SOS Message Board: SOS Message Board -> Prologue: And so it Began...

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."