Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing. Showtime and history take all the credit. I'm simply borrowing.

Chapter 3

A/N: Hello people. Thank you for all the reviews:). Also I just wanted to say to the people who think that Anne shouldn't be won over too easily that i completely agree, even if the story so far doesn't show that. A few reasons why I haven't shown it is because there's been a few time jumps of a few months so anything could have happened, which is why I've been doing flashback and plan to do more. Also just because Anne and Henry are open about their feelings with each other doesn't mean Anne didn't fight Henry at first or that Henry truly has her now.

cruelangel101: I had the same thought as you but I decided against having someone court Anne because no one would have wanted to risk the King's anger or jealousy. No one, right now, truly knows whether Anne is in the King's favor or not. Plus Elizabeth lives with Anne but if Anne married another then what would her new husband do about her daughter? He couldn't send her away because it would be an insult to the King but he also couldn't be a stepfather because Henry wouldn't like being replaced. So I believe no one would court Anne because of all the questions and complications that come with Anne being Henry's once great love.


Sweetheart,

I miss you so very much. I cannot wait for Christmas for I shall see you and Elizabeth. I long to be in your presence for methinkseh long since I kissed you. Seventeen days have passed since I've seen my sweetheart.

You loyal friend and servant,

H. Rex


My love,

It saddens me to hear of your misery and I wish with all my heart I was by your side. Elizabeth so misses you, as do I. I beg Your Majesty how I shall act while I am at court?

Your always loyal and humble servant,

anne boleyn


My dearest sweetheart,

We shall hide our feelings while you are at Court. You will be welcomed to Court as Marquess of Pembroke and treated as such. I believe you will be leaving for Court soon after you receive this. I await your arrival with longing and desire. Please tell our beloved Elizabeth I cannot wait to see her.

Your loyal friend and servant,

H.R.


December 23, 1536

Henry was right. Anne and Elizabeth left for Court a day after she received his letter. She didn't respond for she was sure to arrive at Court sooner than her letter would have. It was a long ride and she spent the 3 hours thinking of what was to come.

She knew Henry loved Jane. Although he spoke of her rarely for fear of upsetting her she could tell by his tone and the look in his eyes when he did. Anne couldn't help but hate Jane for her role in Anne's downfall as well as stealing the King's love from her. However she would never wish Jane to lose the baby she carried as she knew the pain that would come with such a loss.

Anne did not wish to go to Court. Even though Henry would be sure to treat her with all the respect due to her title that did not mean everyone else at Court would. She most likely still had enemies at Court unhappy that she hadn't completely fallen from the King's good graces. But most of all she feared having to watch Henry be attentive and loving to Jane, as a husband should be. Anne knew he desired her and that his feelings for her resembled the ones he had in their courtship, but he wasn't in love with her. He was in love with Jane, his Queen who was sure to be carrying His Majesty's son and Anne was sure the Seymour family would go out of their way to make sure Anne knew that.


"The Lady Mary shall arrive tomorrow during the Christmas feast." Jane mentioned as she walked around the gardens with the King.

"Was she not suppose to arrive today?"

"She was but one of her ladies has been ill so she will leave tomorrow instead."

"I will not be able to formally welcome her to Court if she arrives after we have received our gifts."

Jane sighed. She feared Henry would use this as an excuse to show favor to his youngest daughter. "The Lady Mary knows that." Jane and Henry knew that if he truly wished to formally welcome Mary to Court a day late he could have it arranged. But His Majesty didn't wish to.

Jane managed to continue conversing with the King but her thoughts were on Anne. She was to arrive today with her daughter. The Lady Elizabeth seemed to accept that she was no longer princess and that Anne was no longer Queen. Jane knew Henry had left Anne to explain to their daughter what happened and it seemed whatever Anne had said, satisfied Elizabeth. Jane was rather nervous to have Anne formally welcomed to Court. They were to be greeted together since Elizabeth didn't have a household of her own now. Jane's thoughts were interrupted by Henry.

"I apologize, what did you ask?"

"How are you feeling? Well enough for the festivities?" Henry was hoping Jane would excuse herself from some of the events so that he could spare Anne the pain of seeing them together more than she already had to.

"I'm feeling fine." Jane smiled. It was so sweet of him to think of her and the child with so many other things to worry about.

"Good." Henry smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. He didn't want Jane to be unwell, he just wished she would excuse herself so she could rest.


"When is the Marquess of Pembroke and the Lady Elizabeth to arrive?" Henry asked Cromwell.

"Soon, Your Majesty. Within the hour."

"Wonderful." Henry smiled. He was so excited. He hadn't been in a good mood since he had last visited Anne. "I wish to meet them when they arrive, informally."

