WI: All of Anne Boleyn's pregnacies came to term

[Violet Rose Lily]

Despite popular belief, King Henry was not disappointed with the birth of Princess Elizabeth, believing if his wife could have a healthy girl, she could have a healthy boy. However, this did not change the simple fact that in order to to secure her position as Queen, Anne Boleyn desperately needed a son. Thankfully she did not need to worry for when she went into labor in August 26 and gave birth to a healthy boy. Anne Boleyn upon learning she had a son is said to have cried out: "If I die tomorrow, consider my blood well spent for I have done what I have promised and my son is my victory!"

King Henry was over the moon. He had a son. It is said he wept for joy for at last England can rest easily now that there was a male heir. He claimed that his father must be smiling done from heaven, pleased that his dynasty was at least secure. Those who knew the late King Henry had a feeling that if the old monarch was indeed looking down at his son from heaven, he was not smiling.

Regardless the birth of the new Prince was celebrated even by those who hated Anne Boleyn, blaming her for the King forsaking Katherine and Mary, it would take some time for the people of England to fully take her in their heart. Thankfully they wasted no time accepting her son as it had been over two decades since they celebrated a Prince of Wales.

Thrilled with his wife, King Henry allowed her to chose the Prince's name, Anne wanting her son to have a name that no other monarch had before him, that would make him stand out in the mist of Thomases and Henrys chose to name him Ambrose, declaring that his legacy would be immortal. Her husband enthusiastically agreed even if he was disappointed that she had not named him Henry.

It is said that the former Queen Katherine wept upon learning that Anne Boleyn had given birth to a boy. She sent a letter to congratulate Henry on having a son and begged him to allow her to see her daughter. King Henry wrote back he would be most pleased to do so if she and Mary would sign the oath and swear that Prince Ambrose is Henry's true heir.

When Princess Elizabeth is brought to court, the Lady Mary is among her retinue. If she hopes the invitation to court is a sign that her father is softening, that is dashed when King Henry refuses to see her and instead sends a message that he expects her to be at her brother's christianing for she would be his maid as well as her half-sister.

Emperor Charles declares that the birth of a bastard "though he lorded as true prince of blood" changes nothing for his aunt is the true queen and his cousin is the true Princess of Wales.

However King Francis, who was feeling quite discomforted by Lutherans thanks to the Affair of the Picards incident, is almost too happy to be godfather to young Ambrose along with his sister Marguerite. When he sends Philippe de Chabot, the admiral of France, in November, he is all to happy to agree to the betrothal of young Princess Elizabeth with his third son, Prince Charles.

Queen Anne exites her time of confinement as though she was on cloud nine. She even invites her estranged sister to return to court for Christmastide, having convinced King Henry to knight William Stafford and make him a Baron.

"There will be no getting rid of her now," Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk writes to his wife. "She managed to convince His Majesty to send away his mistress. Now that she has a son, he is once again hanging off every word."

Thomas Boleyn is ecstatic and fully expects to be made a Duke by next year. His brother-in-law is equally pleased, although a bit put out that the King chose Henry Fitroy along with Mary Howard as godparents instead of himself and his wife.

Although he is happy for his sister, George Boleyn suspects that with Anne having done her duty, his father is going to be pushing him to do his. So he does his best to reconcile with his wife in hopes of getting her pregnant. Hopefully a boy who will become Prince Ambrose's companion.

As for Prince Ambrose himself, he and his sisters stay at court for first few months of his birth just so courtiers can see him and remark on how much he looks like his father and isn't he a bonny Prince?

Even better, during the Christmastide celebrations, Anne reveals she is pregnant for the third time. Her allies cheer and her enemies scream in fury, pulling out their hair in frustration.

 

[Violet Rose Lily]

When King Henry introduced the Oath of Supremacy he made it clear that it would be treason to refuse to sign it. Three Carthusian monks, a Bridgettine monk and priest had refused to sign it along with Thomas More and Bishop John Fisher. All of them now languished in the Tower awaiting their deaths.

However six days before the monks and the priest were slated to die, Queen Anne dropped to her husband's feet and begged him to spare the seven godly men whose only crimes was being mislead by the Catholic Church. Had God not proved that she and Henry were just in their path by blessing them with Prince Ambrose. "I beseech you to pardon them my lord, spare them for they are ignorant not disloyal."

