Great Hall

Anne was preparing for the liitle show. She was wearing her dress and mask.

After many months of planning. The day had finally come that Henry would visit my land and beloved home France. Despite what many think it was not a personal visit more one of politics. This was Henry tells the world that he would marry Anne. And that France was on-board with such an alliance. Truth be told Henry did not know what was going on behind the scenes. My hand was being forced to join in alliance with the great Sultan Suleyman. But all that would wait and unravel in its own time.

Everything was magnificent all covered in gold here and their. A specific winter feel to it. I saw my cousin and greeted him with as much gaiety and pomp as he deserved.

"Henry! My dear cousin welcome to France."

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"Come, cousin let us sit, eat and be merry."

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Francis led his cousin to the two golden chairs that had been placed at the top table that overlooked the room. Most of the French courtiers whispered amongst themselves as to where the lady Anne was and why she was not at Henry's side. After all, all of this had been done for her sake. To show of her new title that had been bestowed upon her by Henry.

"I am sorry that my wife and sister could not make it tonight. But you know how stubborn women can be."

It felt strange to have to apologize on behalf of Claude she was a woman with her own thoughts and Francis admired her for it. Especially since it was a man's world and the women had to obey they're husband. But he would never change that part of Claude.

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Francis had his personal drink taster come and bring him his wine. Being in France must've been good for Henry a break from all the gossips perhaps. His mind was cast to his own family whom had chosen not to attend this pivotal event between two nations. Taking an indulgent sip Francis glanced around the room trying to seek out the surprise and Anne Boleyn.

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"So cousin when shall the surprise begin."

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Francis chuckled, taking a long sip of his wine before placing his goblet back down onto the table. He looked around the room, leaning closer to Henry and whispered.

"I have it in mind that you and I should make arrangements for a joint crusade.."

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"Absolutement! Warriors of God! And of course, no one will be happier than His Holiness if we should commit ourselves to reconquering the Holy Land."

Francis grinned wickedly as he clapped his hands together.

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Katherine Elizabeth walked into the Great Hall of France. She looked around wondering if her mother was still at court or not. A servant announced her to the kings. "Your Majesty's Katherine Elizabeth Tudor Duchess of Richmond" The servant said and she crusty low to her father and the king of France.

Music began to play and dancers came to the hall.

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Anne was dressed as a dancer. She was wearing a mask just like the other dancers. They began to dance in front of the Kings.

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She is enchanting!" I called out to Henry

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"Qui etes vous? Do I know you?" I asked my dancing partner

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Henry came down and gently unmasked her, and it was revealed that Anne Boleyn was the main figure of the group. "Ah! La Belle Anne!" I took her hand and kissed it as the crowd gave applause, then led her away as a more stately dance started by the musicians. I speak in French as we walk around the great hall.

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Katherine Elizabeth sits in the corner trying to stay out of the way. She felt a bit out of place.

Anne Boleyn wrote:

Anne danced in front of Henry and François. She was a very good dancer and she was enjoying her dance. Also she was very charming and beautiful. She can easily seduce them with her movements and glances.  She was dancing where she learned everything.Anne pointed to the King François. She was inviting him to the dance.  They began to dance together. Anne was smiling. Everyone had their eyes on them. She was really very impressive. When the music stopped, Anne waited Henry to remove her mask.Yes she was Anne. François's La Belle Anne She smiled and they started walking together. Once upon a time, she was a lady-in-waiting for Queen Claude but now she was a Marquese. She smiled."Votre Majesté est très gracieux.. Mais il y a certaines choses, peut-être que votre majesté sait, sur moi.. Je préfère vous gardé secret, et de ne jamais parler au roi.." They stopped. Anne looked at François. She sat down and smiled.

"When you and your sister were here in France as ladies in waiting to my queen, I remember it so well!"

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They sat down somewhere quiet away from all the others so that they both could talk without being over-heard. Francis could imagine that his La Belle Anne would be rather busy catching up with old friends perhaps so now was the best time to talk.

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Madame la Marquise, I am a Frenchman. I would never betray the secrets of a woman, especially a beautiful woman who must naturally have a great many..."

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Anne smiled at this nice compliment. King François was always very polite, pleasant-spoken and handsome.

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Anne remembered the memories. She was always loyal to the King François and now she need his support. It was very important for her.
She had to ask and receive support.

"Do you really support my marriage to the King?"

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Francis replied quickly giving Anne a seductive smile.

"For one thing, I hate the emperor, so that anything which discomfits him, like the divorce of his aunt, pleases me immeasurably. But also, I know you are a friend of France. So.. we can do business."

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Anne was listening him carefully. King's response made her happy. She also received his support which was very important for her. Anne knew well what happened between the King and the Emperor. She could understand his hatred. They were on the same side.

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Anne remained for many years at the French court. She learned everything in this court. She knew very well French fashion, French culture and French life. She was a true friend of France and the king knew it very well. She smiled faintly.

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She was looking at the king. He was silent. There was something under the King's silence. She was sure he wanted to say something.

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"And? There is something else?"

Francis talked more quietly so that only Anne could here.

Oui. It is not my place to say in this matter, but perhaps we know each other well enough.." I paused. "The fact is, the station you will be asked to occupy is not an easy one. Especially to those not born to it. It is much harder to have everything than to have nothing. If I had not been born to be king, I would certainly not have wished that fate upon myself." I gave her a long look. "Vous comprenez?"

He gave her a serious yet kind look he felt like Anne should know what being royalty was like. Not easy...

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Anne listened him carefully. The advice of the King was serious and sincere. Normally a woman might fear this recommendation but Anne was ambitious and determined. She thought for a moment.

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"Oui, oui, je comprends.."

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She smiled and stood up.

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She curtsied with a smile on her face

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"Your Majesty.."

"Charles was sitting at his table with his wife Catherine. They watched together Lady Anne's dance in front of the Kings. He was holding Catherine's hand"

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"Suddenly he saw with the corner of his eye Thomas Boleyn approaching him. He turned his head and looked at him"

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