Anne Boleyn: Once Temptress, Now Beheaded

[chanaud]

OOC: This thread is closed for Thor's Hammer and myself. If you would like to join us, please PM me with your character. Meanwhile, we hope you enjoy our little time piece.


I’ve just returned from a morning ride through the farm fields of my family’s estate, Hever County - located in the north of England - when I saw an ivory envelope bearing the court’s seal sitting on top of my dark walnut desk. Though my maid was waiting, holding my burgundy tunic, I ignored her and grabbed the letter in unladylike haste. The parchment weighed heavy with news in my delicate palm. My fingers grazed over the seal as I savored the richness of the gold crest. It has been a good year since I’ve been banished with shame from the great King Henry III’s royal castle. My family promised they would send for me as soon as they find use for me. Before opening the letter, I knew this was my forgiveness. I am to return to the castle as Queen Catherine’s lady in waiting to await my future.

Let me start from the beginning:

Two years ago, I arrived in King Henry VIII and Queen Catherine’s castle after spending majority of my childhood serving first Mary, Henry VIII’s sister (who was married to Louis XII of France) and continued to serve Queen Claude (who was married to King Francis I).

I was the forgotten one of the Boleyn siblings. My brother, George - the only male heir to the Boleyn and Howard estate - was still single and living a gay life as one of King Henry’s most trusted men. My younger sister, Mary married at a young age to William Carey while she was a favorite among Queen Catherine’s ladies in waiting. I was called to England’s court after a family meeting. It seems my fair-haired beautiful young sister had caught the eye of King Henry. She was in desperate need of a tutor in the art of flirtation. Since my reputation was well known among the France’s court, I was called to serve my family and see my sister become Henry’s mistress so the Boleyn’s and Howard’s will rise to the highest levels of wealth and power in the realm.

Though we Boleyn girls were considered the most beautiful in all of England, I am the complete opposite of my sister, Mary. She is fair-haired with the perfect hourglass figure. I have jet-black hair with light coffee colored eyes, short with slender grace. She is shy, naïve and often voices her conservative views siding with Queen Catherine and the Catholic Pope. Since I have been basically raised by France’s court, I see the world with a liberal eye and have become a voracious reader of the Protestant religion, which is banned by England and her favorite Pope.

Internally, I was seething with anger. Nineteen years old, unmarried and serving my younger sister while she had a husband and the King of England openly courting her. But, I did my duty for I; too, want to see my family rise with power. Though I am often dismissed as a female, I have as much ambition as my powerful wealthy Uncle.

While serving my sister, I have become the favorite among the court. My sideway glances and secretive smiles caught the eye of many suitors. It also didn’t hurt that my sister is now King Henry’s mistress. One suitor in particular sent my heart fluttering with his secret poems and soft blue eyes. His name was Henry Percy, an aide and secretary to the lord cardinal; soon to inherit the great Earldom of Northumberland. Through many careful meetings, our love blossomed and turned into a great affair. He often proclaimed his love for me. I knew I was just a commoner and the court would never approve such a match for I was seen as unsuitable. Through careful manipulation, Henry Percy proclaimed his love for me openly among witnesses. I was sure the witnesses would bear testimony and the court would be forced to approve the matrimony. But the powerful Cardinal Wolsey caught wind of the romance and with the collaboration of the Percy family and my own, King Henry was forced to send me away to where I have been hiding in shame while Henry immediately found a wife with a suitable dowry for my beloved Percy.

Through the course of the year, my heart hardened from being abandoned by love. Letters of my sister’s follies made me seethe with envy. Every member of my family received some form of reward from King Henry except for me. The country life doesn’t suit me. I long for the richness of court and its merriment and vowed when I return my priority will not be Mary and George (though I do love them) but myself. I have been the forgotten one so it’s up to me to control my future.

 

[chanaud]

Anne Boleyn

As soon as I arrived in my room, my appointed maid came rushing to me and helped me disrobe my burgundy riding cloak. I had dressed with care expecting to bump into someone awaiting my return. An anger filled me when I was informed by the guardsman that the King Henry and his entourage was out hunting while all the ladies were in chapel with Queen Catherine. My own family was nowhere in sight.

"Your uncle awaits you m’lady.” My maid informed me as she shook a borrowed gown for me to change into.

“Please tell him I will see him in an hour. I’m to take a bath right now.”

