A/N: Thank you so, so much for all the reviews, favs, and alerts. It's such an amazing feeling. Hope you enjoy. Sorry about the wait.

As one, after they rose from their bows and curtsy, the figures my uncle introduced removed the hoods that had previously shrouded their faces. Surrey was a Howard from the detail of his face to the way he carried himself; the air of arrogance surrounding him was unmistakable, especially to someone who wore that very air like a perfume. Bryan, despite his eye patch, was a handsome man with a similar air of arrogance, viciousness, and something else...facetiousness perhaps; he somewhat reminded me of my brother. Catherine, a pale faced, pale haired girl, was absolutely gorgeous; she was completely perfect-if you could forgive her age and the unmistakable air of idiocy that surrounded her.

"Cousins," I said finally addressing them.

"Your Majesty," they returned, bowing again, the child seemingly overawed by my presence.

"Welcome at court. I've had a long and tiring few weeks so I shall skip pleasantries and get right to business. I imagine that I will not have to explain the Howard truth to you?"

"The Howard truth?", Surrey coughed a laugh. "You mean the truth that everyone else is too much of a coward to confess?" George smirked at that.

"Precisely. I can see by your plain speech that it will not be necessary, but for the sake of embarrassing anyone here I'll go ahead and tell you", I paused momentarily noticing the relief on Catherine's face. "The King is no longer as in love with me as he once was and I need him to remain so long enough for me to provide a son and get rid of those bloody Seymours." Surrey rolled his eyes at the mention of their names and I continued. "The reason you all are here is to assist with the removal of those low born usurpers."

"How?", her voice was tiny and squeaky. With a sharp look from my uncle she immediately curtsied and apologized for interrupting.

"There is no need to apologize, you deserve to know just as much as any of us. You are innocent in the ways of deception, but you're a Howard and you'll learn what that means as you get older. Opportunities will come for us to destroy that family and when they come, small or large, we will take them. But that will be for later. For now, we will help my sister go forward and try to capture the King...again"

"Mary?", Bryan said in disbelief. "Her husband would never allow that."

"Her husband is dead. I think you'll find that his opinion doesn't really concern us", my brother's tone was cold.

"At any rate Mary was the only one of his mistresses to keep his attentions for an extended period of time."

"But you yourself-"

"I was his mistress in name only; it was Mary that was mistress in deed as well as name. She has a son for the King, and a daughter, and her son could one day be the King of England with Howard support-"

"This is assuming you don't have a son for yourself, I assume," Bryan interjected and I nodded.

"The pretense I will have of presenting the two of you at court, as well as my sister, will be the return of Compton and Knivert. You, Catherine, will be used as part of a Howard shield against the Seymours."

"Madam?"

"The King has appointed two of Jane's sisters, as well as her sister in law, as my ladies in waiting. While to the world your appointment will be seen as nothing more than me just helping another Howard, we ourselves will know better. No one will think that the exact reason for your presence at court is to lessen the Seymour presence, because that it's exactly what it is, until it is too late. And by the time they realize that my sister is swaying the King away from Jane Seymour they won't have time enough to blink let alone stop her from succeeding."

"This may be more ambitious than reaching for the crown ever was", Surrey said. I wasn't sure where he was going with this.

"If you would rather not be a participant-"

"We would rather die than miss out on a chance to crush the Seymours", Bryan said and Surrey nodded his agreement despite his outward irritation at being spoken for.

"Little Catherine?"

"She will do as she is bid as any other woman-especially a Howard woman."

I raised my hand to silence him. "I would trust it better from her own lips, Uncle. She may be just a girl but until she answers she is free to make her own decisions."

"Kitty, if it please Your Majesty. I prefer being called Kitty."

"Very well then Kitty, will you do as you are bid and help me keep my crown? You have to understand that it will mean your absolute obedience and loyalty to this family."

"It would be my honor, Your Majesty."

"Very well. For tonight Kitty you will sleep in the chambers with my sister and her daughter, and of course the Lady Mary."

"Katherine's daughter? She's at court?" Surrey did not sound pleased.

"She too has a role to play in all of this. One Mary wrote in for her."

"This game is very dangerous."

