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Ch. 2

In time we hate that which we often fear.

~William Shakespeare

There is no sin but ignorance.

~Christopher Marlowe

Warwick Castle 10 June 1536

Grace was practically fuming as her brothers shoved her into the carriage that was to take her and the Tudor sisters to court. She had finally relented to Mary's begging with a little encouragement from Anne. Grace had made a promise to never return to court, but she was breaking that promise to show support to her dearest friend and daughter of her former lover as she had to begrudgingly admit to herself.

"Why can mama not accompany us? And why is Grace upset?" Elizabeth questioned her sister from her position in Mary's lap. Grace's irritated face dropped its sour look and was replaced with one of surprise that the almost three year old was so observant. However, as the daughter of the king and Anne Boleyn, she was destined to be an intelligent young woman. Despite her young years, she already showed how her brain absorbed knowledge like a sponge.

"The king has a new wife, Lizzie, and mama cannot travel to court as it may upset him. As for Grace, she wanted to stay home with your mama," Mary explained as well as she could. She couldn't possibly tell her sister that Grace hated her father for what he had done to them, that she had willingly given up her virtue to save her mother and had walked out on her father in the end. Elizabeth understood that the king and Grace had a relationship, but the extent of it she could never understand until she was older.

"Are you mad at papa?" Elizabeth pushed, unaware of the emotions she was evoking from Grace. She was speechless, completely caught off guard. She flinched as the same eyes as the king stared back at her, Mary having her father's eyes. However, Elizabeth had the same eyes as her mother, dark and unafraid. They were so different, but similar in more ways than she could count.

"Elizabeth, your father is a very difficult man. He is a king and people seek to gain power from him by lying to him. I am mad that he continues to listen to lies. Does that make sense?" Elizabeth's eyes widened as she tried to wrap her mind around the fact that her father couldn't tell when people were lying to him.

"Like Mr. Cromwell? I heard mama taking to papa about it the other day." Grace internally cursed, knowing that her brother and Anne would be unaware that Elizabeth had eavesdropped on their conversations. It made her smile that Elizabeth called Richard her papa, but she should not be sneaking out of her rooms to listen to adult conversations.

"You should not be listening to such talk, Lizzie," Mary scolded. "I'm sure your mama would not like that." Elizabeth did not appear bothered by her unabashed behavior, smiling mischievously. It made Grace chuckle softly, shaking her head at Elizabeth's childish antics.

"Are you ladies doing well enough in here?" Percy questioned, pulling his horse up alongside the carriage. He had kindly offered to escort them all to court, Grace refusing to let any of her family accompany her. This was her burden to bear, and she would not let her family be at court more often then they liked. Her father was still a member of the privy council, but he deserved to remain at home a little longer. After all, he and Percy had both been present at the king's wedding.

"We're fine, Percy. Thank you for asking," Grace replied indifferently. She was acting like his presence didn't affect her when it truly did. Her heart thumped in her chest rapidly. As if his boyish smile wasn't enough, his crystal blue eyes felt like they were staring into her soul, like he was uncovering every secret she ever possessed with a single look. She felt her cheeks redden and she bit her lip nervously.

"Are you sure? I thought I heard that a certain redhaired beauty was being reprimanded?" Percy teased, trying to lighten the mood. Elizabeth giggled at his compliment, her beaming smile contagious to all.

"Nothing to concern you," Grace replied, trying to disregard Percy's attempt to gain her attentions. "Perhaps you should ride ahead with the guards to make sure what the plan is for our journey."

Percy nodded his head to her. "As the lady wishes," he spoke, his voice lowering to a sensual tone that made Grace's spine shudder with unknown want. She tried to shake off the feeling, but denying it only made it stronger. Percy was getting under her skin, but she would hold off admitting it for as long as possible.

Anne was pacing in her chambers, wondering where Richard could be at such an hour. He had disappeared with his brothers in the early hours of the evening and now it was nearing midnight. The door to their chambers creaked open, a clearly tipsy Richard stumbling inside. He gave Anne a cheeky smile which she returned with a scowl.

