Queen's Trial

I listened to his majesty's speech and then looked at the Queen. Henry was a very persistent man and was going to get what he wanted no matter what. I sat in my chair anxiously awaiting what was to happen next. I then saw Margaret in the stands and smiled briefly, as she looked so very beautiful.

After my husband's statement, I am called upon to speak. I look in contempt at Wolsey, and loving and long at Henry, my husband.Sslowly I rise, walking over to Henry, and fall to my feet
"My lord.."
I began, as he tried to pull me to my feet "Sir.." I cry.
"I beseech you, for all the love that has been between us, let me have justice and right. Give me some petty and compassion. For I am a poor woman and a stranger, born out of your dominion. I have no friends here, and little council. I flee to you as head of justice in this realm. I call God and all the world as my witness, that to you I have been a true, humble and obedient wife. Ever comfortable to your will and pleasure. I have loved all those you have loved, whether I have had cause to or not, whether they have been my friends or enemies. But by me you have had many children, though it has please God to call them from this world. But you had me at first, I take God as my judge.."
I shout, looking around
"I was a true maid, without touch from man. Whether it be true or not ...I put it to you and your conscience.."
I rise looking at him, bow low and walk out slowly. Lizzie and my other ladies following close behind. I hear them calling for me to enter the court, but I don't. "This court has no authority over this matter!" The doors are opened, and once again I can hear the good english people cheering me and calling me. I am their Queen, and they love me. And most of all, I love them...

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Wolsey had explained precisely cumbersome that Katherine challenged the jurisdiction and the integrity of the court and that she was mistaken. He and Campeggio had full authority of the pope to judge the matter in his behalf so they rejected her protest and continued the court as was commanded by the pope himself.

After he had given Katherine the word, he sat back and saw her rising, but to his dismay she did not focus to the jury. Instead she had only eyes for Henry and suddenly walked to him and fell at his feet. Wolsey listened with growing annoyance and excitement at her words and hid his head behind his hands, shaking his head. A personal appeal on his sense, apparantly only to Henry, but clearly meant for everyone!
It took a while before he noticed she was leaving the court and while the court usher called her back, Wolsey turned to Campeggio, desperately speaking.

'She must return! She intentionally offends the court! We must call her back right now!'

Thomas was sitting quietly watching reactions of all people sitting around, listening to the speech of the King, then the Queen fallowing him. Everything happened so fast, both of them defended their consciences. He felt shivers going through his body; as the Queen left the hall he moved his gaze onto Wolsey. He was sitting there, pale and scared, he did not know what to do; Cromwell felt sorry for him. He was not able to imagine how Wolsey was feeling right then. And the king - what steps will he take after the unsuccessful trial...

Thomas felt nervous and stressed, but he also felt note of excitement. Especially after Norfolk pointed out the only one person defending the Queen. He smiled weakly.
'Indeed. We will celebrate our success very soon... Anne will be delighted.'
Added looking at Wolsey and the king. His smile became wide and proud. Then his face became serious, it looked flatly and he was quiet as never before. He was listening intently to the king's speech and also noded approvingly as Norfolk praised Henry. Indeed, he spoke frankly. Thomas kept smiling weakly, but did not say a word. He felt tension inside of him and he was impatiently awaiting response of the Queen. Then she started speaking. He knew from the first sentence that she has prepared herself very well. His smile quickly disappeared. He hoped the king will find a better response, that he will fight for his future with his beloved Anne. But he did not. The Queen left the church and Thomas felt anger rising inside of him. He glanced at Norfolk and added quietly:
'As you can see, we will not celebrate.'
Sissed. He felt annoyed... But... It's an ill wind that blows nobody good. At least Wolsey will suffer the consequences faster than Boleyn thought.

Margaret sat upright and watched her sister-in-law with growing admirence making her statement against the king and then just walking out of the court, without paying attention to the uproar she caused.
Wooow... she said and she could not suppress a laugh on her face as Katherine kept walking with her head up, even though they tried to call her back.

