Thanks for all of the reviews for the introduction, everyone. I wasn't sure if anyone would like it, but it seemed that I was wrong - at least in regard to those who did enjoy it.
I must say that I was startled by all of the comments - and yes, I did delete them - about a former writer for The Tudors fandom, and I've narrowed done the catalyst of what had caused it, along with questions that had been sent to me, so let me clear it up: Henry will NOT conquer France or anything. Honestly, he would have an incredibly difficult time even trying to do so and it's implausible that he could during his era. (The only way that he could, was through his Navy - and that would still be slim-chanced - but that's it. France has much more men, simple as that. Sure, things do unexpectedly happen like Henry V's stunning victory at the Battle of Agincourt, but Henry VIII has many more things and people to worry about. France is at the back of his mind right now, not the front.) One of the only reasons why I brought it up was because, in real-life history, Henry VIII was more than a little war-happy in regard to France.
Henry had merely been 'talking the talk' and boasting because even though he has realized many things about himself, that isn't one of them. It's in line with his character to declare that he would seize control of France because of his double claim to its throne, but he was merely threatening nobody, in particular, trying to reassure Anne that no one would stop their golden age from happening. I had only explained Henry VIII's claims to France's throne because I wasn't sure if everyone knew about them - I had thought that it would be better to play it safe than sorry.
Okay, in the last chapter I referenced Charles Brandon's wife as Mary Tudor instead of the Margaret whom he married in the show, but even though I'm sure most of you know it, I'll mention it anyway: Margaret was not whom he married in real-life history. Margaret Tudor, the eldest surviving daughter of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, married James IV of Scotland and that is how James I of England, or James VI depending on whom you ask, inherited the English throne after Elizabeth I's death - he was a direct descendant of Henry VII, kin to Elizabeth I by being first cousins twice removed. Mary Tudor was the Queen of France for a short while in real-life history, married to King Louis XII until he died a few months later - and Francis I, a cousin of Louis XII, replaced him as King because Louis XII didn't have any sons, and Francis secured his claim by marrying Louis XII's daughter, Claude of France. Mary Tudor then married Charles Brandon in secret much as it happened in the show. (Although, the punishment that Henry VIII dealt them was much different in history than how it had been depicted in the show.)
I also referenced Henry Fitzroy, the Duke of Richmond and Somerset in the last chapter when, by this point in the TV show, he had been dead for a couple of years. In the TV show, when he died, he didn't look to be older than 6-years-old, but in real-life history, he died when he was 17-years-old in 1536. As you can no doubt deduce, I am basing the characters a lot more on real-life history than the show, even though I will still be using a lot from the show. Okay, I hope cleared everything up, and if you have any more questions, just ask.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Tudors TV show or any of the characters. I guess that history technically owns them, but you know how it goes.
XxXxXxXxXxX
June 1529
"Lady Anne?" A voice echoed and she whirled around, taken aback by the sight of the Duke of Suffolk awkwardly loitering near her. "I was wondering if we could speak for a moment, if I may ask?"
Anne blinked before nodding her head graciously, wondering if Henry had tasked his best friend with messaging her, but that didn't seem right. "Your Grace," she inclined her head respectfully, wondering what Suffolk wanted. "Yes, what is it? Is something wrong with His Majesty?"
Something shifted in Suffolk's face at her concern. "No, His Majesty is full of life. May God grant him many more years of boisterous existence. I am here… of my own accord," an uncomfortable expression crossed the Duke's features. "I wanted to be honest with you, and I wanted your permission to do so."
"Your Grace is far above me in station; my consent is not needed. You can speak freely, Your Grace. I hold no power to keep you from doing so."
Suffolk raised a brow, "Soon, though, that won't be the case, will it?" His words stilled her tongue, and he nodded at her expression, glancing around before looking back at her. "I am not a fool as your uncle claims. If Queen Catherine submits to His Majesty's wishes, you will become the Queen of England and thus, far above my station; His Majesty already elevates you above any other, including me."
"What did you wish to speak with me about, Your Grace?"
"As you have surely heard, in the past days, the Cardinal has fallen from his cradle of power and he has been disgraced, condemned by His Majesty to remain at York for the rest of his days. That makes you happy, does it not?" Suffolk drew himself up, suddenly bearing a resemblance to the way her uncle acted; it was quite disconcerting. "I know of your family's aspirations, of your part in Wolsey's fall, and most damning, your manipulation of His Majesty."
Anne felt her face go white, and she couldn't stop her eyes from widening. Staring at Suffolk's suddenly bland and unreadable features, she inhaled sharply. "Perhaps we should converse where no ears could be listening, Your Grace."
"I believe that would be wise, Lady Anne," the Duke smiled coyly and Anne felt the sparks of anxiety claw up in the rising darkness in her mind, the sudden coldness in her heart.
"This way, Your Grace," she gestured, hating that she fell into the role of a servant so easily, but she couldn't help it. The pathway was familiar, long memorized, and within silent minutes, along with several curious glances thrown in their direction, a space of privacy was found. "You were saying, Your Grace?" Anne smiled tightly, trying to stall for time, unwilling to admit her role of manipulating Henry aloud to his best friend.
