Without further ado:

One moment everything was going fine. I was entertaining my court-as I have done for years; looking at the Lady Mary-and her children - my children - in the beautiful clothes she wore, the way her hair had been kissed by the sun, the way her skin had been caressed by it's rays. And then another moment everything had come crashing down and I was standing in front of my daughter whom I hadn't seen since I visited Elizabeth on progress. There was a while before anyone said anything; perhaps they were all waiting for my reaction but I didn't have one to give, so I just stood there there and stared at my daughter.

Anne finally tried to break the uncomfortable silence. "Henry we-".The look on my face startled her to silence.

"Unless you are about to tell me that my daughter, the Lady Mary , has realized her illegitimacy and the invalidity of my marriage to her mother, there is nothing else we need to discuss. And when our daughter Princess Elizabeth returns to her establishment the Lady Mary will follow her and return to her duties." With that, I turned to leave as Anne called out to me.

"Henry please. For the love you bare me, for the love you bare Elizabeth."

I walked briskly back into the room with them. "What?"

"Henry please. I know I have been guilty of turning you away from your child, your eldest daughter. But legitimate or not she deserves to be treated as the daughter of a King. Soon you will have a golden world for England and I will deliver it to you. But we must heal the wounds of the past before we can have a future. Surely you see that."

I was silent for a moment trying to take in everything she had said. "You truly desire Mary here at court?"

"I do...Are you not pleased?" The tone of her question brought me up short. I was livid with her for daring to bring the Lady Mary to court without my permission. But I was also confused. The only reason I kept Mary from court was for Anne's sake. I knew how jealous of me and Mary Anne was, not just for her own sake but Elizabeth's too. She'd told me one night when we were alone how she feared that I would never love Elizabeth the way I loved Mary-that the disappointment I felt at Elizabeth's birth, due to her gender, would be greater than that I felt at Mary's birth and would thus overshadow the love I should have had for Elizabeth. It wasn't long after that, that I informed her I was sending Mary to wait upon Elizabeth. I tried to tell myself I did it to make Anne happy but the reality was I did it out of guilt.

Anne was right. My disappointment over Elizabeth's birth was far greater than with Mary's. When Mary was born I was so pleased to know that the chain of tiny corpses bearing the name of Henry was broken that her sex was never a question. I saw it as a sign from God that whatever displeasure Katherine and I had provoked was forgiven; that the curse that plagued us was forever gone. Mary was a girl, a healthy girl whom the doctors were sure would survive, and they were right. With Mary, the birth of a healthy child was what mattered the most, not her gender. With Elizabeth it was a blow, a disappointment, a curse. I was expecting a son, not just a healthy child. A happy, healthy, son to name Henry and send England into the future it deserved, into a golden world. The hope I felt at Mary's birth was as great as the disappointment I felt at Elizabeth's. I was disappointed a second time with Anne's miscarriage and yet here she stood before me telling me that she intended to give me a son as well as give me my eldest daughter back. Of course I was pleased and yet wary. I had rid myself of Katherine and denounced our marriage and declared our issue illegitimate. I had done God's work and yet still I had no boy...but I could have one soon. I just had to be patient.

"Henry," Brandon prompted; I had forgotten he was in the room. I looked at him and then turned back to Anne.

"I am pleased at your decision Anne. But I ordered Mary to attend upon Elizabeth until she accepted her new position in life." I turned my glare upon my daughter who was now as pale as a ghost.

"I know you did," Anne interceded quickly. "But to help England forgive the wounds of the past perhaps it would be better to heal the wounds of this family-your family-for which you are responsible. As am I." Anne took a deep breath and walked towards me...and then knelt at my feet.

"Anne don't-", I said bending down to lift her up.

"Sister!" Came Mary's shocked call.

"Your Majesty," Catherine and Brandon said at the same time.

Only Mary was silent, but her face screamed louder than any voice in the room.

"Let me be," Anne told us. "Henry, my love, my husband. My King," she held onto my calves. "I love you, I have loved you for years and will continue to do so until my last breath. I beseech you for that great love, for me who has birthed you a beautiful little girl with all the wit one can desire from any child-boy or girl. For me, who now kneels at your feet preparing to deliver your son, your Prince of Wales. For me, your wife and Queen, who has been blamed by many as the reason you no longer serve the Pope, and the reason Katherine does not still occupy the position as Queen beside you. For me, who has been guilty of encouraging the separation of a father and daughter, please do not turn Mary away."

