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

Take Control

Anne's P.O.V

I've been crying all night since my conversation with Charles. Elizabeth comes to my chamber in the morning, joining me in bed. "Mama, why are you crying?" I kiss her head and move to get out of bed. Once I remove my blankets, Elizabeth screams. I turn to see what frightens her, only to see a small pool of blood from where I slept. "Lady Bacher. Lady Cowell. Lady Porter. Lady Kat." My maids rush into my chamber, but come to a halt once they see the blood on my gown and bed sheets. Holding back the sea of tears that I feel bulding up, I hold my head up high. "Send for the local midwife. Be discreet, please." Lady Porter, breaks the tension, as she step out to follow my instructions. Lady Bacher and Lady Cowell assist me in cleaning up and putting on fresh clothing. I gesture for Lady Kat to take Elizabeth out.

Lady Bacher guides me to my mirror and sits me down. She begins to brush my hair as I allow the tears to flow. My hand goes instinctivly to my stomach and I cry harder. Lady Cowell kneels beside me, patting my back. "Your Grace, is it a smaller amount of bleeding than you have when you miscarry. Perhaps it is a only a scare from your stress. Please calm down, otherwise you may lose this one as well." She gives me a drink, one I assume to be a sedative. They guide me to my bed, which they gave clean linen. "Rest, your grace. We will wake you once the midwife arrives."
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Henry's P.O.V

I sit in shock as my eyes skim over the contents of the message in my hands. "She's pregnant."  Lord Rochford remains silent. I turn to the Boleyn siblings that I called after recieving the notice eariler this morning. "Say something, George...Mary." They look to each other still unsure. "Anne never spoke of such news in any of her letters to us, Your Majesty." I stand from my seat and circle my former mistress and friend. "Have you not been to Pembroke Castle to see your sister or neice, Princess Elizabeth?" Mary  simpy shakes her head. "Anne requested we stay away. Our Father also wanted us to keep away. He said it was best for us to earn back your favor." I nod, pretending to understand his reasoning, then slam my fist on the table. "Your sister is not out of favor. In fact, this may come as a surprise, but your sister is the only member of your clan who still remains in my good graces." Mary and George give me a confused look.

"Your sister seems to be the only one in your family who knows something about loyalty to your sovereign leader. When your Father and Uncle put her in front of me they expected her to use my feelings for her to advance your family without a single thought about how I might feel in the end. They wanted her to shut her emotions off and do her duty, instead she fell for me. She realized that she'd rather be at my side than theirs. She made the right choice. George, you stood by and allowed your sisters to be used as pawns in your Father's disgusting greed. Mary, you watched as your Father repeated history and sold your sister like a common whore, like he did with you, instead of showing her she had another choice. Anne has her faults, yes, but she always looked out for you both. And when she needed you the most, you abondaned her. Shameful."

I shift my attention back to the letter on my desk, but feel George's eyes lingering. "And who put her in that position, Your Majesty? Even in this moment when you know she is carrying your child, instead of going to her, you are here." I turn on my heels, glaring at the Boleyn heir. "I will goto your sister once the time is right. Don't you worry about that, George." He glares at me. "You are dismissed, but this conversation is far from over." Once they leave the audience chambers, I begin comtemplating. Jane would never forgive me for going to Anne. She'd been nothing but perfect since the begining of her pregnancy, but Anne is also carrying my child. I can't let Jane's feelings dictate my every action. "Chamberlain..." The thin man comes running in with his head bowed. "Prepare my coach. I'm going to Pembroke Castle."