I was raised in the French Court and learned one must clean before visiting. She drew my bath and stood over me as I disrobed and sunk my tired body into the steaming hot water. I took my time causing maid fidget with anxiousness. Though it didn’t show, I was too. Questions were swimming in my head. Why did they want me back so soon? Did they find a suitable husband for me? Is he wealthy? Rumors had circulated throughout England that Henry had only eyes for my sister, Mary so my family should have no need for my serviced except to marry a man who can advance the Boleyn and Howard family.

I stood up so my maid can scrub my skin. Her delicate manner annoyed me. I grabbed the brush from her and demanded, “Lay out my green gown,” and scrubbed my skin until it shone brilliantly.

I knocked delicately on my uncle’s door. When his assistant allowed me in, I breezed by him and was surprised the whole family was deep in conversation. They froze at my presence. The only available seat was the one in the far back corner, so I sat straight back, head held high and looked boldly in my uncle’s eyes.

Warm greetings were not important in my family’s life. “We have a duty for you. It seems your sister, Mary is with child.”

My eyes turned to Mary and watch her face redden. This didn’t look like a joyous occasion for her.

“As her sister, you must be here as her confidant. Meanwhile, we cannot take the chance of anyone catching Henry’s eyes. So you must keep him occupied so his interest remains with Mary.”

My face was one of aghast! What no marriage for me? They called me back to act as Mary’s maid?

“Why me?” I couldn’t help blurt out. “Why can’t you hire a maid to accompany Mary and a whore to keep Henry occupied?”

A crack of the palm struck me against the cheek almost making me reel from my chair.

“Because you are family and you must do your duty!” My father raged over me.

The slap just made me bolder. “What about me? When will I marry?”

My uncle raised his hand stopping my father from striking me again. He soft firm voice was one of power.

“Do your duty and see Mary deliver a healthy son and we will find a suitable husband for you. By then our family will have risen and properly compensated. Therefore, you will increase in status. Right now, we are concentrating on Mary to provide Henry a son.”

Every time Mary’s name was mentioned, I glanced at my sister. Her face was stoic as she looked straight away. But her eyes gave the slightest inclination of worry. When the men’s heads leaned in deep conversation, we ladies knew we were dismissed. I stood and saw Mary reach for me in greeting. I turned quickly and departed the room in haste.

Quick steps carried me down the long hall. I turned to see Mary was far behind me. Right when my head turned forward, I bumped into a tall stocky man. The familiar curly moustache made me gasp. My body lowered into a curtsy. Eyes lowered, I addressed him in the softest tone.

“Please forgive me, Your Highness.”

 

[Suzi]

*ahem*

hi

 

[Thor's Hammer]

OOC

.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Henry VIII

OOC: Henry VIII was born in 1491 and became the King of England at 17 upon his father's death in 1509. Although Henry VIII's name conjures up an image of an overweight, irascable tyrant the truth is somewhat different. When he was young, Henry was possessed of good looks (he was relatively tall) and athletic ability. He was also possessed a good nature and was, in truth, revered by his subjects.

Young King Henry enjoyed dancing, hunting, hawking, riding, jousting and many other sports of the time.

One of Henry's first acts as king was to marry his brother Arthur's widow, Catherine of Aragon. In her youth, Catherine was considered quite pretty.
Henry was married to Catherine for over 20 years. Catherine was pregnant many times, but only one girl survived - a daughter we knew later as 'Bloody Mary'. Henry felt that a male heir would assure the line and avoid squabbling after his death. For the time, Henry was relatively faithful. He had only two known mistresses while he was married to Catherine.

Never forget that Henry VIII was an absolute monarch - possessed of absolute power.

Fast forward to about 1524. Henry VIII is a relatively young 33, vigorous and active. Anne Boleyn has just returned to the court.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Henry VIII

“Please forgive me, Your Highness.”

I had been preoccupied with thoughts of the hunt. The foxes had been clever, but the hounds had finally run them down. The smell of the outdoors permeated my nostrils. Then..... a young woman bumped into me. I recognized her instantly. Who would not remember the long dark hair and eyes that were almost black? I remembered that I had Wolsey end her affair with Henry Percy.

As I held my hand out to indicate that I took no offense, I noticed a red mark on her cheek.

"Anne, I take no offense, particularly with one so lovely. I trust your time away from the court has been fruitful. And, what happened to your cheek? That was not my doing, I hope?"

 

[chanaud]

I took his offered hand and stood straight before Henry. I looked deep into his deep brown eyes and saw pure intensity. My own black eyes lowered and smiled secretly, forcing redness to creep up my long slender neck to my cheeks.

”Oh no, Your Highness! I’m afraid I spent too much time in the sun during my travel here. My time at Hever County was the most fruitful. If Your Highness has a free moment in the near future, perhaps I can enlighten you with my follies.”