There was silence for awhile as I took in her plea. Slowly I leaned downed and grabbed her hand, raising her to her feet.

"You truly are absolutely sure about this?" My tone was suspicious.

"I am. She deserves to be here. She-," I cut her off. I had made a decision.

"Then she will stay here at court."

"You really mean it?"

"I do." There was a deep sigh as everyone released their breaths and smiled. My eldest daughter's face was bright and cheerful...hopeful.

"Your Majesty is very generous. I have already begun a list of ladies to join her househo-," Anne began happily, but her happiness was short lived.

"You misunderstand."

"I do?" She, Brandon, and both my daughters made the same face. Only the Lady Mary Boleyn showed no emotion.

"She will remain at court as a lady in waiting to Elizabeth. She will resume her duties in the Princess's household."

"Henry, no. You can't mean it."

"I do mean it. Until she admits, declares, and signs that her mother and I were never married and that she is a bastard, until she recognizes my authority as Supreme Head of the Church in England, until she recognizes you as Queen and Elizabeth as my heir, until she renounces her ties to Rome, she'll be a lady in waiting to Elizabeth. If I die tomorrow and Elizabeth is proclaimed Queen it will be in my will for Mary to attend upon Elizabeth until she signs away her rights!"

I was yelling at this point. How dare Anne contradict me? Especially when my actions championed our daughter's rights over that of the bastard she was now defending. Turning to my daughter I began again.

"You should be thankful for the opportunity to even be allowed at court let alone the honor and privilege to attend upon the Princess. Noblemen's daughters all over Europe would kill for the chance to take your place. And who knows, if you behave well and admit the truth about your illegitimacy to the world, perhaps I'll find you a Duke to marry."

With that I exited the still room with Brandon on my heels. He would be the next one to receive his punishment. He knew. I could tell when he saw Mary that he knew she was being secreted away at court. There was no shock when he saw her standing there. He knew she and my wife were defying me and still he said nothing. It was betrayal, treachery even, it could maybe be thought of as treason.

I said nothing as we entered my chambers but my displeasure was known in every move I made. They look on my face, the tension in my shoulders, the way I pulled out my chair, the way I sat down, the look I now pointed at my devious, loyal, friend.

"Your Majesty I-."

"You what Charles? Are you going to tell me you didn't betray me? That you didn't know Mary was at court? That you didn't help Anne hide that fact, that treasonous fact? Huh? Nothing witty to say to talk yourself out of it? SPEAK!"

Brandon got down on his knees before me, much like Anne did, and then got on his hands as well. There he was, liken to a dog in the streets, on the floor in-front of me.

"Your Majesty must forgive me-"

"I GROW TIRED OF FORGIVING YOUR CHARLES! You knew! Why would you betray me Charles? WHY?"

"Your Majesty, please understand I did it for your benefit."

"It was treachery."

"For love of Your Majesty."

"LOVE?! You call that love Charles?! You could have told me! Saved me from the shock of finding out this way. But no. You sided with the Queen."

"We only meant to reunite you with the Lady Mary. To save England from the pains it has suffered in the past. To protect the Queen from-".

"You've NEVER been concerned with Anne, Charles. Do not think to sway me with sweet words now. Your treachery will not be soon forgotten. Leave me."

"Henry-"

"You are no longer welcome at court, Your Grace. I am tired of this game you seem to play with me. You are my friend, you betray me. We are friends again and you remain loyal. Then betrayal again-Go NOW Charles. Before you ruin what's left of your life."

"Your Majesty," he said not daring to remove himself from the floor. Like a kicked dog, the Duke drug himself from my chambers towards his future in the country.

"Boy!"

My newest addition to my household, a Culpepper, came running in. "Majesty," he bowed seemingly unruffled by my tone.

"Go and tell the Seymours I'll take dinner with them outside of the palace this evening."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Jane's soothing voice was exactly what I needed right now to cool my temper. Damn Charles for this betrayal. DAMN HIM!

No one said anything for a long while. We all stood mute, gaping at where the King had made his hasty escape. I couldn't believe his reaction. I thought-hoped, he would be happy to see his daughter-his pearl again. After all that planning this was the outcome.

"He hates me," a tiny voice said. "Had I been a boy..."

We all turned at that and saw tears openly streaming down Mary's face. Before anyone else could move, Catherine had gone to embrace her sister.

