Chapter Fourteen - Loyaulte me Lie

Author's Note: A Volta is a type of medieval dance, probably the most commonly known as it's used in Tudor period films and shows quite often. The title of this chapter also is the motto of King Richard III who died in battle against Henry VII of England (Henry's father). The motto means loyalty binds me. This is still historically inaccurate on purpose for the sake of the flow and movement. Trigger warning: physical abuse, verbal anger.

Henry and Anne made their way back to the Boleyn apartments. They were both giddy with excitement and did their best to restrain themselves as they passed by other members of the court. Henry glanced at Anne, completely impressed by how well she kept her composure. That was one thing Anne was taught well in the French court, never let others know how one is feeling. Showing true colors and emotions could be dangerous - considering there was a chance that one didn't know who'd be listening. There were eyes and ears everywhere, anyone could be a traitor.

Her biggest threat was Cardinal Wolsey - if he discovered this engagement, there would be hell to pay. Even if Queen Katherine would be on her side, the King was not happy with his wife. He'd been growing distant and was starting to listen more to Wolsey. With Wolsey's power growing, no one was safe there. Anne had also heard rumors from her fiance that Cardinal Wolsey was building up a magnificent palace for himself. It had been years in the making, and supposedly was going to be more grand than any of the palaces the King owned. Anne had a sinking feeling that would not bode well with Henry. What if Cardinal Wolsey was styling himself second-in-command with the King of England? Everyone knew him to be a shrewd sort of man - definitely power-hungry. But, Anne had to wonder; would Wolsey overstep his bounds with the king?

Would he have the daring nerve to prove himself better than Henry Tudor? He already had power over all the church clergy in England being cardinal. What honestly would hold him back from trying to take more power for himself? Anne was more reserved as she continued thinking about this engagement of hers. She sat down on the chaise beside Henry Percy and nestled close to him, resting her chin on his shoulder.

"What's the matter?" he asked, softly.

"I'm just thinking too much about certain things."

"Are you thinking about if the king or Cardinal Wolsey found out about us?" he continued.

"How do you already know me so well?" Anne sighed, smiling at him but it was a partial smile - there was still worry etched in her features.

"I'm going to reassure you, Annie, everything will be fine. This will pass us by and one day, hopefully soon we can be married. I just need to convince my father to break off the alliance with the Talbots. I know she doesn't like me much either."

"If you don't like one another - what was the point of the alliance?" Anne wondered.

"Political gain for my father," Henry replied. "I think this would be a far better match. I don't understand why he and Wolsey are determined to make this match. There's no benefit for Mary or myself. I mean, she has relations with the Nevilles and Staffords, but that's about it."

"The Nevilles are a pretty prominent family - older than ours. I heard her great-uncle was the Kingmaker himself."

"But Warwick was also a usurper - he dethroned Edward IV for his brother, George." Henry reminded her.

"Speaking of the Nevilles, isn't Maggie Pole still alive?" Anne asked.

"I think so," Henry said.

"I can't imagine what she must feel - being the last Plantagenet. I wonder if she remembers Edward IV and his wife, or even Bad King Richard."

"I'm sure she does, she's only fifty or so."

"That's ancient, Henry!"

"I suppose. We'd be lucky to live as long as she has, despite everything Maggie Pole has gone through. She outlived her mother and father and her own brother. Other than her children, she has no family left."

"I don't know if I could bear it - to lose everyone like that, all who I hold dear to me. I don't want to be the last survivor. Not only that, she has a direct claim to the throne of England."

"She gave it up as a sign of fealty to the Tudors. A lot of Yorkists did, in order to spare their lives and their families." Henry continued, his eyes lighting up again as he spoke of history.

"It's mad to think that so many people follow a man because he believes God gave him the right to rule a country. What qualifies a man to rule? Isn't it fascinating to think about? England has had kings and queens rule for centuries, all throughout time, descended and natural born heirs. What is a king but a mortal man? A man made of dust, flesh and blood - like Adam. How do we know who to show loyalty to? What binds a man to loyalty? How do we know that this was God-ordained? How do we know God's pleasing and perfect will?" Anne contemplated.

"It is quite a wonder to think about." Henry agreed. "I quite admire your thoughts, Annie. You are a philosopher at heart, I know I have told you that before, but I love to see your mind working. It's mesmerizing, your intelligence is beyond your years."

"If I were a man, I think I'd want to be a philosopher and earn my wage that way."

"Well, for my part, I'm glad you're not a man, my darling. When we marry, I will give you a library so vast you can read and explore to your heart's content. If you wish to be a philosopher - I will not stop you. Whatever you wish to pursue - I will do what I can to encourage and support you."

