I am sorry for taking so long. Writer's block hit and I wasn't sure if I would continue this story, but new followers inspired me. I will continue to update this story. Right now, I am inspired to write a White Princess fanfic and Reign so look out for that. Please enjoy!
Whitehall Palace Chapel, London, England
Mistress Jane Seymour stands quietly at the altar with her eldest brother beside her. Behind her, the courtiers remain uncommonly quiet as they wait for their king. Outside the chapel, King Henry VIII of England walks down the hall with his entourage right behind him. He reaches the entrance of the chapel and walks in. The courtiers quickly rise up as the king rushes up the aisle; his friends go their separate ways. Henry reaches the altar and offers his hand to the bride. Jane takes his hand and quickly curtsies.
"Jane." The king greets his bride.
"Majesty." Jane returns the greeting as she takes a glance at the monarch.
The couple stands still and looks up at the altar, and religious man. Bishop Gardiner comes forward, with an open book and starts the ceremony with a small prayer.
"It there any persons who believe that these two persons shall not wed?" The king takes a sideway glance towards his secretary. Cromwell looks towards the altar and does not meet the king's eyes.
The king returns his attention back to the bishop and nods his head.
1536 June
Palacio Real del Olite, Navarre
"No, I cannot allow it!"
"Aunt, please-
"Philip, no!" Marguerite of Valois, Queen of Navarre stops and tells her nephew. "I am sorry but my answer is no. I cannot allow Madeleine to travel back to France."
The dauphin does responds but silently nods his head. "Very well, I will not argue with you, aunt."
The queen nods her head and quickly glances outside. "How is Madeleine faring?"
"She is well. The physician states that Madeline's health is fully restored. " Philip smiles at the information. "I am glad she is well, I know father will be happy to hear this news."
Marguerite turns away from the window as one of her ladies walks into the room, with a tray in her hands. Behind the young lady, the queen's senior lady-in-waiting walks in and dismisses the young girl. The older lady starts to pour wine into each glass, and then sets the glass pitcher down. The older lady picks up a smaller tray and walks to the Queen.
"How is the king's new ward?" Philip looks up at his aunt, but does not answer. Instead, he watches the lady walk back to him and offer him the second glass. Marguerite looks at her nephew as he picks up the glass and takes a sip of wine. "And what of your young brother Charles? I assume he is well?"
"Charles is well and according to his tutors, he is excelling in his studies especially military." The lady in waiting sets down the tray and curtsies to the queen, and leaves them. "He is also an avid rider and continues to entertain noblemen and their families nightly."
"It seems like he took a page from Henri's book." Marguerite walks towards the space between the two rooms and looks at her ladies. "Leave us."
The ladies look at their queen and quickly rise, and run of the room. The queen's principal lady hesitates but reluctantly leaves. The monarch turns around to focus on her nephew. "Now dear nephew, would like to answer my earlier question?"
"I apologize aunt but I have to be cautious. There are too many ears around me." Marguerite nods and the two royals take a sip of their own wine. "I have been asked to be careful in my letters and in conversation, but to answer your question: she is as expected."
"That is concerning, is she not well?" The queen walks to the window and stands before it, looking out. "I cannot imagine how hard this must be for her and to be strong through it all. Of course, I cannot expect her to be well."
"She is well dear aunt. She may not be her usual self but she is well." Philip puts his glass down on the table and stands up. "I was informed of her unusual behavior earlier that occurred for weeks. She has been visiting the chapel daily, morning and night."
The monarch turns around in surprise at the news. "My friend in chapel? That is a surprise. When did this occur?"
"According to her companion, it occurred shortly after their arrival in France." The queen raises an eyebrow at the mention of Anne's companion. "You didn't talk to Anne herself?"
"Yes I did but she had very little to say." The prince looks up to see his aunt's expression. "What is it?"
"It is very odd to hear that you spoke to her companion more, than to Anne." Philip shakes his head at his aunt's sudden assumption. "Please Aunt, it is nothing like that."
"I pray not Philip. This woman is Anne's trusted and loyal companion, she would be sadden to learn that there is something between you and this woman." Marguerite takes another sip of wine.
"Have faith aunt, I have no interest in a mistress. Nor do I wish to cause any further harm to the queen." The monarch nods but is not convince of her nephew's words. "Very well. Now may I assume that you will be staying in Navarre for the time being."
"Of course. I see no reason not to prolong my stay despite my failure to bring my sister home." Marguerite smiles widely.