I allowed a short dramatic pause before I continued. My head still lowered, I allowed my dark eyes to peek through my thick eyelashes.

”I would like to thank you for allowing me back to court. I promise you I will be useful to you and Queen Catherine and be on my best behavior.”

I saw my sister hurrying towards us making my eyebrows furl with annoyance. Henry followed my glance and turned back to me with amusement.

“You don’t look too pleased to see your sister. For some odd reason, I thought you two were close.”

My mood quickly changed. I couldn’t risk being banished from court again especially on my first day back. Remembering my duty, I gave him the widest of smiles. My hand caught his arm and released it immediately. His eyes danced at my boldness.

” We are the closest of sisters! I was concerned for her. She shouldn’t be moving so quickly during this joyous occasion. May I offer my congratulations to you and my sister. I will pray God delivers a healthy son.”

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Henry VIII

” We are the closest of sisters! I was concerned for her. She shouldn’t be moving so quickly during this joyous occasion. May I offer my congratulations to you and my sister. I will pray God delivers a healthy son.”

She was a most intriguing mixture of coquettishness, sensuality, and outright boldness. Her explaination of the mark on her cheek was too glib by half.....but I decided to let it pass for the moment.

"I am pleased that you and your lovely sister are still close. She is with child....and...." I paused, letting my words hang in the air.

I stepped forward a pace before Mary came upon us. In a voice that only carried the short distance between us I said, "Indeed you will be an addition to my court. I fear I have tired of the current group of hangers on. I believe that I would like to hear of your stay in the country. Attend me tomorrow in my private chamber. I will be there after a morning of falconry" With those words, I motioned her to her sister and strode purposefully down the corridor. The power of my office coursed through my body.....I am KING.............

 

[chanaud]

Anne Boleyn

I couldn’t hide the light dancing in my eyes as Mary caught up to me. Her robin egg blue eyes questioned me first. When I didn’t offer anything, she took upon to ask me, “Do tell, what were you two discussing that brought your heads so close together.”

I linked my arms with hers. “Why Mary, my beautiful younger sibling, I’m just fulfilling our family’s duty.” She frowned at my vagueness. She knew me too well to know I wasn’t telling the whole truth. Instead of pressing the issue, she changed the subject to more cordial matters.

“Come, let me show you your room. It’s next to mine and I had it decorated specially to your liking.”

The room was displayed just the way the French would have. Maroon and gold fabrics were displayed everywhere. Mounds of pillows filled my bed. The walls were covered with art objects from France. I knew it was Mary showing me how much she missed me but instead of thanking her, I made a comment that made her wince.

“I take it Henry is pleased with the good news.”

Her pale face was covered with red dots. She nodded quickly, looked down at my boldness, but when she looked up again, her eyes were shiny. Dear, poor Mary. She had better deliver a boy. Otherwise….

“And has Queen Catherine spoken to you yet?”

“She has been as polite as ever. But we rarely have a chance to speak. Henry insists on my being in bed at all times. He even hired a nurse to watch me.”

Mary grabbed my arm and pulled me in the deepest corner of my room away from possible eavesdroppers. Our heads were close like when we were young and shared secrets. “I have a strong suspicion she is Catherine’s spy. Possibly a witch!”

A voracious laugh escaped my throat. “Good heavens, you must be tired. Why don’t you lie down and get some sleep. Here I will brush your hair for you.”

“I’m serious. She’s constantly looking at me with this one large eye. I believe she’s here to curse our baby.” Her troubled face fell while she rubbed her growing stomach.

“Well, if you really think so, we can hire a witch to cast any spells against you.”

“NO! Henry will be beside himself if he finds out. Allowing any evil spirits can curse the baby. I have been praying in the Chapel most mornings when Henry doesn’t need me. I’m leaving it all in God’s hands. He will see to it that I deliver a male heir.”

We huddled together in bed. I amused her with tales of the farm while she brought me up to date with the happenings in Court. Each time she mentioned a well-matched couple, my heart grew colder. She didn’t mention Henry Percy and I didn’t ask. In my heart, he was forgotten but my mind will never forget. No never, for he will pay.

After talking for hours, we drifted off to sleep. Together, side-by-side, in my comfortable bed made for a Queen.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Henry VIII

As I walked down the corridor, I thought about the chance meeting with Anne. She was intriguing.....it was just a matter of time.

