The Seventh Queen (On Hold: Revising)

Chapter five

(C)Kelcey Winn

King Henry sat in his high backed chair watching the crowd sway and move gracefully to the music. Yet his eyes were focused on one thing that night. Anne Boleyn, his beloved queen to be. She danced gracefully and with precise movements to the notes of the melody.

"She is a beauty to behold, Charles."

"I say so my lord," Charles responded.

He chuckled and clapped his friend on the back. It had been a long journey for them to get to this day. And he intended to let it be a joyous night. Charles shifted in his seat uncomfortably.

"What is it Charles?" The king asked. "You seem nervous."

"She has not come yet."

Henry knew who Charles was referring too. She had joined his court in the spring of 1527 but had rarely conversed with either of them. Not that it bothered Henry, he only had eyes for his sweet Anne, but he wondered about her loyalty to the throne. He clapped Charles on the back.

"Do not worry Charles," He said with a smile. "She always comes whether she is late or early."

Henry felt Charles go rigid beneath his hand and sensed she had arrived. He brought his attention back to his guests only to be knocked back by Anine's presence. She had gone and worn a low cut dress that was stained a deep red, which matched the color of her silk red hair. He thought at the moment she would spill from her dress. Her hair was long and lustrous with a golden headdress. She had ice blue eyes that were much like Anne's; hooks into the soul. But his fascination with this girl that entered the room was how regal and royal she presented herself. She held herself like a queen and demanded the attention of the whole room.

"She is breathtaking," Charles struggled to produce the words that were forming in his mind.

"You think she would be married by now and carrying on her mother's bloodline." Henry replied. He wondered why she had not been married yet.

"They say that her blood possess old Celtic magic. That she possesses that beauty of hers because of it."

"That could be true." mused Henry

"They also say she is intimidating. That her unearthly beauty frightens men."

"Then my friend, they are not men but cowards." Henry said.

"She still denies me." Charles said.

"It's because you are not interested in marrying her," Henry said. "She wishes for marriage, nothing more."

"Milord."

Henry turned and saw as Lady Anine approached the large feast table. Charles excused himself quickly, leaving the two to talk alone. Anine bowed deeply, her eyes cast up to catch his. He suddenly understood why men were frightened by Anine's looks. There was something fierce in the way she looked. The fierceness was only intensified by her hair color. It blazed in comparison to her pale skin. He shuddered to think how she faired in the savage lands of Wales.

"Lady Anine," he said when he had regained his composure and senses to speak. "You look ravishing."

"Thank you milord," he could see the blush creep to her cheeks at the compliment. "I am thankful for the King's kindness."

"Go have fun with your lady." he commanded, her looks were starting to intoxicate him and he needed to have his thoughts and mind clear.

Anine bowed again before turning to leave. Suddenly Henry felt a pain in his heart at her leaving. Strange, he thought before dismissing the feeling. He found Anne laughing merrily with her brother. It was a beautiful moment that only temporarily took his mind off of Anine.