Hey guys! I am glad to finally put this chapter up faster than I have in the past. I also want to thank everyone for the follow and comments, I am always grateful for the nice comments. I hope you like this one.
Chateau de' Rambouillet, Rambouillet, Yvelines, France
"I don't understand. Why would the pope extend an invitation to me?" Anne looks up from the letter and looks at the monarch in shock. The monarch finishes pouring wine into two cups then looks to the duchess. "Bosquet would not answer the question when I asked."
King Francis walks over to Anne and hands her a glass of wine. Anne takes the glass as the king sits down in the empty chair across from her. He takes a sip of wine and looks at the fire. Anne studies the French king in silence.
"Is all well, your majesty?" The king quickly turns to her and gives her a small smile. "Yes, I am thinking but I shouldn't have shut you out."
"Your majesty does not have to confide everything to me, there are some things that should remain private. I am simply grateful to have your company." Francis' smile widens at Anne's kind words. Anne takes a sip of wine. "Your words are very kind, my dear but they do not ease my concern."
"I don't understand." The king puts his cup down on the table beside him, and looks at Anne. "It is the pope's invitation. I believe it to have a hidden motive."
Anne silently stares at the king for a few months, and then nods her head. With Anne's silence, the monarch continues. "Before you say anything, I have no doubt of the invitation's sincerity or the pope's hospitality, but I do question it."
"The pope and the church wish to punish me." Anne quietly states, her heart sinking at the reality of the situation. King Francis sighs as he nods his head as s response to her statement. "Unfortunately, I believe they do. The church is still angry and they wish to punish someone, anyone for what occurred in England."
Anne nods her head then takes a small sip of wine. The king watches the duchess and is taken back by her reaction to his theory. "You're not upset?"
She smiles a bit at the king. "No, I am not your grace. I understand that the church is still angry and they need to take some action for what has taken place. I am not surprise that they wish to punish me."
The monarch shakes his head, unable to accept the duchess' resolve. "I cannot accept that. You cannot be blamed for Henry's decision to pull from Rome, nor were you the only one in the matter. There were many others who used their influence over my cousin." Anne smiles again, this time at the king's frustration and anger. "I am thankful for your majesty's defense but it will be useless to deaf ears. Your majesty must allow this to play out, there is no other choice."
Francis sighs and nods his head in reluctance. Behind him, the door to the room opens and closes; Prince Philip quietly walks in. Anne sees him and quickly rises to her feet. "Your grace."
The king turns in his chair to see his eldest son, who bows his head in respect to both his father and the duchess. "I hope I am not interrupting."
"Not at all. Is Catherine and Henri settled in?" Philip moves to stand in front of his father and Anne moves away from her chair. "I believe so. I heard Madeleine informed Henri that the duchess worked tirelessly to make their stay comfortable, and he should not say one negative comment."
The king smiles at his daughter's actions. Philip looks at Anne. "My sister has become your greatest advocate, my lady."
"And she has been a great companion, your highness." She smiles at the dauphin and then turns to the king. "If your majesty has no objection, I wish to retire for the night."
"I do have an objection, but I will not keep you." Anne shakes her head, amused at the monarch's response. She puts her glass down then walks to the king. King Francis takes her hand and kisses it, then reluctantly lets it go. Anne turns to the dauphin and bows her head. "Good night, your grace."
Philip nods his head to her. Anne walks away and exits the room, leaving the king and his son alone. The door closes and the king leans back in his chair. Philip sits down in the chair once occupied by Anne. The dauphin looks at his father.
"Is everything well?" Francis looks at his son and sits up. He picks up his glass and takes a big gulp of wine before answering his son. "In so many words. Anne was invited to the papal court."
"That is good news, no?" The king takes another drink then puts his cup down on the table. "You would think, my boy."
Philips looks at his father with confusion. "I don't understand. If the invitation is bad, why send it? What is their intention?"
The invitation is not false in it's intent, but a farce. The pope extended the invitation to Anne, so that they may punish her for what took place in England." The young royal's eyes widen in surprise. "She was not only one to advise the English king. Why must she be punished?"