"I'm so glad to have met you, Henry. I do not know if there would be any other man who'd allow me to be myself like this. I think most men would be intimidated and try to silence me."

"Then they are the fools," Henry said, softly.

He leaned forward and kissed her tenderly. Anne could feel herself smiling through their kiss and felt utterly content with everything. The kiss was sweet, but brief. Henry played with her hair after, running his fingers gently through, brushing it over her shoulder. The two sat like that for a while, enjoying each other's company, sitting in silence. She was thankful for someone like Henry Percy, and realized perhaps now that she was grateful she never started the dalliance years ago in France with Philippe. He was a faded, distant memory that she hardly ever thought of. Even France seemed like a lifetime ago.

There was so much that had changed and that she had learned from while in France. She had returned a year ago from France and now she was already engaged. Her father she knew would be most surprised. Anne was particular about what she wanted and which is why she had waited so long. She hadn't wanted just anyone. And she was fortunate to find someone like Henry - who wasn't intimidated by her smarts. She didn't understand either why it would have been such a thing for men to find challenging, but they did. Perhaps it was because they didn't like the fact she could be smarter than they were or have more wisdom. England, too, was a man's world and Anne had to learn to navigate it the same as she had in France. She felt the English court was more conniving and ruthless. The French were snobbish and sought power, sure, but there was something about being home, being with the English that Anne knew she had to be cautious. It was a different kind of hunger.

If she made one wrong move, said the wrong thing - it could be a nasty fall for her and her entire family. She learned quite quickly that not everyone could be trusted. Everyone was in the game for themselves, women included. If there was a chance to be elevated in rank, earn a position in court, it could cause rivalries and alliances to break and form. It was stupid, really. All these people were truly placed in these positions because of men - men who created titles and wealth. What was it all when one thought about it? How different would life have been had God placed the Tudors in a lowly servant's position? What if Henry Tudor had never become king?

It was easy to forget that they had, indeed, been the fortunate ones. Life to the peasants wasn't kind, even coming by carriage through London, Anne could see the average folk toiling away. In that regard, she hadn't really done a hard day's work at all. Anne knew she could never plow a field or make bread for her family with her own two hands. She was definitely bookish and well learned in the intellectual sense, but when it came to common daily activities - Anne hadn't really learned to do those things.

Well, sure, she could have done it if it were left up to her - but things did come easier with help. She marveled at the strength of women in lesser positions than her, not a feat often noted in English nobility. Child-bearing mortality rates were already high in affluent families, but what about the peasantry? They had far less chance of surviving, should a mother contract childbed fever or other ailment after giving birth. There was little to no chance to find a physician ready to help. In that regard, she was more than thankful to be born into a high ranking family - they had access to more amenities than some.

And should she ever have children, they too, would have a chance to be educated and well off. She hoped that God would allow her and Henry to marry. She prayed their engagement wouldn't be an issue - that his father would be willing to call off the alliance with the Talbots. If he perhaps would be willing to see how much they loved one another, then perhaps they could start planning the wedding sooner. Their fathers could be easy to convince. It was King Henry and Cardinal Wolsey who they had to convince. If the king and cardinal saw more benefits in Henry Percy marrying Lady Mary, that could smell trouble. The fact their engagement was secret - that he didn't ask the king first, that was another sign of trouble just waiting to happen. Anne's stomach twisted at the thought of enraging the Tudor king. She'd seen him angry once - at the Field of the Cloth of Gold and it wasn't pleasant.

She wondered if he were to ask the King, pretending that they weren't engaged at all, then the King might agree to breaking off the engagement to her rival. Anne sat up straighter and fixed the skirts of her dress.

"Henry?" she asked.

"Yes?"

"I know that no one knows about our engagement. But, what if you were to ask the king permission for us to marry. No one but us two knows about it, so it wouldn't have to be secret then."

"That's a clever idea. Perhaps I can convince him this would be a better alliance than Lady Mary Talbot."

"I know my family isn't as prominent as the Nevilles or Staffords - but my sister is still in favor with the king, I think - my father is the Earl of Ormond as well now, not just the Earl of Wiltshire. My brother is Lord Rocheford. How much more can your father possibly desire?"

"Money," Henry answered, bluntly.

"My father has plenty of that." Anne grumbled, annoyed. "I don't see what the issue needs to be, unless this is also for Wolsey's benefit, which it probably is. He wants all the people under his employment to be at his beck and call. Maybe, it's so he knows what you are doing at all times. If he has control, then he feels secure."

"I'll look for a good time to speak to His Majesty. I know he can be temperamental. He's having a hard time with his wife and I think the tension is only getting worse."

