It's me, Anne Boleyn

Interlude-Present Day, May 17th, 1536

Anne stood up after sitting for two hours speaking to Father Thomas. It was well past ten at night now and she got up to walk around her cell. Father Thomas likewise got up and took a turn. Anne asked the prison constable if he could bring them both some food, which he obliged. There was some bread, cheese and cold meats. She stood up and leaned by the window, catching the cool, night breeze off the River Thames.

"I am going to step outside, my lady. I'll be back in a moment to hear the rest of your testimony. Is there anything you'd like for me to do for you before I come back?" Father Thomas asked, kindly.

"No, thank you, Father Thomas," Anne responded, finishing her meal. "Actually - if you can see to it that Henry Percy, the Earl of Northumberland gets this note, I would appreciate that."

Anne had earlier during the day written to her love, hoping he could do something to appeal to the king. She hadn't seen or heard from Henry Percy in a while, but she hoped that he'd be willing to help her. In truth, she'd never loved anyone as much as she had loved Henry Percy. Even after she had become Queen of England, she would have rather been Henry Percy's wife. She had done all she could to avoid marrying King Henry. It had all been in vain. But now, she was in her hour of need and prayed and hoped that not all was lost with Lord Northumberland. Much to her surprise, the Tower constable came up and knocked thrice on the door.

"My Lady Anne, you have a visitor." he announced and stepped aside only to reveal Henry Percy himself.

"Anne!" he exclaimed, in a breathy voice.

"Henry!" she cried and ran up to him, nearly jumping into his embrace.

She could have wept with joy seeing a kind face, and not only that, the face of her love. The constable smiled at their interaction and left the couple alone, closing the door behind him. Anne continued to stay within his embrace, allowing Henry to hold her. She could hear his heartbeat and sighed, completely content - despite her current predicament.

"I came as quickly as I could after I heard about your trials, Anne." Henry said. "I wanted to see you. I know we don't have much time, but I'll do what I can to appease the king and maybe he'll grant you clemency."

"Even if I have to leave England and live in exile, I'll do it. I cannot bear for my little Elizabeth not to know her mother. If he can just have our marriage annulled...I'll go quietly."

"I will ask the king for a divorce. I want to marry you, Anne. I never loved Mary Talbot. If you'll have me, I want to be your husband."

"Henry," Anne cried, her voice cracking. "I love you."

"And I you, my darling Anne. It's always been you." Henry murmured, brushing his nose against hers.

"Please, get me out of here. I can't - I won't face the executioner's block, not while there's still hope. I know I was found guilty but if he can be swayed, then do it. I lost my brother yesterday afternoon because of treason. I saw it from here, Henry." Anne remembered; her gaze distant as she couldn't forget the events that took place earlier during the day. They still replayed in her thoughts over and over.

"I'll do what I can. I know it's late now, get some rest and I'll come see you in the morning. I paid the tower constable handsomely, so I have access for tomorrow too."

"Please! I know my time is running short."

"As soon as I see the king, I'll make the petition for your life. I'm afraid I can't stay long, my love. I'll come back though. I promise. I love you."

He kissed her, hoping to remind her how he felt. He ran his fingers through her hair and rested his hands on either side of her face. His thumb gently caressed her cheekbone, and she sighed in contentment.

"Come back to me, you fool." Anne begged.

He kissed her forehead and then left, knocking on the cell door twice for the constable. Anne felt cold without him nearby. She wrapped her arms around herself and sat down after he'd gone, not even daring to look back. If he looked back, Anne knew he wouldn't be able to leave. Henry Percy however did leave his cloak behind on a chair. Anne picked it up and wrapped it around her shoulders to keep herself warm. It smelled like him, allowing Anne to genuinely smile for once in a long time.

. . . AB . . .