The next morning, Mary woke up and all she wanted to do was meet with John and Layla to keep her mind off of her mother. So she got up from bed and without even eating breakfast, she told Lady Breyn to give her father the letter when he comes and meets Elizabeth and headed off outside in the hopes of meeting the new man in her life.

Henry comes to see his little girl quite often. Just like Mary, a side of Henry was also fond of children. He may be a bad father to Mary but whenever he had a horrible day of fighting with Elizabeth's mother, he would come to see Elizabeth and just be soothed by her innocence. In Mary's case, Mary used to be a little girl he once knew. He used to love her even more than himself. After all Mary was his little pearl wasn't she? However, after years of sending her away from court to attend some of the finest schools, Mary was nothing but a stranger to Henry. Perhaps, if Henry had the pleasure of watching Mary grow up, and not have gotten brainwashed by the seductress of his time, Anne Boleyn, this wouldn't have been Mary's destiny. Simply out of guilt, whenever Henry went to meet Elizabeth, he tried avoiding Mary as much as he could. He just didn't want to be reminded of his past. After all, Mary not only looked like her mother, but it was quite apparent that this beautiful girl was also his child. Mary was a symbol of Henry's and Katherine's valid marriage and of the love they once had. But only, if her father took a better look at her, figure out that Mary was truly his blood, perhaps, he'd change his mind. But then would it be too late since Mary already despises her father? Then would Henry really learn to never take anything for granted?

Mary walked outside with her chestnut hair loose, a little messy, and descending to her waist. Her sapphire eyes were glowing much brighter and her porcelain skin had a natural glow because of the sun's rays. She was in a simple gown, with out the pearls and jewels of a princess. But not only did she not look like a princess; she also didn't have a princess's composure. She didn't act like a lady; proud, composed and modest every where she went. Today she was care free, fearless, and was a clear example of a pearl free from the grasps of her oyster. Princess, or not, the simplicity of her look and her fearlessness brought out both the fierceness of her inner and outer beauty. She was not a princess. She was nothing but a fair maiden but she still held the crown in every way. As she walked by, all eyes were on her as they watched the beautiful nymph. But, Mary didn't care. She didn't recognize the lustful glares that she got from men as she walked by. She only had one man in her mind, a man by the name of John.

Much to Mary's surprise, she did get what she was looking for. As she turned around she saw a little girl with the exact former silver-blonde hair and bright blue eyes running to her with her Papa right behind flashing his famous roguish smile.

"Isabella, I missed you," the little girl said as she hugged Mary. Mary smiled at the girl's statement as she bent down to pick her up.

"I missed you too Layla," Mary replied as she stroked the little girl's hair. Now her father walked right up to them.

"Layla couldn't stop talking about you last night" John said.

"I missed her too" Mary replied. Layla kissed Mary on the cheek and watched her father conversing with Mary.

"And me? Did you not miss me?" John asked as he looked into her eyes. Mary got so nervous. What would she say? Why did John have to put her on the spot like that?

"Your grace, surely you can't compare yourself to this lovely girl, now could you?" Mary replied as Layla rested her head on Mary's shoulder.

John chuckled at Mary's reply and said "I suppose you're right milady."

"I suppose I am as well" Mary replied with a smirk on her face.

"So milady, tell me a little about yourself"

"Please your grace, call me Isabella"

"Then you should call me John also. So tell me Isabella."

"John, what would you like to know?"

"Tell me what brings you out here?"

"I was just tired of staying inside all the time. Just out here for some fresh air."

"I see you're not a inside person"

"How'd you know, John?" Mary replied enthusiastically emphasizing John and flashing him a smile. John was a little taken back by her sudden playful attitude. The truth was Mary was willing to put her past behind her and look forward to a new start. She was still upset over her mother's illness but to hide and rid of her sadness, she would fake her happiness if she had to.

"I'm not the type of girl that you can hold back" Mary said.

"Then what kind of girl are you, Isabella?"

"What kind of girl do you take me for, John?"

