Whitehall Palace, London, England

February 1536

"This is your fault! You lost my son!"

"It is because of you that we have lost everything and now the Seymours are in favor with the king. You will lose the throne and the king will put that Seymour girl in your place!"

The words rang out loud and clear in Anne's mind, her eyes and expression blank. Outside her bedchamber, her ladies shuffle around and whisper to one another. Nan walk into the queen's bedchamber and stands in front of the closed velvet drapes. She bows her head and curtsies, she look to the queen and found the queen distracted. Nan takes a step forward, drawing closer to the queen.

"Your majesty."

Anne turns away from the low burning fire and looks to Nan.

"Yes Nan." She replies quietly.

"If your grace does not protest, we must get you dress for today's audience." The lady-in-waiting informs the queen.

Anne looks at Nan in confusion that quickly disappears, as the events of the day come back to her mind.

"Ah yes, the French ambassador's arrives at court today." Anne states out loud. "I must have forgotten."

"Your grace need not worry, your gown and jewels were picked out days prior to today. So we are ready when you are, my lady." Nan tells her friend and mistress.

Anne slowly stands up and looks at her friend.

"We must not keep the king waiting, must we?" The monarch throws out the question.

Nan remains quiet and looks straight at the monarch.

"Your majesty, if I may speak so boldly?" Nan asks, which Anne responds with a nod. "We have no ability to change the past, we can only accept it and move on." She tells the queen. "You must forward with grace as Queen of England. You must show the people your strength and nothing else."

The young queen smiles at her friend.

"Thank you, Nan." She quietly responds.

Anne walks away and heads to her bedchamber, where two more young ladies wait patiently for her. One of them is the quiet Lady Jane Seymour, who stands with her head down. Anne makes no notion of recognizing the lady as she turns around, and pulls off her dressing robe. Nan walks into the chamber as the queen puts her robe down onto the bed. Nan looks at the two other ladies and snaps her fingers, signaling one of the girls to come forward. Jane comes forward and takes the dressing robe, as the other girl comes forward and starts to help the queen undress. Nan and the other young girl help the queen into the green dress. Nan walks around the queen and starts to put the dress together, pulling the strings tight. The young girl works quickly on the sleeves of the gown, followed by the skirt of the dress. The two women step back as Anne walks to the vanity and sits down.

Nan walks up to the queen and begins to comb it. Carefully, the lady-in-waiting styles the monarch's hair into two buns, resting at the back of the queen's neck. Jane walks up to Anne, with a small chest in her arms. She opens up the chest and holds it out for the royal to choose. Anne picks out a simple diadem, decorated with rectangular shape amethyst gems. Nan takes the piece and places it on the queen's head. Nan steps back as the queen slowly rises to her feet and turns around to face the women.

"Thank you Nan." Anne tells her. "I will go without any other jewels."

"Very well, your grace." Nan replies.

The women walk away as Anne takes a look into the mirror and quickly turns away. Nan stands before her with a pair of matching earrings. The queen gently takes them and puts them on, then stops and stares at the ring in her friend's hand. Hesitantly, Anne takes her wedding ring and slips it onto her.

"Thank you."

Nan nods silently and walks out of the bedchamber. Anne takes a moment to herself, mentally preparing herself for the day's events. Taking a deep breath, she leaves her bedchamber and stops at the entrance, as her ladies face. She tries her best not to look at Jane Seymour as she puts on a smile.

"The French ambassador is arriving at court today and I expect all of you to be on your best behavior." The small household remains quiet as the monarch speaks. "I have decided to release you from your duties tonight, but do not mistake this for loose behavior."

The women and men break out into smiles and start to talk animatedly with each other. Anne smiles as Nan claps her hands and brings the attention back to the queen. "You are dismiss."

The household curtsies and bows to Anne then run out of the rooms. Nan and an older, and senior family member remind behind. "I dismiss you both as well."

"My dear niece, we have no intention of leaving you. Nor should the French believe that a Queen of England should have no ladies attending her during a visit." The queen's smile widens in happiness.

AB

Henry Tudor, King of England stands waiting in an empty hall, outside the Great Hall. Quietly behind the king, Anne walks down the hall towards her husband. The king turns and sees his wife approaching, unable to read her expression. She stops before her husband and bows her head, as she curtsies to the floor.

"Anne." The queen slowly rises to her feet and looks straight at her husband.

"Your majesty." Henry offers his arm to her. "Shall we?"