"Of course, Your Majesty." Henry dismissed Cromwell.


The carriage stopped as it passed the gates of Whitehall. Anne looked around her. Her darling daughter was sleeping with her head on Anne's lap and Anne's two ladies were looking out the window eager to explore.

Anne was slightly worried her ladies would tell someone that The King and she were on not only on good grounds but indulging in their feelings as well. She knew that her ladies mouths were sealed though. Henry had made them all swear on pain of death that they would not speak a word of anything they saw or heard between Henry and Anne without their express permission. If one of them did say something they could be charged of high treason and sentenced to death. Anne earnestly wished none of her ladies would be stupid enough to betray the King.

Shaking her daughter awake Anne let one of the gentleman there to greet them help Elizabeth down after they helped her. Anne looked around Whitehall. It looked almost exactly the same as it had before she'd..left. Anne hadn't lied when she told Henry she'd missed Court.

Henry was staring outside of the window when he saw Anne and Elizabeth's carriage. He wanted to go down and greet them but he knew it would not be appropriate for him to do so, so publicly. He watched Anne take in the view. It had been so long since she'd last been here. He saw her face full of happiness and couldn't help but smile. He was very glad he had insisted she come for Christmas.

Elizabeth looked different than when he last saw her. How had she changed so fast? He had seen her only a month ago. She was growing into a beautiful little girl with her red hair and fair skin. She was truly unique.

Cromwell came into Henry's view. He walked straight over to Anne and whispered something. Anne bowed her head a a little. Henry could only assume she was agreeing to Cromwell's wishes, which Henry suspected was the meeting he had asked for. Cromwell turned to Anne's ladies briefly explaining something. Anne had taken Elizabeths hand and was smiling and talking to her.

After Cromwell dismissed Anne's ladies he called out to Anne and then he started back into the castle, Anne and Elizabeth close behind.

When the door to the privy chambers opened his visitors were not announced. Cromwell had probably requested that no official acknowledgment should be made of this meeting. Anne and Elizabeth walked in and Henry could see Anne's ladies outside the door obviously waiting for something, but he was soon distracted by Elizabeth. She curtsied to him and as soon as the door closed, blocking the family from sight, she let go of Anne's hand and ran towards him. Henry crouched down and gave her a big bug.

"Papa!" Elizabeth had missed her Papa very much. He was gone so long.

"My Elizabeth." Henry held her at arms length. "My, my! How big you've grown!"

"Mama says that I am tall." Elizabeth declared. She hadn't yet decided how she felt about being tall and if anyone could help her decide it would be her Papa.

"She is right. You'll grow into a fine lady someday." Henry's smile was so genuine that Elizabeth could only beam at his words. "How are your lessons?"

"Well. I am fluent in French and Latin now. My tutor says I shall soon be fluent in Spanish as well." Elizabeth enjoyed learning all the things her tutor taught her and sometimes her Mama.

"C'est magnifique! Avez-vous hâte à Noël?"

"Oui! It is my first time here for Christmas." Elizabeth hadn't been allowed to come when she was younger for fear she would fall ill.

Henry laughed as his daughter forgot, in her excitement, that she was suppose to be showing off her French.

Anne hated that she had to cut Elizabeth's time short but Henry didn't have long and her ladies were waiting to take Elizabeth to her rooms because Henry and Anne had decided it would be best if Elizabeth didn't know about them.

"Elizabeth." She turned to look at her Mama. "It's time to go. Papa has very important things to do. My ladies will bring you back to our rooms." Elizabeth pouted but didn't say a word in protest. Hugging her Papa once more she let her Mama's ladies lead her away.

Anne dipped into a curtsy but rose when she heard the door shut behind her. Sighing Anne walked over to Henry and hugged him before he pulled back ever so slightly to kiss her.

Finally after a few long moments Anne pulled back to catch her breath. Henry hugged her again and laughed.

"I've missed you so much." He whispered into her ear.

"As I have missed you." Anne felt Henry hug her tighter. "Is my presence at Court really such a good idea?" She asked tentatively. She felt Henry tense at her words and wished to take them back. She was ruining it. She hadn't seen him in a month and she was spoiling their joyous reunion.

Henry pulled out of the hug but kept his arms around her. "Do you regret coming?"

"No! I am so pleased to be in your arms again but I fear…" Anne trailed off unsurely.

"You fear what?"

"That my presence here will only cause the Queen distress and cause gossip amongst the people." She had stumbled on the word Queen but Henry didn't seem to care.

"You have every right to spend Christmas with our daughter. Jane shall never know anything, not while she is with child."

"But.." Henry halted her words with a kiss. Anne forgetting her worries kissed him back. Breaking away he kissed her forehead. Pulling her into a hug again Henry rested his chin on her head. They stayed in silence for a minute content to just hold each other.

