You're not dreaming, this is an actual update! Extremely sorry for the lack of updates. I'm awful.
She could not stop laughing. Brandon looked at her in distaste, and though the feeling was mutual, Anne could not bring herself to stop. She had no doubt that she must have looked like a man woman to Brandon, but Anne could care less about what this insipid man thought of her. Once he was an ally and then her enemy. Now he was nothing to her.
Anne could feel the malicious stares of the courtiers as they took in her disheveled appearance and marked cheek. She could already imagine the gossip that would be hissed distastefully behind her back! And to be stood here clutching onto Brandon made it all the more entertaining! Perhaps the latest story would be how the King threw her out of his bed because Anne the whore had been warming the Duke of Suffolk!
Using language that would have made a normal lady blush, Brandon pulled Anne down the corridor until they were at a relatively quiet alcove. Anne laughed harder, her shaking hands curling around the firm muscle of Brandon's arm as she steadied herself.
"Are you in shock, Madam?" he asked stiffly, no doubt unhappy with her sudden touch.
"Oh do calm yourself, Your Grace," Anne giggled, her smile curling her lips at Brandon's awkward expression. "I am quite well, I assure you."
"Then perhaps you would kindly stop acting like a madwoman and control yourself," Suffolk hissed, his usual distasteful expression slipping into place once again. It grounded her for a moment, and Anne swept her eyes across the quiet corridor, catching the eye of several courtiers who quickly looked away.
Oh Lord. What had she done?
Henry could easily find a way to punish her that did not involve having her executed. But despite her sudden terror, Anne could not find herself to regret her actions. She had made it clear to her family that she was her own woman now and would no longer do their bidding, and now Henry knew that that though me may be able to control her in some aspect, he will never have her again.
She was not his any longer.
That alone was worth any punishment that she was sure to come her way.
"What happened to your face?" Brandon demanded quietly, his cold eyes staring at her with an intensity that would have made her nervous if she were any other woman.
Anne regarded him carefully, and only when she saw no ulterior motive behind the Duke's question did she reply, "Our beloved King does not like to be told no, as I am sure that you are aware of." Anne smirked in delight at the Duke's surprised look, though he recovered quickly under her scrutiny. "Oh, you thought that I would crawl back to the King and beg for his favor? Perhaps you do not know me as well as you thought, Your Grace."
The Duke did not react to her teasing, and Anne felt a flare of disappointment. He only looked her over carefully, his piercing gaze chilling her to the bone. It was only when that penetrating stare of his lingered on Anne's hands did she realise that she was still clutching onto his arms. Anne's smirk turned wicked as she gave his arm a firm squeeze and finally let go.
Still, the ever stoic Duke of Suffolk remained unruffled by her actions as he merely lifted an eyebrow and looked at her for a long hard moment. Anne's smirk remained fixed in place. "The support of the public will not last forever," Brandon said cooly, pausing as two of the Queen's ladies slowly walked by them hoping to catch some interesting gossip, although their eyes did linger on the handsome Duke for far too long for Anne's taste. Anne ignored them, her gaze firmly fixed upon Brandon as she waited for him to continue, and only did he do so when the ladies were out of sight. "Perhaps you should mind your tongue around those who would see you fall once more."
Anne's smile turned frosty as she sweetly replied, "Is that a threat, Your Grace?"
"Not at all, Madam," Brandon said smoothly, his eyes unreadable as they flickered down to her flaming cheek. "I only seek to advise you. Good day."
Brandon was gone as quickly as he had come, although Anne's eyes tracked his every step as he made his escape from her. He only sought to advise her? Brandon was one of many who would relish in seeing her fall once again! The nerve of the man! Anne held back an unladylike snort and pushed his words from her mind. Over the passed few weeks she had cautiously paid off servants and lesser born ladies who were eager to please the wealthiest woman in the land despite her ruined reputation. She had spies in most of the prominent families in court, including the Duke of Suffolks.
To her knowledge, Brandon was not plotting against her. At least not yet.
