SOS Message Board: SOS Message Board -> A Love Like No Other

"Your Majesty." I fell into a curtsy after my brother George led me into Henry's inner chambers. I watched the King's face light up as he took in my long black hair which fell all the way down my back and my plain yellow dress. George quietly slipped away as I said softly, "You wished to see me."

Henry moved towards me and grabbed my hand. "Thank you for coming. Please, sit down." He led me to a chair and I sat down across from him. He reached out his hand and caressed my cheek. I leaned into it and closed my eyes. This was my first time in his chambers alone and I was nervous. I didn't know what to expect. But I did know this, he had the softest touch and made me feel so good.

"Henry, I am honored to be here." I parted my lips as I gazed at him.

Henry smiled and took my hand. "Anne, it is me that is honored. You have no idea how much I need you. How much I want you." He brought my hand up and kissed my hand. He sighed deeply. "Oh Anne, you have no idea what is happening. What I need."

"Tell me Henry. I am here for you." I said softly.

He looked towards the window and was quiet. "I need a son. I must have a son Anne. Katherine only gave me Mary, whom I love but she cannot rule this realm. A son must rule and I now know that marrying Katherine was the biggest mistake I have ever made. I must gave sinned terribly against God. God would have given me a son who hath lived if I hadn't sinned.

I leaned forward and took his hands into mine. I squeezed them gently. "Oh Henry. You must not believe that you have sinned..."

He cut me off and his eyes were angered. "Then why don't I have a son!"

I took a deep breath. I knew I was entering dangerous territory but I pressed on. "Perhaps it wasn't you who sinned. It wasn't you." I said emphatically.

I could see that thought going through the King's head. I knew he wanted to believe it. I dared not press too hard, but press on I did.. "Henry, I do not know what happened to make God angry. Think back though, was there anything that was done that could be questioned?"

Henry jumped up and walked towards the mantle above the fireplace. He leaned his arms against the mantle. "You know that Katherine was married to my brother."

"Yes I do." I said, leading him on.

"There was a papal dispensation allowing us to marry. Maybe that hath angered God so that I have not been able to have sons." Henry whipped around and came towards me, kneeling at me feet, "Tell me Anne, do you think that may be true."

I stroked his golden red hair and his cheek. "I am no theologian your Majesty. Perhaps you could ask Wolsey. He may have an answer for you."

Henry rose up and sought my lips. He kissed me softly once, then leaned back to stare searchingly into my eyes. "Anne. You are so beautiful. I ache to be with you. I look for you always and when I find you everyone else disappears." He kissed me more thoroughly. "I love you Anne."

I stood up and put my arms around him. Tears came to my eyes. "Henry, I have longed for you to say those words to me. I love you so." I pressed my lips to his and moved closer. "I do Henry, love you so."

Henry lifted me up off the ground and kissed me thoroughly. I kissed him back with passion. We kissed for several minutes and it roused in me a deep desire. Henry broke the kiss off and looked into my grey eyes. "Oh Anne, come lay with me."

I panicked and my startled eyes flew to his blue eyes. "Henry….I"

Henry laughed. "No Anne, you need not worry. I just want to talk and to hold you in my arms. I would never, ever presume anything of you."

I immediately relaxed and felt better. He took my hand and led me to the dias where his bed lay. He helped me onto the bed and lay me down. He joined me quickly and pulled a heavy blanket over us. "Be not afraid Anne."

"Henry, I am not afraid of you." I reassured him. "I want to be here with you."

"Anne, there is so much that I want to know about you. I want to know what makes you Anne. What was it like at Hever? What was it like at the French Court? I want to know everything." Henry said as he put his arms around me and pulled me close. His hand went up and down my arm reassuringly.

I felt very comfortable telling him about life at the French Court and Hever. I told him of the good times I had, even a couple embarrassing times I had although they weren't that many. I was a confident woman and I knew that in this situation right now, I could ask the King anything. "Henry, what was it like growing up with your brother?"

A sad look passed quickly over his features. He sighed, "My father the King put my brother on top of the world. I was the spare and he was the heir. When he died, suddenly I was the heir and the most loved. If he had not died, I believe that the King and my mother wanted me to become a Priest."

I laughed lightly and moved a little closer. "I cannot picture you as a Priest."