"When you make a play for the crown it's never safe...ever. I thought I was safe and look at where that has gotten me. When we agreed for me to take the King's heart we knew we'd never live safely again. We also knew that it was a risk we were willing to take." The men nodded as I said this. "Now it is time for bed. George, will you please escort Kitty to her new chambers?"

"Of course sister."

"Thank you. Now I bid thee all goodnight."

The following morning was busy as everyone prepared for what tomorrow would bring. The dancing, the wine, the flirting, the lies, and deception. Henry's court was well versed in all these measures yet still, we were always prepared for more-we welcomed it. It didn't matter how much gossip we had, didn't matter how much intrigue, it would never satiate the beast in us all.

My rooms were a flurry as some ladies had last minute stitching done to their dresses, some were dancing about, and others were complaining about the state of their masks. In the end all of my ladies, including my sister in law but not Nan, were to participate, plus the Lady Mary, and a few favorites from the court. I tried my best to ignore them as I played on the floor with Elizabeth. She had been presenting her argument to me about why she should have a new puppy. Of course she only needed to look as if she wanted something for her father and I to get it for her, but she felt so strongly about it I couldn't interrupt her.

"I need someone to protect me, mama."

"Sweetheart, Hatfield is full of guards. You are very well protected."

"Yes but a puppy could sleep with me and make sure no monsters get me."

"What monsters?" I tried to keep my voice light but I wanted to be sure no one had been scaring her with stories.

"The dragons," she whispered.

"Who told you about dragons?"

"Marwie."

"Your sister?"

"Uh huh. She read me story about them. I liked it. But then I dream monsters come and get me and I alone. That's why I need a puppy."

I chuckled at her conclusion. I would talk to Henry about sending her back to Hatfield with a puppy. Perhaps one for little Annie too. "Elizabeth, sweetheart," she looked up at me. "Do you like your big sister? Is she kind to you?"

She nodded immediately. "She fun. She no say no like Lady Bryan. She read to me, and she sing too."

"Would you be sad to see her leave your service?"

She hesitated then nodded. Speaking lowly so only she could hear I posed another to her. "What about little Anne? What if she went back to Hatfield with you? That way you could have someone closer to your own age who you can play with. The two you can be naughty and sneak sweet meats together."

"I...I s'pose."

"Don't be sad my darling. If you are strong and brave mama will make sure papa gets you and little Anne a puppy to go back with you. Doesn't that sound like fun?"

"Yes, mama."

Those two little words broke my heart. She was just barely big enough to be considered a toddler and already she was making concessions to try and please me. "Oh my heart, don't be sad. I promise it'll be fun. And hopefully soon you'll have a little brother as well to join you."

"No mama. No baby brother." Laughing I dared to ask why. "You won't love me as much."

"Elizabeth you will always be my heart. Never think differently. When you have a brother I will love him just as much as I love you. I will never have favorites. I have to give you a little brother sweet heart. One day you'll understand," I said petting her face. "Now, while the seamstresses are here, would you like a new gown?"

"It was an accident! I'm so sorry."

I had been watching Mary practice her dancing with Madge when I heard Kitty's voice ring out loud. Catherine, Henry, and Kitty were supposed to be in different places in the apartments trying on on their clothes for tomorrow. Sighing and rolling my eyes I stood up and went towards the commotion. "Kitty, what's wrong child?"

"I ruined her dress, I swear I did not mean to." I looked toward my daughter who had a rather large wet spot on the front of her dress. We had decided to wear clothes of green and white to represent the Tudor colors. The dress was made from French silk, for which Anne has always had a weakness. The middle of the skirt , as well as the bodice and the fitted part of the sleeves, was white and had dozens of silver Tudor roses stitched in it. The neckline, which was slightly lower than I desired, was lined with hundreds of seed pearls, so many that the necklace commissioned for the dress would be used as a head piece instead. The necklace, earrings, and ring she was to wear were made from diamonds, emeralds, and pearls. Her jewels were very beautiful and expensive, despite the fact that they were a much smaller version than my own. Her dress and mine were exactly alike except where hers was silver, mine was gold, including the diamonds in my jewelry. Henry, who stood with wide eyes, looked very handsome in his new clothes. His jacket was the same green as his sister's with silver and gold roses and stitching. His doublet was very similar with his accent stripes being white, of course. His chain was very impressive and probably cost more than my jewels and Catherine's combined; it had emeralds, pearls, and diamonds of silver and gold with intricate roses carved in them. It was very well done. Kitty's dress was not as intricate as Cat's or mine but it was very pretty. It pulled her waist to an impossibly small size and pushed up what little breasts she had. It was a simple red dress with a gold and ruby belt around it. Her necklace was simple and dipped almost between her cleavage. It was also spotless.

