Disclaimer: Really? If I was owner I would be Goddess Supreme and a Multi-Billionaire producer.

A/N: Thanks to all my reviewers, as promised another chapter!

There will be slight time jump after this chapter, and events of the coronation though not depicted here, I warn you so you don't say you didn't tell me after, I will include flashbacks in these chapters and subsequent ones.

~VXLP

"Yo sere el viento que va
navegare por tu oscuridad,
tu rocio, beso frio
que me quemara

Yo sere tormento y amor
tu la marea que arrastra los dos,
yo y tu, tu y yo
Si no diras que no,
no diras que no
no diras que no

Sere tu amante bandido, bandido
corazon, corazon mal herido
sere tu amante cautivo, cautivo
sere pasion privado, adorado enemigo

Huracan, huracan mal habido
Me perdere en un momento contigo
por siempre"

~from "Amante Bandido" by Miguel Bose

1552, March 16th

Whitehall Palace: Queen's Chambers:

Annie beckoned her sister to come. "Isabella am I right?"

"Lady Isabella, yes Your Majesty" She corrected. She did not like being here in her sister's service anymore than her sister. But her mother had insisted on her brother after the coronation had taken place, to let Annie take Isabella since Annie herself would never dream of having one of her German half siblings in her company.

Harry had been the ring bearer at Edward's insistence, what started as romantic had turned into a bittersweet symphony. Annie had Edward dancing his tune with everything else. But this was something he could not agree on. He wanted her to see his reasoning. People talked. They were whispers, rumors that she was Eustace Chapuys' daughter, devil's seed, a dirty bastard, all of that that her father had worked so hard to protect her from was caving in and it had taken a toll on her family, including the Lady Mary's.

Edward devised a plan, it did not convince anybody but it put an end to all these rumors.

~o~

Annie stormed in Edward's study. "Out! Out! Out all of you!" she cried, the servants looked at their master, the King, who nodded. Soon as they closed the door behind them Annie walked to his desk and threw all of the states papers across the room.

Edward sank in his chair, he made himself comfortable, bracing himself for what he would hear from his future wife's pretty lips.

"How could you do this to ME?"

And that is how it starts-thought Edward, he joined his hands together as if in prayer and tightened the grip of his fingers against his callused palms.

She went on and on. "You should have consulted me first, I am going to be your wife, what do you think this will do to US, to ME? Have you thought of that Edward or did His Majesty simply acted on your puppeteer Earl again" This last sentence was the last straw.

He had heard enough of her ranting, he rose from his chair and hit his desk, she was not silenced. She had seen her father in worse humor, and Bess as well, his anger did not scared her, at the very least it gave her more incentive.

"You see? You see! Your actions just confirmed it, this was the Earl's doing!"

"It was not the Earl's doing it was mine to save you, to save our marriage if you care any of it!"

Annie widened her eyes. How dare he insinuate? She cared more about this marriage than he did! "I have risked my father's love, he is not talking to me for the first time I put someone else above him and it hurts me to see you acting like this"

"It hurts me more to see YOU act like this Annie!"

"Well what did you expect Your Majesty, I am not going to sit with my arms crossed while you give my dimwitted brother instead of George the honors of carrying the rings! Ring bearer!" she snorted "He will sweat like the swine he is and trip when he is on his way to the altar, you should see-"

Edward stopped her just there "I should?" his tone became firm and pointed a finger on his chest and then to her "YOU should! Remember Annie you are going to be my wife, my Regent perhaps, but I am still King and you do well to remember that?"

Annie was hurt. Edward lived by his parents' example and believed all women should be like his mother, but Annie was no Jane Seymour and she certainly wasn't going to be bound to her husband the same way.

She gave him a piece of her mind. "Do you want a wife who obeys you then?"

"Well of course!"

"No!"

"No?"

"I said no and I MEANT IT! When you gave me your word to marry me and bestowed on my brother Anthony a new title, I agreed that I would cherish you and worship you, but I never agreed to be your slave"

"So you refuse to obey me?" He demanded. Jesus! No wonder his father counseled him not to marry so soon! Idiot! But Annie, he could not say no to her, and his life seemed pointless without her. Everything he'd done had to be to win her over, to have power over Alexei so he could get to her, he had done things he never would have dreamed of doing just to get to her, and despite of all her screams, if he were to be asked if he'd do this again he would say yes.

"No, Edward. You are my husband, I recognize your authority I am not against it, but I refuse to be your slave, I can't obey you on this! Henry hates me" She leaned forward and in the same fashion he'd done earlier she smacked the desk.