His eyes were warm as he laughed at my jest. "I loved my parents, I truly did. My sisters and my brother were wonderful companions. I just, sometimes…." His voice drifted off.

"Felt second best? That your older brother outshone you? That is how I sometimes felt with Mary for she was the golden one who the King desired." I confessed.

Henry leaned up on his elbows and looked deeply into my eyes. "Anne you must know this. If I ever knew that I would have you in my life, I never, ever would have been with your sister. When I knew Mary, you were not here. Please Anne, forgive me."

"Henry, we cannot change the past. I know now that you would not have been with Mary if you knew me then. It is not something I like to think about so I will not. Think of this though Henry. With Mary, you have two children who are lovely, beautiful children. Without Mary my sister, you would not have them. You know that we Boleyns are fertile. I want to give you children of my own Henry. That is my deepest desire." I cried passionately.

"Anne my deepest desire is to have you forever by my side. As my wife," Henry drew me close and kissed me deeply. His tongue leisurely entered my mouth and stroked mine. We kissed like that for several minutes before we broke apart. "Anne I think we were meant to be. No, I know we were meant to be. We shall marry if you desire. Please Anne, once I am able to free myself of the Queen, will you be my wife?"

I gazed into his deep blue eyes. "Of course Henry, of course I will." Tears streamed down my face as I kissed him. We held each other all night, kissing occasionally and talking intimately. I knew now that Henry owned my heart and it was his forever

There were several of us gathered in the Queen's Chamber's when the King, full of energy and life, burst in and demanded an audience with the Queen. With quiet dignity she rose up and entered her privy chambers. My eyes followed the King and I remembered all the stolen moments and kisses that Henry and I had shared in the past several weeks. I found myself thinking of him always and longing for his touch. My heart raced just seeing him. Henry had told me he had state business and I would probably not see him today.

Henry slammed the door behind him whilst us courtiers remained silent. After a couple of heartbeats silence, we started talking again although all of us were straining to hear what we could hear. George, my brother, meandered his way over to me and Mary and asked in a hushed voice, "What do you make of this Anne?"

"I have no idea" I looked down at the shirt I was sewing. "I truly do not." We could hear the King and Queen's voices rising but we could not make out the words.

"It's been a long time since the King has been this angry." Mary murmured. Slowly we could hear the words "Your Nephew.....alliance....is ending...you know...about you and....girl....out here...." "Oh my Dear" Mary said, "We should get some music playing, something. The King is angered."

George went to speak to Francis Weston and Henry Norris and they spoke to the musicians. Just then the door opened and Henry stood in the doorway, shouting back at the Queen, "I do not believe that you did not know about your nephew Charles and his breaking our alliance! His betrayal is YOUR betrayal to me! You have no idea what you have done Katherine!"

"You are talking about betrayal your Majesty?" Katherine shot back, "What about you? I have to accept that your new whore and your old whore are to sit in the same room as me! Every day I am reminded that one or both of them share your bed!"

Henry turned as red as I felt myself turning, "Enough! Lady Anne is not a whore she is a maiden! If you do not want her here than I will grant you that wish! Lady Anne will be moved today into the apartment closest to mine! Know this Katherine, I will not cheapen Lady Anne by taking her maidenhood. I will marry her first!"

I froze and Mary gasped, grabbing my hand. Katherine wailed, "Henry no! I am your true wife!"

"You are more true to your nephew than to me! You Have BETRAYED me! I asked you for one thing, one thing only! I wanted a son and all you gave me was a daughter. I need an heir! This is all your fault Katherine! Your continued betrayal and allegiance to your nephew has denied me a son!" Henry slammed the door and yelled for Cromwell. Cromwell appeared and Henry ordered him to clear out the apartments next to his. Mary and I were moving in.

Later that evening, Uncle Howard, the Duke of Norfolk and my father called for me, Mary and George. Uncle had heard through his spies about the argument between Henry and Katherine. We three stood before him. "Anne, I understand that you are in the King's good graces. You are moving is that true?"

He knew that it was but I nodded. "How far you have risen in such short of a time daughter. I hope that your turn with the King will be more profitable than Mary's."

I looked up sharply, "I will not just take a turn with the King."