"According to Anne, they still feel the need to punish someone and unfortunately she will be that someone." The king informs his son in a defeated tone. Philip moves to the edge of his seat. "Father, you must do something to prevent this."
The monarch waves his hand. "I promised Anne that I would not interfere, but allow it to unfold. And she is right, any defense would be useless."
Philip looks at his father for a moment then nods his head in defeat. He sits back in the chair. "What of your brother? I have no doubt that he has his own opinions."
The dauphin smiles for only a moment. "Yes, Henri made it clear, after several glasses of wine that you made a huge mistake. He believes that King Henry will see this as an act of war, when he learns that Anne is still alive."
King Francis chuckles at the notion of war with England. "Anne has been in France since late March. I have done my best to keep her safe and hidden, and it has paid off."
"I agree but her secret will die when she meets the pope. Surely, King Henry has his own agents in Rome." The dauphin points out. "Is the duchess ready to give up this life, you have given her."
The king sighs and sits up his chair. "Anne and I discussed the matter and she has agreed. It is why I approached Bosquet and the council from the beginning. She knew that she couldn't hide forever or remain in my protection without the council knowing. Anne is prepare for what is to come."
There is a moment of silence between them, Philip observing his father. The French king turns to the fire and watches the flames dance.
"You care deeply for her." The king turns and looks at his son. "Yes I do. I know that they will say she has bewitched me, but that is far from it. I have known her for a long time now, I know you her better than most especially my cousin. Anne has been a loyal companion and I am forever grateful for all that she has done for me, and for your sisters."
"She has been a mother Margaret and a friend to Madeline." Philip adds, making the monarch smile. "I know Lady Anne ahs not bewitched you, I can attest to that. The duchess has returned to the church, she has found strength in our faith. They are fools to say otherwise."
"Thank you, Philip Anne will be glad to know that she has a friend in you."
NLAQ
Anne bows her head and closes her eyes, holding tight to her rosary as the priest continues to pray in Latin. Behind her, the door to the chapel opens and closes, Henri, Duc de' Orleans enters the chapel quietly and takes a few steps up the aisle. He stops and crosses himself as he watches the priest say the final words of a prayer, then crosses himself as he says amen.
"Amen." Anne crosses herself then opens her eyes, as the priest bows to her and slowly walks away. Anne slowly rises to her feet and slowly turns away from the altar, and the cross. She stops when she sees the royal duke standing in the aisle, his attention on her. She quickly curtsies to the royal duke. "Your grace."
"Lady Anne, or is it your majesty?" Henri smirks, poking at her status. "Lady Anne is fine, your grace. I do not hold the title of queen."
"Your lady told me that I would find you here. I found it odd; I was led to believe that you, Lady Anne Boleyn were a heretic. Of course, Philip did tell me that you have returned to the church. A miracle, some might say." He pauses for some effect, letting Anne take in his mockery. She takes a deep breath and nods her head as a response. "Yes, your grace. Since my departure from England and evading death, I have returned to the true faith. I do not hide this nor pretend to return for the king's protection."
"And do you think that everyone will believe you have changed because you have come back to the church?" She lowers her hand, hiding the rosary in her hand. Anne does not show any sign that the duke's words have sting her, she knows what he is trying to do to her. "I know your grace believes that all this is an act, that I am playing his majesty, the king and the dauphin but I am not. Everything that I have is due to his majesty's kindness and generosity."
Henri looks at her, unable to truly believe her defense. "Did you write to the king and ask him to intervene on your behalf?"
"No I did not, your grace. During the last months of my life in England, King Henry and Cromwell had me watched. They were not aware I knew this, but I did little and stop any communication with my friends outside of English court, and England. Ambassador MonBlac approached me when he arrived to English court, he informed that the king knew of my situation and more, and wished to help. I did not ask his majesty to intervene on my behalf, there is no gain for the king." Anne grows quiet as she finishes, and tightens her grip on her rosary. Henri takes another few steps, closing the distance between them. Anne slowly starts to panic at the close proximity between her and the royal duke, and the lack of an escape.
"Your grace." Henri stares at her, making sure to keep his distance in fear of his father's anger. "You cannot fool me, Lady Anne. I know you well and I will watch for the day you slip, and then I will make sure that no one saves you."
