Behind Boleyn

XXI - The Letter

It had been over a year since Anne had been sent away from court with a sympathetic nod from the queen. Time to mend her broken heart away from the wagging tongues so hungry to consume her grief between smiling lips.

As the days wore on, Millie began to hint around schemes to be carried out once they returned to court. The occasional letter arrived from the king addressed to Anne in the king's flowery hand. They were not frequent enough to make Anne believe the king was suffering without her presence. However, they showed that the king still had an interest in her and looked forward to her return.

Anne huffed in disgust as she read one of the king's letters.

"Look what he says," Anne growled as she tossed the note on the bed before her." He says he would like to recall me to court if I am ready. He says he is my servant. I wonder if he knows how ridiculous he sounds."

"He is primed for your return, Anne," Millie muttered from her corner of the room. "He misses you."

"I would think he'd have forgotten me by now. The months have dragged by. Surely there are others to hold his attention."

"I think you are alluring to him. You have certainly not played into his hands the way others have. I do believe he finds your resistance intriguing."

"I have been lost in my own sorrow. It was never resistance, per se. I don't think I ever realized that...what he wanted." Anne picked up the letter and reread his words.

"What is it you think he wants?" Millie asked with a quirked brow.

"A tryst, from what I can determine."

"No, Anne, no," Millie whispered fervently. A deep breath settled her excited nerves. "Anne, he wants an heir."

Anne stared blankly at the letter in her hand. "If he wants an heir... then why is he writing love notes to me? He needs to have a child with the queen not with a mistress."

"The queen is barren. She has not conceived in years."

"The king is..." Anne started.

"...Yes, Anne. The king is looking for a new wife."

Anne's eyes met Millie's. They gleamed with mischief Millie had not seen in months.

"You have, in his mind, played hard to get. He is intrigued by you. The king is a hunter by nature, and like every hunter, he enjoys the chase...possibly more than actually making the catch. Your broken heart has served you well, Anne. It may well get you a crown."

"But Catherine."

"Never mind Catherine. She is doomed. There is nothing you can do for her, Anne. It will be you, or it will be someone else. If you can't have true love... then a crown is a pretty good replacement."

To Millie's relief, Anne smiled. It was a sad smile, but the curve of it still made Millie's heart flutter with anticipation.

"Me, a queen?" Anne laughed softly. "What a preposterous proposition. I'm not even a noble."

"Who declares nobility?"

Anne laughed again. "The king."

"It seems you have the perfect conspirator."

"He ruined my life, Millie."

"He ruined a short period in your life. You are already doing much better. This...this could lead anywhere, Anne. You will be in the perfect position to find new love... or to make him suffer."

"Revenge?"

"If that is what you choose."

The women sat in silence for some time before Millie quietly left for the night, leaving Anne to play out scenarios in her mind.