A.N: So I am still unsure as to whether or not I should continue this or take it down, cause it is very different and a lot of work when compared to my not historical AUs. So if you do want me to continue it be sure to let me know, cause I am mega not confident about this.

May 24th, 1550

-Grace Hall-

The next night saw Grace Hall bursting with music as the Prince and Princess and all of their companions danced about the great hall in high spirits.

Lord March was watching the Prince and Lord Hudson so closely that he did not pay any attention to his own daughter and the boy who had been dancing with her for the majority of the evening.

The Prince, who was an excellent dancer, switched constantly between the Lady Rachel and his sister while Lord Hudson danced with which ever lady the prince had abandoned. Though Lord Hudson was an awful dancer he seemed in fine spirits as he spun the Princess Elizabeth around the room during a Volta. As he came around to switch partners yet again the Prince spun away and kept hold of the lady in his arms. He offered Hudson a curt shake of the head before smiling down at the lady and lifting her into the air much to her delight.

"They dance beautifully." Lord March turned to look at his wife for a moment before returning his attention to the Prince.

He growled out low enough so that only she could here, "No doubt the little whore will soon warm his bed or perhaps Hudson's."

His wife gasped, "Husband please…"

He glared and took a large gulp of wine, "Shut up woman," Before standing and stalking past the dancers and out of the hall.

The youths ignored him and continued dancing.

The music finally came to a stop and Prince Arthur smiled down at his partner, "Did you enjoy the dance my lady?"

The girl beamed, "I did highness! Those lifts were very good. I imagined I was flying at times."

The Prince smiled proudly and threw a triumphant look at Hudson who turned to hide his disappointed scowl.

Elizabeth patted his arm sympathetically, "You quite like the Lady Rachel do you not my Lord?"

Finn shrugged sheepishly, "It seems though that she prefers the Prince. And why shouldn't she. He is a fine dancer and I am not."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes, "One does not love a man simply because he can dance. The Lady Rachel is not the only Lady my Lord. The Lady Quinn is most lovely, some would say even lovelier than the Lady Rachel."

Finn smiled a genuine smile and replied, "A lovely lady who seems in love with the Lord Noah."

Elizabeth jerked her head and looked for her missing lady who when found was bent in low conversation with the Howard boy while the two youths waited for the music to resume. Elizabeth sighed. She had been so concerned with making sure that her brother did not deflower the Lady Rachel that she missed the fact that Lord Noah was paying far too much attention to Lady Quinn.

She cleared her throat and raised her voice, "I think a change in partners is in order and I think the ladies should dance the next dance alone."

Lady Quinn detached herself from Lord Noah and hurried to Elizabeth's side. Rachel curtsied deeply to Arthur and then bounced away with a beaming smile.

Elizabeth couldn't help the smile that stole across her face as the smaller girl grinned at her as the music started. She could see why her brother was so taken with the girl. Elizabeth fell into step as the men cleared the floor and the ladies began their dance.

-Hever Castle-

The dark figure crept down the hallways of her youth with practiced ease as she sought her brother's chamber. She would meet her daughter if it was the last thing she did. She had seen it in her husband's eyes and on his lips, the desire to call for her, but yet again his pride kept his tongue in check. Her pride however would not allow her to ignore her own daughter while they slept under the same roof. The night before Henry had slept in her bed chamber but tonight he had over indulged in the ale and wine under her brother's roof and passed out in his own chambers. She would be damned if she missed this opportunity.

She opened the door to her brother's room without announcing her intention and hurried to his bed side where he slept.

She bent to shake him awake only to hear a throat clear across the room where the embers died in the fireplace.

"Sister."

The Queen whirled to see her brother's dark silhouette stand from a high backed chair, "George."

She moved away from the bed, "Who is in the bed then?"

George peered at her through the darkness for a moment before answering, "Mark. His rooms went to some of your retinue so I offered to let him share mine for the time being."

He waved her into a chair and asked, "What are you doing here your Majesty."

Anne sat heavily and replied, "Why else would I be here. I want to see her George. God help me I need to see her."

George sank into the chair and turned his gaze from hers towards the glowing hearth, "She isn't here Anne. She and my boy, Noah, they've taken horses and left for a time."

Anne grew still, "…For how long George?"

George muttered darkly, "I imagine until after you and your 'husband' have left."

