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

Mourning Period

Henry's P.O.V

A entire month of nothing but black. I keep myself locked away from the public eye, inside my private quaters. The only people that lay eyes on me are the priest, my household staff and Charles. The Duke of Soffolk runs the court while I am unavailble until the mourning period ends. Anne dares not to visit during my sad times, unable to feel bad for my loss. And I cannot force her to care about a child she only laid eyes on once. Jane left on a ship to France last week. I entertained the idea of joining her. My council decided against such a horrid idea. Such behavior is not appropriate for a former husband. Oh right, Jane asked for a divorce three days after the funeral of our son. "I cannot look at you, because you remind of the only child i'll ever have, and now that child is gone." Her statement shook my core. Charles and the council drew up the revised divorce contracts that same day.

After Jane's departure I attempted to take consolation in Anne. To say that was not the brightest idea is an understatement. I attempted to kiss her that night and she refused. "Your very vunerable right now, Henry." I pulled her back to me, but she fought me off. "I will not sleep with you while you are greiving. This is not the kind of comfort you need." I hover over her. "You will not provide me with a son as my wife. You will not comfort me as my mistress. What are you good for?" She raised her hand to strike, but let it fall back to her side. Then she pointed to the exit to her chambers. "Your Majesty, you need rest." Her voice began to break. "Please, leave." If it were not enough, I took by her arms by pinned her against the wall. "Perhaps, I should have taken pointers from Charles' style of displine." She quickly turned her face from mine, tears streaming down the sides of her face. "It does not matter, you aren't that good of a consoler anyhow." With that I shoved her backwards into the wall, causing her to cry out as her body hit the floor, then left her there alone in utter shock.

After I sobered up the next day, I sent a written apology to Anne, with a new brooch in the shape of her crest. She sent back the brooch with a short note detailing her departure from court until after the mourning period was up. Charles, by my order, stopped Anne's coach on the route to Pembroke and demanded her to reside at Hatfield until I sent orders otherwise. Anne agreed, unwilling to face a conflict with Charles after my previous actions the night before. She worked so hard these previous months to work up the courage to confide in me about Charles' abusive behavior and I tossed it right back in her face. I managed anger both of the women in my life at the worst possible time. "Now all I have is the inside of this court to screw up, and life will be complete." By chamberlain handed me my food. "That's very grim, your Majesty." I sigh. "That's reality, my boy."
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Anne's P.O.V
I allow myself to breath in the fresh air of the garden as I watch my daughters play with Lady Kat. "The mourning period ends tomorrow, your Grace. Will we return to court?" I give Lady Cowell and Lady Bacher a shoulder shrug. "I'm unfraid so. My uncle arrived with a message from King Henry. He's demanding my presence the day after tomorrow. He will annouce our engagement to the court and wants me at his side when he does." Lady Cowell give me a comforting back rub. "He was not himself, your Grace. You might consider forgiving his actions." I grimace remembering Henry's drunken behavior from weeks ago. "I will eventually, but as of now I am not keen on satisfiying his guilty consicous." I open my arms as Lizzie runs into them. "Mama, will I go with you to court?" I give her a firm shake of the head. "You must remain at Hatfield and continue your studies." She's disappointed, but like a gracious Princess, does not throw a fit. "Yes, Mama." I gesture for Lady Kat to take the girls inside. "I'll miss this feeling."

Lady Bacher questions my statement. "Now that I will return to being Henry's wife, I will not be able to reside at Pembroke or stay regularly at Hatfield. I cannot believe I am saying this, but I will miss the countryside." Lady Cowell laughs. "Your place is at court, your Majesty." I lift my eyebrow in reaction to use of my old, new title. "I am not Queen again, yet. It's going to be a long journey before I can accept that title once more." My laides curtsey to me, then rise. "You've always been your Majesty to us, my Lady. The only difference now, is that we will be able to once again refer to you as such." I nod and instuct them to begin packing for court. I look over the garden yard, to the fresh blue sky. "Here we go again...."