Chapter Fifteen - Clash of the Royals

Author's Note: Also I am changing my actress choice for Katherine of Aragon, this chapter goes more in depth about Katherine and her past and I don't think I thought it all the way through the first time, but now I think I found my Katherine of Aragon. Hannah Murray (she was in Game of Thrones as Tilly and she was in the UK version of Skins), I feel like she fits my description of Queen Katherine better than Indira Varma (who is still just as stunning and a great actress, I love the characters she plays; nothing against her, just wasn't the right choice for me in the end). I don't know if I picked an actor for James Butler, but Cillian Murphy during his younger years was my mental image when I thought of his character.

TRIGGER WARNING: PHYSICAL ABUSE AND VIOLENCE

Cardinal Wolsey brought Henry Percy forward to discuss his personal matter with the king himself. After seeing Henry and Anne together, he made his reports to the king, but the king insisted on speaking to the boy personally to hear both accounts. After hearing their accounts, he would speak to Anne - but, this matter King Henry decided to keep from the cardinal. That man didn't need to know every detail. He could hear Cardinal Wolsey snapping at the younger man before them, urging him forward. Henry Percy bowed low before making his way up to the throne.

"Your Majesty," he greeted.

"Lord Northumberland," King Henry said, "Cardinal Wolsey has informed me that you are betrothed to Lady Anne Boleyn. Is this true?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, it is true."

"Were you not, by your gracious employer, already engaged to Lady Mary Talbot? I thought your father and His Eminence both arranged for the marriage as an alliance." King Henry questioned.

"This is all true, Majesty," Henry confirmed.

"Why would you go behind their backs and enter into an engagement even I haven't approved of? I could have you tried for breaking this contract. It would secure your two families together. The Talbots have connections and are a noble family with centuries' influence in the north of England, which I need to secure. And their wealth is far greater than that of the Boleyns. Do you realize that I have the power to revoke everything from you and your family?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Then why would you purposely go against your employer and your king? When we have made the contract that binds you to Lady Mary? Cardinal Wolsey offered you employment in his household - a high honor and you're willing to throw all of that away because of some whore?"

He tensed at the king's remark and wished for nothing more than to lash out at the king. He knew that if he lost control, he certainly would lose Anne. He had to play this out with a suave and contrite reaction. The last thing he wanted was to lose the love of his life over a stupid thing like this. He sighed and took in a subtle deep breath.

"Your Majesty, the past few months, I have gotten to know Lady Anne as a friend. We have lots of things in common and both come from noble families. I know her family name isn't as noble as the Stafford name or Neville. But, I think it would be a far better alliance for Your Majesty than Lady Mary Talbot. Sir Thomas Boleyn is a member in your council, and both his daughters have the queen's ear and substantial influence amongst Her Majesties' ladies and others in the palace. Wouldn't it benefit us all better to make a stronger alliance with the Boleyns? Since they're here and active in Your Majesty's court? Sir Thomas has been an excellent ambassador for Your Majesty throughout Europe. Other royal houses have spoken highly of him in regards to his diplomacy on your behalf." Henry Percy explained, hoping this would sway the king.

King Henry raised a brow and leaned back, humming as he listened to Percy's argument on his side of things.

"Thank you, Lord Northumberland, that's all I need to hear from your account. You're dismissed."

Henry bowed before the king and backed away before turning one hundred eighty degrees and left the throne room. He walked down the corridor back to Wolsey's apartments. There were two other page boys present, both talking to one another and glared at Henry when he came through.

"What?" Henry snapped, glaring back.

"You really need to learn to do your fucking job, Percy. It isn't that hard being a page to the cardinal."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Henry demanded.

"Don't play stupid. Everyone knows you're fucking Anne Boleyn."

"You don't know what you're talking about, James," Henry huffed irritably, attempting to maintain a calm demeanor whilst concealing his rising anger.

His shoulders stiffened and even the air in the room got strained as James Butler shot up out of his seat and decided to square up to Henry.

"If it hadn't been for you, I'd have been married to Anne already. Who do you think you are?"

"Lady Anne," Henry corrected. "I am her fiancé. I'll do what I need to in order to defend her honor."

A smug expression plastered on James' sickly, pasty skin and bony features, his mouth curled into a smirk. He sauntered towards Henry, reeking of arrogance, the curls of his brown hair bouncing with every step he took.