Since the birth of Prince Ambrose, King Henry had been able to deny Anne anything. Although it infuriated him that his subjects were defying him, he had to admit that with the birth of his son, they had become a small number. So he officially pardoned all seven men, telling them it was only thanks to the Queen that they were alive, but not even she would save them if he caught a whiff of them trying to stir up trouble.

Many wondered what had prompted Anne to ask her husband to spare these men, after all they were all her enemies and supporters of Katherine. Perhaps she had genuinely thought that now that she had a son, she had nothing to fear from those rabble rousers. Or perhaps she knew that the death of these men would only give Catholic more martyrs and that she would be blamed for their deaths.

Meanwhile in Hatfield, Mary has fallen ill and Katherine sensing which way the wind is blowing writes to Anne instead of Henry, imploring her not to think of her as her rival, but as a fellow mother who has been separated from her daughter and fears that her daughter might die.

Anne writes back that she would be delighted to reunite mother and daughter if Katherine would just acknowledge her as queen and her son as the Prince of Wales and her daughter as a Princess. She states that she does not need Katherine to admit to anything else, only to acknowledge her and her children.

Katherine writes back that she has been nothing, but a kind and goodly mistress to Anne so why does she insist on being so cruel and vindictive? Is it not enough that she has won? Must she continue to be so wicked?

Anne sends another letter, asking Katherine what she would do if she was in Anne's position?

Katherine noticeably does not answer and instead sends another plea, begging her to nurse her daughter back to health, swearing on her mother's grave that she will not say a single word against Henry, Anne, Elizabeth or Ambrose. Begging her to take pity on an old woman who does not have much time left.

Anne cannot refuse and she goes to Henry, asking him to allow Katherine to visit her daughter.

Henry does not refuse outright, instead he sends a letter to Katherine, admonishing her for putting poor pregnant Anne in the middle of their feud and telling her that Anne's demands that she acknowledge Anne as Queen and Elizabeth and Ambrose as heirs are far kinder than a demand he would have made for her. He tells her point blank that she has two choices either sign the oath or do what Anne has asked of her.

Katherine is fully aware that her daughter will never be accepted over a son especially with Henry's act of succession, allowing him to chose his heir. She also knows that despite his spiteful words after the birth of Prince Ambrose , her nephew is eager for an English alliance and is reconsidering his stance. She also knows that as harsh as he is being, Henry is right. Anne's demand only requires her to acknowledge Anne as Queen without denying the validity of her marriage or the legitimacy of her daughter or swearing that Henry is the head of the English Church. It is the lesser of two evils.

Katherine finally agrees to acknowledge Anne as Henry's wife and their children as his heirs. She is allowed to leave Kimbolton Castle and reunite with Mary. While Mary is happy to see her mother, she is devastated to learn what her mother is going to do. What is worse, Henry expects both Katherine and Mary to come to Whitehall and publicly acknowledge Anne as Queen.

It is unknown what Katherine and Mary talked about as their watchers only reported that they did not speak treason. However, whatever her mother had said to her had evidentially convinced Mary that accepting Anne, Elizabeth and Ambrose was their only option.

A week later, Katherine and Mary were welcomed at court where they had to sign a document declaring Anne Boleyn as the Queen of England, Elizabeth as a legitimate Princess and Ambrose as the Prince of Wales. It is unknown how their supporters took this news, but Anne's allies sighed in relief.

As Thomas Boleyn continues to await his dukedom, he is pleased to learn that his son's wife is pregnant.

In July, Anne Boleyn gives birth to a girl. King Henry decides her name will be Anne after her most beloved mother.

 

[Violet Rose Lily]

In return for their cooperation, Lady Mary and her mother are given their own estate in Hudson. For the next few years, the ladies would spend their days away from court, fading in the background as England moved on without them. However, they would soon find they were still in the thick of it.

As he awaits his dukedom (any day now), Thomas Boleyn is happy to be presented with his grandson---although he is a bit annoyed when George announces the name: Mark Boleyn.

Just when everyone is certain that Anne cannot fall, she and the King get into a dreadful argument. Anne was not pleased about Cromwell's dealings with the monasteries, believing that he is using the reformation for momentary gain. Henry, who is quite happy with the amount of money from the church lands that are now in his coffers, scolds her for speaking so rudely to his advisors, telling it is not her place to comment on the conduct of his councilors. The argument only worsens when Anne protests quite loudly to Cromwell's suggestion of the newborn Princess Joanna as a potential bride for Prince Ambrose, beliving a French princess or a Danish Princess, or a Swedish Princess or a German Princess---basically anyone, but a Hapsburg Princess---would have been a better choice.