"No. Shh. He doesn't hate you. How could he? You are pretty, and sweet, and talented, and willful. You got your stubbornness and pride from both parents, I think. And the King is standing on his at the moment."

By now Mary had begun to sob openly and was starting to tremble in Cat's arms.

"He wants your absolute surrender and you won't give it to him. He's separated you from your mother, taken away your religion, removed you from the succession, and still you hold fast to your beliefs. What more does he have to do to break you? That is what is going through his mind. He's done all he can to break you. This is the last indignity he can think of. I watched his reaction when he saw your face. Do you know what I saw?"

Mary shook her head through her sorrow.

"Joy. I saw overwhelming joy and peace. But His Majesty would never let his pleasure reign of his pride. We all know that the only thing more important to him than his desires is his pride, and he won't let anyone wound it. Not even you. In his mind you've cracked the mirror of his vanity, distorted the image of his pride, and yet embodied his own image reflected. He won't become Narcissus until he has your submission. You remember my words and see that they show to be the truth. I fear you shall have to become a different woman whilst in his presence. I suppose we shall all be. We will have our true happiness and opinions behind his back and show nothing but a pretty smile to his face."

By now everyone was openly staring at Catherine. Feeling the stares, she turned to us with wide eyes. "What?"

"You're blossoming into a true Boleyn girl. I'd dare say even a Howard. You are very clever. And more importantly-you're right. We cannot go on as we have. We'll have to be the women His Majesty wants-to his face anyway. We will smile and be sweet and hold our tongues and tempers. But we will entrap the rest of the court with our wit and beauty. Mother told me long ago when I went to France to 'observe the ladies of the court. See how they achieve what they want from their men, not by stamping their little feet but by allowing the men to believe that they, indeed, are in charge. That is the art of being a woman.' And it is the code we will live by from now on-especially with the King. No more quarreling, no more open defiance," I turned and looked at Mary, "We will seem to give in to what he wants so that he will give us what we want."

"You are telling me that in order to get the love of my father I have to betray my mother. I have already said I shall do no such thing. And why you of all people think I would agree to that is beyond my understanding!" Mary was still trembling; her body, it seemed, was not used to tears. She sound so distraught.

"All I'm saying is that in order for your father to begin to forgive you, you must be seen to be his daughter and not Katherine's. If you can achieve that, you can have anything you want because your father will love you again. Without that-you're worse off than I am." I made my way to the door but stopped at Mary's next words.

"Why don't I just wait until Jane becomes Queen? She already has my father's love-unlike you. She has the support of my cousin, The Emperor, unlike you. She even has His Holiness's blessing-unlike you. What have I to gain with siding with you over her? You have had two pregnancies and no son. What makes you so sure you can even have one? Because your sister, your mother, your cousin, aunt, whoever has had sons? You could be barren-"

I turned and cut her off with a laugh. After a moment of everyone looking at me like I was mad I finally answered her. "I don't know what's funnier: that you think I would let that yellow haired strumpet replace me or that you've finally admitted that your mother will never be queen again." I shook my head and continued. "It's me or Jane, Mary. That's all there is to it. You'll have to pick a side soon. Jane is in no position to help you or your mother. Jane isn't even a position to help herself. She has Henry's attention for now but when I have a son-and I will have a son-I will be Queen of England until my dying breath. It will be your brother who rules over England-your half brother-but your brother nonetheless. You can decide whether to align yourself with Mistress Seymour or with the future King of England. It's truly your decision. And when you've made it I'll be here. But it is a step forward for you to finally admit that your mother's claim as Queen is in name only. She'll never rule again. And if you want a chance at being Queen heed Cat's advice and listen to my mother's. Let it guide your decisions and see yourself through the reign of Henry the 8th." I turned and looked at Kitty and Cat.

"Since Mary's household won't be happening yet, tomorrow you will report to my chambers and will begin your duties in my service until His Majesty changes his mind. Wear yellow. Go to bed and be prepared for a tiresome day tomorrow. Good night."

"Goodnight Your Majesty," they said and curtsied.

"Sister, prepare them for bed and I'll see you all in the morning."

With that I left Lady Mary's chambers and made my way inside mine where my ladies had been waiting for me. "Madge, Nan, Mistress Seymour-stay. Everyone else is dismissed. Goodnight."