In the days that followed, Anne made no effort to hide her bruised cheek that she wore with pride. She met every eye with a raised eyebrow and vicious twist of her lips. She had heard the rumors. Of how she had begged the King to set Jane aside and reinstate Anne as his Queen again, and the King's response had been so volatile he almost beat her to death in his rage. Of how the King had gotten too rough in their passionate reunion. Of how Queen Jane had hit her in a fit of rage for daring to set eyes on her precious husband.
That one brought her particular amusement. As if that mouse would dare to raise a hand to her!
It was only the thought of her daughter growing up and thinking her mother as nothing more than a desperate whore that made Anne tell her spies to spread her rumor. Of how she had refused to come to the King's bed and in his rage Henry had struck her.
Henry made his presence known, fawning over his insipid Queen before Anne's eyes despite the fact that the whole court knew that he had taken a new mistress to his bed. Her spy in the Queen's household, a pleasant young girl named Jenny who worked as a maid and was eager to earn some extra coin, informed her that the King was getting frustrated with his new wife's lack of pregnancy and that his visits to her bed were dwindling.
It was a painful game that she and Jane Seymour had been pushed into. Alas, Anne felt no sympathy for the woman.
Anne ignored him as he flaunted his wife in her face everytime she joined the court in the evening banquets. She ignored the brief pang of pain deep in her belly, she had long since grown used to Henry showing off his mistresses in her presence. The only difference was now Henry knew that Anne did not want him anymore and she revelled in his attempts to make her jealous as she reacted with indifference.
She only allowed herself to shoot him one poisonous smile as she met his gaze and saw his fury flash across his face as she danced with a handsome knight who dared to approach the King's former wife despite all of the rumors of her volatile relationship circling around.
Once the song was over, Anne joined in the applause for the musicians - none were as skilled as her dear friend Mark who now was too terrified to respond to any of her letters after being accused of sharing her bed, let alone dare step foot into the King's palace.
Her dance partner bowed deeply before her and took her hand in his and placed a kiss to her knuckles. "Your Grace," he said respectfully, his cheeks flushing when Anne smiled coyly at him and curtsied gracefully.
"Thank you, Sir," Anne said gently as she took her hand from his and took her leave. Henry's glare burned holes into her back, but she refused to return his heated stare.
A smile tugged at Anne's lips despite herself. She may have decided to never give her heart away ever again, but she still enjoyed the attention that men paid her. It was petty, but she still liked to be the centre of attention. There were younger ladies at court, perhaps even more beautiful than her, yet it was Anne that men looked at. Perhaps it was curiosity to see what was so special about the woman who managed to steal a King's attention and maintained faithful to her for seven years. She felt their eyes on her as she made her way across the room, her eye catching her uncle's as he beckoned her over.
Norfolk eyed her cheek and saw his eyes flash with approval. Anne smiled sweetly despite her irritation at her uncle's satisfaction. "Do you believe me now, Uncle?" she said quietly, careful of the company surrounding them.
Norfolk inclined his head in respect. "I thought perhaps your feelings may have gotten in the way of sense once more, Niece."
Anne swallowed back her bitter laugh. "I am a woman grown, Uncle. I learnt my lesson when it came to the King. Besides, feelings change. I've changed." Norfolk's face gave nothing away, but she had spent years studying her uncle's face as they spent hours plotting their rise to power. He may not believe that her feelings for Henry were gone, but he was satisfied that her words from their previous conversation still rang true.
He knew that her pride alone would not allow her to settle for being Henry's mistress.
Norfolk smiled that cold smile of his that used to make her do his bidding without question. "And which story is true?" he asked softly. "I particularly enjoyed the one where the Queen struck you after she caught you and the King in bed together."
Anne let out a surprised laugh. "I had not heard that one! Alas, the truth is not nearly as interesting. Henry was upset when I refused to go to his bed," Anne replied, studying her uncle carefully. She had wondered if he knew of Thomas Boleyn's most recent actions despite knowing that his brother-in-law did not approve.
