A/N: Thank you so much to everyone who has reviewed this story, added it to their alerts, or their favorites list. I didn't expect such a warm welcome or response. It really does motivate me to keep writing! Without further delay, I present chapter 2.
Twists of Fate: Chapter Two
April 1528
Hever Castle, Kent
When the news came down from the King that Katherine was dead and that the Boleyn's were requested back to Court, Doctor Linacre had come from Whitehall the next day to examine Anne to see if she were fit enough for travel. He advised that because of the paleness of his patient and the lack of return of appetite that it would be a few weeks yet before Anne could safely return to court. While Thomas Boleyn, Viscount Rochford, had been extremely disappointed at this news, Anne was surprisingly not that upset despite missing Henry. Court was a vicious place, and her reputation there left much to be desired. She doubted that this would change much since Katherine had died, especially if Henry made his intentions towards her so obvious, so soon. Katherine had been a much loved Queen at court and by the people, so Anne was silently relieved that her recovery had bought her a little more time to build her strength and fully recover from her illness at Hever when Linacre had given his prognosis. She wanted to be able to return to court strong and smile in the face of those who dismissed her as simply the King's whore.
In the meantime, Anne had made herself content with Henry's letters, and through the news of court that trickled out to the countryside. They had heard from a messenger from court that Katherine had been laid to rest in Wales with full honors as Queen, since it was deemed to unsafe to bring her body back to London without spreading the disease. Henry had wrote to her and expressed regret that Katherine was given full honors of Queen upon her death but it had to be done, even though she had never been the rightful Queen in his eyes, but it was necessary to placate his people and the court. He assured her that Anne would be his one true wife and Queen, and when God saw fit to take her from the world, that her burial would be more magnificent than any Queen had received before.
Two of her maids were finishing packing up her belongings as Anne sat looking out the window, into the vast countryside of Kent. Tomorrow would be the day that she would finally return to court and into the waiting arms of her soon to be husband. She thought of how wonderful it would finally be to submit to their desires, to feel his touch upon every part of her body, to have him take here completely. She often imagined taking their passions further during the time they had been so involved with one another, but didn't dare for the consequences that may bring. While she was no virgin, there was something that made it different with Henry. His very presence made her heart flutter, his touch made her skin feel as if she had been shot with lightening a million times over. He had awakened something in her that no one had ever been able to, and she was hopelessly in love with him.
Footsteps approached the door and one of her father's servants entered the room. "My lady, Lord Rochford commands you downstairs as the coach is here".
Anne looked up at the young man from her place at the windowsill. "Please tell my father that I will be down shortly". Oh papa, she thought, when I am Queen you will not be able to command me so easily. I will be in charge of my future, my destiny for a change.
She gathered her book for the journey to Whitehall and took one last look at her chambers. Touching the stone wall of home, she thought of all the fond memories of the countryside of Kent. This castle contained all the happy memories of her early childhood, the only memories of her mother. These chambers had been her rooms since she was old enough to be out of the nursery. Despite serving as a maid of honor to Margaret of Austria and a lady in waiting to Queen Claude of France, Hever Castle had always been her home. It was a bittersweet feeling, but this would be the last time she would be leaving it as simply just Lady Anne. The next time she ever came back to Hever, she would be Queen of England.
Whitehall, London
Henry had been anxiously awaiting Anne back in his life at court since they had first parted when the sweating sickness struck London. Life without her constantly daily presence was excruciatingly dull. She brought something out in him no woman ever had before. Her fire, her passion, it ignited his own and he knew that once she was his wife and Queen, they would build a Tudor dynasty better than his father could ever have imagined. Henry knew that he was the one that would be remembered, and the strong sons he was sure that Anne would give him. She was the ticket to his happiness and to the security of this throne and lineage.
To the outside view of court it was almost if the King had sequestered himself away in grief, but the truth was much different. He had working diligently since Katherine had died making sure the Queen's apartments were ready for Anne's arrival back to court. Katherine had kept plain rooms, with little flair for material things. Religious icons had been everywhere, and the tapestries were dark and made the quarters suffocating. He had wanted no reminders of the past, only of the brightness that future would bring. All the old things were removed and the stones of the floors and walls were washed, new tapestries hung, new rugs imported from France, and new furnishings of fine English craftsmanship were brought in to transform the quarters from a matronly drab environment to rooms full of light and airy exuberance.