"I genuinely feel badly for Queen Katherine. It might not even be her fault that she can't conceive. It takes two to Volta."

Henry snorted and snickered at Anne's comment and shook his head at her.

"Are you saying the king is the problem?"

"Well, he could be. The royal physicians though are paid to tell the king what he wants to hear. Mostly."

"Don't let the king hear you say that."

"I'll try not to." Anne remarked, with a huff.

Henry wrapped his arms around Anne and pulled her closer to him. He leaned back on the chaise and they rested there for a while longer, enjoying each other's presence. Anne was utterly content to be here with him. The fact she found love with a title, that made her even more happy. The pair got up after hearing footsteps down the hall. Anne straightened her dress and her appearance, so not as to give herself away. She grabbed a book that had been on a table nearby and sat down on the chair near there. Henry sat down at the desk and began writing. He thought that if he wrote a letter to his father about his engagement with Lady Mary Talbot, then maybe his father would break it off. Henry did, however, leave out the fact he was engaged to Anne Boleyn.

The last thing he wanted was to ruin her good name and position. If he then spoke to the king and if Anne would speak to the queen, perhaps the royals would show favor, especially if they were in high spirits. The door opened and William and Mary had come through with their father, Thomas. They had all been speaking over one another, arguing about something. When Anne looked up, she could see her father was livid. Mary looked as though she was on the verge of tears and Will looked utterly defeated. He was clearly upset about something, perhaps something Mary had done or not done. Thomas looked at Anne and then at Henry Percy. He huffed irritably.

"What on earth are you two doing here? Why are you not at your posts?" Thomas spat, glaring at Anne.

"Queen Katherine wanted the day to herself. She was not feeling well, Father. She only has one other lady with her today to tend to her illness."

"What about him?" Thomas asked, sharply and pointing to Henry Percy who put down the quill.

"Cardinal Wolsey has been in meetings all day. I have not seen him since this morning." Henry lied, shifting in his seat.

"Why don't I believe either of you?" Thomas muttered and stomped off behind another door in the apartments.

He slammed the door behind him and they heard the lock click. Henry Percy got up and took the parchment paper with him, folding it up after the ink had dried. He put it into his side pocket in his coat and kissed Anne on the cheek before leaving. Anne watched him go and smiled sadly at him. Her father was in a foul mood and he'd rather not upset him further and he caught on to William and Mary fighting too and thought it best to leave.

Anne glanced at Mary again who had burst into tears and sat down on the chaise. Will stood awkwardly between the sisters, uncertain of what to do. Anne took this as her cue to leave. She got up and put the book away that she'd been pretending to read. She was about to leave but Mary stopped her.

"Anne, please don't leave! Stay!" Mary insisted.

"Mary, we need to talk privately. As much as I adore my sister-in-law, it's best that we continue this conversation alone." Will said, sternly, but not harshly.

"I'm sorry," Anne mouthed softly and quickly left the sitting room.

She found Henry Percy down the end of the hall, looking pale and then she spotted Cardinal Wolsey making his way up the corridor with a few of his pageboys and some others of his household. Anne froze in place, uncertain of where to turn to. The cardinal was fuming. Anne backed away as the cardinal grabbed fistfulls of Henry's shirt and shoved him on the opposite wall, snarling at him like a dog.

"What the devil are you playing at, boy?" Cardinal Wolsey shouted. "You are engaged to be married to Lady Mary Talbot. That was the arrangement I had made with your father. Now news has reached me that you are betrothed to this whore?"

"She is not a whore!" Henry retorted back, his voice filled with venom. "I love her and I am going to marry Lady Anne. I refuse to marry Lady Mary."

Cardinal Wolsey laughed mockingly, releasing his hold on Henry. Anne watched the scene in total shock. She was trembling beneath her cool facade, completely terrified of Wolsey. She then looked around at the other pageboys and members of his household. A couple of them, too, were surprised by Wolsey's temper, except for James Butler. Anne could see a ghost of a smirk playing at the edges of his mouth. His eyes lit up and he did his best not to look at the spectacle but he seemed delighted that Henry Percy had been caught by their employer.

Anne sent him a sharp look. If she wasn't a proper lady and if Wolsey hadn't been present, she would have walked right up to him and smacked that smirk off his face.

"I will not allow this engagement to continue. If you wish to keep your position in court and for your father to keep his title, you WILL do as I say, damn it." Cardinal Wolsey ordered, challengingly. "Do I make myself clear?"

He enunciated his final question with such hatred and snarkiness that Anne felt helpless. She looked at Henry, his jaw was clenched and his shoulders were stiff. He straightened himself up and gave a curt nod to the cardinal.