"It is not very often that the King does not get what he wants. Did anyone see you?"
"No. I was invited to his chambers. Some must have seen me leave-"
"Including the Duke of Suffolk," Norfolk interrupted, his voice dripping with innuendo. "They say that the two of you were seen embracing right after you left the King's quarters."
There was a long pause as Anne assessed her uncle. She reached for a goblet of wine from a passing servant and lazily took a sip. She refused to explain herself to her uncle of all people. "Are you spying on me, Uncle?" Anne said, a sweet smile curling her lips.
Norfolk ignored her question. "Watch yourself with Brandon."
"Charles Brandon is not a threat to me," Anne said clearly, though all she felt was rage at this man's audacity to even accuse her-
"I have seen the way he has been watching you, Anne. Be careful."
Anne watched her uncle with cold eyes. "As I said, Charles Brandon is not a threat. If he ever becomes one, I will handle it." Anne took a bold step towards Norfolk, her eyes flashing in anger as she stared down her uncle. "Remove your spies from my household immediately."
Norfolk smiled and it chilled her to the bone. "What spies?"
"Do not play this game with me."
"Be careful Anne," Norfolk said, a hint of steel making its way into his voice. "I am the only member of your family that is on your side."
"Do not push me," Anne hissed.
Norfolk tilted his head to the side as he studied her carefully. "In truth, my dear niece, I have no spies in your household. Everyone that I approached declined my offers. You have done well in surrounding yourself with such loyal staff."
Anne hid her surprise, though she did not know if he spoke the truth. "Then how do you know of Brandon?"
"Rumours. You just confirmed them for me." He smiled cooly. "Whatever you have got going on with Brandon, do not bring more shame to our family, and watch yourself. He maybe of low birth, but Brandon has learnt to play our games very well. He is every bit as cunning as the rest of us."
"Nothing is going on with Brandon," Anne insisted.
"Of course," Norfolk said smoothly, although she could tell he did not believe her. "Goodnight, dear Anne."
"Uncle," Anne replied smoothly, inclining her head in false respect. Anne took her leave, placing her goblet on a table by the door as she left. It took all of her self control not to glance towards the Duke of Suffolk who had been watching her every move since the moment she started dancing with her handsome knight.
They say that the two of you were seen embracing right after you left the King's quarters.
What must his precious wife think? Anne smirked.
Christmastide came and passed with much fanfare.
Christmastide had always been her favorite time at court. She had always been in her element with the feasts, the dancing and the revelries. Anne even joined in with her ladies decorating her rooms with holly, ivy and mistletoe. No matter where she was in the palace, a carol could be heard singing.
But this year Anne was the most excited that she had ever been despite being in court.
It was the first Christmas that she would spend with Elizabeth.
Elizabeth joined her at mass, and though her faith had been tested in the last year, Anne felt a peace come over her as she had sat with her daughter who was far too still for a child of three.
Anne allowed her to come to the feast, and it was such a joy watching her daughter take it all in with wide, curious eyes. She watched the burning of the Yule Log and the dancing and she was not daunted in the least at the stares that came their way.
"Mama! May we dance?" Elizabeth asked after she had had her fill of food. Elizabeth's eyes had lit up the moment she had caught sight of all of the food laid out before them. It appeared that her daughter had inherited her father's love for fine food and treats.
A smile tugged at her lips. "Of course my darling." Anne paid no mind to the pair of eyes that followed her every move as she escorted her daughter to the dance floor. She made no move to pay her respects to the royal couple, and she could feel Henry's anger at the blatant snub.
Although gifts were to be exchanged on New Years Day, Anne had made an exception and given her daughter a beautiful red dress to wear for the feast and a pearl necklace with the B pendant that was identical to her own. Though it had been years since she wore it for Henry supplied her with far more jewellery than she would ever wear, Anne put it on today with pride. Elizabeth's face had lit up as Anne carefully fastened the necklace around her delicate neck. "We match Mama!" she had cried happily.
