A/N : Two new stories updated today. This one was a little hard to end, I had the idea and then go lost on how to finish it.
1521
Henry looked back at the door as he walked from Katherine's private chambers.
"The Queen wishes not to be disturbed." Henry commanded. "I have already helped her prepare for bed." He could see the looks on their faces as they had begun to wonder how the Queen would be ready for sleep without them.
The next morning the castle awoke to blood curdling screams coming from the Queen's chambers.
"Your majesty." Charles stared at the barely awoken King, his heart beating fast in his chest.
"What is all of that noise, Charles?"
"The Queen, Your Majesty, she is dead." Charles watched as Henry's face went from anger about the noise to a sadness that he couldn't quite explain. England was in mourning over the loss of its Queen. Henry began to stay in his chambers more often, but still sought comfort in the arms of his mistress, Lady Mary Boleyn,almost nightly. It was strange at court not seeing Queen Katherine, and shortly after her death Princess Mary was sent off to Hatfield. Rumors spread throughout court that the Queen was murdered, maybe even poisoned. But nobody knew who would be so bold to murder a Queen. By Christmas, Henry had discarded Lady Mary Boleyn as he had began to pursue her younger sister who only had been moved to the Princess Mary's household upon Katherine's death. But seeing as her own sister was known as the Great Whore, she wanted nothing to do with the King.
"Your Majesty, I will never follow in my sister to your bed." She very bluntly stated in front of half a dozen courtiers. "I will be no man's whore." As the hushed voices began to murmur, all eyes were on Henry as it was well known that women were not to speak their minds. Not like a woman could truly think on the same level as men, that would just be absurd. Anne turned and walked towards the door, Henry staring at her as she walked away.
"Charles, bring the Lady Anne to my chambers. Now." Henry said loudly as if to tell the court he would not allow this young woman to spurn his affections.
"Mistress Anne, I apologize for offending your honor." Charles was intrigued at Henry's reaction to Anne, he was actually sincerely apologizing to her.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I hope you can forgive my rudeness." Henry looked at Anne as she spoke, something in her voice was masking pain. When he pulled her up from her curtsy he noticed the mark on her face. Someone had hit her. He caressed her face softly and she flinched in pain.
"Who did this to you?"
"I..." Anne looked at him with fear in her eyes.
"I need to know the truth, who hit you."
"My father" She barely spoke above a whisper, her voice trembling. Henry was livid, he banished Thomas Boleyn from court and immediately had rooms prepared for Anne. Charles was named her protector, and she was given lavish apartments at court. Thomas Boleyn was banished from court along with Mary and George Boleyn. The only family Anne now had was her beloved mother and her uncle, Lord Norfolk. Henry began courting Anne in hopes to win her heart, he was set on making her his new Queen. But as much as he was growing to love Anne, he could not seem to let go of his past, his great love for Katherine. Anne hated the looks others at court gave her. She could tell they felt sorry for the young lady as she was being groomed to be the next Queen of England despite her obvious dislike of the idea herself. By 1525, Anne had been on the throne for two years and already given England a healthy prince. Prince Henry was born just shy of Anne's new place as Queen, he was a happy little boy. And Anne already found herself with child once more. She had given the King a son, but he had already begun his affairs a new. He had taken up with the young Jane Seymour who was part of Anne's own household.
"Henry, my love.." Jane whispered before she lowered her head to his chest. He stroked her hair lovingly, all the while thinking what it would be like to have her as his Queen. He still loved Anne, and she was the mother of his child but something drew him to Jane like a moth to a fire.
"I wish you were my Queen, my darling." The words shocked Jane, she had never thought the King would completely forsake the mother of the future King. She pulled away slowly, her expression spoke volumes to Henry. He pushed her from his arms. "Go" he yelled. Henry didn't summon Jane again, but he did send Anne and her household away. She was alone without her husband when she went into labor. The Princess Elizabeth and Prince Edward born without any pomp or circumstance. Henry didn't even rush to see Anne, instead he stayed locked away in his chambers refusing to talk to anyone including Charles. Court began to worry what could have caused the King to become a recluse.
"Go Away Katherine." Henry yelled.
"Henry, I will always be here with you. To remind you of what you did." Henry broke down in tears.
"I needed a son..." Is all he had to say, repeating over and over. Henry looked up to see Charles standing before him, ten of the King's own guards flanking him.
"You killed Katherine." Charles accused. "She died after you left her, you murdered your own wife." Henry looked up from his place on the floor unsure why Charles would dare speak such an act of treason. "Henry, you admitted as much in your sleep." It was true, Henry had poisoned Katherine that night. Nobody would dare accuse their King, but now the truth was discovered. Spain demanded Henry's head.
May 19, 1526, King Henry VIII was executed for his crime. Prince Henry was declared King Henry IX, and Charles Brandon his regent. Henry had held onto his secret for years, but the look on Jane's face broke his resolve. He had a beautiful, loving wife and his heir he so desired and he actually thought of getting rid of her as well. Queen Anne Boleyn, remarried in 1529 to Henry Percy. They had three daughters together, Grace, Emma and Bridget. Anne and Henry were took in the Princess Mary to their household, as Anne was the only mother Mary truly remembered.
