On The Edge Of A Golden World: Anne Boleyn Lives On

After First Blooms

Henry's POV 

Elizabeth is a mess since that day in stables. Jane's maid, Lady Catheline, admitted to locking the Princess in the stables as revenge for her mother terrible behavior towards her when Anne was still Queen. Lady Catheline then went to execution. "Papa I want to return to Pembroke with Mama." I kiss her head. "You Mama isn't returning until spring, my beautifel Jewel." Elizabeth shakes her head and pulls her covers closer. "I will wait for her to return at Pembroke then, please Papa." I nod, willing to send her back if only felt safe there. "You may return to Pembroke." She smiles, "Thank you, Papa. Tell her majesty I will leave my horse here." I furrow my brows. "What horse?" 

Elizabeth gives me a deceptive expression, but does not respond. "Elizabeth, what horse?"Elizabeth faces the opposite direction. "Queen Jane gave me the bad horse in the stables. That's why I went in, she told me too." I turn her over. "Elizabeth do not blame Queen Jane. She did not mean fot you to almosy get hurt. It's not nice to lie." She gives me a small fown. "You do not believe me." 

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Anne's P.O.V 

The waves of the sea aids in leading Charles and I home to England. We arrive in at the docks at the break of dawn and begin and settle into our coach as our servants pack our things up. The coach starts to move on we are off to our destinations. Yes, you heard me clear as day that's destinations, plural. I will return to Pembroke Castle and Charles will meet with the court at Eltham's Palace. Elizabeth awaits my arrrival after her tramatic event at Whitehall Palace. "I will find out what happened to Lizzie, Anne. Do not fret. Jane will think twice about the next time her family makes his kind of scandal." I turn to Charles who eyes shine with adoration when they gaze upon me. "If Jane ever tries something like this again, I swear, Henry will see hell within his court like never before." Charles nods, still smiling at me. He places a single hand on my five month pregnant stomach. "You promise not to tell him, Charles?" He only nods again. "No I need to hear you say it. Swear to me you will not tell Henry of my pregnancy until after I give birth." He gives me a concerned expression. "You once told me never to make a promise I know in my heart I cannot keep."

Sighing, I push back into my seat. "Hw mustn't know until after I've given birth to a healthy child. What if I miscarry. Telling him will have been for nothing." Charles glares at me. "Why do you have such negative thoughts at such a joyous moment?" I lift my eyebrows in question. "Nothing is joyous about carrying a royal infant. All eyes are usually on me, waiting for me to fail." he returns my expression. "You allow them to have that control." As he words sink in the coach comes to a stop. We arrive at Pembroke Castle and I soon as I step out Elizabeth jumps into my arms. "Your highness, allow your mother to settle in before yo welcome her." Lady Kat begins to tug her away. Elizabeth, respecting her governess, follow directions. She remains at Lady Kat's side with a smile plastered on her face. Charles helps me direct the servants around with my things so I can finish faster.
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I feel the eyes of members of my household who hardn't laid eyes on me in months. This is the first time they are seeing my newly shaped stomach. Elizabeth is also curious, I assume as I watch her eyes fall from my face to my stomach. "Mama am I going to have a baby brother now?" Charles stops in his tracks and kneels down to Elizabeth. "Hello Charles, is my Mama having a baby?" He kisses her head. "It's a secret baby so you mustn't tell anyone." His eyes begin to wander to my other servants, sending them the exact message. They signal their understanding with a simple nod of the head and continue their duties. Later in the evening I tuck Lizzie into bed for the first time in almost six months. I raise to leave her, but feel a small hand on my arm. "Mama, may I sleep with you tonight?" Grinnin, I pick my small daughter up and lead her to my chambers.

She seats on my bed as I prepare for bed. We cuddle together under the blackets. "Mama, I will not leave Pembroke Castle without you ever again." I feel her breathing slow, signifying she's sleeping. With my daughter safe in my arms, I am able to close my eyes and dream.