On The Edge Of A Golden World: Anne Boleyn Lives On

No Feelings.

Elizabeth takes the news of seeing her Papa well, as her ladies pack her things to leave for Whitehall Palace. Anne holds back her tears as Elizabeth boards the royal carriage, holding Lady Kat's hand. Elizabeth cries a bit, but she's really happy to see her Papa. As the carriage leaves Pembroke Castle, Anne releases a breath she did not know she was holding. Charles steps forward, offering his arm. Anne loops her arm through his as they step into their carriage. They ride a few hours to the ports before boarding their ship to France.

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At Whitehall Palace, Princess Elizabeth arrives to a welcoming group compiled of her Papa and a woman standing next to him. "Papa." Henry opens his arms as he scoops his daughter into his embrace. Jane smiles as she watches the loving scenery. Lady Mary groans to herself as she lowers to  curtsey to her little sister. As much as she loves her sister, Elizabeth held no actual right to her title. It feels immoral to Mary that she is expected to show respect to a sister that should have to bow to her. Henry puts Lizzie down as she examines Queen Jane. "Elizabeth, meet my wife, Queen Jane." 

Lizzie remembers her Mama's words from before she left home. "You must respect her as if she is me. Address her as your majesty. Smile. Compliment her. Curtsey. Never protray how you feel inside." Following the mental orders, Elizabeth smiled and curtseyed to her Papa's new wife. "Your majesty, it's a honor to be presented to you." Henry cannot take his eyes off his youngest daughter. Elizabeth is a minature of her mother in every way. Mary expected some kind of fit from Elizabeth, but was disappointed. Jane smiled at Elizabeth who continued to walk with Lady Kat into the palace. As royal family walked into the palace Mary observed her sister. 

The small child carried herself with so much dignity. She can play the role of princess well. No doubt, Anne's teachings. The King spent his night ignoring Mary and dancing with Princess Elizabeth. Queen Jane, displeased, confronted her husband once they were in bed. "Perhaps you might worry about producing a child of your own, instead of questioning me about mine." Henry decides to sleep inside his own bed. Jane cries herself to sleep, wishing she knew why had yet to fall pregnant. 

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In France after weeks on the ship, the Duchess of Pembroke happily accepted the small welcoming King Francis provided. He assured her that she would feel at home in his court. Queen Claude spent Anne's and Charles' first night trying to keep the Duchess' mind off Princess Elizabeth. "Vous serez ensemble bientôt. Essayez de profiter de votre temps en France." Anne fought through her emotions. Anne was able to reach new conditions of Elizabeth's engagement within her first two daysof visting Framce. Charles signed off on Henry's behalf. 

With the agreement done and signed, Anne was free to enjoy her Christmas back home in England. She awoke ready to prepare for her departure back to England. As she and Claude ate their moring meal, Anne failed to hold down her food. "Êtes-vous sûr que vous êtes assez bien pour voyager?" Anne looked to the Queen Claude as she sat beside her in bed. "C'est seulement un mal d'estomac. Ça ira." Claudia would not accept Anne's explanations. "Je vais appeler le médecin royal" 

Anne was taken for a whirlwind after her examination. The physican went from examining her health to a physical examination. First the tenderness of her breast, then around her stomach. As Anne's thoughts caught on, she went through all the signs in her mind. Her emotional breakout, shortness of breath and nausea. And her monthly bleeding ceased to come. Anne thought nothing of it, as she had other things on her mind these past few weeks. As the phycian finished her examination, Anne wanted to hear the confirmation for herself. Claudia came in her chambers, accomapanied by Charles. "Pas besoin de s'inquiéter, vous êtes enceinte." 

Claudia and Anne both gave Charles worried expressions. One thought he was responsible, the other hoped he failed to understand what just happened. By the look on his face, Charles yet to learn french. Anne smiled slightly, hoping to keep this secret for as long as possible. Jane had yet to fall pregnant and Henry would want her back at court if he knew. "Charles, tu ferais mieux de prendre soin de l'enfant. La mère est importante pour la France." Anne almost dropped dead, realizing Queen Claudia thought Charles was the father. 

"il n'est pas le père." Claudia gave Anne a questioning look as the she began to connect the dots. Neither woman noticed Charles demanding translation from a maid in the room. Once he finally got his answer, Charles was stuck. "Anne, Henry must know." Anne's face quickly shot to Charles' to direction, wondering how he knew. "No, you mustn't tell him, Charles. This child will only be trouble." Charles was lost. "At least give me sometime to think about what to do once we return to England. I will not be forced back to court." Charles laughs, "You love court." Anne agrees, "Just not when I am pregnant. Give me time, that's all ask for." 

Charles decided until after the new year. They'd return to England after the first bloom. By then Anne will have started showing, and hopefully Jane will have fallen preganant. At least, they could only hope.