A/N: Thanks to Lady Isabelle Black for your review. It's as if you partially read my mind.
Annabelle awoke too a pounding in her head and soreness in a place that she dared not ever think about. Panic engulfed her momentarily. There was a man's arm around her waist and two people on either side. She rolled on her left to see Charlie sleeping peacefully. A hand began to play with her hair. It felt nice. Anna turned her head to see Harry staring.
"Sorry my love. I did not mean to wake you." A small smile decorated his handsome face. "By all means, continue sleeping."
"I was awake already. There is no need for an apology." Anna gently moved Charlie's arm so she could sit up and stretch. The covers slipped from her body. She shivered from the feel of air on her bare skin.
Henry watched momentarily taking in the sight of Annabelle in the early morning light before taking her in his arms. Goose bumps covered her supple flesh and she snuggled closer despite the blistering heat that would soon erupt like a volcano with the rising off the afternoon sun.
"Better?" He asked.
Anna nodded against his chest. "Henry, about last night… it cannot happen ever again." She took a shaky breath. Tears were in her voice as she said, "I do not want to be just another of your whore's. Correct me if I am wrong but you care for me far too much to ever ruin me like that."
"You would not be just another whore. You never could be. It is not as if it would ruin your reputation."
"No. But it could very well end my impending doom."
Henry blinked several times. "What do you mean?"
She sighed before launching into an explanation. "Several days ago my father set up a match between myself and a man named Edward Whitmore. He is no Duke, but of high enough standing and Father wishes to unite our families. Personally, though, I believe he just wants Edward's mother."
"So you lied to Charles and I?" Henry's grip on Anna only tightened with every word. He was afraid if he didn't hold on to her she would slip away like a beautiful nightmare.
Anna wriggled out of the King's grip and sat cross-legged in front of him. "No I did not lie. How dare you even think that? When I last wrote Charlie I had no idea of my father's plans."
Henry cocked an eyebrow. "Do you swear upon the Holy Book you are not lying?"
She took a deep breath. "I swear upon all that is holy that I am indeed getting married. His Majesty may rest easily knowing my words hold truth."
"Good. I should hate to have you beheaded. And such a pretty little head it is." He propped up on his elbow. "Do you wish to marry this Edward Whitmore?"
Anna knew the appropriate answer. Like any good daughter she should say, 'I wish to make my father and family proud'. But this was Harry in front of her. They knew each other too well to succeed in lying to one another. Even though that was exactly what she was doing.
"No, Majesty, I do not. Edward is a well enough man I assume. Good reputation and family I have heard. But he simply is not for me. I realize my words hold little meaning. Like any child I shall have to bow to my father's will."
"I couldn't imagine you bending to any person's will. Except your own that is." Henry looked thoughtful for a moment. "Just as you must listen you your father he must listen to his King. If I declare this impending union as against the law-"
"What law? If one didn't know better they would think you were trying to prevent me from marrying."
Henry smiled. "Of course I am. You belong to Charlie and I. Especially after last night."
Last night. Anna sighed heavily. That should not have happened. How were things to go back to normal now? They wouldn't. They couldn't. She brought her knees up to her chest and rested her forehead on them. What would people think when they saw her leave the King's chambers? It would be a scandal. She would easily become the center of attention. Especially if…
Anna's head snapped up. "Harry?"
"Hmm?"
She did the math once more in her head. Last night had been the fourteenth day of her cycle. Her mother had taught her long ago that that was the best time to conceive a child.
"What if I become… pregnant?" Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper.
"Nonsense." Henry scoffed. "A woman does not get pregnant from her first time."
Rage welled up in Anna. "What if I do? What then? No one will want to marry-"
"Why are you so obsessed with marria-"
"Because I refuse to grow old alone!" Her voice was loud and heart broken. "The idea terrifies me Henry! At one point I was foolish enough to believe I could one day marry you. Then Arthur died and I knew Katherine would be passed on to you. Every girl dreams of a prince and I had mine! Alas fate was cruel to rip him from me! Edward is my last hope for even remote happiness!"
Henry sat up completely. It was quiet now. Only the light snoring of Charles could be heard. The King was speechless for a change. Her words swirled around in his mind. He could have had her. She could have been his Queen instead of Katherine. Maybe then he would have his son. Henry's mind kept returning to the fact he married his brother's wife. Was he wrong to have done that? Was he now being punished for his actions? The bed shifted and Henry watched as Anna dressed. Her movements were quick, graceful. There was a cold calculation in her eyes.