"What happened?" I said with a sigh.

"I'm so sorry cousin Mary. I was carrying the pitcher of water to try and help me walk, I didn't see Catherine come in and when I saw her she scared me and well...I sort of dropped the pitcher."

"Sort of? You threw it! She was walking around with her head in the air like a clay-brained strumpet!" Catherine called out obviously upset over her dress; her little brother immediately began giggling and Kitty's answering red face was the last straw for me.

"That is enough! It is just a dress and it is just water, your dress just needs to be aired out. Now, Kitty has already apologized for wetting your dress. Apologize for insulting her."

"Mother she did it on purpo-," she tried to argue.

"Young lady, I will not ask again. Apologize."

"Fine. I'm sorry for insulting you, Katherine."

"And now you Henry." The smirk he had been wearing during his sister's admonishment was suddenly gone.

"Me?"

"Yes you. Laughing at someone being insulted is just as bad insulting them yourself. We are family and we are at court. We have enough enemies we can't afford to destroy each other from within."

"I'm sorry for laughing at you Kitty."

" I accept both of your apologies."

"Good. I'm very proud of all three of you. Now go change so I can handle this dress situation and try not to create anymore," I said with a smile.

"Lady Boleyn?" I heard Mary's voice ask

"Yes child."

"I need you to come watch me, I can't tell if I'm doing it right."

"Mary, I've told you, you're doing it perfectly. But if you don't rest you're going to hurt yourself. Besides I'm sure Madge could use a rest as well. You've been dancing all morning. Now, you rest and give me a moment and when I come back out you can practice some more." She nodded and went back towards her outer chambers as I went into the room Catherine was changing in. A maid was helping her unlace the corset of her dress but I dismissed her to go help Kitty as I unlaced the strings myself.

"You two have got to find some common ground."

"All the ground she treads is common."

"You're only a breath away from being a commoner yourself, you'll do well to remember that."

"Why are you defending her?!"

"I'm not! I'm trying to get you to understand. This isn't the country. Out there we were the closest thing to royalty most of those people will ever see. Here, we're the closest thing to a commoner most of these people will ever address. You haven't even been in court yet and already you behave like them."

She turned to face me at that. "I do not! That little rat in there, that you're trying to get me to befriend, threw that pitcher at me. I tried to be nice to her and she ruined my dress! How many times must a snake strike at you before you realize it's dangerous? You taught me it only takes one time. Just once mother. For your sake and my sister's I will wear my Boleyn smile until my bones ache when I'm around her but I don't trust her."

"You are so stubborn," I said kissing her forehead. "Come now and finish dressing. You can come and help your sister practice and Madge can help us all with the common dances." She brightened immediately at the thought of being able to dance and was quickly out of the door and twirling about with everyone except Henry who was itching for George to return. My own dancing was halfhearted as I could feel my heart seize within my chest; it wasn't just about what tomorrow would bring but after that. I would have to say my goodbyes to my baby and send her for someone else to raise into a woman. That was what I detested most about this situation. Perhaps when I become the King's mistress I can convince him to give her, her own chambers at court. My dancing immediately picked up.

"Yes, yes, yes, YES!" Jane's voice called out. She was so damned vocal during this act that I so detested. I tried to think of anything other than what was going on. I tried not to focus on her legs around my waist or her nails on my back. I tried to ignore the way she was trembling, the way she squeezed me with the warm tight walls of her-.

"Ahhhh," I gritted out my release with force. It was quicker that time. I was getting good at lying with her and finishing before long. It wasn't something I wanted to spend a lot of time doing...or think about it. If I had to think about it then I would have to admit to myself that I actually liked it. Jane was loud and obnoxious during our coupling but her body performed past my expectations.

