Henry stood before his daughter in shock.
"You mean this, Lady Mary? After all this time, you wish to sign the oath of succession?"
Mary kept her head down submissively and answered in a weak voice "Yes, your majesty. Forgive me my disobedience and refusal to admit the truth before now. I only wish to correct my mistake and submit to your will."
Henry turned to his queen at Mary's words and saw the shock in her eyes as well. He had figured Jane would try to appeal to the girl, but had seen that she was unsuccessful. By the look on Jane's face, she had nothing to do with this sudden break.
"Very well. I am pleased you have finally seen reason." He gestured for a page. "Boy! Fetch the Marquess of Pembroke-"
"Is that necessary, Henry?" Jane had stepped forward and put a hand on his arm. "She doesn't have to be witness for this." Henry grit his teeth and moved to pull his arm from her grasp. Anne did have to be there. The oath was directly regarding her. He wanted to share this moment with her. See the gleaming triumph in her eyes as she witnessed Katherine's stubborn daughter finally submit. He loved her fiery and passionate and victorious. His conqueror.
His biting response was interrupted by Mary.
"It is quite alright, your majesty, I would like the marquess to be present."
Henry smiled smugly then and sent the page on his way. When he returned, Anne was announced. His ex wife strode into the room and Henry felt his mouth go dry. She was swathed in a deep burgundy gown, bringing out her dark hair and unblemished skin. Her eyes flashed in confusion at the scene before her before they clicked into understanding. She even sent a small smile towards Mary, which was returned.
Henry faltered slightly at the show of comraderie, but allowed the process to go forward. He watched suspiciously as Mary laid her hand upon the bible and followed his chaplain in the oath. He saw her fingers shaking, and her eyes welling with tears, but was proud of his daughter for getting through it with a clear voice. As the oath came to an end, he took the quill from the chaplain and held it out to Mary himself, catching her gaze with a steely look. He searched her face for a moment, praying he would find sincerity. But all he saw was fear. And submission.
Perhaps that was enough for now. He never wanted his daughter to be afraid of him. Even at the strongest of urges from his councilors Henry would never consider truly hurting her. He was angry with her disobedience and stubbornness, but she was his daughter. His pearl. And she was at least publicly giving into him now. Perhaps it was enough for him to start showing her kindness. He gave her a tight, encouraging smile as she took the pen and signed her name.
With that drama finished, Henry turned back to the two women he had called queen. He took Jane's hand first,
"Take the Lady Mary to your apartments. I'm sure you ladies can find something to spend your time with. I shall send a groom shortly to escort my daughter to her new rooms. I shall see you in the great hall later this evening." If his wife was dissapointed at the dismissal, she did not show it. Only swept into a slight curtsy before taking Mary's arm and leaving the room.
He then turned to the Marquess and offered his arm. She hesitated only momentarily before allowing him to lead her away.