The Seventh Queen (On Hold: Revising)

thoughts

In the following days Anine's nerves suffered, and she could tell that everyday she was becoming more highstrung. The pitch of her voice hightened when she spoke to others. She found it easier to lose her welsh temper when asked simple questions. She didn't relish what was going on with her mother or with the king, nor did she know for sure that her plan would unfold in the way she wished it to. There were too many factors that could ruin it. Charles being the most dangerous factor.

He had some clue as to what she was or could do. Humans don't just hurl other humans across a courtyard, she scolded herself. He could tell the king anytime he wished or try to use it over her head. Either way she would try to kill him if he tried.

She also knew that if she didn't try to catch the King's fancy that her mother would watch her fall. And her fall would be her mother's pleasure.

She was alone in her thoughts, and the details of her "Solution" were hers to consult. Niether Anna nor Gabriel could be consulted on what she should do. She'd learned after Gabriel's betrayal that her trust was something well earned.

She prepared herself mentally in the only way she knew how. By repeating to herself over and over again the wisdom Anna had spoken-to fake loyalty to her mother, and give true loyalty to whomever Anine wanted. She wasn't sure of the of what the outcome would be of her choices in loyalty, she never had been sure of outcomes came with her choices, but a reputation had to be held

Once she made the descion and chose the date, Anine delivered the note directly to Henry's hands as he came out of the chapel from his daily prayer.

Surprised but delighted Henry took the note in his closed hand and gave her a charming smile, She replied with the most lady like curtsy as Anne was close behind him.

On the appointed evening, Anine made appropriate excuses so she would be able to sleep alone, confirming her whereabouts if anyone were to see her along the hallways of the castle. Then she made her way carefully to a little used room in the east wing of the palace.

It was unlocked, a signal that Henry was at one with the redevous, and Anine slipped inside. Indeed, the small chamber was already candle lit, with a fire blazing in the hearth. A table with two chairs was set for cards, and a deck laying in the center of the table. There were two Ventetion glass goblets and a flask of wine sat nearby.

Very sly, anine thought. Get me drunk and then take advantage of me like you've done with so many other women.

With her heart in her throat and nerves in her stomach, Anine walked to the table and stared down at the cards. Henry was an advid card player, loved it so much that he hated anyone that couldn't play with him and the fact that the cards on the table were plain showed what he had come to this room to accomplish.

She almost lost her nerves at that thought and knew she still had time to flee the room if she left now. Then the door opened behind her and Henry never looking larger or more handsome, stepped inside. He closed off the chance of fleeing and any of her nerves she had left.

Click!

The sound of the lock was so delicate yet so definate that the sound registered with a tiny jolt between her legs. She groaned inwardly, for if any inkling of the lust inspired by the sight of Henry.

"Good evening Lady Wallace,"

She curtsied low, knowing that the deep decollete of her bodice would show off her large, high breasts to perfection. Let him think you're here for more then cards, she thought.

"Your majesty," Anine said, trying to keep her voice rather monotone. Then she lifted her eyes, with the smoothest effort, and held his gaze.

"You look ravishing tonight," he said as Anine rose.

"Compliments are always welcome, milord." She saw him take a step toward her, his arms beginning to rise in her direction. She stepped back but smiled coyly. "You have accepted my invintation here tonight, majesty. Will you not abide by my rules I had set in the note?"

His smile was hungry. "A series of card games and a deep conversation. Are you sure you do not want other things Lady wallace?"

"No milord. My virginity is not for you to have," she gestured to one of the chairs and only when he was seated did she take hers. "May I deal first?"

"Of course," he said. " what shall we play?"

"Pique," she responded dealing the cards. "May i have some wine milord?"

Mildly amused, he filled her goblet, then his and held up his glass, "A toast?"

"No," she said simply.

"Are we playing your majesty or are you going to stare at breasts the whole of the night?"

Henry laughed at that and at once hungrly engaged himself in the card game.

The first hand she lost.

"Now what did ye need to speak with me about?" he asked downing his first cup of wine.

"It is about my mother,"

"And what of your mother?"

"It is troubling, milord, maybe some more wine first,"

"No Anine, no more wine," he said. "Now this news with your mother."

"She means to harm Annne," she declared.

His eyes clouded with doubt and then as he thought on things, it turned to anger. He pushed from the table harshly and paced the room.

"What harm does your mother intend. And remember Anine some things you say can be considered treasonous." he warned her.

"She means to sabatouge any pregnancy Anne concieves once she is queen."

He glared at Anine and let out a snort. He had a hard time believing Anine. "And how would she accomplish this?'

"By causing the Queen great distress and pain or poison," she responded. "It wasnt clear what i overheard her saying but it was clear the intent."

The shock of her news was so great that he now towered over her in pure angry. The news of her mother's intent had soured him, she could see.

"What do you propose I do? She is your mother and I would need proof of her treasonous thoughts to be able to condemn her to the tower."

"Banish her from the courts until Anne has given you heirs," she said touching his arm and bringing his gaze back down to her.

"I do not understand why she would wish ill of Anne,"

"My mother supported your father and supported the marriage of Katherine to your brother..."

He pulled her from the chair and held her at arms length. "But she once supported your sister and I," he released her. "Why would she not support me now?"

"She thinks Anne is not worthy of such a king," she watched him fill his glass and down the contents. "Or maybe she wishes that my sister still lived and it her you would be marrying."

"Of course," he said axiously, "He pulled her into a tight hug. "I loved your sister, truly I did. But Anne is now my beloved and your mother must face the fact of such things. I will take this to my men and suggest where she will be banished. Now go before I take you against your will."

"Of course your majesty,"

She hurried for the doorm knowing that if he mentioned having her again it would happen.

"Anine," his voice stopped her.

Please don't ask me to be yours, she thought. Hardly breathing she turned back to Henry. Between them, very little space was left. His lips almost melted against hers. But she was quick and pushed well against the wall. Henry smiled.

"Coy and cunning. Just like your sister and Anne," he said touching his lips. "Go, please."

(C) Kelcey Winn