"Wine, my Lord?" She called out in her wife voice, the one she used when she was satisfied. It was only after our mating that she used this voice and she would be so sweet. Too sweet. She thought this was the way to get us back in the bed. Maybe another time but I had to go and get little Henry. Uncle wanted to meet with us, Surrey, and Bryan.

"No, thank you. Where are my hose?"

"Where are you going?" Her voice was accusatory, as usual, as I walked around and got dressed.

"None of your business."

"Why can't you just tell me? Is it so hard to just answer my question?"

"What difference does it make where I'm going? If I tell you where I am going, what can you do with that information? How is going to help you?"

"It will help my heart! It will help me feel like for once, FOR ONCE GEORGE, that I am good enough to be your wife."

"Jane...I'm going to attend upon my Uncle. He has requested to see me. I must go to see him."

"Have a good time." She said stoically after a moments pause.

"With my uncle? Pff. You don't know the man well."

"I was being sarcastic," she said awkwardly.

"I didn't know you knew what that was. At any rate I'll be gone awhile. I'll be back this evening for a private dinner and a romp in the sheets. Good day." She blushed and curtsied, still naked. I had to hurry and leave the room before I skipped the rest of the day and took her back to bed. Her legs had opened up when she curtsied and all I could think of was dew on a freshly bloomed flower.

When I got little Henry from the Lady Mary's chambers he all but ran into my arms. "Save me Uncle George," he'd said. I laughed and mussed up his hair as we snaked our way towards my uncle's chambers. Henry's bow had visibly improved as he bowed to Norfolk, Surrey, and then Bryan. "My Lords". They nodded, not paying him much attention.

"I've called you all here to talk in more detail about our current plans involving the Queen."

"What about them, father?"

"I need to know that you all will be loyal to me above all others in this, and all things. Son, Bryan, the two of you have been invited to court to do more than just help your cousin. You're to invite the King into your bosom so that he will always think of the Howards before anyone else. I need assurances from you all."

I rolled my eyes at this. "I have always been loyal to you as head of this family, Uncle. But when I posed this plan we agreed that we were following Mary in this. Just like we followed Anne to obtain the crown, now we follow Mary to keep it."

"You have started to think like your sisters and I advise against it. The reason we got on the road to the crown is because Mary caught the King's eye and gave him a bastard son. Were that not the case he would've lost interest in us all, and we would've gone the way of all the others who aimed for the crown and missed. And following Anne is the exact reason we're having meetings like this one; she's put our position in jeopardy. However were it not for men like me constantly being in the King's ear about both of your sisters they would be two cast off whores of the King. Though I suppose that's what Mary is."

"She may one day soon be his mistress again, at least that is the plan; either way as George said that's the main goal. To keep the King's interest on her while we wait for Anne to give him a boy. Anything that can be gained for ourselves, well naturally we'll take," came Francis's smooth reply.

"I don't care what Anne and Mary's plans are, until we are absolutely certain that this'll work the way George says I want you all close to the King. You'll only back up if and when Mary again becomes his whore."

"If my mother is such a whore, why are you putting your life in'er hands?" My nephews voice caused everyone to look at him at once. "S'jus a question." He shrugged, unperturbed by the stares.

My uncle narrowed his eyes and addressed him. "The ONLY person who holds power of my life is me, boy. You'll do well to learn who you're talking to. Besides the King, I'm the highest man in England."

My nephew shrugged again, "If ya say." Uncle cocked his head and eyed the boy. "Uncle George told me besides the King, my brother Richmond was the highest man in the country. You're a Duke but Richmond is too. Twice," he held up two fingers emphasizing his point. "Now I may not be as fast as everybody else but I can count. Two...is higher than one. Thus, at best, you're the third highest man in this kingdom. And if the King comes to say I'm'is son...then you'd be even lower than me."

By the time Uncle got through swearing I think we had all added a few new colorful words to our vocabulary. For his part, little Henry kept his chin up, eyes forward, and face straight as our uncle gave him a tongue lashing. "You'd better be careful boy. Very careful. I head this family and if you want to remain part of it you'll be wise to remember that. I can send you back to the country if you would prefer."

