May 20, 1536

"Anne?"

Anne blinked open her eyes blearily to see her husband standing above her, thick brows arched into his hairline. "You've woken up!" "Yes..." Anne noted that she was in her old quarters, the Queen's quarters. "George, where's George?" "Your brother?" The King's face tensed. "Mmhm," Anne confirmed. The events of the last few weeks began to return to her, first in a trickle, then a flood. She drew away from her husband, trembling. "Is he really dead?" "Y-yes, but"- "For nothing?" Anne watched as Henry observed her crestfallen face, then sighed. "It was his time, my love." His time to be beheaded? A deep, black void of hatred formed in Anne's soul at his words. How vile this man she had once loved was...

"The astrologers are confident it will be a son," Henry continued. "How"- Anne forced out- "Wonderful. And if it isn't? What will you do then?" He couldn't kill her, she hoped. He'd already admitted to faking the charges, and England wouldn't be fooled for a second time. He could always divorce her, and though, if she consented, she would have a life of luxury, her daughter would be branded a bastard, and that was the last thing Anne desired.

"We'll try again. You're only 29."

Anne shivered. "Will you... will you"- she felt a surge of her old temper and released the words in a rush. "Will you lie me to the scaffold again?!" "I didn't lie!" The loving husband was replaced by a King, and he towered over her, his broad figure casting her petite one in shadow. "I was misled and- no. No, I won't... I won't be misled again." Yes, Anne thought, pass the blame onto others. But she let him get away with it. She had to plan her steps carefully. She now understood Henry was not to be trifled with. He held her life in the palm of his hand. A stabbing pain awoke in Anne's belly. "Ouch!" she cried. "Shall I get the midwife?" The doting husband reappeared, his face a mask of concern. "No. I- I am fine." Anne forced a smile. "I will lie down now."

But with those blue eyes on her, sleep was a long time coming.