"Please Edward! I beg you to reconsider, my brother George he is a better choice"

"Your brother was sent to Hatfield"

"Then tell my father and Aunt Bess to get him back here! He is my younger brother he is no less than Anthony, he is your family too, he should be at the wedding in the very least"

Edward walked to Annie and held both her shoulders and kissed her brow attempting to calm her down, it did not work. "Annie" he said with a bigger sigh, she would make him sigh through the rest of their lives but he was willing to put up with her. "I can't, your mother's supporters are conspiring against me as it is!"

Annie resisted the urge to roll her eyes. He was always paranoid when it came to Catholics and foreigners, the Xenophobia that was growing in this country was ridiculous. Everyone who did not have an English name or last name, or did not seem English, was immediately target of suspicion. Just how long was Edward going to put up with this nonsense? John Dudley and the Grays were the main force before the Act of Uniformity. It was no different than the Oath of Supremacy, except this time Edward had gone too far. Everyone who did not fulfill the requirements: loyal, Protestant, and refused the "false" sacraments of the Roman church and the Bishop of Rome's authority; was exiled or put in prison.

"Just how different are we from the animals or from the Inquisition if we submit those of the old religion to humiliation just because they are different, because they won't live by your truth." She had told him this yesterday and he had agreed that as soon as they were married, he would put a more flexible Act to make up for what the previous one had caused to its victims. It was not enough, she considered. The victims needed an apology but he was King and Kings were above God to his view, and did not give apologies.

Annie looked up to Edward as he said the many reasons why he would not make George's parents bring him back to Court. Surprisingly it was not so much his fear of pagan heretics –Catholics- why he was reluctant to have George as the ring bearer.

"George is too young, he does not have many friends and besides he is too close to your sister"

Annie arched her eyebrows. "Isabella, no that cannot be, she is as silent as a nun that little wench" She said chuckling. Now that she thought about it though, if she was not too old and wasn't their mother's daughter she and George would make a nice couple.

Edward ignored Annie's malicious tone and shook his head. "Katherine" he said and Annie let out a defeated sigh and passed her fingers through her future husband's blond hairs. "You have to be jesting." She said. He shook his head again. "I am afraid not dear I am not. They both seemed very much taken with one another. One of your father's spies in fact tells me they have written to each other constantly."

"My father lend you one of his spies?" She asked in a disbelieving tone.

He smirked. "I have my ways to convince people too, besides he was more afraid to say no with Bess standing next to him."

They both chuckled. Smart move of Edward, having her Aunt next to her father that way he could never refuse.

She turned serious again as she thought back to George and Katherine. She was a rotten apple and George was far too naïve, easy manipulated, he was playing with fire and he did not know it.

Edward shared a knowing look with Annie. "Now you see why I can't have him here. They are small but cunning and I can't afford Mary to have a spy within your family love" He said buying his pale fingers into her fiery hair that was neatly pulled back by her golden snood and with a small coronet on top with a pearl diadem in front. She looked absolutely irresistible, in a week he would be his.

She nodded, she was finally beginning to see his reasoning, it became crystal clear. George might resent his family but he had to obey orders and stay in Hatfield for the time being. All these family intrigues were not new to her, she had told Edward, but being in the middle of them and of so many others was.

Edward understood, he didn't like it one bit. But except for George, the royal family had to stay united and seem so to the people for their wedding and her coronation.

"Just imagine everyone will look at you, nobody will question your legitimacy, just for today when Harry comes forth with the rings, our union will be consummated. You will wear the crown of St. Edward and be anointed by Cranmer on the same day. It will all be worth it Annie"

Annie smiled picturing herself that day; there would be throngs of people calling out their name -God Bless our new royal couple- and they would be thronging to see her when she came out with the royal crown and scepter in her hand. Edward would be there as well, but he would not be the focus of their attention, she would.

For Edward she was willing to put up with Henry and his family, just to see her mother's face.

~o~

Isabella could see that her half sibling and mistress was in deep thought. She waited until she was released from her thoughts and addressed her again.

She grew impatient but did not let it show, having become a master of disguising her emotions since she was a child.

Annie looked at her and offered her a cup of wine, Isabella turned it down. "No thanks, I am fine but thanks for the offer Your Majesty" She said her voice with deep reverence but her eyes spoke of another truth.

To turn down an invitation done out of good will was an insult, Annie considered. She ought to box Isabella's ears and throw her out. She saw nothing but their mother and her father in her. Same eyes, same face, but with a meekness thought Annie, that I can take advantage of.