"I've been worried sick, Richard. You've been gone for hours. What could you have possibly done for the past six hours and disappear without telling me?" Anne was playing the wounded wife, filled with a combination of worry as well as betrayal as she questioned her husband. It was different with him than it was with the king, Anne knowing the king had conducted many affairs behind her back. Richard was not so obvious, and he made it perfectly clear to Anne that he would not seek out another's bed.

"Forgive me for visiting a tavern with my brothers. I didn't think I needed my wife's permission to enjoy some pastimes." Richard was in a playful mood, not realizing that Anne was about to unleash her anger on him.

"Does that include whoring and gambling?" Anne responded bitterly. Her sharp eyes pierced him to the spot, Richard's joking mood disappearing in the blink of an eye. It was replaced with one of defensiveness, a green haze of disbelief appearing in his glazed orbs.

"You think so low of me?" Richard asked. "I am not such a fickle man to turn my attentions on women who have to degrade themselves to survive." He plopped himself down on the edge of their bed, lazily taking his boots off and shrugging off his jacket to reveal the white shirt beneath. Anne gulped nervously at the brief show of skin on his chest, but she shook away the thought.

"What else am I to think? With you returning at such a late hour with your senses clearly clouded by drink?" Anne spoke exasperatedly.

Richard suddenly rose to his feet, making a direct beeline for Anne. She was taken aback by his aggressiveness, helpless at he backed her against the wall and trapped her between his arms. She could feel his hot breath against her face, his personal smell of pine and saddle polish filling her nostrils. She had to force herself from melting into his arms. "Do you have any idea how hard it is day in and day out to keep my hands to myself? To play the proper husband while all I think about is taking you everywhere? In the stables, on my desk, in the gardens, in our bed? Do you?"

Anne let out a small gasp, her whole body tingling at his hidden truth. She was frozen against the wall, the stone almost cutting into her back as Richard used his pointer finger to lightly touch her neck, followed by her collar bone, and finally the top of her breasts. But it wasn't just there that she felt him. She felt him everywhere, touching her on every part of her body, and then she nearly collapsed as his mouth latched onto the sensitive part of her neck. "If you want me to stop, then all you have to do is tell me," Richard muttered softly into her ear.

Richard was met with a lustful gaze, Anne's dark eyes beckoning him further as she grasped the collar of his shirt. "Don't," she replied, as she finally gave into her instincts and crashed her lips on his. She wanted to kiss him until reason was far from her mind, until the only thing she was conscious of was what she desired to do to him. She was sparked to life by his frantic hands roaming over every inch of her body, his hands practically ripping at her laces and tearing the fabric from her body to lay in ruins at her feet.

Anne stood completely naked before him, Richard studying her supple body intently before caressing her breasts and flickering his tongue over her pink buds. Anne held his face against her chest, her body overcome with sensations. He picked her up with one arm while his hand pulled her hair back, moving his face from her breasts to her neck. He elicited a yelp from Anne, a combination of pain and pleasure. She couldn't understand how he carried her so easily to the bed when he only used one arm, but he barely showed signs of stress from the effort as he threw both of their bodies on the bed.

They wrestled Richard's clothes off, Anne eagerly running her hands over his newly naked body. She appreciated every inch of him, pleased that Richard had maintained his muscular physique over the years. She was lucky to have such an attractive husband, even more lucky that he wanted to perform forbidden acts on her willing body. He pressed his full weight over her body now, enjoying the feeling of being overwhelmed, almost crushed by his weight. His lips descended over the length of her body, moving slowly down her stomach, and kissing just above her pubic bone. His eyes were hooded as he looked up at her, slipping two fingers inside her wet folds.

Anne felt the pressure of his warm fingers, a silent moan forming on her lips. She bucked her hips up, feeling Richard's strong hands inside her and running over her body. She opened her legs wider, melting away her fears with his body heat that felt so delicious against her skin. He removed his fingers, Anne starting to protest, but then she felt fuller than before, realizing that he had entered her and wrapped her legs tightly around his middle.

