Chapter Ten

Visit to Whitehall, Part 2

A/N: Well, here's part two. I actually wanted to wait to post this, but decided I couldn't…It was too much of a distraction and school comes first from now until May. Anyway, I'm really hoping to stir something in my readers with this one. And, that being said, don't hesitate to drop me a review. I like to know what my readers like and dislike about the story and how I'm doing with the characters given the context. Also, Anne and co. get a few new outfits here…More than in my other stories, so don't hesitate to look at those either. Please and Thank you.


Anne hummed to herself as she unpinned her hair for the night and Alice bustled about, getting the room ready so that she could go to sleep, having volunteered to do so for the night after Joan had taken up the task of undressing the Princess while Margaret was put on wakeup duty. It wasn't often that they got to split up, but the smaller room gave them opportunities to do so, as, four women in the room plus Wyatt made it far too crowded.

"You're in a good mood," Alice observed, stepping forward to help her with the pins in the back.

"Things here are far better than I thought. I have seen no trace of my father, and Henry did not bother me during supper," Anne explained. "He danced with me out of courtesy, but knew enough not to be silly, as he often is in dance class. I met the other half of my family as well…Well, estranged family. The royal family of Castile is only related to Ferdinand by a broken marriage. Princess Joan is lovely though, just as well read as I heard."

"Sounds like you had a lovely time. We do not get to attend supper until the main festival."

"Enjoy it. These two days appear to be just for getting formalities out of the way. While I love it, I will admit, meeting all of these people is quite tiresome. Every time I turn around someone is calling my name…Then, half time, it is not even me they wish to see! Sometimes I dread having such a simple, common name."

"You could be your sister," Alice said. "Doesn't she often complain about the lack of space to fill out her name on tests?"

Anne gave a soft laugh. "Yes, her and Princess Kitty. Though, Kitty's problem is that she simply writes too large and won't admit it."

Alice laughed as she pulled the last pin free and a knock came at the door.

"Yes?" Anne asked.

"It's me, can I come in?" Elizabeth asked from the outside.

"Of course," Anne replied, smiling when her mother entered and then dismissed Alice with a polite wave of her hand, not noticing when the girl accidently left the door cracked.

"You seemed to be enjoying yourself at supper," Elizabeth said, making her way over to the vanity and picking up Anne's hairbrush, quickly starting on a section of hair.

"It was fun…Except for all the people I had to meet."

"I know. It is a little tiresome having to introduce yourself a hundred times over. There are only so many ways you can tell a woman you like her gown before you run out of ideas," Elizabeth sighed and they let the silence settle around them for awhile until she finished and put down the brush. "Let's get you to bed now," She said. "You know you have an early day tomorrow."

Anne groaned and her mother laughed as she helped her out of her purple dressing gown, throwing it over her trunk the same moment Henry walked by and then backed up when he noticed the crack, staying as quiet as he could as he looked in.

'You've got to be joking!' He thought. 'Her mother puts her to bed too?' He held back a laugh as he watched Elizabeth adjust the pillows and smooth down the blankets, frowning at the heavy furs as she pulled them off the bed and Anne climbed onto it.

"Comfortable, Sweetheart?" Elizabeth asked as Anne settled and she pulled the blankets up.

Anne shook her head, rolling one way and then the other with a frown. "Is there an extra blanket?" She finally asked.

"You can't be cold," Elizabeth said.

"I'm not…not really. I just want something that's mine."

Elizabeth sighed and popped open her daughter's trunk, quickly rifling through the clothes and smiling when she found Anne's favourite blanket – The red one she had embroidered as an early Christmas gift. "Better?" She asked as she laid it over her daughter, who simply nodded as she snuggled down into the covers. Elizabeth gave a soft smile and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face before giving her a light kiss on the head. "Goodnight, Sweetheart." She then quickly went around, blowing out all the candles as Henry quickly bolted, not wanting to be caught. Unfortunately, he ended up slamming into someone as he turned a corner.

"Henry," His father said as he started him down.

"I'm sorry, Father," Henry sighed.

"You must always watch where you walk and never run unless it's required for sport. It is far from appropriate for a prince inside a castle," King Henry warned. "Please, tell me this is not part of one of your childish schemes."

"No, Father."

"Good. Now, off to your chambers. You know we are due to dine with the royals in the main hall upon the morrow."

"Yes, Father," Henry bowed and allowed his father and his personal steward to walk past before making his way to his bedchamber. He didn't sleep however, instead opting to pen out more letters he would never send until he finally fell asleep at his desk, which got a nice chuckle from his grooms when they came to prepare him the following morning at the same time Margaret stepped into Anne's chambers and threw open the drapes in an attempt to wake her while Joan and Alice prepared her outfit for the day, choosing a simple, red and gold ball gown due to the occasion.

"Anne," Margaret said as she gently shook her mistress, who groaned as she struggled to open her eyes.

"Why are mornings so early?" She whined. "And bright?" She then rolled over, away from the sunlight and snuggled back into the blankets.

"Your Highness, it's time to wake now," She encouraged as she shook her again. "You are due to dine with the rest of the royals in the main hall this morning."

"No!" Anne snapped, pulling the blankets over her head.

"Now what?" Margaret hissed to Alice and Joan, having never dealt with her mistress being this stubborn.

"You have to find the Queen," Wyatt said as he entered, dropping a note on the desk before leaving again.

"Wait!" Margaret said, quickly chasing after him. "Why?"

"Because she knows how to deal with her when she's like this, and last time I tried, she punched me in the face."

"Oh…" Margaret muttered, quickly resolving to listen to him as she headed down the hall to Ferdinand and Elizabeth's chamber, being greeted by only the King when she entered the presence chamber.

"I'm looking for Her Majesty," She said after a proper curtsey was given.

"She is dressing. Has something happened?" Ferdinand asked.

"Her Highness is being stubborn," Margaret admitted.

"Hm…" Ferdinand thought and then stood. "Very well then, let us go." He said as he made his way out of the room, a stunned Margaret following him as he entered Anne's chamber's himself and called to her, watching as the covers moved and she stuck her head out, turning to look at him before rolling her eyes and laying back down. Ferdinand simply sighed and moved to sit on the bed, gently caressing her cheek until she blinked again and looked at him. "It's time to rise now, Anne."

"No," She snapped, slapping his hand away.

"I know you're tired, but you have to get up, now. You can sleep after breakfast, or take a walk, or whatever you wish, but for now, your royal duties come first," He informed her, getting a groan in response as she rested her arm on her forehead and turned to look at him.

"Must I?"

"Unfortunately. Come now, get up."

Anne sighed and held out her hand, allowing her stepfather to pull her up, rubbing her eyes once she was sitting.

"I shall see you soon," He said, leaving her with a light kiss on the head before he found his wife outside the door.

"How did you do that?" She asked.

Ferdinand shrugged. "Catalina is the same way sometimes, and when she is, I often have to use a goblet of freezing water."

