Greetings, Citizens of Fanfiction World! I have once again graced you with another chapter. Are you ready? Then enjoy at your own free will!
Disclaimer: I can't believe I forgot to do this! The Tudors do not belong to me, sadly. Neither does Joan, as she belongs to Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel.
December 1531
Thomas Moore was forced to endure weeks of grueling court hearings, and was even subjected to terrifying torture. Refusing to give in, he continued in vain to vigorously preach his innocence. No amount of intimidation or pain could make him confess to a crime he was falsely accused of. Paying absolutely no heed to the staggering amount of harsh, threatening letters from Rome and the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry carried on with the ludicrous trial. Cromwell made sure to fill the jury with his supporters. False, fabricated evidence was collected, and bribed 'honest' witnesses were brought in to testify against the poor man. It is inevitable how the trial was to end.
By the end of three weeks, Cromwell finally got his sinfully wonderful verdict: Thomas Moore is guilty.
"His death shall be a triumph of justice", stated a highly delighted Cromwell.
Mary was outraged when she finally found out about the trial; the outcome lit her temper aflame. This is a mockery of justice! God knows Moore is innocent and that this is all Cromwell's doing!
Above all things, she was shocked by how her father could ever come to do such a thing. Before Cromwell came along, Moore had been Henry's Chancellor and beloved mentor. He loved him almost like a father, which was why he had avoided condemning Moore until now. To Henry, Moore had not only broken the law by not taking the royal oath, but he has also shamelessly betrayed him by committing murderous treason. That was when vanity consumed him; he felt like he had to upheld the law and didn't even hesitate to sign the execution warrant.
What about his family then? His wife shall become a widow and his poor children will be left without a father. They do not deserve to suffer due to my father's heartless cruelty.
It was not until after the trial, that she was allowed to see Moore, accompanied by Jean du Lys. As they were led up the ancient stone steps of the Tower, Joan felt a strange chill overcome her being. She knew about the long history of the Tower, how it was filled with bloodshed and violence. This was where the disappearance of the two young princes took place. Nobody doubts that they were murdered by their nefarious uncle, Richard, in order to take the crown for himself.
Actually being there made Joan think about the countless lost souls that were once imprisoned within the abandoned cells. She thought about the fear and anxiety that plagued them, and the abuse they suffered through. That eventually brought back her own unpleasant memories of the time she was held prisoner by the English. Even now, she was still amazed at how incredibly dark human nature could be. Joan could not help, but feel immense pity for the victims of this infamous Tower of death.
At last, they have arrived at Moore's cell. The jailer took out his set of keys then began searching for the right one. Behind him, Mary grew rapidly in impatience but her naturally blank face did not reveal anything.
She mentally thanked God when the jailer finally inserted the key into the lock,and then turned it. He barely managed to open the door before Mary rushed in. Once inside, they found Moore in front of his window, apparently deep in thought. The sight of him aroused tears to well up in her eyes.
Suddenly, Moore turned around and his expression lit up considerably upon seeing Mary. He slowly approached her saying, "Mary...is it really you in the flesh? I've been in here for so long, I almost forgot what you look like."
His tone was flat and his demeanor was equally melancholic. Seeing her former tutor so broken down like that was devastating for Mary. Therefore, she was prompted to go to him, and embrace him. So she did.
Looking into his depressing gray eyes, she allowed a few drops of tears to leak out. "I can't believe they did this to you! You didn't do anything wrong yet, they still sentenced you to death. This was all a mistake, I just know it!"
"I appreciate your caring, Mary", said Moore in a soft voice,"but I'm afraid that won't be enough. It's clear that justice doesn't exist anymore in this world...at least with Cromwell in power."
Feeling sentimental, he reached out to gently caress his former pupil's cheek. Then he abruptly turned away and ventured over to sit on his shabby mess of a bed. There, he continued to speak grimly.
"I was aware that Cromwell would succeed in usurping me one way or another. So now he's finally done it, he has won. Nothing can save me from the executioner's ax now."
There was a grave silence that fell upon the cell after he'd spoken. Mary stared at Moore with a keen sense of examination, as her mind attempted to comprehend the meaning of his words. Moore just simply gazed at the floor with his hands clasped in front of him. It went on like this for ten agonizing minutes, without any words or action.
Finally, Mary broke the trance by walking towards Moore before sitting down beside him. Then covering his hands with her own, she firmly declared, "You are still completely innocent of any wrongdoings. While we have no way to reverse the verdict now, I promise to to do my best in convincing my father to spare your life."