Richard ever so slightly leaned his forehead against Anne's, feeling her contract around him, her muscles massaging him softly. He cursed silently, Anne seeing his lips mouth the words, but he never spoke them. She watched him as he thrust effortlessly into her and feeling her eyes on him, his opened and a connection formed between them. He could feel her coming like the tide of the ocean and it enveloped them, Anne's body letting itself go as it tumbled over the edge. He followed her, seeking refuge in the crook of her neck as he breathed heavily against her.

Anne stayed quiet, letting her climax run through her. She was pleasantly satisfied by their lovemaking, wanting more of Richard as he softly nibbled on her skin. They both knew what this meant, and they were both stunned by the implications of their coupling. Neither wanted to move, both tightening their grip around the other.

"I knew you'd cave sooner or later," Richard teased as he murmured against her skin. Anne started giggling uncontrollably, Richard lifting his head to see her completely at ease, a sparkle of joy in her eyes. He reached up to absentmindedly stroke her dark locks, overcome by her beauty. Her lips were bruised from kissing, her hair splayed every which way, and her skin slightly flushed, but she looked like a goddess to him. He reached down, pulling the sheets over them as he situated next to her on the bed. Anne settled in his arms, comforted by the way he wanted to constantly be near her and touch her. Exhausted, they both fell asleep, their vows of becoming one finally complete.

Whitehall 12 June 1536

It was an eventful journey to Whitehall, Grace not only occupied with her thoughts of returning to court, but also with Percy's never-ending flirtations with her. She was currently riding next to him, choosing to stretch her legs and don her riding gear for the day. Her stomach was a jumble of nerves and she needed to take her mind over what would occur the moment they arrived at court.

Percy had been studying her all morning, speculating what Grace's brilliant mind had roving through it. He could see the tension in her hands, gripping the reigns tightly while her mouth had formed into a thin line. "If you tighten your grip much more, I'm worried you'll find yourself with a broken bridle my lady," he said, distracting Grace from her thoughts. Grace was startled by his interruption, staring up at him wide eyed as she realized her emotions were showing.

"Am I that obvious?" Grace questioned, her green eyes alight with trepidation. Percy chuckled at her, Grace blushing at the sound.

"Allow me to put your mind at ease. Let's set a wager. What do you say?" Grace's interest was piqued, wondering what exactly Percy was concocting up his sleeve.

"What type of wager?" Grace questioned. Percy was not the least surprised with her enthusiasm, his cornflower blue orbs filled with excitement.

"Let's see who can reach that ridge over there the fastest," Percy answered.

"And what does the winner get?" Grace questioned, a mischievous glint taking over her features.

"Well, that's the whole fun of it. We don't tell each other until one of us has won." Percy spurred his horse into action, Grace rolling her eyes as he rode ahead of her. She was quick to follow, leaning over the saddle as her horse galloped across the fields to catch up with Percy. He was so focused on the ridge ahead he almost didn't register when Grace pulled up alongside him.

"You're cheating, Percy!" Grace yelled at him, the wind flying through her hair as Percy looked over at her. He flashed his boyish smile at her, making her roll her eyes once more in jest, but he saw the corners of her mouth struggling against a smile.

They were neck and neck, both urging their horses in a faster gallop. Grace could see Percy faltering out of the corner of her eye, smirking as she loosened her reigns. Her horse almost flew out from underneath her, her laugh like tinkling chimes as she burst ahead of Percy and onto the ridge several lengths ahead of him.

Grace turned her horse around, laughing at Percy's sour expression as he trotted up and started to circle her. "How does it feel to lose?" she taunted.

"It stings, my lady. You wound me with your teasing," Percy said sarcastically. "Now, what do you desire as your prize?"

"Not until you tell me what you would have asked for," Grace replied. She was curious as to what he would say, what he would have wanted from her if he had won the race.

