As Katherine knitted she thought about her daughter, Princess Mary. Mary was the only living child that she had with her husband. Sometimes she worried about her relationship with Henry. She lost five children. Four of them sons.
Thinking about it now she wished that her children had lived. That her sons had lived. She was regarded as a failure. She smiled slightly. But she had Mary and that was all she needed.
"My lady? Are you alright?" Lady Amelia, her principal lady in waiting, said.
"Yes. Why wouldn't I be?"
"The Lady Anne Boleyn is called constantly to the King's chambers at questionable times of the night. Though she carries herself with the grace of a highborn lady her actions prove otherwise."
Katherine sighed. "The King wants what he wants. I cannot deny him that."
Just then there was a commotion outside her chambers and another lady came to Katherine. "Lord Henry Percy wishes to speak to you, my lady."
"See him through."
Henry Percy jerked away from the guard that held him. He bowed. "Your Majesty."
"What is the meaning of this my lord? Surely you do not mean to disrespect my grace, do you?"
"Of course not, my lady. I merely meant to ask a favor of you."
Katherine appeared amused. She knew the Percy family well. Henry was a generous Prince and granted many titles and land to those who proved themselves to be good friends and companions. Lord Percy's father, the current Earl, despised the new upstart noblemen greatly.
"What favor it this?"
"Allow me to marry the Lady Anne Boleyn."
Katherine's eyes narrowed and she studied the young lord carefully. "Did you not ask the King?"
Henry huffed and crossed his arms. "If he had agreed then I wouldn't be asking you for help."
Lady Amelia glared. "Choose your words carefully Lord Percy."
He nodded and bowed. "Your pardon."
Katherine waved her hand and dismissed it. She paced. "So he turned you down? Do you know why?"
"He wishes to get rid of competition."
"Of course. But he already invites her to his chambers nearly every night."
Percy flinched. He had heard of it. He didn't want to believe it. Anne would never give herself to any man who wasn't her husband. She said it often enough and he believed it. "That doesn't mean to she sleeps with him."
Katherine smiled. "Of course not."
"Will you help me?"
"There's not much I can do. You can, of course, marry in secret. Lady Amelia will serve as a witness in my place. There's a bishop that I know who will do the ceremony. Tell Lady Anne to convince the King to let her serve in Princess Mary's household."
"What purpose would that serve, my lady?"
"I believe he would have Mary come to court more often. Become more accepting of her as his heir. I know he still wishes for a son."
"I will do as you ask." He bowed.
"Thank you, my lord."
XXXXXXXXX
"Guess who?"
Anne giggled. She knew the voice all too well. "Lord Henry Percy."
He bowed to her and she curtsied. They hugged and kissed.
"I've missed you," she whispered.
"And I you." He pulled back. "I have to tell you something."
"What is it?"
"The Queen will help us marry in secret."
Anne gasped. "Truly? That's great."
"But I must know something. Did you ever sleep with the King?"
"No," she said firmly. "I never slept with him."
He nodded. "I believe you."
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Everything was ready for the secret wedding. Lady Amelia was there along with Anne's sister Mary. The Bishop started the ceremony.
A commotion was heard outside. The king burst in the room. His eyes were dark with anger and he focused it primarily on Lord Percy. "What is this? What is this?!"
No one said anything but Anne wasn't going to be intimidated. "We're getting married."
"I'll be damned. Charles. Seize the Lady Anne and watch her in my apartments."
Charles Brandon grabbed Anne and begin dragging her away. Percy pulled his sword but two guards but their blades to his neck.
"Now Lord Percy. Shall we discuss this like men?"
XXXXXXXXXXX
"Why is he doing this?"
Charles shrugged. "He desires you." He studied her. "He has good taste, too."
Anne glared at him and sat down. She hoped Henry would be alright. She prayed that the King would see past his anger and jealousy to be lenient.
Katherine gasped and stood. Lady Amelia came back and reported to all that she had seen to her mistress. "He wouldn't kill Lord Percy. It might spark a war. Especially if there are other alternatives. Where is Anne?"
"In the King's chambers with the Duke of Suffolk guarding her."
Katherine marched past her to the King's apartments. She found that the guards would not let her past. "I am the Queen of England and you will let me through."
"We cannot, my lady, by order of the King."
"This concerns a lady in my household."
"Katherine."
She turned. "Henry. You're going too far."
"No. Not far enough. You see, our marriage is not right in the eyes of God. Because I laid with my brother's widow we were not permitted healthy male issue. I'm seeking a divorce."
She stared at him in shock. "You can't. Our marriage is valid by decree of the Pope. Who is God's representative on Earth."
"I've been reading a book by William Tyndale called the Obedience of a Christian Man."
Katherine glared at him. Lady Amelia had informed her that Anne had been reading the book and she quickly reprimanded her for it. "Was this from Anne Boleyn?"
He smiled. "Yes. It was."
She stood taller. "Then do as you wish." She walked away.
Anne sank down to the floor and cried silently. Her last hope, her saviour, was leaving her.