Her mother was already using Katherine to get to George, and Isabella as Alexei's betrothed, she could find uses for her. Perhaps Edward's decision to put her in her service had not been such a bad idea.

"You do not drink?"

"I am afraid not Your Majesty, my stomach lurches when I do" She said in full honesty, keeping her head down.

Annie raised her voice at her sister. "Rise" Isabella leaned forward to stand, but Annie interrupted "Not your legs, sit, I meant your chin." Isabella sat straight up again, and very slowly she began to look up at the queen. "Do it, I do not bite"

No, you just swallow –thought Isabella. This sister of hers was more spoiled than Kathy, and as cunning and slithery as her older brother Harry. And she had been Alexei's true interest, for all means she has ever reason to hate me. Why should I trust her?

Isabella swallowed her fear and looked up at the queen.

Annie finally took a good look at her sister. She had the most beautiful dark gray eyes she had ever seen, the same color of her mother's and of her Edward, having all been inherited by their forefathers Henry VII and Henry VIII. But unlike her mother she did possess her stern lips and her coldness. Her voice was melodic, soft and almost … sad.
Her dirty blond curls were neatly trimmed up and under a feathered hat that was adorned with beautiful gemstones, but they weren't as beautiful or exclusive as the ones in the Queen's dress, headwear, and her jeweled fingers. She was fair skinned but not too white, and her cheeks constantly looked flushed. She reminded her a little of George, he did that too when he felt embarrassed or put down.

"You have beautiful eyes Lady Isabella" She commented slowly.

Isabella gave an open smile "Thank you Your Majesty" She looked down at her shoes again and wrestled with her fears. She did not want to be here, why did her mother had insisted, more so why did the King agree?

Then it hit her, it was like during the wedding ceremony and the coronation, where her brother had been the ring bearer. They all needed to see the family united, and Edward was very desperate to silence any of the rumors that carried some truth to them, that Anne Elizabeth was really Eustace Chapuys and her mother's bastard. For a moment she felt pity for the new queen, but it was dissolved when the queen's roughness returned to her voice. She did not want to look at her, her tone of voice was enough to tell her how displeased she was to have her here.

Annie rose from her chair, Isabella remained still playing with her fingers. She went to her first lady of the bedchamber, Philippa (or Pippa as her friends called her), who had been standing next in the far corner the whole time observing and listening intently to their conversation.

"Pippa, make arrangements for our new … lady … here" she said with big indifference "and have her sworn in, go around our rules and then round up all of my ladies up as I go by them with them"

Pippa nodded, glad her friend was not letting herself be tricked by the snake's daughter. She and Annie had known each other since childhood, her father had been a strong reformer and therefore connected with Bess. His views changed when he saw the tyrant that Henry VIII had become and heard of the same ill treatment reformers in Germany and the Low Countries were subjecting the false idol worshippers, Catholics, to. It was just the same as the Catholics had done. Her father to this continued to be an active reformer, but his mind was more opened to new ideas, he believed now that there was more than one day to get to God.

Pippa led Isabella to the center of the room where Annie's groom was there with the English bible on his hand where their new arrival was expected to place her hands upon it and swear to serve her new mistress. She smiled in satisfaction when Isabella whispered the words, then she led the quiet girl to a dressing room where maids were also there waiting, and prepared to put her in her new gown of service. "All the ladies dress the same, you can have new diadems each day if you wish, but it will be out of your own pocket, I am sure with the privilege you have you can manage" Isabella flinched at the last remark, but kept her eyes down.

"And for God's sake look up when Her Majesty is talking to you, do not correct her unless it is a matter of life and death, and don't forget Her necessities outweigh your own. Is that understood?"

Isabella looked up, her dark and sad gray eyes meeting her cold emerald green ones. "Yes MyLady"

"Good now dress her up, and you will be in line with the rest of us in fifteen minutes" She said and muttered to herself on her way out "if I can find where the rest went"

The maids looked sympathetically at the queen's new lady in waiting and helped her dress, they gave her small smiles but none cheered her up. She had walked into the lion's den, and she was going to be devoured.

Time was up, Annie came out with a new coronet fixed on her hair making her look more imposing, her hair neatly tied up in a bun with only a few of her auburn curls loose to give an alluring effect to her image. Clearing her throat she began going over the rules, it was pretty much the same what Pippa had told the rest of her ladies, including newcomer Isabella, but they were changes added.