"What makes you think that Anne wants to be with the likes of you?"

"Clearly, she accepted my proposal and turned you down," Henry drawled, pompously knowing that comment would push buttons.

James' eyes flashed as he took another quick step towards Henry again, so they were nearly nose to nose. Animatedly, James puffed his chest out. He straightened his back to stand taller, attempting to make himself bigger. He wanted to intimidate Henry. His hands clenched into fists and he was ready to throw punches, should the need arise. Henry stood his ground, raising a brow at the pathetic, child-like behavior of a grown man. Clearly, James started to show dominance in strength. But, it didn't bother Henry. Growing up with brothers built stamina and character.

"Come on, Jimmy, knock it off." The other pageboy said, irritably.

"Shut up, Thomas," James spat, whipping his head around and glaring at Thomas.

"What are you gonna do, James?" Henry taunted. "Knock me off my feet?"

"Your fiancé and her sister are whores. You know they slept their way through royal courts?" James continued.

Henry clenched his jaw and his nostrils flared. He raised his fist threw a clean punch right into James' jawline. He stumbled and clutched onto his face, crying out in surprise. James glared at his opponent once he regained his balance and punched Henry back. Henry was hit in the eye, a loud smack ringing in his ears, knocking him backwards slightly. Once he recovered, he lunged at James and sent them both flying to the ground with a shattering sound, knocking a chair over in the process. The sprawl lasted a few moments before Cardinal Wolsey had appeared. He had been returning to his study from the throne room and heard some commotion coming from there. He glared at the men who worked for him and kicked them both angrily on the side. The boys groaned and rolled onto their backs at the contact of Wolsey's shoe.

"ENOUGH!" Cardinal Wolsey bellowed, slamming the door behind him. "If you are going to act like children I am going to dismiss you both from your positions. You are noblemen. Act like it, damn it! I had hoped better from you, Henry Percy. Now, get out of my sight. The privy chamber hasn't been cleaned yet. Go reflect on your behavior since you seem to be full of shit."

"Yes, Your Eminence," Henry replied, getting up off the ground.

He winced as pain coursed through the side of his stomach as he walked out of the room. Cardinal Wolsey turned to James as the young man got up. He smacked James with the back of the hand, the slap burning his face. He struck the same side where Henry had thrown his first punch.

"You will be reduced to a stable boy this afternoon, until you can pull your act together, you little shit. Now, you will go there and help maintain the heaping piles of horse shit."

"Yes, Your Eminence," James muttered, clutching his jaw which was now in pain.

James straightened himself up and left Cardinal Wolsey's study to the stables. He hated Henry with every fiber of his being and he decided that fight wouldn't be the end of their troubles. It was only just starting.

. . .

Anne spent the afternoon with Queen Katherine and Lady Inez. The queen finished her full fasting and now ate broth and porridge. The women sat down to play a game of cards and discuss the Easter celebration that would be coming up. Anne gladly listened to Lady Inez' ideas rather than sharing her own. Lady Inez offered to produce a showcase of a complete procession, symbolizing the Lord's walk down to Golgotha, with one man worthy to represent the Lord and carry a wooden cross on his back. It would be something for the peasantry to witness and perhaps then believe and convert, if they hadn't done so already. Anne wondered if any man would be truly worthy to represent the Lord's walk in such a way. But, she kept her opinions to herself about the matter. Lady Inez was more than willing to accommodate the queen with her fantastical ideas for Easter. Anne used this distraction as an opportunity to oust Lady Inez of her cards at the game they were playing, much to Queen Katherine's delight. Queen Katherine chuckled as Lady Inez sat flabbergasted at Anne's maneuver. Anne tried to contain her amusement before empathetically glancing at Lady Inez.

"What was awfully sneaky of you, Lady Anna," Inez said, raising a brow and her lips thinned as she grew irritable at losing.

"I apologize, Lady Inez. Sometimes, one has to take risks with cards."

"Indeed," Lady Inez muttered, placing her cards down in defeat.

"It's all in good fun, my ladies," Queen Katherine reminded, still chuckling at the tension in the room. "Cards are strategic in many ways, like chess. We shall practice again later. Now, it's time for me to go see my husband. He promised me he'd eat dinner with me tonight."