"I would have asked for a kiss," Percy answered sincerely, his eyes never wavering from her face as he watched her mouth gape open. She hadn't expected him to be so brazen, so forward in his advances towards her. His eyes precipitously darkened, a thirst evident that she had never seen before. "I want you Grace, more than anything I've ever wanted."

Grace licked her lips nervously, frozen in the saddle as Percy drew his horse closer to hers. They were barely an arm's length away from each other, his hand reaching out to grasp hers which were holding the reigns. She drew him towards her with the fluttering of her eyelashes, Percy enchanted by the green hue that resembled sparkling emeralds. The face of the king blurred behind her eyes, fading into nothingness as Percy used his other hand to reach her chin. He tilted her chin backwards slightly, neither speaking as he kissed her. It was soft at first before encompassing her with a numbness that tingled throughout her entire body.

Their kiss only deepened, making Grace practically cling to Percy like a bee to honey. Her senses were completely occupied by him, everything else dull in comparison to the golden figure of Percy. His firm mouth parted her tender lips, making her spine tremble and her nerves quiver with desire. His heart beat faster and faster as Grace's lips moved against his, his eyes inflamed with desperate hunger. They were lost in a bubble of space and time, not noticing how long it lasted before they came up for air.

Grace didn't know how to feel, except that she hoped he kissed her again. Both were breathless, their bodies still reacting and their minds still hazy from their moment of passion. They both heard the sound of the approaching carriage and they snapped back into reality. Grace jerked violently away from Percy as if he had pushed her and his gaze penetrated her, trying to uncover how she felt about the kiss. However, it seemed they wouldn't have a moment alone until they reached Whitehall, the impending visit now the priority rather than the couple's obvious tension.

The small party finally arrived at Whitehall, Mary blatantly anxious about meeting with her father while Elizabeth displayed the excited nature of a child, ignorant of the world around her. How Mary wished she didn't understand the implications of their visit or how her position was precariously in danger, the threat of the oath looming over her head. Cromwell was the biggest danger to her, her father's secretary her biggest enemy because of her Catholic faith.

Grace spotted Mary's qualms immediately, reassuring her friend that the king would never let his secretary harm her. However, she too was visibly scared, her demons lurking around her as they attempted to spill out from their surroundings. She was facing her own battle, not even Percy's encouraging smile able to tame the raging storm within.

Thankfully, no one was there to welcome them, Mary and Elizabeth led to their rooms with Grace and Percy diligently following behind. There were no words between them, Percy instead placing a comforting hand on the small of Grace's back. The heat of his hand soothed her, Grace grateful she had someone other than Mary to act as a shield of protection around the king. He had no idea she was coming with Mary and when he realized such a thing, she wasn't sure whether he would avoid her or seek her out. Either way, both reactions frightened her to her very core.

It was utter chaos in the newly renovated apartments, Mary given the privilege of having bigger chambers and richly decorated rooms which had been denied to her on account of Elizabeth's previous status as princess. Now that the sisters were equals, they could enjoy the same favors given to them by their father. He had once hesitated because of Anne, but now that Jane was queen, it was different. After all, Jane clearly favored Mary.

While Elizabeth busied herself playing with dolls on the carpet of the receiving chamber, bossing Winifred and Catherine in the process, Mary and Grace were unpacking all of Mary's trunks while Percy "supervised" the ladies. He looked overwhelmed by the massive amount of work and pointed servants in whichever direction they were needed. During her stay at Warwick, Grace and Anne had had several new dresses commissioned for Mary. No longer was her wardrobe dreary and dark, but now had an array of bright colors. Grace had noted that her changing clothes paralleled the different periods of Mary's life.

An array of maids and pages arrived to help with the process of unpacking, many whispering among themselves when they saw Grace arrive along with Mary and Elizabeth. They felt badly for the daughters of the king, both once princesses and now labeled as bastards. As for Grace, they couldn't understand why the Duchess of Gloucester didn't have her own apartments ready, unless her arrival was not expected. She had even loaned Mary the use of Winifred Pole and Catherine Carey as she had no more need for her own ladies.

