Evermore

Chapter IV

GOD'S CHOSEN QUEEN

Greenwich Palace, May 23, 1536

The arrival of the long-awaited Prince of Wales had solidified young Anne's position as Queen of England, unassailable in the eyes of her loyal supporters. Yet, this joyous occasion came with a weighty price. King Henry, conflicted and repentant, spent the night in the chapel, where flickering beeswax candles cast dancing shadows across his anguished face. He pleaded with the heavens for forgiveness, promising to be the husband he had vowed to be three years prior.

"Make way! I bear urgent news for the king regarding the Queen's condition," Thomas Cranmer urgently announced, pushing past the guards stationed at the chapel's entrance.

King Henry turned wearily at the abrupt intrusion. "Thomas..." he sighed heavily, his concern palpable.

"Your Majesty, it brings me immense joy to inform you that Queen Anne has miraculously survived the night, and the royal physician believes she will recover in due course," Thomas Cranmer relayed with relief evident in his voice.

Overcome with gratitude and relief, King Henry rose swiftly, grasping Archbishop Cranmer's shoulders firmly. "Thank you. I vow before you and God never to stray from my marriage vows again," he declared earnestly, casting a solemn glance towards the altar where the statue of Christ stood sentinel. With determination, he pushed past the Archbishop and headed for the exit. "Guards!" he called out, his voice resonating through the halls. "Ring the bells and distribute alms in the name of God's chosen Queen!"

The guards swiftly obeyed, their voices echoing the proclamation, "Long live God's chosen Queen!" as they hurried to carry out their orders.

Moments later, the sound of ringing bells reached the young Queen's bedchamber, where Anne lay recovering. A radiant smile graced her lips as she whispered, "They love me..."

Mary, her sister, nodded in agreement, her own smile mirroring Anne's. "Of course they do. You are their Queen."

"You are indeed God's chosen Queen," Thomas Cranmer added warmly as he entered the chamber, accompanied by Princess Elizabeth, who bounded in joyfully. "Mama!" she exclaimed, rushing to her mother's bedside without restraint.

"Elizabeth, my darling," Anne greeted her daughter with outstretched arms, a beatific smile lighting up her face.

The little Princess threw herself into her mother's embrace, clutching her nightgown tightly with tiny fingers.

"Careful, Princess Elizabeth. Your mother is still recovering," Mary cautioned gently.

"My mama is strong," Elizabeth retorted spiritedly.

Mary chuckled softly. "Indeed, she is," she agreed warmly.

Turning back to her mother, Elizabeth gazed up with adoration. "I missed you, Mama," she confessed softly.

"And I missed you, my sweet girl!" Anne exclaimed joyfully, placing her hands tenderly on her daughter's head and kissing it affectionately. For now, they were safe, together, and whole.

Henry, unwilling to interrupt such a tender reunion yet longing to be a part of it, entered the chamber quietly. However, his presence did not go unnoticed. A maid caught sight of him and respectfully addressed him, "Your Majesty," she greeted, clearing her throat before curtsying. The other maids, including Mary and Thomas Cranmer, followed suit, acknowledging the king's entrance.

Anne noticed Henry's arrival but merely glared at him, her feelings still raw.

"Papa!" Elizabeth exclaimed excitedly, spotting her father. Without hesitation, she bounded to her feet, rushed to the edge of the bed, and leaped into his arms.