"Papa, Isabella, look chocolate" Layla claimed as she spotted the peasants which were selling chocolate bars.

"Can I have some chocolate, Papa? Please."

Now Mary would offer to buy the little girl chocolate if she had the money. But the truth was that her father had not only stripped her off of her servants but had also left her with no allowance. Just like the other servants, she would attend Elizabeth and wait until food is served to her. But the difference between the other ladies-in-waiting and her was not only the fact that she got treated awfully on a daily basis but unlike the other girls, she didn't have anyone to go to if she were to ever leave this job. She had no family and in order to survive, she had to be held prisoner. If she ever left, she'd be nothing but a pauper on the streets. But Mary made the best out of the situation and tried to make herself as happy as possible. But how long would it be until she'd be shattered once again?

Meanwhile, Henry couldn't take his mind off of last night's incident.

As Henry came back to court, he was surprised at what he saw. Anne Boleyn looked stunning in a magenta gown with her long dark curls swaying down. As Anne Boleyn was swaying her hips trying to seduce her beloved, Henry fell into the trap. Henry felt the same exact passion as he did the first time he met her, if not more. They danced the night away, swaying their bodies together, giving into the heat and pinning each other's arms at an attempt to take control of the other. Their movements were animalistic and it left the people of the court in awe.

That night, Henry was in no mood to take another mistress. He was once again infatuated with his wife. When no one was in sight, he clutched his wife's arms, took her in his arms and brought her to their bed. Then as they ripped each other's clothes off, both were fighting for control over the other. But, Anne Boleyn was not only a sensual woman but also a clever one. Truly, she did win control over the King of England and the king was enjoying every bit of it. It was usually him, taking control of his women and enjoying every bit of the weak and feeble bodies underneath. But Anne Boleyn was truly a sensation. He loved this new position. He was underneath and his woman on top. Henry may have recently turned thirty-four but he was a man with a heated passion. As old as he was, he still had his good looks, and he still could drive women crazy just as much as he could when he was twenty-four. And it wasn't any different for Anne Boleyn.

After they were done having sex, both were out of breath as they lay beside each other. After catching their breath, Anne Boleyn said "I want to conceive a son. A son to be the living image of his father but I can't.

"Why?" Henry replied.

"As long as they're alive, I can't," Anne Boleyn whispered into Henry's ears.

"As long as who's alive?"

"Katherine and Katherine's daughter"

Henry shocked at her reply got up. "You want me to kill them?"

Henry was shocked that Anne could even think that. Mary was not only Katherine's daughter but also was his. He would never think about killing her. And Katherine, after everything, they've been through, he still had a soft spot left for her. But Anne had not only took control over him, but also made him a coward in his very own bed. Anne Boleyn, at an attempt at not wanting to make her husband even madder, started kissing his chest. She was thankful that Henry only ignored her remark.

Henry couldn't get the incident of the night before, out of his head. This morning, he just ignored his wife and decided that he would meet with his daughters. He was going to go meet Elizabeth, but he was also going to take a glimpse of Mary. He wanted to know how she was doing, of how she took the news of her mother being ill, and whether she was safe or not. In other days, he would ignore Mary, but today his mind changed because of the guilt that he felt of the night before. It had come to the point where, the woman he called wife desired to kill his own flesh and blood, and he didn't do anything about it. Although, Henry never showed it, a part of him still cared for Mary.

"Well at least I found out something about you, Isabella"

"Found out what?"

"That you love chocolate."

"That, I do your grace"

"What did I tell you about calling me your grace? Isabella" John said as he wiped off a bit of chocolate which was on Mary's lower lip. John was amused by the softness of her red lips. Mary's pupils dilated and her cheeks flushed in embarrassment. John simply chuckled that his one touch could make her feel like this. Unable to resist temptation, John felt the softness of Mary's cheek with his thumb and was moving forward to kiss her but Mary flinched. Mary didn't want to be another naive girl who got lured into a man's bed. Mary was better than that. Although, she was only but a servant, she wasn't anybody's whore and she was definitely not going to be used and thrown away by anyone ever again.