Secret preparations were already underway for his wedding to Anne and to her coronation, and Henry insured that his closest advisors were working on every minute detail. Both ceremonies would happen the following month, May, when the weather was warmer. Wolsey had advised him that it would be best to do them on the same day, as it would cut down on costs for the crown as well as not making a huge scandal since Katherine had only recently died and her memory was fresh with the people. Wolsey had argued that should the wedding and crowning happened on the same day then the people would be more willing to accept Anne as Queen and wife to their loved and grieving monarch if the event was a quiet and dignified ceremony, especially regarding the fact that many people blamed Anne for his falling out with the late Queen, and that if held in the warmer month of May people would be more welcomed to a celebratory event after such a grueling winter with the sweat. If only they knew Katherine as I knew her, a stubborn and insolent woman who only cared about her selfishness instead of the security of my throne, Henry was thought as he poured over plans for the coronation, not even noticing when the Duke of Suffolk entered the room.
Charles Brandon was not only the Duke of Suffolk but the king's best friend, and brother in law. While neither he, nor his wife Margaret, cared for the Lady Anne Boleyn the true Queen was dead and there was no reason for Charles to object any longer to Henry's desires to marry her or make her his Queen. After all the only living, legitimate heir a twelve year old girl in Wales. Anne was young enough and, god willing, fertile enough to help secure the succession and to avoid a future war of the likes his father had perished in. Margaret had often spoke wildly against Mistress Boleyn to Charles, and refused to even acknowledge Anne at court. She saw her as nothing but a harlot bent on snagging the King for her families own selfish purposes but now that Katherine was dead and Henry's intentions were clear, it was dangerous to even discuss such things in the private moments amongst themselves. So with that he pasted on a fake smile and bowed to his king. "Your Majesty, I trust you are well today in your constant planning."
Henry looked up from the stacks of parchment to his best friend. "Charles! I didn't hear you come in. Please, sit. Anne will be here this evening and I want you to make sure her family is well received upon their arrival."
Charles did as his friend commanded and sat across from him at his desk. "I am honored your Majesty. Will the Princess be coming from Wales to the wedding and coronation?" He said the last with a heavy heart. It was still not clear how Henry felt about his daughter, especially considering he was willing to disinherit her and declare her illegitimate just a few weeks before hand.
The king pondered this question. He had honestly given no thought to Mary and felt the smallest twinge of regret. She was still his daughter, and must be going through a terrible ordeal now with her mother dead. Henry knew full well how it was to lose a mother, as his own had died when he was young. Now that Katherine was dead and no longer an obstacle in his desire to marry Anne, there would be no need to punish Mary as there would be no hope now that the Emperor Charles would fight on her behalf. Henry knew full well that even though Mary was still Charles' cousin, and once betrothed, that the Emperor would not risk fighting against a lawful marriage and any heirs it produced. Mary was no longer a threat to him, or to his future heirs. "Of course Mary should come to London for the wedding and coronation. It is only fitting that the Princess of Wales be in attendance. She should be the one to carry Anne's train, as Mary will be the highest ranking woman in the land after the new Queen."
The Duke of Suffolk couldn't help but smile at Henry's words. Now that Henry seemed to be getting his way and exactly what he wanted his mood had been much improved and hopefully that meant the lives of those around him would also be improved.
Whitehall, London
Anne arrived from Hever to Whitehall much later that night than expected. One of the horses leading their coach had fallen ill halfway during their journey and a replacement had to be fetched. By the time the replacement horse had arrived and was suited up to begin the journey, they traveling party had lost a few essential hours of travel time. It had been a long journey sharing the coach with her father and brother, listening to them discuss how the fortunes of the Boleyn family were finally turning around. Thomas Boleyn especially could not stop gloating about how he was sure to be made at least an Earl for being the father of the Queen.
When they finally arrived, she was rather upset at the lateness of the hour as she was rather looking forward to her triumphant return and she knew that the court had long since retired for the evening. Charles Brandon was there to greet them when the coach finally pulled up to palace. He watched with disdain as Thomas Boleyn and his equally as arrogant son descended from the coach. While he would be grateful to Lord Rochford for helping to facilitate his return to court, he still loathed the man and what he stood for with every fiber in is being. Anne exited next, dressed in black. At least she looked the part of a mourning subject of the late Queen.