"I know many things, Lady Anne, that would be of great interest to His Majesty if I revealed them. I have documents of your father and uncle's doings, how they sought to manipulate His Majesty through you, bidding you do so. The Norfolk dukedom could be revoked once again by a Tudor King." Suffolk's eyes abruptly reminded her of what her uncle had once told her: 'Suffolk, while a low-born menace, is a dangerous enemy to have, niece; he has risen high to become my equal. His friendship with the King is greater than any that I have encountered; it is so strong that Suffolk married His Majesty's sister without permission and the only true repercussions were a short banishment from Court, repaying the dowry of His Majesty's sister, and to beat the King in an arm-wrestling match. Do not underestimate him. Make no mistake, my useful niece, while your father and I had been able to convince the rascal that only we possessed the means of returning him to Court and His Majesty, Suffolk always had the means; the King values him above anyone, even more so than Wolsey in many ways. For as long as my memory serves, Suffolk has been the King's confidant; they have been inseparable since they were boys. I even remember the jousts when the old King Henry was alive. Suffolk was leading a show that transfixed the then-Prince; the old King was horrified, of course. That was a long time ago... When we succeed in destroying the Cardinal, Suffolk will supplant more power for the King's love for him cannot be extinguished; he will become even more dangerous. Beware of Suffolk, or else all of your striving with His Majesty will be insignificant, and if you act carelessly, your death could be the same. If that happens, you will receive no help from me or your family; you will be at the King's mercy - and his ruthlessness is legendary.'
Anne's fingers curled into fists across her bosom, thankful that the evidence of her fear was hidden. "What makes you certain that you know of what you speak, Your Grace? The documents could be falsified, given to you by one who seeks harm against my family."
"I am much wiser than you; you are but a girl in comparison. Do not endeavor to trick me; it did not go well for your uncle." Suffolk looked down at her, his height a great advantage, his eyes becoming colder and colder. "Your father and uncle arranged everything, and I have intimate knowledge of their thoughts and words, their insufferable arrogance in trying to manipulate my best friend all so that the Cardinal - a person with whom I never had problems before I was dragged into their vendetta - would fall from grace. Not even the King's love for you, the love that you fanned and fueled, would save any of you if I showed him the documents that I possess. What they have done, what you yourself have done is treason, Lady Anne. Nobles in the past have been executed for far less. I have attended all of them."
Anne closed her eyes for a moment, gathering her composure. "And what do you plan to do with this information, Your Grace?"
"I will admit, Lady Anne, that until very recently, I had always planned to go directly to His Majesty with the damning evidence of your clan - and Norfolk's, too." Suffolk's eyes slowly lost their coldness, warmed by something. "I have been a quiet supporter of Queen Catherine during His Majesty's Great Matter, but I have realized my error, and it was because of you, Lady Anne - and His Majesty, as well. My mind has been changed, and you should feel relief because if it had remained closed, I would be going to the King right now to reveal the beginnings of your downfall, but I have realized my selfishness."
"What do you mean, Your Grace?"
"Queen Catherine is barren," Suffolk stated bluntly and she was shocked by his bold statement, but considering some of the things that Henry has said about his cursed wife, it was mild at best. "Princess Mary cannot rule, we both know it, just as His Majesty had declared after Blackfriar. England needs a son; another Cousins' War cannot rape its fertile soil. My father was killed on Bosworth Field by the wicked Richard III, and I wish for no more sons to grow up without their father's steady, guiding hands in their life. The King needs a son if England is to survive, and I recognize that you can give him one. His Majesty loves you more than anyone, a deep affection that I have never seen him hold for anyone else; you make him, I suppose you could say, happy. He would tear England apart to have you, and I know that; he will oppose the Pope himself if he must. That is why I have changed my mind, Lady Anne, along with the fact that, through you, I can secure another friend to tie me to His Majesty."
Anne blinked in shock, "You want to be my friend?"
"If you allow me to be," the Duke didn't seem to think his request strange. "We have both silently resented one another, Lady Anne, but my resentment has faded," his voice lowered. "I saw it, the trust and love between you and Henry. My friend has, in spite of his vehement denials, been searching for a love his whole life that rivals the love that had been shared between his parents, the old King and Queen. Queen Catherine had tried to earn his love, she truly did, and while he did love her, it was never to last; her consummation with Prince Arthur and her numerous failures to bear a healthy Prince of Wales damned her to remain outside of His Majesty's heart." Anne was quiet, scarcely breathing, as Suffolk's eyes dimmed and he seemed to look at phantom memories that she had never experienced. "Henry was devastated when his mother, Queen Elizabeth died, and his father had been equally as devastated, locking himself away. My friend has hardly ever spoken of her death, his grief too strong and I would not be surprised if…" his eyes suddenly latched onto her own with frightening speed. "Henry resented Catherine because she has never been able to resemble the Queen that his mother had been; the love that he felt for her when he first came to the throne and prior to his ascension has transformed into anger and distrust."
She felt her mouth dry up, and she wet her lips, feeling shameful of the bout of anxiety that gripped her again. "What does this have to do with me?"
Suffolk simply stared at her. "One way or another, you will be Queen of England and Henry will marry you; his mind is unchangeable. I love His Majesty as my brother, and I cannot, in good conscience, hold disdain for his future wife, especially during such a tumultuous time."
"I am quite stunned by your sudden change of heart, Your Grace," she said after a moment, mind working furiously. "You hold no other motive for befriending me?"
"The only thing that I want of you is to bear Henry a healthy and mighty son, and your companionship." Suffolk looked out the window to their left before connecting their eyes once more. "His Majesty has sat on his throne for twenty years without a true heir to his name, and I want for you to give him one; it is my greatest wish. I do not come to you to hold the documents over you and your family's head, Lady Anne - although I could easily do that. I know of your uncle's loathing of me, I know it well. He would just as easily gut me himself if he could, and if he could do something to force me out of His Majesty's heart, just as he did to Wolsey through you, then he would do it with zeal. While I am a Duke, the equal to your uncle in power, second only to Fitzroy and then His Majesty, I am not blind to all of the old families - the Poles, Staffords, and Percys - who detest me as if I am Lucifer reborn. I am a menace in their eyes, a disgrace to be held in such high esteem. Now that Norfolk has toppled Wolsey from power, I fear that he will turn his attention to me. I want to be your friend and supporter so that your damn uncle cannot seek to do to me what he had done to Wolsey. Simply, Lady Anne, all I want is two things from you when you become Queen: your friendship, and you giving Henry a true son. That is all."
