Um...sorry? Yeah it's been a while since I updated and stuff. First couple of chapters was easy, but now we're getting in really deep. But that is what writing is all about, the challenge and adventure and hair-pulling-out heheheh. Really, I meant to write more often but always when the time comes, I change my mind. It sounds like I'm scared or something, but I'm pretty certain that's not the case.
Lately, it just seems like I want to do anything BUT writing. Probably just a phase, I hope. Might be caused by lack of reviews and feedbacks...yeah I'll just let that sink into you guys. *Hint Hint*
So without further ado is chapter 4! :P
P.S. Don't forget that Jean and Joan are the same person. Should be quite easy, since Jean is the French masculine version of Joan.
P.S.S. There will be a slight MaryXOC but very briefly.
November 1531
It was over. Mary's deepest fears have morphed itself into reality.
Her mother has failed her;the sainted Catherine of Aragon, with a single signature by her hand, had finally given up in her fight against King Henry and his heretical ways.
The news was delivered to Winchester Palace by early dusk. After the King, Mary was one of the first to receive that most dreadful of news. Her already abused heart almost shattered into bits, as she read the letter aloud, with Jean du Lys as witness.
"How could she?"cried Mary in anguish."This is all so sudden and unexpected! My mother hates the harlot and will never give up willingly! She was bullied, I just know it!"
From his seat in her chamber, Jean frowned in puzzlement. "This could not be so. Your mother must have some reasonable explanation for doing so. She must."
Mary gave him a grave look and hoped vigorously that he was right. But for now, there was only grief and sorrow at hand. Feeling those persistent tears amassing in her eyes, Mary decided to run to him. Surprised at her sudden action, Jean nonetheless willingly received her in his arms. He gently stroke her hair and back, as he quietly supported her.
"I'm here Mary", Jean whispered,"It's alright to cry. I am here for you."
It pained him internally as Mary continued to sob against his chest. He knew well that her spirit was now crushed, for she had such high hopes for her mother. The once proud and confident Tudor princess was now nothing more than a frightened little girl. Jean felt his heart flooding with pity and compassion for Mary. In all the time they've been together, he had grown to enjoy their friendship and was always delighted to see Mary being happy with that radiant smile of hers. Those precious memories were shattered by the sound of Mary's distress.
"It-It..doesn't make sense", spoke Mary while choking on her tears."My mother had fought for my legitimacy all this time...and now she stops? It doesn't make sense, Jean. My mother..."
Her words were cut off by a fresh torrent of tears, racing down her face. Tightly holding on to Jean, Mary sought comfort in his arms and felt so secure. Gradually, she snuggled up to his chest, taking in the perfumed scent of lavender that radiated from his being. Never have she felt this way about anybody. Jean was her rock, her valiant protector, her loyal friend. But now as she is enfolded in his warm embrace, she could not help but feel something more...personal.
Is it possible that she could be falling for him?
Jean's expression was sadly stoic, as he tenderly caressed Mary's back and neck. "Perhaps this is for your own good, dear Mary. You might see this as her abandoning you, but really-"
Their private moment of intimacy was abruptly interrupted, when a wearied Chapuys stepped into the room. Both Mary and Jean broke the embrace to stand up before him.
"Eustace, my dear ambassador!"said Mary as she began wiping away her tears."You are back from Spain. I am most glad for that."
The Spaniard gave a weak smile, before falling against the doorway. He was not feeling so well after doing all that running to reach Mary. His chest heaved with the struggle to gain air and sticky sweat trickled down his face. A deep cough from Chapuys instantly alarmed Mary and her companion.
Jean du Lys presently stepped forward and gave his hand to him. The two made only brief eye contact, as the Spanish ambassador graciously accepted the offer. He planned on asking the younger lad's name another time.
With some assistance, Chapuys was then eased into a chair. Jean stepped back to silently study the Spaniard.
So this is the famous Eustace Chapuys that Mary holds in such high regards. He seems to be very experience in his duties. I can sense that he is indeed, very loyal and wise.