"Anne would kill you," Elizabeth laughed.

"It's a consequence I am willing to face," He declared as they linked arms and headed back to their own chambers, waiting until the children made their appearances before they all made their way to the main hall, much like the previous night. However, it was far less crowded, as, there were no courtiers, only royals who had agreed to the event because it gave them an opportunity to interact more closely with each other without other officials in the way. And, despite the company and attire, things were far less formal and the seating was left to them to figure out. Even the hosts stepped down from the dais in favour of sitting amongst their guests to create a comfortable atmosphere, Anne settling in with the Volarè family.

"Anne!" Bridgette said, quickly throwing her arms around her.

"We had to bring her," Pierre said. "Maman was afraid she'd end up doing something if we left her alone."

"It's quite alright. How are the herbs I gave you doing?"

"Really well…Better than I expected, actually. The cooks are actually requesting more of them."

"I made good choices then," Anne said with a smile as servants started putting platters of food on the table, and, a few seats down, her mother became locked in a conversation with Pierre's mother, Ariane.

"It is a shame we have yet to meet, though our children are great friends," Ariane said as she picked up an orange from the platter in front of them.

"It is. Though being honest, I would rather be sewing in my presence chamber than sitting here pretending to be interested in some of these women's problems."

"You too?" Ariane said and they both laughed.

"Our mothers are getting on well," Pierre observed.

"Lovely," Anne said absentmindedly as she focused on slicing an apple, finally turning to him when she finished. "We should go for a walk after this," She decided.

"Sure."

"You can join us," Henry called from the next table over, where he sat surrounded by several princesses, including Catalina.

"No thank you," Anne replied politely.

"We shall be fine on our own," Pierre added.

"Very well then," Henry said before turning back to the girls as Anne and Pierre turned their conversations to their recent readings, moving on to converse with other people once the platters were taken and then heading for their chambers once dismissed to change into lighter, less worrisome clothing.

"Where did you get this?" Joan said as she laced the back of a simple, burgundy gown with a pink underskirt and short sleeves that was simply adorned with pearls along the skirt and top of the bodice.

"I found it in my wardrobe. I figured it was more than appropriate to bring, as, it is summertime. The fabric is light, so it will not get in the way during my walk," Anne explained as the last lace was tied and she moved to the vanity, where Margaret unpinned and repined her hair, setting it with a pearl diadem rather than a crown and replacing her golden necklace with a pearl one, her usual, amethyst one hidden in her dress pocket. "Thank you," She said as they finished, appreciating the simplicity of her outfit as a knock came at the door and she allowed Pierre, who had also changed into simpler clothes, in, linking arms with him as they headed for the gardens, happily chatting about whatever came to mind while avoiding Henry and his noisy, gaggle of girls while, inside, Elizabeth prepared for her own walk, except she was headed for the seamstress' quarters to keep her promise to King Henry to assist them. She sat, double-checking her sewing basket as a maid unpinned her hair and then tied it back with a simple ribbon, as, Elizabeth did not wish to intimidate the women, only help. She had even discarded her crown and chosen a simple, purple gown to wear, one that she would not worry about dirtying, looking up a knock that the maid answered, revealing one of her and Ferdinand's grooms.

"The English Ambassador to Aquitaine would like an audience," He informed her.

"Send him in," Elizabeth said, knowing that matters of state always came first…Behind family of course. She stood to receive him, eyes narrowing when Thomas entered and bowed.

"Your Majesty," He said.

"Sir Boleyn, or is it Lord now? I am not sure," Elizabeth said, stiffly presenting her hand for him to kiss.

"Lord, Your Majesty."

"You may call me by my name," Elizabeth said. "We both know you know what it is. Please, sit."

Thomas nodded and did as he was told, taking a seat in one of the chairs across from the chaise, where his estranged wife took her own seat.

"You look well," He said.

"What do you want?"

"Why do you assume I want something?"

"Why else would you be here? You hate me, or have you forgotten?"

"I do not hate you, Elizabeth. I never have."

"So is it just my daughter, then?"

"Let us not speak of such things. I came to ask a favour."

'Of course you did,' Elizabeth thought, holding back the urge to roll her eyes as she gestured for him to continue.

"I simply ask for you to put in some decent words with your husband. Perhaps convince him to relinquish a title or two. It is deserved after how well I cared for you, is it not?"

"Pardon?"

"I treated you well enough, and now that you have raised you could return the favour…tell me, how did you come to this position?"

"After you discarded us, your daughter and I wandered about, eventually finding our way to Ingletara, as I did not wish to stay in this land and risk our reputations due to your lies. We trained and became seamstresses in a lovely village, working hard and building a decent reputation that reached the king, who commissioned a cloak from us and soon began courting me. Of course, it was several months before I trusted him enough to accept his proposal, but once I did I never looked back. Now, to answer your request, I will do you no favours, my Lord."

"But, Elizabeth, please. Am I not deserving after how well I treated you?"

Elizabeth scoffed as she stood. "You did no such thing. May I remind you of our long, screaming matches? Most of them surrounding the treatment of your youngest daughter, who was thrown aside while you doted on her sister and brother. All I ever did was defend her and what did I get for it? Mistresses flaunted in my face, several beatings and endless insults. For God's sakes, Thomas! You even beat our daughter for doing nothing but protecting me from you. When George fell out of that tree on his own accord, you blamed her simply because they had been together, pulling her from bed and shaking her about like a bloody doll! You are a horrible person, Thomas. Not only for all of those things, but for expecting me to simply forget it all and reward you! How dare you even try? Leave," She snapped, backing up as he narrowed his eyes and stood in a fit of rage, reaching for her out of habit.

"Listen here, woman…"

"May I remind you that if you so much think of laying even a fingernail on me, that I will make sure my husband has your head?"

At that, he stopped, cursing her as he stormed from the room. 'Bitch,' He thought. 'Thinking she's so much better than me just because she opened her legs for a king. She can be that way. I have other ideas for how to get what I want…'


Later that afternoon, after some sulking, Thomas found himself with the King and several other men of the court in one part the stables preparing for a hunt, while, on the other, the Queen, Prince Henry and Anne stood, having what appeared to be a heated conversation.

"But, Mother, you can't," Henry snapped. "Tourneys are not for women!"

"I only wish to be in the race," Anne insisted. "I know you've seen me race, Your Majesty. I can do it."

"I apologise, Anne. But, your brother is representing your family in the race. Do not be mistaken dear, I understand and respect your wishes, but I simply cannot undo the preparation his Majesty has put forth. These events are his responsibility, I handle the suppers and the masques, and know that you are on the roster for several over the course of the next three days."

Anne sighed, but knew better than to fight. "I understand. Thank you for your time, Your Majesty," She said with a curtsey before heading off, giving another proper curtsey when she crossed paths with the King, who gave a soft smile and dismissed her before motioning to his men while Thomas eyed Anne as she left.