No one had expected the king to arrive, Henry dealing with audiences with ambassadors all morning and afternoon. He had left Jane in the company of Ambassador Chapuys while he briefly visited his daughters, unaware of the surprise that waited for him. He chuckled when he entered the new apartments, all stopping and paying their respects when they spotted him. He hadn't been announced formally, choosing to visit without his large retinue, and he dismissed them all with a nod of his head.

"Papa!" Elizabeth called out, forgetting herself for a moment. Winifred caught the girl before she could rush towards her father, whispering a quick lesson into her ear. Unashamed with her behavior, Elizabeth curtsied before practically throwing herself into her father's arms. "Oh, I've missed you papa. I told Mary you were not mad at us." Henry could only laugh at his youngest daughter's behavior, relishing in the feeling of holding her in his arms. He had missed his daughters and hoped they did not think that he cared less for them because they had been sent away.

Mary emerged from her inner chambers, her face turning serious when she saw the king. She cast a look behind her, Henry's face furrowing in confusion. He had no idea why she was acting so odd. She curtsied to him, holding her position until Henry approached her and lifted her up by the elbow. "Mary?"

"Your majesty," Mary replied, staring directly into her father's eyes. He thought he was looking into a mirror image if himself, Mary's eyes the same shade of blue as his.

"Mary, I…" Henry had no clue what to say to his daughter. Conveying his feelings to her were so difficult despite being reconciled over a year ago. Their relationship was strained now because of his new marriage and he recognized that her loyalty to Grace and Anne was stronger than ever. "I've written a note for you and your sister for 2,000 crowns. If you need anything else, you need only ask." He shifted Elizabeth in his arms, the two year old casting perturbed glances at her father and sister. She thought it was so odd that her father carried her while Mary was distant.

"Thank you, your majesty," Mary replied, still using formalities. There was a hidden edge to her tone, as if she was trying to protect herself from him.

"Father," Henry spoke, reaching out to stroke Mary's cheek in a fatherly manner. "You and Elizabeth must call me father whenever we are together. I am a father first to you both, not king."

"Yes, father." Mary finally cracked a smile, realizing that her father was not the monster she had thought he might have turned into. Henry pressed his forehead against hers before pressing a kiss to the skin, doing the same with Elizabeth. He loved his girls and he hoped this was a start in the right direction with them.

"Now tell me, how many dresses did you bring with you? My daughters will be the envy of the entire court," Henry teased, tossing Elizabeth into the air to make her giggle. The atmosphere had considerably softened in the exterior chamber, but within Mary and Elizabeth's bedchamber it was an entirely different mood. Grace had backed herself up against the wall, praying that the king would not inspect the other part of Mary's chambers. Percy hesitated, trying to decide whether he should make himself known or remain next to Grace who was fading fast. Her eyes were shut tight, her fists clenched while she murmured unknown words across her lips.

"What about Gracie?" Elizabeth questioned, unaware that Grace's presence was supposed to be kept a secret. She fiddled with her father's shimmering collar that he wore, Henry still holding her in his arms. He stared at Elizabeth wide eyed, completely taken aback. His demeanor completely changed from that of joy to alarm and he looked towards Mary for an explanation. Grace became further distressed in the other room, her breathing quickening. She slid down the wall, bringing her knees to her chest, and her head lowered to her knees. Her demons were wrapping around her, their poisonous voices dripping in her ears. A choked sob was making its way up her throat, but she held it in, too scared to make a sound.

"What on earth is she talking about, Mary?" The spell was broken, a happy family moment now turning into an inquisition as Henry sought an answer from his eldest daughter. His chest felt heavy at the mention of Grace, a sense of possessiveness and anger cursing through his veins.

"She's just tired from the journey, father," Mary spoke, trying to persuade her father that it was nothing. He was still suspicious, eyeing his eldest daughter carefully. His sharp gaze flickered to the other room, ignoring his daughter's protests as he entered without a second thought.

