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

Fate Into Play

Anne's P.O.V

Henry and Charles circle each other, swords directed towards their opponent. I stand on the side of the dueling platform in tears, upset that the circumstances have come this far. "Please, we can talk through this." No one listens to be me as Charles takes the first swing, catching Henry off guard. The King backsup as his sword clashes with the Duke's. "You do not have to do this." Charles shifts his attention to me, softing his expression. I give him a reassuring smile. This upsets Henry even more as he takes this as his chance to drag his sword across Charles backside. Charles screams out as the sword cuts out a large gash into his back. With all his force he turns to Henry, raising his sword. The metal weapons collide, making a screeching noise. "Oh my..." The swords stay connected as they do a full 360 degree and Charles loses his grip on his handle.

My breath catching in my throat as Charles' sword falls to the ground. Henry hits Charles with the butt of his sword, causing Charles to fall to ground. "Any last words before you die?" Charles shifts his bloody face from Henry to me. "I love you." I hear Henry growl at Charles' declaration of affection for me. "Thank you, I -" Henry runs for Charles as he remains on the ground. My knees buckle as he reaches him. Before I can scream stop to Henry, Charles jumps up as Henry crosses his path. Henry runs right pass Charles, who stands on the side smirking. As the King turns on his heel and runs at Charles again, the Duke pulls out a dagger.

My eyes widen as Charles digs the dagger into Henry. I hear a mumble from Henry as the knife digs into his abdomen. When he falls to knees, I feel a heartwrenching pain in my chest. Henry, who's positioned on his knees holding his stomach with bloody hands, look over to me. He has tears in his piercing blue eyes, that match mine. With a simple smile and a glance at him, we read each other minds. I nod, understanding his silent confession. Charles trips the dagger from Henry's stomach, resulting in blood spills from Henry's mouth and stomach once more. Charles steps around the King's bleeding body and picks up Henry's chin. Charles looks to me once more, and I shake my head, pleading with him to rethink his decision. His expression darkens as he turns back around and drags the dagger across Henry's throat.

I feel the pain of the dagger shoot through me, as if he was cutting my body open. "Henry...." I jump from my laying postion as my ladies file into my room. My face is covered in beats of sweat and between my legs my sheets and night gown is soaked. Pulling away my sheets, Lady Cowell smiles. "My Lady's water has broke, send for the midwife." Lady Bacher curtseys before running out of my chambers. Lady Kat and my Lizzie walk in half alseep. "Mama, what's happening? " I break into a small smile as Elizabeth yawns, rubbing her eyes. "Lady Kat send word to the King, his child is to be born. After putting out Princess back in her bed."

After Lady Kat and a sleepy Elizabeth leave, I turn my focus to Lady Cowell smiling. "It's time Patty, I will give the Henry a son." She smiles down at me. "Come, your grace, we must prepare."
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Henry's P.O.V

I pull my dagger from beneath my pillow as my Chamberlain jumps back away from my bedside. "What are you doing boy?" I turn to a still sleeping Jane  as she stirs in her sleep. "Your Majesty, the Duchess of Pembroke's labor has started." My suspisious face transfigures into a proud one. I swing my cover away from my body. "Bring me some clothes, prepare a horse and a troop. We leave for Pembroke Castle at dawn." He bows and leaves to start the preparations. "Oh and boy...." He halts and turns back to me. "Have the Duke of Suffolk and the Duchess' family alerted." With a single nod, he's gone. My attention then shifts to a sleepying, heavily preganant Jane. I climb back into bed, kissing her forehead and placing a hand on her stomach. "Perhaps you will be my Duke of York."
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Charles' P.O.V

Catherine glares at me as she watches me dress. "You mustn't go to that witch. She has you under her spell, like the King." My eldest son, by my first wife,  nods along with his stepmother. "Papa, the harlot is not your concern. It's the King's child." I stumble over to my son, while putting my boots on. Cupping his face in my hands, I kiss his head. "And this matter, my son, is not you concern either." He pushes my hands away. "Yes, it is. You are ruining our family as you swore you would not. You promised to change, Papa." Catherine lets out a sniffle as she cries. "It's the King's wish that I ride to Pembroke Castle with him. Your ears are pointless, they will not stop me from leaving." Cathrine stands and closes the space between us. "Do you mean they will not prevent you from leaving to Pembroke or they won't prevent you from leaving me?"
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Henry's P.O.V

We all gather outside of the stables. Charles arrives when my men and I start to mount our horses. As Charles approaches he meets my eyes and bows. I wave at him to raise and he makes his over to his horse. After everyone is packed and mounted, I turn my horse to face Charles. "Ready?" He gives me a confused countenance. "Ready for what your majesty?" I smirk. "Surely, you know this child will play as a factor in the Duchess' decision. Are you ready to lose?" Charles sniffens. "Your majesty, I do not compare affairs of heart to a game of win or lose." I scoff at the idea of his new moral high horse. "Perhaps, you should start..." Before he can makes another remark, I lead the group on the path to Pembroke Castle.