"I'm so sorry Isabella; I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable."

"I should go."

"Please, I apologize, that was uncalled for."

"No, Isabella, please don't leave. Not today," Layla said grasping Mary's hand.

"Of course, I'm going to stay" Mary replied picking the little girl up. John was looking at Mary in wonders. Mary was modest, full of life, nice, dignified and one of the most beautiful girl that he had ever laid his eyes on. Caroline had slept with him on the third day that they had been together. But Mary was hesitant to even kiss him. There was something about her which intrigued him. Obviously, like any other men, he was captivated by her beauty. But she wasn't just any other beautiful girl; there was something that made her different. And there John was, ruining his chances with her. He planned to never attempt to kiss her again, at least not unless she had warmed up to him.

As they walked at the same pace, to break the awkward silence, John asked Mary "So are you married? You have a family or something?"

Mary chuckled at his question. Surely, she was developed but she didn't look that much older than her age, did she?. John felt at ease over the fact that he had broke the awkwardness between them and that Mary was actually laughing.

"I'm sixteen, I'm unmarried and no I don't have a family."

"No family? You must have someone?"

"Nope, just me."

"What happened if you don't mind me asking? Where is your mother and father?"

"I don't know who or where my mother is and my father abandoned me when I was only a child. And I never heard from him again," Mary said quickly only telling half the truth.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to…" John said.

"It's alright. That's reality. The sooner one accepts it, the better."

"How do you survive? Who takes care of you?" John asked. He was shocked at how mature she was beyond her age. She'd been through so much. And for that, John really did respect her.

"I take care of myself. I live by attending the Princess Elizabeth"

"The princess Elizabeth? How'd you get appointed to be lady-in-waiting in the first place?"

"Well, apparently my father was a great friend of the King and because he felt pity for me, he appointed me."

John was happy that she at least had a safe place to live but he was afraid that the same outcome would lie for her as did Caroline. He couldn't help but wonder why the King appointed her in the first place. He felt the need to protect her already.

"I heard that the Lady Mary resides there as well?"

"Yes, she does"

"I don't know how any father could do that to their own daughter. Legitimate or not, nobody shan't do that to blood."

"Do what?"

"Separating her from her mother, abandoning her for a harlot, neglecting her and making her a servant to her own sister. Even the king gave her mother a better status than to his own daughter. At least, Queen Katherine is the princess of Wales and has few servants serving her while Mary is a girl who's been treasured all her life and now she's just a servant stripped off of all her titles and rights. And if she ever leaves the place, she'd be a pauper on the streets. I don't know what the king has against her. She's only but a child. If she truly is illegitimate, it isn't her fault. She didn't choose to be illegitimate."

Hearing all this was too much for Mary to handle. She always knew what her father did to her was wrong. She also knew that she was all alone and her future was lost but hearing it from someone else was just too much. Mary's eyes started getting watery and she was speechless. It took all the strength in the world for her to hold back the tears. But eventually Mary gave up and burst out crying.

John hugged her tightly, secretly hoping that the warmth of his touch would take away her pain. He was stroking her hair and Layla was watching intently.

Mary broke free and said "umm…sorry, I was just reminded of my father and I guess when you told me about Mary's life, I just got teary."

"It's okay, Isabella. These things happen. You need not apologize for expressing your feelings. Let it out." John replied as he took her in his arms trying to soothe and comfort her. Mary just cried in his arms. She had never been so affectionate or straight-up personal with anybody. She never expressed her feelings to anyone. The last time she had the freedom to do that was when she was a little girl. But right now, she felt as if a burden from her chest had been freed. With John, she wasn't a princess, always expected to be strong, tolerant, and perfect. She was only but a girl with him. He truly understood her; understood what she was going through even though he might not know that she is Mary herself.

Layla tugged at Mary's gown and said "Isabella, Isabella, please do not cry. You're not alone. You have us. We love you."