"Then come, there is to be a celebration in your honor."
NLAQ
Music and laughter ring out through the great hall of the Palace. At the large, head table, Philip, Dauphin of Viennois and Prince of France sat. He takes a sip of his wine as he watches the court. His eyes land on a young girl, smiling as she dances. Philip smiles in return. The music comes to an end and so does the dance. The courtiers face forward and bow or curtsy to the monarchs. Princess Madeleine jumps up from her curtsy and walks away from her dance partner. She returns to her seat next to her older brother. She reaches forward and takes a long drink of her wine, and raises it up for a pageboy to refill it.
"You dance wonderfully, sister." The dauphin comments, making his little sister's smile widens. "Thank you, brother. There is so much more dancing and fun here than at home. Although I do miss France."
"France misses you in return." Madeleine takes another sip of her glass now filled with wine. "Now you must tell me because our aunt will not, what brings you to Navarre? Surely not for the lively court, it's normally dead and crawling with Spaniards."
Philip chuckles at her last comment.
"I am assuming you do not like any of our aunt's Spanish guests." Madeleine puts her glass down and looks at her brother. "I am not fond of them, they are constantly poking their noses in other people's business. You are never alone."
"Does that include your dance partner? I assume he is Spanish." Madeleine rolls her eyes. "His name is Juan Carlos, he is a count and apparently part of the Emperor's privy council."
"He is courting you?" Philip adds.
"Yes, against my opinion. He tells me that a marriage between Spain and France is essential." The young princess adds. "Then he should have been a prince."
Madeleine lets out a small laugh at her brother's comment. Taking one last sip of wine, Philip stands out and offers his hand to his sister. "I would be honored if you would dance with me, your grace."
"I would love to you." She takes hold of his hand and stands up. The court parts away as the royal siblings join the other dancers.
Chateau de' Rambouillet, Yvelines, France
LeBlanc enters the private chambers of the King of France, unannounced. King Francis of Valois looks up from his seat at the head of the table. The secretary bows deeply to the monarch.
"Majesty." The Frenchman straightens up and walks to the monarch. "LeBlanc!"
He stops before the king and places a ledger down on the table. LeBlanc hands Francis a small tied up stack of papers.
"The income, deeds, and title of the Duke of Valois, sire." King Francis unties the sting and begins to look them over. "If your majesty remembers, the title belongs to the royal family. The council will argue that the title belongs only members of the royal family."
"I have no doubt but this is more than just title." The monarch puts the last paper down and looks up at LeBlanc. "I want to protect Anne from Henry, giving her some protection."
"Will the council allow such an action? They may wish to send her grace back to England." Francis nods his head in understanding. "I have no intention of sending Anne back to England."
LeBlanc bows his head. "Have you spoken with the queen on the matter?"
"No I have not. Anne has not been herself lately, I did not want to push the matter on her." The king sits back in his chair and quietly looks to the fireplace. LeBlanc looks down, opening his ledge and pulling out the letter. The secretary looks at his master.
"A letter arrived this morning from our ambassador In England, sire." The monarch turns to the secretary, who hand the letter in hand. Francis grads he letter and reads it. A few moments pass and the monarch returns the letter to LeBlanc.
"Henry married his country mouse." Francis stands up, pushing his chair back in anger. In silence, LeBlanc stands and watches the king spin around, and walk back into private chambers without another word.
NLAQ
King Francis walks out from underneath the archway, and into the bright sunlight. He comes to a stop and looks around the chateau's vast grounds. He spots his guests walking along side the lake, talking amongst themselves. Smiling, the monarch walks down the gravel and onto the green lawn. A few feet away, the king's guest, Anne Boleyn looks up and smiles. The two women come to a slow as the royal approaches, and stops in front of the women. The women curtsy to King Francis.
"I hope I am not interrupting." The two English women smile at the French monarch. "Not at all, majesty. What can we do for your grace?"
"I wish to speak to you, Anne, if I may." Nan turns to her friend and mistress. Anne smiles at her friend and nods her head. Nan takes a step back and curtsies to both of them, and quietly walks away. King Francis steps to Anne Boleyn's side and offers his arm to her. Happily, the former queen takes the French king's arm and begins walking down the green walkway.
"I am glad to see you out here." The king states.
Anne bows her head then looks back up. "Nan informed me that I cannot hide from the world, and so I decided to come out and take a walk."
"Then I am glad of your decision." Francis responds kindly.
"If I may be so bold, what brings your majesty outside?" The lady graciously asks the monarch.
