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

Who's Really In Charge

James' P.O.V

"You can't do this, your highness." Lord Zouche cries from the front row of the throne room. I give a confused expression, shrugging my shoulders. "Sure, I can. It's my wish that the line of succesion, stay in accordance with the ancient laws of England. The eldest prince shall take the throne." I turn to my brother who stood next to my angry mother, "Long live the King." Alexander grinned largely as he watched me kneel to him. Following my lead, the other lords of the court bent the knee to their new king. Women curtseyed to the ground, vowing their lives to serve King Alexander. I rose to my feet, smiling towards my sister and mother. "This is the way it should be." They both said nothing, but their expressions made it clear that they did not agree with my choice to step down.
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First Parliament meeting...

"Majesty, is your brother to be churched?" I look over to the head of the table waiting for my brother's response. Alexander glanced over to me, as I waited for his next move. "No, my brother is to remain at court as my trusted advisor. And in the case that I fall ill or worse...Prince James is set above all others as Regent." I nod in approval of his decision, and proud that he stuck to his word from three years ago. Lord Clifford stood up, shaking his head. "Majesty, your brother is seen as a second contender to your throne and your rival. To keep him here is to unintentionally invite those who wish you harm to act on their ideas. It's better for you to remove him from the public eye, until you have married and sire a Prince of Wales. I chuckled at Lord Clifford sugguestion, then faced him with a smug look. "I have yet to hear of any such thoughts from the people, unless you are one of those traitors who has these vile ideas. In such case, I could personally see to your death. Or did you forget that the person you are speaking ill of is still a Prince of England, and King Consort of Denmark. To accuse me of such a crime, you surely have some kind of evidence."

Lord Clifford worriedly, glanced between his fellow courtiers for assitance, but they all remained silent. He denied my questions and took his seat. I stood from mine, walking around the table. "Three weeks ago, I stepped aside and allowed for my eldest brother to take the throne as the English people wanted and as you, M'Lords, wished. I can see how my gracefulness may be mistaken for weakness, but make no mistake, I am still a Prince of England, the King Consort of Denmark and brother of the Queen of France. Although my brother is now King, I am still more important than every single person in this room, including your precious King." Alexander foamed at my last sentence fragment leaping from his seat at the head of table.

"And why is that, brother?" I come up to him, patting his back, staring directly in his eyes. "Brother, you have England now, it is true, but at what cost? Last year, while you played King in Wales, I was on the battlefield fighting along side Father. I am a war hero who defeated a Spanish army on the verge of overtaking France. I lead the English army to victory and won a lifetime of devotion from our sister, Queen Elizabeth of France and her husband, King Louis. Not only do I have French support in case of a war, I have the respect of the English army, including your welsh men. If you wage a war between the two of us, your going to need to look very far for an army to fight in your name, because I have the loyalty of all your soldiers. Plus, my wife's nation of Denmark, who's lands although are small, have built multiple allies since our marriage. I'm sure they will flank to my side if it means they can put a king of their choice on the English throne. To sum everything together, brother, I am the most important person in this room. An attempt on my life, is to sign your death warrant."

I smirked as Alexander fell back to his seat with an unreadable expression on his face. Sighing, I leaned over him, moving close to his ear. "Think about that the next time you attempt to get rid of me, your majesty." I heard him gulp, as he realized I knew who's orders Lord Clifford was following. Patting his shoulder once more, I make my way back to my seat, facing the Lords of the court and my brother. "Now that we understand each other gentlemen, shall we begin."