Jane

Another boring day at the king's court had dawned. I wasn't thrilled with the court's unvaried affairs but I had to deceive the masses and pretend I was interested. Being present would not only boost my development in obtaining the title of queen but would also cement my status in the eyes of the court.

Henry's sights were on every palace whore and ripening handmaiden but that did not matter. He could sleep with 3 girls, even 10, but only one woman could be his queen.

I heard the rumors!

Henry had taken a particular liking to me since the killing of his precious Anne Boelyn.
Little did he know that I was the very one who persuaded him to do it. He blamed Cromwell for his wrongdoings and I did not object. Better he blame Cromwell than me.

But the little whispers in his ear as he hummed to sleep and the delicate seeds of doubt I had planted in his heart as he kissed my cheeks? That was me. I had killed his precious Anne Boleyn.
Guilt? I felt it not.
Shame? It was not an emotion that filled me.
Pride was the only emotion that cloaked my spirits.

The distant conversations of men and distinguished chancellors alike vibrated against the walls of the spacious court, Their greedy eyes cemented onto my figure as I walked to my bench placed opposite the kings. Henry would stare at my bosoms from across the court when he grew bored so I suppose it was a treat for him.

"She is beautiful"
"Look how she holds her head with pride"

The men's usual praise filled my ears, each of them eager to get a glimpse.

How I hated every one of them.

I knew my countenance was something to behold so it was sound they discussed me. A few of my handmaidens trailed at my feet, running ahead to ready my chair and pull out my seat.

What a pity these girls were. I too was once like them, doing my best to please Anne Boleyn and look favorable in her eyes but then, I fucked her husband. She did not quite favor me after that but I had Henry's heart by then so I did not mind.

Henry

"Come on, what gives?" my friend Philip queries, pulling a loose string from the braided curtain tie. He looked at two handmaidens, walking by before teasing them a little. "These women are not as loose as they used to be" he grumbled, pushing his arms above his chest. I smiled at his frivolous complaints and looking into the distance. My mind was consumed with thoughts of her. Usually, it was consumed with hunger and worry but it seemed as if Anna had taken hold.

Her apprehensive nature did no favors to my heart. It was as if seeing the blood and gore did not thrill her? But why? I thought a lady like her would favor it?

"Henry another busty woman passed and you did not even turn your head?" Philip curses.

"My mind is occupied, Philip"

"When was the last time we had a good orgy? You remember the one we had a few months ago? It was grand. Anne almost lost her head when she heard the news" he reminded, greeting the pleasant memories. "So who is your obsession this month?" He smiles, gently pushing me forward before walking the length of the hallway.

"No one" I muttered, turning my head away so he could not discern my features.

"Liar!" Philip snapped, stopping me in my path so he could face me, "I did not take you for one Henry"

I chuckled lazily before thinking of Anna once more. She was a vision of elegance; a goddess incarnate. Like a black panther, she had seized my core. Anna was not like the there girls that resided in the palace. She was lithe and graceful, remarkably astute yet unconquerable.

Bloodthirsty.

I was infatuated with the woman named Anna and wished to know more.

"Just a girl..." I say anything to get him off my trail.

"Is she more beautiful than Jane?" he teases, plotting for my demise. I am silent of course. Philip was an unreliable fink who would tell Jane if I even uttered the statement. Jane didn't hold a candle to Anna. Hips as carnal as the crescent moon and lips that lulled you into a peaceful interlude of slumber.

Anna was as ethereal as she was keen. Jane was nothing.

"I will not tell you only because you are more loyal to your sister than your king."

Philip chuckled before glancing at Cromwell as he made his way to our small circle of discourse. He looked upset as usual. I had probably neglected another meeting or court gathering.

"My king! The royal court started an hour ago. The men have been waiting for you" he huffed impatiently.

"Only an hour?" I pouted, throwing a mischievous glance at Philip.

"The people are restless my king"

"And who dare complains?" I say between a rigid tone.

"No one! No one! Your majesty" The throbbing in his throat showed his fear. I suppose I had made the people wait long enough. I did not see Anna in the halls so I had no interest in staying anyways.

——

Jane

The king comes into the court with a rude expression on his face. I knew he wished to be anywhere but here and was upset at Cromwell and Crammer for forcing him to be here. He pulled the collar of Cromwell's blouse, whispering a few things to him in rage, probably about the backlash from the pope.