Henry finally asked, "Are you happy, sweetheart?"

"I am the most happy." Henry smiled at the familiar phrase. He had heard it often throughout their courtship and he had put a great effort into making sure that was her answer.


December 24, 1536

Jane was dressed in a loose light red dress and was wearing the traditional Christmas headdress. She was ready to receive gifts and welcome people to Court with the King.

Jane was escorted into the Hall and she took her rightful place by Henry's side. She could see her brother and father in the crowd of people. She hadn't seen much of them lately. They must not be worried of their positions because she was carrying the King's son.

Now that Jane was there the gifts could be presented. Jane did very little for it was Henry's right to decided whether or not they accepted which gifts and from whom. So she smiled and played her part well. Everything was going well so when Cromwell came up from behind Henry and whispered in his ear Jane was nervous but when Henry smiled widely at Cromwell and motioned that it was ok. Henry controlled his smile and leaned toward Jane.

"Anne will be presented soon." Was all he said. He was warning her.

One of Anne's ladies, Nan, approached the King and Queen. Jane remember the King dismissing her from her ladies in waiting as she was very loyal and fond of Anne. "I would like to present somebody to you, Your Majesty, if I may." Henry nodded.

"The Lady Elizabeth." Then Henry's darling daughter came out from her hiding place dressed for the occasion. She curtsied and waited for Henry to tell her it was ok to rise. He did so quickly and beckoned her over to stand in front of him.

"Elizabeth." Henry greeted her less formally than what was required.

"Papa." Jane could hear the gasps from around the room. Apparently some hadn't expected this. Jane kept her face warm. "I would like to present someone to you."

Jane thought who Elizabeth could be talking about. The person Elizabeth wished to present occurred to Jane just as Anne appeared. Jane heard someone call, "The Marquess of Pembroke." and then Anne curtsied, perhaps a little deeper than needed for someone of her title.

"Your Majesties."

"You may rise." Anne slowly stood and she dragged her eyes along the way until she couldn't avoid looking into Henry's eyes any longer. Henry stood up with Elizabeth's hand in his and walked to where Anne was standing. Elizabeth released her fathers hand and went to stand by her mother. "Welcome to Court." Henry took Anne's hand and kissed it lingering there before doing the same of Elizabeth's. Henry returned to his throne without dismissing them. She could see his eyes rake over Anne's form. Anne was dressed In a deep red tight gown, drawing attention to her small waist, with a green diamond headband resting on her head. She was not dressed anywhere near as extravagant as Jane but she still felt like Anne looked just as beautiful as she and Henry's straying gaze hadn't helped.

"I would like to present Your Majesty with a gift." Anne keeping with tradition waited for Henry's approval before signaling for her gift to be presented.

Jane watched as someone appeared carrying 3 sets of cards, all with a hand painted design featuring purple and gold on each one. Henry laughed in delight and accepted the gift.

"I hope you enjoy the festivities, Marquess," Henry turned his gaze to Elizabeth. "Lady Elizabeth." Anne and Elizabeth curtsied once more before merging with the crowd.

Jane sighed. She was so glad that the thing she had so dreaded was finally over. Anne and Elizabeth were only to stay until the the 28th. Then Jane could stop worrying. She was sure to talk to her brother now that her family had seen that Anne was back in the King's good graces. It could only mean trouble, especially if Jane delivered a girl.


Finally everyone was finished eating and the tables were moved aside so that people could dance. Jane, 5 months pregnant, couldn't take part but she had never been much of a dancer. Henry was sure to have taken a mistress by now and he would most likely dance with her.

Jane was impatiently waiting for the Lady Mary's arrival. She had received a letter from Mary informing her she was leaving for Whitehall. She would be arriving very soon.

The Lady Mary was to sneak in and Henry would dance with her to show he acknowledged her as his illegitimate daughter and she as welcome at Court. This was only the second time Mary would see her father since Jane had reconciled them. Mary had confided to Jane that she was nervous to go to Court. Mary had also been furious to learn that Anne would be accompanying Elizabeth. Jane had calmed her for fear Mary would refuse the King's invitation and make things worse.

Henry stood from this throne and walked over to where Elizabeth and Anne were laughing. Everyone at Court was staring at them wondering the same thing; would the King ask Anne to dance? Henry surprised them all, even Anne, by asking for Elizabeth hand. Elizabeth accepted and went to dance with her Papa. Elizabeth was young and had only just started learning how to dance but she was graceful and made few mistakes. It would seem Elizabeth had inherited her mother's elegance and talent.