The argument ends with Anne deciding to make an impromptu visit at Hatfield alone to see her children. When she returns, her relations with the king are still strained. Learning she is pregnant for the fourth time does nothing to repair the couple's relationship. This becomes reddily appearent when King Henry decides that Anne needs a new lady and oh look at that, John Seymour has a blonde haired daughter who would fit the bill just perfectly.

 

[Violet Rose Lily]

Anne Boleyn(as she places a protective hand on her belly, looking out the window at her husband strolling the gardens with Jane ): I can practically hear Katherine and Mary cackling like witches. I have no doubt they are relishing this, believing it is my just deserts.

George Boleyn: They can cackle all they like. After all, to win the King, all you had to do was contend with the Catholic Church and the Holy Roman Emperor. Mistress Seymour's obstacle is much more difficult to get over: a healthy Prince of Wales. (When his sister doesn't say anything, he sighs). Come away from the window, Anne. Getting upset will do you no good. Once you have birthed a Duke of York, that silly chit will be forgotten.

Anne Boleyn(as she joins George at the card table): And what if I give birth to another girl?

George Boleyn: The King will be dissapointed, I have no doubt about that, but you still have a strong son in the nursery. Ambrose will be two-years-old soon and everyone says he looks more like his father every passing day. (He then smirks). Of course if it is a boy, Father will be expecting a dukedom.

Anne Boleyn(rolling her eyes): Has he not gotten tired of waiting yet?

George Boleyn: No, he is certian he shall get it soon. Staring at the King with eyes of a puppy-dog, eager for treats.

Anne Boleyn (chuckling): Perhaps if it is a boy, I shall name him George.

George Boleyn(eyes lighting up): Better yet name him William after Mary's husband. I'd love to see Father's face if you do that.

Anne Boleyn(chuckles turning into full blown giggles): Oh poor Papa, we are vexing him so.

George Boleyn: Is it our fault that there are a thousand Thomases and we wish to be a little more original?

The scene fades away as Anne and George begin to play cards.

 

[Violet Rose Lily]

Katherine of Aragon died in early January, with her daughter at her bedside. She forgave her husband and Anne Boleyn for their many sins, beseching them to take care of her precious daughter, marry her to a prince like she deserves. Princess Mary is said to have wept for days after her mother's death, crying that she was now alone in the world.

Jane Seymour, the current fixture of King Henry, was determined to help the Lady Mary, in a letter to her brother, she wrote: "as others have failed that poor girl, it is up to me to reach out to her and try to reunite her with her father." At first Henry resisted, perhaps because he was affronted by Katherine's thinly-veiled rebuke or maybe he simply was still angry that Mary had sided with her mother over him. However, help would come from a surprising source.

Queen Anne did not like Jane, was still weary of Mary and was currently on the outs with Henry, so it was a shock when she also suggested to Henry that perhaps Mary should be brought back to court and maybe they should find a suitable husband for her.

With both his wife and his lady love pushing him, the red-haired monarch gave in and invited his daughter to court, making sure her half-siblings were at Whitehall when she arrived, just in case she had any doubts on who he considered his trueborn children.

When Mary did arrive, her father introduced her to Lady Jane Seymour first, snubbing Anne publicly. It was a move that had Anne's enemies feeling vindicated and they no doubt thought Mary would share their feelings. Instead Mary greeted Jane coolly and Anne politely, saving her warmth for her three siblings, beaming happily as she hugged them.

To celebrate his daughter's return to court, King Henry decided to host a joust. That was when things began to truly go downhill.

 

[Violet Rose Lily]

Dear Dot,

Court life is quite splendid. I just wish I wasn't here as a lady-in-waiting to that woman. She is impossible. She is haughty, vain, selfish and constantly seeks attention.

I keep trying to get some alone time with the Princess Mary, reach out to that poor girl who needs a friend. She obviously can't count on that woman. Did you know that she had been trying to get King Henry to make his daughter a servant again? I heard her at dinner, telling His Majesty, how their children missed their big sister and perhaps it would be nice if they could see her more often.

Don't get me started on the way she flaunts that she has a son. She practically brings him up every chance she gets, talking about how clever he is and how handsome he is. It is like she is determined not let anyone forget it.