'The girl is as ambitious as always…Can't she leave well enough alone?' He thought, thinking that her mother had done a rather poor job of putting her in her place. There were rules to follow and protocol to respect, things that she still didn't seem to understand. He then looked to the Queen, who exchanged a few more words with her son before they turned and walked off, Prince Henry opting out of the day's hunt to practice for the upcoming sporting events, which started early the following morning with a joust.

"Why the face?" Catalina asked her sister as she sat, a black and red ribbon tied around her wrist, chosen to match her simple, summer gown. It was a dress made out of light fabric with a red underskirt and bodice, both covered with overlays in black that matched the trim at the top of the bodice that stopped with the short, red sleeves. Her jewellery remained, but for her pearl necklace, which was replaced with a simple, golden cross.

"They wouldn't let me join," Anne admitted.

"I don't know why you expected them to. Do you not listen in class? King Henry is the traditional sort, there's no chance of him ever agreeing to let a woman race or joust, no matter her training," Catalina explained. "So, it is not you, only him."

'Is that supposed to make me feel better?' Anne thought as she pulled at the purple silk around her own wrist, though it did nothing for her. Instead, she resolved to being indifferent until the event actually started and she found herself sucked into it, Catalina raising an eyebrow when she realised her sister had a hidden bloodlust that rivaled that of the men in the event as she stood and raged and cheered along with the crowd, settling down and even blushing when the Prince of Calais asked for her favour.

Anne raised an eyebrow and gave Pierre a sympathetic look as she tied the ribbon around his lance, knowing he didn't want to be doing this in the first place. He was okay with racing and hunting, but didn't particularly like the idea of risking his life in favour of smashing some stick on a shield. But, his father pushed him, so he did it, if only to make him shut up.

Henry glowered at him as he took his place, angered that he had taken Anne's favour. Though, he also acknowledged that it was the fate of the lineup that put him in the following round and unable to ask before Pierre, who did end up winning. He then sighed as he glanced about the crowd, knowing that any of the girls would be happy to give him their favour, and finally settled on his youngest sister, while, his opponent, Edward of Buckingham, did the same with his eldest sister. The two exchanged a look before proceeding to their places, half the crowd standing in anticipation, as, this was the round they had been anticipating, knowing there was history between the families of the two lands.

"Henry is the favourite to win," Catalina informed her sister as they stood.

Anne rolled her eyes. 'I'd rather see him fall on his face,' She thought with a smirk, though, honestly, she had no preference and was simply eager to see it play out, often watching to catch they boys' strategies and weaknesses, knowing that it was a game, not a simple matter of running forward with a stick.

In the end, Henry claimed victory and the crowd, especially those on his family's side, roared and he took a lap around the pavilion as soon as he had another lance in hand, as, always the poor sport, Edward demanded another round.

"Perhaps you'd like to bet on me for the next round," He said smugly upon stopping near Anne, getting a nasty, death glare in response.

"No," Anne replied flatly. "Besides, I have already given my allegiance to another."

"What of you, then?" Henry asked Catalina. "Will you allow me to ride in your honour?"

Without saying a word, Catalina stood and tied the ribbon at the end of his lance, giving him a smile and a flirtatious glance before he walked off. "How can you say 'no' to that?" She sighed as she sat back down, pulling her fan from beside her.

Anne simply rolled her eyes, giving a quick glance to her mother, who only smiled before turning back to the match, which, again, Henry took for his own before the event moved on and Charles finally got his moment in the spotlight as he and Francis made their way around the area.

Elizabeth and Ferdinand exchanged a look and smiles as he grabbed her hand and Charles made his way over.

"Milady, will you do me the honour of allowing me to wear your favours?" He said to his stepmother, who gave him a warm smile and her blue ribbon, which added contrast to her jade gown, which, like her daughter's similar, purple one, had two, light layers of skirt, the bottom being a lighter shade and printed with a pattern that matched that of the underlayer of the bodice. Over both was a darker shade that matched that of the jewels in her crown and her short sleeves.

They nodded to each other and Charles turned, rolling his eyes when he saw that Francis had yet to make a decision, deciding instead to play games, going from one place to the next, teasing the girls before finally settling on Princess Kitty.

"Are you quite finished?" Charles jested as they took their places.

"Not yet. There is still the victory lap!" Francis taunted back before they lowered their visors and the flag went down, Elizabeth grabbing Ferdinand's hand on the sidelines, as, they both knew that, while he trained well, jousting was not Charles' strongest sport. However, though he lost, he did manage to stay up and avoid serious injury, much to everyone's relief.

Their match marked the last of the day, with the winners to be drawn and thrown into the circle for the following morning's match.

"Come, Anne! We need to congratulate the winners!" Catalina said, pulling at her sister's arm.

"Catalina, I can't! I have rehearsal for the masque, don't you?"

"No. Not until tomorrow afternoon. I'm in the concluding ceremony. We both are, come to think of it."

"Yes, but I'm also in one of tonight's smaller ones to mark the beginning of the festival. You did not get chosen for one of the two?"

"No. But, I am assisting with the performance for the ambassadors in two days," Catalina said before she ran off at Kitty's wave.

Anne simply shrugged and went on her own way, knowing that Pierre wouldn't mind if she didn't hang around, as, she doubted he was even around. He never liked being in the spotlight, and she had other matters to tend to, matters that ended up revolving around not only singing and dancing, but costuming, as, Anne couldn't help herself during the fitting and put herself in the seamstresses' way until the ones from Chesworth shoved her out, thinking her annoying.

'What is their problem?' She thought with a huff later that night as her mother dressed her, fluffing and tweaking the white and black satin here and there as she hovered about, getting looks from the seamstresses, who thought the sight ridiculous. After all, they were hired for this job, and didn't need some half-skilled queen attempting to do it for them.

"Does this fit alright?" Elizabeth asked as she tied the last lace.

"It's Perfect. Thank you, Mama."

"It's not a problem," Elizabeth replied, moving to fiddle with Anne's white and black veil. "Now, what are you supposed to be, exactly?"

"The women in white and gold are the virtues, and the ones in black and grey and the vices, but the other mixed colour woman and I are the ones caught in the middle. We're unsure of our path, but…You'll see. They went for simplicity in the costumes to let the story speak for itself."

Elizabeth simply nodded. "I have to get back to the main hall, but I trust you'll do well."

"I will," Anne promised as her mother and the seamstresses filed out and Professor Cornish entered, as, he was the leader and chorographer for the masque. He called the women to the front of the room and had a few words with them before cuing them out as the music started and they entered the main hall, making their way over to and climbing the steps of the painted, canvas castle.

"Which one is Anne?" Charles whispered to his father, who shrugged, unsure himself. He then turned to Elizabeth, who said nothing.

"Found her!" Catalina hissed.

"How?"