A stiff silence permeated between them for several moments and Anne stepped towards the window, staring out at the sunlight that pierced through the jaded clouds. "Do you think that Catherine will relent?"
"I do not know, Lady Anne."
"I did not ask if you know, Your Grace, just what your thoughts were. What do you think will happen? You have much more experience with her than I do."
Suffolk was quiet for a second. "Queen Catherine is of Spanish blood, and her actions so far have suggested that she will not yield without a fierce fight; she has always been proud. Henry used to enjoy that trait but as the years have passed, that joy has turned to anger."
"Henry gave her a week to make a decision, and it is close to being concluded. What if she…" she decided to gift Suffolk a small amount of her trust to test the waters of their new-found friendship. "What if she refuses once more?"
"His words to Queen Catherine, from what he has shared with me, seemed to have shocked her; he believed that they even resonated inside her heart. If she does decide to refuse again," his voice lowered until it was barely audible, "we both know what will happen: Henry will break away from Rome, and he will marry you, no matter what it takes."
"But that takes time, years even!" Anne whirled around, feeling all of the frustration and longing in her heart bubbling to the surface of her once-calm facade. "When we do marry, what if I am too old? What if the best years for having sons have passed me by? It has been years since Henry first expressed interest in marrying me, but nothing has come of it because of Catherine and her damned nephew. I fear that if too much time passes, I will fail to deliver his rightful, strong son."
"Those are just concerns, Lady Anne, but I am no seer, nor would I ever want to be. God would never welcome me home if I was one." Suffolk sighed, and she watched as his posture tightened. "You must have faith. Henry will do whatever he must to marry you, to have his son. If Queen Catherine remains obstinate, bring your concerns to His Majesty and his efforts will double in their intensity, I know that they would."
Anne smiled tightly, "Thank you, Your Grace. You have given me much to think about."
Suffolk nodded and he offered a reassuring, hesitant smile. "Queen Catherine very well could refuse, but she could also see reason, too. No matter what happens, Lady Anne, it will not be your fault."
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June 1529
For the past minutes, a shadow had lingered underneath the door to his privy chamber, blocking out the steady stream of light that was always there, and it caused a shade of unease to echo in his mind.
Had something happened? Was Anne okay? Then there was the matter of Catherine's deadline that would soon pass when the sun set later that day. Would his brother's wife finally see reason, or knowing her as well as he did, would she continually refuse to accept the blinding truth?
In truth, while he knew that his words had affected Catherine, he didn't hold much hope that she would relent from their doomed marriage. He was prepared for evasive maneuvering if his brother's wife didn't step down and enter a nunnery. Since Blackbriar, since he and Anne and Charles had spoken at length about Catherine, since he had realized many truths, he had begun to pore over various documents by his lonesome, trying to find as many ways as he could to free himself from the marriage that God had clearly cursed.
Looking up once more from his reading of Erasmus and Luther, showing how desperate he was, he saw that the shadow was still there, and Henry put the papers down, sighing aloud. "Mr. Cromwell."
"Yes, Your Majesty?" The door slowly opened and Cromwell stared at him hesitantly, yet ready for anything.
"What is it? You have been lingering outside my door for several minutes. What do you want, Mr. Cromwell?"
"A letter from the Queen was given to me just minutes prior, but I could not summon the courage to give it to you."
"You read it?"
Cromwell straightened. "Yes, Your Majesty, but only because I feared that it could have been a hoax. Someone may have wished to trick you, Your Majesty, and I had wished to nullify such an opportunity against Your Majesty's person."
"But it was from my brother's wife, yes?" Henry stood to his feet and closed his eyes, already knowing the content of the letter. "Catherine refused. She still lies to God, does she not?"
"No, Your Majesty; she has agreed to enter a monastery."
The words floated in the air and Henry staggered, bracing himself on the table, dimly watching as he crinkled the parchments of Erasmus and Luthor. "What? She… give it to me!" He snatched the letter out of Cromwell's hands in a blur, eyes widening in hope and joy when he read the words:
My dearest Henry,
I have prayed and prayed, thinking of your words to me, of my situation, specifically of Mary's, and in spite of your cruel words, in some ways, you were correct. 'Tis true: I am barren and have failed you in providing a true son for England. Mary is a sweet girl; I am so proud of her and have wished nothing but the best for our daughter, yet if what you say is true about what would happen if she becomes Queen of England by her lonesome, that life is not what I want for her. She deserves to be loved just as we love her, not hated. A Queen consort is her best life, not the one that would be presented to her as a true Queen.
To give my beautiful daughter her best life possible, I have swallowed the bitter and dreadful truth, Henry. I will enter a nunnery to free you to marry whom you please. I relent, but in doing so, I require-
Henry stopped reading the letter as the words hit him in his heart, and it fell from his fingers as he fell to his knees, eyes staring up at the ceiling. "GOD! You have bestowed your greatest gift unto me! Thank you, Father of Creation! Your ceaseless mercy and love have saved England!"
He couldn't believe it - he was free! Catherine had seen reason and he could now marry Anne to have his sons! His patience has now been rewarded and the golden age was upon them, all because he had elected to confront Catherine himself, to be his father's son, and Henry laughed freely, tears welling in his eyes.
"Your Majesty?" Cromwell hesitantly inquired. "Are you okay?"
"I am far beyond okay, Mr. Cromwell. I have never felt such euphoria. Why ever were you hesitant?"
