The Seventh Queen (On Hold: Revising)

Blood oaths

(C)Kelcey Winn

August 27, 1532

Anine sat motionless that morning staring at the fire that never seemed to die. By some strange fortune, or curse, Anine's mother had been placed in King Henry's court. It was this information Anine had woken to.

Anine felt as though she had suddenly been invaded by enemy troops. The feeling never did well with her. She searched her heart, but found no excitement at her mother's arrival. Anine, since childhood, had built up thick walls around her heart due to the evil doings of her mother.

The mission had been bestowed upon her only a short five years ago and she was beset with the gravest of choices, not only for her but for her people. This is indeed a way to control her actions further. She would be foolish to do anything other then what her mother wanted.

A sharp knock on the bed chamber door startled the princess, "One more moment, Anna!"

Her mind raced. No one but her mother and Anna knew of the task that Anine were to perform. And she knew this task needed to be kept a secret amongst them. Anine regained her composure before calling Anna back into their bed chambers.

"Your mother wishes to see you."

"I suppose she has told the king who she is?" she inquired of Anna.

"She has."

"Good. I am to see the Queen Anne before I see anyone else," Anine said, scooping up her dress and moving towards the door.

"I will tell her..."

"You will not!" said Anine as she disappeared through the door.

Queen Anne Boleyn was a delicate looking woman except for her eyes. They were a feature that showed her intelligence and her pride as a woman. She held herself like a queen. Her posture was straight and strong. She had olive colored skin that to the touch felt like fine silk. She wore her raven hair long and lustrous as to show the kingdom her virtue and virginity. And Anine knew she was a well educated woman. She curtseyed deeply, almost touching the stone floor with her knees. The queen had ushered her other ladies from the room and disposed of all formality the minute the door shut.

"You must be the Lady Anine?"

Anine was upright now and she met the Queen's steely gaze.

"Yes your majesty."

The queen chuckled at the acknowledgement and with her eyes studied Anine. She turned from Anine and stared out the window. Anine felt the chill of hatred spread across the room. She had gotten off the wrong foot with her future queen.

"I suppose you are the king's new whore?"

"No, your majesty." Anine stared unflinching at Anne's back. "I am a loyal servant to your majesty." Anine watched as Anne turned to her with a wicked smile. She dug into the folds of her sleeve and pulled out a small dagger.

"Do you find the king desirable?" commanded Anne, her lip sneered upwards. "Do you wish to betray me?"

"Neither. I only wish to find a husband and settle down."

"Swear to it by blood."

Anine moved forward and, with delicate hands, held out her slender wrist. She came as close as she dared to the future queen and whispered. "I swear my loyalties to Queen Anne Boleyn."

At once Anne took the small dagger and poked the yips of both of their pointer fingers. Anine felt her skin begin to crawl. The thought of being loyal to yet another person upset herm but she swallowed it when their blood mingled. She felt an abrupt change in feelings toward this woman. And she knew that she would protect this woman till the end.