A/N: So I can't promise it won't happen again, but I'm sorry for the delay of chapters. I had a small bout of writers block, but I THINK I got some inspiration back. This chapter is very short and I apologize for that after a long wait, but I am going to try to post another chapter if not tonight, then tomorrow. Thank you guys so much for your patience! Please review!
King Henry watched smugly as the Percy's were loaded into their carriage in the main courtyard. Henry Percy had given him wise counsel and for that he would always be grateful, but he was glad to see the back of the man. He couldn't help his eyes straying towards the watching court-looking for a certain face. He was disappointed to not see her here, though. He didn't know what to think of Anne missing this last bit of ceremony of a prominent family leaving court. Did she stay away because she did not care? Henry hoped so, but knew he was probably wrong. She stayed away because she didn't want to be witness to his departure and that thought infuriated him. He had left the two alone during the duke's stay for the most part-but he had watched every interaction. He had not cared what anyone had said about Anne in the beginning of their courtship but he had still heard the rumors. Seeing Anne and Percy together these past days had brought back all his suspicions.
What infuriated him the most was that there was nothing to be done about it. He had no valid grounds to shower his anger on the couple. Anne was no longer his wife. He had not even made moves yet to make her his mistress. He had no legitimate claim to her to force Percy away and he knew that Anne was not doing any pushing. He needed someone to remind Anne the benefits of having the King's favor-as she seemed to have forgotten.
He let the thought roll in his mind as he turned away from the departing carriage to offer his arm to the queen. Jane smiled daintily and walked with him back to the castle. He asked after her health and she did the same and they traded nonessential pleasantries until they parted to head to their own chambers. As always with Jane, things were smooth and easy and undeniably boring. Things had gotten better between them as she healed from her painful birth and he returned to her bed, but for Henry, their nights were a duty. He was hoping that she would announce another pregnancy soon and he could find some passion elsewhere. Again his thoughts turned to Anne. Fiery, enigmatic, exciting and all consuming Anne.
How could he remind her that the attention of a king was an honor? One much more rewarding than that of a paltry duke? Perhaps he ought to speak to her brother. He had done his best to restore George Boleyn to favor after the nasty accusations against him were proven false. He had worked to make sure that the court did not treat him disdainfully, that he was still an honored courtier-even if he no longer held the title of brother-in-law to the king. Yet although George had graciously accepted all the titles and honors bestowed upon him, they had lost the familiar warmth they had shared ever since the charming man had come to court as a young man. At the time, Henry had not seen it as too much of a loss and absolutely understood the man's coldness, but now he was seeing the lasting effects of losing his advocacy. Anne no longer saw any benefit of trying to please her sovereign. No benefit to allowing him to take her into bed. Henry ground his teeth as he sought a solution.
Looking about his courtiers, he saw the Seymour brothers speaking to each other. Like a sudden click, a thought burst into Henry's mind and he smiled. Oh yes...all Anne needed was a little push.