The Decision

It had been two weeks since Anne Boleyn, Queen of England, lost her unborn son during a miscarriage, after catching her husband, Henry, the King, and his latest whore, Mistress Seymour. She had heard rumors of an investigation as well as plans to annual her marriage to her husband, she spent all of last night in deep prayer and meditation and in general having as close to a conversation with her Lord God, and had come to a decision that would please all parties involved as well at least she hoped it did, but she wasn't going to hold her breath with her Uncle and Father.

She had her ladies dress her in state attire, because what she was about to do would be one of the last thing she did as Queen of England.

She walked through the corridor and went straight through the Outer Chambers of her husband's into his office and was unfortunate enough to come across the same scene that made her lose her son.

"This is becoming familiar." Anne told Henry as Jane leaped off his lap and was hiding behind his chair. "Mistress Seymour, I believe you have duties to attend to, and I need to speak to the King, my Husband alone."

Jane looked at Henry to which Anne just raised her eyebrow to and he ordered her out. When she was gone Anne walked calmly over to Henry and sat down Regally across from him, now it was Henry's turn to raise an eyebrow.

"Henry, I have heard some rumor of an investigation as well as word of trying to find presidents for annulment." She stopped and waited for him to say something.

"I heard rumors, I had you watched and found nothing of suspicion, but it is my duty to make sure the line of succession is unsoiled. As of yet I have not been given anything to say you have been unfaithful to me."

"No, I haven't. But I can also tell your heart has turn away from me, so I spent last night in prayer, and believe I have found a solution to the problem. I will grant you a divorce, not an annulment, because that would make Elizabeth a bastard, if you agree to my five following requests I will abdicate my throne to your next wife, 1. I get to control Elizabeth's household until that wench Seymour" –she took a deep breath a rephrased, "I'm sorry I mean Mistress Seymour- supplies you with another heir and if you intended on raising them in the same household then we can work out a different arrangement, but that can be discussed later, 2. Elizabeth will be the heir ahead of any and all daughters even the Lady Mary when you restore her, but obviously behind any sons you may have. 3. I get to keep my title Marquess of Pembroke, and everything that goes with it. And I will sign the divorce papers the moment you have them drawn up. 4. I get to see Elizabeth whenever I want and she may visit me, I of course will write you before doing so, just so that you are informed. And as any loyal subject I would be at your call anytime. 5. And the Lady Mary is to be restored to a Princess, but behind Elizabeth but ahead of all other daughters, even if they were provided by me."

"And there is nothing else you want?" Henry asked hesitantly

"No, as long as those thing are in the divorce document you can be free as soon…."

They were interrupted when Mr. Cromwell came in, in a fluster.

"Your Majesty, I have found some alarming evide…." When he saw that Henry was not alone he stopped his speech mid-sentence.

"Well what is it Cromwell?" He asked impatiently

"It's just about an investigation you had me doing, I'll come back later."

"Just leave them on my desk Cromwell, then leave us, my Queen and I have things to discuss."

"But Majesty?"

"I gave an order not a request."

Cromwell did what he was told and left.

"I am sorry about that, please continue." Henry said.

"You can be free as soon as you give me the documents and few days to move out afterwards."

"I agree to everything, and you will be known as Her Majesty Queen Anne, the Duchess of Pembroke, only the Queen herself will have presidents over you, as you are a anointed Queen. And I thank you for make this easy instead of hard or troublesome like Katharine did."

"I have seen what happens to people who fight you, besides this keeps Elizabeth safe."

"And she will be."

"So shall we see what Cromwell has dug up on me for you?" She asked with a teasing smile and Henry smiled back with mischief.

They walked over together and he started reading the papers.

"Ok so this is a note from Sir. Henry Norris to tell you he'll be available tonight. One problem you were pregnant with Elizabeth and I sleep with you every night, so that one is out. His one is from Master William Brereton."

Henry was going to continue, Anne cut in. "Wait who is Brereton?"

"One of my grooms."

"But I don't even know who he is."

"Yes and it's also dated while we were in Calais." Henry said. "Oh and it seems you've taken up with your brother, interesting." By this point Anne was giggling like a little girl and Henry was also roaring with laughter. "And last but not least Mark Smeaton, see another one I never would have suspected. It seems you and Cromwell have well and truly fallen out with each other."

"Yes, the day at Wolf Hall, he said something's and I said something's, I guess I have out lived my usefulness. What else does it say?"

"Well it seems Brereton has already confessed his part, and it seems Lady Rochford was the one who informed about you and your brother. I think they will both be headed to the Tower along with Cromwell, after the divorce papers." As he stood she did also and began to make her way to the door, he grabbed her hand. "May I visit your bed tonight one last time?"

"You are always welcome in my bed Henry." She kissed him sweetly before leaving.

Henry couldn't believe his luck, he would be free to marry his sweet Jane, and make her his Queen, and have many sons.

He called in Cromwell and Cramner and informed them of the agreement and what they were to do. Once he was done Henry turn to look into the fire but was interrupted by Cromwell.

"Your Majesty, but what of my findings she is guilty of adultery, incest and high treason. And you're just going to let her go?"

"Cromwell, everything in those you made up, I know, just hope I let you keep your head when you're done with the divorce papers." Cromwell paled and left.

Henry summon Charles and had him take Brereton and Lady Rochford to the tower.

Henry did go to Anne bed that night, and he would say it was as passionate and as intense as it was the first time, they made love. After hours of fiery love making, they

fell asleep in each other's arms.

The next morning Henry woke when he heard a gasp coming from the entrance of Anne's bedchamber…

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