Those words were like soothing music to Moore's ears, which had an immediate effect. There was new hope glinting in his eyes and a miraculous, crooked smile formed on his lips. His sudden surge of rejuvenation could easily be compared to that of a green plant after being fed with refreshingly cool water. Mary also welcomed this positive switch of mood, with a bright smile of her own.
"You will? That...is the most wonderful act of kindness anyone has ever done for me. Therefore, I shall be forever grateful toward you, Mary."
Mary shook her head. "No, it is I who owes you my deepest gratitude. There was a time when I was in a similar situation, being banished to the distant castle of Ludelow." A wave of sorrow washed over being as she spoke, with bitter memories filling up her mind. "Things were so bad that I even began to lose hope in faith."
Moore squeezed her hand in empathy.
"However, I was able to find light and support in your numerous letters. You encouraged me to remain steadfast in our faith, and to trust God, as his plan is flawless. So I must say thank you, Thomas Moore."
Moore could not help but feel immense pride in his young prodigy. He then kissed her forehead gently in blessing. It was only then that Moore finally noticed the other visitor in the cell. "Mary, who's your friend there?"
Joan then took a step forward. "Greetings, Moore, I thought you would never ask."
Keeping true to her word, Mary went straight to see her father afterward. Being told that he was having supper, Mary burst completely unannounced into his private eating chamber. However, she did not expect to see George Boleyn and it startled her to find them engaged in conversation together. Upon seeing his face, her heart began beating rapidly and a warm knot settled in her stomach. She found those symptoms to be extremely odd.
George and Henry were just as disturbed at her abrupt intrusion. Both of them stared at her while remaining motionless. It didn't last very long, as Henry instantly stood up with a loving smile across his face.
"Mary, dear, what a pleasant surprise that you have come! Though, may I ask for the reason of this visit?"
Mary managed to perform a sweeping curtsy, before speaking,"Please excuse my interruption, father. I just wanted to discuss a private matter with you."
"Oh really?" He glanced back at George, who nodded. Henry then returned his attentions toward Mary. "Very well, then. Come."
They made their way to a far corner across the room, where they were sure that their words won't be heard by George. "Alright, what do you want to discuss?" He will soon come to regret those words.
"Father, you cannot execute Thomas Moore", said Mary urgently. "He is a good man who does not deserve to die a traitor's death!"
Henry sighed most melodramatically and said,"Sorry,Mary but I'm not in the mood for debating with you at this moment. Can't you see I'm trying to eat supper with my future son-in-law?"
Mary rolled her eyes; that last part sounded more suggestive if anything."Oh, so what makes you so sure about that?"She countered cocking a slender brow. Henry was dumbfounded.
Had she always been this witty?
Mary continued with,"Why are you doing this, father? You loved Thomas Moore, he was always there to help you. So it doesn't make sense to me why you are going through with his execution."
Her words crashed against Henry like gale force winds. Though he refused to show it, deep down, he still harbor a fragment of affection for Moore. Never before had he been bombarded by such aggressive guilt. Those feelings eventually uplifted as Henry shook his head.
No matter, he still tried to murder Cromwell! That is treason which must be acquitted for! I cannot let my personal emotions get in the way of my royal duty of obtaining justice.
"My decision is final", he told Mary dryly,"and I don't plan on changing it. Moore will pay the price for his actions."
Mary wearily closed her eyes and lowered her head in disappointment. Her failure soon became too great for her endure, and all she wanted was to cry her heart out.
"You may leave now", dismissed Henry.
Mary did a short curtsy and began heading for the door. Henry went to sit back down with George Boleyn, who looked toward Mary with much concern.
Henry then called out, "I am expecting you to attend the Christmas feast tomorrow, Mary. Wear something bright and appealing if you can."
Miss Christmas? Never in the world would Mary neglect to celebrate the marvelous birth of Christ...especially not in times of serious crisis such as this. Halfway out of the door, Mary suddenly paused in her tracks.
George Boleyn spoke,"Your Majesty, pardon my humble opinion, but wouldn't it be better to spare Moore after all?"
"What do you mean?" Asked Henry, highly confused.
"Well",George began,"if you do spare him, then you shall be renowned for your compassionate act of grace. Nobody can deny that. It's also the safest option, for it's a well-known fact that Moore has powerful connections among Catholics, including Rome. Therefore, if you execute him, then your enemies shall declare him a martyr and England will be invaded, possibly even destroyed. No country would want to be our ally afterwards, leaving all your efforts at negotiation in vain."
Mary could not believe what she was hearing. Is George Boleyn actually trying to protect Thomas Moore from a brutal death? The very possibility of it sounds so remote, yet it's really happening. She wondered how Henry will react.