"When Charlie wakes up make sure he knows I wish to not be disturbed for the rest of the day. I need to write a letter to my family for I have neglected to do so since my arrival at court." Anna gathered her skirts and marched to the door. "When you see Katherine again send her my wishes for good health."
The door swung shut rousing Charles from his death like slumber. The smell of sex still hung thick in the air along with Anna's perfume. He felt suffocated by it all. Expecting to still find the girl beside him Charles reached out only to find an empty spot. It was still vaguely warm. Obviously recently vacated. He sat up meeting Henry's confused gaze.
"What?" Charles asked.
Henry shook his head. "Women are bloody insane."
"All of them or only Annie?"
"Annie. Always Annie." Henry clapped Charles on the back. "You should be on your way. I'm sure at least one of us has something important to do today."
With an impish grin, Charles dressed quickly if a bit clumsily. He ignored the sharp pain in his head. Never before had he felt like this after a night of drinking. Then again there was a first time for everything. He stumbled to the door before whipping back around suddenly.
"What'll you be doing?" He asked. "I for one have an engagement with a pretty little lady."
Henry smiled at his friend. "I have to write to Annie's father. It seems the man wants to marry our little girl off."
"Can't let that happen can we?"
"Of course not. Which is why, as King, I am declaring the match to be invalid."
"On what grounds my most gracious sovereign?" Charles's words were slurred heavily. Obviously the man was still a bit drunk.
Henry's smile only grew. "Do I have to have a reason Charles? I'm King!"
Charles frowned and pointed at him. "You're a brat with shiny toys and I shan't be a part of your foolery…" He hesitated before adding, "Tell her father I said hello. Oh, and make sure you make it explicitly clear I disagree with- with-"
"Me?"
"Yes! Have fun ruining Annie's life."
Henry rolled his eyes when the door shut once more. It had been a miracle Charles could even walk. He had drunk far more than Henry or Annabelle. But he couldn't stand seeing them together. There was a bitter seed if jealousy planted deep within Charles now. Soon enough it would grow, reaching its full and dangerous potential. Henry didn't realize this. He stupidly thought Charles enjoyed wine more than any healthy man should.
Following the lead of his friends Henry also dressed and left his room. The hallways buzzed with life. People hurried this way and that carrying various items in their arms. Whenever anyone saw him they would stop, bow, then continue on their way. There was really nothing on his mind as he walked. He didn't want to do the letter right away for fear of ruining anything Anna might say to her family. He sighed and rounded a corner, stopping in front of a window. Below him was an immense green field. Two figures could be seen running off. Henry walked down several flights of stairs meaning to follow them.
From such a distance Harry could only make out a deep scarlet cloak indicating the wearer to be a woman. Her companion was taller, more muscular. A man most definitely. Two lovers off to be alone perhaps? But something about their postures was familiar. It struck Henry suddenly. The two people were Charles and Annabelle. He continued pursuing them until they were well into a dense group of trees. The air chilled him to the bone despite the sweltering May heat. Charles stopped Anna, encased her in his arms, and kissed her passionately.
"I still marvel at how wonderfully you sold your engagement to 'Edward Whitmore'. You truly have Henry convinced of it." There was a smile in Charles's voice. Henry could barely see them but he could hear perfectly. All too well her understood the meaning of the loud silence that followed. The two were kissing again.
"Charlie, why don't we just tell him you and I are the ones getting married? Harry's our dearest fiend. Surely he will be happy and understanding."
"No he won't."
"And why not?"
Another long silence. "Charlie!" She complained.
A deep sigh. Then, "Anna, Henry wants a male heir for his kingdom. For the Tudor Dynasty. When the Queen no longer bleeds he will seek out even more women then he currently has. It is my belief he will go after you. I don't want that. Besides, we have been engaged for three months have we not?"
"Yes. I still think we should tell him Charles."
"Annabelle, trust me. When have I ever walked you down the wrong path?"
"My sixth birthday. You told me that my mother wouldn't care if I came home covered in mud. I got ten lashings for it! On my birthday!"
Henry didn't stay to listen to anymore. He felt utterly hurt, betrayed in the deepest sense of the word. How could Charles and Anna lie to him? Someone would be paying soon. An dearly. No one lies to the King and gets away with it.