"Preciate the offer but the Queen wants me ere. I'll stay ere til she sends me away. Uncle," he said with a bow sounding like he was dismissing himself. I noticed that he had slipped back in his country mannerism but I dare not say anything, I was too stunned.

"Get him out of my sight! All of you are dismissed-LEAVE ME," Uncle bellowed.

We all walked to Surrey's chambers in silence, still awed by what happened. When we sat down the Earl called to his servant to pour us wine; he filled three cups and left Henry's empty and Surrey called to him, "Hell fill his too. It's not everyday you tell off the third highest man in the kingdom." For the first time since we left my uncle's chambers we all laughed with relief and real humor.

"Fourth," Bryan called out. "The fourth highest man according to little Harry," that started another round of laughs.

Little Henry eyed his cup warily as he picked it up. "Mama wouldn't want me to drink it," he said seriously.

"That was when you were a cub. You became a lion today," Surrey said and we all nodded.

"Besides, we aren't going to tell her," Francis added in. Henry looked at me again as if searching for approval.

"It's what it means to be a man in this family. Sometimes in order to keep our women safe we have to keep things from them. It'll get easier, I promise." One day I would have a son of my own but until then I would groom little Henry as if he were my own heir. Upon my approval Henry picked up the cup and took a sip, too big a sip for his first time, and immediately began coughing. We laughed at him and downed our own cups.

"More! Bring more wine and leave the pitcher," Surrey called.

Francis, still laughing, looked towards Henry, "You've had your first drink, now all you need is your first woman and we'll have you lying and advancing like a true Howard in no time."

I checked at that, "I'll think we'll wait a bit for his first girl. One day at a time."

"He's old enough."

"He is. However if something...unexpected were to come up...well that's just another expense for us."

"True. I guess when he gets his own title he can decide how best to handle the unexpected." The conversation flowed and so did the wine and before long we were all drunk. There was a part of me that understood that we were all going to regret this in the morning, especially considering what tomorrow would bring. But I didn't care. It had been a long time since I could genuinely relax and enjoy the company of other men; other than Mark of course.

When it was late I stumbled down the hallways with Henry murmuring gibberish behind me. When I made it to my parents room Henry was leaning against the wall voiding his stomach; I found this incredibly funny and started laughing so hard my father jerked opened his door. "What in the devil is going on?"

"Henry's a bit sick. Sick, yesssss. Sicksicksicksicksick."

"With drink! Why would you get him drunk? Bring him in here and lie him down!"

"Look Harry you've gotten us in trouble. If only you could handle your wine better," the slurring was not helping my father's temper. When I had Henry in bed my father hit me in the head sobering me up slightly.

"Are you a fool boy? Huh? Getting him drunk the night directly before he's to be presented to the king? Are you daft?"

"He's the very reason we're all drunk."

"What?" I went on to explain to him what had transpired in his brother in law's apartments that afternoon.

"By God what I wouldn't have done to be a witness to that. The boy has very much of his father in him I see."

"Indeed he does. Now, you'll forgive me father but I must go and bed my wife before she goes to bed. It's always harder to finish over the sounds of her snoring." Father rolled his eyes and pushed me out of the door as I stumbled drunkenly towards my chambers and towards tomorrow.

I had rested well enough despite my nerves. My apartments were a flurry of motion, crazier even that yesterday. My dress was of the same Tudor green that Mary and her children were going to wear. The main differences were that only my bodice had a rose on it and my sleeves were velvet and purple. My jewels were the ones I had worn when I greeted that blonde whore into my household. My hair was being left down and curled so that green and purple jewels could be sewn within my onyx locks.

I could only hope that everyone was ready for today because this was the beginning of our last chance. As I dreamed about what the future held I didn't notice the time passing until Nan came into my chambers.

"My lady, it's time." Looking to her I stood up and smoothed my skirts checking my reflection and taking a deep breath. I walked to my outer chamber noticing for the first time how quiet it was. The maids were busy cleaning up the mess my ladies had left behind. I noticed the one George had mentioned to me previously.

"You. What's your name?"

Her curtsy was not graceful at all but it was very sincere, "Lady Charlotte Smith, Your Grace."

