Thomas sat down on the edge of Anne's bed and took her hand in his. "My darling Anne," he said softly, "what troubles you so?"
Anne turned her head slightly towards him, her eyes brimming with tears. "Papa," she whispered, "I have something to tell you, something that you will find hard to believe."
Thomas squeezed her hand gently. "You can tell me anything, my dear. You know that."
Anne leaned into his embrace, remembering how she was his favorite child and when she was a child, he was loathe to see her in pain.
Anne held her father's hand, squeezing it tight. "Papa, I traveled back in time."
Thomas Boleyn was taken aback by Anne's revelation. "Travel back in time? How is that even possible?" he asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
Anne looked up at her father, tears streaming down her face. "I don't know how it happened, Father. But I lived another life, in a different time," she said, her voice trembling.
Thomas sat down beside her on the bed and took her hand. "Tell me everything, my dear," he said gently.
Anne cried as she said, "I married King Henry VIII, struggled to give birth to a male heir, and this failure led to me being executed under false charges of adultery and incest. I regret ever meeting the King, he caused me so pain and suffering. I was branded as a whore even when I did not give myself to any man until I married."
Thomas listened in disbelief, his heart heavy with sympathy for his daughter. "I had no idea you had been through so much," he said, his voice full of emotion.
Anne squeezed his hand tighter. "I didn't want to burden you with my troubles, Father. I thought it was best to keep them to myself," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Thomas shook his head. "No, my dear. You should have told me. I would have done everything in my power to help you," he said, his voice firm.
Anne looked up at him, gratitude shining in her eyes. "I know, Father. And I'm sorry for not trusting you enough," she said.
Thomas smiled kindly at her. "There's no need to apologize, my dear. What's done is done. The important thing now is to move forward," he said.
Anne nodded, wiping away her tears. "That's why I need to leave the Court, Father. I can't stay there any longer. Too much has happened, and I need a fresh start," she said, determination in her voice.
Thomas looked at her thoughtfully. "I understand your desire to leave, Anne. But you must also consider the consequences of breaking ties with the King," he said.
Anne sighed. "I know, Father. But I can't continue living like this. I need to do what's best for my own well-being," she said.
Thomas nodded in agreement. "I will do everything in my power to help you, my dear. But you must also be strong and face the consequences of your actions," he said.
Anne smiled at her father gratefully. "Thank you, Father. I know I can always count on you," she said.
Thomas hugged her tightly. "Always, my dear. Always," he said, his voice full of love and warmth.
Mary gasped as she listened to Anne's story, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. George's eyes widened as he took in the weight of what Anne had just revealed. They both moved closer to their sister, wrapping their arms around her in a comforting embrace.
Mary was the first to speak, "Oh Anne, how terrible! To have gone through all of that alone. We will help you, whatever you need."
George nodded in agreement, "We will protect you, Anne. We will make sure that you never have to go back to that life again."
Anne smiled weakly, grateful for the support of her siblings. "Thank you both. I couldn't have done it without you. But we need to be careful. The King is not one to let go easily."
Thomas Boleyn, who had been listening at the door, stepped into the room. "You are right, Anne. We need to be careful. But we can do this together. I will help you to make a new life for yourself, away from the court."
Anne looked at her father with gratitude. "Thank you, Father. But I need to go back to court first. I need to formally break my relationship with the King. I can't just disappear, it will raise too many suspicions."
Thomas nodded in agreement, "You're right, Anne. We need to be careful not to arouse suspicion. We will come up with a plan, but you need to be strong."
Anne smiled bravely, "I will, Father. I will do whatever it takes to break free from the King and start anew."
Chapter Management