Jane sat serenely on her throne looking over the court. Things had been going very well for her the past week or so. Her husband continued to be kind to her, she had even participated in a few dinners of state to entertain visiting guests, and she was late in her courses. She absentmindedly swept her hand over her flat belly, praying for a child. A healthy prince for England. Her gaze drifted to her husband sitting beside her. Henry seemed irritated as he listened to the daily requests of him. His foot was tapping incessantly and he was gritting his teeth covertly. She placed a delicate hand upon his and his fingers curled around hers. He flashed her a tight smile before returning his attention to the crowd. Jane was pleased to see his jaw relax.
She looked back out at court and met eyes with her brother, Edward. He stood with Thomas off to the side, close to the dais and was overseeing the petitioners with a sharp gaze. His eyes narrowed at Jane and she forced herself to look away. Edward was the one dark spot that she couldn't get rid of. Not until she had produced a son. Perhaps even two or three princes were needed before he stopped pressuring her.
Her eyes moved to her second brother and narrowed. Thomas sure had looked pleased with himself lately. The look on his face was so reminiscent of the day when they were children and their father had gifted the boys with prize puppies from his best hounds litter. Edward's puppy had suddenly came down with some sort of illness and within days, Thomas had the lone dog. Jane had remembered feeling so sorry for poor Edward and the little weak puppy, but Thomas' grin had stuck in her head. That same smugness was painted on his face now and it sent a shiver down Jane's neck.
The heralds trumpets shook away any remaining nerves and Jane sat straighter in her seat. She could hear the crowd grow slightly louder at whoever entered and she shared a confused look with her husband. As the crowd parted, Jane felt her eyes widen at the show laying out in front of her and a smile twitched at the corner of her lips. Coming towards the dais, in a show of absolute unity, was the entire Boleyn family. Anne, Mary, George and Thomas swept into their bows at the foot of the dais before Anne stood with a clear smile on her face.
"Your Majesties, may I present my father, Thomas Boleyn, Earl of Wiltshire, Ormond, and Viscount Rochford." Thomas stepped forward and did another hasty bow before Anne linked her arm in his.
Jane covered her curiosity with a gentle smile. She and Anne had spent many a night speaking of her father and his betrayal-especially since Henry had announced his return to court. For her to act so warmly towards him was certainly a surprise. She slid her gaze to her husband and saw confusion swimming in his eyes. He looked utterly baffled by this display and Jane had to stifle a laugh.
"You are welcome to court, Lord Rochford. I have great need of your services. I shall have quarters made ready for you-" He moved to summon his grooms, but was interrupted by Anne.
"If it pleases Your Majesty, there are a collection of apartments in the east tower that remain unoccupied. I would ask your leave to relocate our entire family." She spoke with a dazzling smile and Henry could only nod stiffly in response.
But then something truly surprising happened. As the Boleyn's moved to make room for the next petitioner, they walked straight toward the Seymour family. Thomas Boleyn shook hands with a confused Edward and Anne sent her betrothed a flirtatious smile. The entire court began whispering furiously at this new development and Henry looked about ready to launch himself into a tirade. It was only Jane's cool fingers on his that kept him from leaping towards them.
The rest of the afternoon, Henry remained in a dark mood, glaring at his former wife giggle and whisper to the younger Seymour brother. To their credit, the brothers looked equally baffled by the attention and as more and more glares were sent their way, Edwards expression got more and more grim. When he finally met Jane's eyes, she was surprised to see blame in his gaze.