"Because I believe that the Dowager Princess of Wales only relented for your daughter, Your Majesty; her decision stems not from the knowledge that your union was cursed and sinful. I would wager that she still believes herself your true wife, but out of love for your daughter, she has relented. I fear that if the Pope hears of this, especially with the Emperor controlling him, he could mandate that the Dowager Princess of Wales stay by your side."
Henry stood to his feet, ignoring the tears that had spilled down his cheeks. "If I can marry whom I please, be free from her ancient, barren womb, then I care not why she did. I no longer care for the Pope, Mr. Cromwell," his eyes noticed Cromwell's lips quirk at his words and he leaned forward. "I will not be a fool. I want you to prepare for such an occurrence. I am, indeed, euphoric that God has gifted me this opportunity, but we both know that God likes to challenge His true followers. Be meticulous in your designs. I want to be free from the marriage, regardless of what the Pope declares because of the Emperor. Now summon Lady Anne, Mr. Cromwell, and see to it that my brother's wife is taken to a nunnery of her choosing immediately."
"I will do as you command, Your Majesty, but what of the Dowager Princess of Wales' conditions?"
"Conditions?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. In her letter, she laid out- "
"What conditions? What are they? What does she want?"
"She wants regular correspondence with whomever she elects to write, including your daughter, Your Majesty. She has also demanded that her household move with her to the nunnery, and finally, she desires an annual income of- "
"I will abide by her stipulations, Mr. Cromwell, but I will personally read the letters between Mary and her mother. I am not blind to the fact that my daughter has been poisoned by Catherine's words and their letters could contain more of her lying words. Everything else, give it to her. Enough of Catherine, Mr. Cromwell. I never want to speak of her again."
"What would you like to speak about, Your Majesty?"
"I want to marry Lady Anne right away, Mr. Cromwell. At once, begin to- "
"Might I make a suggestion, Your Majesty?"
"Anything!" Henry laughed joyfully, a gladness in his heart that hadn't been there since, perhaps, his childhood, since his mother was alive. "You are the bringer of outstanding news, Mr. Cromwell! What is it?"
Cromwell inched his head in respect. "The news of the Dowager Princess of Wales' decision to enter a monastery would undoubtedly be a shock to England's children, especially after Blackfriar and her testimony."
"You raise an excellent point, Mr. Cromwell. What is your suggestion?"
"Wait to marry Lady Anne for only a few months, that is all. In spite of the Dowager Princess of Wales' agreement to enter a nunnery, as she should, the people of England adore her. Let their tempers cool after the initial shock and fury, and eventually, they will come to adore your union with Lady Anne, Your Majesty."
"You are clever, Mr. Cromwell," he tilted his head at his new Secretary. "Wolsey did well in shaping you; he once remarked that you were infallible."
"I owe everything to Wolsey, Your Majesty." Cromwell looked slightly uncomfortable, although he hid it well. "I have experienced much in my life; there are no more surprises to be felt."
"Why have you not appealed to me on his behalf?"
"That is because, Your Majesty, Wolsey failed in his duties. He is undeserving of being returned to your favor and the position that he once held; he continuously failed you, Your Majesty." Cromwell straightened, somehow looking more relaxed. "Wolsey was good to me and a good man. The best way that I can repay him for what he did for me, is to become a much better and successful man than he ever was."
Henry smiled. "If you continue your progress, I foresee you succeeding, Mr. Cromwell. You have impressed me; it is not often that I am. Your reputation is poor; there are many who detest you."
"Your Majesty can decide on what kind of man I am; you can decide if my reputation is true or not."
"I can," he nodded. "I have... Your suggestion is one with which I agree. In a few months, the marriage will take place and then, God willing, a true Prince of Wales will be born for the first time in decades. Now bring me Lady Anne!"
Cromwell's lips curved slightly and he backed away, bowing perfectly. "At once, Your Majesty. I will see to it myself."
XxXxXxXxXxX
June 1529
"His Majesty has requested your presence, Lady Anne." Cromwell suddenly appeared out of the shadows behind them and she saw Suffolk glance at him curiously.
"Mr. Cromwell?" Anne looked at him in hope. "Why does His Majesty need me? What for?"
"Is it Queen Catherine, Mr. Cromwell?" Suffolk stared at Cromwell intently. "Has she… agreed?"
Cromwell paused for a moment before he bowed his head to them both, particularly making a show of it to Anne, something that he had never done before, the action a beacon in Anne's heart; she understood!
"She's gone?" She whispered, trembling. "She saw reason? God has shown her the truth?"
"There is no longer a Queen of England. Henceforth, she is to be referred to as the Dowager Princess of Wales."
Feeling frozen, Anne watched as Suffolk blinked. "Really? I had hoped that she would… yet I had braced myself for her stubbornness."
"I will see His Majesty," she rushed out and as graciously as she could, she parted through them, ignoring everyone as she made her way to Henry's privy chambers, heart racing. Was this a dream? Was it a cruel joke? Had the ancient and barren Catherine finally been toppled from her position of unruly stubbornness? Her mind was clouded with a mixture of euphoria and apprehension; she wouldn't believe it until she heard it from Henry's own lips.
When she arrived, one of the servants immediately opened the door for her, not saying a word, and she tried to calm herself, but when she stepped into the room and saw her Henry, she knew that she had failed. He stared at her for a moment before a huge smile swept across his features, chasing away the apprehension inside her heart.
"Anne."
Wetting her dry lips, she spoke. "Your Majesty, Mr. Cromwell- "
Before she could continue, Henry darted forward and pulled her into his chest. "Catherine's yielded," he breathed out and she had never heard such glorious and freeing words. "We are free to marry."
"God has saved us," she whispered into his chest. "He looks on us fondly."
