feedback is welcome. Don't forget to check my profile and vote in the poll about how Henry should go about in his pursuit of Jane.