As the two women made their way through the halls, Anne felt her anger bubble up inside of her. How dare he? How dare that whoremonger put his hands on her as if she belonged to him? She had been fearful during the actual encounter, but now that she was safe all that flowed through her was fury. Thank god Mary had come along when she did. She wouldn't have put it past that dog to strike her. She would have to act now to ensure that she would not be caught in this position again. Making a judgement call, she quickly turned right, away from her own rooms.
"My lady?" Mary asked, confused.
"I'm going to the queen" Anne spoke quickly without stopping. Mary was practically running to keep up with her, so she slowed and smiled at the girl. "Thank you so much for your help, Lady Mary. Thank God you came when you did."
Mary's face scrunched up in a scowl "He should hang for treating you that way." Anne smiled, touched that she would rile herself up in such a way for her wellbeing. "My father will definitely hear about this!"
"Oh you can count on it, my lady" Anne growled. She planned on going to Henry as soon as possible, but she wanted to make some moves first. She would have to speak with her father and brother to demand the Seymour scum be sent from court. And Jane deserved to know before hand why her brother should be banished. They were quickly approaching her rooms and Anne took a moment to collect her thoughts. She was right to come to Jane first, still wearing the torn gown. She had come to trust the queen and hoped that her friendship was not ill placed. She was praying that Jane would react strongly, angry that her brother would act is this way. A wave of fear hit her though as she thought that Jane might react differently-standing up for Thomas. She shook the thought away as they came upon the queen's ushers.
She considered sending Mary away, but thought the better of it. Having such a valuable witness would not hurt her. Jane knew that Anne wanted out of the betrothal and she didn't want her thinking for one second that the story was fabricated. The relationship that she had with Mary was improving, but not to the point that the lady would lie for her. That credibility would help her greatly.
They were admitted into the room quickly, and Anne was glad to see that Jane was not entertaining anyone, only sewing with her ladies. The queen greeted them with a smile before she took in Anne's appearance. Her smile slowly faded before she dismissed her ladies with a quick wave of her hand. As the maids exited, Jane waved them in to the more private chambers. The three filed in and Jane secured the door before turning to her.
"Lady Anne? Is everything okay? Lady Mary?" She looked quizzically between them and Anne nodded slowly.
"I'm alright now, but we need to talk."
"Of course! What happened?" She noticed the bruises forming on her arms and her worried frown deepened. "Do you need me to fetch Doctor Linacre?"
Anne shook her head quickly before sinking into one of Jane's chairs tiredly. "No, thank you. But I just wanted to let you know before I alert anyone else: I am making a formal complaint against your brother to the king."
Jane's eyes widened as she took the seat opposite her. Mary also lowered herself into a chair, looking at Anne sympathetically. Anne took a deep breath before explaining what had happened to her friend. She was grateful to see Jane's face flushing in anger as she finished her story.
"My God, Anne..." she whispered. "I'm so so sorry. I'll...I'll strip him of his titles and banish him back to Wolf Hall!" The queen leapt from her chair and begun pacing heatedly. "I'll write to my father immediately. Mayhaps he can speak some sense into him..."
But Anne waved her off. She'd be satisfied with a reprimand from the king, a broken betrothal, and a month or so without the man's presence. She didn't think that the Seymour's or even the king would be as furious as the women in this chamber about this. Henry would be angry of course, but only so far as he saw her as his property and didn't want another man to presume to touch her. He would probably be as angry at the kiss as the rough treatment. The fact of the matter was that there were plenty of women who dealt with much worse from their husbands or fathers every day. No one would look at a man grappling with the woman who was betrothed to him as that out of the ordinary.
"You don't have to do anything, Your Majesty" She soothed her fuming friend. "I just wanted to alert you."
Jane nodded emphatically and took Anne's hand. "You have my full support, Lady Anne. If there is anything that you need, I am here."
Anne pondered on that for a moment. Perhaps his queen's presence would assist her conversation with Henry... But she would need to speak to her family beforehand. They would need to be a united front in this. So she thanked the queen and Mary before making her way to the Boleyn rooms, accompanied by Jane's own guards.