She walked back and forth looking at all her servants, ladies, and usher boys, and many others. Behind her were two small podiums, one for the English bible "Our greatest treasure, God's gift to us, everyone here is free to read it whenever he or she likes" she said, the other podium she turned to next was an old copy of the Latin Bible, illustrated manuscripts as well and a book of hours that belonged to the mother of the Tudor Dynasty, Margaret Beaufort. They were very old, ancient to her servants' standards but Annie considered them important.

"This is no reason to be laughing. This old text represents man's first revelation of God, when the barbarians were put down by the Romans. The Romans brought us civilization, they translated the word of God, if it had not been for Humanists like Petrarch many centuries later and Valla we would have never known that the Church of Rome in all its corruption deceived us giving us false translations of the word of God. You can read it and ask for me or any of your peers who knows Latin. Remember there is more than one way to know the word of God, it does not matter what language it is as long as we know it. I will not enforce you, but I do recommend you read both, broaden your minds and the minds of your peers."

They all nodded and looked at each other, they had never had someone who was so comprehensive and open minded as her before.

"Now" she said her tone becoming smooth but keeping her expression firm. "There will be no indiscretions here" she said with a smirk, some of the men next to her ladies grin and her ladies held a wicked smile "No affairs of any kind, I expect all of my ladies to behave themselves and same goes to the men" They all nodded, but their grin were still on their faces.

"Third and last, the old ways are over, every lady who wants to school herself or learn something more other than sowing or reading to improve herself, is free to. This is a new England, the King said so, and feel free to pick up any book that enriches your mind."

She was finished and dismissed them all, except for Pippa who stayed behind.

"Schooling girls? Do you not think that is very ambitious?"

"Edward has approved" She said, they had agreed on it on her first day of marriage. Her coronation had been nothing short of spectacular. Throngs of people lining up to see their new Queen, and when she came up with the crown of St. Edward the Confessor on her head with the holy oils on her brow, people cheered and raised their hands, crying "God bless you" Their cheers were more for her than for Edward, but he did not mind. He wanted everyone to see her, just her.

Her mother, oh her mother she was so green with envy. Annie laughed every time she remembered that woman's expression, and her dear twin brother had behaved the gentleman for once, but she knew Henry. He possessed more self control than their mother, and was smarter than his father the Duke of Bavaria. Her mother had to squeeze her husband's down and whisper in his ear not to make a scene, as Eustace walked past them smirking and remarking how beautiful the queen looked, how an example she was to all women. How perfect she was.

Annie smiled when her father said this. At the banquet they had reconciled and Edward surprised them declaring not only a title (albeit minor) for Henry, but a greater one for her true father. He was to become the Earl of Hertfordshire, it was the title that his late uncle and namesake had.

Annie's family had risen to greatness in one day, and to avoid suspicion her other family by her mother, was given titles as well, however they paled in comparison to the favors bestowed on her family.

Pippa brought her from her day dreaming as she commented rather dryly that many would not approve.

"Since when did the nobles cared for what the King did in regard to our feminine population?"

"Since it would make their wives, daughters, and mistresses more intelligent than they. Imagine a woman who could rebuke her husband, it would turn the world upside down."

"In North Italy girls have the right to the same elementary education as their boy peers, why should we be behind Catholic cities? In Spain women can have property and demand their husband for their dowries" Annie pointed out.

Pippa chuckled at her friend, she was too ambitious as always, and dreamed too high. "This is not Spain or Italy"

"Perhaps it should be in some ways. Besides England needs more people and for that we need mothers, they are the best teachers, many reformer women believe in this, Katharina Von Bora, Luther's wife said so, if this is a reformist nation, it would be very hypocrite of us not to follow this dogma"

Pippa nodded deciding she was not going to win over Annie, her word was final whether one agreed with it or not, she was as stubborn as any Tudor but sympathetic and cunning and unyielding like her father. She switched the subject over to their new arrival. "What do you think of Lady Isabella Wittelsbach-Tudor?"

"Hmm?"

"Lady Isabella as in your sister"

"Half sister" she corrected. "She seems nice, but it could be an act, she is my mother's and the Duke's daughter after all"

"And your brother's sister" Pippa added dryly. Annie grinned, her friend always seemed to guess her thoughts.