Uncle Howard narrowed his eyes, "You will do as we say Anne. The Queen is falling out of favor and you are the perfect person to step in to help soothe the King's" He paused, "ego. Now go! All of you. The feast begins soon and Anne, I want you to bathe. You are to look as vibrant and beautiful and you are to outshine the Queen."

George led us to our new rooms, promising to meet us later. When the door closed behind us I turned to Mary with tears in my eyes. She took me in her arms, "Anne, it will be ok."

"Mary, I don't know what to do. I am so torn."

Mary leaned back and held my hands. "I have been watching you with the King. You have feelings for him don't you."

The tears started to fall down my cheeks, "I do Mary. He makes me feel.....like..I can't explain it. Like everything is wonderful and my heart is full when I am near him."

"It is a good feeling, isn't it? Henry has that way about him." Mary consoled. I looked up sharply and searched her eyes, "Don't worry sister, I have no feelings for the King except friendship. You are in love Anne, something I was not with the King."

"Then how do you know? Were you in love with William?" I asked.

Mary shook her head, "It was different for us Anne, I really don't want to discuss it. Now, dry your eyes. Put a cold cloth to your eyes, we don't want them red and puffy. You must look ravishing for our King."

We could hear the music playing as we entered the hall. The Queen was noticeably absent and the King looked very angry. I sat down at the long table to the side of the King. I openly gazed at him and when he glanced my way I nodded. I was disappointed when Henry's eyes swept over me as if I was another courtier and not someone special. We ate and made merry and monitored the King. His arm went up to summon a dance and the King walked directly over to me.

"My Lady" His eyes smoldered as he spoke.

I placed my hand in his and he led me to the middle of the floor. The floor quickly filled up as the music began and I danced around the King. I knew I was graceful. I knew that my black hair, my best asset flew around me as I turned. I wanted to captivate the King. His hands touched my body and I knew that he could feel my body respond. The dance ended but we continued to dance as if we were the only two in the room. Our gazes were locked, his smoldering eyes deepening with passion and I knew that I desired him so. I started to feel a deep longing for him and my body started to feel warm. He grabbed my hands and roughly pulled me to him, our bodies touching from head to toe. I breathlessly looked at my Henry.

His voice was low and filled with desire, "My chambers. Tonight Anne."

It had been several weeks since that night I shared a dance with the King. I caught him looking at me several times and we had exchanged words once or twice. I danced, played the lute, rode horses, anything that the King or Queen wished. My sweet sister Mary, whom I didn't always get along with but now we got along famously, had arrived back in court. Her husband, William had passed away. Mary was once the long time mistress of the King, a fact that for some reason bothered me a little but hadn't before. Mary had confided in me that she had no desire to take up with the King.

Mary linked arms with me as we went outside. Several of the courtiers, along with the King were already by the stables. Mary and I put on our brightest smiles and Mary called out, "Good day, your Majesty! My Lords! I must be mistaken for I thought We were going out for a ride."

"Indeed we are Mistress Carey. We are waiting on Her Majesty." The King's closest friend The Duke of Suffolk,Charles Brandon called out.

I felt the King's eyes travel up and down my body. I smiled a little smile and the King broke his gaze. "My lords, it seems to me that we have all the sunshine we need for the ride. Let us wait for the Mistress Boleyn and Mistress Carey and we will take our leave." The King commanded.

The horse master brought about our horses and helped us up. We rode for several miles and came upon a large picnic area. Mary was being helped by someone I had never seen before and I found myself watching the King as he approached. "Your Majesty."

"Lady Anne. May I assist you?" The King asked.

I smiled, "Of course your Highness." I held my hand out but the King grasped my waist and lifted me down. My body slid down his and I could feel his beating heart, his muscular chest and strong legs. The King's arms tightened around me and I felt every part of his hard body. Every part. My heart quickened as the King's hands moved slowly over the sides of my body. Then I became aware of the several people surrounding us and I quickly backed away. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Henry, Lady Anne. Please do me the honor of calling me Henry." The King said softly. "I want to hear you say it."

"Henry." I said back, just as softly. I turned, lifting my skirts a little as I rushed towards Mary. "Mary, who was that man?"

Mary looked over towards the man that helped her earlier and shrugged, "I am not sure. I believe I have seen him in the King's chambers. What did the King want with you? He didn't mention me, did he Anne?"