The king remains silent for a moment, trying to find the best way to break the news.
"I come bringing news." The monarch admits. "Unfortunately, it is not news I wish to tell you."
King Francis comes to an unexpected stop and comes to face the lady, forcing her to stop. Anne looks up at the French monarch.
"A king, a widowed king must marry." She says, her voice breaking a little.
"He is not a widow but a man willing to throw his wives away." Francis harshly comments on his cousin's behavior. " You should be angry, Anne."
"Your majesty is too kind and caring, but I am content. Your majesty does not need to worry about me." The monarch squeezes her hand for comfort and support.
"I will worry over you as long as you are under my care." He tells her. Anne's smile does not falter at the king's kind and comforting words.
"I am only concern for my daughter, Elizabeth." The couple resumes their walk. "What will happen to Elizabeth under this new queen? I know I cannot expect her to be kind to Elizabeth, now that she has been decreed a bastard."
"I believe that Henry's new bride will take care of Elizabeth. If not Elizabeth does have a benefactor in case she is in need of anything." Anne looks forward, a little happier at the information given by the king. Francis glances at the English lady then looks straight ahead of them.
"Anne." The monarch pauses, drawing the former queen's attention. "There is something that I must ask of you."
"I am at your majesty's service."
"You cannot do it, my lady!" Nan exclaims, following Anne around the dinning hall. Anne looks at the table decorations. "His majesty, the king has asked me and I agreed. I cannot go back on my word, nor could I deny the king."
Nan remains in shock as she watches the former queen. Anne talks to one man followed by a woman and hands her a paper.
"Please follow the instructions carefully, each dish must be right for the lords." The woman curtsies and walks away. Anne turns to her friend. "I understand your concern Nan, but we cannot continue to live in secret. The servants will talk."
"I know that we cannot live in secret." The two women walk out of the dining hall and down the hall. "But I fear the king's Privy Council and what they may do to you."
"His majesty, the king will not let them harm me, but their decision will affect us." Nan glances at her friend and mistress. "What will they do?"
"I am not sure. I can only assume that they will send me back to England or to a nunnery." The two women stop in front of a set of close double doors. They face one another.
"You will be execute if you return to England. King Henry will not show mercy. " Anne nods her head. "I know. I do not expect less from Henry."
Without another word, Anne enters the chapel and Nan returns to her rooms.
NLAQ
Nan quietly walks into the former queen's rooms, and enters the bedchamber. The English lady finds Anne sitting near the tire, a rosary in her hand. Nan curtsies quietly. Anne finishes her prayer then turns to her friend.
"What is it, Nan?" Nan takes a step forward. "His majesty's privy council are beginning to arrive."
Anne stands up and walks to the window, with Nan behind her. The lady stops at the window and looks down below at the courtyard. Anne moves away from the window before any of the men see her. Nan looks after the former queen.
"My lady?" Nan calls out as she watches the English lady.
Anne nods her head at another woman, and then turns her attention to her friend. "We must get ready. We cannot keep the king or his council waiting."
The former queen walks away without another word.
NLAQ
The hidden Anne Boleyn quietly walks down with Nan behind her. The two women stop at the sight of the king's secretary. Secretary LeBlanc bows to the former English monarch.
"Monsieur LeBlanc." Anne bows her head in respect.
"Your grace, his majesty is meeting with his council now. We must wait for his signal." The secretary steps aside and offers the chairs to them. Anne smiles at the Frenchman.
"Thank you, monsieur." The two women sit down and wait patiently.
Inside the closed room, King Francis sits at the head of the table and listens to one of the lords on the council.
"Your majesty, you must make a decision about Spain." The monarch puts up a hand, silencing the general. "General, please. I did not summon this council to discuss Spain and their proposal."
The council look at one another with confusion then returns their attention to the king.
"I assume you are all well aware of the events that have taken place in England." The men nod their heads in unison. "Yes, a sad misfortune to befall Queen Anne. Unfortunately, the queen is not the first monarch to be murdered, not the last."
"The queen is not dead." The room grows silent at the announcement. "Your majesty, I understand that the late queen was a friend but it is impossible."
The king turns to the lord but doesn't respond, only smiles.
"My lords before I continue, I ask for your discretion for what you are about to witness. It is the utmost importance." The French monarch stands and waves his hand; the guard turns and opens the door. Outside the room, LeBlanc jumps to his feet and walks to the open doorway and stops. He bows to the king of France and to the lords.
