Anne was the second wife of the king, but this marriage seemed even worse than his first. They had nothing in common and past his interest in her physical appearance, they didn't want to be in the same room as each other. As it happened commonly when Anne wanted a break from her new husband, she found you, her handmaiden, and led you out to the gardens of her home, wanting any escape she could from her marriage. She wished that she could leave Henry but even just a short while out of his company would do for her to try and keep her sanity.

She settled on a bench, holding her head in her hands, trying to push her hair from her face.

"I will end up in a sanitorium at this rate," she frowned, looking up at you with pleading eyes. "If it weren't for you, I may have run from the palace and sought voyage back to France."

"I am glad I can be of assistance, my lady," you smiled softly. "Especially when you are in such a trying time."

"My whole marriage is a trying time."

You laughed at her comment, sitting down at her side, pushing the hair from her shoulder so that it lay down her back. Even though she was now married to the King of England, you pitied her for being in a marriage that she cared not for.

"No one is truly a fan of the King," you admitted. "Many quickly become indifferent and put up with the man even if they will never enjoy his company. His temper is horrific, it is expected for people to just appease him to not have to face his wrath."

"This isn't the life I want," she stated.

"I understand, my lady. I can only hope that he finds another and seeks a divorce for you, it is likely the only easy escape you shall find from his hand."

"Every night I dream of escape," she whispered. "I dream of running away from here, finding a man whom I love and can live a life with even if it is far humbler than the life I have now. I wish I could live such a dream, but I know this is my life now and I should be grateful for the fact that it could be far worse."

You gently rubbed her shoulder. "Keep your hope, it may keep the smile on your face."

~*~

Written by Charlotte.

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