"Lord Rochford, Lord George, Lady Anne, welcome back to Court" Charles tried to sound pleased at their and was able to barely contain his true feelings in his words.
"Thank you, your grace" Anne replied, her voice barely betraying the exhaustion from the day long travels.
"If it would please you to follow me, I will show you to your new apartments within the palace." Charles motioned for them to follow him as the doormen opened the doors to Whitehall Palace. Anne couldn't help but notice the somber mood contained within the walls. While she never liked Katherine, she would follow through with the mourning protocol in order for her marriage to the King to be more accepted. Once she was Queen she would breathe the life back into these walls, and to this court.
The Duke of Suffolk led them through the quiet halls of the palace; the only people stirring about were servants completing their nightly duties or the guards' constantly keeping watch to maintain security and order within the royal establishment. "The king is lodging you in the former apartments of the Duke of Norfolk, the largest at court next to the Cardinal and the royal quarters themselves. His majesty hopes you will find them suitable and well befitting your new station."
"His majesty wishes to see the future Queen of England." Henry's voice echoed quietly throughout the mostly deserted hallway. Anne stopped walking and turned to face him, one of the brightest smiles on her face. She ran into his waiting embrace, reveling in the feeling within her soul of being in his arms yet again. For once in the past tumultuous weeks she felt at peace, that she was where she belonged. Breaking the hug, Henry gently lifted Anne's chin with his fingertips. Drawing her face closer to his, he placed a soft kiss on her waiting lips.
"I've missed you so" Her voice whispered out between them when the kiss was over. Licking his lips to savor the sweetness of her kiss, he smiled at his soon to be bride.
"As I you" He replied, nuzzling into her soft chestnut hair. "I have many surprises for you sweetheart, of which all I think you will like". Henry then turned to Charles, "My lord Suffolk, please escort Lord Rochford and his son to their chambers. I will personally escort Lady Anne to her new apartments."
Charles shot a puzzled expression at his King. Anne wasn't allowed to reside in the Queen's apartments; she was not yet Queen and nothing more than a minor noble. He knew better than to question Henry out loud, and especially in front of the Boleyn's but could not help but be concerned about the path his closest friend since boyhood was headed down. Henry of all people should know the scandal this could create, a scandal that wouldn't benefit Anne's new position, nor win her any favors with the court. Doing his best to hide his disapproval he bowed his head in acknowledgement and motioned for the Boleyn men to follow him down the corridor towards their waiting chambers.
Henry then took Anne by the hand and began to escort her to the Queen's chambers. He wanted to be the one to show it off, to see her reaction to her lavishly decorated rooms. He had spent a small fortune making sure that no comfort would be denied her, and that she could have ever thing she would ever wish. No words were spoken between them as they journeyed throughout the quiet halls together. Servants bowed to their King but he paid him no attention, just lost in the silence with the one who held his hard. Arriving to the chambers, two chamberlains posted outside the doors graciously opened them for the royal couple before them and he gladly ushered her into the new rooms.
Anne could hardly contain her surprise when Henry released her hand from his grip, allowing her to venture into the rooms that were now her own. She barely recognized them from the last time she had saw them. Katherine had always preferred somber colors, and a reserved atmosphere and it was almost suffocating to her when she had served as a lady in waiting to the Queen. These newly renovated rooms contained no trace of what they had been before. First in the receiving room she noticed that the dark and religious tapestries were gone, having been replaced with bright and cheerful scenes. Noticing the rugs adorning the floors, Anne couldn't help but smile as she knew they were made in the French fashion. Henry knew her so well. She ran her fingers along the ornate desk and chairs, marveling at the fine craftsmanship of the furniture.
Slowly Anne made her way through each room after the receiving room, all of them decorated just as lavishly as the first. The bedroom was the most magnificent room she had ever seen. The huge bed was carved with ornate detail, with the initials H&A engraved into the very wood. The drapes around were embroidered with the finest cloth of gold and seemed to catch every shimmer of light. A fire was already started in the hearth to provide the bedchamber with warmth. A fur rug was placed in front of it and atop it sat two plush chairs, with a small table in between them. On the table was a small platter of fruit and cheese, with two wine goblets. Next to the fireplace was a bookcase filled with works from around Europe. Henry smiled at his future bride as he followed behind her in the bedchamber, watching her inspect every detail. "I believe it meets your approval then." His voice had a husky quality in it, sending a shiver down her spine.