Mary handed Chapuys a glass of water, which he eagerly drank. "I-I came as soon as I heard the news. I couldn't bring myself to believe it first. Tell me! Has she really given up?"
His brown eyes begged her for an answer.
Mary's lips pursed as she stared forlornly at the ground. She felt a squeeze on her shoulder and saw that it was Jean. He nodded encouragingly at her.
Mary smiled thinly, before finally returning her gaze on the waiting ambassador.
"It is true, my friend", she told him slowly."My mother, Queen Catherine, has officially signed her resignation in the fight for my legitimacy." Mary said those words without faltering, since she already used up all her tears.
She held out the crumbled, tear-stained, hideous letter in front of him. Chapuys only stared at it with fixed eyes. Slowly though, he reached out and took the document from her grasp.
As he skimmed across the words, his eyes grew wide in utter disappointment. Moments later he spoke again,"I am so sorry, Mary. If only I was here, perhaps I could have prevented her from doing this. Only myself is to blame."
Mary reached out and embraced him. "Nonsense, your Excellency!"proclaimed Mary as she attempted to soothe him. "Believe me, you are not to blame. At first, I felt crushed and hurt upon learning of it myself. After what seemed like an eternity of crying, it dawned on me that she was actually helping me."
Mary paused for a moment, instantly regretting her earlier words and thoughts of accusation against her dear mother.
"My mother,"she continued in earnest,"knew that as long Anne and her family is in power, my life will always be threatened here. So she did the one thing that was necessary for my safety;she yielded. She followed through with it, in hopes of warming my father's heart so that he'll be more merciful towards me. My own needs always came first in her heart."
Now enlightened, Chapuys chuckled and shook his head, feeling proud at Mary, yet foolish at once.
"You are growing in wisdom and intelligence everyday, dear Mary,"he said with a crooked smile."I am vexed at myself for not thinking about that sooner. Now it all makes sense. The world wouldn't be right anymore, if your mother had decided to give up for any other reason."
He and Mary exchanged tender glances, both smiling pleasantly. Leaning his back against a wall, Jean du Lys happily mused to himself. Of course, he knew that was Catherine's intentions all this time.
See? This is not so bad after all.
Suddenly, Chapuys quirked his eyebrow trying to remember something. "What is it, Chapuys?"Inquired Mary.
"Oh yes! I meant to give you something, and seeing this is the right time-" He promptly produced a rolled up parchment-"Here, the King wanted me to give you this. Thank God, I came in time, for he was about to let the Duke of Norfolk do it instead!"
Mary winced at that man's name. She hated Norfolk with a passion, along with all his family. She was fully aware that he was the devious mastermind behind all her troubles, with him being incredibly influential over the King. After all, it was him who helped Anne win over her father. He has been trying to maintain an uneasy alliance between his family, the Howards, and the equally ambitious Boleyns for some time now.
Mary glanced at the parchment with fear. With her hand shaking, she finally took it up. Even as she held it, her fingers were still hesitant.
"Open it, Mary. You'll never know until you do",urged Jean as he fell into a seat beside her.
Slowly and cautiously, Mary unrolled the suspicious parchment, quite curious herself. Her two companions looked with anticipation, as her blue eyes rapidly scanned the document.
"My father stated that my mother has resigned,"she read aloud to them,"and that she accepts the annulment solely on the grounds of consanguinity. She has stepped down from her title of 'Queen of England', and is willing to acknowledge Anne Boleyn as my father's true wife after their marriage. To express his appreciation for her, the King shall be generous in granting her the new title of 'Her Royal Highness, Duchess of Lancaster'. Along with that, she is guaranteed to receive an annual payment of five hundred thousand pounds, and three palaces of her choice. She is to always be welcomed and treated with respect at Court, and is ranked above every woman in Court except Queen Anne. I, her daughter, is entitled to inherit everything upon her death."
Mary paused to take a breath. She looked up to see how Jean and Chapuys were reacting.