"If I ever see you around her again, I will personally have the king strip you and your family of everything you own!" Cardinal Wolsey spat, shoving Henry roughly against the wall before releasing him. "End it. Now."

Cardinal Wolsey turned to Anne, and he glared at her. He wished so dearly he could slap her across the cheek like he would an insolent child. Much to his displeasure and hers, he did react in such a manner. With the back of his hand, he struck her cheek. His signet ring scratched lightly at her skin. Anne was utterly startled at his actions. The fact that a member of the cloth, a cardinal close to the king, struck her was beyond her. She kept her composure and sent him an icy look, stone-cold features hiding her true emotions. Henry Percy was just as bewildered that Cardinal Wolsey dared to strike her. The cardinal cleared his throat and with one hand motioned, ordered his household to leave with him. His red cloak billowed behind him as he made his escape.

"Whatever he says, I will not end our engagement." Henry said, walking up to Anne after regaining his composure. "Anne, look at me."

Anne looked up, feeling a fresh set of tears threatening to fall.

"How did he find out so fast?" Anne cried, her voice trembling.

"I don't know. He has spies everywhere. There is a chance someone might have seen us from one of the windows or they were hidden in the garden. I am so sorry for inflicting this upon you, Anne."

"Henry, don't, it isn't you." Anne answered, her voice soft and gentle. "It's Cardinal Wolsey. He hates the fact that my family is rising in power. My father has the king's ear. I am close to Her Majesty. He doesn't want us to be successful, so he's going to try anything to get rid of me. I should be the one to leave court. I - I don't want you to lose anything on my account."

"He's all threats and no action." Henry countered. "He likes to intimidate people and knows that if he can do that, then he has the upper hand."

"Well, whatever he's doing - it's working. I'm honestly scared this is going to explode into something bigger when it doesn't need to."

"I won't let it! Anne, I'll look after you and protect you."

"How?" Anne shouted, as she began pacing. "Wolsey is your employer, Henry. You could lose everything! What would you do then if you have no title and are powerless? I don't think you realize just how precarious this is now."

Henry caught her arms and held her in place, wanting to shake sense into her. For Anne to be anxious like this, it was rare. She always held her own confidently. She looked away from him, not wanting to make eye contact. Henry moved one hand to reach her face, gently touching her cheek - the one Wolsey had struck. Anne could still feel the sting of the slap but soon began to fade at Henry's touch. She wrapped her arms around him and fell into his embrace, burying her face into his chest. Henry wrapped his arms around her securely. Anne felt safe here - this was her sanctuary. Being with Henry Percy calmed her anxious thoughts, and he continued to hold her that way until she felt completely relaxed. Anne sighed deeply and smiled after a long while. Henry felt her shifting. She looked up at him and kissed him sweetly.

"I'm sorry for my reaction. I just didn't expect Cardinal Wolsey to be THIS furious."

"Don't apologize. It isn't your fault, and he should have never struck you like that. I ought to tell the king he struck one of the queen's ladies-in-waiting."

"Do you think the king would punish him for something like that?"

"I don't know for certain, but the queen certainly could. You are under her protection."

"Queen Katherine hasn't been seen all day. We think she might have taken a private mass and is fasting, but we don't know. She only has Lady Worcester with her. Lady W is a senior lady-in-waiting."

"She isolates when she fasts?" Henry asked, curiously.

"Yes, it gives her a chance to hear God. The less distractions she has, she can focus better. Or so she has told me."

"I can see how that can work. There's so many things going on at court, especially considering how many ladies she has, it's nice to have one or two days to oneself." Henry contemplated.

"It is also the first week of Lent. The first couple weeks Queen Katherine takes things very seriously. And I agree, it's nice to have time for myself, too, and to spend it with you. Despite Wolsey and my father…"

"Anne, look at me." Henry urged, holding her arms. "I'm not going to break this engagement that easily. I'm sticking around. To hell with Wolsey."

"Henry!" Anne cried, shocked.

"Well, that's how I feel. I won't apologize for being in love with you."

Anne smiled, but there was worry in her features. Henry could see it. She was frightened, and for good reason. He knew from here on out they had to be cautious. Henry would do everything in his power, whatever he had to do to keep them together. He wouldn't let Wolsey win this one. Not when they've come so far. He would have to figure out a way for them to remain together, even if it meant eloping with her. He would do it.

"Whatever it takes to be with you, I'll do it." Henry vowed. "I promise this to you, my darling. Come on, let's go and do something fun to take our minds off this."

. . . AB . . .