A/N: Thank you to everyone who has reviewed! You all are inspiring me to write new chapters every day! I feel bad for spoiling you for updating so often as at some point it will slow down, but I will hold on to this steam for as long as it lasts.

I've gotten several reviews regarding Anne's next husband and I'm happy to see that everyone has an opinion. I have some ideas, but I'm still deciding, so if you have a suggestion I'm more than open to them.

Please enjoy!

Anne was determined to make it to Jane's rooms on time and looking presentable. She opted again for a dark colored gown even though she knew she'd stand out against all of Jane's pale ladies. As she entered the room that used to be hers, she wasn't surprised to see a flurry of pastels as the ladies moved, readying their queen for the day. Anne moved like a shadow through the women as she helped another lady lay out the gown and jewelry that was chosen for the day. While the lady opposite her was not hostile, no one could classify her as warm. But Anne was not complaining. When she had entered the room, she had seen several blonde, pale women among the ladies sneer at her. She assumed these to be the Seymour women and made a point to avoid them.

The girl helping her with the queens outfit though just treated her like a stranger, and Anne only hoped the others would do the same. She wasn't looking to make any friends, but she would rather not have to deal with catty women every day.

As if her thoughts were a cue, one of Jane's sisters walked by at that moment and glared and her.

"Anne!" the girl cried, as if reprimanding the stupidest of maids, "I told you to get the GOLDEN amethyst necklace and the pearl earrings from the cabinet!" She snatched the silver necklace out of Anne's hands and turned with a huff. "Honestly, you'd think she still believes herself in charge" she complained loudly to another lady. Several of the other ladies tittered to themselves

Anne was expecting some of them to be harsh with her, but for them to directly refer to her time as queen so quickly surprised and angered her. She bit her tongue but couldn't stop her eyes from narrowing at the blonde woman. She could see the other lady across from her looking at her pityingly and she felt her cheeks grow warm.

"Margery." A calm, yet stern voice rang out, stopping the snickers. Jane had emerged from her privy room and had witnessed the altercation. A warning glance was exchanged between the two sisters, and Margery dropped her eyes penitently. "I believe I'd like to break my fast with honeyed duck this morning. If you'd please run to the kitchens and inform the cooks." The annoyance at being chosen for such a menial task set a grimace on her face and she sent a glare to Anne, but she obeyed. The other ladies slowly returned to their work and Jane met Anne's eyes. Anne couldn't help but scowl. She could take care of herself in this snake pit and she sure as hell didn't need Jane coming to her rescue every time someone said anything to her. She refused to be some weak, pathetic creature that needed the shielding of a woman like Jane Seymour. She may have been able to take her husband, but Anne would not let her take her dignity. She made a point to keep the queen's gaze as she stood and strode back to the closet to fetch the correct necklace. She held a sense of satisfaction from the uncomfortable look that crossed Jane's face.

Jane watched Anne walk into her closet and let out a sigh. She was frustrated that her sister had already disobeyed her and caused this trouble, but Anne didn't have to look at her that way. Jane bit her lip as she tried to find her patience. Anne had been through a lot and she knew this wasn't easy for her, but she had done all she could to make her more comfortable! Seeing how Anne had reacted to her kindness, she had wished that she hadn't asked Henry to stay away this morning. Jane had thought on the first day of Anne's service, it would be better if she broke her fast alone, instead of having Henry join her. At some point, Anne would have to witness she and Henry together and if Anne was going to be so unappreciative, it was a shame it wouldn't be today.

Jane had trouble tasting the honeyed duck as she ate. She could not overly complain, as Anne made sure to do everything that was expected of her, but her appraising eyes made Jane feel uncomfortable. She remembered the first time she had met Anne, in this very room. She had come from her estates in her best dress and had been quickly escorted to the queens chambers. The ladies present had been cold to her, scaring her about her upcoming mistress. When Anne had finally walked out, Jane had immediately dropped into a curtsy. She still remembered how hard her heart had been pounding in her ears. Just like now, Anne had been above reproach- doing everything expected but without a hint of warmth. Now here she was again, icy and formal, and Jane regretted agreeing with Henry that Anne should serve her.

After her morning meal, Jane received a visit from the Spanish Ambassador. She already knew what he wanted to speak to her about. Chapuys had already been formally introduced to her and when Henry had left them alone for only a moment, the ambassador had taken the opportunity to plead Mary's case. Jane wanted with all her heart to bring the princess back to court, but Henry had stood firm. He would not allow her back until she signed the oath.

"Your Majesty! Thank you so much for receiving me" the ambassador cried unnecessarily loudly. Jane saw his eyes searching his ladies until they fixed on Anne, who studiously avoided his gaze. She caught the smug smile before he smoothed it to one of kindness as he approached her and bent to kiss her hand. "I was hoping I could speak to you alone for a moment." Jane waved her hand and her ladies dispersed, moving to the other side of the room where they could not eavesdrop.

"How can I assist you, your Excellency?" Jane asked kindly.

"I was hoping you had had a chance to speak with the king in regards to bringing his eldest daughter to court..." Chapuys began. Jane had to applaud the Spaniard for his tenacity.

"As your Excellency already knows, I plan to do all I can to reconcile Mary and the King, but it is his decision as to when she is invited to join us here and he is firm in his desire for her to sign the oath"

Chapuys hid a scoff as he sent a glare to where Anne was polishing some silverware. Jane could see him grinding his teeth in irritation. She was stunned at his next words though.

"I'm surprised the king is working so hard to defend a marriage he has already ended" He said bitterly.

Although Jane agreed with his sentiment she could not be overheard contributing to that line of thought. She tried her best to fix the ambassador with a firm stare. "The king will do as he wills and it is my job, and all those at his court to obey. Pri-Lady Mary will have to do the same if she wants a place here."

The Ambassador appraised her for a moment, before nodding. "Of course, your majesty. Forgive me for my vehemence. I only wish to see the Lady Mary-" he smirked and she knew he had clearly caught her slip "welcomed back into her family. With a kind stepmother looking out for her interests, I'm sure her station will greatly improve. May I ask you to please implore the king to let me visit or write the Lady. I was a dear friend of her mother's and I fear for her alone with no one to advise her"

The ambassador faced her with pleading eyes and Jane nodded solemnly. "I will do what I can to secure that for you," she promised.