"Lady Smith. Your faithfulness to me has not gone unnoticed. Your diligence to your rightful Queen shall be rewarded in heaven and on earth."

"Your Majesty," she bent her knees again as I walked through the door.

Henry was dressed in a black and white outfit that I had always thought suited him quite well. I was surprised he could still wear it since it was from the time when Katherine was still thought to be Queen. We were seated with our court surrounding us; he was turned talking to Brandon who I could only assume cleared himself of suspicion. My nerves were on edge and I looked towards George to find some comfort, but none was to be had. How could he?! I knew my brother well enough and had seen him drunk enough times to know his hangover face. He knew how important today was. Suddenly Henry grabbed my hand and kissed it. I tried to keep the surprise from my face as he looked at our entwined hands. What was this about?

"Sir Anthony Knivert and Sir William Compton!" A fanfare of trumpets blasted as the gentlemen walked towards us and bowed.

"Your Majesties," they said still bent over.

"Rise gentlemen. The Queen and I welcome you back at court." I put on my most dazzling smile as the men stood up. "How fared your journey abroad? You are both well?"

"Indeed Your Majesty. Very well, but much better now that we're on good English soil," Compton answered.

"I hope Your Majesty doesn't mind me saying that I hope to never leave it again," Knivert added.

Henry, and the court chuckled at their responses.

"I have no intention of sending either of you off again. Now, before we begin with the celebrations there are some ladies I must present to the queen." As Compton and Knivert stepped off the side I tried my best not to let my irritation show.

The three ladies that stepped into the room were all plain in dress and looks, except for what I could tell was plainly Jane's sister in law. She was a brunette with high cheek bones and a small nose, though it was slightly reminiscent of a witch's. She was also the one who carried herself with the most grace as they sank into their curtsies.

"Ladies," Henry called. "You may rise."

"My Queen. Allow me to introduce to do you ladies Dorothy, Elizabeth, and Anne Seymour." The first one, Dorothy, was seemingly close in age to Jane. She was tall for a woman but not so tall that it would draw attention. Her face was just as mousy as her sister's and I had an immediate disliking of her. Elizabeth stood next to her and seemed quite younger than her sister; her face seemed kind, genuinely kind but that pale blonde hair adorning her skull instantly assured me that I would never find out. Anne stood next to her with an air of self importance, no doubt learned from her husband. Despite her unfortunate ties, there was something about her that I liked.

"Ladies," I said neutrally.

"Madam, Majesty, Your Grace."

"Your are welcome at court. I hope you enjoy today's festivities." They smiled and curtsied again before stepping off to the side. As Henry turned to announce the beginning of the masque I pulled our hands back towards me and stopped him.

"I have a few guests of my own to present to Your Majesty." He looked confused for a moment before nodding his consent. Knowing their cue, my three cousins walked into the room and towards us. Kitty still seemed overawed by everything while Francis and Surrey seemed completely at ease.

"Your Majesty these are my cousins, Henry Howard, the Earl of Surrey. Sir Francis Bryan. And Lady Katherine Howard, or Kitty as she prefers to be called." They all bowed as I introduced them.

"Rise. Welcome to court. Any and all of the Queen's relatives are welcome at court. Especially her Howard relatives." That provoked a laugh from the audience from everyone except our rivals.

"Your Majesties," they said taking their spots near my brother. I noticed that Surrey and Bryan's faces looked similar to my brother's. Men. I looked towards the door as three more guests arrived, this time provoking gasps from the crowd. They were dressed just as richly as me and Henry. They looked like a royal family. As one they all walked towards the dais and dropped to their knees gracefully.

"My King, may I present the Lady Mary Boleyn, Lord Henry Carey, and Lady Catherine Carey."

"Recently forgiven again?" Henry laughed.

"Indeed. And we are all friends again."

"You may all rise." The children immediately stood up but Mary didn't budge.

"Forgive me Your Majesty but I cannot rise."

"Why is that?"

"I was forbidden to."

"Forbidden?" Henry looked towards me with an accusation on his face. I was every bit as confused as he was. I hadn't forbid her from rising to the King.

"Yes, Your Grace. I was forbidden long ago by my mother." All eyes were on the exchange going on between the two of them.

