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

Age Difference

"She tires me out George." Henry admits as he steers his horse to a halt, George Boleyn following suit. They both adjust themselves into a position to watch Mistress Alma riding on without them. Her laughs rings out from yards away. George shakes his head, catching his breath. "We are not as young as we once were, Majesty." The mid-aged King silently agrees with his brother-in-law. "Mistress Alma makes me remember the olden days when we use to be able to ride for hours on end without running our of energy." Georges pats the King's shoulder. "I do believe that is what my sister intended." Henry laughs at the thought of his earliest revelation about his wife.

Shockingly, Anne is the one supplying him with his mistresses apparently. And Henry will admit she pleased him with the very first girl. "Perhaps she thinks I will tire of Mistress Alma's livelyness." George shrugs his shoulders at the suggestion. "Anyhow, I have taken to Mistress Alma so perhaps you should thank your sister on my behalf for presenting such an esquitte woman to me." George Boleyn did a double take at his ruler's newest order. His expression sent Henry on a storm of laughter. Begining to steer his horse, Henry pats George's back. "Do not fret, George. I was only kidding." George drew out a long breath as his majesty took off after Mistress Alma. After regaining control of his thoughts and plastering on a nervous grin, George soon followed Henry after the girl.

The hunting party settled into a good spot, as the cook roasted the buck they caught early on in the day. Alma sat next to the king on his dais style picnic setup. "Does your majesty hunt very often?" Henry shook his head. "It's hard to find the time that I once had as a man in my youth." Alma took another bite of her fruit. " I hear you are very skilled with the bow and that you've hunted with my wife before in France." Alma almost chokes on the grape in her mouth at the mention of the Queen. Was this it? Had she blown the Queen's secret already?" King Henry rubs her back until the young girl stops coughing. "Pardon, Majesty. The Queen, you ask?" Henry picks up a food and places it to his mouth, nodding with a expressionless face. "Yes, is that not how you met? In France?"

Alma slowly gives him a yes. "Anne has always had a taste for the outdoors. One of the things I love about her. She isn't afraid to get dirty, unlike some of the other women in England." Unsure of how to respond, Alma continues to nod. Henry directly faces the scared girl as she begins to realize her cover is blown. "Do not be afraid, Alma. I know that my wife sent you to me." Alma gives her King a questionable look. "You do?" Henry nods as he continues to eat. "Like my wife, I also have my own spies." Alma preps herself for the worst. "You should know that I have no intention on bedding you. I'd like you to inform my wife of that once we return."  Alma again nods. "What will become of me?" Henry waves off her concern. "I'll complete what I do believe my wife intended to do once I was done with you. I'll have you married off to one of the Lords of my court. You are a young, vibrant girl. Any of them will accept you." Alma's head falls. "But my reputation as a maiden is ruined." Henry lifts her chin. "I never touched.. at least not in that way. I'll ensure that everyone knows that your virtue is still intact."

Alma smiles after such a nervous breakdown. "Might I ask why?" Henry eyes her. "Why what?" She begins to blush. "Why will you not bed me? If I am as desirable as you just stated, why will you take me for yourself?" Henry gives her a small laugh. "Because, I love my wife and have no intention of proving her right about me." Alma bites her lip, holding back the laughter from the fact the the King is professing his love for Queen Anne. It's as if the King had truly gone soft. "I do not understand your ways, majesty." He caresses her hair. "You are too young to understand. Once you have experienced love the way I have, you will look back on this day and then you shall understand." Alma hoped he was right.