They were the three musketeers of their time. Completely inseparable since birth. Then tragedy struck. Her beloved Harry was crowned Henry VIII King of England and married to Katherine of Aragon. Charlie was swept away into his best friend's court. But where did that leave Annabelle Johnston? She was left in the shadows as the daughter of a little known Duke. With the announcement of the birth of Princess Mary, Charles Brandon seeks out their old friend. But once things change they can never go back. Henry, Charles, and Anna learn that all too quickly.
Summer, 1501
"Annabelle, Charles, wait!" Henry dashed after his two friends quickly. The three of them were in a field behind Anna's house chasing lightning bugs. The two younger ones had slipped off to the edge of a dense, dark forest. Henry didn't like the sinister feel the trees emanated. "We shouldn't do it."
Annabelle turned around to face Henry. She smiled mischievously making her grey eyes sparkle. "Don't do this, don't do that. Stay away from this place, never go there. Harry, you sound like your brother. Come," She tugged on the boy's hand. "It will be an adventure."
Charles shrugged when Henry cast him a worried glance. "You know our Anna. Once she has her mind set…" He trailed off feeling as though Henry needed no more clarification.
Henry set his face in a stubborn scowl. "I still say this is a bad idea. Anna's father said-"
"Oh, he just likes to tell stories. Harry, please can we go?" Anna grasped his arm and tilted her head to the side while she poked out her lips. "Please?" At seeing her face Henry gave in. He could deny her nothing and she bloody well knew that. Or at least Henry thought so. Anna just thought he had little will power.
"This bloody well better be worth the lashings I'll get if Mother ever finds out I let the pair of you talk me into this!" Henry grabbed Annabelle's hand and she grabbed Charles'. "When I'm King the first thing I shall do will be to get rid of these woods."
Anna shrugged. "Who is to say you will ever become King? There is still your father and Arthur. If he has children you may never get to see the throne."
Henry laughed. "Arthur have children? That's rich Anna, truly. Arthur would be a horrible father!"
"Like you would do much better!" She let go of Charles and Henry to put her hands on her hips. "I shall like to see the day you become a father, Harry."
18 May, 1516
Charles Brandon found himself smiling at the old memory as he watched his long time friend and King hold his child Princess Mary. She had beat her predecessors by a fair month. Henry was now fully prepared to introduce her to England, certain that this child would survive.
"Look how healthy she is Charles." Henry would often say since the day of her birth. "Look how beautiful."
Charles would simply nod and reinforce the King's love for his child. Now as he stood in the doorway he found himself unable to speak. How often had Henry talked of having a boy only to end up with a handful of girls and a few sons? None of which lived past birth either. Mary was the first and sure to be the last living child Katherine of Aragon would produce for His Majesty. Charles could feel it deep in his spirit.
Perhaps that was why he invited Annabelle to court. If anyone could keep Henry in good spirits it would be the lovely raven haired creature. She just had a way about her that made it impossible not to smile and laugh. Charles had often counted himself as lucky to be considered her closest friend. Other than Henry naturally. They had been inseparable before Arthur's death and fairly close for the few peaceful years that followed until Henry's coronation. It was going to be strange having their little Annie back. They were all adults now with families. Or at least one out of three had a family. Charles assumed Annabelle was still unwed. He had received no invitation to a wedding and she spoke nothing of a suitor in any of their letters.
Henry looked up to see Charles locked in deep thought. He sighed and gave Mary to Katherine. "What is it Brandon? I'm growing weary of your distant stare."
"Nothing, Majesty. I was simply remembering old times with old friends." Charles did his best to put meaning into the word friends. He didn't know how much the Queen knew and didn't want to give away anything. He would not be the reason the King and Queen were in a feud.
Henry smiled. He knew exactly what Charles was talking about. Lately at night Henry would hear the mocking voice of Annabelle. She would be saying what a horrible father he would be and how he would ruin Mary's life. That would be enough to terrify any other man, but Henry simply shook it off. He couldn't begin to count the number of times Anna had told him those very things as children. Henry simply wrote it off as reliving the past.
"How is out dear Annabelle? I have not spoken or heard anything of her for years." Henry folded his arms and awaited the news of a husband and children. It sent a wave of jealousy through him to think of any man with Anna.
"She is well. Most unfortunately they have found no man strong enough nor brave enough to tame her. I doubt she will ever find anyone." Charles spit back the words Anna had given to him. He didn't believe them at all. Even as children many boys had tried to take her from Henry and Charles. Being so stubborn she wouldn't hear any of it.
It was silent for the longest time. The only thing to be heard in the room was the ticking of a clock on the fireplace. Henry was going crazy in the silence. He craved more answers.
"Is there anything else Charles?" He tapped his fingers next to the clock impatiently. "Anything at all?"
Charles hesitated. "Well, Your Highness-"
A page walked in interrupting Charles. "Your Majesty, the Lady Annabelle Johnston is here to see you." Charles let out a breath. Henry gave him a look that clearly said they would discuss this matter later and told the page to bring her in. A statuesque figure stepped into the room uncertainly at first, but as soon as she saw Charles her discomfort melted away.
"Charlie!" Annabelle cried, launching herself into the man's open arms. He chuckled quietly before turning her around to face Henry. She blushed and curtsied low to the ground. "Your Majesties, I apologize for such impolite behavior. I simply saw Mr. Brandon and… well…"
Henry laughed and brought her up. "It is good to see you again Annabelle. You have grown up since our last meeting." And she truly had. No longer was there a trace of the awkward child she had been. In front of Henry was a graceful women with long hair the color of night, cunning storm cloud eyes, and wonderfully luscious pink lips.
Anna smiled. "It is nice to see you also Your Majesty."
"Henry. Always Henry."
"Well in that case how about Harry?" She laughed. "I hear you have a daughter and a wife. When shall I meet them?"
Henry clapped. "Now if it would so please you." He led her by the elbow to where Katherine currently sat holding Mary. Annabelle once again curtsied.
"Hello Your Highness."
Katherine smiled wanly and nodded. "Hello Lady Johnston." The Queen was exhausted after the constant watch she held over Mary. The baby slept soundly at night. It often sent Katherine into fits of worry. To her silence meant only one thing. Death.
"If I may say so, Majesty, your child is beautiful." Annabelle marveled at how soft and fine Mary's black hair looked and her smooth rosy tinted skin.
"You may, thank you." Katherine rose from her chair regally. "Would you like to hold her?"
Anna panicked momentarily. Her… hold the heir to the throne? What if she broke the child? Anna often heard stories of a certain spot on a young child's head which, if pressed upon, could kill them. What if she found that spot? What if she pressed it? Henry may be a friend but he was King of England above all else. He would have her head if she hurt the Princess. All of Anna's silly worries evaporated away though as Katherine situated the child in her arms. Mary nuzzled up against her making Anna laugh out in shock. Charles smiled, noting how lovely she looked holding a baby. Henry did the same.
It was no doubt going to become far more interesting since the three friends were reunited at court. Charles knew that as soon as he saw the hungry look in Henry's eyes. It sent a wave of protectiveness through him. He just wanted things to be as they use to. He wanted them to be friends again.
Easier said then done.