"Oh, Anne, my loving sweetheart." Henry pulled back and tipped her head upward with his fingers, their lips meeting in a passionate and loving kiss. She basked in Henry's love and when he pulled back, she opened her eyes, locking them onto her own, and finally, Anne felt the tears spill down her cheeks. "The golden age is soon upon us. Our sons will be mighty and strong, and our daughters as beautiful as their mother."
"You flatter me, Your Majesty- "
"Stop that. Whenever we are alone, you refer to me as Henry, my love. I would have it no other way. You are mine and I am yours. Finally, we can be together as God intended us to be."
"When are we marrying, Henry?" His name fell from her lips smoothly and she watched with misty eyes as he closed his eyes at the sound. "What about the Pope and the Emperor?"
"We will marry in several months; it will give England time to readjust. Catherine was mistakenly much-beloved, and after Blackfriar, it will take some time for them to grasp the truth, but they will love you. You will be Queen Anne, the true and rightful wife of their King."
Anne smiled, ghosting her fingertips across Henry's cheeks. "And the Pope and Emperor? They will be silenced?"
"They can do nothing. If they do, Mr. Cromwell has begun drafting a plan to ignore them," he assured, kissing her fingers reverently. "Catherine, in spite of her reasoning, agreed of her own free will and remember, Kings have gotten divorced all of the time. The Pope cannot decree my union with you invalid or blasphemous before God since Catherine relented, whatever her reasons. The Emperor will be furious, but that is no surprise. His House of Hapsburg wants all of Christendom to belong to them, but he will never gain England, nor France either. Francois despises the Emperor as much as I do!"
"A smart man, then."
"Aye, I suppose he is. Once we are married, if it pleases you, I will send our ambassador to him with the details for an alliance between him and I. Would you like that, sweetheart?"
"I would like nothing more than for such an alliance. Perhaps, once we have our sons and daughters, we could draw up marriage contracts, as well."
"A Valois-Tudor bloodline. Who would have thought?" Henry laughed suddenly, sounding more joyous than she had ever heard. "There would be no need to conquer France at all. My grandsons will naturally inherit it." Henry pulled her hands up to his lips, "Are you happy, Anne? Do you feel as joyful as I do?"
"Henry, my love, I am the most happy."
"Then join me," he pulled her to the table, where a feast was laid out. "Let us celebrate, and after, we will fully be together."
Anne's eyes widened, "Henry, are you certain? I could fall pregnant and if so, our child will be hailed as a bastard."
"Cease your worries, sweetheart. We are to be married in only a few months. If you fall pregnant from our joining, no one will know it, and even if they did, I would execute anyone who declares our son a bastard." Henry pulled out a chair for her and Anne smiled at him lovingly, unable to stop her heart from softening even further. No matter what happened, her children would be loved by their father.
XxXxXxXxXxX
July 1529
"I never imagined that Wolsey would fail you so terribly, Your Majesty." Thomas shook his head, sipping from his cup. "I had thought him to be punctual beyond any other."
"But one cannot walk a straight line their entire life," Charles pointed out. "We found the evidence of Wolsey's correspondence with the Pope and the Dowager Princess of Wales not even a fortnight ago. It was Mr. Cromwell who presented the information."
Henry frowned slightly at Thomas' own frown at Charles' words, specifically when the Dowager Princess of Wales was mentioned. He tried to ignore the reasoning his old friend could have such a reaction. "Yes, Wolsey has certainly fallen far. The news of his treachery forces me to contemplate everything that he's done for me. What if he dabbled in other treacherous activities?" Norfolk smiled slyly and Henry raised an eyebrow. "Have you news of this, Your Grace?"
"Your Majesty, as my brother-in-law, your intended Queen's father, once revealed, I think that it be best if you speak with him about your finances- "
"Aye, you speak of Wolsey stealing from me," he leaned his head back in sadness. "Forgive me, Your Grace. I had not believed you and Lord Wiltshire at the time, but I see now, that I should have."
"Wolsey stole from you, Your Majesty?" Thomas put down his cup, looking astonished.
Henry couldn't help but notice that Norfolk looked smug. "Yes, Lord Chancellor. My brother-in-law discovered that when corrupt religious houses were being closed down, instead of all of their assets going to His Majesty's exchequer, as they are rightfully supposed to do, they were often diverted elsewhere, directly into Wolsey's own private foundations."
Thomas closed his eyes, "For the creation of his great college at Oxford, I would surmise."
"Correct, Thomas," Henry sighed. "He stole from me, he tried to keep me tied to the lying Catherine, he called my loving Anne 'a silly girl,' and he pretended to be my friend. I wonder if I was so blind because Wolsey had entered my life from such a young age."
Nobody dared say anything and he welcomed the stiff silence, taking heart that soon, everything would be okay. He would be able to marry Anne and have his son, saving England from a pretender who would seek to destroy the Tudor dynasty such as the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, if it would please you," Charles met his eyes. "I request leave to return to my estate to gather my Mary along with other things for your upcoming wedding to Lady Anne."
Henry suddenly realized how Anne's standing needed elevating and a thought occurred to him. "Thank you, Your Grace; you have just given me cause to pause. Yes, I give you leave to return to my sister, but only after I elevate Lady Anne to a title that speaks of my love for her. She will soon be Queen of England; she needs a status required of one."
"What are you thinking, Your Majesty?" Charles looked curious, "What peerage do you believe would be best bestowed upon her?"
"A Marquess," he responded, a smile curving his lips. "She will be the Marquess of Pembroke."
"An excellent choice, Your Majesty." Norfolk smoothly declared, "My niece will certainly succeed where others have failed."