Anne stares at the royal duke, her anger slowly building inside her as she does her best to control herself. Outside the chapel, Prince Philip walks by and quickly retraces his steps, as he looks in. He finds his brother and the Duchess of Valois, staring at one another, Henri appearing to intimidate the duchess. Philip quickly steps into the chapel.
"Henri!" The royal duke breaks eye contact and turns around. Anne walks out of the pew and away from the duke, as she glances at the dauphin. Philip looks at the duchess with concern. "Has he done anything to you?"
"Oh please, I know better then to hurt her." Philips looks to his brother. "I wasn't asking you. Your grace?"
Anne gives the dauphin a small smile and nods her heads. "His grace did not hurt me, your highness."
"Very well." With that, Anne walks around the duke and leaves the chapel. She does not make eye contact with the dauphin as she leaves. Philip waits until he barely hears her footsteps then looks at his brother with anger. "What did you tell the Lady Anne?"
"I told her the truth, something you and father don't do." Henri does not back down, but stares hard at his older brother. Philip takes a step further into the chapel. "You were told before your arrival that you were to leave that Lady Anne alone. She is under the king's protection."
"Please, she is putting on an act so that she can have his protection. Lady Anne is playing the king for a fool and you too." Henri shouts, not caring that they were in a house of God. Philip rolls his eyes at his brother's dramatic performance. "Enough! I know you don't like the father intervene for the Lady Anne, but it is done. The decision was made. The king knows what he is doing."
"I pray he does because if not, he has doomed the monarchy and France." Henri walks down the aisle and pushes his brother, as he leaves the chapel and leaves Philip behind.
The dauphin walks out from under the stone archway, and down a small gravel path leading to the chateau's garden. He turns and stops at the top of some stone steps, and looks out to the garden. He freezes for a moment at the sight of the Duchess of Valois, who sits underneath a tree. The young royal beings to climb down the stone steps, but comes to a sudden stop at the sound of a woman's voice.
"Your highness!" Philip turns his head and finds Lady Nan, the duchess' friend and lady in waiting walking towards him. She stops before the prince and curtsies to him. Philip smiles at the English woman as he bows his head to her. "Lady Nan, I did not see you there."
"I am very good at staying hidden." Philip chuckles a bit then quickly dies. "I hope I am not intruding, but I hope to speak to her grace."
The two turn their attention to the lady in question. A somber mood comes over the couple. "His majesty, the king is very concern for her. In all his years of friendship with the duchess, he has never seen her like this."
Nan nods her head and turns to look back at the dauphin. "Anne and I are cousins and there have been few times that she has behave like this, and that was due to King Henry. She is a passionate woman but she is loyal and stubborn, I am very surprise she did not let her temper get the best of her when she talk to the duke."
Philip looks at the English woman beside him. "I know very little of her time as Queen of England, the king nor the duchess will talk about it but I know it was not good."
"No it was not." Nan quickly adds. "It was never certain what kind of mood King Henry would be in. No one knew. We all lived on edge, especially her grace. After her coronation and the birth of Princess Elizabeth, nothing was ever the same."
"He no longer wanted to be married to her." Philip comments, Nan nods her head as a response to his statement. "Anne never gave him the son, he wanted and that for him meant God did not bless his marriage."
Philip nods his head silently and does not add anything further. Nan looks back at her friend. "Will she return to herself?"
The lady sighs and again, returns her focus to the dauphin. "I am not sure, your grace. The last time I saw her like this, she had Princess Elizabeth to comfort her and she has lost that."
Philip puts a hand on Nan's arm, trying to comfort her without thinking about his action. Nan does not flinch nor move away from the prince's touch. "She has you, Nan and I know you will help her through this as you have done for much of this new journey."
She smiles up at the prince. "Thank you, your grace."
Silently, they turn back to the duchess and watch her, both cover in worry for her.
NLAQ
The door to the duchess' chambers opens and King Francis steps in. Nan walks towards the open door and stops when she sees the king. The monarch looks at the lady, who curtsies to him and looks at him with a serious expression. Nan opens her mouth to speak but the king puts up a hand, stopping her before she can start.