"Your majesty, my lords, may I present Lady Anne Boleyn." The council look at one another in complete and utter confusion. King Francis smiles as Anne slowly appears at the open doorway. Anne stops and lifts her head, as some of the lords gasp.
"Your majesty, my lords." Anne greets them as she bows her head, and curtsies to the floor. "How is this possible?"
"Lady Anne is alive and here in France on my orders." The monarch stands up and walks around the table. The Privy Council looks at the king. "Majesty, the lady's presence may be considered an act of war."
The king stops and looks at the general. "An act of war, general? Do you truly believe that England will go to war for the Lady Anne?"
The general does now answer, whereas some lords murmur in agreement with the king. Francis stops in front of Anne and offers his hand, as he whispers to her. Taking the king's hand, Anne stands up and looks at the monarch, and nods her head. The king steps to the side.
"At my request, Lady Anne is willing to answer the council's questions." Near the head at the head of table, Cardinal Bosquet speaks up. "If Lady Anne is willing to answer questions then we must allow her to tell her story."
Many of the council members nod their heads in agreement. King Francis leads Anne to the head of the table. The king helps Anne into her chair, and then sits down in his chair beside the lady. The king turns to the cardinal.
"Cardinal, I assume-
"Why would his majesty rescue you? What importance do you have?" Anne turns to the general, who glares at her. The king tenses up at the general's hostility, but relaxes at the sound of Anne's surprising calm tone.
"I have no explanation for you, my lord. I offer no explanation as to why his majesty would rescue me." Anne pauses for a moment. " I have always consider France my home, but I have no importance for France."
"If you acknowledge this fact, then why should you be allowed to remain in France?" The king grips his armchair in anger.
"I have no reason, my lord." Anne states plainly. The general nods his head as he sits back in his chair. Anne looks at the group of men. "My lords, I did not come here to plead for mercy or that you allow me to remain in France. His majesty, the king was gracious to rescue me but his majesty cannot always protect me. If it is the council's wish, then I will return to England and face my fate."
King Francis turns to Anne in shock at her honesty. Near the monarch, Chancellor Russo straightens up in his seat and clears his throat.
"Madame, if I may? What exactly would face in England?" Anne turns to the Lord Chancellor. "I am unsure of what your grace has heard but it was rumored that King Henry wish to be rid of me."
"Why would the king do that? It was our understanding that everything King Henry did, he did for you." The council nods their heads to the Lord Chancellor's question. The men, all eager to hear the former queen's answer.
"I promised King Henry a son, an heir but I failed to keep my promise. In the weeks before my escape to France, I learned the king's secretary started an investigation on me and who I entertained. I believe the secretary wanted to find some evidence that I was unfaithful to the king."
"And were you, Lady Anne?" The general questions. The king jumps to his feet in anger. " How dare you general! Lady Anne came here-
King Francis stops and turns, looking down at the former English monarch. Without another word, the monarch sits back down and Anne turns to the general.
"No general. During my marriage, I remained faithful to the king. I know that I am many things but I would never betray my marriage, or family." Anne bluntly states.
"Thank you, Lady Anne." Cardinal Bosquet speaks up. "That will be all for today."
NLAQ
Cardinal BOsquet steps into the sunlight and looks around the grounds of the chateau. Sighing in contentment, the cardinal states walking down the gravel path. The religious man looks at the various hedges. His eyes wander and find someone underneath a large, old tree. Pausing only for a moment, the cardinal continues his walk towards the large tree.
"Lady Anne!" Underneath the tree, Anne Boleyn looks from her book. Quickly recognizing the cardinal, Anne stands up and curtsies to the holy man.
"Your grace." The cardinal comes to a stop as the English lady rises from her curtsy.
"May I?" Cardinal Bosquet points to the empty space on the bench. Anne nods her head and moves to make room on the bench. The cardinal sits down beside her. "I must applaud you for your actions, my dear."
Anne turns to the holy man as he turns to her. "You are very brace, in my opinion. The other lords will think otherwise."
"They think I am foolish." The cardinal nods silently in agreement. "May I ask why you stood before the council? You could have remain hidden but you didn't."
"I went before the council because the king asked me." Anne confesses, startling the holy man. The former queen looks at the cardinal. "His majesty has been king and generous to me, your grace. Since my arrival in France, the king has placed me under his protection. I am at his majesty's service."
"Then I must ask what happened in England that his majesty needed to intervene?" Bosquet questions. Anne takes a deep breath.