Elizabeth danced with far more grace than any child her age had any right to be. Anne was almost bursting with pride as her daughters quick feet matched her step for step, her smile growing as her daughter became the centre of attention. Elizabeth did not seem to notice, her attention focused on the music as she got lost in the dancing. Despite her parentage, people watched Elizabeth with reluctant smiles as the young girl curtsied at the end of the song and then collapsed in a fit of giggles. Anne joined her, reaching out for her daughter and hugging her to her chest. "Oh, my sweet, sweet girl," Anne whispered as applause filled the room. "You were wonderful!"
As the applause fluttered away, there was a lengthy silence that made Anne look back up. Henry had one hand raised to pause the musicians and his eyes were on her and Elizabeth. Anne stood slowly and held tightly onto Elizabeth's hand.
"My darling Elizabeth," he called, his face transforming into a blinding smile as he looked down at their daughter and stood from his throne. The crowd parted around them as Henry slowly walked towards them, acting every bit the predator that he was and eyeing Anne as his prey.
Henry should have learned by now that she was the predator.
Though he had seen her privately, it was the first time Henry had acknowledged Elizabeth in public. Elizabeth looked up at Anne almost nervously. Anne smiled down soothingly at her daughter despite the turmoil in her gut. With the eyes of the entire court on them, Anne knew that there was no possibility of getting out of the situation and she could only wait with bated breath at the possibility of Henry's actions. Her eyes were on her daughter as she dropped into a curtsey and almost sighed with relief when Elizabeth copied her.
Footsteps came closer until they stopped a little distance away from them. "You may rise, Elizabeth. Your Grace."
Once, Henry would have taken her hand in his with a smile on his lips that was reserved for her. Now Henry spared her a brief glance that was filled with longing and fury before his eyes went back to their daughter. He went down on one knee and held his hands out towards Elizabeth. Elizabeth looked towards her mother once again, and Anne gently pushed her daughter towards her father. Elizabeth took a hesitant step in her father's direction before she took off running into his arms. His strong arms wrapped around her as he pulled her to his chest and laughed in delight as he stood up with her in his arms. The court joined in, their false laughter ringing in Anne's ears as she watched them with a forced smile. Elizabeth was quiet, but her cheeks were flushed in joy as her father finally gave her the attention she had been craving for months. It seemed as though the court let out a sigh of relief as their tempestuous King called for more music.
Seeing the two people she had loved most in this world together again made something clench deep in her belly. She was done imagining an impossible future with Henry, but the sight in front of her made her resent him once again. He took this away from her daughter, and she would never forgive him.
Anne looked towards Jane Seymour and allowed herself a sly smirk as she saw the resentment written plainly across her face. Their eyes met for a moment, and Anne's smirk widened.
Be careful what you wish for, Mistress Seymour. Being Queen was not what one dreamt it being.
"Elizabeth, would you do me the honor of dancing with your mother again?" Henry said pulling Anne's attention back to him. "It was truly a sight to behold!"
All too eager to please, Elizabeth almost squealed with joy as Henry tickled her chin. "Yes Papa!" Henry placed her on the floor and Elizabeth ran back to her mother, her eyes shining in delight as she held out her hand.
Anne looked at Henry for a long moment but he merely sent her a small secretive smile. She did not know what game Henry had planned, but Anne refused to play it. Taking Elizabeth's hand, Anne turned away from him and pushed all thoughts of Henry Tudor away. He would not spoil her day.
She danced with her daughter, careful to keep her eyes from the King. She caught a glimpse of the Duke of Suffolk watching her as he conversed with the leaders of the rebellion up North, but apart from sending him a mocking smile Anne, paid him no heed.
She had heard all about the Pilgrimage of Grace, but she was in no position to involve herself in such important politics. She had to pick her battles wisely now that she was no longer Queen. She had little influence with any of the main political players, and she could not afford to give her enemies an excuse to bring about her downfall once again.