In that same moment their conversation ended as someone began to knock. Pippa rose and opened the door. It revealed her father, whose face was expressionless as ever but his eyes beamed with pride at his daughter. It had taken him weeks to get used to the idea that she was queen now. And then the queen dowager, Jane Seymour of course, she had been at her son's wedding and her new daughter in law's coronation and did not approve but seeing how much her son spoke of love when she was with her, had melted the Seymour woman's heart and before Eustace and Bess she said "I have lost my son to marriage, but I have gained a new daughter and what a wonderful one you are" Jane Seymour herself had given her a priceless gift, her grandmother's rosary. Edward did not approve as it was Catholic, but one sharp look from her mother had silenced him. Annie took it and looked at it in awe. "It belonged to your grandmother, a great woman"
Eustace had never felt happier to see Katherine of Aragon's prized possession in the hands of one of her descendants.

"Your Grace" Pippa greeted stepping aside to let her friend's father in.

Annie forgot about protocol and ran to him whose arms were open. She told him how much she missed him, how much she needed him now, and asked him so many other things. Pippa feeling like a fifth wheeler decided to leave the two alone.

"How is George?" She asked excitedly, she and Edward had not told her father about his friendship with Katherine because she was afraid her father would get mad at him or George would resent her, driving him more to Katherine.

Eustace smiled, kissing her brow a second time, queen or not she would always be his little girl. "He is fine" he said as she led him to the sofa where he relaxed his aching bones and put his cane aside. It was good for his back and legs. "Thank you"

"How is fine? Does he still write poems for you and Auntie Bess?"

Eustace nodded, his younger son was a marvelous painter, writer and overall marvelous child, he was very proud of him, and he was glad Annie understood his reasons for choosing George to stay behind. Court was no place to raise a child.

"How about you Annie, how are you finding all of this, a little bird told me Edward approved of your idea to put learning centers for girls"

Annie laughed, "Father –"

"I did not spy on you I assure you, Anthony told me when he came back from the Privy council, I sent Fleming to go in my stead, I was not feeling well" Annie's face became concerned "I am fine I assure you, I am just getting old"

"You are not old, you are still capable."

He smiled, she believed he was indestructible with all of his flaws, she encouraged him never to give up, but truth was sometimes he felt like giving up in this land of conspiracy and paranoia, but for Bess and Annie he stayed and put up with all the shit courtiers threw his way.

"I am glad you have so much faith in me, but I must accept the fact, anyway I came here to congratulate you on convincing the King with this new proposal, just remember be careful with the Earl of Northumbeland, he believes he is like Warwick and can control the King like a puppet. Don't let your guard down"

Annie sighed, her father came here to give her war advice for court was like a battle zone nowadays with so many factions and everyone taking sides, but she and Edward planned to solve that soon.

"Annie listen to me, I will be here for you always but you must take care of yourself too, trust no one especially anyone related to the Grays, or to your mother" He said meaning her sister who had been sworn in minutes ago.

"I won't father but you must tell me how are you going to protect me with so limited spies" she said with a smirk.

"Who said they were little or I was the only ones? Remember your Aunt has friends in high places, Cecil he is a man you can trust, he works for himself mostly and looks to his own interest, but he is of your Aunt's faith though I don't agree, and of you and your brothers' as well, he is not given enough credit with the Earl around, and knows he has better chances with you." She nodded, she knew who Cecil was, she had seen him many times briefed by her mother and in state dinners with Edward where he had invited her and her family over as well, and he was always there for her Auntie's birthday in Hatfield. Eustace did not see eye to with William Cecil, but they got along because both were the same inside, cynics and men who loved the danger and would do anything to protect themselves or in the case of her father, their loved ones.

"You can count on me to listen to you" She said touching his shoulder affectionately. She got closer and gave him another hug. "I missed you so much, we won't be seeing each other much now, but whenever you want you know you can come here"

"I will take you on that offer. And I was wondering if Your Majesty can grant me a big favor?" He said chuckling.

She saw the wicked gleam in his eyes and tilted her head, with arched eyebrows she asked amusingly "And which favor might that be Your Grace?"

"I did not get to dance with my daughter in her wedding night, I would like to have a dance with you today, my leg will not give us trouble" Annie nodded. "I am very proud of you Annie, you have come this far, I cannot tell you how happy I am for you and I am sorry if I seemed cold and insensible before I just was afraid of loosing you."

"I understand father, but you must trust me, and you will never loose me, I will always be with you as you with me. We are part of each other remember?"

He nodded and gave her an open smile. Annie had grown into a very beautiful woman, and a dignified lady, and he no longer had any doubt in his mind that she would turn out to be a great queen, regent, and her influence on Edward would make him a better ruler than his father ever was

"Father you worry about me so much but let me worry about you too. You can't be in all places at once, your physician says –"

"My physician exaggerates as did I in my youth. I am fine Annie, and no matter what you or your Anthony says I will be around as long as you need me, to protect you."

