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

Naming of The Future

Trumpets flared through the throneroom as the large procession of the households of the royal children made it's way between the crowd of courtiers that lead to the thrones where the Henry and I sat. Our hands interlocked, with our matching wedding bands displayed proudly on each of our fingers. Henry looked on with pride as all four of our children arrived at the steps of the dias. Our daughters fell into graceful curtseys and our sons kneeled on one, all four of them awaiting the greeting from Henry. My grin widens as Henry releases my hand to stand and guide them up from their positions one by one. "My beloved children, welcome back to your court."

Elizabeth was now eight years old. Her red hair now reached her shoulders. She'd lost her baby fat and grown into her childish figure. She'd spent her last three years studying in France, and only returned just weeks ago for the spring season. "My Lord, Father. Lady Mother." She kissed Henry's hand and he gestured for her to join us on her miniature throne on my right side. She happily accepted, stopping in front of my throne to send me a small smile. Me returned her greetings, wishing I could wrap her in my arms and hug her to death, but we'd have enough time for later.

Next Henry guided up our youngest daughter, Princess Annebelle. Our five year old beauty grew a lot while she'd been away at Pembroke to begin her lessons last spring. Henry and I hardly had time to visit in within the last year, and the amount that she'd changed made me want to cry. Her hair was even longer than her older sister's. It was no longer the same dark tone, but a shimmering brown. Although she was as graceful as her older sister, Annebelle tended be more hyperactive than all her siblings. So much that we'd never catch her without a teethy smile on her face. "Papa!" Henry wasted no time, picking her up and twirling her around like he once did when Lizze was Belle's age. He then handed her off to me "Hi, Mama." I kissed both her cheek, then her head. "Hello, my little beauty." I kept hold of her as Henry continued on to the twins.

Henry guided both our four year old sons up and the same time. Even next to each other no one would even guess they were twins. Our eldest son, Prince Alexander of Wales displayed more tudor features. His once curly tudor hair, settled into a brownish- red color and his eyes were now green-brown. He'd come all the way from his household at Ludlow Castle in Wales. Henry insisted on having him learning how to run his own estate at his tender age. Alexander was doted upon whenever mentioned about how he was the perfect heir apparent. He strived in lessons, never complained about the distance from us and he was growing up into a handsome prince. No one doubted his claim to the throne. In England's eyes, Prince Alexander was their next king.

As for out youngest child, Prince James, Duke of York, I tended to favor as much as possible. In the mist of everyone being mesmerized by Princess Elizabeth exquisite brain, Princess Annebelle's beauty and Prince Alexander's charming personality, everyone sometimes forgot about little James. Although both my sons were the same age, it never stopped everyone from knowing which one would the power after Henry died. Coutiers often questioned what the future held Prince James. Prince Alexander showed no signs of dying before adulthood. With his claim to the throne supported by all, some saw Prince James as a threat. It didn't help that James showed no signs of the tudor in him, not even physically.

James had my black hair and my dark eyes. Unlike, his Father and I, James showed no signs of having the famous tudor-boleyn temper. On the contrary, James was timid and shy. He hardly spoke unless spoken to and never shared his inner thoughts. James, like Elizabeth, was very bright and often spent most of his times with his head in a book. He did not enjoy outdoor activities, unless unaccompanied by myself. Henry questioned if James could handle the pressures of being a prince of England later on in life. If he could not hunt, horseback ride or use a sword, he'd have no purpose in leading an English army. James was too modest for a prince, according to my father. He worried most of our family, for if he continued on this path, Henry might insist on having him churched once he reached his majority.

But back to procession. After all our children were properly welcomed we dismissed the courtiers and returned about our normal routine. For me that meant to spend my day with my children in the gardens. Taking full advantage of the spring season, before Henry sent away from court to continue their lessons. Lizzie will return to France for another two years, before coming back. Annebelle is going to Pembroke until winter season starts. Alexander will of course will be returning to Ludlow in Wales. Meanwhile James will be going back to his residence in York.

No matter how far my children went, I prayed they'd always come back to me. They were all still very young and I needed to ensure their futures and continue my legacy.