"Yes, she will. Through her, my son will be strong and mighty." Henry murmured before turning to both Charles and Norfolk. "Your Graces, I wish to speak to my Chancellor alone." He then specifically addressed Norfolk. "I thank you for bringing Wolsey's betrayals to my attention; I will not ignore such findings ever again. You have done well, and when my Anne becomes Queen, there will be a discussion pertaining to your future."
Norfolk narrowly hid his delight, curving his lips into a gracious smile. "I am Your Majesty's humble servant." The Duke bowed his head and just as civilly left the room.
"Henry, congratulations. Lady Anne deserves such a title." Charles said softly before he followed Norfolk.
Once the doors shut, Henry stared at his old friend, wondering if he could even call him that.
"What is it, Harry?" Thomas leaned forward. "Is something wrong?"
"You were quiet, Thomas, and I now have begun to feel suspicious. Why is that?"
Thomas' lips parted, "Harry, forgive me. I just did not think it appropriate."
Henry's eyes narrowed. "Appropriate? So you hold an opinion not shared by myself or their Graces… You hold no approval for the Lady Anne, do you?"
"I suppose that I am just still in shock that Her Majesty- I mean, the Dowager Princess of Wales elected to forego her title and marriage to you."
He leaned his head back, staring at Thomas, silent for several moments. "You did not answer my question, Thomas. Your avoidance of it speaks louder than your words ever could."
Thomas seemed to hesitate for a moment before he spoke. "I find it questionable, how… the Dowager Princess of Wales simply gave up after her utterly convincing testimony at Blackfriar. I found how she chose to enter the nunnery… distasteful."
"Why? My conscience is finally clean."
"Oh, do not do that, Harry. I am no fool; do not treat me as such. We both know that you wanted this divorce because you no longer loved her, because you have become infatuated with Anne Boleyn."
"The fact that my brother's widow has confirmed that she was no virgin when we married does not bother you, Thomas? She has confirmed it! She and Arthur laid together as man and woman, as husband and wife, and I was too much of a fool to see that before. God has been punishing me all these years! If not for her lies, my innocent Prince Hal would be a man and married by now!"
"She claimed adamantly, many times, that she was untouched. I believe her, and I also believe that something caused her to suddenly relent to your wishes. You wanted a divorce- "
"There are precedents! King Louis XII was allowed to set aside his first wife. Look at my sister. She married James IV and after his death, remarried; then she divorced him and remarried last year! The Pope granted her a divorce but not me. I have a greater need than her but the Pope refused. Charles had a marriage put aside that needed no inquiry! I need a son!"
"I do not like this, Harry."
Henry felt the darkness of his wrath roar in the back of his mind, but he stared at Thomas without any visible anger, refusing to repeat his mistakes of the past. "Answer me this, then, Thomas: If Catherine was untouched by my brother, why did she never give me any true healthy sons? How come my Prince Hal died after 52 days? How come all she gave me was a sickly child in Mary and nothing else more save for dead children?" Thomas swallowed and didn't answer, looking down at his hands. "You judge me, Thomas, and the thought wounds me. You have disappointed me. I acted hastily in appointing you as my Chancellor. You do not support my decision, your King's decision in choosing Lady Anne as his Queen. I hate disloyalty."
"Harry, you are making a grave error." Thomas looked up at him boldly, "Queen Catherine loves you and while it is true that she gave you no sons, she is still your rightful wife and Queen. Go back to her, I beg you."
"Your pleading falls on deaf ears, Thomas," he said lowly, concealing his clenched fists beneath the table. "I need a son, a true heir! Are you deaf? I am all that remains of the Tudor Dynasty save for my sister, and nephew and nieces through Charles, but I need a son of my own! I want my father's dynasty to continue. The haggard and deceiving Catherine has failed to do that!" Henry purposefully inhaled slowly, calming himself before he began to bellow and rage at his mentor. "I do not love Catherine, and honestly, it is hard to remember when I ever did. When I first sat on my throne, I loved her; it was a consuming infatuation for my brother's wife. What I feel towards Anne surpasses that."
"I cannot stand idly by as- "
"You will learn to!" Henry rose to his feet, glaring down at Thomas. "I have done nothing against the Church or His Holiness; you should be praising me for my patience and graciousness. You do not like Lady Anne but have you met her, spoken to her, or have you merely listened to what the slanderers declare? What did you teach me all of those years ago? Not to fully make a decision until I knew everything. You do not follow your own teachings, Thomas."
"Harry, I do- "
"The time for 'Harry' is over."
"You are right: I do not agree with your choice, Your Majesty. My conscience is burdened and I must share what is on my mind. I fear that in your decision, you have doomed England to the Lutheran heretics."
"Why?"
"There are rumors that the Boleyns are Lutherans, that if you do sire children through Anne Boleyn, they will be raised to hate the Church and His Holiness. I fear that even you, Your Majesty, could be enraptured by Anne Boleyn's words and break away from Rome."
Henry thought to his numerous vows to do just that, but since Catherine had finally accepted the truth, he didn't see that ever happening - even if the book that Anne had given him made a lot of sense, made more sense than all of the teachings that he had been taught. "You offend me, Thomas. Do you think me such a fool? I am no fool! These rumors are fallacies, Thomas. Of course, they have reached my ears. Elizabeth Barton has prophecied many lies. The truly vicious ones only started after the news of Catherine's entering of a nunnery, dissolving our marriage. This is merely the work of bitter and wounded people, Thomas. They are nothing more than slander."
"But, Your Majesty, what evidence is there is there that discredits them?"
"What evidence is there to credit them, Thomas?" Henry paused and a terrible thought occurred to him. "You really do not like my Anne, do you? Why are you so insistent about these rumors? You are not the one who fueled them, are you?"
"Your Majesty, I would never spread such malicious slander about anyone. I only have England's best interests at heart- "
"And I do not?"
