The Swan & The Crow x The Tudors.
"She took my breath away. That had never happened to me in my life, where I saw somebody and [experienced] all of those things you hear about in songs and read about in poetry. My knees were weak. It was amazing. And it was very hard for me to get her out of my mind after that"
~ Portia de Rossi.
***
"You are all white, Lady Wendy. What is the matter with you, child?" Anne sat in her sitting room, a book in hand. Wendy Miller, a small framed young woman, with bright red hair, and a pointed nose stood before Anne as if she had seen a ghost.
Anne, unaware of Cromwell and Elizabeth's afternoon stroll, kindly gestures for Wendy to sit in the chair beside her.
"I followed Lady Valentine like you suggested," Wendy spoke softly, her soft eyes glued upon her small hands as she sat in the well-made chair. It was a luxury to be in a room filled with so many expensive decor and treats. Wendy could not believe Anne would pick such a shy and small woman to join her side.
Wendy's family did not have much hope for their only daughter, but perhaps once Anne becomes queen, those doubts will go away. Wendy must be on Anne's good side to grant those wishful thoughts.
Marriage could also come in to play, but the man she found slightly interesting is slowly falling in love.
"And?" Anne questions in a hushed whisper.
"I saw Thomas Cromwell and Lady Valentine together in the garden," Wendy blushes at the thought of peeking into a private moment, however, the small shame also carried some pride for her invisibility within court surely paid off.
Anne, confused by the confession, slumps her shoulders out of disappointment. Perhaps sending Wendy was a failure she should have seen this coming. Wendy immediately sees the disapproving look upon Anne's round face. Flustered, Wendy sat up in her seat and squeezes her knuckles tightly.
"Mister Cromwell looked- happy, my lady. He - he smiled with no force. There was something about his body language. It was as if Cromwell allowed his head to dispelled by that woman..."
Anne sucks in sharply, reopening her book to find the last place she was uncomfortably interrupted by. Wendy, squeezed her knuckles tight. For she saw Lady Anne did not mind nor did she care, but why? How come Wendy saw what Lady Valentine truly is? A witch.
"Mistress Anne, I-"
Anne raised her hand to interrupt Wendy from speaking. Her blue dagger-like eyes stare deep into Wendy's soul. Her lips were tight.
"As much as I enjoy your company, Wendy - I did not send you to spy on Mister Cromwell and my dearest friend, Beth. What happens between them is their own business. As scandalous, their unusual friendship is, I ordered you to see if the King and Lady Beth held any affectionate relations." Anne flickers her eyes downward as she thought for a moment. "Though, alas, you did not fail me at least. Henry does not seem to have any interest."
Wendy, unable to speak, glance down at her lap. Why couldn't anyone understand?
Why?
"Jealousy does nothing for a pure soul, Wendy." Anne did not look away from her book. This causes Wendy to stand to her feet, unable to grasp what Anne had just said. Wendy wasn't jealous or at least she believed this much. Why would she be jealous of someone like Elizabeth Valentine? A witch.
"I am not-"
Before Wendy could continue, the heavy door leading into Anne's chambers open with a great force. Behind it struts in a happy Elizabeth. Her face still alight flush from the gentle heat from outside. It was apparent Elizabeth had many things on her mind. Many beautiful things. The bright light between her chest was filled with darkness just hours ago; only to be replaced with delight. Perhaps Cromwell wasn't so bad after all.
YOU ARE READING
The Tudors: The Swan & The Crow.
Historical FictionLady Elizabeth ( Beth ) Valentine grew up in Norfolk with her father, Sir Philip Valentine, Duke of Edinburgh. Despite her gender, Philip wanted nothing more but to educate his only child as if she were a son. Now a full woman, The Valentine's are w...