Queen Katherine smiled happily. Anne knew their relationship had been strained, but she was glad that the king wanted to have dinner with his wife this evening. It made the queen happy that he still wanted to spend time with her, even though the quest for a son failed multiple occasions. Queen Katherine still loved her husband dearly but he seemed to often keep his interests elsewhere. Anne glanced at the queen. Katherine wasn't even old yet; she looked quite young for her age - thirty-seven. Anne would have guessed she was thirty-one at least, but not thirty-seven. The queen had such a fair complexion and her hair was still bright red and had maintained a lovely figure, even after having Princess Mary six years ago.

Anne found a portrait once of Queen Katherine when she'd been younger and she was very beautiful. Anne grew jealous when she saw the portrait in the queen's chambers. She had won the affections of Prince Arthur the moment she saw him. Even other members of the royal court were drawn in by her beauty. Queen Katherine reminisced how some had reported her being the most beautiful young woman they had laid eyes on. But now that she had matured and was older, the looks certainly strengthened with time. Her beauty was more defined and still according to some, mesmerizing.

Anne may not have been the most beautiful like Queen Katherine, but she thought she was quite attractive - and she was intelligent and witty. She did her best to not feel jealous about that, but it still gnawed in the back of her mind. She didn't know why she was worrying, considering she had a fiancé who adored her. In France, she'd attracted two other suitors but refused them both, due to lack of interest. They showed more fascination in Anne than she had in them. They hadn't been unattractive men, but their personalities were off-putting to her. Philippe had been kind at least, she hadn't felt smothered by him like she did the other two. The other two Frenchmen Anne could hardly think of their names even - thus, hadn't been worth remembering. But, it had all been for a reason. She hadn't understood it at the time. However, now that she found Henry Percy; finally, it all made sense to her. He found her and everything else fell into place. Henry Percy was her match in every way, apart from noble status, his father was of higher rank than hers and their fathers didn't exactly see eye-to-eye.

Was Anne reaching too high, absolutely not, she thought. It wasn't like the king asked her to marry him - and why on earth would he? He wanted a mistress, not a new wife. He just wanted someone to warm his bed. Could she possibly marry the king if he ever were to ask her? No, she was in love with her fiancé. She wanted him. Anne knew she did - that wasn't an issue, the issue was everything else: their fathers, Wolsey, the king and the court itself. Anne's father wanted her to be the king's mistress now that Mary was no longer in his sights as much.

Henry Percy's father wanted his son to marry Lady Mary Talbot, as did Cardinal Wolsey and now the cardinal was Anne's biggest threat. He already didn't like her to begin with - he'd been civil at least; but now, he had good reason to dispose of her, should he convince the king and twist everything around to his benefit. Cardinal Wolsey would play it out as Anne being the bad guy, but putting himself in the position of the victim. She could see it now, Cardinal Wolsey whispering awful lies about her into the king's ear. She hadn't even noticed the distance she'd walked with Queen Katherine, they were outside on the way to the chapel now.

"Lady Anne, you are awfully quiet this afternoon. What's going on?" Queen Katherine wondered, turning around.

"I am?" Anne exclaimed, looking up from the path.

"You've not said anything since the card match." Lady Inez added.

"I'm just lost in thought, I suppose. I have a lot on my mind."

"Is there anything I can do perhaps to help?" Queen Katherine inquired.

"I've just been a little distracted, that's all. I think some prayer and meditation will help."

"That's a great idea, it's a good thing we're going to mass now." Queen Katherine replied. "Whatever is bothering you, I'm sure God will give you wisdom for how to continue forward. I'll keep that in my prayer too this afternoon, whatever it is, nothing is too big or too small for Him to take care of for us."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Anne said, with a low curtsy.

They sat in the chapel and Anne found herself only thinking of Henry Percy. Her gaze was distant, staring off towards the dark corners of the room around her. Her breathing was steady - all her thoughts re-playing back to the moments when Henry Percy nearly had his way with her. She desperately wanted him at that moment. What she ought to have done was pray that those distracting thoughts would have gone away. Anne knew it deep down. Was she lusting after her fiance or was she actually in love with him? Both Queen Katherine and Lady Inez were so focused on their prayers, whispering silently in Latin the Hail Marys. Anne played with the rosary in her dress pocket. The only reason she had kept it at all was to please the queen who proved to be a stout Catholic. If Anne chose to pray, it was directly to God Himself.

"If Your Majesty permits me, I would like to go for a walk." Anne said, softly.