Anne flinched, "Was she very angry George?"

Her brother skewered her with a look, "She was not angry Anne. She was heartbroken. That little man of the King's waltzed in and gloatingly informed us all that she was still banished from your Majesties presence. Would that I could have fled with her."

Anne swiped at her eyes and asked after a time, "Is she really as talented as you said? In music I mean."

George nodded, "She is. Though I fear your Majesty will not hear her. At least not while your husband lives."

Anne rebuked him sharply, "Such talk is still treason your Grace. Whatever his faults the King is my husband and your sovereign lord."

George inclined his head in acknowledgement but did not reply.

Brother and sister sat in the silence for a long while before George sighed and stood, "I have something for you."

Anne stood as well and took a step to follow him but stopped when he raised a hand and indicated that she should wait. He opened a window so that moonlight could stream in before waving her over. She stood in the light with him and looked down when he pressed something cold into her hand.

"I had it commissioned for you. I intended to send it for Christmas next year but since you are here now…" He trailed off.

Anne held the jeweled locket in her hand before looking up at him curiously.

He chuckled, "Open it Anne."

She bent her head and opened the latch and looked at the small portrait in the moonlight, "Is that…?" She breathed reverently as her thumb brushed over the image of a young girl with large brown eyes and inky black hair and a smile so like her own and her Elizabeth.

George murmured, "It is. She's sixteen now. I thought you might like something with her image."

Anne let her tears fall unchecked as she walked into her brother's arms, "Tell me she's happy George. Lie to me if need be."

George held his little sister and let his heart soften, "I think she is. She knows nothing of court games and intrigue and when she's angry she's as apt to yell as she is to throw things. She sings constantly and she loves to dance. I believe she is likely the only woman my son will ever really love and sometimes I want to cry when she does something that so reminds me of you. She has that nameless quality you have Anne."

The Queen sobbed harder as she held her brother.

May 29th, 1550

-Grace Hall-

Noah Boleyn smirked to himself as he rolled off his latest conquest. Barely a week and the virgin daughter of their host had fallen before him and into his bed. Oh to be sure he had plied her with some wine and lord knew the lady had no head for it but she had wanted him, indeed far more than Lord Hudson who had turned his affections from his cousin to the Lady Quinn. He really was quite gifted.

"That was… rather adequate my lady." He stood and yanked on his hose and doublet before attaching his codpiece and shrugging on his shirt. He laced and buttoned his clothes as the lady lay silent on the bed, staring at him in confusion.

Finally as he secured his boots she whispered, "Where are you going Noah?"

The boy turned to look at her and did not bother to hide the smirk on his face, "We are finished here Lady Fabray. I should have thought that obvious."

Quinn sat up and replied in a stronger voice, "But… you told me you loved me. You said you wanted to marry me."

Lord Noah shrugged dispassionately, "And you my lady were a virgin, and virgins often need to hear such things."

The lady scrambled from the bed and all but shrieked, "And have there been many virgins my Lord?"

He ran a hand through his hair and replied smugly, "Three, counting you."

He turned to leave but stopped short when she hissed, "And if some repugnant pig deflowered your cousin in such away?"

Lord Noah turned and snapped coldly, "I would kill him." His smug look returned a second later, "Of course my Rachel is far too clever for such a thing." He swaggered out of the room and as soon as the door shut behind him Quinn sank onto the bed and placed a hand on her mouth and choked down a sob.

A minute passed and the door opened slowly.

Quinn looked up and let out a harsh laugh as Lady Rachel entered hesitantly, "Is your cousin bragging about his conquest already?"

Rachel approached slowly and replied gently, "I saw Noah leaving the room looking entirely too satisfied with himself."

Quinn clutched the sheet tighter to her chest, "Ah…"

Rachel sighed, "Oh my lady… I am truly sorry for this."

Quinn looked up in surprise, "You are not to blame my Lady."

The smaller girl shook her head, "I should have paid closer attention. I know Noah. I was just so glad to me the Pr-" She cut her self off and bent to retrieve a piece of Quinn's dress.

Quinn stood with the sheet still draped around her and countered, "You are not his keeper or his mother my Lady. The fault is mine. I have given up my maiden head to a ma… boy who does not care for me in the slightest." Tears filled her eyes and Rachel's own grew wet.