Anne watched as Henry spun Elizabeth around. They both look so happy. She let herself think for a moment, that Henry would ask her to dance. She should have known he would never do such a thing while Jane was pregnant. After all there was nothing for Jane to truly know, there was no reason to distress her. Anne was not Henry's new mistress and she had no intention to do so. Anne refused to be his mistress almost 11 years ago and she refused to be now. Anne was too proud to go from Queen back to mistress, even if only in name. That was why she hadn't objected when Henry first suggested they should keep it a secret. If no one knew and no one could mock her or accuse her of bewitching the King or worst of all start calling her the King's whore who wished only to steal the crown from another loved Queen.

Henry saw one of his councilman's son ask Anne to dance. He knew that by greeting Anne so readily he would show her to be in favor but he hadn't expected that people would approach her. Henry brought Elizabeth back to his throne with him after their dance ended. After sitting down he lifted her onto his lap and informally introduced Jane and Elizabeth. While they talked Henry watched Anne dance. She was laughing and smiling. Whoever her dance partner was he was obviously charming. Henry had forgotten how beautifully Anne danced. She truly had a talent for it and he only wished he asked her if she wanted to be part of the masquerade being held tomorrow.

Anne's laughter caught his ears once more and he couldn't help the jealousy felt at seeing her with another.

Seeing the frown on Henry's face Jane followed his gaze to the mass of people dancing. Jane didn't understand until she saw raven hair and then Anne's face as her partner spun her around.

Jane had been nervous when Henry left her to approach Anne, not even seen the little girl she was talking to. Jane had felt great relief when it was Elizabeth, Henry chose to dance with, thinking it was appropriate for Henry to dance with both his daughters. Jane's thoughts led her to look around the room for Mary. Jane watched as Mary snuck in from behind a curtain.

Jane leaned toward Henry. "The Lady Mary has arrived." Henry followed her gaze to where his eldest daughter stood. When Mary saw him looking at her she bowed her head. Even though Henry promised Jane he would dance with Mary he didn't immediately go and greet her. He was still talking to Elizabeth, who still sat on his lap. He couldn't send her back to Anne because she was still dancing.

"I can keep the LAdy Elizabeth company." Jane offered. Henry thought her offer over before gently placing Elizabeth down and leaving her in Jane's care.

Mary watched the true Queen announce her arrival to the King. Soon after her father was walking to her. He asked for her hand in a dance and Mary followed him to the middle of the room. While they danced her father was distant and seemed upset, a complete opposite of how their first meeting had gone.

Mary danced with the King twice before her excused himself to go talk to the Queen. Mary watched as he went. She could feel the everyone's eyes on her. Most people had assumed she hadn't been able to come, but there was a rumor the King was shunning her again despite the Queen's efforts.

Henry neared Jane and Elizabeth. THanking Jane he took Elizabeth's hand and walked away before she could ask how the Lady Mary was.

Henry led Elizabeth over to where Anne was dancing. Upon seeing his Sovereign Lord Anne's dance partner excused himself and left Anne to face the King alone.

Henry offered Anne his arm and started to walk her back to where she was sitting. "Having a good time are you?" Something in the King's tone told Anne he was displeased.

"I do not need your permission to dance, Henry."

"No, but you do not need to cruelly remind me that I cannot be the one to dance with you."

"That was not my intention." Anne abruptly stopped and reached for Elizabeth's hand. "Not everything is about you." Anne muttered as she walked the rest of the way herself, leaving Henry standing alone.

Everyone at Court waited with baited breath for the King's reaction to Anne's openly disrespectful actions. However there was none and Henry went to go sit by Jane once again. Henry didn't talk to Anne or Elizabeth again all night but his eyes rarely left them.


Anne was furious. Henry might be King but he did not own her. She was not his wife nor his mistress and he had no right to be angry with her for simply enjoying herself.

Elizabeth had already been taken to bed for it was late, but Anne had been too angry to sleep and was wandering the castle halls. Suddenly Anne felt someone behind her which she thought odd for she was in a usually deserted area. Spinning around she saw Henry. Rolling her eyes she turned around and continued walking at a faster pace.

"Anne!"

"No, Henry." Henry grabbed her arm and turned her to face him, never letting go.

"I did not mean to be cross with you earlier, but the sight of you with another…" He trailed off.

"I watched you all night with another, with your wife. The whore you would have executed me to marry! Making our sweet Elizabeth a bastard in the process! Tell me Henry," Anne leaned in and whispered, "Was she worth it?"

Growing angry at Anne's words he lashed out, "A wife I love so much more than I ever loved you!For she will succeed where you failed" Everything about Anne seemed to scream of the pain she felt at his words, but she quickly hid herself behind a mask.

"Then why don't you go back to your whore and never speak to me again." Anne ripped her arm free and ran.