Anne rocked her sweet daughter in her lap as she slept. After such a long day, this was the perfect remedy. Anne had gotten the bath that was sorely needed and then had spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying her little girl. Elizabeth had been overjoyed to see her and had demanded her mother play with her until she was dropping from exhaustion. Now Anne held her in her arms, content to sit by the fire and listen to her soft snores.
She was brought out of her thoughts by the door clicking open behind her. Just as he had a few weeks ago, Henry sank into the chair opposite her without saying a word. They sat in silence for a while before he spoke.
"Are you happy, Anne?" she looked at him in shock. How on earth could he ask her this? After everything was taken away from her, Anne had been bitter for a while. Her time at Pembroke had helped alleviate that and when she had come to court she was resigned about her position. But happy?
"I am content, Henry" she took advantage of his informality to call him by his name. "She makes everything worth it" she nodded towards their daughter and Henry smiled indulgently. Anne stood and walked Elizabeth to her bedchamber and laid her down. She returned to the fireplace and sat next to Henry again. They had found this little sanctuary in their daughters rooms that helped them talk to each other honestly. The Henry that she saw here reminded her so strongly of the man whom she had loved so fiercely.
"I've been thinking about her future" he gestured to Elizabeth's now closed door. "The french ambassador and I met earlier and he suggested again the Duke of Orleans" Anne felt her breath catch and she turned to Henry, unbelieving. "I agreed that it would be a fine match, but that I would have to speak with her mother first" he smiled at the glee that crossed her face. For the french ambassador to publicly ask for Elizabeth's hand did everything to seal her safety. Henry even putting some of the decision in her hands spoke to the power that she still held as the princess' mother.
Anne beamed at Henry and clasped his hand in hers. "Thank you, Henry. For continuing to care for our daughter. Despite everything that happened between us-"
Her words were cut off by Henry's mouth on hers. For a moment she let him wrap his fingers in her hair, pulling her closer as he assaulted her mouth. She was too shocked to do anything else. His lips were insistent on hers and she could almost taste his desperation. Her mind spun as he kissed her and it was only when his hands reached towards her laces did she snap out of it. She placed her hands on his chest and pushed herself away from him, leaping to her feet and taking a few steps away. Her heart pounded and she gasped for breath. She turned to him and saw him staring at her. The light from the fire bounced off his eyes, mixing with the lust there giving off a terrifying presence. Anne became all too aware that they were all alone in this room and that he was between her and the door.
"The queen..." she started as he stood and began advancing on her. He shook his head.
"Is across the castle, busy resting" his hand reached up and caressed the bruise on her face. "Did she do this to you? Did she allow someone to hurt you" His gentle words distracted her from his body cornering her up against the wall.
"Never, her Majesty has been most kind" Anne rambled, as she tried to slide away from him. The heat in the room was almost unbearable and she could feel his hot breath now on her shoulder, as he leaned forward to kiss the exposed skin. "I told you, I was just clumsy. Please, Your Majesty, you must release me" she begged as his hands came around her waist, stopping her escape. He pushed her against the wall again and leaned in once more...
They both froze as a knock came to the door. They stared at each other in silence, Anne's heart pounding in her ears. A knock came again and with a frustrated grunt, Henry released her and stormed to the door. He wretched it open and gaped at Edward Seymour. Anne paled at his cold glare as he took in their appearance. She was sure she looked a mess, panting and flushed and the lust in Henry's eyes was still apparent.
"Your Majesty" he greeted coldly "A rider, from Lincoln has delivered news of progress. I apologize for...interrupting." at his last words he let his gaze drift over Anne's form and she felt embarrassment wash over her. Henry looked about ready to dismiss him, but Anne sprung forward-seeing her escape.
"Pardon me, sir, Your Majesty" she skirted past Henry and Edward. She saw the anger in Henry's eyes, but skipped out of the room before he could order her to stay.