"I am truly sorry." She held up Quinn's clothing and asked, "May I help you dress my Lady? It is the least I can do."

Quinn was quiet a moment before nodding and letting the sheet drop. She closed her eyes as Rachel's gentle hands helped her into her undergarments.

After a while Rachel finished with the last of the laces on Quinn's dress and spoke with regret, "I shall demand that we leave Lady Quinn. I would not want to force you to be civil towards Noah."

Quinn nodded gratefully, "I don't know if I can stomach looking at him after all of this."

Rachel hummed in agreement, "I agree completely. I imagine even I shall find him repulsive, at least for a time."

The two ladies made up the bed after checking the sheets. Quinn surprised to note that she had not bled. She had always heard that upon forfeiting one's maidenhead one bled.

Rachel poked her head out of the door after the bed was made to check if the coast was clear. The two girls exited hurriedly, though Quinn found it a bit painful to walk and Rachel noticed which cause her own step to slow and her mouth to tighten.

Finally the two girls arrived outside in the gardens and Rachel stopped.

She took Quinn's hand and said sincerely, "My Lady I want you to know that should the worst come to pass," She flicked her gaze to Quinn's abdomen, "You may send a letter to me at Hever Castle. It is about a day's ride from here. I swear to you that I will protect your reputation, even if I have to drag Noah to the altar by his ear."

Quinn smiled in spite of everything, privately thinking that she would very much like to see Noah dragged about by his ear, "You are kind my Lady. I pray that it will not come to that."

Rachel agreed immediately, "As will I. I promise." The two girls were silent until Rachel quickly shot forward and very impulsively wrapped Quinn in a tight hug. The two girls separated and both blushed bright red.

Rachel shoved down her embarrassment and squeezed Quinn's hands, "I must leave you now but remember Lady Quinn I am willing to help should you have need of it."

Quinn nodded and reluctantly released Rachel's hands and murmured, "Thank you my Lady…"

June 1st, 1550

-Hever Castle-

George Boleyn had bid his sister and her husband farewell yesterday and received a note from his niece that she and his son were returning to Hever regardless of whether or not the King was still in residence. The tone of the letter had been odd. There were no pleasantries and the handwriting had been harsh and heavy as if Rachel was angry.

George watched the cloud of dust from the road and scowled. His niece and son were riding at breakneck speed, though his son was trailing Rachel some distance. The two youths thundered into the castle courtyard and reined their horses in with harsh jerks. The large bay Rachel was riding had barely stopped completely when she slid down and move to stalk away.

Noah actually leapt from his still prancing roan and shouted after her, "Cousin please! Talk to me, let me explain!"

Rachel whirled and George reared back, for the first time in her young life Rachel was clearly Henry Tudor's daughter. The fire in her eyes was dangerous and made her dark stare glint in the sun light. She had her father's poisonous eyes, hooks and spears for the soul. With a father like Henry Tudor, George was surprised he hadn't seen this… ugly look before.

Rachel hissed, "Explain! Explain how you deflowered that poor girl in her father's home? Or how I was forced to leave the presence of my own brother and sister to spare her the shame and hurt of seeing your damnable face? You…" She took a deep breath and spat, "You are a pig Lord Rochford and by god were it my choice you would be no cousin of mine!"

George's eyes widened as his son's eyes actually watered as he stared at his cousin. The girl's chest was heaving and her riding hat had come off in the midst of her fury.

Noah turned to walk away when Rachel's hard voice stopped him, "If she falls pregnant Lord Rochford, you will marry her. So help me God you will not let Lady Quinn fall to ruin."

Noah's chest puffed and snarled back, "You cannot make me marry her! I won't do it. You can hate me until the day you die, I shan't do it."

Rachel grew quiet and then her eyes hardened further, "So be it."

June 3rd, 1550

-Hever Castle-

Noah had taken his horse and left declaring it his intention to go to court. George hadn't tried to stop him; rather he had given his boy a letter for Anne and watched his son flee from his responsibilities.

George waited two days before talking to Rachel.

"Sweetheart?" He entered the music room where Rachel stood quietly. Normally the room was filled with music or laughter but today his little niece stared out the large window with a sad look in place.

Rachel finally turned to look at him, "I'm sorry for driving Noah off Uncle."