I was quiet mostly as they prepared me for bed. I had much to think about. Right before I dismissed them I turned to Jane, "Lady Jane, be sure to prepare your sisters by blood and by law for the oath they shall have to swear before joining my household."

"Yes, Your Grace. I have informed them of it but shall remind them before they come tomorr-", an urgent knock on the door cut her off. I did not hide my confusion as I sent Madge to the door to answer it. She came back and whispered in my ear that a messenger from the Duke of Suffolk's had come with a letter.

"Tell him I am not receiving visitors as I am preparing for bed and that I will tend to it in the morning. Lady Jane, Nan, you are dismissed. Madge will attend me tonight."

When the two ladies, and the messenger had left Madge handed me the note and went to turn down my bed.

I opened the message and skimmed the lines. I felt my face grow hot. Henry had dismissed him? He had banished Suffolk from court just for supporting Mary? Henry was angrier than I thought. Hopefully he'd exacted all the vengeance he'd intended to; I couldn't afford him taking his anger out on the rest of my family. My Uncle and father would not be pleased to be cut off from the King over me siding with the Lady Mary.

"Madge, I need you to send a message to the Duke of Suffolk that I will do all I can to see him returned to court as soon as may be. Go and tell his messenger this and then come back to bed."

"Yes Madam."

It wasn't long before Madge returned from Suffolk's chambers and settled in to bed. I felt sure that my mind would roam but before I knew it my drapes were being pulled back and my ladies were busying themselves around my rooms.

"My lady," Lady Elizabeth Browne curtsied.

"Good morning ladies." They all stopped their chores and bowed. "Have the Seymour girls arrived?", I asked stepping down from my grand bed.

"Jane arrived earlier madam, to ensure that Your Majesty knew she was dressed for the day. But said she would go and fetch her sisters to ensure they would arrive at an appropriate hour."

"Good. I'll break my fast and then have a bath drawn. All my new ladies should be here by then."

I took my time selecting my dress to assure that all my ladies had time to enter. In the end I chose a yellow gown that I hardly ever wore. It was beautifully made and I took care to make sure it would last for years. Today though, I would wear it in celebration-celebration of things to come, of keeping my crown and the love of my King...hopefully.

"Madam. They've all arrived." I nodded to Nan and sent her and the rest of my ladies to my presence chamber. I took a deep breath before checking my reflection, making sure not a hair was out of place. I couldn't afford for anything to be even slightly askew.

I walked out of my chambers with my head held high and was greeted by a chorus of "Your Majesty's" and curtsies. I was shocked to see my sister in law in my chambers. She usually showed up a few times a month to wait upon me, I should've known she'd pick today. Out of precedence I addressed her first.

"Lady Rochford, I see you've rejoined my household this morning."

"If it please Your Grace I will attend upon you today." I nodded and moved on.

"Sister, you are most welcome back to my household. I see you've managed to save your gown," I said with a smile. Mary would not be taking the oath of my household again so I thought it best to address her first.

"Thank you Your Majesty. I came ready to serve you Madam." I nodded to her and turned to my chamberlain with a nod.

"Ladies. Will you place your hands on this Bible?" Cat, Kitty, and the three Seymour women all shuffled forward putting their right hands on the Bible. "And will you promise and swear to serve Her Majesty Queen Anne faithfully, honorably, and discreetly; and will you promise and swear that your conduct will always be modest, virtuous, and good, presenting at all times a godly spectacle to others?"

"I do so promise and swear," they said together.

"Cat. Kitty. Mistress Seymours. Welcome to my household."

"It is an honor and privilege for us all." Cat answered for everyone which earned her a smirk from me. Somehow I doubt that the Seymour women agreed.

"Indeed it is. And I have no doubt that you will make your families proud. As your addition to my household was such a surprise, all of you will be fitted today by my seamstresses to receive the dress of my ladies. However until they are finished you are free to dress as you will." The three of them curtsied again at my words and I turned to Nan who immediately began assigning chores to my new ladies. I noted that even though their dresses were different Cat and Kitty still seemed to belong my ladies; they Seymour women did not.

I had drawn Mary into a corner so we could chat and catch up when we were interrupted by a knock at my door. I raised an eyebrow and consented for Madge to open the door.

"His Grace the Duke of Richmond and Sommerset requests an audience Your Majesty," she said unsure.

"Of course send him in." My stepson walked in confidently, the swagger of his father surrounded him. I stood up and offered him my hand as my ladies bowed.