Grace had managed to pick herself up off the ground, scrambling to have some sort of control when Henry came into sight. His appearance was immaculate as always, his beard freshly shaven and his outfit one of a leaden gold color. Henry watched her, his blazing blue eyes boring into hers. She was immobilized by fear, but she still looked beautiful to him with her haunting green eyes. However, when he spotted Percy defensively standing next to her, he couldn't understand why he was there other than to be an escort. He wanted him gone, immediately.

"Percy, thank you for escorting my daughters and the Lady Neville to court. You are excused." Grace felt as if she could scream at him, her eyes holding a ferocious glint in them that frightened even the king. Percy leaned forward, Henry's blue eyes darkening when he whispered something undecipherable into Grace's ear before lifting her hand and kissing it in farewell.

Grace almost appeared forlorn that Percy was leaving, like her knight was leaving her to the wolves. Her hand was held in midair for a split second before she realized her mistake, her green orbs connecting with the king's once more. She shivered when he spotted his anger, fearing his temper would make Percy his victim. However, it wasn't anger but the green hand of envy edging its way into Henry's dark heart.

"Elizabeth, why don't you go with your sister. Lady Grace and I need to discuss some things." Henry's voice left no room for argument, his sights set on Grace now. No one could help her, save her from her worst demon. Henry set Elizabeth down, Mary hurriedly leading her sister and ladies away from the hostile room to leave Grace and her father alone. She sent her a wistful look, hoping Grace would forgive her for abandoning her.

Neither one said anything, Henry still in disbelief that she was standing right in front of him. He blinked several times, wondering if she would disappear like a ghost or maybe he was hallucinating. She remained still, almost as if she wasn't real except for the slight rise and fall of her chest. "Why are you here?" he choked out, his throat suddenly dry.

"You know why. I wouldn't let Mary back into the den of wolves without me," Grace spit back at him. She was going to act aggressively defensive, only so the king would be wary around her. She didn't want him to assume anything, assume that she would fall back into his arms like nothing happened.

Henry scowled at her response, edging closer to her ever so slightly. So that was how it was going to be? She was going to act like what they shared hadn't happened, like it was his fault he had given her what she wanted. She wanted to walk away. He wasn't going to chase after a woman who didn't want to be chased, not after how she manipulated him to believe she would stay. "You dare speak to me like that?"

"I was referring to your secretary," Grace bit out. "He'll be waiting for a moment to pounce on her. He's hoping you'll force her to sign the oath, your own flesh and blood under your control. How pathetic."

"You think me so low as to force my daughter into something she doesn't believe?" Henry gritted through his teeth. She had awakened the lion within, something far more frightening then the Seymour pack and Cromwell. She watched him as he took a few steps toward her, keeping some distance between them.

"You almost killed my uncle for it. Would you kill your own daughter for the same reason?" Grace was baiting him, playing the game she always ended up playing with him. She riled him up just to insult him further.

"That's a step too far." Henry's rage coiled in his stomach, his temper rising to the surface. She knew how to light the flame within, to make him the worst version of himself and he hated her for it.

"And what you've done hasn't crossed boundaries? You want to play the innocent king?" Grace retorted.

Henry couldn't contain himself, seizing her harshly on her arms and pushing her backwards until her back collided with the hard marble of the mantel over the fireplace. He slammed his hands down on either side of her head, hot steam pouring from his nostrils. Grace hardly flinched, her steel gaze cutting into his skin. "Don't play coy with me, Grace! You're hardly innocent after what you've done to me." Grace blanched at his accusation.

"What I've done to you?! How daft are you?" Grace could hardly believe what he was saying, making her seem like some kind of animal when he was the one who almost killed his wife and others. "You had your wife tried for incest and adultery, a woman who waited years for you and you turned on her because Cromwell shoved lies in front of your face. You swallowed them up all too easily. You wanted her gone. You wanted Jane. You wanted sons. For what?"