George hadn't been able to pry any information from his son, "Why did you your Highness?"

Rachel winced at the honorific, "He… He bedded the daughter of our host, the Earl of March. The poor girl is not yet seventeen and I am sure Noah had promised her marriage and his heart. She wasn't stupid Uncle. She… she was just a girl who wanted to be loved."

George cocked an eyebrow, "You stayed with Lord March?"

Rachel nodded, "He's a hard man Uncle. He was very kind to us because the Prince and Princess were watching so very carefully but his eyes… they were cruel. Lady Quinn was kind in spite of her father. She was so very pretty; I'm not surprised Noah went after her. I am sorry I was so wrapped up with Elizabeth and Arthur that I didn't realize what he was doing until it was too late."

George went to Rachel's side and placed a hand on her shoulder, "You told Noah to marry her? Why?"

Rachel sagged against her Uncle, "I… I don't know. I want to help her should she need it. I pray she does not but…"

George held his niece close and shut his eyes, "You want to protect her reputation." He was quiet for a time before he stated quietly, "You must tell me if she writes Rachel, promise me?"

Rachel looked up at him, some of her hurt replaced with curiosity, "I promise Uncle."

George hurried through the halls of Hever in search of his lover. He found Mark in their bedroom hunched over a sheet of parchment clearly composing something.

The dark haired man looked up and tossed his curls from his face with a grin, "George! I've started a new piece for the Princess; come and have a look."

George felt his chest tighten, "I need to speak with you Mark."

The musician paused and his grin faltered, "Of course George."

The Duke of Wiltshire closed the door to his chamber.

June 16th, 1550

-Hever Castle-

Rachel stared down at the letter in her hand, eying the tear marks that stained the paper and smeared the ink in some places; she held the letter for nearly ten minutes before she finally forced herself to read the words the poor lady had written.

My Lady,

It is with shame that I pen this letter. I can only hope and pray that you were sincere in your desire to help me should I have need of it. I fear now that I do. I have missed my courses and I find myself craving apples in a way that is most strange as I have found the fruit repugnant since I was a child.

I do not know what help you can offer me as I have heard from my friends at court that your cousin is present, though they have mistaken his name, and working his way through the ladies there. I find myself most frightened to marry such a man, a man who so reminds me of my father. I dare not tell him or mother of my condition as they would very likely disown me. My father might not disown me at all; he may simply strangle me for this shame.

I thank you for your kindness in taking your cousin away. I thank you for your offer of help though I fear it is hopeless.

With Regret,

Lady Quinn Fabray

Rachel wiped at her eyes clenched the letter to her chest. Would that Noah was here so that she could rail against him. She stood abruptly. Her Uncle would fix this and she would keep her promise. She would help Lady Fabray.

June 18th, 1550

-Grace Hall-

Russell Fabray sat across from the Duke of Wiltshire, wondering what had brought the Queen's own brother to his home. God help his wife and daughters and his damned servants if the Prince and Princess had found their visit lacking.

He cleared his throat, "Your Grace does me much honor with this visit." He tired to smile but it did not reach his eyes.

George Boleyn understood what his niece meant, there was no warmth in Lord March's eyes, no kindness and for the first time he was glad of the decision he had made.

He was equally cold in his own manner, "I have a proposal for you my lord, or rather for your daughter should you agree."

Lord March ticked his eyebrow up, "I regret that my eldest, Teresa has only recently been married." To his great shame his eldest was nearly twenty six; thankfully she had duped a Baron into marrying her without a dowry.

George inclined his head, "I spoke of your younger daughter, Lady Quinn I believe."

Lord March sank back into his chair, "Quinn? She's not yet 17."

George smirked coldly, "Come now my Lord, such things are of little concern to men like us. She will be… taken care of, if not happy and she will be a duchess. My niece speaks very highly of her beauty and grace." He let March assume he was speaking of Elizabeth.

Lord March's eyes lit up at the thought of his daughter being made a duchess, at the thought that she would be a part of the royal family in a sense, "You have an heir my lord, why would you take a wife now."

George's voice grew colder still, "I am considering disinheriting the brat. A young wife might yet give me children."

Lord March's own eyes narrowed suspiciously, "I could only dower her with six thousand crowns."

George scoffed, "Come now March, I am no idiot. I am well aware that your eldest's husband required no dowry from you."