"Your Grace, what a most welcome surprise." He bowed over my hand and kissed it.

"Your Majesty must forgive my impertinence, I don't mean to be a bother. I can come back later if now is not appropriate."

"Now is fine. Did you need to speak to me in private?" He hesitated, as if he did not expect that question, and thought it over.

"I do not see a need Madam. I do not intend to take up much of your time."

I nodded and walked away from where the majority of my ladies were standing and pointed to where he may sit. When he and I were both seated the women went back to their responsibilities.

"I hope your chambers are to your standards My Lord. I wasn't aware of your tastes and I know you and I have never really seen each other since the marriage. If anything is amiss..."

He began shaking his head. "No, no, Your Majesty is kind to be concerned for me. My chambers are grander than I imagined they would be. Even for a Duke."

"Twice a Duke at that and, not to mention, the son of a King." He made a face at that. As if being the son of a King didn't mean much. The change in his expression was slight, his mask dropped for the slightest of moments, only an instant; but it was long enough. I lowered my voice, "Oh. Perhaps you think being the King's child doesn't necessarily denote favor."

He snapped his head up, eyes wide, blushing furiously.

I gave a weak smile. "It is alright Your Grace. All is well do not be alarmed. Cat, bring two glasses of wine for us please?" My niece was at my side doing my bidding so quickly I wondered how she managed not to spill a drop. "Thank you Cat."

"Your Majesty."

"Aunt."

"Aunt Anne," she blushed and curtsied away.

I went back to my hushed voice, "Now Your Grace-."

"Hal, if it please Your Majesty."

"Alright then Lord Hal. I know what you're thinking. How can it be that you, who's illegitimacy can never be questioned, can have rooms fit for a Prince, while your sister, who was once considered a Princess-Princess of Wales-lives as a servant? I know this has not been easy for you-for any of His Majesty's children but I hope to soon make it easier."

"Easier? Your brother-I mean Lord Rochford, Your Grace, made mention that the Lady Mary was secreted away at court?"

I nodded with a slight grimace.

"I did not think it would displease Your Grace," he said back tracking.

"Forgive me. I am not upset at the topic but rather at how some things have gone as a result of it. I-", I looked around afraid to continue. What if my ladies heard?

As if sensing my hesitation I heard my sister speak up, "I don't know how we'll ever get all these names together without causing confusion."

"What do you mean sister?", our sister in law replied.

"Well think of it Lady Rochford. We have Lady Jane Boleyn nee Parker and Lady Jane Seymour. Lady Elizabeth Holland, Lady Elizabeth Browne, and Lady Elizabeth Seymour. Lady Catherine Carey and Lady Katherine Howard. Lady Nan, Lady Anne Gainsford, and Lady Anne Seymour nee Stanhope-and of course Queen Anne. Try calling someone by just their first name in these apartments and see if you get anything accomplished," Cat answered for her mother.

The ladies giggled at that.

"Oooo I have an idea," Kitty said in childish excitement.

"I wager you do," Cat's voice sounded a bit taunting. I wondered idly if there was an unspoken rivalry between them.

"Let's play a game of names. We shall give each other nicknames to use in Her Majesty's chambers to avoid confusion. I am already Kitty and Cat is Cat. Lady Seymour-oo-Lady Jane Seymour, would you like to go first?"

"How about you give me suggestions and we'll pick the best one?"

I had to stop myself from offering names of my own. I don't think slut was one of the nick names Kitty had in mind. Thankful for the noisy conversation I turned back to my step son and adopted my previous low volume.

"As I was saying Lord Hal, last night's events were unfortunate. Lady Mary was secreted away at court but last night took part in the masque that was held-the main reason the ladies kept their masks on all night. At the close of the night she made a retreat to her apartments to get ready to receive your father. I thought, at first, that he was pleased upon being presented to her...but he was so angry. At me, at her...at Brandon."

"Suffolk?" I nodded. "He knew?" Again I nodded. "My lady, you'll forgive me for saying so but this seems an awful lot like a conspiracy. It has the taste of treason around it, does it not?"

I sighed, "I suppose you're right. And I suppose your father thought it seems like treason. Perhaps that's why he had Brandon banished."

"He banished him from court? Over this?" I nodded.

"But what's treasonous about securing the line to the throne by any means necessary? What's illegal about me giving the King a son of my body? Would you not like a new brother? I myself desire a son."

"As well as your throne," he said bluntly.