And then there is the way she treats me. She acts like I am a whore trying to entice her husband which is a fine thing coming from her. Queen Katherine acted with dignity and poise. She could learn a few things from her.

Oh dear, I did not mean to make this letter about her when there are more important things to discuss. Like the joust. You'll never believe it, King Henry said he wants my favor. I still can't believe that of all the women in the world, he would choose me. I will tell you all about it, in my next letter.

Your sister, Jane.

Your Imperial Majesty, greetings

I am happy to report that the rumors are true. King Henry is finally shaking himself from the whore's claws. This can only bring good news. Although I doubt that King Henry will give Princess Mary her rightful spot as his one and only heir back, I think he can at least be persuaded to put her above her half-sisters in the line of succession. I am certain that His Majesty's new lady love will help us in that endeavor as she cares for your cousin truly, not just trying to get back on the King's good side as Anne Boleyn tried to do.

The princess tells me that the so-called queen has tried to make amends with her, as if she could ever make up for all the suffering she wrought on your aunt and cousin. I do not know what she is up to, but it is clear she is trying to butter the girl up for some nefarious reason.

I have discussed with that corvid Cromwell about the marriage proposal between your daughter and Prince Ambrose, he says that the king is considering it. I did mange to get a glimpse of the boy, and I must admit that I am finding it hard to find a single trace of the king in the so-called Prince of Wales.

Your faithful servant, Ambassador Eustance Chaypus.

Husband,

Mark has learned a new word: no. He shouts it often and a lot. I think he must really be your son.

I am glad to hear that Her Majesty has taken her sister's advice and tried to make amends with the Lady Mary. Although we all know that Anne's son keeps her from falling like Lady Katherine, I think I speak for everyone that it is better to make a friend instead of an enemy. God knows you Boleyns attract enemies like manure attracts flies.

As for that Lady Jane Seymour, tell your sister that if I was not pregnant and away from court, I would gladly do as I did the last one, find a way to send her packing. Temperary banishment would be worth it. Additionally, did you find the fool who making those ridiculous rumors that I hate Anne and am plotting against her? When you do, please tell them that she is the one Boleyn I can stand, aside from Mary.

Speaking of insufferable Boleyns, how is your father? Is he still waiting for that dukedom. Perhaps when the Duke of York arrives, he'll get a clue.

Try not to get into too much trouble,

Jane Parker, Lady Rochford.


Mary,

Come to court quick. Something terrible has happened. The king has fallen from his horse. He hasn't woken up. Anne needs you or she might loose the baby.

George.

 

[Violet Rose Lily]

King Henry had fallen from his horse, hitting his head and becoming unconscious, leading to the entire court to become tense. While Cromwell began to set up a regency for two-year-old Ambrose just in case the worst, the Boleyns cloistered around Anne, trying to keep her calm and happy. It was suggested that Elizabeth, Ambrose, and Anne be sent for, to keep them at hand.

Hours later, the doctor revealed that King Henry's wound on his leg had gotten badly infected and they would have to amputate. Unfortunately, the king was currently falling in and out of conscious and they could not ask for permission. Upon learning of this, Anne ordered the doctors to go through with the surgery if it meant saving her husband's life. "It is my order, gentlemen and it will be on my head," she promised.

A popular story has Anne meeting Jane Seymour in front of the king's apartments and getting into a fight with her for daring to show her face when it was her favor that caused this grave accident. There is no evidence of this event actually happening. In fact, Lady Jane kept to the Seymore apartments. In her letters, she expressed her fear for the king.

Not long after learning of her husband's worsening condition, Queen Anne suffered a near miscarriage and would enter an early confinement. With both the queen and the king confined to their beds for at least a week if not more, Lady Mary had to step up as the head royal, although regency duties were given to the Earl of Wiltshire, much to his glee. The royal children were brought to court, arriving the same day as Mary Boleyn who rushed to her sister's side.

As the days dragged on, everyone walked on eggshells, barely able to breathe. It was treason to imagine the king's death and yet there was not a person in all of England who wasn't thinking of it. The ambassadors sent daily letters to their masters, with updates on the king, the queen, the Lady Mary, the Prince of Wales, the princesses and the council.