"As you wish, Lady Anne," Queen Katherine answered, gently.

Anne quietly left the chapel, making sure the door didn't slam shut behind her. She made her way back through the gardens, enjoying the cool, spring air. It was a beautiful sunny day out - which was rather unusual for this time of year. Anne soaked in the sun and kept her eyes closed as she tilted her head up towards the heavens, enjoying the warmth of the suns' rays. The winter had been long and cold, so it was a nice change having the sun out so early. She continued up the path for a good time, strolling through the palace gardens. Anne decided she would go for a ride - she'd always been skilled at horseback riding, something she was very proud of. She'd bested many of the French King's courtiers and a handful of Queen Claude's ladies. There were a few who'd been terrified to even mount a horse. Anne found her way to the stables. As she came towards the yard, the scent of horses reached her nostrils. It was a strong smell and Anne did her best to hide her distaste for it, but she asked one of the stable boys to bring a horse ready to go for riding.

She mounted the reddish brown horse that was given to her, the saddle secure. Anne took off in a trot down the gravel path. Thankfully she had a cloak wrapped around her and put the hood up. Anne rode out of the city and to the country, breathing in the clean air. It was rare when she was able to make an escape, but was grateful when she could. She rode quietly through the city so the hood wouldn't fall - no doubt people could tell she was noble, even by the fabrics of her gown. No peasant could afford such fabrics. Even so, she wished to remain hidden as she made her way out of London. There was one road she knew went directly out of the city, something that led her to the green fields and beyond. It wasn't a far ride out towards it, but it was a trek at least. The world around her was quiet, the only sound she could hear were birds in the distant trees, their song echoing through the fields. Wind rustled through the thickets, immediately she could feel the difference of being out in the world compared to her small bubble of noble court life. This is where she wanted to be, out here - chasing life.

She considered George to be incredibly lucky, having the capability of being a man and being allowed to go wherever he wished to. He didn't have to stay at court. He could do what he wished and travel the continent, George could go to France or Italy. Not that Anne wasn't necessarily forbidden to go, but it was much less of a personal decision. It had to be concluded upon by the king, her father and soon-to-be husband. She knew that Henry Percy would allow her more freedom than any other man would, he wouldn't restrain her or keep her confined as some others might have. What a wonderful idea - being free of all this, but still being able to afford the lifestyle she had. Anne smiled to herself as she remained mounted on her horse, admiring the view before her. The sun came out again, illuminating through and casting a golden hue over the fields and the trees. A strong gust of wind blew around her, knocking off the hood of her cloak.

Anne wrapped her cloak a little tighter around and then continued towards the edge of the woods. There had been a dirt path that went up along it, but she knew not to wander too far. Anne was clever at finding her way back to Hampton Court. Even so, this way was familiar since it was her way home to Hever Castle. In the past two years, she'd gone this way at least fifteen times. She wasn't always allowed to travel home, constantly having to be at Queen Katherine's beck and call. But whenever she did get to go, she came this way. On the path there were depressions of carriage wheels making their way through the countryside, not only her father's travels but countless others as well. Anne looked at the horizon before her - there was nothing stopping her going into a full gallop.

She urged her horse forward, the mare started off with a full gallop, the hood of her cloak falling down again. She removed the braid that kept her hair in place and allowed it to fly freely. There were no barriers here. Her heart raced in her chest as she rode down the path without restraint. She stopped at the fork in the road. The one headed south would lead her home to Hever Castle, the other - who knew where it would lead her. It wouldn't take her much to make her horse go down that path. Anne sighed. No, she needed to go back to the palace. Her family, apart from her mother, were all at court. She couldn't leave her fiance out of the blue either. With the reins, she turned the horse back around, up the way she came in a full gallop again.

Unbeknownst to Anne, King Henry and three of his men were out hunting that very hour she was riding. Anne heard the other horses distantly but continued on, ignoring her racing thoughts. The thought did cross her mind that these men could have been violent, seeking out innocent travelers on the road to London. She could faintly hear one of the men shouting, but she couldn't make out what was said. The other rider caught up to her and stopped her horse.

"Whoa there!" the familiar voice shouted.

Anne looked breathlessly in shock at the man who'd stopped her horse. Anne gasped when she saw it was the king himself. Even the king was startled that it was Anne who'd been riding by herself.

"Lady Anne? What the hell are you doing out here by yourself?" the king asked.