"I do not want England to become like Germany under that heretic, Luther. I do not want to see the Papal authority in England decimated."
"I will marry Anne, and you need not worry about any of that happening, Thomas. Leave me, now. Your conscience should be clear."
"It is."
Henry felt some anger enter his tone. "Leave Court until you are summoned back for my wedding to Anne. I will find a replacement Chancellor."
Thomas' eyes widened, lips parting in shock. "Harry- "
"You are bold, stupidly so. I will make it no secret that you have angered me."
"If Your Majesty wishes my departure, I will do so without question." Thomas bowed his head before he left the room slowly, his head held high.
Henry sat back down in the chair, rubbing his face tiredly. How quickly things could change. He knew Thomas and while he wished that he could feel surprised at his old friend's thoughts and worries, he wasn't. Thomas was a good man, a man of unquestionable morals, but he was narrow-sighted.
Sometimes, such as now, Henry realized that he was most alone; the mantle of King was grand and immortal, but the burden it cast was overwhelming. Thomas was only looking at these events through his own eyes, and he couldn't see the bigger picture. England was currently on the brink of a dynastic collapse because Henry had foolishly married his brother's widow, and he was now doing what was best for his country, his lands, his people.
If only those who sought him harm would realize that, if only those such as Thomas, who were too consumed by their own fallacies, could see that. A change was coming to England, but many feared the change, despised it with their entire being. Without change, the vile Richard III, Henry's own uncle, would still be King. It was through his father's determination and strong will that brought a betterment to England through change, but now that Henry began to do the same, his former mentors and friends, such as Thomas, rebelled against the idea.
Although Henry still felt furious with the Pope, with the entire Papacy, he wasn't going to break away from Rome, now, not after Catherine finally yielded. Thomas didn't need to worry about Papal authority in England being abolished unless the Pope interfered with his marriage to Anne. England was more important than what the Pope wanted and Henry wasn't fully certain that he trusted Clement because the man had shown how he was willing to disregard the obvious truth many times. It also didn't help that the Emperor had shown his own inclination to interfere in England's affairs when he had no right to do so.
Henry closed his eyes and sighed, forcing himself to stop wondering about the many things that could go wrong before he and Anne's wedding. Instead, he tried to instill a steadfast serenity that would keep him calm.
In over a month's time, he and Anne would be married and he prayed to God that everything would go according to plan.
XxXxXxXxXxX
August 1529
"My Master, England has fallen to doom; it will succumb to heretics." Chapuys' Spanish-spoken words were crisp but he didn't dare look up at his master, keeping his eyes rooted to the floor. "Your aunt has entered a nunnery because of increasing, unbearable pressure from King Henry. She has stepped down from her rightful throne to pave the way for the Boleyn whore to spread Lutheranism through England. The Boleyn whore is a witch; she has engulfed the mind of King Henry to put aside such a pious and outstanding woman so that she can become the Queen of England. Just recently, because of her dark and arcane magics, she has been elevated to a Marquess. In only a fortnight, they are to be married, from what my sources tell me." Chapuys slowly pulled a roll of parchment out to present it to his master. "Here, my master. Your aunt has written you a letter."
"Read it to me."
Chapuys wet his lips. "Of course, if that is your wish," he unfurled the parchment and the words sucked him in. "She says:
My dearest nephew,
I write to you with a burdened heart and soul. I fear that your confidence in me to remain strong was misplaced and overvalued. I'm certain that you know of the truth, but I need you to hear it from me instead of others. My husband, His Majesty the King, came to me late at night after my testimony at Blackbriar, after I had been certain that I swayed his mind. I was wrong. He demanded that I enter a nunnery or else all of England will be at war once more because of my failure to birth him sons. He said that he would declare the Pope a heretic and marry whom he pleased. He said that he would force me to enter a nunnery, whether I want to or not. I didn't see my husband that night; I saw His Majesty's callous father, the seventh Henry.
His Majesty was vicious and ruthless, more than he has ever been before. My tears did nothing except make him angrier and when I tried to reason with him, he silenced me with words that echoed in my mind with a terrible truth. While I will always be His Majesty's true wife and Queen, I chose to step down because of my love for Mary; he revealed what would happen if my precious daughter became Queen of England by her lonesome: he said that they would kill her, that they wouldn't accept her. I don't want Mary to be hated; I want her to be loved as she should. His Majesty also furiously declared that you would rule England through her, my nephew, using my Mary as a puppet. I know that's not true, but the thought did scare me because if Mary became Queen and married someone who had such aspirations, His Majesty would be correct about England succumbing to war once again because England's children are proud. They would never accept a foreign man as their King, and they would rebel against my daughter.
His Majesty will marry Anne Boleyn soon and I have been sent to a nunnery; it's a nice one, but I miss my homes at court, in the palace. I miss His Majesty, but I love my daughter more. To give her a happy life, I have relented to His Majesty's demands. I'm sorry, nephew. I know that I have brought you shame, brought our family embarrassment, and while I am angry with His Majesty and bitter about what has happened, I would do it a thousand times over for my daughter if that's what it takes to give her happiness, the life that she deserves.
Promise me that you will still look after my Mary. I fear that I don't have much time left on God's Earth. Since His Majesty's Great Matter began, my health has been robbed of much of its vitality, and if I continue as I have, I believe that I only have a few years left, if even that much. Promise me, Carlos, that you will look after Mary, will keep her best interests at heart. If you can, speak with His Majesty about a possible marriage between Mary and one of your nephews or cousins. I want her to be happy and I'm afraid that I won't be able to see that happiness. I've lost too many children and I cannot lose her. I am your humble servant, my nephew.
Catherine, the Dowager Princess of Wales."