March relaxed, no man who had ulterior motives for wanting to marry a girl haggled over price, "Eight then."

George snapped back, "Ten and I shall refrain from being insulted."

Lord March smiled then and held out his hand, "We have an accord then, shall I call the girl?"

George nodded and added, "I should like to speak to her privately, just for a moment of course, to assure that ours will be a peaceful marriage."

Lord March inclined his head in agreement and motioned for a servant, "Fetch my daughter boy."

The servant scampered off and the two men were left alone.

They discussed the court for a few minute until the door opened and the girl entered. George stood as did Lord March. The Duke took in the girl as she made her way to the two men and curtsied before them as March presented her. George could see why his son had decided to bed her, she was flawlessly beautiful. What he couldn't see was why his niece was so keen to help her. It didn't matter though. He would help her for Rachel's sake if nothing else, and to ensure that his grandchild wasn't born a bastard.

The lady murmured, "Your Grace, father…"

March clapped his hands and George felt a pang of sympathy when the girl jumped, "You are to be married girl. To the Duke of Wiltshire."

Lady Quinn's eyes widened in shock and George noticed her hand smooth across her abdomen, "Father?"

March scowled, "You will do as I say girl. We have already agreed upon a dowry."

George placed a hand on Fabray's shoulder, "May we have a moment alone Lord March?"

Russell Fabray nodded curtly and shot a warning glare towards his child before stalking from the room.

George waited until he was sure the awful man was gone before he smiled gently at the terrified girl, "Rachel sends her regard my lady. I regret that my son is unwilling to do his duty but I will not allow a grandchild of mine to be born a bastard if I can help it."

Quinn eyed him in confusion, "Are you not George Boleyn? The Queen's brother?"

George nodded, "I am. I believe my son called himself Lord Howard whilst he was here?"

Quinn's face smoothed, "He did. I… am grateful to you your Grace, truly." She had relaxed almost completely now that she knew Rachel had kept her word in the form of the man before her.

George's voice was gentle, "Rachel cares for you my Lady. That is reason enough for me to help you."

Quinn's voice shook as she asked, "When are we to be married your Grace?"

George replied gravely, "As soon as a priest can be called my Lady," He glanced down at her belly, "We've a pressing matter after all."

Quinn nodded, it was true, and the child in her belly would not wait if they dallied.

June 23rd, 1550

-Hever Castle-

Rachel Tudor watched the road and smiled to herself when her Uncle's carriage was spotted in the distance by one of the stable boys. She hurried down the stone steps and offered a smile at Mark who to her surprise did not return the gesture. Her tutor's mouth was tight and his eyes were pinched as he waited with her for her Uncle.

The carriage rolled in after nearly thirty minutes and the door opened and her Uncle stepped out.

He smiled at her and spoke, "I've a surprise for you sweetheart." He reached a hand into the carriage and Rachel watched as a porcelain hand emerged followed shortly by an arm and then the ruffles of a dress. Rachel squeaked with glee as Lady Quinn was helped from the carriage by her Uncle George.

She started forward, "Is she to marry Noah Uncle? Has he finally agreed?"

George shook his head and pulled the blonde girl to his side and refused to look at Mark, "May I present her Grace, the Duchess of Wiltshire to your highness."

Quinn curtsied deeply before Rachel as the smaller girl stared down at her in shock, "…Duchess?"

George nodded, "We were married at Grace hall two days ago."

Rachel turned to look at her Uncle's lover only to discover that Mark had turned on his heel and was ascending the steps.

George winced, "I must go and speak to the staff, to make them aware of the new duchess. Will you consent to showing her Grace around the castle your Highness?"

Rachel nodded and took Quinn's hand in her own and tucked it into the crook of her arm, "Of course Uncle." The Duke hurried past the two girls and into the castle. As soon as they were alone Rachel turned and pulled Quinn into a surprisingly tight embrace.

Quietly and fervently Quinn whispered, "Thank you your Highness. You've no idea how grateful I am."

Rachel pulled away and shook her head, "You must call me Rachel for I think we shall be great friends."

Quinn smiled down at the Princess and sent out a prayer of thanks to God, for this Tudor Rose she still held loosely in her arms.

And then there was Faberry! or at least the beginnings of it :) Read and Review! Please... *Whimpers*