"Sir Thomas Boleyn, you are by order and permission of his Majesty King Henry! Today created Lord Rochford," Read Cromwell out loud. The gathered crowd watched has Henry wearing a crown of state hold up Boleyn's noble sword.
"Arise, my Lord," Boleyn rose to his feet as Henry passed him the sword with both hands. Both men looked into the eyes of every other. The new Lord knew that he had been given the new title in the thanks of the work that he had put in over the many years of service but also thanks to his two daughters.
"Majesty," Thomas Boleyn the newly made Lord Rochford bowed his head in thanks before moving away to the side to be with the council at the side of the room.
There was a long and loud fanfare and the Herald announced "Henry Fitzroy!"
The gathered crowds smiled as the tiny boy walked past his mother and towards the throne room towards his father, the King. Like the new Lord Rochford before him knead on a pillow in front of the King and Cromwell read out his right of Nobility.
"Henry Fitzroy, you are by order and permission of his Majesty, King Henry today," Henry smiled at his young son. "Created Duke of Richmond and of Somerset and Earl of Nottingham."
Henry rose from his throne and walked towards the young child. Taking the Duke's coronet carefully placing it onto the boys head. Many in the crowd awed at the interaction between the two. Henry than passed him a small noble sword. Kissing him on the cheek and holding the boys face in his much larger hands laughing happily enjoying the moment.
"Arise, your Grace," Henry loudly whispered softly picking up the New Duke and placing him down on a throne. Horns played as Henry sat down next to the young Duke.
Little did Henry know who was watching the ceremony behind a curtain was Catherine (Katherine). In the many years of marriage, she had felt the feelings that she was just then. Deep pain in her heart. The lose of her children. But she was a fighter and knew she had to fight.
Back in her chambers, later she waited.
"His Eminence Cardinal Wolsey," one of her ladies announced. Wolsey was not far behind her. He bowed his head in respect. Catherine rose from her chair.
"Your Majesty," Wolsey bowed again hands in prayer.
Catherine just a spark in her eye. "I see his Majesty's bastard son is made a Duke," her face turned to stone. "Does this mean that he is next in rank to his Majesty?" she questioned. "Next in line to the throne? Above my daughter?"
"Yes, technically," Wolsey said matter of factly a slight grin on his face. "He is set above all others, except for a legitimate son," Wolsey knew this would hurt the Queen and saw it pass over her face.
"His Majesty loves our daughter. He has shown it on many occasions. I cannot believe that he wishes to place his bastard son above her!" She paused. "I do not believe… that his Majesty was personally responsible for this action," with every word she took a step closer to the Cardinal. "After all, our daughter is engaged to the Emperor."
"Ah! Then your Majesty has not heard. The Emperor has married Princess Isabella of Portugal. Apparently, he decided it was not worth waiting for your daughter to grow up. And who is to say but perhaps he was influenced by the fact that the beautiful Isabella brought with her a dowry of 900,000 Portuguese cruzados or Castilian folds," Catherine watched the Cardinal. "He broke his word."
While Wolsey was speaking to Catherine Henry was in his study. He had just been delivered a letter and a gift. Seeing the flowing handwriting he happily opened the letter. He read the letter silently.
/My Lord. How your tokens and signs of affection frighten me. How can I be to you what you think me be? You know I am a commoner and I think myself unworthy of your love. Thither offer of it and the passion of your Majesty's words and looks touch both my heart and soul./
"You have flattered me with so many and such wonderous gifts," Henry read out. "Allow me to send you this token in return small though it is. And allow me to remain in all things your ever-loving servant. Anne," He looked down at the small silver locket embossed with an interlocking A and B. Slowing turning it in his hand. Carefully opening it to found a painted miniature of his love inside. His heart leap in his chest.
Anne found Catherine praying alone in the dark in front of her personal household cross that was on an altar in her rooms. "I know what I must do, Lady Anne," was all Catherine said before dismissing most of her ladies for the night including Anne.