Chapuys felt indignation swirl inside his heart, but he remained silent, waiting for his master to speak. For several moments, there was a heavy silence before the shadow from the throne enlarged as his master stood to his feet.
"How dare he?" Chapuys echoed the anger in his own mind. Who was King Henry to rebel against the Papacy and his master? "He has humiliated my House! I should have his head for this unforgivable slight against my favorite aunt!"
"Master, I caution you: You cannot afford to go to war with England, and it would not be unheard-of if King Francois joined King Henry against us."
"You are right, Chapuys. My forces are spread too thin; his navy would crush us. Damn King Henry, damn him to hell!"
"All is not lost, my master. Pope Clement VII is still within your power."
"What are you saying, my friend?"
"Perhaps if you show His Holiness the letter that your aunt has written to you, show him the evidence that Anne Boleyn has used her dark witchcraft on King Henry, he will act."
"Yes. According to my aunt, King Henry proclaimed that he would declare his Holiness a heretic, did he not? I know King Henry; he is a pious man. He would never say such a thing if the Boleyn whore had not poisoned his mind. Pope Clement and I are still at odds, though; he wishes my death."
Chapuys thought quickly of a solution. "Perhaps if he decrees that King Henry return to your aunt, the rightful Her Majesty Queen of England, that a marriage with Anne Boleyn would be blasphemy against God, that any children borne through such a union would be illegitimate in the eyes of both God and man, you give him some of his once-held power back."
"You are clever, my friend. That is an excellent suggestion, and I will see to it. Meanwhile, I want you to go directly to England to deal with the Boleyn whore. I want you to plead with King Henry and try to visit my aunt; you need to keep an eye on my cousin, Mary, too. I have plans for her."
XxXxXxXxXxX
Okay, that's it for this chapter, everyone. Sorry for such a wait but I hit some writer's block for it.
**Charles Brandon and Anne Boleyn reach a compromise and agree to become 'friends.' I always thought that if history had turned out differently, if the show had, this dynamic would have been very interesting and I'm excited to see what happens.
**Catherine agrees to enter a nunnery! I don't whether that surprised you or not, but it was always the plan with how I envisioned it happening. In the first chapter, Henry viciously tore into her with words of truth, forcing her to see the truth, at least from a certain point-of-view. Her reasoning becomes clear: she did it only for her daughter because she wants her to be happy. I honestly have no idea how Catherine of Aragon treated her daughter in history, but in the show, she treasured Mary above all others. In my mind, that would be the ONLY way that she would ever yield and relent to Henry's wishes. She always believed herself to be Henry's wife, in real-life history. Even on her deathbed when she was all alone and Henry was married to Anne, she declared herself Henry VIII's wife.
In case you were wondering, Anne's year of birth for this is 1507 because, logically, it's the one that makes the most sense for the time period, the era. In real history, if she had been born in 1501 as many, for some reason, believe, Anne was married to Henry at 32-years-old. That is a very old number for women at the time to give birth. In fact, Catherine of Aragon's last pregnancy was when she was 32-years-old herself. I find it very strange that Henry VIII would marry someone that old to have his son because remember, he wanted his son above anything. Yes, he did love Anne and was willing to wait for years, but the only reason why he put Catherine aside was that of her failure to give him his necessary son and heir. (If Catherine had given him a healthy son, if Prince Hal Duke of Cornwall had lived, then Catherine would NEVER be put aside.) It makes much more sense for Anne Boleyn being born in 1507; she would be 19 when Henry first asked her to marry him in 1527 instead of 26. (Women who were 26-years-old back then would be considered unmarriable because they were so old. Remember, Anne was never married before and it makes no sense that she wouldn't have somehow been married before - a la Elizabeth Woodville.) It's also been reported in multiple sources from way back then, such as Jane Dormer, Duchess of Feria (1538-1612), who knew Elizabeth I, that Anne wasn't even 29-years-old when she was executed. If some of you don't agree with my assessment, that's fine, but there's a fascinating and compelling read about the age issue by Garet H Russell: The age of Anne Boleyn. If you want, check it out!
**Thomas More appears and is confronted by Henry! Admittedly, I don't know much about Thomas More from history besides his famous death because everything that I've read pretty much paints him as a martyr and it's very vague; all it does is present his issue for breaking away from Rome and the Catholic Church. So, that's what I tried to stick to because the Boleyn's are Lutherans and More fears that they will sway Henry to annihilate Papal supremacy in England.
**The Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V of Spain (or Carlos in Spanish) appears with Chapuys! Okay, I had a difficult time writing that scene out because I didn't know what their reactions would be at first. Then, as I thought about it, it was obvious that they would be furious and demand that Henry go back to Catherine, based on their actions in the show and history. The Emperor single-handedly kept Henry from leaving Catherine for years through the Pope - although the Pope had a hand in it, too, undoubtedly. Chapuys was notorious for his hatred of Anne Boleyn and his loyalty towards Catherine of Aragon and Mary. So, I tried to keep that the same.
Charles V and Pope Clement VII had a big feud, actually. It's not really touched upon in the show, but Pope Clement VII was against the Emperor and tried to form an alliance, the League of Cognac, to challenge the Emperor's supremacy in Italy, which then led to the Sacking of Rome in 1527, and then the Pope's imprisonment. (The sacking of Rome wasn't a direct order from the Emperor, and Charles V, while embarrassed by what happened, quickly accepted the advantage gave him and took full liberties with it.) I do find it greatly amusing how the Emperor tried to bend the Catholic Church to his will, but when Henry tried to sort of do the same thing, and when he later broke away from the Church, the Emperor condemned Henry for it. It's quite hypocritical, actually. But then again, what else can you expect from monarchs?
That's it. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them. I'd be more than willing to answer them. Please leave a review to tell me what you thought about it because it would help me out.
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