I laid a reassuring hand on her arm. "No Mary, rest assured he did not."

Mary leaned back and let her glorious golden hair tumble down her back. "The King hasn't called for me in weeks. Uncle Howard fears we or I have done something to bring disfavor to our family. I tell him that I have done nothing of the sort but you know Uncle Howard."

There were masses of grapes and cheeses in front of us and I snatched up some cheese and gave a piece to my sister. "Yes I know. He can be quite dreadful and annoying. What has the King said to you?"

Mary looked over to our brother George, who was standing with the King and Francis Weston. "He has been nothing but kind to me. As far as I know, no one has taken my place. The King has no mistress. Yet I know he has not been with the Queen either. George told me that the King has not visited the Queen in many months. It has been a season since..." Mary's voice trailed off.

I made a noncommittal noise as the two of use watched the men. They were playing some game, I don't really know what. I have to admit I wasn't watching the game, I was watching Henry. He had auburn hair and a beard that covered his sensual mouth. Oh I loved watching his mouth move. His muscles flexed as he moved and I was transfixed by the sight of him. My gaze remained on him as Mary continued to speak.

Soon thereafter the men joined us women for a feast. We dined and drank, told stories and laughed. There were dogs there and the men were having a grand time seeing who could throw the food the farthest and who's dog could get back the quickest. The men soon got up and demonstrated their prowess on their feet whilst us ladies laughed and made bets.

"Lady Anne," Henry's eyes twinkled with merriment as he extended his hand to me. "I would like to take a walk and thought you might like accompany me."

"Yes, your Majesty." I took his hand and he helped me to my feet. We walked down a path close to a river away from the festivities. "Sir,"

Henry shook his finger at me, "I thought I told you to call me Henry."

"Henry, are you enjoying yourself?"

"Yes my Lady, especially with you here. I must say that it is a beautiful day out, don't you agree?" Henry asked as he strolled next to me.

I looked into his warm eyes, "It is the most beautiful."

"I must disagree, you Anne, are the most beautiful." I blushed and looked down. The King put his hand under my chin, "Do not ever look away from me Anne. I forbid it."

I swallowed. "Yes Henry. How about this my Lord, I will look at you forever and always until the day the Lord decides to take me to Heaven!" I quipped.

The King let out a bark of laughter, "What if the Good Lord decided to take you today Anne?"

"I would not let him, Henry."

"Now why is that?"

"We have just barely begun to know each other my Lord. And I plan on living a long life. So therefore it is much too early for me to go to Heaven." I ran ahead a little, turned back and flirted a little. "And who is to say that Heaven would have me, Henry?"

Henry continued to laugh and he reached for me, but I evaded his grasp. He continued to play along. "Oh Heaven will want you. The Angel Anne Boleyn. I can see it now. A choir of Angels will be awaiting you to escort you to your throne in Heaven. And I pray that I will one day get to see you there in Heaven myself."

"Oh, Henry, I assure you, you will have a place in Heaven as surely as the sun will rise next morrow, as sure as the stars will shine tonight. You are the dazzling light of all of Europe and you will always be." I chided.

Henry chuckled, "Anne, you are a flatterer I see." He paused as he looked over my shoulder. I watched as a look of concern flashed over his face. "Come Lady Anne, I want to check this out."

I put my hand on Henry's arm and followed him towards a grouping of trees that hid us from the rest of the group. "What is it my Lord Henry?"

"Anne, I have been wanting to know something about you from the moment I first saw you." Henry turned me to him and put his arms around my waist. He held me for a few moments as my breath quickened. He moved his hands up over my arms until they reached my face and he framed my face with his hands. I licked my lips with anticipation; I knew that the King was going to kiss me and I wanted his kiss badly. "What is it Henry?"

"I want to know what you taste like" His lips lowered and touched mine gently. I ached for more and moved my body closer. Henry opened his lips and moved his hands down to my bodice. My lips opened to accept his demanding tongue. Tentatively I touched my tongue with his and I encircled my arms around his neck, my hands touching the warm nape. Henry continued to kiss me with passion, pulling me closer and closer until we heard his name being called.

Feeling wanton, I pulled away, straightening my hair and pulling my dress back in order. The King was as breathless as I felt. After a minute or so, we strolled out from behind the grove and back towards the picnic. I caught Mary's eye and she raised an eyebrow in my direction.

