Duty or Love
Chapter Eleven
Katherine has been personally asking each of eight ladies-in-waiting if they were willing to still serve in her household. To her surprise and delight each of these women in question gave their constant. Especially when she specifically chose women with no loyality to either the Boleyn or Howard families.
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Henry walks with Anne into the royal nursery to meet with Mary. Henry with Anne sits on one of couches before Mary.
Henry says lovingly "My pearl, this is Lady Anne your soon to be step-mother" using his daughter's nickname as he formally introduces Anne to Mary.
"Your Highness" says Anne politely using her step-daughter's title but does not curtsey before Mary.
Mary gives a look of displeasure towards Anne due to her not properly greeting her. Before saying happily "Papa, I am happy that you have taken the time to see me today" even though he brought his mistress with him.
"Would you like a new gown for the elevation ceremony for Lady Anne?" asks Henry politely to his daughter knowing that this is a way to have Anne and Mary bond.
"Of course Papa" states Mary knowing that she will have to agree with her father on the matter.
Anne says in response "We can design our gowns together" as the seamstress that Henry found her to use would be here tomorrow.
Mary sternly says "I shall have my mother the Queen make my gown" not wanting to send anytime with her mother's replacement.
Before Henry could say anything in response. Anne replies instead "Henry, if that is what the Princess what's that is fine" placing a hand on his arm.
Henry says firmly "You may have your mother design that gown. However, you will wear the gown that Anne has make for you for the wedding"
Mary stares at her father in disbelief at the thought of him going through with this wedding.
Henry impatiently says "Return to your lessons and remember that Lady Anne will soon be your step-mother " as he takes Anne by the hand leaving the Princess's sight.
Thus, leaving behind a stun Mary who did not even get to show Henry her progress in playing chess.
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After leaving Mary's royal nursery, Henry is sitting on his throne with Katherine beside him.
The herald announces "Your majesties, Baron & Baroness Tailboys and Lord FitzRoy" as three individuals move to stand before the royal couple's thrones.
Baron Tailboys says politely "Your majesties" to his King and Queen hopefully at the end of this court visit he would no longer be a Baron but maybe a Earl instead.
"Welcome to court Baron Tailboys" replies Henry knowing that he selected his man to marry his former mistress.
Then the Baroness Tailboys quietly says "Your majesties" since she has not been to court since before her first-born birth.
Baron Tailboys pushes his wife's bastard son before his natural father to say "Your majesty, this is your son Lord Henry FitzRoy"
Henry motions for his five year old son to come forward. At that point, Henry immediately picks his son up and places him on his lap.
Hal says smiley "Your majesty" to his father knowing that he is the most important person in England according to his mama.
"No, its papa" says Henry proudly as he looks at his only son knowing his birth was the reason why he knows that it was not his fault that no Princes were in the royal nursery.
Katherine looks at her husband and his bastard son with disappointment knowing that he represents her failure as Queen. Now knowing her rival Anne will be the mother of the future of England.
As Katherine drifts off into her thoughts, Hal happily says "Papa, it's Hal" going by his nickname knowing that he was name for his father.
Henry walks out of the throne room while carrying Hal in his arms leaving behind Katherine.
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Henry takes Hal out to the gardens to where Anne was awaiting their arrival.
Henry places Hal on the ground and takes his hand. He joyfully says "Hal, this is Lady Anne your soon to be step-mother"
"My Lord" says Anne happily as she takes Hal's hand to shake it but to her surprise and Henry's as well. Hal hugs Anne instead and turns to his father to say "Papa, she is pretty"
"That she is" states Henry in agreement with his son "And we are going to have a picnic in the gardens"
Henry, Anne, and Hal spent almost two hours in the gardens eating different fruits and playing games.
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As they were enjoying their time in the gardens together, Mary ignores her lessons for the day as she stares out of the window in disbelief and anger. She sees her papa having a good old time with her bastard brother and that woman instead of with her.
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Hours later after leaving the gardens, Anne finds herself in the King's apartments dining with Henry.
"Sweetheart, what do you think about our day?" asks Henry wanting her option on how the day went.
Anne says happily "I enjoy the opportunity of meeting your children today especially Hal" as she thinks about her beloved's little boy.
"Our picnic with Hal was the best part of the day" says Henry happily at the thought of how well his son had gotten along with Anne then adding "I wish that Mary gave you the same chance"
Anne nods in agreement with his statement, she asks happily "Is it possible to welcome Hal to court more often once I am Queen?"
"Of course sweetheart" replies Henry thinking about the past relationship with Hal because of Katherine's hatred of the boy.
Anne then adds "We should arrange a birthday present for Hal as well" knowing that his birthday is in three days.
"Maybe his own pony" says Henry knowing that any son of his well like riding "I shall speak with the stable hands tomorrow to see if their ponies suitable for a first time rider.
They spend the next minutes silently eating their dinner before Anne adds "Maybe Hal should be given his own title as well during my own elevation ceremony"
"I could make him a earl" says Henry happily at the thought of making his only son a peer in his own right.
Anne says smiling "He should be make a Duke because he is a King's son"
"Whatever you wish sweetheart" says Henry planning on what Duchy he can give Hal as he already decided to make Anne the Duchess of Pembroke. As the elevation ceremony is plan to take place on the twenty-fifth day of this month.
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AN: Please review. My goal is to update two of these stories every week: A Court Scandal, A Life Changing Moment, Different As Night & Day, Duty or Love, and Mistress of Hearts. For the rest of February.