The Boleyn sisters walked through the great hall towards their rooms. Anne was glad to be out of the cold winds and was looking forward to shedding her furs and sinking into a warm bath. Perhaps the water would help soothe the sting on her face as well. Her fingers absentmindedly grazed the red swelling and she winced slightly- something that did not go unnoticed by her observant sister.
"Anne," she muttered, concerned, "are you sure you don't want me to fetch Doctor Linacre? We wouldn't want it to leave a permanent mark"
Anne scoffed. "I doubt a little girl like Mary could leave any lasting damage. Even if all the hatred she's built up against me over the years went into that. I can already barely feel it" she lied with brilliant smile, earning one in return.
Anne was just glad that Mary's physical lashing out had actually worked to finally break her of her delusions. Anne herself had quite the temper and she remembered when she was a child throwing quite a few violent tantrums. Being able to physically hurt Anne had helped soothe the emotional anger that had been growing for years. Did it all disappear? Of course not. Anne was not foolish enough to think Mary would be able to see one little slap as revenge enough for all that Anne had put her through. But it had been enough apparently for Mary to open her eyes enough to see Henry's involvement. And enough to lead to a slightly civil conversation.
Anne would take it.
The ladies rounded the corner and heard the ushers announce the coming of the king. As Henry came into sight, the sisters sunk into curtseys along with the rest of the courtiers. The king passed them, but then hesitated. He took a step back and gestured for the ladies to rise. Anne and Mary obliged, but Anne kept her swollen face pointed to the floor.
"Mistress Boleyn, Mistress Stafford" He greeted.
"Your Majesty" Mary spoke a little louder than necessary, hoping to pull his attention away from Anne's cheek. It worked for a moment as he turned to her and asked about her husband. But their pleasantries soon wore out and Henry turned to her. Anne rose her eyes and met his gaze. When she did she saw his eyes widen as they shot to her cheek. The question was obvious, so she didn't wait for him to ask.
"Forgive my appearance, Your Majesty." she raised her still gloved hand to cover the mark. "I fear my clumsiness has finally gotten the best of me" she tried to play it off with a smile, knowing she was known as one of the most graceful ladies at court "Are you to visit the queen?" she asked boldly, directly changing the subject.
Henry grimaced slightly but nodded. "Yes. How is she? I haven't seen her since this damn thing got started" Of that she was well aware, but she smiled gently at him, infusing her tone with sympathy.
"I'm sure a visit would do wonders for the both of you"
He shot her with a wary look before nodded at her and continuing on his journey. Anne could hear Mary's relieved sigh. She was also glad that he had bought her vague lie. She would have to come up with a plausible story. It had only taken a sweet smile from the Boleyn sisters and a few coins spilt to silence the guards who had witnessed Mary's outburst. Anne was just glad it had happened out in the gardens on a day with such harsh conditions. Luckily no one else was around to be bribed. Mary had almost looked at her gratefully as the coins were passed, but the look faded into indifference as she was led back into the castle. It was a start.
Anne would tell Jane, but no one else need know what had transpired.