"I am quite capable of looking after myself" She said taking his hands.

"I know but I am your father can you blame me. This responsibility will not only be your own but ours as well. Your grandmother dreamed of making an England better than the fabled Camelot when she married both your grand uncle and your grandfather. Fate did not let her, but it let you, the path you walk, walk it wisely and whatever happens stay who you are, be who you are Anne, a good person"

Anne tilted her head smirking, finding his commentary odd. "You did not say do it good, you always taught me and Anthony to do everything good, not do good"

How could Eustace not remember? He played in his mind when Annie took her first steps, when Anthony was born, when Annie first held George, when George first danced with Annie, and when Annie had her first confrontation with him about Edward. The boy loved her, and she him, but he could not help but be scared, the shadow of death and the blood of many lay on every door in Whitehall. His son had inherited his ministers, his prisoners, his enemies, his friends. Cromwell was dead, John Dudley was the authority but not with Annie now, and with Anthony as Viscount of Rochford and Bess –soon to be elevated as Marques of Pembroke, a title previously held by her mother, Edward saw it fit to restore his sister to her old glory- and he as Duke of Sicily and now Earl of Hertfordshire with a pension of 4000 (it well surpassed John Dudley's and every other noble's, including Mary's husband who was turned into a simple Marques in a less fancy ceremony), they were the ones who held the keys to the kingdom. But for how long? He did not know. It would all depend on how successful Annie would be in keeping Edward's attentions, and they on derailing whatever Mary's lot was planning, and weakening Dudley and Cranmer.

Eustace smiled sadly. He had taught many things to his children, sometimes he felt he had not taught them enough, and this was one of those moments. "Annie the world is a very scary place, my mother used to tell me it is all a dream Eustace, a terrible dream. Life is. When you were born I thought I was ready to convert, but it became worse I could never see the world with the cheerful eyes of your Aunt or your mother's malicious ones. There are people out there who are hoping to see you fail, and I know you wont fail because you are Annie Chapuys, you are not afraid of anything. And I will be with you every step of the way, it is my fight too whether you want me or not. And I see now that you do not have to be cruel or submitting to get ahead in this life, your eyes Annie possess a kindness that enchants everyone, your goodness and your charity to the poor will win the people over, and as long as you have the people by your side, Dudley and his staunchly faction won't be able to master a revolt like your husband's uncle did."

"You think I can have both their love and the nobles?"

"You have half of the English Court dancing at your tune, moving at the rhythm of your speeches, and throngs of people lined up to see you come out as Edward's queen. Your coronation was nothing short of spectacular with masquerades and maids with unicorns masks and plays to honor you. I hear the South shouts your name every day and can't wait for you to start your charity work. It won't be hard you have been distributing alms with the dowager queen and your mother and aunt since you were little, many of the people you tended to still remember you."

Annie felts her cheeks reddened, her father talked to her like she was a saint. She blushed more when he said her empathy for others, and giving food to families in need, and her beauty alone were all the elements she would need when she would start preaching on her message for her view of what she considered the true gospel without discarding the old religion that many in England still held dear, tomorrow. She had studied what she was going to say she told her father, but Eustace said that the best method is be herself, "A good woman" he insisted.

"I don't want to center my charity on jewels and expensive clothes that will probably not last them. I want to give them something greater than jewels, I will give it to them, but I want to give them hope as well, it is important they know that religion is not being imposed. Catholics oppressed them, their nobles imposed an invented a superficial religion no different than its predecessor, and fanatics in Germany now kill each other over dogma as well. I want them to see me as an understanding Queen, they should be free to worship in whatever way they want, as long as they recognize me and Edward of course"

"Of course" he said with a broad smile despite not liking her first sentence. What could he say? He was influenced by humanist books, he was a humanist at heart as well as a cynic, a blackguard of reality. His dream of how the world should be was different than his daughter's, but he appreciated that she was going to be a just queen, who would put the interests of the people above her own. She was doing it already.

"You are going to enchant them. Just be humble, show yourself empathic to your needs and don't flinch at them or give them a sad look, these are very poor souls Annie, they do not need pity they need love, your love"

She nodded, taking all in. "I know father I will be fine I promise"

He knew she would be but he was her father, it was his job to worry, this was something beyond her league, and he had to prepare her just in case.

