Ashes of the Past

A World Turned Black

⚠⚠⚠ DARK LAST SCENE READ WITH CAUTION ⚠⚠⚠

───── ❝ Chapter Twenty-Three ❞ ─────

Across the countries life in England was chaotic. Edward had returned for a short time but the court knew it would not be for long. Outside the castle walls, the people of England were putting up a fight. They had a queen in name, yet not one in the crown. Jane was doing her best to connect with the people, but the tension between her and the people was exploding.

In the early days of her marriage, Jane would dress in her finest gowns and venture into towns, her heart full of hope. She smiled and waved, genuinely believing that her kindness would win over the people. But as days turned to weeks, the cold stares and turned backs began to chip away at her optimism.

One particularly harsh day, as she watched a mother hurriedly usher her children away, something shifted within Jane. The rejection stung Jane deeply, though she tried not to let it show. These were meant to be her subjects. Yet without the crown upon her head, she was meaningless to them. Powerless. She maintained her smile, but her eyes hardened almost imperceptibly. That night, as she sat before her mirror, she studied her reflection with new eyes.

"Kindness alone will not win their hearts," she murmured to herself. "I must learn to play this game of power."

From that day forward, Jane's appearances in town took on a more calculated air. She still smiled and waved, but now she watched the crowd with keen eyes, noting who seemed sympathetic, who openly hostile. She began to tailor her words and gestures, testing what resonated with the people.

It was a subtle change, one that even Jane herself might not have fully recognized. But slowly, surely, the naive girl who had first stepped into the role of queen was giving way to a woman who understood the complexities of her position.. Yet the people stared back coldly, their faces etched in frowns. Some even turned their backs or hid their children from view.

One night Jane could not keep her emotions to herself and burst into Henry's audience chambers. Pushing the doors open she marched into the chamber where Henry was sitting at his desk signing documents, the scratching of his quill the only sound. Fearing an attack Henry leapt from his chair and almost drew his sword when he heard the door slam open.

Jane entered Henry's chambers, her posture rigid, her eyes bright with unshed tears. "Your Majesty," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "might I have a word?"

Henry looked up from his desk, his quill pausing mid-stroke. "What is it now, Jane?" The weariness in his voice was palpable.

She took a deep breath, steeling herself. "I couldn't help but notice that you've been... distant of late." The words hung in the air between them, heavy with unspoken accusations.

Henry's jaw tightened. "I've been occupied with matters of state. Surely you understand the demands of ruling a kingdom."

"Of course," Jane replied, a hint of bitterness creeping into her tone. "And I suppose these 'matters of state' require you to avoid your wife's chambers night after night?"

Henry set down his quill with deliberate slowness. When he spoke, his voice was low and controlled. "Careful, Jane. You tread on dangerous ground."

"Do I?" Jane's laugh was hollow. "I thought I stood on the solid foundation of our marriage. But perhaps I was mistaken."

"Perhaps you were," Henry replied, his gaze cold. "Perhaps we both were."

The silence that followed was deafening. Jane's hands trembled at her sides, but she lifted her chin defiantly. "I see. Then perhaps Your Majesty would be so kind as to tell me what my role is to be in this... arrangement of ours. Am I to be your wife in name only? A pretty ornament to parade before the court while you..."