Henry sunk into his chair, intensely thinking while simultaneously rubbing his chin. His mind became a scale as he weighed the two options. After some time, he finally replied, "I'll make sure to consider it another time. Now please, let us just enjoy our meal."
With a small smile, George resumed eating as requested. Mary on the other hand, was greatly relieved at a second chance for Moore's life. In her room that night, Mary prayed persistently for her father to make the right choice.
Christmas Eve
It was that time of year again, when all of Christendom releases tension in order to collectively rejoice over the marvelous birth of Christ, their Savior. England itself became an enormous riot of celebrations.
Windsor Castle was decked out in the most ludicrous amount of glamorous decorations from end to end. Red, green, and white appeared everywhere you look, and numerous scented candles lit up the entire interior of the castle, sending light into the darkest corners. Of course, a grand feast was held, to which all royal courtiers attended happily. A massive Christmas tree graced the center of the grand hall, covered in all sorts of studs and ornaments and topped with a golden star. It was such a spectacular sight to behold, the main attraction.
Wine was also plentiful, as well as the food, which was masterly prepared and served. Everyone was joyous and care-free all in the spirit of Christmas. None more so than Henry and Anne, who were in a separate dining room. They were joined that night only by Anne's family, Charles Brandon and his young wife, Princess Margaret, who is Henry's sister.
"-and a merry Christmas to all", concluded Henry's speech.
"Merry Christmas!"They all shouted in one voice."God bless England!"
It was soon followed an enthusiastic thrust of goblets into the air. Henry grew a big smile at the sight and signaled for the feast to commence. Sitting back down, he gave Anne a quick kiss.
"So, when is that Spanish bastard of yours coming?" She asked loosely."If anything, she must be too cowardly to show up."
Henry frowned disapprovingly and shot her a warning glare. "Now, Anne, I love you very much as well as Mary. She is still my daughter and I would like for you to treat her kindly, then she would do likewise. Please."
There was a flash of defiance in Anne's eyes. Looking at Henry though, it quickly went away and her demeanor softened. "Fine, but only for you, my sweet. I shall try to be...courteous toward the Lady Mary. But the moment she starts to-"
Anne was abruptly cut off by the shrill notes of trumpets and fanfare. Settling back into her seat, she instinctively assumed a perfect smile.
"Presenting her grace, the Lady Mary!"
All heads turned and concentrated their eyes on the door, with each holding their own breath in anticipation. It was George Boleyn in particular, who was especially curious. As he waited on the edge of his seat, he began to recall his last encounter with the elusive Mary. His musings were interrupted when Mary finally entered the room. Her arrival incited a series of low whispers from among the small party.
For the occasion, she was wearing a deep violet dress adorned with intricate, golden patterns and designs. It traced her slender figure in a fine way. Her caramel auburn hair was done in a simple style and kept neatly half-hidden under a humble headdress. What really earned her their attention, was the air of unwavering confidence that radiated from her being. George was immediately intrigued from the moment he saw her.
The princess is very beautiful, I'll admit. While not a seductive beauty such as Anne, hers glow with youthful innocence and purity. With her exotic auburn hair and soft blue eyes, she makes a very attractive English rose, indeed. Any man would be extremely lucky to have her as his wife...especially myself. Only a blind fool with absolutely no sense could ever dare to call her ugly.
Mary then gracefully curtsied. "Father, my King...and Mistress Anne."
Henry nodded pleasantly and said, "Welcome, my beloved daughter. You may take a seat."
Much to her annoyance, there was only one available seat left and it was right beside George Boleyn. Oh, well that's just perfect.
As soon as she was seated, her own plate of food was served. Everyone else returned to their meals, with some small chatter here and there.
George soon found himself to be feeling very...different sitting next to Mary. Finally, he gained enough courage to say, "You look um really great tonight, Mary."
He didn't dare to look at her while he waited for a response. He was relieved when she finally did, "Thank you, Viscount Rochford."
Strangely enough, George grinned in delight at her icy tone; what else could he expect from a proud and dignified girl as her?
Then Wiltshire spoke up,"Pardon me, Lady Mary, but have you made any decision about marrying my son yet? It's been nearly two months already."
His question caught Mary completely off guard. She blushed, mainly due to the fact that she was sitting right next to George. "Well, your grace, I..um...haven't exactly..."
"Come now, father", interfered George for Mary's sake, "let the Lady Mary be. We should not try to pressure her, as this is a major decision that requires extensive thinking."
"I am aware of that", Wiltshire retaliated bluntly. "I just think that the sooner you two are wed, the easier it would be for reconciliation between our two factions. Peace is what I strive for." He then took slurp of his wine.
