The King's Poison

51

Day 2 of the funeral
Thayne

It was the second day of mourning for the pope.
I couldn't believe there were 4 more days of this. But thanks to Henry's prolongement of the funeral plans, it was the only way to appease the nation of Spain.

Henry sat in the pew, staring blankly at the casket at the front of the room. For some reason, he looked uneasy as the people visited. It was as if he were sitting on information and would soon burst.

The droning eulogy felt like it had been going on for hours, and I couldn't help but feel bored out of his mind.

I turned to the crowds searching for Anna. I had no doubt that she she would be able to top yesterday's display. She wasn't in the pews. I suppose she was going to make another extravagant entrance.

As the mourners stepped back, the choir began to sing a mournful hymn. The voices echoed throughout the cathedral, filling the space with a haunting view. The service continued, with readings from the Bible and words of comfort and solace from the priest. The mourners listened intently, their heads bowed in prayer.

The loud hinges of the door sounded and there Anna entered in, capturing every eye in the room the only way she knew how. She paced down the long aisle, her face covered with a thin black veil. Today's outfit was a bit more fitting but more tuned to the theme.

The mourners slowly lifted their eyes to her figure and took pity as she made her way through the cathedral.

Her face was etched with sadness and grief.

Henry cleared his throat before twisting the ends of his shirt. Before I could ask him if he was alright, his voice sounded through the room

It happened so quickly.
The piano came to a screeching halt and Henry stood, holding his hands up for silence.

The people watched him with curiosity, wondering why he had interrupted the eulogy.

"I KLLED THE POPE" He blurted with no rhyme or reason. No preface.
Everyone looked at each other in confusion.

"What!
Outrage!"
The king is mad with grief?

"My king be SERIOUS! You are admitting treason in the highest order!" Cromwell speaks, advising the king to rethink his words.

I look at Anna and she is just as shocked as the people. Emotions of guilt and anger went through my mind. I knew Henry was vile. He had killed Boleyn but the pope? He had no reason to?

Henry lifts his hands and signals the crowd to silence.

"It's true. I killed the pope and LADY ANA!" He lifts his finger and points in her direction, "she was my accomplice!"

My blood turned cold as he pointed at her.

Henry had death in his eyes.
If it wasn't for the placid glare on his eyes, I would think he was dead.

The people sat in silence for a few moments, the tension palpable in the air. Finally, the Henry  spoke again.

"Court is dismissed today.
I want to repent for my sins." Henry stands and makes his way over to Anna with a content smile on his face.

Anna

I sat in the wooden pew, my heart racing as I heard his confession.

"AND LADY ANNA WAS MY ACCOMPLICE"

I pressed my hands together, but she I couldn't feel them, my mind racing with thoughts of what my future held.

I could barely hear what the crowds were saying. The room around me felt like a blur. My world began to spin, and I felt like I was about to faint. I leaned forward, my head spinning and my ears ringing.

Henry caught me just in time, holding me close as I struggled to catch her breath.

"Anna, are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with fake concern.

I shook my head, tears streaming down her face. "Take me away Henry," I said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please"

Henry held me tightly. He pushed through the crowds as they surrounded us.
I knew Henry had ulterior motives for being so caring but now I couldn't question him. I just wanted to get out!

"Move" Henry grumbled pushing people out the way. My head was still spinning.

I leaned into Henry, as I tried to come to terms with the news. I didn't know what the future held, but I knew I was in trouble. Henry had planned my demise. He had signed my contract at the gallows.

Unexpectedly, Henry grabs my waist and kisses my violently. I try to push him away but he grabs me even harder, forcing me to return his embrace.

He pulls away and stares into my eyes.
"You said you wanted to see me burn?
Well thorn, I am burning but so are you." He smirks.

"You evil, vindictive..." I had finally found my voice and raise my hand to strike him but he catches it.

"Eh eh Anna...Watch your tounge. You'll be needing my help soon. Lest you burn at the stake."
He grabs my arm and intertwining it with his before turning to the crowd in the cathedral.

"I have another announcement!!
Ana will be my new queen!
My marriage to Jane is annulled as of this morning..
The coronation will be in a fortnight——-"

An outrage
A murderer as queen?
I refuse it!

"Ahhh" Henry smiles listening to the noise of the people. "Music to my ears"

"You got what you wanted thorn.
Long live the queen."

And with that, he kissed my forehead and left me there...alone...

Author Note
Silence....