He looked tired, but nothing a little massage could fix. I would visit him tonight.

I sit up straighter, snapping at one of my ladies in waiting named Emmi to fetch my fan. She sprints to the small basket across my seating box and fetches it in the basket that was packed for me. It was going to be a long day and I had made sure they packed me any supplies I may need.

Henry suddenly looks across the room, looking for someone? Or something?

I flapped my fan a bit higher, trying to capture his attention but he paid me no bother. Typical. His mind was probably focused on more important things. I noticed Alfred was not there. I wondered where the king's good friend was? Maybe he had overslept?

Hours pass before the court breaks for recess.

I couldn't help but notice the same servant girl from yesterday coming in with a group of royal tasters.

How despicable she was, and wonderful! All the men's eyes were now glued to her?

The eager murmurs of the court increase and the room ruptured into loud discussions.

Her face. Her eyes...her features. The resemblance to Queen Anne was too uncanny! Had Henry lied? Did I not see her head roll?

She walked into the room with a small group of six. They were the chosen tasters there to serve the king and his men if they requested. Ten servants came in with a platter of food, passing it to each man at the table.

"Anna" Henry called, curling a finger so she would approach. Henry hadn't eaten in weeks! He had no use for her? Why did he beckon for a taster when he knew she would not eat?

She came to the king and lingered, holding the steaming plate of food against her chest. waiting for his signal to eat. It was a gamble with Henry. If he ate then we could, but if he didn't we didn't. It was just the rules of court.

He looked into her eyes, inviting her to bend. She obeyed of course and bent to his side. He grabbed her jaw, whispered something into her ear, a lazy hand lingering against the small outline of her waist as he spoke. I could tell she was filled with warmth as her cheeks flushed.

He had probably said something crude; that bastard. It was the very words he used on me when I was a chambermaid. And the fact that he had no shame to hide it from the people. Every eye in the court was on the two of them. Their interaction enraged me.

She looked to the plate of food in her hands and stepped away, curtsying and progressing away. Even a blind jester could see the attraction held between them. There was no denying it...

This must stop.
Henry would not make a fool out of me nor would that girl. I would make sure of it.

—-

Anna

Thomas avoided me for the rest of the day, to my dismay. My lunch that was usually filled with his jokes and art was tranquil. I wanted to ask him what he thought he saw but I didn't know where to start.

We both walked into the kitchen and stare at each other. He observes me but clumsily looks away.
"Thomas," I call out but he turns to walk away. "Thomas! Wait!" I grabbed his hand, forcing him to face me. He looked into my eyes but frowned.

"Why was there blood on you last night..."

"....the king.. I mean.. he--"

"Are you a murderer Anna?" he cursed, snatching his arm away from my grip. I couldn't help the anger rising in my throat. How dare Thomas accuse me and even if I was a murdere, what was it to him?

"What if it wasn't blood?" I stubbornly rejoin.

"Oh? And if it wasn't blood, what was it Anna?" he frowns, tilting his head impatiently.

"It was...sauce." I lied.

"Sauce?" he said plainly, rolling his eyes at my painfully fabricated confession.

"Tomato sauce... specifically," I say. I couldn't help my smirk and neither could he. We both started laughing, chuckling until we both paused to catch our breaths.

He looked at me and held my hand, leading me out of the quiet kitchen.

"Thomas, we have to clean the plates and stay for the tastings!" I reminded him but he still led me out the kitchen and into the spacious plains of the outdoors. We continued running, smiling and giggling until we came to a heavy bushel of shrubbery.

"Come on...it will be quick" he smiles leading me into a wooden shed that was so small, one could easily ignore it. It was dark and damped before he lit a small candle and held it up to the air.

"What is this place Thomas" I wave away the small specs of dust in the air. He pulled off a blanket from a tall wooden post before smiling. I saw small darts and sharp pins with scribbled pictures of the king and the men of his court.

It looked like plans? But for what?

He beamed at the display looking back at me with pride.

"It is my plan, Anna. I call it: To kill a king"

Author Note
Hmmm so everyone is just crazy huh? Thomas too lol or maybe everyone wants to kill Henry.