Upon entering my private chambers, I pushed thoughts of Anne from my mind and settled down to sign the latest pile of documents my secretary had placed neatly on my small desk. Proclaimations, appointments, execution warrants, and always, the demands for money. Wolsey had pushed the Kingdom to the brink of ruin. His faulty advice had caused me to embark on foreign adventures and into a flawed treaty with France that had almost emptied the treasury. The new taxes had not been popular. Even now the treasury was almost bare.

My thoughts turned inward once again. Mary was becoming large with child. If she bore me a son....... Try as I might, however, I could not push the dark hair and sparkling eyes from my mind.....

I raised my voice to summon a servant for some wine and a meal. The King would dine in solitude tonight.......

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Henry VIII

A famous portrait of Henry VIII

 

[chanaud]

Anne Boleyn

The sun shone brilliantly through the stained window forcing my eyes to open in anger. After a few flutters and an afterthought, I remembered where I was. I buried my face deep in a silk gold tasseled pillow to conceal my squeal of delight.

Mary woke with an unconcealed groan. Her face was pale. Holding my head up with my left arm, I studied her discomfort. Poor Mary, pregnancy doesn’t suit her. Her face turned green before my watching eyes.

”Nurse, nurse! I yelled loudly hoping to attract a servant.

An old woman burst through the door and was by Mary’s side holding a blue ceramic bowl in a flash. Mary leaned over and heaved yesterday’s nourishment. It took all I had to not to turn in disgust.

After a few moments of silence, Mary laid back down on the bed. Her face was transparent with sweat. Her bosoms were heaving like mad. After her breathing slowed, she turned to me with eyes full of pain and took my hand into her sweaty cold ones. “I’m so glad you’re here with me. I have no friends whom I can trust except for George.” The mention of George brought faint stars in her eyes but quickly faded. “But he’s been busy with Henry in court. And when Uncle finds a wife for him, he will forget us.”

”Well, we will have to see to it he doesn’t forget us. Remember dear sister. We are the Boleyns and we are one. We made that pact when we were young children. And we will see to it he remembers that promise, even though it was made when he was barely eleven years old. “

Mary rose and dressed through my failed attempts to have her remain in bed. She claimed she must attend Chapel and be bright and cheerful for Henry. I tried to remind her that it was my duty to entertain him for her but she insisted. Dressed, I noticed she did look healthier. Yet at second glance, I can see she was moving with great effort. Once again, I felt sorrow for her.

While Mary was busy in Chapel, I remained in my room and prepared for my visit with Henry. I chose my best silver blue silk. The cinched waistline heaved my breasts forward, forcing them to appear larger than normal. The skirt was full but stopped daringly above my ankles, allowing a peek of lace whenever I shifted my legs carefully. Even though I was one, I didn’t want to appear like a commoner but I couldn’t outdo other ladies with higher ranking so I chose simple tiny pearl earrings and a family choker heirloom. With careful steady hands, I applied color to my face making sure it wasn’t overdone.

Satisfied with my attire, I spent the rest of the morning reading the forbidden Protestant book while I waited for word that Henry was ready for me.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

The damp morning air was a tonic. Falconry was one of my favorite pursuits. Today, however, the kill was small. My favorite, a female I had dubbed 'Mary Rose' after my warship, had taken but one small bird. Perhaps her mind, like mine, was on other things.....

As I strode along the hall I decided that I would be like my father and take an interest.....at least for a time, in the administrative affairs of my kingdom. Wolsey was acting like he was King......I needed to watch him.

Just as I was about to summon Wolsey, I remembered that I had bade Anne to wait upon my return. Her tale of her stay in the country might be amusing. The administration of the Kingdom could wait.....

"Ask Anne Boleyn to attend me," I said over my shoulder as I stripped off my falconry clothing and dressed for my public court session later today. A servant placed a cloak about my shoulders. I sat upon a small brocade sofa and awaited Anne's arrival.......

 

[chanaud]

Anne Boleyn

A young handsome servant knocked on my door hesitantly. When I answered, he spoke with a childish quiver in his voice.

“King Henry is calling for your presence, Mi’Lady.”

I looked him up and down. His face was expressionless, his eyes vacant. King Henry loves to fill his court with attractive men and women. Yes, it was good to be back. I have much to make up for. I must take advantage of the cards dealt before me.

“Please tell him I am not ready. I shall see him a quarter past noon.”

The servant shifted nervously. This was a first. How was he going to return to King Henry and give him a message like that? And how will King Henry react to such message?

“Don’t just stand there. Go give Henry the message. He will be upset with you if he doesn’t receive his messages right away. Go.”

He left in a hurry. Poor boy. I hope he doesn’t lose his position because of me. But, I can’t worry of such things. Fate had handed me an opportunity. And I must play to my full advantage.