Anne grinned, "Yes, your Majesty, I love everything. You are too generous and kind to me."
"We are in private sweetheart, now I am just Henry. As it will always be between us, I am just Henry and you are just my Anne." Henry pulled Anne close to him, taking in the very scent of her.
"Of course my love, you are always my Henry." She tilted her head up to his, kissing him sweetly upon the lips.
The kiss lingered on for a few moments before he led her towards the fire where they each took a seat in front of it. "Thank you so much for everything you have done." Anne's voice was truly filled with gratitude towards the King, as she had never believed but had always hoped that one day they could be together and not just as her being his mistress.
"Nothing is too good for you, Nan." Henry looked on at her lovingly, "The preparations for our wedding and your coronation have already started. In just a few weeks time, you will be my wife and my true Queen. However something needs to be done first. Wolsey had brought to my attention that many of the nobles thought your birth was far below that of someone who would be the Queen of England. I agree with this."
His words seemed to cut at Anne's heart, and it began to race. She had always hated Wolsey, as had her family. What game was the old man playing at now that she was so close to the ultimate prize? He had never paid attention to the fact that she was only the daughter of a minor noble, in fact Henry kept raising her father and family further up in the peerage, and her mother had been the daughter of a Duke of Norfolk and Anne was the niece of the current Duke.
"Your majesty has never expressed concern before." Anne placed an emphasis on your majesty, refusing to use the familiar Henry to address him if he was being swayed by the incorrigible Wolsey.
"And I am not concerned with it, Anne." Henry chose to ignore the formal title, knowing that the subject of conversation was catching her off guard. "That is why I have decided to make you Marquess of Pembroke in your own right. It raises your status at court above many of the other peers, and is one of the highest titles I can bestow. The Earl of Pembroke title was held by my grand uncle, Jasper, and it will show everyone at Court just how much you special you are to my heart."
Anne let the shock wash over her and fell to her knees in front of Henry's chair. She had never expected to receive anything more from him; after all she was soon to be on the receiving end of the highest honor of being his Queen. She kissed his hands "Henry, I do not deserve all of this and all of your kindness. I just simply want to be your wife, and give you the sons you deserve." She shocked herself with her own words, as she was never the type of woman to just be content with being a wife. Had she fallen that much in love with him?
Henry smiled down at Anne, running his fingers through her dark hair before joining her kneeling position on the floor. She looked into his eyes and for a moment he couldn't catch his breath staring at her. The soft glow of the fire seemed to soften her delicate features, and the flames caught the light in her eyes. "My god, you are so beautiful" His words were barely above a whisper, bringing a hand up to stroke her cheek ever so softly. Without warning, he crushed his lips to hers in a passionate kiss.
She felt her whole body tingle at his touch and the kiss and she responded with equal ferocity. She ran her hands up his back as he slowly pushed her down to the floor, lying on top of her. They laid entwined in each other, kissing deeply as he began to stroke his hands over her breasts. Anne's breathing became labored and faster as her body responded to his touch. Kissing her lips, he soon moved to kissing the soft crook of her neck. "I have to possess you utterly." His words spilled out in between his own staggered breathing.
Anne thought at that moment that she could give in to him and to finally submit to their most heated desires. Then she thought of everything at stake. Could she risk bedding with him now that her future as Queen was so assured? Her thoughts were such a jumbled rush of emotion and consequence. Finding her strength to fight his advances, she pushed Henry off of her. "Henry, we can't. As much as I want to, as much as you know I want to, we can't risk any doubt of legitimacy on our sons." Her heart and her body both hurt at the truth in her words, wanting nothing more than to be with him as one.
Henry stood up, frustrated and annoyed. How dare she deny him now? Had he not moved heaven and earth to please her? Had God not taken away the only obstacle in their path so that they could be together? Taking one of the wine goblets, he swigged the liquid down before throwing the cup at the fireplace. He knew full well the truth to her words but almost scoffed at her confidence in conceiving so fast. It had taken Katherine a while to conceive, what made Anne so sure that after one night of passion she would give him the son he so desperate desired? He barely glanced at her as he stormed out of the bedchamber, leaving Anne a rumpled mess of petticoats on the floor.