"Her necklace," She replied, having spotted how the amethyst clashed with everyone's jewellery and her black and white gown. However, Anne had insisted on keeping it, due to her promise and the dress' lack of pockets.

"Why is she two colours?"

"Ser tranquilo y presta atención," Catalina hissed, sick of his questions.

Charles simply gave her a look and turned back to the stage as the men appeared, bearing names such as Gentleness, Honesty and Liberty, all led by the Ardent Desire, played by Prince Arthur.

"As Ardent Desire, I implore you to release these gentle ladies!" He demanded.

"As Lady Scorn I laugh at your desires!" Margaret snapped, as per the script.

"Forget them, Sire," One of the men, labeled, 'Liberty,' said.

"How can you imply such a thing when there are damsels that need saving?"

"But, what of those in the middle? We know our graces are righteous ladies, but, these other ladies…What path are they on?"

Arthur pretended to think a minute and then glanced up at Anne and her partner, Princess Joan of Castile, both of whom did not have names, only question marks. He then nodded and turned to them, asking, "And what of you ladies? Where do you stand?"

"We are not entirely sure," Joan responded. "They tell me I am righteous, and filled with grace. The most honest, charitable women they have ever met. Yet… I regarded those higher than me with disdain. I spend my time working hard, only to still be lower because I don't have as many resources. My path to grace is blocked by feelings of disdain, jealousy and even lust. But, I often wonder why this is. Why must I stay in limbo simply because I have feelings?"

Arthur nodded again, Anne spoke her side and the show went on, with her and Joan being recued first, after being discarded by both sets of women for simply wanting to mix things up and having conflicting feelings. However, their respective knights assured them that nothing was wrong, that it was okay to be conflicted, as long as you found balance and they danced a quick set before attention was turned back to the castle, the knights preparing to storm until Anne stepped up, asking the reason for the black ladies' disdain.

"Why must you imprison them? It is because you are their opposites? Because you are jealous of the attention? To that, I ask, why? And, to you, my Knights," She said, turning to the men. "Why do you mock them? What is so special about these wispy, floaty women you seek? Then again, what makes danger so appealing? Why is there not balance? Are not all these feelings part of the human condition? Yes, we get jealous and fight, but on the other end, we are all honest people at heart. Let us not be separated and labeled based on such menial things. Why do not embrace each other, and all of our flaws? I implore you to not only release these women, but join them. Let us all dance together for once and never be secluded in limbo."

At that, everyone waited while the dark ladies whispered amongst themselves and then, granted the request, allowing the men into the castle as they attempted to flee, acting shocked when their hands were taken as well and everyone was led to the floor while, on the sidelines, Thomas rolled his eyes at it all, thinking it a contrived lesson disguised as a play as everyone hit the floor, all were unmasked and proper bows and curtsies were given before the dance began, Anne on Francis' arm and Henry on his sister's, narrowing his eyes at the sight.

"You keep doing that and your face will get stuck," Margaret whispered.

Henry ignored her as they danced around each other, switching partners for a brief part of it before she came back to it. "Why don't you just tell her the truth? It'll make your life so much easier."

Again, she was ignored and they switched again, Anne ending up with Thomas Seymour and, consequently, right next to her father, not that she noticed.

Thomas simply raised an eyebrow as she stepped past him, his eyes focused on the jewels around her neck. 'I'm sure that would fetch a nice price. How is it that the useless girl is doing better than I am? And who would dare give her something so…nice?' He scoffed at the thought as the dance ended, the audience clapped and everyone was able to mingle about while the set for the next masque was put up and the cast members filed into the hall, going their separate ways to change for the subsequent supper.

After a quick glance around, Thomas followed them, keeping a decent distance between himself and his daughter as she made her way to her bedchamber, only to be stopped by Wyatt outside the door.

"And who are you?" He demanded.

"I could ask you the same."

Knowing he was outranked, Wyatt simply bowed, "Thomas Wyatt, personal steward to Her Highness, Princess Anne of Ingletara."

Thomas thought quickly, knowing he'd have to make something up to get past him. "Jeffrey Stewart. I am the ambassador to Aquitaine from Whitehall. I come to speak on behalf of my master, who wishes to formally give an invitation for the princess to attend the upcoming celebration next month."

Wyatt thought for a minute, nodded and knocked on the door, getting a question of who was inquiring that he responded to before finally opening the door with permission. "The ambassador to Aquitaine from Whitehall," He announced before closing the door.

Anne, who had been fiddling with her jewellery by the window turned, eyes wide when she saw who was bowing before her.

"Your Highness," He said politely, a hint of scorn in his voice.

"What do you want?" Anne snapped.

"You do not have to be hostile. I come with peaceful intentions. I only wish for a favour or two. Perhaps you could exchange some words with His Majesty, King Ferdinand."

"And do what? Get you things you don't deserve? You've done nothing for the Kingdom of Ingletara that warrants you any notoriety. You have to actually serve the king and do honourable things in the kingdom you are from before even thinking of that."

"Fair enough. I see your royal school has put some knowledge in your head. Perhaps some trinkets then. You must have something lying around for your notable father."

"Notable." Anne scoffed. "You pretend I don't exist my whole life unless you're angered, but when I finally get something decent in my life, you come begging for favours and money. You're not notable, you're pathetic. Begging for handouts from your useless daughter. If you're so notable and noteworthy, good things will come in time. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to dress for supper, leave."

Like with Elizabeth, Thomas narrowed his eyes, fists clenched. How dare she speak to him in such a manner? No matter her status, he was still her father, the man she was to answer to for the rest of her life. And, unlike with her mother, he didn't hold back, stepping forward and roughly grasping her arm as he pulled her in his face.

"You listen to me, girl. You are nothing. You will always be nothing. Do not act like you are better than me simply because your mother opened her legs for a king! In the end, she's nothing but a whore, which makes you a whore's daughter."

"Let go!" Anne snapped, struggling to pull away, only to feel his grip tighten. She gasped in pain, knowing she'd have bruises if he didn't let up.

"No. Mind you, no matter what you do or how high you rise I am still your father and you will answer to me. I'm not begging, I'm demanding. I deserve something for putting up with you and your fucking mouth. How any daughter of mine came out this way I will never understand, but I will not put up with it any longer!" Thomas snapped as he let her go, throwing her to the ground, rolling his eyes at her yelp as she fell back and down.

Anne hit the ground hard, tears in her eyes as she forced herself to look up. She knew she should call for someone, get him arrested, but she couldn't. Part of her thought he was right, and the other was deathly afraid of what he was capable of with not only his hands, but his influence. She had thought she'd left the hurt behind at Hever, not admitting to herself that, regardless of their distance, she longed for some sort of acknowledgment, some approval. She heard footsteps, but refused to move, shaking as he roughly grabbed her hair and pulled her up, forcing her to look at him.