Reconciliation? It sounded so ridiculous that Mary really wanted to laugh in Wiltshire's lying face.
Some minutes flew by without any real incident. Although, George did took some fleeting glances at Mary while he ate. His eyes eventually fell on her lips, which were plump and pink. His gaze only lingered for a moment before he quickly looked away. Unbeknownst to George, Mary was also curious about him herself. Whenever he wasn't looking, she would glance over at him and study his features. She saw everything from his deep blue eyes to his angular jaw. Their actions were nothing less than ironic.
Eventually, Norfolk broke the streak of silence by asking, "Is it really true that you are sentencing Thomas Moore to death, your Majesty?"
He could not have chosen a worse topic; Mary had to strain every nerve in her being in order to not burst into tears. However, Henry stunned everyone with his answer.
"Not quite exactly, my Lord Norfolk. You see, I felt a dire need to be merciful towards Moore. So I instead decided that his punishment will be permanent exile from England."
At his words, Mary became momentarily frozen with both shock and delight. Yes, Moore is safe! Thank you, God and Christ, for this most wonderful of Christmas miracles. I can't wait for Moore to find out.
Despite being surrounded by her most volatile of enemies, Mary could not help but smile at the positive turn of events.
Norfolk and Wiltshire exchanged similar glances of confusion. "Does Cromwell know about your Majesty's change of mind?"
"Yes he does in fact", admitted Henry."He was furious at first, which is understandable since he was the victim. Eventually, he came to comply with my decision and everything is well again."
That answer was enough for all of them to resume eating. Norfolk turned and whispered to Wiltshire, "It seems like we had overestimated Cromwell's abilities."
His brother-in-law stoutly nodded in a agreement.
At last, it was time for the presents. Henry clapped his hands together sharply and two servants in holiday garb came into the room, carrying between them an ornate wooden box. Henry grinned smugly when he saw Anne's eyes widen with surprise. The servants stopped just before the royal couple. At a snap of Henry's fingers, they opened the box to reveal the treasure inside.
Henry's present to Anne was a precious diamond tiara encrusted with shiny jewels. That wasn't all though, for there came along with it, a matching necklace and pair of earrings. Everyone gasped in awe, with the exception of Mary. She didn't count on her father to get her a present, though she had grown used to her father's neglect.
Anne then boldly pulled Henry into a loving embrace and showered his face with kisses. "Oh, Henry, I absolutely love your thoughtful gift. However, I doubt it would be able to top over my present for you."
Henry cocked a brow, being highly intrigued. "Hmm, is that so? Well then show me."
"Gladly!" She clapped her hands together.
In a matter of minutes, servants began to file into the room, each with a basket of apples. They soon surrounded them. All the guests looked around with confusion, amusement and excitement. That was by far the strangest present they ever saw a queen give to her king.
"Anne, darling...you got me apples for Christmas?" Henry's demeanor deflated with disappointment, though he did try to hide it from Anne.
Anne's eyes twinkled with mischief as she replied, "No, this is not for you. I just have a sudden, powerful craving for apples." She then reached over and took an apple from a basket, before biting into it. "Do you know the reason for my craving, Henry?"
"I have not the slightest idea", he said at a lost.
So with that, Anne turned and whispered into his ear. "I am pregnant."
With those three powerful words, she was able to make Henry leap out of his seat with joy. "Anne, you're pregnant?! That's such great news!"
"What?!"Exclaimed Mary, causing a servant to accidentally spill hot soup on her,and thus ruining her dress.
Consequently,everyone directed their attention towards her. Sensing herself to being on the very verge of an emotional breakdown, a mortified Mary bolted out of the room and into the great hall.
"Mary!" George called after her. He got up to help, but his father held his arm.
"She's not worth your while, George", said Wiltshire."Just leave her be."
So George reluctantly obeyed, but inside he regretted it. His heart flooded with genuine sympathy for Mary.
With her eyes filled with tears, she was unable to see where she was going, due to the intense glare of the lighted candles. Both courtiers and servants stopped everything to gape at her. A few sympathizers tried to help her, but she refused each one of them as she continued her frantic dash of escape. Joan, who was over at the ambassadors' table, wasted no time in running after Mary.
Once she was out of the grand hall, Mary did not slow down as she raced to her chamber. When she made it, she quickly closed the door shut and leaned heavily against it. She closed her eyes and released a shaky breath.
"Mary?"She heard Joan's concerned voice from behind. "Mary, what's wrong? Please, you must tell me."
"I-I just want to be left alone right now. I'm not feeling very well at the moment."
"Oh." Mary could hear her footsteps gradually dying away as she left.
