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

The New Age

Henry's P.O.V
"This is absurd, Charles." Thomas, Edward and I sit, discussing the events of a few moments ago. Charles remains sword in hand, as if Thomas or Edward are going to attack him at any moment. "It's absurd, but it's true the two of them tried to kill Princess Elizabeth." I barely contain my laughter. "Charles, I already solve this case, my friend. Your cunning nature is not needed for this one." Thomas and Edward smile towards me and I warmly return it. "Your Majesty, perhaps the Duke of Suffolk misses the thrill of the English court. I admit, I too, get a kick or two out of interogating a few people here and there." I agree with Thomas, raising from my seat. Thomas and Edward follow suit, but Charles stops them with his sword directed to Edward's chest.

"Charles, are you going to kill my brother-in-law?" Edward places his hand on the sword, pushing it down. "Your Grace, perhaps you should rest." I come behind Charles and put on hand on his shoulder. "Charles, I order you to put your sword away and return to your chambers. I think it best we all forget today's events." He listens, pulling his sword away. Thomas and Edward make a quick exit and Charles watches them until their last foot is out of the door. I quickly turn around, glaring at my best friend. "Are you insane, Charles? Drawing your sword on my wife's brothers." He seems suprised at my reaction. "Henry, your wife is trying to kill your daughter." That is it. "My wife, is your Queen and you will show some respect."

Charles falls to his knees. "Henry, I only do this to protect your family." I lift my head, facing straight ahead. "Your Majesty! You, my Lord Suffolk, will address me as, your Majesty." Charles is becoming to arrogant. "Your aren't my equal, Lord Suffolk. You,along with everyone else, are my subject. As well as the servant of Queen Jane, the mother of my son that she is carrying. I will not allow anyone to disgrace her name with such lies." He simply says nothing. "I think sometime at your country manor with your wife and children will do you some good. Return to your family, and do not return to court until you remember yourself." With that I storm out of the privy chambers.
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Jane's P.O.V

Henry and I eat alone, since he is displeased with the gossip circulating about the incident with Elizabeth. "Majesty, my brothers told me what took place with Charles today." His expression darkens as he turns his attention from his food to me. "Charles is banished from court for his disgraceful behavior towards you, Sweetheart. I will not tolerate anyone degrading your good reputation. Once our son is born things will start to settle down." I grab his hand and place it against my stomach. "Your son has been quite active today. I thought you might want to see it for yourself. I thought it might brighten your day."
Henry moves from his seat to kneeling beside me. He laughs as our child kicks from within the womb. "My son is strong. Be strong my son." He lays his head against my stomach and I rub his hair, smiling. In the corner of the room, my brother stands nodding in approval. Henry removes my hand from his hair and kisses it. "My Queen." I reciprocate his grin and press our lips together. "My King."
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Anne's P.O.V

"The nerve of those wretched Seymours." Handing a cup of tea to Charles. "I'm sorry, Anne." I shake my head. "Charles, you were with me in France. You could not have helped Lizzie from across the sea." As he grabs a hold of the tea cup our fingers interlock. "I meant for lying to Henry and removing you from the throne." I look down at our hands still coupled. "I'm not." Our eyes connect, then he pulls his hand away. "We can't do this Anne. Not now." I jump from my seat as he stands. "Why, you are planning on divorcing Catherine. I am no longer married. I know you feel this connection between us Charles. This is not me trying to steal you from Catherine. I know you care for me as much as I care for you." He turns to face the wall, running his hands through his hair. He takes a large sigh. "Anne, you are carrying the King's child. If you give birth to a son...a Prince of Wales, Henry will want you back. You and I both know he will demand you and his child back at his side."

Charles shifts his direction back to me, taking my hands in his. "I mustn't allow myself to fall for you, knowing I can never have you. You are not mine to have." I yank my hands away from his. "Stop addressing me as if I am someone's property. Henry does not own me. I am not a slave to his affections. I love whom I chose, the question is will you?" Charles shrugs his shoulders. "Anne, we can't. I will protect you and your children until the end of my days. I will be at your side, but I cannot promise anything more. Henry, no matter how blinded by lust, is still our King and my friend. I cannot betray him in such a manner."

Holding back my tears, I dusk of my skirts. "Charles, I will not ask you to play second string to Henry. But I cannot be around you like this everyday, knowing I can never call you mine. I think it would be best if you return to Catherine." He reaches his hands out to me, but I step away. "Anne..." I shake my head. "Tonight, Charles. You should leave tonight. I will send word to you once the child is born and we will go from there." I turn to walk to my chambers, but make a pause with tears streaming down my cheeks. "I never imagined falling for you, Charles. But after I did, I thought you'd never be able to hurt me as much as Henry." Facing his direction. "However, for the first time since we met, you were able to prove me wrong. My, how the times have surely changed." I run to my chambers, before he can stop me, my heart shattering with every step.