"I know you have something in this room. Hand it over," He said, letting go of her hair as she nodded, forgetting her dignity, as it meant nothing to him, as she crawled over to her trunk and popped it open, hastily rifling through it before standing and presenting him with a small pouch.

"I…I…Don't know how much it is. Mama gave it to me…for…the market…But…You need it more…t…t…than I…" She said, shaking with fear as he approached and took it, turning it over in his hands before looking her over. "I…I…I'll find more…I promise. I just…haven't had time to go through all my belongings."

"No, you do have something. What of those pretty jewels around your neck?"

Anne's hand immediately went to her necklace. "NO," She snapped protectively. "You can have anything, but this. It was a gift from Ferdinand. He made me promise never to take it off my person and I will not break that promise. And if you take it, he will know something's wrong and you'll lose your head before you even get the chance to gain more."

Thomas thought for a minute, turning her words over in his head before simple nodding. "Fair enough. Next time I come, you better have something better," He snapped before putting the pouch in his pocket, taking in a breath and leaving, Anne locking the door as soon as he closed it. She listened for a minute, making sure he was truly walking away before collapsing to the ground in tears, letting her gown pool carelessly around her.


That night she sat fiddling with her blanket as she settled down for bed. She had torn her belongings and the room apart, looking not only for more trinkets, but for her doll. The cloth one she and her mother had made right after becoming seamstresses. She never went anywhere new without her, even if it was babyish. But, after all her time being thrown around and restarting her life, twice she grew fond of the comfort and was on the verge of throwing a fit until her mother appeared.

"I found Bertrande mixed in with my clothing," Elizabeth said, raising an eyebrow when her daughter hastily grabbed the doll and hugged her. "Are you alright, Sweetheart?"

"Yes," Anne replied, finally lying down.

"Are you sure? I've not seen you this distraught for a long time. You nearly threw a fit when we hadn't found her after the first hour."

"I'm fine, really. It's just…now that the festival has begun, I have a lot to do and it's weighing me down."

"Alright," Elizabeth said, though she was skeptical. "I know, it's a lot, but, don't let it get to you. Just remember to take some time for yourself."

"Alright…" Anne agreed, turning away from her mother as she covered her and left her with a light kiss on the head before blowing out her bedside candle. She sighed as the room darkened, clutching Bertrande as she forced herself to relax and slipped into sleep, soon finding herself in an unknown room, in one of Catalina's old gowns, coughing as she dusted off trinkets, her dress stained with both the dust and some dirt with some odd colouring - likely from food – mixed in.

"ANNE!" A voice called and her head shot up, knowing exactly who it was.

She said nothing as she quickly hustled from the room, which, she discovered, was in the palace back at home. Following the voice, she soon found herself in the main hall, her family staring back at her as she curtsied, along with her father, who was at the king's side in fine silk with a sash of rank.

"Thank you, Thomas," Ferdinand said. "Do you know why we called you here, Anne?"

"No, Your Majesty."

"You are to redo the Princess' room. The maids from earlier did not do it justice and she requests it be redone."

"But…I'm a princess!" She said back, getting laughs in response.

"You are a princess in name only," Her mother said. "But, it doesn't suit you, as your father has graciously pointed out. A troublesome, mouthy girl such as yourself is far suited to this. Something that puts you out of sight and mind and keeps the court from talking."

"Even after everything we've been through?"

"This again. Thomas," Elizabeth said, rolling her eyes before gesturing to him.

Thomas nodded and stepped up to drag Anne from the room, soon pulling her into a side one. "You know the rules about mouthing off to your superiours!" He snapped, slapping her across the face.

"But, they're my family!"

Thomas scoffed. "And you think they would care for some peasant girl? You're the stepdaughter. Your only escape will be the match drawn up for you…His Majesty mentioned a small nobleman in the country who needs a wife…But until then, they have to do something with you," He then reached forward and pulled her towards him by the front of her gown. "Now, go on and do as you're told or you know what comes next," He threatened, pulling a knife from his pocket to make his point.

Anne nodded and ran off, only then realising that something didn't feel right and pulled up her sleeve, finding not only bruises but cut marks that she gasped at, tears in her eyes as she looked at them, over and over again before she bolted, heading from door to door and finding them all locked. Then, when she hit the end of the hall, she felt two shadows over her before the guards dragged her, kicking and screaming to her father's chamber, where he sat, with the blade, freshly heated by the fire. Knowing what was coming, she closed her eyes, opening them to darkness as she sat bolt upright in bed, tears in her eyes.

'I have to do something…But…I…I…Oh, calm down it was just a dream! But…It's a possibility…What if…? No! Stop it! I'm fine…I will be fine…I...I just…I need Mama.' She thought, quickly moving to get up and then stopping. 'I can't bother her…She already does too much for me…Besides, what would Henry think? I don't need that adding to my list of things he can use against me…' She leaned back against her headboard, glancing about the room as she did so, finding the darkness to be rather menacing, as, it hid things. Secrets…People…And, with that in mind, she stood, pulled her blanket around her shoulders and grabbed Bertrande, letting her instincts lead her down the hall and, eventually, to her sister's room, which was about as big as hers, except it was done a bit more plainly. She took in a breath as she approached the bed, tapping her shoulder.

"Catalina?" She said, moving to shake her sister. "Catalina."

"Just leave it over there…" Catalina muttered in her sleep, getting a raised eyebrow in response before Anne shook her again and she finally opened her eyes, blinking a few times as she adjusted to the darkness. "Anne?!" She asked. "What are you doing here?"

"I…Uh…Well…I just…I had a bad dream and…I didn't want to be alone but, this was stupid. I should just go back to my room," Anne said as she came to her senses and moved to leave.

"Wait…It's…Too cold and dark for that. Stay."

Anne let out a sigh of relief as Catalina moved over, making room for her on the bed that she carefully climbed onto after laying out her blanket. "Thank you," She said, getting a polite wave of the hand in response as her sister turned the other way.

"Do you…Want to talk?" Catalina asked after a stressful pause.

"No."

There was another bout of silence before Catalina rolled back over and grabbed Anne's hand, startling the other girl. "I won't push, but you do know that…If you want to talk…I'll listen, Querida."

"Thank you, Catalina," Anne replied with a smile as they finally settled, eventually falling asleep hand-in-hand, Anne sleeping without interruption until the next morning, when Elizabeth hastily threw open the door to the room, sighing in relief once she realised her daughter was safe.

"Ferdinand!" She called, drawing her husband from another room. "She's with Catalina."

Ferdinand raised an eyebrow at the sight and then looked at his wife, "You handle Anne, I will deal with Catalina."

Elizabeth nodded and they took places on either side of the bed, both starting by pushing the hair out of their respective daughter's faces. "Sweetheart…" Elizabeth coaxed. "It's time to get up now."

"No," Anne groaned, turning away from her and grabbing Bertrande, while, next to her, Catalina looked up at her father with tired eyes as he gently caressed her cheek.

"Papa?"