"Your mother?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. She always forbid me from looking directly into the sun," at that she looked up with a secret smile and looked directly into his eyes. He immediately started laughing and his court let out a breath of relief.

"Ah Lady Mary your presence will be most welcome to have again. Your and your children...," Henry hesitated a moment taking in the appearance of the children, his children, for the first time. "...are welcome at court. This is probably the best time for them to join court. Today shall be filled with celebrations." Smiling, they all joined the rest of our family.

Henry turned to me, "Now sweetheart, is there anyone else you would like to present to me? Or may we proceed." His tone was lighthearted yet I could hear the curiosity buried underneath it.

"Actually, there is one more person I would present to Your Majesty. I have saved the best for last."

"His Grace, The Duke of Richmond and Somerset."

Henry's head snapped immediately to where his son had been announced. The young man carried his self well. He was built like Henry though he shared very few of his features. He surely resembled his mother more, yet there was Tudor in his appearance. He didn't have the chance to bow at the dais for once he got there Henry sprang from his chair, bounded towards him, and embraced him in a huge hug.

"My son. You are always welcome in my court."

"Father," he said knowing that Henry wanted to be addressed as such. "I am pleased to be so received. When I received the invitation from the Queen I was so excited to be able to see you again. Yet so disappointed to have to wait. I'm glad the wait is over."

Henry turned to me then and in a lightly chiding voice said, "You should not have kept the boy waiting. You should have brought him to me as soon as he arrived."

"I know my love. But I wanted to surprise you. I wanted you to be the most happy today."

"And I am sweetheart. Thank you." He walked up to me and kissed my hand and I beamed. He then called for a chair to be set up next to his so that Richmond could sit next to him. I didn't mind, I just wished I had a son of my own for Henry to proud of. Before I could follow those thoughts Henry called for the masque to begin.

I sat patiently as the participants said their lines and did their dances. The masque was centered around a girl who was betrothed to a baron but was in a love with a sailor. The dances, songs, and decorations were centered around their love and that no matter what she was offered, no matter the money, jewels, or trinkets she was showered in, she would not give him up. Not for anything.

When the masque was over the dancers kept their masks on and I noticed one dancer in particular stuck to my sister's side. It would be obvious to no one except for those of us who knew that it was the King's daughter. I tried not to stare their way as I talked with my husband and step-son. Soon enough Henry wanted to dance and he led me out for one. I could see all the young members of my family on the floor but I did my best to ignore them and to enjoy the peace my husband and I were having. Eventually I noticed him stealing glances around the room and the confidence I'd had earlier was gone. When the dance was over I went back to my seat and remained there while my sister was giving men their numbers in line to dance with her.

When it was late and the dancing was winding down I looked towards the door and noticed one figure leaving. That was the signal. I looked towards my sister who was also staring at the door. After our eyes met she grabbed her daughters hand followed Mary back towards her chambers. Gathering up all the courage I had I waited for the dance to end and walked towards my husband who was dancing with someone who's hair and dancing looked a lot like Jane Seymour's.

"Your Majesty," I said curtsying to him.

"Yes my Queen?"

"There is one more gift I have for you."

"And what is it?"

"I'll have to show it to you. It's not here."

He eyed me warily for a moment. "What are you playing at Anne?"

"'Tis no game Majesty. 'Tis a gift. For you and your realm."

After a moments paused he nodded. "Alright, Anne. I'll follow whatever scheme this is."

"Lord Brandon," I called out. Charles turned and walked over immediately. "Will you accompany us?"

"If that is what Your Majesty desires."

"It is."

"Then I am at Your Grace's command."

We walked in silence as we headed towards Mary's chambers. I tried to get my breathing under control but I was so nervous. Sooner than I desired I arrived at Mary's door and paused.

"What is this Anne?"

"Trust me." I didn't wait for his answer as I knocked on the door. A maid answered and immediately fell into a curtsy. Mary and Catherine were on either side of a figure still dressed in clothes from the masque. The three of us walked further into the room and towards the figure.

"Mary, Catherine, if you please." They immediately moved in front of and behind Mary to remove the mask. When it was halfway off I addressed Henry. "Allow me to introduce your daughter, Mary Tudor."