Ok, first things first: the 'Boleyn Woman' IS NOT ANNE. It is her MOTHER. I plan to follow the show so Anne will not appear until The Field of the Cloth of Gold. Elizabeth Boleyn was Katherine's lady-in-waiting at one point in time. I just had her there a little bit of conflict, as some people might not have recognized her (she had been away for almost 10 years, after all, she was 16 when she left and is now 25 (historical age of Henry when Mary was born was 26, Sarah is one year younger, you do the math), and 10 years does change a person.)
Sorry to people who thought she was Anne, but she's not.
catherinehenry (Guest): First things first. No need to be so bloody rude. Anne is your favourite wife, congrats, again, I apologize for the misunderstanding, but it's not Anne.
Second, this isn't a Katherine/Henry story, if it was I would have had those two characters in the characters bar.
Third, spelling and grammar.
Fourth, don't be rude and lash out at me because you assume I'm not supporting your favourite character. Anne Boleyn is one of my favourite characters, in fact my grandmother on my mother's side is descended from Mary Boleyn. So don't lash out at me for your bloody assumption.
Fifth, I would apologize for the fact that my portrayal of Elizabeth Boleyn being protective of her mistress (to the point of being rude, I will admit.) has turn you off of from my writing, but quite frankly I don't think I should apologize for my work being displeasing to you. If you don't like it, don't bloody read. Plain and simple.
*huff*
If you are going to review, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! SIGN IN! SO I CAN RESPOND TO YOU IN A PM, AND NOT VIA AUTHOR'S NOTES!
Sorry about the author's note, but I really had to address that.
Please, I would like reviews, help on how to improve, but please don't bash my work. This story has been in planning for almost a year now. It's my baby. Don't bash my baby.
Edited: Jan 2, 2015
The night ran smoothly, with me having dinner with Katherine, raising her spirits considerably, then having drinks with the king, who was making plans to re-introduce me to court. I would be blessed in front of my official ladies, the king and 3 of his friends, and the priests, and would then attend a feast in my honour. Then the king would introduce me to his council, of whom I would join as his personal adviser, and then would take over the currently unoccupied role of High Constable. My sister Margaret would return from touring the Welsh marshes, where she would also greet me.
I all but groaned when Henry told me this. Margaret was like her grandmother - I refused to recognize the Lady Beaufort as my grandmother - and our personalities clashed violently. Where I was a more docile, quiet person who was open to meeting new people, she, like her grandmother, refused to trust anyone unless they had done something for her first.
Wails ran through the castle walls. Charles and I sat in Henry's chambers, playing cards to pass the time while Henry passed back and forth.
Katherine was in labour. And she determined to bring the child into the world, even at the cost of her own life.
I cringed as I heard another wail. I would have never thought that labour in the end of winter would have been so bad. You see, it was the middle of February, and winter's grip had not yet released the country.
Another wail, then the noise we all desired to hear. A baby's cry. Loud and healthy. Henry crossed himself and the two of us all but ran to the Queen's chambers. A maid came out and curtsied to us.
"Her majesty has delivered a healthy baby girl,Your majesty. They are changing the sheets and you will be able to see your child soon." The king nodded, but I could tell in my brother's eyes there was disappointment. I waited behind when Henry enter the birthing room, giving the royal couple a few minutes of privacy with their new child, and Charles walked up beside me.
"What has her majesty delivered?"
"A baby girl. Healthy, but he's not happy."
"Next time." I crossed myself again and prayed that Katherine delivered a son, and soon, or else she would never be safe. I gently placed a hand on Charles' arm, then walked into the birthing room.
Henry held the newborn baby in his arms, and Katherine sat back in the bed, a sad look on her face, lines of exhaustion marring her face. I put my hand on the child's head, and looked at the baby.
"She's a darling." I looked up at Henry and Katherine. "What will you name her?"
Henry handed the baby over to me. "Mary. In honour of the blessed virgin." Katherine nodded. "And Sarah, we would like you to be her godmother." I looked up from Mary's face in shock, and barely nodded. I had to care for this baby girl, and she would have a rough life ahead of her if her mother failed to have a son. She would be queen, and I had to protect her.
I held Mary in my arms as Wolsey poured water over her head. She cried loud and strong, a sign that the demons were leaving her. She was blessed, then the procession to Katherine's chambers began. The herald announced her christening as we left the chapel.
"God, in his infinite mercy, send long life and health to the high and mighty Princess Mary!"
As we arrived in Katherine's chambers, the royal couple gave their own blessings to Mary, then I handed her off to her wet nurse. There was a celebration for Mary in the great hall, and Henry insisted on a joust. My ladies and I walked to the hall where I was announced and my ladies dispersed to dance And mingle with the other courtiers. I was sipping on a cup of wine when Charles, as well as William Compton and Anthony Knivert, came up beside me.
"Princess." the three of them bowed slightly. "Masters." I curtsied back, my pale pink dress pooling around my feet. "First name basis, I insist. Only those whom I dislike are forced to call me Princess." They chuckled at my little joke. We turned and watched the dancers, chatting pleasantly among ourselves about trivial matters, only to pass the time. The joust was meant to take place tomorrow, and I had not yet decided if I wanted to wear a favour for some man to request it of me. I already had a piece of ribbon, a blue piece that shone various shades of silver and purple when the light hit it. I had embroidered a white snowflake on it, as well as a cross (for protection), but now that my mind wandered to the joust, did I really want to show favour to a man so soon after my return?
I drank the rest of my wine and gave the cup to a servant, then turned to listen to William and Anthony gossip, with Charles putting in his own opinion every few sentences. This was enough male contact for me.
For now.
I apologize again for the long author's note at the beginning, but I have put up pictures of Sarah and Elizabeth Boleyn, as well as some pictures for planned story characters (they won't be out for a while, but you can take a peek at who might be the next main character for that story!) They're sorted by topic, so go take a look and let me know what you think!
Please review, but don't flame.