Ferdinand gave a soft smile, whispering, "Buenos días. Es hora de despertar ahora, Mi Belleza."

"¿Debe hacerlo?" Catalina groaned.

Ferdinand simply nodded, leaving her with a kiss on the head as he stood and she forced herself up, glancing over at her sister as she did the same at her mother's urging. They exchanged a look, sighed and sat up as their parents left.

"Your hair is a mess," Anne halfheartedly teased.

"It always is when I get up. Why do you think it takes three maids to tame it? Perfection doesn't just happen," Catalina admitted as she stood and Marie and Bella appeared, handing over her dressing gown while Anne stayed, attempting to wake up as Margaret and Joan also entered to lead her back to her room after helping her with own dressing gown and slippers, Margaret grabbing the blanket on the way out.

"You had us worried sick!" Joan scolded. "We thought something had happened to you. Why do you do this?"

"Do what?" Anne yawned.

"Wander off at night."

"I just didn't want to be alone."

"Are you having nightmares again?" Margaret asked.

"Of course not," Anne lied, ignoring her maid's raised eyebrows as they finally arrived and they bustled about, preparing her for the day and then sending her off to her parents' chamber for a family breakfast before she was due to attend that morning's joust and then race, keeping on her toes the entire time in case she ran into her father again. But, he kept his distance during the events and bigger gatherings, not wanting to draw attention to himself or the situation, deciding instead to pull her into private corners and lure her to secluded rooms, where she handed over the trinkets without question over the course of the day and the next, not daring to speak back for fear of his hands and sighing with relief every time he left her unscathed. So, despite her heightened guard and the meetings with her father, things went about like normal for Anne as she was dragged from one event to the next, finding herself dancing with Henry the following night at supper.

"You've been avoiding me," He hissed as she moved around him.

"I have not," Anne replied. "And even if I was, why would you care, Sweetums?"

"Don't you dare go there. Your mother tucks you in at night with toys."

"How do you know about Bertrande?"

"It even has a name?" Henry laughed as they separated for another part of the dance, leaving a silence until they were together again.

"First off, Bertrande is not an 'it'. Secondly, she is not a simple toy."

"Let me take a guess, she is your best friend?"

"No. Wait…why do you care? It's horrid enough you know she even exists," Anne snapped as the dance came to an end and they separated again, until Henry grabbed her.

"I won't tell if you don't tell about the name…or the ditch…or the face thing."

"Fine," Anne said, pulling her arm from his grasp. "Only if you agree to also not tell about my name or the occasional bedtime routine."

"Only if you agree to another dance."

"Fair enough," Anne shrugged. "Come find me when you're ready." At that, she headed off and grabbed Pierre's hands, dragging him into a group dance while her father looked on from an upper level.

'I had no idea she was close with the Prince…If she will not talk to her stepfather, perhaps she can hold an influence over him and convince him to speak with his own father. He is clearly besotted with her for whatever reason…' Thomas thought, taking another swig of ale as the music changed to another couples dance and Anne forced Pierre to stay, making him raise an eyebrow. 'Yet…She ignores him. She wants this other weakling…No matter. She's a decent actress, she can make Henry believe she's in love.' He smirked at his own brilliance and headed off to make conversation with the other courtiers, coming to his daughter later that night as she brushed out her hair after supper.

"Have I not given you enough?" She snapped as she ran the brush over another layer of hair.

"Trinkets are nothing compared to what you could do for me. I noticed the Prince's eyes upon you at supper."

"Which one?"

"You know very well which one."

"And how is Pierre going to help you?"

Sighing, Thomas stomped over and yanked the brush from her grasp. "Are you stupid?!" He snapped. "Henry. Prince Henry. Do not tell me you have not noticed!"

"Oh, him. He's an idiot," Anne said simply, glaring at the hand that held her brush. "And I wasn't finished with that."

Thomas threw it across the room, and reached for her, pulling her up and into his face. "I do not care if you think so. You will act like you think the opposite. Get him to fall for you, to listen to you. Then, you will put a few decent words in and make him speak with his father. I could be an earl by this time next year."

"And what would I get for this?!" Anne snapped. "The satisfaction of knowing I helped a monster because I was threatened?! Trinkets are one thing, but matters of the heart are personal and I will not meddle in them!"

"You will and you will enjoy it or God help me…" He tightened his grip for a moment before throwing her back, almost rolling his eyes as she ran to one corner of the room.

"NO," She snapped, stomping her foot in anger. "I will give you any jewel you want! I will even give you my gowns to piece apart and sell if you wish, if only to make you leave. But I will not meddle with a man's heart in such a way, despite the advantages. I have seen the results of it and refuse to act in such a manner! I'd be no better than a common whore. I REFUSE."

At that, Thomas snapped. He started to step forward again, but she only backed up further. In his anger he looked around the room and then down at the vanity he stood in front of. Thinking quickly, he grabbed the book off the corner and threw it across the room.

Though she saw his hand move, even saw what was coming, Anne moved a little too slowly and ended up being hit squarely on the left side of her face. Unable to scream due to the shock, she simply collapsed, her hand instinctively covering her suddenly stinging eye as she sat, afraid to move, afraid to look up and see blood.

"Take that as a warning. I will give you time to think and will be back," Thomas said, quickly making himself scarce.

As soon as he was gone, Anne finally lifted her head and looked at her hand, relieved to see it clean, not a drop of blood in sight. She let out a sigh of relief as she stood, nearly screaming as she glanced in the mirror, staring at the large, black ring around her eye.

'I can't walk around like this! What will Mama say?! What will the court say?!' She thought, as she touched it and winced. 'I have to think of something! I can't just tell everyone my father threw a book at me…He'll beat me worse! I…I…' She stopped thinking as she glanced up and noticed the low shelf above the vanity, which she quirked an eyebrow and then smiled at upon realising she had her excuse.


"Tell me again how this happened," Elisabeth said the following morning during a private dining session between her family and Ferdinand's, brushing a strand of hair out of Anne's face as she spoke.

"I put my foot on a chair to tie my shoe this morning, but I slipped and smacked my head on the shelf above my vanity," Anne explained and Henry snickered, getting a decent kick under the table from Margaret.

"Oh, dear…Well, I'm glad that's all it is," Elisabeth said.

"Trust me, we all are," Elizabeth said. "She's had worse."

"I thought princesses were supposed to be graceful," Henry taunted.

"And I thought princes were supposed to chivalrous and respectful," Anne snapped back.

"Anne," Ferdinand warned.

"Henry," King Henry scolded with a look.

"I apologise, Father."

"Sorry, Ferdinand."

Both men nodded in acknowledgement of the apologies and the conversation moved on to the day's events, including the afternoon's two races, the first between the princes of the kingdom and the second between the high ranking nobles, with a rumoured king or two thrown into the mix and the ladies' midday garden party, hosted by Mary and Margaret.

