Adjacent Room

Walking into the adjacent room with my ladies, after that horribly ordeal, I was forced to go through. I fall back into a chair to catch my breath, thanking God for giving me such strength...

I walk into an adjacent room in Blackfriars Church after the trial. I clutch my heavy velvet skirt made of cloth of gold and pretty damask as I ,along with the other ladies, walk swiftly behind The Queen. We were near her during The Trial but unable to support her. Now that it is over we may console her and try to ease her pain. As she slumps into the chair the other ladies stand near The Queen , the conversations they have together a mere whisper-none wish to upset Her Majesty further.

I walk a little closer and bow very deeply, almost kneeling. I whisper softly as I still bow,"Your Majesty..."

I hear footsteps and glance up. I then see The King-I look down as I am shocked that he came in. I stay silent and do not dare to speak. These are dangerous times and he may know that I lied to The Cardinal Wolsey. If he does I could be sent away from court and disbanded from Her Majesties household. Not only would I not be able to assist The good and gracious Queen but I would disappoint my family. I look at the ground. The other ladies also bow.

There is a deafening silence as Their Majesties look at each other...

Wolsey entered while wiping his forehead and put away his handkerchief. At a glance he saw the queen sitting, surrounded by her ladies-in-waiting and on the elevated portion stood the king, all alone.
As he saw lady Craven, he frowned deeply and felt anger rising. She had intentionally misled him and even worse, he knew it at the time and meant no harm in keeping her in the queen's neighborhood.
Now he had to suffer the consequences and he looked in contempt at her.

He looked at Henry again and sighed inaudible, then he turned his eyes to Katherine and approached her, bowing slightly. He was too angry to maintain his normal politeness.
'Your majesty, may I point out that you offended the court and have achieved nothing! Tomorrow we continue and both cardinal Campeggio and me expect your appearance again, this time with more respect!'

He did not wait for her answer but turned around and approached the king, bowing deeply.
'Your majesty, nothing is decided yet... tomorrow we will interrogate the witnesses.' he whispered.

As The Cardinal Wolsey enters I look down and without realising I back away from him. I feel nervous and vulnerable...

Fisher arrived just in time to hear the words Wolsey spoke to queen Katherine, but before he could approach him, Wolsey turned away and walked up to king Henry, whispering at him.

Fisher looked after him for a moment and then turned his eyes to the queen. He bowed deeply and smiled reassuringly at her.

I heard what he said, but don't worry, they can not force you to appear again. You have done well, your majesty!

As The King speaks I still bow, I feel my knee touch the cold wooden floor a little. He then says he wishes to be alone with The Queen-I hide my worry for leaving The Queen alone. The other ladies bow deeply and hurriedly leave. I nod and glance at The Queen-I give her an apologetic look. My eyes convey how I feel and I know she will understand I must leave. I have no other choice-I will see her though in her chambers once she arrives back at the palace.

I walk a little forward and bow deeply to The King,"Your Majesty..."

I then leave, as I do I look once more at The Queen-glad The Cardinal Fisher is there to support her...

Wolsey nodded understandingly and turned half around to see if everyone was leaving as the king wished.
He smiled weakly at Henry's words.
'I assure you things get better tomorrow. Your Majesty...' he bowed deeply and stepped backwards. While he passed the queen he bowed to her as well and spoke softly at Fisher.

'Come on, bishop Fisher, we will leave them alone.' He waited for him while he made an inviting gesture to walk with him. Fisher looked reassuringly at queen Katherine for a moment, bowed to her and to king Henry too and both men left the room together.

"Henry..?" I see he wants to say something, but doesn't want to even look at me, what has he done!

Looking back at him, I see all of his hate and anger
"Why? What have I done to deserve this? Your accusations against me are false. Don't you know I was untouched? I had never been touched by a man before you. We have had so many children together, though it has pleased God to take them away from us. But we have Mary. Don't you see this is tearing her apart? We are her parents. What is to become of her if you got through with this? And as for the idea of breaking from Rome... it is ridiculous! You are a catholic. He is God's representative, and there is no way he shall decide in your will. For I am your true and loyal, obedient wife. And I have a clear conscience... and God, as my judge, knows that..."