"I wanted you! I spared her because of you, because I couldn't kill my child's mother. Because you made me see how foolish I was being. I'm a man, Grace. I make mistakes," Henry explained to her, desperation in his voice as he cupped her face with his calloused hands.

"And you still believe all those lies, after everything I've told you about. At least Wolsey truly cared for your wellbeing and that of the realm. All Cromwell cares about is the reformation, no guilt in his mind for closing all the religious houses." Grace's anger throbbed in her like a heartbeat, beating rapidly as she stared at the man who broke her heart. "You only care about yourself. Stop trying to convince me otherwise."

"For God's sake, Grace, stop this nonsense!" Henry yelled at her, beyond frustrated with her insufferable behavior. "What do I have to do to convince you that you're the only thing I want. I don't want Jane, I don't want sons. You could give me only daughters and I would be perfectly content. You've made me realize I don't need my dynasty to survive with a son. I have Mary and Elizabeth. If I have a son, then it is God's will, and if I don't, that is God telling me that my daughters are enough." Grace's eyes glimmered with hope, hope that he had truly changed, but her heart and brain were fighting against one another, reason over feeling. "Listen to me. All you need to say is yes, yes to me and yes to a life together, and I can change everything."

Grace cast off his touch, disgusted with herself that she had almost fallen for his tricks. "Change everything? You can't change anything, Henry! You've already married her. She might be pregnant with your child. Are you willing to risk losing that? Possibly even gaining the disapproval of your people? I don't think your pride will let you."

"Damn pride. You know I'd cast it to hell to have you." It didn't matter to Grace anymore. She had made her decision. She would not let him into her heart again. She had made that mistake before and she would be stupid to allow it to happen again.

"It's too late. You've made your bed, now lie in it."

Yorkshire, Northern England

An uprising was beginning, the people of the north outraged at the destruction of the religious houses. Sawley Abbey had been destroyed, the Northumberlands' being their benefactors since the 13th century. Sir Robert Aske was among their numbers, gathering followers to hear the case of the English people. He was a lawyer and a gifted orator, but he hadn't expected to be the leader of an uprising.

Robert's friend John stood before the gathered group, standing on a pedestal so all could see and hear him. "Friends, friends. We've come here so you can listen to and talk to this good man, Mr. Robert Aske. Now, some of you already know him as the Earl of Northumberland's legal man." Chattering broke out among the people because of his profession. "Hey, hey. Now, he's always been honest and fair-minded in his dealings with the commons, so Mr. Aske can speak for himself."

Robert switched positions with John, asking the men their grievances. "Evening, gentlemen. Now, tell me what is it you all want."

One man stepped forward, brave enough to begin. "Mr. Aske, all our feast days are abolished and gone. Should it please the king's grace that we might have our holidays back?"

Another spoke, "We want the abbeys restored and demand that this advance of heresy be halted. We want these new heretic bishops like Cranmer to be cast out. And him and Cromwell to be supplanted by men of noble birth." Cheering and applause broke out amongst the men, agreeing with him.

A third talked of his problems. "We hear rumours, Mr. Aske, that new taxes are to be levied against us. On our cattle and our christenings, on our marriages and our births." Outrage was heard among the commoners.

"Mr. Aske, they even will destroy our parish churches and steal all their treasures," another spoke up. Shouting broke out again only to be stopped by Aske.

"All right, gentlemen, all right. And what do you reckon you can do to stop them?" Aske was trying to reason with the men, but they wouldn't listen.

"Mr. Aske, before our lands, our goods and our houses are taken from us by the church commissioners, we will fight."

"Aye!"

"And we will die."

"Aye!"

"That is our full answer, Mr. Aske." The commons broke out in applause, ready to fight for their beliefs.

"I know you're angry. The destruction of the abbeys is a terrible... A criminal thing, since they represent, by their very presence an exalted ideal to all of us. But, gentlemen, this call to arms, to rebellion against the king's grace is something which on my conscience I cannot agree to." Aske had a moral code to live by, hoping these men did as well, but they were filled with vengeance. The shouting broke out once more, Aske shaking his head in defeat.