"I'm sure you will simply adore my gown," Catalina said to Mary, soon looking at Anne. "What are you wearing, Anne?"

Anne shrugged. "Probably my summer dress. It is outdoors."

"How can you be so calm? All the queens and princesses will be there. You will need something more than that."

"I only brought a handful of gowns, Catalina. I don't know if I have anything new or extra."

"You can borrow one of mine, then."

"You're bigger than I am."

"I'm sure we can find something," Elizabeth said. "Your maids must have thrown an extra garment or two in your trunk."

"Do I have to?" Anne whispered.

"Yes," Elizabeth said, giving a small chuckle as her daughter furrowed her brow, knowing better than to pout or fuss in the presence of such company. Instead, they moved on, Elizabeth following Anne to her chambers after the meal to find a gown, smiling when they both agreed on the two-toned, blue gown her mother had made for her birthday the previous month, setting it aside before heading out to watch the race. They ended up arriving just in time for the rider introductions, where, as with the joust they went about, asking for favours.

On the sidelines, Thomas watched, keeping an eye on Anne, and giving her a knowing look when she caught his eyes right before Henry came around, stopping in front of and holding his hand up for Anne.

"No," She said with a scoff. "I believe I have told you, time and time again that my allegiance is with another."

Keeping up appearances, Henry simply nodded in acknowledgement and took another lap around, eventually settling on Princess Jane, much to Catalina's and Thomas' chagrin. He clenched his fists as he watched his daughter reject the key to his advancement, instead giving her ribbon to Pierre's brother, Alain, who had chosen to be in the event over his younger brother and decided, after learning he was actually showing an interest in a girl, to do him a favour.

'You would think she would have taken last night's lesson to heart!' Thomas thought with a scowl, glancing the black ring around her eye, which was more than unattractive, though it almost matched with her purple and black gown. However, Anne easily grew sick of it and the questions it drew, having to hold her tongue when the other girls laughed at her "ungraceful moment" at the garden party.

"Does it hurt?" Kitty asked.

"Only if I touch it," Anne shrugged.

"Why would you want to touch it?"

"To see if it's any better. The same reason a doctor examines any other wound."

"Can we talk about something else?" Catalina asked, rolling her eyes.

"Yes, please," Anne agreed. She already wasn't fond of being the centre of attention unless she made it so, especially when the attention was undesired. She would have much rather been discussing readings or even court gossip. Anything to turn the attention away from her wounds, the rest of which she hid with long sleeves, secretly grateful her mother wouldn't let her wear the short sleeved gown, as the bruises would have brought more questions and worry from her family, whom she felt almost betrayed by. Her mother assured her she wouldn't get hurt, yet, here she sat, hiding bruises on her arms and lying about a black eye. However, on the other end, she knew it was her own fault for not speaking up about it. The staff would only respond when prompted unless it was seen directly, and Thomas was far too good about waiting around and choosing just the right time to approach her. He also knew her fears too well. Fears of further retaliation on his part. She figured, when given a choice, it was simply better to give in and give him what he wanted…until lines were drawn, lines that he refused to understand, as shown by his appearance after supper.

"I told you to entice Prince Henry," He started as he entered, while Anne turned from her spot at the window.

"And I told you I do not meddle in such personal matters," She replied as she paced the room. "It's not right. I will only show my love to those who truly have earned it. I am not a fake princess."

"No, of course not. You're just a stupid one," He said, grabbing her when she was close enough and slamming her into the wall. "Did you not forget our little lesson last night? Or, perhaps you need a matching set?" He said, tempted to simply punch her in the face this time.

"Let me go," Anne snapped.

"I don't think you understand, Sweetheart, I own you. You have to do as you're told…" He hissed, ignoring her scowl at his use of her mother's beloved name and the movement of the door handle as Wyatt stepped in, poems ready to be read and critiqued.

"I was inspired by today's gathering and I thought…" He said, trailing off and dropping the documents in his hand. It took him all of a second to register the scene, and as soon as he did, he bolted down the hall, throwing open the door to the Ferdinand and Elizabeth's chamber without knocking, startling them out of a conversation.
"Wyatt, this had better…" Ferdinand started, unaccustomed to his servants acting out.

"Anne…She's…Ambassador…" Wyatt said, struggling to get the words out through deep breaths and shock. "Just, go." He said.

Sensing the urgency, Ferdinand gave Elizabeth a look before they both left themselves, several guards following at Ferdinand's signal, forgetting propriety as they picked up speed with Anne's well being in mind.

Unlike Wyatt, Ferdinand didn't think as he threw open the door to her bedchamber, going for Thomas as soon as he caught sight of him. "Get off of my daughter," He snapped as he threw the man to the ground.

"Your daughter?!" Thomas snapped back as the guards each grabbed an arm and, in the commotion, Anne slipped to the floor in a mess of tears and silk, Elizabeth quickly wrapping her arms around her.

"Oh, Sweetheart…Are you alright? What did he do?" Elizabeth asked, soon resolving to just stay quiet as Anne clung to her and cried and King Henry and Elisabeth soon appeared, having been called to deal with the situation, as it had happened under their roof.

"Take him away," Henry ordered after Ferdinand explained the situation. "For now he is to be held below ground until we get the situation sorted."

"You can't do this!" Thomas retorted. "Not after all the service I've given you!"

"You assaulted a princess of Ingletara in our realm, insulting both their king and yours," Elisabeth pointed out. "Just the thought can have you sent to the scaffold no matter your position." She then waved her hand, and the guards dragged him, screaming and shouting, away.

"Is she alright?" Henry asked of Anne.

"She should be," Elizabeth replied. "She's a little shaken, but she'll be fine."

"Poor dear, something tells me there was no shelf," Elisabeth said as Anne finally looked up at them, her eyes a mixture of hurt, anger and relief.

"What do we…?" Ferdinand started.

"I'll take care of her," Elizabeth replied, quickly turning to her daughter and silently urging her up, soon calling the servants to her bedchamber to set a bath, hoping it would relax her. Unfortunately, it didn't do much and she stayed quiet throughout, absentmindedly staring into the water and swirling it with her hand, a sad look in her eyes. But, her mother didn't bother her, figuring that she would just have to say something on her own, which she did awhile later after her hair dried and she was put into a nightgown, joining her mother on the chaise, Elizabeth sitting on one end of it, her arm resting on the side while Anne laid with her head in her mother's lap, letting her run her fingers through her hair.

"He wanted money," She started. "At first anyway…"

"He came to me with the same request. I should have warned you and the staff, but I didn't think anything of it. I thought he got the message. Never once did I think he'd come to you."

"I gave him what he wanted. Shillings, trinkets…"

"Is that where your jewellery went?"

Anne nodded. "The only thing I wouldn't let him have was my necklace," She admitted, feeling strange without it, but assured, as, it was in her mother's pocket. "I didn't want him to hurt me, so I complied. But, he did anyway, and…what else could I do? I just…I guess I…"

"You want him to love you."