"Take me to her, Nan." The English woman nods her head and turns around, and leads the king further into the room. He stops when he spots Anne standing by the window, looking out. The monarch takes another step forward but keeps a good distance between him and the duchess. Nan walks into the room and steps in front of the French monarch. "His majesty, the king is here."
Nan looks at the monarch, who nods his head and she leaves the room. Anne looks away from the window and to the king, she quickly tenses up. "Anne."
"No." She quickly throws out and moves away from the window. The king takes another step forward as Anne backs away. "Anne."
"No, I will not do this anymore." She does not move any further, nor does the king. He looks at her with sadness and compassion. " I will not force you, Anne."
"You don't understand, I can't do what you are asking of me. I have done it before and it almost ended in my death." Francis is taken back by her sudden plea but a sudden bout of sadness comes over him. He knows deep down that he cannot force her to take on a role she was not born for. "Anne, my darling, I am not here to ask anything of you."
"Then why did you rescue me? Why didn't you let Henry just kill me?" She shouts, tears now running down her face. The monarch looks at the duchess dumbfounded but does not move. He takes a deep breath. "Henry was going to murder you based on lies, you know this. You may be many things, Anne but betraying the man who love is not one of them."
She stares at the king; her tears continue to fall down her cheeks as her body begins to shake. "I stood there in that chapel and allowed your son to insult me. I stood there silently and listen to the lies that have now been spread because of Henry and Cromwell, lies that portrayed me as a witch!"
There is a moment of silence between them.
"I promised you that I would clear your name, I would show everyone that you were innocent. I will make Henry look like the monster that he is." The monarch pledges but it does not calm her down. Anne shakes her head. "He has won, Francis. Why can't you see that? He has taken everything from me. He has taken my daughter."
He walks to her and wraps his arms around her, before she falls to the floor. Anne begins to sob into the king's chest as he holds her tight, and rest his cheek on top of her head. "She is alone. She has no friends or support."
The king knows Anne is speaking of her daughter, her now orphan daughter who has been rejected by her family and her own father. "Henry has declared her a bastard and has turn his back on her, his daughter. She will grow knowing I have abandon her and that I was an evil woman."
The monarch quiets her. "Elizabeth will know that you love her and when the time comes, she will understand why you left. You will see her again, my dear. I promise you that you will see your daughter again."
Nan quietly walks back into the room and finds the king holding the duchess. The king turns to her and nods his head. Nan returns the nod and retreats out of the room, leaving the king and Anne alone.
NLAQ
The door opens and closes and the King walks into the rooms belonging to his son, and wife. Catherine de'Medici, Duchess of Orleans looks up from her sewing as the king walks in the room without an announcement. She jumps to her feet and curtsies to her father-in-law, who looks around the room then to her.
"Where is he?" Catherine looks at the monarch with some confusion. Francis sighs in frustration. "Where is your husband, Catherine?"
Catherine opens her mouth to answer just as her husband, and the dauphin walk in. Francis turns around as both his sons come to a stop. Both young royals bow their heads to their father. Francis focuses his attention on Henri.
"Your majesty." Anger takes over the monarch but remains in control. "You are to leave Rambouillet by tomorrow afternoon."
Philip looks at his brother, who shows no reaction to the command. "Of course, your majesty. I will return to court at once."
"No, you are return to home in Saint-Cloud." Henri looks at his father with confusion. The royal duke takes a step forward. The king does not move. "You are to return to Saint-Cloud until I summon you. I have no wish to see you."
The duke's confusion is gone and replaced with anger, as he takes a step forward. "If Lady Anne-
"Do not go there, Henri. Lady Anne is my guest and under my protection." The king quickly stops his son. "Lady Anne is not to be trusted. She is playing all of us so that she can get another crown on her head."
"Henri." Philip quietly warns his brother by his name. Henri ignores his older brother. "By saving her, you will have started a war with England. A war that France does not need."
"I want you gone, Henri by tomorrow afternoon. I will summon you if your presence is required." The king ignores the duke's comment about war, and walks to the princes. Philip and Henri part as the king walks to them and passes, leaving the room. Catherine puts her sewing done and looks at her husband. "Do you ever know when to keep quiet?"