"Your grace, I do not know much and what I do know was from whispers from loyal friends. Before my departure from England, I learned that King Henry wished to dissolve our marriage. I did not react and I did nothing to stop, or persuade the king. Weeks later, my cousin Nan was questioned by Cromwell, the king's secretary. The king's secretary planned to fabricate events and evidence that I was unfaithful to the king, my husband. I understood then the King Henry didn't want to dissolve only our marriage, but he wanted me out of the way. I knew then that I had no other option but to leave England, leave my daughter behind."
Cardinal Bosquet remains silent, taking in the former monarch's story.
"I must ask, did you truly believe that you would be safe in your marriage to King Henry?" Anne looks down at her hands.
"At the beginning, I believe it would. I thought that the love between the king and I would be enough, but his love for me ran out. I was foolish to believe that he would never abandon me." The cardinal looks at Anne closely then looks at her hands, and finds a rosary. The holy man looks up at Anne's face.
"You are no longer a heretic, are you?" Anne looks at the cardinal with fear, and then remembers the rosary in her hands. Anne smiles. I understand if your grace does not believe that I am sincere in returning to the faith. Since leaving England, I found comfort in prayer."
The cardinal does not respond. A comfortable silence comes between them. Cardinal Bosquet looks at the beautiful chateau's landscape.
"I understand that your daughter remains in England." Cardinal Bosquet comments, her hands tighten her hold on her rosary.
"Yes your grace." Anne takes a moment. "I made a choice to leave her in England, it is a decision I had to make but I had no choice. King Francis offered me sanctuary, I couldn't return the gesture by bringing Elizabeth with me. King Henry would claim kidnapping and declare war, I could not do that to his majesty or France. Everyday I ask God to forgive me for abandoning my child in order to live, and to protect her when no one else will."
Cardinal Bosquet stretches out a hand and places it over Anne's clasp hands. Anne and the cardinal look at one another.
"If you had remained in England then your daughter would be motherless. You are in France, therefore your daughter still has her mother." Anne nods silently and turns to look at the landscape in peaceful silence.
Palacio Real del Olite, Navarre
Philip Valois, Dauphin of Viennois walks around his rooms, distracted by the letter in his hands. The door to his rooms open and his young sister, Princess Madeleine walks into the room.
"Philip!" Madeleine calls out, walking further into the room. She stops and finds her brother. Philip looks up from the letter. "Madeleine, what are-
"I just learned that father wants me to return to court. Why didn't you tell me? You tell me everything." The dauphin sighs and folds up the letter. "If papa wants me home then I will return home. No one can stop me, nor even Aunt Marguerite or you."
Philip smiles as he walks out of his bedchamber. "I am sorry Madeleine but I promised our aunt that I would not mention the subject to you."
Madeleine sighs as her brother walks to a small, round table.
"I am strong enough to travel home." Philip smiles at the princess. "I am well aware but you also know how Aunt Marguerite is, she cares deeply for us."
"I know she does but have in Navarre for nearly a year. It is time that I go home to France." The princess states truthfully. Madeleine eyes the folded letter in her brother's hands. "Is that a letter from father?"
Philip looks down at the letter and back at his sister. "Yes, he informed me how everything that has occurred since my departure."
Madeleine walks to her brother and sits down in an empty chair at the table. "How is she?"
The dauphin hands her the letter. Madeleine grabs the letter, opens it and states to the read the contents. After a few minutes, the princess looks up at her older brother.
"How can father ask that of her? The Privy Council are harsh men, especially General Babineaux. He is a horrible man." The young princess exclaims.
"I know and I told father that I was against the idea, but the lady agreed." Philip informs his sister. Madeleine looks at him in surprise. "Why would she do that? They could send her back."
"I know but she agreed. There was nothing that I could do." The princess silently nods her head. Quietly the dauphin's secretary walks into the room, unannounced and bows deeply to them.
"Your grace." Philip and Madeleine turn to the secretary. "I am sorry to interrupt, your grace but the Spanish ambassador wishes to speak with you." The young princess straightens up in her chair and looks at her brother. Philip glances at his sister then returns to his secretary.
"Did the ambassador give a reason?" The dauphin questions.
"No your grace. He only said that he wishes to speak with you." Philip sighs and nods his head. The man bows and walks out of the room.
"What does the Spanish ambassador want?" Madeleine throws out.
"I am going to assume it has something to do with the Emperor's proposal." He answers, pouring himself a glass of wine. The dauphin's man returns with a well-dressed man behind him.