When she stepped outside the clapping and supportive exclaims of the people were clearly audible, Margaret turned to Thomas More again, her eyes glistened.
Whatever happens next... she has won this battle, my friend! she spoke triumphantly.

Thomas stood up like everyone while Katherine was walking away. Once he sat again, he turned to Margaret, nodding slowly

Maybe she won a battle, my dear. But let's hope...that she could win the war...

He smiled and squeezed softly her arm

Anyway...I think audience is ended for today. Poor Fisher has not spoken yet. Then...with the Queen or without her, there will be a new audience tomorrow...

He explained whispering, holding softly her arm

"Once the King stood up, Charles stood up quickly too and bowed deeply as everyone in the Hall. As he raised his eyes again, he looked meaningfully at Wolsey for a little while..."

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Wolsey finally gave up persuading Campeggio to command Katherine´s return as he became aware of a sudden silence. Henry was risen and looked at him in a way that shivers ran over his back.
Slowly he rised himself and looked back at him, accepting his reproachful look in resignation and he bowed to him with his hand on his heart.
As he stood upright again, the king had disappeared and while he looked around the audience, he could only see his three sworn enemies, enjoying his defeat and without paying attention to Campeggio or Fisher, he left the hall with quick steps.

Fisher sat motionless on his place, secretly smiling.
Katherine had done a great job and impressed everyone with her statement and appearance.
He noticed the turmoil with calm acceptance, stood up as Katherine left the hall and bowed slightly as Henry also left. He looked at the judges and noticed an excited Wolsey also leaving. He waited for everyone to leave the hall before he left himself, knowing very well that the trial only had started, but the first victory was for Katherine and he was determined to keep the victory on her side during the drop sessions.

Shocked that the queen have make this scene to the king and leave the trial that he ordered, she sigh and leave the room.

"Charles stood up and bowed respectfully at the King, like everyone. Once he sat down again, he glanced teasingly at Thomas Boleyn and Norfolk, sat next to him. He was really curious to hear details about Katherine's wedding night with Prince Arthur..."

Cromwell approached the church and sat down near Charles Brandon and Duke of Norfolk right after he bowed at His Majesty entering the aisle. He was sitting there quietly and staring at the king, then at Wolsey waiting for the begining...

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Wolsey sat behind the table again. Campeggio had taken a seat before him to examine the witnesses and while Wolsey gazed through the hall, he looked with questioning eyes at Fisher, who shook no, the queen will not come. He sighed and opened the trial.

'My Excellencies, we continue the trial without queen Katherine, who is declared recalcitrant. We will determine whether or not her first marriage with Prince Arthur was consummated by carnal knowledge.
We call as a witness: Sir Anthony Willoughby!'

As Wolsey announced the witness, Geoffrey walked towards the door and waited for him to enter. Once guards let him coming inside, he escorted sir Anthony until the chair in front of judges. He kept on standing silently next to sir Anthony once he sat down

Sir Anthony Willoughby: "Your Eminences..."

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Edward quietly entered the room, bowing respectfully before The King and The Cardinal Wolsey. He had not seen him for a long time and he looked troubled-but of course this was understandable. He then took a seat silently by the other Gentlemen of The Privy Council.

"Charles looked curiously at the man sat in front of Cardinals. He was wondering if he was related with Catherine, his pupil..."

Lorenzo looks at Anthony

"Sir Anthony, you were in royal couple's following during their wedding night, right? You accompanied them until their chambers. What the Prince said to you the next mornig?"

Geoffrey noticed that sir Anthony put an amused smile on his face as Cardinal Campeggio spoke. But he remained serious, still standing next to him

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Sir Anthony Willoughby: "Yes..I was with them that night. The next day, I asked to Prince Arthur if he succeded in doing his duty. And he answered": "Of course! Last night I was in the middle of Spain!"

People in the Hall started to laugh

Sir Anthony Willoughby: "And later, he added": "It's a very good hobby having a wife!"

After his last sentence, Geoffrey heard people laughing more