"I must get going, your Aunt and I need alone time" He said with a wicked glint that Annie knew all too well.

"I did not need to hear that much"

"You are married now, you are going to hear more of this, a relief for me and Bessie since we won't have to rephrase when we are around you"

Annie rolled her eyes, my father's sense of humor –she thought. "Just don't tell me the after details, please your queen is ordering you"

"Now that you put it that way" said Eustace winking as he walked to the door accompanied by Annie, "I might reconsider"

"Might?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Good night Annie, sleep well I know Edward is coming any minute and I would not want to interrupt you"

"Father!"

"Sorry forgive an old man's senility"

"Good night!" She said lightly, playfully, hitting his shoulder. He was still laughing when he said god bless and left.

Her father was impossible but his humor always lifted her spirits up.

The day of her consummation with Edward had been nothing short of pleasurable. For someone who claimed virginity he certainly was no stiff in bed. Neither was herself, he claimed. They spent every night having wild sex, he was incredible and he was late half the time to his council meetings to get another bite for her.

Today was bound to be the same.

As if on cue, Edward came. He was unbuttoning his doublet and threw his chemise when he approached her. He did not give her time to speak, he took her by his arms and carried her to bed. "Edward! What has gotten to you?" She exclaimed as he threw her on the bed.

"You, I could not wait to have you again"

"And I you love, now enough talking and start doing" She said pushing him closer to her. She didn't like the idea of being beneath him, but Edward made her forget her dismay when he brought her hands to his hose and she threw his pants away and pushed with her legs his socks away. All their clothes fell to the floor with a soft thud. Her hair came cascading down her back, he kissed he lips, a battle of the tongues ensued, they pushed their lips apart to breath, they were hungry for each other. He kissed her neck and then moved his lips her breasts and to her mid section where she felt him bite her.

"Oh" she moaned "Edward" she called, he soon joined letting out screams of pleasure and calling out to her, her hips arched and clawed her nails on his back. The first time was painful, her Aunt told her, but she had enough days of experience now. She wanted to feel him inside her. She wanted a child, no, she must have a child!

A child, she thought to keep the Tudor line safe.

Edward moved in slowly first but when her cries for more became desperate as the kiss they shared, they braced themselves and at they released at the same time, she could feel his hot seed surging through her, it was a feeling stronger each time, she felt all reason doubt, abandon her mind and she let out a deep sigh feeling her soul becoming ripped from her body and entering heaven.

When they were finished, Edward withdrew from her his legs still throbbing and sweating from exhaustion. Annie's forehead was dripping with sweat, she had sweat dripping from her own hair! Her whole body ached, but she did not care, with God's grace she would feel his seed quicken and she would be with child soon.

Edward did not think much of a child when he was making love to her, the feel of her body next to his obscured everything. She was his personal heaven. He worked tirelessly and sat behind a stack of papers just so he could have the night free to be with her.

Feeling his legs more relaxed he moved next to her and put his arms around her mid section, child or not he would always care for her. She was already fast asleep, he pushed the covers closet to them and kissed her earlobe making her stir, before he closed his eyes.

Anthony found his time at court refreshing. There had been many beautiful ladies at court, he made a mental note of all their names, shapes, and sized. From A to Z he remembered them all. They were all exquisite, and he wasn't picky. Voluptuous, skinny, high cheekbones like his sister, or dark like his grandmother, he did not care, they were all women and hungry for a lover.

He was going to be fifteen this winter, and he was lucky to have come at the right time when courtiers had brought ther youngest brood of daughters, all flamboyant fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen year olds hoping to be placed in her sister's service or win favors for their fathers at their insistence.

He smirked tasting the sweet wine of his goblet. He was not going to let any of those wenches come between his sister and her husband. He was hers, nobody else's, and Anthony had sworn he would protect his sister no matter what the cost. It was not such a terrible sacrifice, he had some experience with the opposite sex.

He had not told his father this, his mother would be deeply disappointed if she knew. Three months ago after he had retired from his chat with Alexei and his sister over the New Year's party, he had been found throwing up by one of the servants girls, Sarah, was her name. Very beautiful, dark skin, dark hair girl. He remembered her vaguely as the little "pixie" as she was called by the rest of the servants that teased her for her dark complexion. He took the fourteen year old's hand and what came as a sympathetic exchange of words, became a passionate and torrid love affair. Whilst his parents talked and George looked everywhere to be alone, and Alexei and Annie enjoyed themselves conversing over childhood memories, he and Sarah snuck into his bedroom and made love to one another. She told him he was not his first, and it hurt him but she erased his moral qualms when she kissed him and pushed herself closer to him. "We can have more than one love" She whispered to his ear, and he now lived by this philosophy. He probably paled in comparison to the ladies he saw today. He only had one experience and it had been short lived, but since then he found himself lusting for more, it did not matter who he was with, he just wanted more.

