The trumpets sounded, echoing through the crowded presence chamber and Henry knew that it heralded Anne's arrival. He glanced up to meet eyes with his new queen and took a moment to gauge her appearance. He was satisfied that she truly looked like a queen today. Laced into a purple gown, decked in the Jewels of England, and poised on her throne. He wanted to make sure that all his courtiers were aware of her status and the status of the lady arriving. He had sent messengers ahead to tell Anne that he expected her to look humbled and muted and he hoped that she had taken his orders to heart. He knew the whole court would be comparing the two women, and he needed everyone to see who the true queen was. If only Jane was pregnant! He ground his teeth at the thought of her flat belly. He tried to be patient with her, but after three months she had yet to miss her courses. Katherine and Anne at least conceived quickly! But no, neither of those marriages gave him the outcome he was looking for. He'd just have to wait patiently. He was sure Jane would deliver.

The court moved to make room for Anne's journey to the dais. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Jane shift slightly on her throne to sit taller. He knew she was as nervous as he.

"THE LADY ANNE BOLEYN, MARQUESS OF PEMBROKE" the herald called and Henry saw his ex-wife for the first time since they had left the tower 4 months ago. He grudgingly noted that she had easily recovered from her time locked away. Her cheeks were well rounded again and rosy, her glossy hair pulled back into an elegant bun. Her eyes were bright and animated as she made her way through the crowds. He was irritated that even though she had followed direction and dressed in plain colors without ornamentation, she looked graceful and regal, walking through the den of lions that had almost killed her. The court murmured their observations to each other as she passed them. When she reached the bottom of the dais she swept into an elegant curtsy and held it. She was the picture of submission and Henry had her hold the pose for a heartbeat longer than necessary. He needed the court to see this and remember it. Anne was alive and well and here paying respects to her king of her own free will.

"You may rise, Mistress Boleyn" Henry called out loudly. She stood and her eyes slowly came up to meet his. "I hope your estates in Pembroke were to your liking" He asked graciously, hoping to make her reintroduction to court seem normal. As if she left on her own and

"Yes, Your Majesty," her clear voice cut through the whispers. "Though I am grateful to be back at court. I must thank you for your invitation." Her practiced words flowed effortlessly and Henry nodded his approval.

"May I present my wife, Queen Jane" He stressed the word 'wife' as he held out his hand for Jane. Jane took his hand and rose, forcing a smile at her rival, praying it did not look like a grimace.

Anne curtsied quickly this time, "Your Majesty" she murmered. Only someone who knew Anne well could detect the slight waver in her voice.

"My Lady, you are welcome to court. I know someone here is most pleased to see you" Jane gestured to the side where Elizabeth stepped forward and embraced her mother. Anne smiled genuinely now and formally kissed her daughters cheek.

Just as they did after the presentation of Elizabeth, the court applauded the scene before them. Henry gestured to George, who he had also invited back to court, to come collect his sister. Anne was thankful for her brother's presence and latched onto his arm as he led her away from her ex-husband.

"Breathe, Anne. It is over" he whispered into her ear. He could feel her trembling beneath him and he tried to soothe her. He knew the day was far from over, but they were through the worst of it. The court had broken into informal mingling as everyone gossiped about the scene they had just witnessed. George steered Anne through the crowds without seeming too eager to leave. He was halted, however, by the Seymour brothers. They inclined their heads almost mockingly to Anne.

"My lady," Thomas said smugly, "it is so good to see you back at court! I hope your accommodations are to your liking. Though I don't know how often you will be there. Your place will be in the Queen's apartments, serving my sister"

Thomas' biting words made Anne stiffen, but she was used to court life and all the courtiers sarcastic remarks. "My rooms are lovely, Thomas, thank you for your concern. I begin service in the Queen's household in the morning and I am sure I will feel almost at home in her rooms" Anne quipped, smiling genially up at the Seymour brothers. Thomas smirked at her words, but Edward glared.

"Do not get too comfortable, Mistress Boleyn" he growled. "Soon enough the king and his councilors will select your new husband and you will be leaving court to whatever remote estate we choose."

Anne looked at Edward thoughtfully before lowering her eyes momentarily and responding demurely. "I will go wherever the King wishes, as he is my lord sovereign and I his servant."

Edward scoffed at her response and turned to leave. Thomas inclined his head one more time and followed his brother. Anne looked up at George and he exaggeratedly rolled his eyes, bringing a smile to her face. She was scared that the accusations he had faced on her account would have pushed them apart, but from the letters he had sent her while she was at Pembroke, he had easily forgiven her. She was determined that as soon as she was settled in Jane's household she would write her sister. Perhaps Henry would allow her to invite Mary for a visit. She needed a few allies at court and she knew she could only truly trust her family. Henry had asked her if she had wanted her father at court that day in the tower and she had thought long and hard before she had shaken her head.

She loved her father dearly, and she would never forget the warm man who had raised her. But over the course of her courting and marriage to the king he had changed drastically. His ambition had fueled his cruelness towards his family and if Anne was going to reside at court, she did not want that pressure on her. She wouldn't put it past him to try to seduce the king again and that would never happen. Anne would do her best to stay away from Henry when possible. She grimaced when she thought about how she wouldn't be able to do the same with his wife.