The King and I departed and I went towards my sister. "So Anne, are you the reason I am no longer in the King's bed?"

I shook my head vigorously. "No Mary. It's not like that at all."

Mary laughed, "It's ok sister. I don't desire the King. My question is, do you?"

Mary followed my gaze, which was fixed on the King. "I guess I have my answer."

I had just awoken from a nap and was slipping my green velvet dress on when I heard a commotion outside of my door. I opened the door that I shared with my sister Mary and slipped out to join the other ladies in waiting. It was time to attend to Queen Katherine before the King called us for dinner.

When I reached the door of Her Majesty's chambers, I paused and looked around. Several of the ladies were gathered around the Queen, embroidering. I rolled my eyes and adjusted my French hood. I much preferred playing cards or reading or even playing the lute more than sewing. I took my place next to my sister and joined in the hushed conversation.

An hours past when suddenly the doors burst open and King Henry the VIII entered. The King seemed to fill the entire room. He had an energy like no other and it was often contagious. My sister Mary, known as the King's whore and mother to two of his children, shared a smile with him. I gazed at him through my lowered eye lashes. He was a muscular man with a virility like no other. I could see that he was a passionate man who would set his mind on something and not stop until he got what he wished for. My eyes followed him as he walked swiftly towards the Queen.

"How are you mi Lady? I trust you are enjoying the day."

The Queen smiled. "Indeed Your Majesty. I trust the hunt went well."

The King laughed and offered his arm to the Queen. "The Queen knows me well. For you know that I treasure the hunt more than the capture. It is much more desirable to chase and to anticipate the capture than the actual capture itself." I watched as the King's eyes looked quickly at my sister Mary and then back to the Queen.

My brother George, who was one of the closest friends of the King, made his way over to me. He raised my hand to his lips and murmured, "Lady Anna, Mary, you are both looking as lovely as ever. Please sisters, save me from my wife. For you know that I fear for my life when she has me in her sights."

Mary and I laughed as George kissed Mary's hand. "Oh George, she is a dreadful snake isn't she." Mary proclaimed.

"Indeed." George offered his arms to both Mary and I as the King announced that we should go to the Hall for dinner. "I give you my arms my ladies, for fear that my wife will latch herself onto me and never let me go."

Us Boleyns were merry as George escorted us to the Hall for dinner. Once there, I accidentally brushed past the King and my long black hair caught on his doublet. I fell into a curtesy. "Forgive me Your Majesty."

The King stared at me, mesmerized. "No my Lady, forgive me." I hurried towards my table and sat down with the other ladies in waiting. I made merry with everyone around me. It was my job as a courtier to keep others entertained. I was clever and witty and always had a remark to keep others happy. Throughout the whole meal, I was aware of the fact that the King's eyes followed my every move.

Hours had passed and the King, having finished his dinner, called for musicians to play so that we could dance. I was fairly new amongst the Court as I just returned from the French Court. I knew that someone, maybe Weston or Wyatt or even my brother would escort me out to dance. Sure enough, my brother George extended his hand out to me and led me out to the floor.

We fell into the steps with ease, dancing gracefully around each other. I had no shortage of partners and was dancing my second dance with George when I heard the melodious voice of the King. "Sir George! May I dance with the lovely lady?" Henry smiled as he commanded, not asked.

George nodded. "Of course, Your Majesty."

I curtesyed and stood up, falling in step with the King. Henry's clear blue eyes looked deep into mine. I felt like he could see my soul. Like I was dancing in front of him stripped of everything, all my clothing and everything I held dear. My grey eyes widened a little as I stared back, challenging the King. As the dance required, he grabbed my hands and I gasped, it was like an electric current traveled through my body and I was experiencing feelings in places I had never before. I watched as Henry licked his upper lip and I wanted to feel his lips on mine. I envisioned Henry pressing his lips on my neck kissing and tasting my neck. I had to hold back a sigh as the music ended and the King, Henry stopped, still holding my hands.

"What is your name my Lady?"

"Lady Anne, Anne Boleyn, sire." I breathlessly said.

Henry's voice trembled with desire as he brought his mouth close to my ear. "I want you Lady Anne. I want to possess you."