Evermore

Chapter XI

BATTLES AHEAD

Tensions surged through the royal court as Jane Seymour was escorted from Queen Anne's quarters, bound for the Tower of London in a wooden carriage. Initially appearing lifeless, a faint rise and fall of Jane's chest signaled she clung to life—for now. A sense of foreboding hung over the procession, the certainty of her impending death at the Tower palpable. Before the carriage could depart, a crowd had gathered, murmuring in shock and disbelief at the unfolding tragedy. Among them stood Mary Stafford, Queen Anne's sister, her eyes flashing with fear and concern.

Royal guards hurried to manage the swelling crowd, attempting to maintain order amidst the growing chaos. The commotion drew the attention of courtiers and servants alike, the news of Jane Seymour's fate spreading swiftly through whispers and anxious murmurs. Mary felt a Christian duty to intervene, driven by a sense of mercy and compassion. Seizing a fleeting opportunity, she moved swiftly, pulling Jane from the carriage into her protective embrace, unseen and unimpeded.

Mary's mind raced as she scanned her surroundings, seeking a hidden escape route. With determination etched on her face, she guided Jane through a concealed passage she had discovered as a child within the palace. The narrow, dimly lit corridor provided a secret path to safety, away from the watchful eyes of court and guards. Jane, bewildered but grateful for the unexpected rescue, placed her trust in Mary, hopeful that this newfound salvation would lead her to freedom far from the palace's confines.

Meanwhile, within the palace walls, King Henry VIII sat upon his throne, stoic yet troubled by the news of Jane's escape. His gaze shifted from one advisor to another, calculating the repercussions of her disappearance. Yet, his concern for Queen Anne overshadowed all else as he hastily dismissed the council, his heart heavy with worry. Rushing to Anne's chambers, he found his daughter Mary awaiting him, her face etched with deep concern.

"What has happened?" Henry's voice betrayed his urgency as he approached Mary, anxious for news of his queen.

"Jane Seymour attempted an attack, though she did not harm the queen, she managed to disturb her greatly," Mary reported, her voice tinged with worry. "She's receiving care now, but her condition is precarious. I called for assistance immediately."

Mary knew the true sequence of events—Anne had been the aggressor. However, understanding the politics of the court, she withheld this information, her silence a strategic choice. She nodded solemnly, conflicted by her loyalty to both her stepmother and the truth. As Henry approached Anne's bedside, Mary stepped back, observing the unfolding scene with a mix of sympathy and apprehension.

"Anne..." Henry's voice softened as he took her hand, kneeling beside her with deep concern.

Anne groaned, the smell of his unhealed leg ulcers nauseating her senses. "I need air," she gasped, panic creeping into her voice as consciousness slowly returned. "I need air!"

Henry's heart ached as he witnessed her distress. Anne's ladies hurried to open the windows, fanning the air around her in a desperate attempt to calm her.

"I can't breathe," Anne's panic intensified, her eyes wild with fear as she lunged towards the nearest window. Her ladies moved quickly, skirts rustling as they blocked her path, preventing her from reaching the potentially lethal drop outside.

"Anne, please, calm yourself," Henry implored, cautiously approaching her.

Mary watched with horror as Anne's panic spiraled into hysteria, realizing the depth of her stepmother's suffering, exacerbated by Henry's actions.

With a surge of strength, Henry gathered Anne into his arms, shielding her from herself.

"Don't touch me! Don't ever touch me again!" Anne's voice trembled with a mix of anger and fear, tears streaming down her cheeks as she fought free from his embrace, pushing him away with unexpected strength.

Mary felt a stirring of empathy for Anne, a feeling she never thought she would experience. In that moment, she silently resolved to support her stepmother in any way possible, transcending their previous animosity.

Anne darted towards the window once freed from Henry's grasp.

Mary instinctively threw herself in front of Anne, blocking her path.

"Leave!" Henry commanded Anne's ladies, who exited the room with worried glances back at the tumult unfolding within. Alone now, Henry turned to Mary, silently pleading for her aid as he cautiously approached Anne once more, hands held up in a gesture of pacification.

Anne shook her head, backing away from her stepdaughter, eyes wide with fear and betrayal, her entire body trembling.

"Anne, please," Henry's voice cracked with remorse and desperation. "Think of our children."

Anne's eyes flashed with determination, her voice steady despite her turmoil. "I will not be swayed, Henry. Can't you see what you've done to me? You've hollowed me out," Mary sensed the tension in the room, thick and suffocating. Stepping forward, she spoke in a calm, measured tone. "Father, please. This is delicate. More stress will not help the matter," she pleaded.

Henry, consumed by his emotions, ignored Mary, focusing solely on Anne.

"Why couldn't you have stayed with Catherine? Why did you have to pursue me, claiming it was love when we both know it was not?" Anne's voice cracked with raw emotion, her gaze searching his face for any hint of remorse. "I should have fought harder to escape you. I should have fled the country. Now, there is no escape from the havoc you bring."

Henry felt a pang of guilt, knowing he had chosen this path. He took a step closer to Anne, his eyes filled with regret.

"I am sorry, Anne," he murmured softly, then turned and headed for the door. Pausing before leaving, he cast a final, resentful glance back at Anne. "Rest now, for when you are recovered, I intend to visit your chambers. One son will not secure my dynasty," he declared with a mixture of bitterness and determination.

Anne's breath caught in her throat at his words. The threat hung heavy in the air, sending a shiver down her spine. She realized the battles ahead were far from over, and she braced herself for the challenges yet to come.