Anne

    “His Majesty, the King,” announced the herald from the far end of the hall.

    Everyone hurried to the sides of the room leaving a narrow, empty passage for King Henry VIII to walk through. The people bowed as he walked past and murmurs of “Your Majesty” followed him through the hall like a wave. One person, however, was not as respectful as the rest. A young woman, new to court, glanced up as he walked past, eager to know what this great King looked like. He wasn't tall but neither was he short and he walked with a slight limp, an old wound, she thought. He wasn't handsome and he was unshaven although his clothes were fairly clean looking. His eyes met hers as he walked and quickly she dropped her gaze and sank into a low curtsey.
    “Your Majesty.”
    She thought he may have let out a scornful chuckle as he went on but it was so quiet that she doubted whether anyone but herself had heard it.
    That evening there was a celebration in court for the newborn baby boy that Queen Katherine had given birth to that day. At last, Henry had an heir. The Queen herself wasn't present but the King was. He didn't take part in the festivities but sat at a table on a raised platform overlooking the dancers.
    He recognised the young woman who had so brazenly raised her eyes to his the morning and chuckled. He watched her dance for a while and then beckoned to one of his courtiers.
    “Majesty?”
    “Who is that woman?” he asked, pointing to her.
    “Anne Boleyn. She's new to court.”

    The King turned his head away from the man and looked back at Anne.

    She looked up at King Henry VIII and smiled invitingly at him. Then, dropping her eyes demurely, she swept in to a low curtsey, excitement tightening in her stomach.