Finally, she was able to release the wild flood of tears that were amassing behind her eyes. Then her legs failed her and she sank down to the floor. Her entire being ached mercilessly with sorrow as she sobbed profusely. Poor Mary, in just a single night her entire world was shattered before eyes. Now that Anne is carrying a Prince of Whales in her womb, her future has been consumed in darkness. The fate of her life hangs in the balance once again.
That's it...it finally happened! Anne is now pregnant with my father's child! Not just any child, but a Prince of Whales! My worst fear have finally come true...it won't be long until I am to be banished to live in some remote, isolated palace of my father's choice and left to rot in obscurity. Oh, what a horrible way to die!
Mary stiffened upon hearing footsteps outside her door. "This isn't a good time", she managed to say as calm as possible.
The response wasn't like anything she would have expected.
"Merry Christmas", said a distinctively male voice. She could also heard something being placed on the ground.
Once she was absolutely certain that whoever the person was has left,she pulled herself together and opened the door. Outside of her chamber, she found a small chest, which she assumed was for her.
So she carefully picked it up and brought it inside, closing the door behind her. Sitting down on her bed, Mary proceeded to thoroughly examine the exterior of the little chest. It was somewhat decorated but bore no distinctive markings of any kind. At first, Mary was hesitant to open it, her hands trembling along the top. She felt very much like Pandora when she was given the forbidden box. Then her curiosity finally got the better of her and she carefully opened the chest.
With a gasp, she reached inside and pulled out a beautiful bracelet made of brilliant white and blue gems. Attached to it was a small silver charm in the shape of a cross. Squinting her eyes, she could just make out the inlaid engravings that read, "GOD", vertically and, "LOVE", horizontally. Mary smiled fondly at the gift, in spite of herself.
Looking back inside the chest, she also found a folded piece of note. As soon as she laid eyes on its contents, her heart stopped.
To Mary,
From George Boleyn, with love
The very next morning, Mary was there to witness the departure of Thomas Moore. The king had revealed that instead of having to suffer a painful death, Moore is to be banished to Germany. Moore humbly accepted that alternative with solemn dignity. Joan volunteered to escort Moore to the coast and put him on the next barge heading to Germany on the King's orders. Joan, however, had other plans in mind.
In a final act of decency, Henry allowed Moore's grieving family to say their final farewells. With a faint heart, Mary watched as Moore embraced his wife and children for the very last time. She was familiar with the sadness that they must have felt, as she herself was separated from her mother. To her, no trial was worse than going through life without ever having a parent's love and guidance.
Finally, Moore approached her with a mournful smile. "So this is goodbye, Mary. Will you please look after my family for me while I'm gone?"
"Of course I will", she replied trying to fight back tears. "I will try my best to provide them with anything they need, whether it's food or shelter."
"Thank you, Mary, I owe you my life. Exile is much more preferable than execution. I will always pray for you and Queen Catherine, as I fear for your welfare among those prowling Boleyn-Howard wolves."
Mary then reassured him,"I won't be facing them alone, though. I have Jean du Lys by my side and he is loyal to me."
"So he is, I can tell. I'll keep the prayers as a precaution",he persisted. "Nobody is ever truly safe at Court."
At that moment, Jean du Lys rode up to them on a horse. In one hand, he held the reigns of another horse. He bowed respectfully to them from the saddle.
"It's time we must get going now, Moore."
Mary asked for a little more time, to which Jean understandably complied.
Turning back to Moore, she said, "Farewell, Moore, and may our Lord protect you along your journey. Godspeed all the way!"
Moore gazed at Mary with fatherly affection as he gently stroke her hair. "God bless you, my child."
Shortly after that, he mounted his horse and took off with Jean. Like a hawk, Mary's eyes stayed on them until they became nothing more than tiny specks. She made a vow that someday, when she becomes Queen of England, Moore will be brought back from exile and receive his fair share of justice.
From an upper-story window, Cromwell looked down ominously at the scene. He had a suspiciously nefarious expression about him. The Lady Mary might have saved you from certain death this time, Moore, but don't think you can escape me that easily! I have seen to it that you will never reach Germany alive!
Well that wasn't very ominous at all! I hope you guys liked reading it as much as I liked reading it. This is the longest chapter so far, so it means a lot to me. I had a lot of inspiration, especially from all my friends who also write stories for this fandom. So yeah they're awesome!
Also, I've been thinking about some long-term details relating to the future of this story, and I need you guys to help me out. Go to my profile and vote on a poll I created. Those of you who already voted, please do it again as I had to reset it. I can count on you guys for that, right? Brilliant!
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