Anthony had found his conquest today, an insignificant looking girl whom he later discovered was Margaret Clifford, the daughter of the head of the Clifford family, one of those familes who shared royal ties with His Majesty.

He had seen how her father practically pushed her in the King's way, but to the girl's great misfortune and her father's, the King barely looked at her. Foolish men, he thoughtm putting their daughter in the King's way, they cannot have the King's heart for it is in Annie's keeping, and as long as she is queen no other woman can have him.

At last he saw his purpose in life.

Other than politics and working with his father for their family's sake, God had put him in this green earth for a special purpose. Take the courtiers' young maids who lusted for Edward and keeping him bound to Annie exclusively.

Such a sacrifice. He smirked. The Clifford girl had been crying afterward, her father had called her a failure and Anthony had followed her and stayed there until she stopped, whispering sweet words of her ear. By the end where he led her back to the feast where the Queen had already departed with her ladies, to swear in her new arrival, their cousin and her half sister, Lady Isabella; he had led Margaret to the dance floor and had her giggle after at his jokes. He had found the fourteen year old not so bad, and gave her directions where to find him afterward, she giggled harder.

Anthony opened the door of his chambers and found her there, his servants left them.

He set his goblet down and walked to her. She was nervous he could tell, but he promised "I wont' hurt you" and then he lightly kissed her, it was she who turned the kiss more passionate. She was sweating when she parted from his lips. "We should not be doing this" she said.

He gave her a gentle smile and caressed her kiss very affectionately, his touch brought her reassurance. "We are not doing anything wrong, and you want to please your father don't you?"

She nodded vigorously. He had her now. "I can get you closer to the queen" He whispered in her ear, and to his delight she brought herself closer to Anthony and on impulse he unlaced the back of her dress and she pushed her hand through his chemise. The rest of the night their bodies battled against each other for control, it was a struggle that he won. The next morning they were in each other's arms, none of them wanted to move, but Anthony convinced her to go on the excuse her father would be angry if he knew who she'd been with.

She left immediately. Anthony did not regret seeing her leave, last night had been great, but he would not want it to happen again. He needed to broaden his horizons, just to get her off his back he would get her a place among Annie's ladies to also quiet her father, but that girl would not get near Edward. The King had a sharp eye to tell who lady was chaste and who not. His mother having put up with his father's many infidelities had been his best teacher, and he had Annie now, she would not put up with any of his infidelities if he dared have one.

Henry was sick and tired of hearing how Annie was this beautiful and kind creature who gave food and alms to the poor. He was sick of her period. She was nothing but a fake, she pretended to care for the people when she was really putting up an act to win their hearts, and so far it had been working.

His mother raved about how they should do something. "We should march straight into Edward's and tell him who he really is married"

Henry calmed his mother down. "He already knows mother, he knows everything that goes on this damned palace!"

"Henry language!" His father scolded.

He had his arms crossed against his chest. His parents would do well to learn from him the gift of patience. God did not make us all equal, he thought looking with a penetrating gaze at his parents.
"Anne has Edward wrapped around her little finger, as long as he is hers, there is little we can do to convince him"

"Then what do you propose Henry?" Her mother asked harshly. Henry ignored her coldness, having dealt with her before and calmly answered her: "Nothing"

Mary raised her eyebrows and placed both hands to her waist. "Nothing?"

"Nothing mother, nothing."

Philip looked from his wife to his son and could see Henry had something brewing in his hands. "What do you plan for son?"

"For now we wait father, and mother" he looked back at her "show yourself kind to Annie, it would do us more harm than good to have the queen as an enemy. The King wants to leave no reason for everyone to think my twin is really Eustace's bastard, he has given us juicy rewards, I say we take advantage of them, remind the King that he needs us for his wife's good name's sake"

Mary looked uncomfortable as she pondered on this. Patience was not one of her virtues.

Henry smirked seeing he was winning his mother over. "Patience is a virtue mother, we bid our time, we win their favor, we wait"

A/N: Like it, hate it?

R/R!

Next chapter there will be a time jump so be prepared, and for the coming of a little surprise in future chapters!

~VXLP