Henri looks at his wife, his anger still there. "I do not have time-
"You have nothing but time, Henri. We were just banished from court." He rolls his eyes at her as he walks towards the table, where the wine is located. Catherine follows his movement with her eyes. "I know you think it is amusing to anger the king, but it is getting old. We cannot continue to live away from court because you continue to anger his majesty. I will not live like this."
"There is nothing for you at court. You have no friends as you so continue to remind me." Henri pours himself a glass of wine then turns around. "And how can I blame the courtiers, Italians are not to be trusted."
Catherine bites her lip at the insult. "It doesn't bother you that you are a disappointment to the king, much less me."
He takes a big drink of wine. "The feeling of disappointment is mutual, dear wife."
She tenses up for a moment then relaxes her body, then gathers up her sewing. "I will go and get our things packed."
Without another word to one another, Catherine leaves the room. Philip walks in and looks at his brother. "Can you try and be nicer to Catherine, she is your wife."
"Yes she is but not by choice." He takes another drink of wine and turns around, and refills his glass. Philip walks around his brother until they face one another. "You should apologize to Lady Anne, especially if you wish to come back to court."
Henri looks up from his win to his brother. "Why should I apologize? I know she is playing us, it is all an act."
Philip sighs at his brother's attitude and stubbornness. "I get it, you are trying to make a point but using Lady Anne is not the way. I know you may think I am siding with father, but you need to have an open mind on the situation. We cannot rush to judgment especially since we have known Lady Anne since our childhood."
Henri looks at his brother. "If Lady Anne is not trying to get the crown, then why does father have the need to raise her station?"
Philip watches servants step up a table with food and drink underneath canopy. He turns away from the servants and looks across the gardens to the king, and the duchess. King Francis and the Duchess of Valois walk arm in arm along the gravel path in the garden, away from the chateau. Philip watches the duchess leans her head on the king's arm, a picture of love from anyone watching.
"Philip." The dauphin turns away from the couple and turns to see his sister, Madeleine walking towards him. She enters the canopy as the last servant leaves them. "How is the duchess?"
The brother and sister glance at the couple, and then look away. "The duchess is doing better. The king visits her daily in the last week, after he has finished with state business but he also gives her space."
The princess nods her head at the information. "I am glad. I was so worried about the duchess, even Margaret was growing concern and I could not lie to her either. She is so very fond of her grace."
"Aren't we all?" Philip adds with a question, making his sister smile. Madeleine takes the glass of wine being offered to her. "And what of Henri? Has he returned home to Saint-Cloud?"
"No I did not return Saint-Cloud." The two royal siblings turn around to find Henri, Duc de' Orleans standing on the side of the canopy. Madeline moves to face her older brother, her face stern. "You were told to leave and I know he did not invite you to return."
"Don't fret, Madeleine. It is not lady like." Henri retorts and he walks under the canopy. "Father didn't extend the invitation, it was the duchess. She wishes for father and I to make mends."
The dauphin and princess turn to their attention to the royal couple across the gardens, at the duke's surprising information. Across the garden, Anne leans her head forward and turns to the royal children and finds the duke there. She smiles and leans back. The king looks at her then looks to where his children are, and see his second son under the canopy. The monarch tenses up at the sight of son, something that Anne can feel under her hand. "What is Henri doing here? He was not invited?"
"I invited his grace back to the chateau." The couple comes to a stop and the king faces the duchess. "Anne, there was no need-
"Please your majesty, he is your son. You cannot be angry for expressing his opinion and his concern for France, and the monarchy. I understand his concern and I plea with your majesty to forgive the duke, and make amends."
King Francis looks into Anne's eyes for a moment, then sighs in defeat. "Very well, I will make amends with Henri. But I cannot forgive for his harsh words towards you, you do not deserve such harsh words."
"Thank you, your majesty." The king takes her hand and brings it to his lips, and places a gentle kiss. "Come then, my dear."
So I hope you guys like this chapter. I know this was a short chapter but I promise that the next chapter will have more drama, and we will be returning to England and King Henry. So stay tuned. Until next time!