Anne nodded. "I shouldn't, but I do. I did what I was told, hoping that…maybe…For the first time in my life…He wouldn't look at me like a disappointment. I tried everything, Mama. I went to court and learned manners and French. I said all the right words in his presence…and yet…"

"I know, Sweetheart. Trust me, I know. There were several days I wondered where I went wrong as a wife…But, after I met your stepfather I started to understand…It was never us, it was him. He's a monster, Anne. He sets such unrealistic expectations for everyone, including himself and cares little for things that do not help him in some way."

Anne nodded in agreement. "The money wasn't enough. He wanted titles and wanted me to get close to Prince Henry to get them, hoping that if he fell for me, I could influence him and get him to talk with his father."

"And?"

"I said no. I can't mess with someone's heart in such a way…Even if the person is Henry. And, I just…I couldn't, not when…"

"You love another?" Elizabeth guessed and Anne nodded again.

"Sort of…" She admitted.

"Now, what's the real story with your eye?"

"He threw a book at me."

"My Poor Sweetheart," Elizabeth crooned, twirling a bit of Anne's hair around her finger as Ferdinand entered.

"Is this it?" He said, holding up Bertrande. "Margaret founded it buried in the bedcovers."

"That's her," Elizabeth nodded and Ferdinand handed it over, taking a seat when Anne moved her feet, her mother pulling up her blanket as she did so.

"Are you alright?" He asked her. "I know your mother told me he used to beat you, but I never thought…"

"It's fine," Anne sighed. "I should be disappointed in myself more than anything…for being too scared to speak up."

"Don't blame yourself," Ferdinand gently scolded, rubbing her back. "You never asked for any of this. Though, I will admit, this does explain a lot about your trepidation when you first arrived at the palace. You were scared of me, weren't you?"

"I was…for awhile," Anne admitted. "I wasn't sure how to deal with a father who wanted to care for me. I was afraid you'd hurt me…Especially because of your position…So I was careful…I was so careful."

"I remember," Elizabeth said. "There was a period of time where you wouldn't even look him in the eye."

"But, we don't have to worry about that anymore. I love you, Anne. Do you understand? You're just as much my child as your brother and sister."

Unable to find words, Anne simple nodded, looking up slightly when the door opened, a groom announcing Prince Henry, who held a letter.

"My father wishes for you to read and respond. These are the charges laid against Boleyn insofar," Henry explained, raising an eyebrow at Anne. He thought to say something, to make some remark, but one look at her eyes told him not to, that this was different. 'She looks…hurt…' He thought as Ferdinand stood and took the letter.

"Thank you, Your Highness. You are dismissed," He said and Henry left. "You should probably rest," He continued, turning to Anne. "It is late and your mother and I have much to discuss."

Anne sighed, but nodded and started to force herself up.

"No one said you had to move," Ferdinand said, making his way over and handing Elizabeth the letter as Anne sat up. "Do you trust me?"

She nodded and he gave a small smile as he lifted her up. "You're heavier than you look," He teased and Anne slapped him.

"You deserved that," Elizabeth laughed as she followed him into their bedchamber, watching while he got her daughter settled before going over herself and leaving her with a few, sweet words and a kiss on the head before she and Ferdinand sat to read over the letter and charges laid against her former husband, the list becoming a bit longer after the following two days as the commotion settled down and Anne finally gave the details of what happened, spending a great deal of time with the privy council as they listened and took notes. And, though being the centre of attention wasn't her ideal, for the first time ever, she felt reassurance in her position. Despite her being a girl, they were listening. They were listening because she was a Princess, because she was important, and, as a bonus, they were finally giving her father some long overdue justice for his actions.

After one of these meetings, she found herself face-to-face with Prince Henry as she exited the room, raising an eyebrow at the sight of him leaned against the wall.

"Princess Anne," He bowed.

"Prince Henry," She curtsied in return. "What do you want?"

"To talk. Will you do me the honour of accompanying me on a garden stroll?"

"Where is your usual group?"

"I don't want to be with them, only you."

Anne though for a minute before taking the arm her offered without a word, letting him lead her out and to the gardens.

"Arthur has informed me of Boleyn's trial."

"And?"

"It is true that he is your father then?"

"In name only," Anne admitted. "He was never good to me or my mother. Ferdinand has done more for me in a single year then he did in thirteen. He's getting what he deserves. You're not going to spread this around court, are you? We have all worked hard to keep this a secret."

"Of course not. I am sworn to secrecy as well…Though, it does mean we have a connection. We know something the world does not know, it is beautiful is it not?"

"Am I supposed to be impressed by that?"

"If not that, then perhaps my charm and good looks will be of more interest."

Anne laughed. "You? Charming?"

"Perhaps you are right. Calling myself charming is much like calling you graceful."

Anne said nothing and simply raised an eyebrow. After spending days in his constant presence, her patience was wearing thin, and she thought to say something back until she nearly stepped in a mud puddle that had formed due to the previous night's rain. She thought quickly, leaned down, grabbed a handful from it and threw it at him, hitting him squarely in the chest of his new, royal purple doublet and laughing at his startled expression as she pulled a handkerchief from her pocket with her clean hand.

"What was that for?"

"Being irritating," She replied simply before turning and walking off on her own, not getting far before something hit her in the middle of her back. Again she turned, this time with a scowl, to see Henry smiling smugly, his hand caked in mud. She narrowed her eyes and stomped back over and returned the hit, getting him in the face this time.

Henry scowled in response and before they could think about the situation, the dirt and water started flying as they fought, each one trying to get the last hit. However, in the middle of it all, they simply stopped, as if the same, great thought hit them both. They then looked at each other, looked down at their soiled clothing and then glanced at each other again, going back and forth one more time before Anne screamed,

"MAMA!"

"Like that's going to…" Henry started, trailing off when both their mothers rounded a corner, only adding to his bad luck.

"What are you doing?!" Elizabeth snapped, looking at the two, mud-caked royals.

"He started it," Anne declared.

"I did not! You were slinging mud first!" Henry said, pointing an accusing finger at her.

"You were aggravating me. It's not my fault you couldn't walk away like a man. Instead choosing to throw dirt at an unsuspecting princess."

"And you could have turned heel and walked away like a lady," Elizabeth retorted. "But we'll talk about this…"

"After my bath?" Anne guessed.

Elizabeth nodded and Anne took the hand she offered, soon finding herself being dragged through the palace and the cause of many stares. Her mother rolled her eyes at them and the situation, but, she figured she would rather deal with this then what had recently happened. The squabbles annoyed her, of course, but mud was nothing and she almost laughed at the absurdity of the situation, being grateful for some small squabble. She resigned herself to the thought that while yes, Anne got in to trouble; she'd have it no other way. It meant things were finally getting back to normal, which, at the moment, was all she wanted…Along with a clean daughter.