Anne gently and lightly takes hold of his arm and enter the Great Hall. The herald hits his staff on the wooden floor and announces the monarchs' presences. The court splits in half and watch at the King and Queen walk pass them. The couple comes to the head of the hall, and turn around to face the court. Courtiers bow and curtsy to the monarchs. Anne's eyes move over the court and find the Seymour family, including Jane standing a little ways from the monarchs. Edward Seymour looks towards the queen, catching her eye. Anne bows her head to him and he reluctantly returns the gesture as the queen looks away. Anne looks forward as the herald grabs the court's attention.

"His excellency, the ambassador of France, Jean-Louis MonBlanc!" The ambassador walks in and down the middle. He stops before the monarchs and bows.

Anne releases her hold on the king and watches Henry takes a step forward. He smiles as the French ambassadors straightens up.

"Excellency, the queen and I welcome you to England and to our court." Henry's greeting is civil and proper for once. The ambassador bows his head in respect before responding.

"Thank you your majesties for you generous hospitality." The ambassador points out. "My master, King Francis sends his wishes of good health and prosperity to your majesties."

King Henry smiles at the ambassador. The ambassador turns to Anne, who smiles and bows her head in respect. He turns back to the king.

"You must send your master, my cousin our wishes of good health and prosperity. It is time France and England live in peace as friends, then enemies."

"It is my master's wish as well." The court erupts in thunderous applause. The king steps forward, close to the ambassador. "Come, Excellency. Let us talk peace."

AB

Music and laughter rings out throughout the hall as the English court enjoy themselves. King Henry and Queen sit beside one another, watching the court dance and celebrate. In the balcony, above the all, the French ambassador Mon Blanc looks down and observes the English court. He looks solely on the monarchs and sees the strange behavior between them. Drawing close to the Frenchman, the Spanish ambassador, Eustace Chapyus comes to the man's side. MonBlanc turns to glance at the fellow ambassador then turns his attention back to the court.

"Chapyus, a pleasure." He takes a sip of his wine.

"A pleasure as always, MonBlanc." The Spanish ambassador turns to the court as well. "I thought you would down in the midst of the celebration, not up here."

"I wanted to observe the English court, there have been rumors that have reached France." Chapyus looks at the court for any odd behavior.

King Henry stands up and walks away from the table, and the queen. MonBlanc watches the monarch cross the hall and join a small group of people. His eyes move back to the queen, who looks briefly at her husband then turns back to the lady beside her. The Spanish ambassador follows the Frenchman's gaze.

"Ah, the Seymour family. It is said that they are that the king favors them." MonBlanc looks at Chapyus. "Even above his wife's family."

"Many say that King Henry's favor is ever changing. One family is in favor one week then a new family the next." The Spanish ambassador straightens up, ready to relay the truth. "The king's favor has left his wife's family thus his wife. Queen Anne no longer the influence she once had."

"Yet she is still the Queen of England." MonBlanc reminds the Spaniard.

"And yet, there are rumors that the king wishes to put his wife aside and marry again." Chapyus repeats the rumor, the rumor that is more truth than gossip. "The lady did not give the king a son as she promised. Others close to the lady say she has been unfaithful to the king, a treasonous crime that is punishable death."

MonBlanc looks at the ambassador in shock. "What you say is treasonous. No one, not even an ambassador should speak like that of a queen."

"Maybe so but it is nonetheless true." The French ambassador turns back to the court and to it's king, whose attention is locked on a certain young woman.

Ambassador MonBlanc walks down the halls of Whitehall Palace. He walks through the throng of courtiers, making his way towards a very specific destination. He comes to a stop in front of an open door, where two guards stands on other side of the door. Glancing at the guards, the French Ambassador walks in and stops when a lady-in-waiting greets him.

"Monsieur Ambassador." Nan greets the diplomat with a smile and a small curtsy.

The ambassador smiles at the English lady in return. "May I request an audience with your mistress?"

"I am sorry your Excellency." Nan answers. "Her majesty is in prayer at the moment and as of late, her grace does not receive any visitors without the king's permission."

MonBlanc stares at the lady in surprise at the news. "I was unaware of this new change for the Queen. It was my understanding that the Queen receives all visitors, regardless of the king's opinion."

"That may be your Excellency, but her majesty does not wish to anger the king any further. I am sorry." The ambassador nods his head silently in understanding.

"There is no need to apologize. Please send my regards to her majesty." The queen's lady bows her head and walks away, leaving the ambassador in a state of thought.

HT

King Henry and Queen Anne walk into the palace gardens. Courtiers stop to bow or curtsy to the monarchs as they walk in. The French ambassador walks up to the royal couple, forcing them to stop as they face the diplomat.