Although she had been tempted to plot with this Robert Aske just for his hatred of Thomas Cromwell alone.
Though it was passed her bedtime, Elizabeth insisted on watching the play, but her dear daughter's tiredness won out instead of curiosity. Anne picked Elizabeth up, her back aching with the effort. Her little girl was growing up. Nobody paid her any attention as she slipped out. She was almost glad to be away. The masquerade was too much of a painful reminder of her past after an evening full of unwelcome thoughts thanks to the King. She walked down the deserted corridors, glad to be alone.
"Have you enjoyed yourself Elizabeth?" Anne asked as she ran her fingers through her soft red hair.
"It was the most wonderful day, Mama," she said sleepily. Anne pressed a kiss to her cheek as she came upon Elizabeth's rooms. The nursemaid opened the door for her and looked down at her sleeping daughter with a fond smile.
"Goodnight, my love," she whispered as she handed her off to her nursemaid.
At long last, peace settled around Anne as she slowly made her way to her own rooms. It was still relatively early and she was not tired. She debated returning to the feast but her footsteps paused as she took in a familiar form leaning against the wall.
The Lady Mary turned towards her, her sad eyes hardening as she met Anne's. The girl had finally signed The Act Of Succession, although it was far too late in Anne's eyes. Though she had yet to make an appearance at court, she must have been invited for Christmas.
"Lady Mary," Anne said stiffly. She made to walk past but the girl's words stopped her.
"I am glad to see that my father has finally come to his senses," Mary spat out.
Anne stopped and slowly turned around. The girl had grown since their last meeting. She was beautiful just as her mother had been. The old hatred came flooding back as she regarded her with disdain. "In what regard? The fact that he's set me aside or let you come crawling back to court?"
Mary bristled under Anne's amused gaze. "I knew what you were from the moment I laid eyes on you, and it was only a matter of time until my father saw it too." Anne smirked, the words having lost their sting many years ago. Now it did nothing but amuse her. "Your daughter is a bastard-"
"As are you, Lady Mary," Anne snapped, .
Mary's fists clenched in her skirt as she replied, "Elizabeth is unlucky to have a mother such as you. My mother-"
"Your mother was a fool, Lady Mary," Anne hissed. "Katherine spent her last days alone in a cold, desolate house wishing that a man who did not love her would come to her side once more. If your mother had given up her claim, you could have been by her side and lived happily. Your mother had an Emperor as a nephew and he did little to help her but prolong her pain. I have no one. I escaped with my life whilst I could, and though I may not be Queen, I am a Duchess who has spent everyday with her daughter."
Anne stepped closer to her, and she felt a flair of respect when Lady Mary held her ground. "What are you, Lady Mary?" Mary flinched, and Anne smirked. "You're a King's Bastard, but a bastard nonetheless."
"My father will-"
"Your father has a new wife. If you believe that the status of your legitimacy is because of me, then you are gravely mistaken. Jane Seymour has not given you anymore than what I promised you if you signed the Act of Succession. She reunited you with your father, yet here you are, still a bastard. Your father fell in love with me, he made me his Queen. I am sorry for your suffering, I truly am, but I am not the cause of it."
There were tears in the young girls eyes, and though a part of her still hated the girl just for who her mother was, Anne felt a stirring of pity for her. The girl could call her a whore and a witch to her heart's content, but she was alone in this world, just as Anne was.
"Lady Mary," Anne said quietly. "I care not what you think of me. But if you wish to survive in this place you must open your eyes and realise that no matter how much you love your father, he will not go back on his word and put you back in the line of succession. Your father can still find you a good match-"
"I will not speak of this with you," the girl snapped, sounding every bit the stubborn mule her mother had been.
Anne swallowed her irritation. "Very well. "I am not half as evil as you think I am, Lady Mary. You should visit Elizabeth whilst you are at court. I know that she would love to see you." With that, Anne left with her bitter thoughts.
Lady Mary was nothing to her.