"Indeed. If I lose my throne Elizabeth loses hers as well, does she not? Should I not do all that I can to secure my daughter's rights?"

"Should not Queen Katherine-Princess Katherine? Should she declare herself a whore and my sister a bastard for you and your daughter?"

"No. She should do it for herself and her own daughter. I do not deny at having my own reasons for wanting to see them take the oath but the truth is I cannot guarantee Mary's safety without her submission-something she'll never give as long as Katherine refuses. And now not only will she have to continue to wait on Elizabeth-at your father's strict command, she'll be forced to do so publicly."

"What?"

"That's what I'm trying to tell Your Grace. The King, your father, has decided that for her obstinate refusal to take the oath and for me daring to bring her to court, she will resume her duties in Elizabeth's household at court."

"He cannot have meant it. I mean if you-what I meant to say is it was for you that she was even-how could he?"

"You think I ordered Mary to Hatfield when Elizabeth was born?"

"The world knows that."

"Then you and the world are fools."

"Pardon me?" His voice was getting higher.

"Oh come on sister it'll be fun," the youngest Seymour brat called out. Lady Dorothy seemed to be in no mood for Kitty's childish antics.

She sighed, "For the hundredth time Elizabeth don't be so loud, and no. There's only one Dorothy in these chambers. Why should I need a name other than my Christian one?"

"It would be fun. Lady Howard gave me one."

Lady Dorothy made a face as though having Kitty bestow a nickname was far from something to be proud of. She'd better be careful. Kitty may be the lowest of the Howard's but she was still a Howard and my kin.

"It's quite alright Lizzy," my sister said using Kitty's nickname for the girl, "not everyone can appreciate artistry." She was rewarded with another giggle from Kitty and a glare from Lady Dorothy. "Lady Stanhope, will you be taking a new name?"

The Seymour sister in law glanced my way and her answer was immediate when she saw me looking, "Perhaps. As long as I don't have to be another type of Cat, there's enough claws around here at the moment."

"The world and I are fools are we?" Richmond's voice drew me back into conversation. His tone was much softer and his voice much lower.

"Indeed. Do you think me a fool?"

"No. Fools tend to lose the game and I don't think you have any intention of losing."

I smiled, he sounded of reminiscent of Henry. "I don't intend to lose. So why would I champion my daughter's rival tending to her? Being close enough to administer a poison so that it would like an act of God rather than an act of revenge? Why would I do that? Your father, blameless as ever, ordered Mary to Hatfield. I did not contradict him, not at first, but the idea was his not mine. And seeing her serve my daughter in public will do what to my ever disastrous reputation? You think the people who champion Mary won't come after me for reducing their Princess of Wales, their symbol of Catholic hope to a servant? That they won't hold me, and only me responsible? I had grand dresses made for the girl, selected a household for her, had chambers befitting a Princess made for her. And her father, your father, spat on all of it. Mary and I are not friends but I cannot imagine anyone being daft enough to think I'd summon her to court as a servant. It would be much better for her to be unseen if that were the case."

"My apologies Madam."

"Save them. You favor your elder sister. The rivalry the two of you had is long forgotten."

"We were children then."

"No you were threats to each other."

"What threat was I to Mary? What threat was she to me?"

"You were every threat to each other. You still are."

"My legitimacy could never be questioned."

"Neither could your peerage...nor your paternity for that matter. Twice a Duke and the son of a King. It could easily be argued that you would be the next in line to succeed your father."

"Now that is treason."

"No. That is politic. Think of it. Before me and Elizabeth there was Katherine and Mary. An old, barren Queen and young, sickly Princess. While she was the Princess of Wales and considered the heir to the throne she was only a girl. And of course there was you. A young, healthy boy who had more nobility, by titles at least, than the next heir. Henry's acknowledged son, a fact undisputed throughout Europe; raised by a Catholic mother...There are many who would champion your claim."

He looked nervous at that. "Such thoughts would make the enemy of England, Spain, and the Pope."

"Such thoughts would make you the next King of England. And if your bride was of enough political standing-a French Princess perhaps-what would you have to fear from Spain or Rome?"

"I never wished for such a thing-"

"But if it were offered?"

"I would decline."

"Even if the offer were from your father?"

"I...he would never."

"On the contrary, it's one of my aims."

"You intend to make me King?"

"I intend for my son to be King. But if I do not produce one, what harm would it do me or my daughter to court the good graces of the next King of England?"