"Your Excellency." The king greets the visitor. The ambassador bows to them in respect. "Majesties."

"I trust that you are enjoying yourself." The ambassador smiles and inclines his head. "I am, thank you your majesties."

The king continues to smile as he turns to look at the queen. Henry nods his head to her, which Anne returns the gesture and releases his hand. Silently, Queen Anne and the French ambassador watch the king walk away. Anne turns to the diplomat and smiles.

"You must excuse the king, your excellency." The ambassador turns to the queen, smiling. "No need, may I walk with you your grace?"

Anne nods her head in agreement and together; they walk side by side in a moment of comfortable silence.

"I hear that negotiations for peace are going well." Anne breaks the silence.

"Yes, they are. It has been civil in the talks and I am glad to see the king willing to work with my master." The ambassador kindly informs the monarch.

"How is your master, King Francis? I hear that his majesty may soon find himself a new bride?" The Frenchman bows his head and lifts his head up, smiling.

"His majesty is well and as his majesty has no intention of marrying at the present, although the Spanish have been pushing him."

Anne smiles as she nods her head silently.

"Of course my master would not enter such a union during this time. He wishes peace with England." MonBlanc hastily tells the queen. Anne's smile does not falter.

"Your excellency, you do not have to explain to me. I am not the king and as you can see, I do have his ear no longer." MonBlanc looks at the queen. "I am sorry to hear that, your majesty. I was unaware of a change at court."

Anne came to a stop, her family and ladies in earshot of her conversation.

"Like his majesty's subjects, I am at his majesty's pleasure." The ambassador nods his head and bows to her. Anne bows her head and walks over to her ladies, underneath a tent. MonBlanc watches as she slowly sits down, talking to one of her ladies.

Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk walks into the king's chambers, unannounced. Thomas Cromwell, the king's secretary looks up from his business with the king, and then quickly turns back to the king. The duke watches as the silent, ambitious man whispers to the King of England. The monarch looks up and smiles, the duke bows to him.

"Charles, come." The duke nods and walks towards the king. "What brings you here? I assumed you would be returning to your estate."

"Yes, I still plan on returning home. Catherine misses me and I miss her, but I feel that I must share something with your majesty." The king sits back in his chair, looking at his friend and waiting. Thomas Cromwell looks at the duke.

"It is about the queen." The three men remain quiet. Cromwell waiting for the king's response, as Henry sits there quietly then takes a deep breath.

"What about Anne?" Thomas Cromwell watches the duke, his heart pounding as he waits for the seed to take place.

"I am sorry, your grace but there are rumors of the queen, and her behavior and actions towards certain individuals." Henry sits up, his eyes hard on his friend. He remains silent, thinking carefully before making his next move. The king takes a deep breath.

"Tell me everything, please."

NLAQ

Nan leads the queen's guest through the queen's rooms. The two stop before the queen's private bedchamber, and turns to face the queen.

"I will announce to her majesty that you are here. She will be glad to see you Lady Salisbury." The former governess smiles and nods her head. Nan walks into the bedchamber, where Queen Anne sits near the window with a bible in hand. Nan stops and curtsies to her mistress. Anne looks up from the bible and up at her friend.

"Lady Salisbury is here, your grace." The queen closes her bible and places it on the table before her. "Please let her in."

Nan nods her head and walks back. She returns shortly with the lady behind her. Nan steps to the side as Lady Salisbury curtsies to the queen. Anne stands up and smiles at the elder lady.

"Welcome Lady Salisbury, please sit with me." The elder lady smiles and nods her head, and walks to the queen. She waits and watches as Anne sits down, then follows suit.

"You must be wondering why I have called you here today, my lady." Anne starts the conversation.

"Yes, your grace. The king has never asked for me to come to court anymore after the late queen." The monarch nods her head silently but doesn't make a comment or a rude remark. "I can only apologize, Lady Salisbury. It has always been my belief that we must keep our true and loyal friends close."

"I am glad to hear that your majesty. I hope that I can be of service." Another lady came in and places a tray onto the table, and pours both ladies a glass of wine. Anne takes the glass and waits for the girl to leave, which she does.

"Lady Salisbury, I understand that you were caretaker and governess to the Lady Mary." Lady Salisbury puts her glass of wine down on the table and nods her head in response.

"Yes ma'am, unfortunately the king did not believe she needed me any longer." Anne nods her head and puts her glass down as well. "Yes, I am sorry to hear that you were separated with the lady. I understand that you were quiet attach to the young princess."