"You're mother's plan is working out very well", said Chapuys with delight. "Please keep on reading, Princess."
Nodding slightly, Mary resumed to read,"Also part of the divorce agreements, it is agreed that I am allowed to see my mother whenever I wish. Furthermore, I shall no longer be a bastard, and will be recognized as a princess of England, and heir presumptive until the birth of his prince by Anne. All of that is promised to me...on one condition?"
The next words made her face flush and her lips tightened.
"What is the matter, Princess?"Jean and Chapuys asked in unison.
Chapuys continued to question her with,"Is he making you acknowledge Anne Boleyn as Queen of England?"
Soon enough, she brought herself to look between them. Once again, her expression became grimly crestfallen. "He states specifically...that I am required to marry Anne Boleyn's brother, George, the Viscount of Rochford."
Those words stung the two men like deadly poison, against their ears. Their faces faltered into a pale grimace, as they gaped at Mary in astonishment.
"No! How could your father do such a thing!"said Chapuys his accent thick with anger. "By God, that man has gone too far this time! That dark Whore is to blame! She has polluted his mind with absurd rubbish!"
Meanwhile, Mary was lost in her own thoughts, reveling in her sorrows. Her mind and heart was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions that she could not control.
This cannot be the way! I hate George and his family! The idea of marrying that brute makes me sick. Also...my heart already belongs to another.
After recovering from their episode of shock and outrage, Mary decided that it would be best for her to take time, and think it over. Jean and Chapuys quickly complied with the idea. This is a deadly serious situation and it would favor them to not rush into it too hastily. So that was the end of the current matter, for now.
Mary then put away the rather blasphemous piece of parchment. Out of sight, out of mind. It was near dawn, but she and Chapuys continued to beam with excitement over their recent reunion. The two spent nearly an hour talking of light matters and various foreign affairs, while consuming ale and fruit. Jean du Lys chose to stand by the window, blue eyes staring out into the young horizon. All of their worries and troubles gradually melted away as they sat there, happily savoring each others' company.
Of course, the spell of sleep was bound to return at some point. Insisting on making up some lost sleep, Mary then politely bid both men to leave. Completely understanding, Chapuys and Jean obeyed her and with some parting last words, promptly took their exit.
"Hmm, seems like I haven't learn your name yet", spoke Chapuys, thus ending the silence between them. His gaze fell upon the youth walking beside him. "If you please, I wish to know it."
"Jean du Lys, your Excellency." Jean held out his hand for a shake.
Shock was visible in Chapuys' face as he firmly shook the lad's hand. "Pardon me but...are you really Jean du Lys? The Pope's agent who was sent here from Rome?"
Jean immediately stopped to glance warily at him. It was now his turn to be shocked. "Yes. Yes I am. Pray tell, how do you know about me...and my mission?"
Chapuys only blinked twice, before wordlessly resuming on his way. As though on cue, Jean did the same and soon they both were equally paced again.
"Well?"
The Spaniard chuckled softly before replying, "While I was overseas, I accompanied Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, to Rome. It was there that we caught wind of your covert mission, so to speak."
"Oh...so you did."
A broad grin formed across Chapuys' lips, as he patted the younger Frenchman's back.
"Does Princess Mary know about it?"
"Why of course, she does", answered Jean with a small smile. "I wish to aid her in her destiny of becoming Queen of England."
"Oh really?" Chapuys' eyebrow arched with interest. "Well then, Monsieur, I am by far...most elated to have met you. You are the Pope's man, so therefore I do not doubt your loyalty to Mary."
Jean looked straight into his eyes, an expression of determination fixed on his smooth features. "Sir, I give you my word that for nothing in this world, will I betray Mary. I'm most offended that you would even refer to such a thing. God has sent me here to help her, to ensure the future of our divine Faith."
"Don't take my words so heavily now, Monsieur. It's naturally in my habit to distrust the French, and I do apologize for offending you."