I sat back down in my rocker, and opened the book to where I left off. I couldn’t read another word. I sat and waited, and waited, and waited until the time has come.

A servant was waiting outside my door. As soon as I opened my door, he jumped to full attention.

“Please take me to King Henry. He is waiting for my presence.” I demanded.

He nodded, and charged swiftly ahead. I followed slowly. He continued to look back at me with nervousness. I knew Henry didn’t take my message well. And the servants are paying for his temper.

His voice boomed through the heavy door. “Enter!”

My slow feet carried me to the long hall towards his throne. My dress swung back, and rose in fluid movements. Henry sat in silent, and watched with eagle’s eyes. His ruby ring shone regally. When I arrived, I curtsied before him. I kept my eyes on the floor as I spoke in the softest tones.

“G’Day, Your Highness. How may I be of servant to him?”

 

[Thor's Hammer]

King Henry VIII (post one of 2)

"I shall see him a quarter past noon. Don’t just stand there. Go give Henry the message. He will be upset with you if he doesn’t receive his messages right away. Go."

My face must have been a study. 'The impertinence of this twit,' I thought. I raised my hand - my servant cringed, a look of terror on his face. 'Do not kill the messenger, Henry, you have a long memory....'

I dropped my hand and waved the relieved servant away with a flick of my fingers. 'A quarter past noon, indeed.'

I shouted for a servant to draw a hot tub of water. I felt the need to wash the dirt of the falconry away while I contemplated Mistress Anne's message.....................

 

[Thor's Hammer]

King Henry VIII (post 2 of 2)

Time passes....................

“G’Day, Your Highness. How may I be of servant to him?”

Her impertinence was on the ragged edge. She knew what happened to people who defied the King......and yet she persisted in behavior that bordered on impudence. Just when I would have had her stripped and flogged, she adopted this demure facade that belied the real person underneath.

The impudence, I realized, made her more attractive. I could have any woman I wished in the Kingdom. Their very availability and subservience slaked the initial passion. This one, however, was becoming more intriguing by the day.

"You may stand, Anne.....nay, sit on the settee and regale us with your promised tales of country life. Leave nothing out....I love a good tale."

As she rose, I touched her on her back - briefly - as I guided her to the settee. A scent of....was it violets? brushed my nostrils. The ruby ring on my finger caught the light and its red rays reminded me of my power....the power to draw blood or to bestow unimaginable privledge with a wave of my hand.

"While you spin your tales, Anne, pray tell us of the view of the court in the country."

 

[chanaud]

Anne Boleyn

I sat with my ankles crossed delicately, my body turned to him offering my full attention. Henry eyes twinkled. The red light from the powerful stone shone directly at me making my eyelashes to flutter rapidly. His smile broaden. When I saw the effect of the mistaken gesture, I lowered my eyes to my lap. My smirk was concealed by a blushing smile.

”It was good to spend time in the country. My family’s estate is humble compared to the court but the lush vegetation made up for it. The soil is rich therefore our crop plentiful. The farmers work hard. I saw to them every morning and even took prayers with their wives. They asked about the news of the court. Since they are so far north, it takes awhile for news of kind to reach them. They seemed pleased with what I tell them. Of course, they do so have the highest respect for you and Queen Catherine. They are proud of their King and will stand by him for any cause. All he has to do is ask.

The nights were lonely. I spent my time stitching and reading. If I may, Your Highness, I would like to present this gift to you and Queen Catherine.”

With that I set a royal blue and crimson-laced cloth on his lap.

”I spent a full year making it for the hope of returning to court. I hope you accept it as a gift. A thank you for all you have done for my family.”

My hands set so gently atop the laced tablecloth with the tiny mark of a blister on my forefinger turned upwards for him to see.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Henry VIII

.....I remembered the day when I told Wolsey to banish Anne from my court. Her affair with Henry Percy - without my blessing - was not in the best interests of the crown. Even then, I was intrigued by Anne. Now, as she coquetteishly held out the beautifully embroidered cloth I was taken aback. I was angry........her defiance of my summons brought her within a hair of being banished once again. Her account of how my subjects viewed me was, I was sure, embellished with what one of my court clowns referred to as bull shit. Even that, however, was intriguing. The very fact that she was not cowering or, as most would, attempting to seduce me in the hope of favor, was a powerful attraction.

I took her hand.....examined the small blister that she would, I am sure, have me believe was a result of her work on the cloth and asked,

'Anne, is that mark a wound from your labour on the cloth?"

As I waited for her answer, I caressed her hand.....as I would, someday, caress her body.