"Yes, your grace. I have spent many years with the Lady Mary since her birth, and until the moment, she no longer had the privileged of a princess." Anne can sense the lady's uneasiness of their conversation.

"Lady Salisbury, you have nothing to fear from me. I have no quarrel with you or your family. I am here because I no longer wish her to be part of my daughter's household. I would like Mary to have her own household." Lady Salisbury stares at the queen in complete shock. "I do not understand, your grace."

"I intend to give Lady Mary a household of her own. Rather than serving her sister, I would like Lady Mary to be Elizabeth's companion until Lady Mary comes into marriage." Lady Salisbury smiles at the news. "Lady Mary will be happy to hear this, your grace."
Anne stands up without word and looks down at the former governess. "I will leave Lady Mary's household in your capable hands, dear lady."

Lady Salisbury quickly jumps to her feet as the monarch walks away, and begins to leave the room.

"Thank you, your grace. You are very generous to the young Lady, after all she has endure." Anne stops at the doorway, the words of the noblewoman eating her heart. Anne moves her head to the side then turns forward. "Yes, everything that I have done."

Without another word, the queen leaves the room and prepares for her journey back to court and to her estrange husband.

The Queen of England walks through the halls of Whitehall Palace. She looks straight forward she walks pass courtiers, some stopping to greet her as others only glance at her. The door to her chambers open and she sighs when she enters. The eldest lady, her aunt, Lady Margaret is the first to greet her. The Lady curtsies to the floor and Anne smiles.

"Hello aunt." Anne hands her gloves to a young lady, who walks away without a word. "I trust that all was well during my absence."

"Yes, your grace." Anne smiles at her aunt then looks around the room, but does not find a certain blonde women. She turns back to the older lady. "I assume that Mistress Seymour is with the king tonight."

"No ma'am. It is my understanding that her father wished for her to return home, and so she did with the king's blessing." The Queen nods her head and finds another individual missing from her household. "Where is Nan?"

Her aunt bows her head down, unable to answer her question.

"Aunt, please, where is Nan?" The older lady lifts her head up and faces her niece. "She was asked to see Cromwell this afternoon, she hasn't been back since."

Anne nods her head for a second time and walks towards her bedchamber. Behind her, her aunt gathers the traveling cloak and gloves, and walks away. Few minutes pass and the door to the queen's chamber opens. Lady Elizabeth walks back into the room and finds Nan closing the door.
"The queen has asked after you." Nan turns around to face the lady. "Where is the queen?"

"In her chambers. You better go and report back." Nan nods her head and heads to the bedchamber. She stops at the entrance and curtsies as she addresses the queen. Anne turns around as another of her ladies helps into her robe. "Nan, there you are. I have been told that Cromwell asked for you, whatever for?"

Nan steps into the bedchamber and waits until the lady leaves. Anne stares at her friend in confusion at her behavior.

"Nan, what is it? What did Cromwell do to you?" Nan takes a deep breath.

"Cromwell questioned me, your grace." The lady answers the queen's question.

"Whatever for?" Anne walks to a table and pour wine into a glass, and walks over to her friend. She hands the glass of wine to Nan.

"He was asking about the activity in your majesty's rooms. He wishes to know who your majesty sees daily." Anne stares at the lady in shock. "Why does he need to know this? What does he gain from this knowledge?"

"Your grace, it is my belief that Cromwell has begun an investigation on your grace." Nan takes the glass but does not drink the wine. "What do you mean investigation? Why would the king's secretary need to investigate me?'

"I believe it has to do with the rumors your grace is familiar with. Cromwell has decided to investigate these rumors in order to protect your grace." Anne rolls her eyes and walks away. "Do you believe him?"

Nan follows her mistress further into the bedchamber, she watches the queen sit down by the fire.

"No, your grace, I do not. Throughout his questioning, he continue to defend his actions and proclaims that his majesty, the king wished for these rumors to be cleared up." Anne lets out a small laugh, knowing in her heart this was more than her husband's concern for her reputation. She turns to look at Nan. "Then we must comply with the king's order, we must let them continue their investigation. There is nothing we can do."

Nan nods her head as Anne waves a hand, and dismisses her friend without a word. As Nan leaves the room, Lady Elizabeth walks in unannounced. Anne turns to her aunt.

"A letter arrived for you, your grace, just now." The queen's aunt walks up to her and hands her a sealed letter. Anne takes it as she looks up at her aunt. "Do you know who it is from?"

"No, your grace." The queen nods her head and her aunt leaves the room. Anne looks over the letter and stops when she recognizes the seal. The private seal of the King of France.