Jean's stiff expression then faded into a gracious smile. "I appreciate your sincerity, and will indeed accept your apology. You are every bit as noble and wise as she said you to be."
Chapuys beamed with joy, at the thought of Mary holding him in such high regards.
"Since we now have concluded to being on the same side, I suggest we discuss details later this day. I am quite weary from my journey over and wish to rest."
On the other side, the news of Catherine's initial deflation was happily received with much joy and revelry.
None was more delighted than Anne's father and uncle, who's egos were drastically uplifted. It felt so good to know that the great and formidable Catherine of Aragon was finally conquered! All that was left, is to marry her pest of a daughter to George and break her down! They planned to show her what they are capable of, so that she will fear and cower beneath their power!
With that dream in mind, they became even more self-conscious and delusional with each passing minute.
King Henry stared intently into the dark beauty of Anne's eyes, as the first course was being served for the feast he ordered. He was in the best mood ever, now that he's liberated from the shackles of his previous fruitless marriage, and can now marry his true love.
Anne turned her head to come face-to-face with the lovesick Henry. She tilted her head with curiosity and amusement.
Smiling brightly, she asked him, "Henry, dear, why are you staring at me so?"
So lost was he in his romantic brooding, that it took him a few minutes to realize that she was talking to him.
"It's just that I love you so much, darling", he said dreamily when he found his tongue."You are everything I could ever ask for, and I am anticipating every second until we are married in Holy matrimony. Though I do wish that you could try and get along with Mary...I love you, Anne."
Henry's brows were furrowed a bit, as he was trying to comprehend what he just said. Never in his life has he ever felt this passionate. It was as if he's a young boy experiencing love for the first time again.
Suddenly, Anne swooped in and gently planted a kiss on his cheek. With his heart fluttering, Henry looked up to see his bride, a full smile on her lips and dark eyes shining.
"That was extremely kind of you to say, Henry. I love you too."
Henry was instantly captivated by her mystical beauty. He could feel his chest expanding as his heart continued to swell with adoration for Anne. Or could that just be his breath being taken away? Both perhaps?
Soon, he took her hand to clasp them in his own. There was an imminent spark between the couple, as one could easily tell by their expressions of unbridled affection for one another. They only needed each other.
"Ahem...your Majesty?"
The King winced, slightly irritated at their special moment being so abruptly ruined. He whipped around to glare angrily at Thomas Cromwell, his adviser.
"What is it, Cromwell?"
"If you don't mind,Your Highness, I was going to give a speech in your honor."
With his hand still entwined with Anne's, a glowing smile emerged on Henry's rugged face. "Oh Cromwell, the sounds splendid!"
He took another glance at Anne before nodding, saying, "Very well, you may proceed."
Cromwell then rose from his seat, a goblet of wine held aloof in his hand. He took a moment to skim over the vast amount of patrons, who were pleasantly dining and conversing without a care in the world.
"May I have your attention!"
The noises ceased as all eyes automatically landed on Cromwell. From the look of things, they all knew what was coming. Standing tall and erect, Cromwell cleared his throat before beginning his speech.
"I, Thomas Cromwell, as our great King's loyal servant and trusted adviser-"
From their place in the middle of the table, Sir Thomas Boleyn and the Duke of Norfolk quietly scoffed together. They have always been wary of the staunch Reformist.
"By God, he's already acknowledging himself after the King", snorted Sir Thomas.
Next to him, Sir Thomas glared at Cromwell with keen observation. "Yes, he's quite full of himself for a lowly butcher's son. What chances are there for true nobility like us? Also, I heard that he's been filling the King's head with Reformist ideas."
"So he's a heretic and an impostor", stated Boleyn sharply,"Well then...I'm sure we can find out a way to put him in place. For now, let's just put up with Cromwell a little longer, and enjoy our goodness of fortunes."
"-Henry is the wisest, most noble and virtuous King to have ever sat upon the throne of England. We are so fortunate to be ruled by him and to be graced by his wonderful presence. By the blessing of Almighty God, he shall work tirelessly to make England a prosperous and powerful nation! Never doubt that, all of you!"