"I went out for a ride!" Anne said, matter-of-factly as she smirked playfully at the king.

"I thought you'd lost control of your horse, forgive me."

"Far from it, Your Majesty," Anne replied, finally catching her breath. "And Your Majesty has nothing to apologize for, you couldn't have known it was me riding out here."

"Would you care to ride back with us, Lady Anne?" King Henry asked. "No doubt my wife will wonder where you've gone."

"She knew I went out, but she didn't know I went for a ride."

"There's something about going hunting and riding, isn't there?" Henry asked, with a genuine smile.

"Indeed," Anne agreed.

"I'm glad I caught you out here, Lady Anne, I wanted to inform you also, I'm not really pleased with the fact you and Lord Northumberland went behind my back about your engagement. Your father doesn't know yet, but I don't think he'll be too thrilled about it either."

"Forgive me, Your Majesty, for not seeking your permission first. The truth is, I'm in love with Henry Percy. Nothing really made sense before I met him. I always wondered why I never found interest in anyone else and it made sense why when he told me he loved me. I knew instantly I wanted to be with him, my lord king."

"Then you are fortunate to have found someone you desire so much and love him, Lady Anne. Not everyone's so lucky." Henry's smile changed to an apathetic look. "I have to break the news to the Talbots. Lady Mary's father isn't going to be happy about it. I'm not either - considering they have a large claim to the north of England and I need that part of the country on my side, they're too close to Scotland."

The look didn't go unnoticed by Anne. His expression did turn rather sour.

"Your Majesty?" Anne asked, curiously.

"Can I trust you with something, Lady Anne?" the king inquired.

"Of course," she replied.

"I think my marriage with Katherine is over." Henry confessed.

"What?" Anne wondered, stunned.

"I haven't been able to produce an heir with Katherine and I think she might have known my brother intimately and God is now punishing me for because I married my brother's wife. According to Leviticus, it's not lawful for a man to take his brother's wife. They'll be childless. The queen has had multiple stillborn and miscarried sons."

"I don't think your marriage is over. I also don't think God is punishing you because of it. Queen Katherine loves you, Your Majesty. Marriage is until death parted. Once your brother passed away, God rest his soul, she was no longer bound to him. Matrimony is until death, my king. You did no wrong in marrying her. In fact, it was the right thing you did. You took care of your brother's widow. Don't you remember the story about Boaz and Ruth? Naomi's sons died and Ruth went with her mother-in-law and stayed with Boaz. He married her because he was next of kin to Naomi, in order to protect them."

"You're comparing me to Boaz?" Henry asked, raising a brow - a ghost of a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.

Anne tried her best to hide her smile.

"I was giving you an example of a noble man who married his relative's wife to protect her and keep her from others that might have done her harm." Anne returned.

"Fair enough," he answered. "Come on, I'll ride back with you. I'm sure my wife will be wondering where you've gone off to."

"Most likely," Anne said, nodding. "And, if I may be bold, Your Majesty?"

"Permission granted," King Henry exclaimed.

"I think you ought to try once more for a son, you never know until it really happens. Love your wife, Your Majesty. I know she loves you more than life itself. She wants to be with you." Anne continued, looking at the king as she spoke.

"How do you know?" King Henry asked.

"She's told me so," Anne answered. "Now I'll race you back, if you have guts for the challenge!"

Anne took off before the king could respond, her hair flying behind her, dust and dirt picking up from her horse's hooves. Henry found himself shouting back at her, stunned by her boldness. He kicked his horse into a gallop and chased after Anne. As he caught up to her, he could hear her laughing, her smile genuine and her joy contagious. He followed her all the way to the main road to Hampton Court Palace. The king stopped her before they entered the city and their horses grew restless. He leaned in to try to kiss her but Anne backed away.

"What are you doing, Your Majesty?" she asked. "I'm engaged to be married to another man."

"So what? I'm the king. Would you again deny your king?" Henry growled, frustrated by her refusal again.

"I cannot betray my fiance or my queen, my lord. Forgive me. I shall ride back alone."

"Anne!" he called, as she took off in a trot. "Anne!"

She ignored his shouts and continued on ahead, blocking him out. The nerve of the king to come onto her in that way. This was a dangerous path to go down, once he started to pursue something - nothing would get in his way. He was determined to have Anne Boleyn, one way or another.

. . . AB . . .