"My God."

"Indeed Your Grace, now you see the game I play."

"I need to think of this-what of Mary? I don't want her hurt by scheming."

"And nor do I. Truly. I hate everything she stands for but I won't harm her. And I'll do what I can to keep your father from doing so."

He sighed, "May I visit the Princess? Elizabeth I mean of course."

"Of course. She's your sister."

"And Mary? May I visit her too?"

"I...your father has not specifically said she may not have visitors so I see no reason to deny you. However, I would keep that between us."

He nodded. "Well I should be off to visit them then, and I trust to speak with you later, Your Majesty." He rose and so did my ladies, Kitty's glance lingered longer than the rest. "Ladies, I bid you good day."

"Your Grace," they said and curtsied.

"Ladies, I believe we'll go for a walk about the gardens."

Once we were outside my ladies chatted aimlessly behind me. Kitty and...Lizzy were becoming friends rather quickly. Jane watched them with an indulgent smile while Dorothy tried her best to ignore them. If there was anything that irritated me more than Jane's constant "kindness", it was Dorothy's determination to be bitter. It wasn't long before I found myself tracing my steps back to the flower I'd seen when Elizabeth and I were in the gardens. It was still as beautiful as that day. I so desired to pick it but I knew if I did it would die. Sighing, I left the flower where it was and started along a random path. It didn't take long for me to hear Henry's laugh. Since when did he spend so much time in the gardens?

When we rounded the corner Henry was surrounded by his closest companions; Knivert, Compton, George, those dreadful Seymour boys...Surrey, Bryan, and my nephew. Good, I thought. I'd rather him drown in Howards than Seymours. But grasping at a chance to speak with my sister, I thought I'd offer a kind gesture.

"Mistress Seymours, Lady Rochford, Cat, Kitty, why don't you all go entertain the King and his companions? I believe some of them may be familiar to you. The rest of you be at your liberty." They smiled and curtsied walking to Henry and their family; the rest of my ladies either followed them or walked away from me and my sister to give us some modicum of privacy.

"So?" She prompted.

"He's with us...for now...I think."

"What do you mean?"

Noticing the exchange between us, George escaped Henry's side and bowed to me.

"Your Majesty."

"Oh get up George."

He kissed Mary on the cheek. "What are you two gossiping about? Richmond?"

"How do you-"

"By now everyone at court knows he spent a great deal of time in your chambers. Now what happened? Uncle will expect a report."

Quickly, and while still keeping an eye on my husband I went over what happened.

"Anne are you mad? You can't offer him the crown!"

"You said if it came down to it we would support my Henry."

"And we will! But Richmond doesn't know that. He's fiercely loyal to Mary. I need him fiercely loyal to me. He's got riches and influences; he even has the friendship of the Scottish King."

"I did hear he'd made overtures of friendship to Richmond. He won't even do that with the King," George replied.

"Precisely. We need to keep him loyal and what greater way to ensure his loyalty than tying him up in treason. This is a fight to the death and if I go down, I'm taking the rest of this monarchy with me."

"Keep your smile. Anyone who sees that look might thing you're plotting treason."

I genuinely laughed at that and secured my fake smile back in to place and continued.

"If Henry dies now some will be for Elizabeth the rest Mary and I don't need to tell you who would win that battle. For now I need Henry to continue securing Elizabeth's rights. But I also need Fitzroy to see that I cultivate his good graces and support his father's favoring of him. He could actually be King one day. It could still easily be argued that he's the next in line above Mary and above Elizabeth. For now he thinks in the absence of a son I will make him King."

"This still seems like a threat to my Henry."

"Unless the King decides today to honor little Henry as his son, he's no threat to Richmond and therefore he will not harm him. To do so would prompt too many questions. However it also means that your son's chances on the throne are slim to none. Again I tell you Richmond could be King. With that in mind it would do us no harm to be kind to him. He's smart enough to see we're grasping but by the time he sees the full plan it'll be too late to stop anything."

"Uncle will be pleased. But he won't make friends with him either. He'll find that beneath him."

"I'm sure he won't make any extra overtures, but I know a certain young lady, a certain Howard, who wouldn't mind dong so," I turned to Kitty.

"Anne," Mary's voice warned.

"Anne," George's voice praised.

A/N: Italicized quote from the mother taken directly from The Other Boleyn Girl movie

A/N2: Special shout out to JessTheWitch for motivation!