He paused to steal a quick glance at Anne, who has been intently listening.
"So knowing all of that to be true, I can honestly say that I fully support the marriage of our strong King to Anne Boleyn. As his previous wife, that Spanish Catherine of Aragon has proven herself to being barren, due to the fact that their marriage was disapproved by God, it is willed by Him that Anne shall indeed grant the King a healthy son! Now let's all toast in honor of their happy union together, and for a future Prince of Wales!"
Cheers and clapping erupted from the multitude, as everyone raised their goblets in response.
"Drink up, lads!", called out Henry in a joyous voice.
So they did just that, drained their goblets and then set them down with a series of resounding thumps. Their was a moment of formal silence afterwards. With a monarch's pride, Henry smiled upon his vast multitude of loyal subjects. It then struck him how far he's gotten in the past few months. He have done the impossible; he broke away from the Pope in Rome, created his own Church of England, annulled his marriage to a Spanish princess, and now his engagement to Anne.
If that is how I am to be remembered in the chronicles of history, the so be it!
The peace of the gathering was abruptly shattered as Cromwell collapsed to the floor. Startled, Henry turned towards his direction. Cromwell was thrashing about on the floor, one hand on his throat while the other reached out towards Henry for help. Sheer horror and distress was etched on Henry's face as he stood there paralyzed watching his friend suffocate to death. Meanwhile, panic overcame gathering as everyone rushed and scrambled away from the table including Anne.
From the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Cromwell's goblet which had been knocked over. Something instantly clicked in his mind.
Poison!
Inwardly, he swore to bring the treacherous fiend responsible for this act of terrorism to justice! For now, he needs to take care of Cromwell. Henry was by Cromwell's side within minutes. His heart skipped a beat upon seeing his face covered in a shade of purple. Cromwell's gasping had become more vigorous and deeper than before.
Gritting his teeth, Henry struggled to support the bloated man. "Where are the servants?! I need help over here now! Hurry!"
At his command, a team of servants rushed to the scene and carried Cromwell out of the room. Henry motioned for one of them over to him.
"Go and fetch the royal physician!" The lad bowed quickly before setting off on his task.
Exasperated from the stress, Henry shook his head while rubbing his temples. He then felt a familiar hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry, dear Henry. I'm certain that your brilliant physicians can save Cromwell. I-"
She was cut off when a sweaty servant ran into the room and abruptly fell to Henry's feet.
"What is the meaning of this?" Demanded a frowning Henry.
As soon as the lad looked up, he burst into tears and grabbed hold of Henry's ankle. "I'm so sorry, Your Highness, I have committed treason! Please forgive me, out of the kindness of your heart! I'm so sorry!"
Henry's mouth opened slightly as he gazed down at the sobbing young man. Slowly, the blood crept into his cheeks making his face the color of fire. His fists clenched tightly by his side. Henry was now officially furious.
"So you are the traitor who did this?! You poisoned His Grace, Thomas Cromwell?!"
The servant just mutely nodded through his tears. He didn't even knew what hit him before Henry picked him up and roughly pinned him against the wall. The poor lad then opened his eyes to see the savage eyes of his king stabbing against his soul.
"WHY YOU TREACHEROUS BASTARD! WHY?! WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU COMMIT TREASON AGAINST ME YOUR KING?! TELL ME NOW OR LOSE YOUR HEAD, YOU WORM!"
Henry's hand gripped the lad's throat and he struggled to gain air. Finally, he managed to give a shaky answer.
"I was forced to, Your Highness, believe me!"
Henry wasn't expecting that. "WHO PUT YOU UP TO THIS?! TELL ME!
"Tho-Thomas More."
DUN DUN DUN
Oh the dramatic anticipation! So soul-wrenching isn't it? Well I hope that it will be enough to satisfy your needs for now. I will make sure to come back with a new chapter soon.
No promises though.
Please review and all that stuff. Farewell for now!