The Italian Rose

Fourty-Three

Jane Seymour could not contain her victorious smile as she was finally released from her prison which were her chambers, she prepared herself to see the King for the first time since her pregnancy was revealed, she needed to be dressed elegantly not overly luxurious like Anne had been.

Jane wondered if Anne had left for the nunnery or if Henry was giving her time to get her affairs in order before her position was taken away, she held her head up high as she glanced towards her family.

They would soon see that she was right. The child in Jane's womb has successfully given her the position that was in Jane's mind, rightfully hers.

Sir John apologised to Isabella, explaining numerous different excuses as to why Jane was absent from her service, but Jane believed their worries were all for nothing.

Henry had sent for her, like she knew he would, granted she would had loved if the King had come himself and not sent a groomsmen in his stead, but Jane was told to dress quickly as not to keep his majesty waiting, the maids wasted no time dressing Jane in her finest gown.

What confused Jane first was that they were not escorted to the throne room, like she had thought. They were escorted to a private chapel away from the eyes and ears of the court.
Jane's heart leapt into her throat. Did his majesty wish to marry her? She knew that he loved her! This was a sign from God that all will be well!
As she walked towards the doors of the chapel, Jane immediately thought of Isabella's spawns. Would they welcome her as their stepmother? Or would they be declared as bastards as the marriage between Henry and Isabella would be null and voided?

Jane could not contain her nerves as she was ushered inside. There was a small gathering inside, Jane observed her family as their faces gave away nothing as what was going to happen. Why are they not more excited? She was to be Queen!

What surprised Jane was that the Duke and Duchess of Suffolk were also in attendance, the Duke was given special permission to attend the union from his task at overseeing the restoration of Ludlow Castle, his presence was further proof that Jane was marrying the King.

Why else would his majesty's childhood friend and his lady wife be in attendance if it was not to witness the joyous union of the King's third marriage?

Jane was pretty sure that she saw some Boleyns and De Angelo family members mingled with the crowd, their faces withholding emotions as well, Jane had expected to see some sort of disappointing emotions from the Boleyns as Anne's position at court was threatened by Jane's rise to Queen.

Jane had wished that her wedding to the King were to be grander and more public, as she dreamt of wearing a wedding dress far better than that of Isabella's and their union would be the talk for centuries.
Her eyes fell onto William Warham, who was given position of Archbishop of Sussex if Jane recollection was correct, he was the one that crowned Isabella as Queen and now he was correcting that mistake by marrying Henry to Jane.

Jane slowed her walk to an immediate stop. The man beside the bishop was not her beloved Henry, but another man, Baron Belford, stood in place where the King should be.

Sir Charles Belford was a man twice Jane's senior. He was a Knight in the King's army, decorated war hero, and loyal to the Crown. He had not been seen since the death Baroness Belford and their sons from the sweating sickness, and now Jane was forced to marry him?!

Her eyes scanned the crowd, awaiting someone to explain that this was some sort of jest and that the King would soon join her at the altar.

Jane's heart broke as her eyes landed on her Henry, he was here but not at the altar awaiting for her but standing with Isabella, who was dressed more regal and stared at Jane with a look pity.