"Your graces, his Excellency, Ambassador Ignacio Alberto Maria Jimenez-Hernandez." The secretary announces and steps aside. The Spaniard steps forward and bows elaborately to the prince and princess. Philips puts his glass down on the table.
"Ambassador." The dauphin greets the diplomat as the Spaniard straightens up.
"Your Highness, I am sorry about the intrusion." The ambassador to turns to Madeline and bows his head to her. "Princess Madeleine."
"Ambassador, what can I do for you?" Ambassador Jimenez-Hernandez turns back to the dauphin. "Your highness, may I assume that you are aware of my master's proposal to your father, the king."
"I am aware, your Excellency and what do you want from me?" Philip shifts his body, quickly bothered by the man. The Spanish ambassador shifts his weight from one foot to the other, before speaking. "Your highness, I humbly ask on behalf of my master, the Emperor to speak with your father. Your grace must tell your father to accept my master's proposal, it is France's only hope for peace."
Philip and Madeleine stare at the ambassador in disbelief. Madeleine stands up, angrily looking at the Spaniard.
"Your Excellency, I believe you forget who you are speaking to." Philip puts a hand on her arm, stopping Madeleine as he steps forward. "Enough!"
Philip turns to the ambassador. "Ambassador Hernandez, I am the king's son not one of his advisors. So I will not speak to my father. The Emperor will be informed when my father makes a decision."
The ambassador looks at the dauphin, waiting. When Philip remains silent, Ambassador Jimenez-Hernandez bows and leaves the room, quickly. Madeleine and Philip look at one another.
NLAQ
The door opens and Ambassador Jimenez-Hernandez quietly walks into the room, the door closing behind them. The ambassador stops and bows to the royal.
"I heard you went to my nephew." The Spanish ambassador straightens up and faces King Henry of Navarre. "Why?"
"I believed that I could influence the dauphin to speak with the king." The monarch smiles at the ambassador. "You're a fool."
Ambassador Jimenez-Hernandez looks at the monarch bewildered.
"Your grace?" Henry moves in his chair.
"My nephew, Philip is not like a royal and noblemen you have met. He is loyal to France, to the Valois line and to his father. Philip will not sway Francis, no matter the reward." The Spanish Ambassador moves uncomfortably as he grows quiet.
"You made a deal with my master. You would get France to accept the proposal and we give you control of the rest of Navarre." Henry jumps out of his chair and walks up to the Spaniard, and stops in front of him.
"Do not threaten me!" The king hisses. "I told you that I would give the Emperor France and I will, but you have ruined it."
"I did-
"You went to the dauphin, who will tell Queen Marguerite." The monarch steps back from the ambassador. "If Marguerite learns of your visit to her nephew then it is over. Her influence outweighs the dauphin, Francis will listen to her and that will be the end."
"And you will do nothing?" Henry returns to his seat, and looks at the ambassador. "I will do my best to clean up your mess, but I promise you nothing. If France declines, remember where the fault lies ambassador."
Chateau de'Rambouillet, Rambouillet, Yvenlines, France
"Thank you for making the journey. I know she will be happy to see you."
King Francis stops and looks at the man beside him. Beside the king, the English lord, Earl of Northumberland, Henry Percy looks at the king.
"I believed she would be very surprised." The king smiles and the two continue their walk. "You've taken a great risk in coming to France. Surely my cousin would know where you are. His father and grandmother had a great spy network."
"I have remained quiet and made little noise to warrant the king's attention. I have learned to keep away from the king's eye." Percy states as a matter of fact. "When do I go before the privy Council?"
"Tomorrow. They were shocked to see Anne alive." The Englishman chuckles at the king's words. "I have no doubt, but so will the world when they learn the truth."
The French king nods his head but does not respond. The two walk out from the archway and into the sunlight. Henry Percy looks forward and spots the former queen. The king turns to the English lord.
"If you give me a moment, Lord Percy." Percy bows his head and steps back.
Francis walks away from the lord and walks towards the English lady. Anne looks up and smiles as the monarch approaches.
"I hope I am not disturbing, my dear lady." Anne stands up. "Of course not, your grace."
"I have a surprise for you." Anne raises an eyebrow at the king. "Your majesty?"
The king stretches out his hand, which Anne takes hold, and he leads her away from the bench. The couple stop and the king steps to the side, still holding onto Anne's hand. Anne's eyes widen at the sight of the familiar lord.
"Percy!"
