Anne struggled to keep the calm smile on her lips as Henry led her out towards the gardens. He was chattering on about some nonsense from court and Anne smiled patiently and responded with enthusiasm. She had to play this as her father told her. Yes, he had ulterior motives that she would fight, but in getting out of this blasted betrothal, she knew he had the right idea. It was almost comical how Henry always wanted what he couldn't have. He had wanted her to be a toy he could move around the board like a pawn, moving her to do as he willed- but she was refusing to. She knew what he wanted from her, but she would never fall into that trap again. She knew that as soon as he had her, he would tire of her again and next time she wasn't sure she would be able to escape with her head.
She also had seen his glares whenever she was in Thomas Seymour's presence. It ate at him that he thought she preferred that braggart's company to him. The trick was to act as pleased as possible with Thomas, while still acting like she was only obeying Henry. He needed to think that she was only following HIS orders, but was doing so with pleasure. That it was only under his direction that the betrothal was in place and that it was well within his power to break it. She only hoped he would hurry up with it. Spending time with that insufferable man was becoming quite tedious. Even now, she remembered how his eyes had slid over her form as if he was appraising a horse.
She must have shivered, as Henry immediately pulled her closer.
"Are you cold, My lady?" he asked in a warm tone, wrapping his arm more firmly around hers. "We can return to the palace, if you wish..." it was obvious that was the last thing he wanted to do, so Anne put on a winning smile and shook her head.
"You are too kind, Your Majesty." She saw her opportunity. "I only hope my future husband treats me with as much consideration as you always have." She looked away wistfully and if not for her peripheral vision would have missed the dark look that passed over Henry's face.
"You seem to be getting along just fine." He spoke gruffly.
Anne forced herself to laugh gaily. "Oh I have had a great time getting to know Master Seymour these past few weeks. Though he never would have been my own choice. I owe you thanks for putting us together. We would never have let this happen ourselves. I doubt the rest of his family are too happy, but it's your decision and they will accept it" She could see the tension in his jaw, and decided to push him over the edge. She lowered her voice then and forced herself to act the shy maid. "Though I knew I would eventually have to marry again, I must admit to being afraid with sharing my soul and my bed with another. I am thankful that you've taken the time to find someone who would honor me and keep me all to himself."
Her false words tasted like poison in her mouth, but she knew it was necessary. To have to speak of everything she ever truly wanted in a husband and pretend that Thomas Seymour was giving her those things was almost laughable. But she could see the wheels turning in Henry's mind as he mulled over her words.
"I didn't think that you would accept a new marriage so quickly...considering how your last ended." His words were meant to hurt, but she wouldn't let them. She knew he was trying to manipulate her into balking against his demands. She had to outwit him.
She lowered her eyes again and then looked out over the Thames, taking a moment to watch the rough currant-making herself seem thoughtful. "Perhaps there was too much passion in our marriage." She muttered, glancing at him and seeing him hanging on her every word. "Too much love and passion and attraction" she let her words drip like honey as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, as if reminiscing. "I know that I was not the easiest to get along with, Henry. Whenever I saw you in the arms of another...it broke my heart. And I reacted so poorly. Not like your wife and queen should." She bit her lip, refusing to let her own facade effect her. Trying so hard to focus on her practiced words of manipulation. She saw the effect it was having on Henry.
"Perhaps as the wife of someone I do not feel so passionately about, I will be better."
Henry growled an answer before leaving her alone. As the ghosts of the past threatened to consume her, Anne could only pray to God that her father's plan would work.