"Nonsense!"

"Since the king is our body and soul, then an attack upon him is an attack upon the commonwealth and upon God himself." Aske looked around helplessly, his friend John losing hope at having a peaceful protest against the suppression.

"Did you hear that, men? The gentry don't care for us. Christ died for the poor. You remember that, Mr. Aske?" Aske could only stare back in defeat. The men had made their choice and he was damned to lead them to victory.

Whitehall 14 June 1536

"I've been discussing plans for your coronation with Mr. Holbein." Henry and Jane were dining together in his private chambers, Jane's ladies, her brother Edward, and Sir Francis Bryan present to wait upon the royal couple. Jane wore a magnificent outfit of pink and gold, a beautiful diadem resting upon her golden curls while Henry wore his trademark black outfit with a golden chain. He was eager as he spoke, trying to drown the thought of Grace out of his mind. "Have you ever heard of the Bucentaur of Venice?" he questioned.

"No, Your Majesty." Henry was disappointed, not used to her dumbfounded expression. Jane was unaware of so many things, her education lacking where his previous wives had excelled. He ignored the aggravated feeling in the gut of his stomach, continuing his speech with enthusiasm.

"It's a ship in which the doge travels out into the lagoon every year to renew his marriage vows
with the sea. It's a magnificent thing, adorned with gold and bronze statues of Neptune, sea lions and other fantastical sea-creatures. And I'm going to build it. And you're going to travel in it
from Greenwich to the city, where you will be crowned Queen Jane of England." Henry was quite animated as he talked, pleased he could commission Mr. Holbein to build a replica. Jane held onto his every word, amazed at the description of such a magnificent event. She could never dream of seeing such a thing nor even being brought to London in such a vessel. Jane was overwhelmed, unsure how to answer her husband.

"Your Majesty, I…I don't know what to say," Jane stuttered.

"You don't have to say anything. lt will be the most fabulous coronation any English queen has ever had. That I promise you." Jane smiled at his promise, her heart gladdened by his endeavor to please her and their people. Henry would have promised Grace such a thing, but it was impossible now. He angrily thought of Henry Percy and the puppy dog eyes he had sent towards his Grace. And that's what he would think of her as: his Grace. Percy would be sadly mistaken if he thought Henry would stand by and watch as he swooped in to carry Grace off into the sunset. He grimaced internally at such a thought. No he promised himself. I will win Grace back. I will make her see the changed man I am. Despite being married, Henry would do anything for Grace and he had to prove that to her.

Henry was distracted from his thoughts by the sound of Jane's voice and he struggled to listen to her sickly sweet voice. "Your Majesty, forgive me. But I've heard that your majesty had an audience with the Lady Mary…and the Duchess of Gloucester." Henry's face hardened at the mention of Grace's name, still feeling spurned from their argument. He had offered her the world on a silver platter, and she had rejected him again without a second thought. He didn't want Jane voicing her opinions now. They had been married less than a month, but he was starting to question his secretary on the choice of a bride. "I would ask your majesty to be lenient with the Lady Mary, I have heard there will be proceedings against her. With all my heart, I beg thee not to. But I must also ask your majesty, for my sake, for our sake, that you send the Lady Neville away."

Henry grinned slightly, but Jane knew it was a façade. The simple gesture made her start shaking with panic for she knew she had upset the king. He was infuriated with her for speaking out of place, his blue orbs menacing as he positioned himself behind her chair to whisper into her ear. "Are you out of your senses? Don't talk of such matters again." Jane cast her eyes down demurely as was expected of her, remaining quiet as her husband corrected her. She let him kiss her cheek, but it was a show for their courtiers to think all was well between the royal couple. However, it was a warning and Jane scolded herself, knowing that the king expected her to be obedient. She would watch herself, tread lightly on the icy ground. She would not make the mistake of acting like Grace Neville.

A/N: Comments?