It's me, Anne Boleyn

The Wedding Day

The wedding was happening today. Princess Mary looked at her reflection in the mirror. She should have been delighted it was her wedding day. If the man had been around her age and they were in love, she thought. Damn you, brother. Mary was eighteen and marrying a man three times her age. He was ancient and when she met him last night, he smelled so bad she wanted to vomit. She took comfort in the fact she had English ladies-in-waiting. She was particularly fond of Anne and Mary. They were younger by four years but at least they were close in age. Princess Mary turned to look at Anne.

"I feel awful, Anne. I don't want to marry old king Louis." Mary cried, feeling rage build up in her.

She hadn't ever told anyone, but she had a massive crush on Charles Brandon, recently made the Duke of Suffolk. He was a handsome young man in her brother's inner circle, probably one of the few people Henry had considered his best friend. He had noticed Princess Mary, too. Henry must have noticed their attraction or someone else must have and so Mary was used as a pawn like in a chess set to make an alliance. Henry hated France, everyone knew it, including Princess Mary.

"Well, maybe he won't pay any attention to you after the wedding. He'll get you knocked up and then you might be lucky. You might have a son and then you won't have to worry about him going anywhere near you." Anne encouraged her.

"I'd rather not have that old man share a bed with me at all," Princess Mary said, grimacing at the thought. "If I don't have a son, he'll continue to bang me until I do."

"I wish things could've been different for you, Mary." Anne said, softly. "I'm so sorry your brother is putting you through this."

"Thank you, Anne. I appreciate you and your kindness so much. Now distract me. Are there any sexy men you've set your sights on?" Mary inquired.

Anne laughed, the way she laughed was contagious and melodious.

"No, but my sister Mary is Charles' mistress. He bangs her like every other day."

"You mean the king's son?"

"The very one."

"Your sister is one lucky bitch, just saying." Princess Mary sighed. "I'd rather be his mistress right now. Don't tell anyone I've said that."

"Nonsense! Your secret will go with me to the grave. I promise you. I've no interest in court gossip or life in the same way. I like reading and politics."

"How modern of you, Annie. Just please be careful. I heard the French are horrible gossip mongers and will do anything to gain power. Be careful who you include in our circle."

"Oh I am. I don't really trust just anyone. I'm very careful in my consideration of who I associate with."

"That's good to hear you're sensible. Not everyone is. I don't feel like I can trust all my ladies. Can you find out for me which ones are my brother's spies?"

"Of course! I can gain their trust and find insight for the both of us. I suppose just this once I can show interest in courtly gossip."

"You are a dear heart. Now, let's go. I do believe my old man is waiting for us."

The other ladies in waiting were lined up outside Princess Mary's royal apartments and Anne took her place directly behind her. Princess Mary sighed, taking in a deep breath and began walking gracefully down to the front loggia of the royal palace. There were four carriages waiting for them to bring the ladies to the church. The two Marys, Anne and Lady Jane Herbert, got into the first carriage. The other carriages were filled with the other eight ladies-in-waiting, four in each.

The bells were ringing all throughout the city from every church. The streets were lined with red and gold and everyone had been out to greet Princess Mary as her royal procession made its way to Notre Dame. White and red rose petals were falling down into the streets and many windows had banners hanging from them. The city of Paris was completely decked out for the royal wedding - "the wedding of the century" Lady Jane had said, excitedly as she looked at the two Marys and Anne. The people of Paris were cheering and waving, some young children were even running alongside the carriages, waving excitedly at the royals. It was only a ten-minute carriage ride to the cathedral. Once they arrived, Princess Mary carefully stepped out of the carriage. Anne and Jane picked up the hem of her dress and they made their way up the steps.