I raced quickly down the dirt roads as the wind ripped against cheeks and nose, light rain flew into my eyes as I blinked them away to focus on the looming Castle ahead. The thud of horse hoofs sounded around me as Charles, William and a small army of men. Windsor Castle loomed ahead with a dark shadow surrounding it; a shiver ran up my spine as the wind blew harder.
Within an hour we had arrived at the gates, I jumped off the horse and quickly threw the reigns to some man off to the side. Charles and William flagged my sides as we quickly entered the deserted Castle. I raced up the stairs as I rushed to reach Anne, finally landed on the third floor I raced down the corridor before coming upon her rooms. Throwing the doors open I saw one maid laying right by the fire with a piece of cloth covering her nose and mouth as she dozed off. I quickly entered her sleeping chamber and saw Dr Lincare sitting off to the side of the room mixing something. He turned around at the sound of a door opening and saw me standing there; he quickly stood and bowed before walking closer to me.
"Your Majesty, I beg you to leave." I waved him away, he reluctantly moved to the side.
I quickly walked forward and pulled back the flimsy curtains from the bed and saw Anne; my sweet Anne lying in that bed with her dark hair clinging to her sweaty skin. Her skin was like ash, grey as a stormy night and her lips were pale. The beautiful rosy color was washed clean from Anne's face and it left an empty feeling in my heart. I sat down on the bed and gently held her clammy hand between my own warm ones; I pushed back hair from her forehead and was left with thick salt on my finger tips.
I turned too the room and saw Charles, William and Lincare standing by the door. I wave Charles forward and he quickly obliges.
"Please escort everyone out of the room Charles." He bows and turns to the men and escorts everyone out and I'm left all alone with Anne.
I tighten my grip on her hand and sigh as I stare at her ashen face.
"Anne I don't know what I saw two nights ago but, its haunted me since I woke up. I realized I needed to be here...by your side as I promised you. From now on I will never leave you Anne; no matter what happens I shall always be with you." I kiss the back of her hand before reaching into the satchel tied to my waist. I pull out the ruby red ring and slip it back onto her finger before rising off the bed.
I grab a plush chair sitting off dejectedly to the side and pull it next to the bed. I rest my head against the palm of my hand and just stare at her as I slowly nod off.
AxB
"Mama!" My eyes shoot open as I look around the bright, green field. I turn my head and see a beautiful girl with fiery red hair running towards me in a stunning aqua green dress with grey-gold stitching and floral pattern down the sleeves. I looked down at myself and saw I was wearing a gold dress with black detailing and black bell sleeves that ended in a thick lace trim. I stood up as the girl came closer and I felt as if I knew her but, at the same time I didn't?
"Elizabeth! My love, slow down!" I yell towards her with a smile on my face. Sh-Elizabeth just laughs before looking behind me.
"Papa!" She picks up her skirts and runs faster as I turn around.
There in all his glory is Henry with a beautiful boy in his arms. His cherub, red face was framed by strawberry blond hair that was curly similar to mine. He had the brightest smile that warmed my heart. He was dressed in a royal blue outfits with white frame work and detailing, he kicked his little legs and Henry sat him down on the ground where he ran towards me. My body moved without my command but, I hurriedly scooped up the precious gem and buried my head in his beautiful curls. His giggle resounded in my ears and I smiled down at him, his glowing green eyes sparkled in the sunlight.
"Elizabeth! How are you my darling?" I looked up and saw Henry hugging Elizabeth close while brushing a hand through her bright, red hair. I walked closer as I held the boy towards me, Henry looked up and smiled at me before repositioning Elizabeth. He leaned forward and gently kissed me before pulling away.
"Rex wanted to see his mother, how could I say no to that face?" I look down at Rex and he just laughed as he threw his hands over his grinning mouth. I tickled his cheek which made him squirm as his whole frame shook from his laughter.
"Pap, I'm hungry. May we go eat?" Elizabeth looks at Henry with puppy dog eyes and he lets out his booming laugh.
"The Princess Elizabeth has spoken my Love! It is time for dinner!" He quickly runs off with Elizabeth and I laugh at them before turning back to Rex.
"Well my darling Prince, it appears we have been left." I kiss his curls before sighing. I hold him closer and gently swing side to side as I begin to follow after them. I hum lowly as the sun begins to set behind me as the Castle came into view.
My eyes shoot open as I take in a deep breathe only to let out a loud string of coughs. My eyelids are heavy and oily, my skin feels gritty and heavy. I look around the room and see it is dark outside and a fire is going in the front of the room. My ears feel heavy and clogged and my throat is scratch, all in all I feel terrible.
"Anne?" I turn my head and see Henry...my sweet Henry...
He raises my hand and holds it tightly while placing rushed kisses. He leans forward and places a gentle kiss on my forehead before leaning back.
"I'll be right back my love." He lets go of my hand and runs out of the room only to bring back Dr Lincare who rushes to work.
My head is foggy and heavy but, I can see the smile that Henry has on his face as he comes back to my side and takes ahold of my hand again. I smile back at him before letting out a cough. I felt awful but, I knew I would get better. I had to get better if I wanted anything like Elizabeth and Rex...such a beautiful, warm future.