Mary was amazed with the little girl's remark. She truly knew just how to make her feel better. Mary broke free from John's arms and bent down to look at Layla who was staring at her so intently wishing to take her pain away.

As Mary stared at the little girl, Layla wiped her tears away and hugged her. Hugging Layla, Mary smiled. She felt at ease. She felt peace and serenity. She finally gained a hope that things were going to fall into place for her and she was going to find happiness and she had a feeling that her happiness was right there in front of her. Mary had a fondness of innocence, and Layla was just that; pure innocence. She knew what she was getting herself into. Sooner or later, she would get attached to this little girl and be infatuated by her father and if her own father did ever decide to interfere in her life, it would mean hell for these two. That's why she was going to keep her identity a secret and when the time comes, she'd run if she had to if it was to protect them. But for now, she needed them. She needed happiness in her life and she wouldn't let anyone ever take that right away from her.

Henry entered the building and held his baby girl in his arms. He noticed that Elizabeth had Anne Boleyn's eyes and her uncle, George Boleyn's red hair. But she did have his nose.

"My little Elizabeth," he said as he held the little girl close to him. When he was done cuddling Elizabeth, he asked Lady Breyn "Where's Mary?"

"Your majesty, she's been out all day. She went for a walk to get some fresh air and she hadn't come back since"

"And you let her go by herself," Henry yelled.

"Your majesty, she doesn't have any servants to take with her. And she can't stay locked up inside all day. All ladies-in-waiting have the right to leave this place once in a while."

"That's because they have some place to go to. Who knows where Mary will end up in? She's never been without a servant."

"Would you like me to stop her from going anywhere?"

"Couldn't she take any other ladies-in-waiting with her?"

"Your majesty, Mary keeps away from everyone and does not have any friends here."

"Why doesn't she have any friends?" Henry roared.

"Your majesty, I do not know, I advice you to ask Mary when she comes back."

"I can't stay here all day. Tell her that I want to meet with her the next time that I come."

"Okay your majesty, but yesterday, after she heard about the illness about her mother, she wanted me to give you this letter."

Henry took the letter, and took one glimpse of Mary's room. He spotted a necklace, the same necklace which he had given to her before she left for boarding school. Henry entered Mary's room and opened the locket. The locket which once had both her parent's photos in it, now only consisted of Katherine's photo. A pinch of sadness rushed through Henry. Did his daughter really despise him that much?

Unable to take it anymore, he rushed outside and said "Lady Breyn, forget what I said. I would not like to speak to Lady Mary. There is no need to tell her that I want to meet her, the next time that I arrive." With that remark, Henry rushed through the door, with Mary's letter clutched in his hands.

Right after Henry rode off in the distance, Mary and John were both holding Layla's hands at both sides as Layla stole a few swings holding onto both Mary's and John's hands as they came upon Mary's destination.

"I had a really good time," said Mary.

"So did I. I was wondering if you would like to meet tomorrow as well."

"It'd be my pleasure," Mary replied with a smile.

"Then I'll see you tomorrow, Isabella," said John as he kissed Mary's hand.

"Good bye John, Bye Layla," Mary said bending down to kiss the little girl.

As John watched Mary leave, he knew that she was the one. She was the one that he had to have. He never could've imagined that he would grow to even like someone this soon after Caroline's betrayal but he was wrong. Mary was everything he ever hoped for in the woman of his dreams. She was beautiful, nice, dignified, wise, and the way that she treated Layla was so sincere and genuine. John was sure that Mary would grow to truly love Layla like a mother. John admired the fact that although she was all alone, she still stood so strong. John admired her for her maturity and the self-respect that she had for herself. He admired her innocence. He loved the fact that she had flinched when he had tried to kiss her unlike other girls who would have not only kissed him but would have allowed him to take advantage of them. He was definitely tired of weak, and undignified girls. And Mary was definitely neither. Whether it was the fact that she was hard to get or the fact that Mary flinching was a sign of her self-respect, he wanted her all the more.