The court was filled with whispers and speculation. The blame was shifted around. Some pointed at Henry Norris for unseating the king. Some at the queen for well being the queen, with dark whispers of her purposely wanting the king dead because she knew he wanted to replace her. There was a scant few that even blamed Lady Mary, suggesting that she had ordered something put in her father's drink to make him weak and disoriented so he would fall off his horse.

Finally when King Henry returned to his senses, having suffered a fever thanks to the infection, he learned of all that had happened. To his horror, he was left with one leg and a stump. "I would have rather died than be forced to spend my life as a cripple," he bemoaned. Despite his gowning animosity with the queen, and his displeasure at losing a leg, he didn't begrudge her wanting to save his life and once he learned that she was confined after nearly losing their babe, he had a message sent to her, expressing his pleasure that they were both alive and well.

He then sent for Lady Mary. It is unknown what he said to her as he asked that they be alone. However, Mary left his bedchambers with a smile spreading across her face and happy tears in her eyes. He had Hal Fitzroy and his younger children visit him as well.

He lastly sent for Jane.

 

[Violet Rose Lily]

It did not come much of a shock to the court that Jane Seymore was dismissed from the queen's household. After all, Anne's condition was delicate and the king wanted to be assured that she would not have anyone upsetting her. It was also not a shock that the king did not have her leave court. It did come as somewhat of a surprise that she was given her own set of rooms and her own household. It was clear that regardless of his feelings towards his wife, Henry was not quite ready to let go of Jane, despite all his instances of not making her his mistress.

The drama of his love life was temporarily put on hold, Henry returned to his duties, standing tall despite being crippled. He decided to reward his daughter for taking charge while both he and Anne were indisposed by making her the Duchess of Wessex in her own right. He then turned to the matter of his children's marriages. The betrothal of Prince Charles of France had already been confirmed which leaves Mary, Ambrose, and little Anne.

Using Anne's confinement, Cromwell pushes for an imperial match, suggesting Archduke Ferdinand's daughter Eleanor of Austria who is the same age as Ambrose or Princess Joanna of Spain who had been born just one year ago. Henry is unsure, but agrees with Cromwell to start the betrothal proceedings. . As for Mary, it is agreed that she should be married to a German prince, one of the Luthern faith.

In June 1, the three year anniversary of when she was crowned, Anne goes into labor and births her second son, much to Henry's joy. He decides that naming the new Duke of York Henry will just be tempting fate so he decides to go with the name Jasper instead after his great-uncle. However, in the midst of the celebration, Henry learns terrible news, Anne is sick with childbed fever.

 

[Violet Rose Lily]

Anne Boleyn's death comes as a heavy blow. She had been disliked by many, but by the end of her tenure as queen, she had grown popular. It was seen a cruel twist of fate, that she was barely at the cusp of her victory, only to lose her life. King Henry for his part, is devastated. He stays locked up in his apartments for weeks, forcing the now Duchess of Wessex to once again step in as Lady of the court.

Thomas and George Boleyn arrange Anne's funeral while Mary Boleyn acts as chief mourner. Archbishop Thomas Cranmer proclaimed,"She who has been the Queen of England on Earth has become a Queen in Heaven!" The French ambassador write of how the English people doff their hats as her coffin was carried down the streets of London, showing her the respect they had refused to show her during her coronation.

King Henry finally emerges from his seclusion towards the beginning of July. Despite now using a cane and walking with a limp, the monarch still manages to cut an impressive figure. He summons the Earl of Wiltshire, finally granting him the dukedom, he had been hoping for all these years. Thomas Boleyn is now the Duke of Kent, something he takes with a bit of despair, wishing it had not come at the cost of his daughter's life.

The new Earl of Wiltshire is blessed with a daughter. The entire court knows the Boleyn girl's name before George can even announce it: Anne. King Henry also grants William Stafford, the Earldom of Buckingham, and Henry Carey becomes the Baron of Hudson.

It is clear that the king is boosting Anne's relatives for he knows that he might not have long left and young Ambrose needs to have powerful support on his side. He also pushes hard for the betrothal between Prince Ambrose and Princess Joanna, knowing Emperor Charles would not try to displace his daughter's husband.

Everyone expects King Henry to send Lady Jane Seymour from court. Instead, the death of Anne seems to draw him closer to her, needing her soft touch to help heal his broken heart (as one courtier notes). As he grieves, the Lady Mary takes care of her siblings, even putting aside her feud with the Boleyns to do so.

 

[Violet Rose Lily]

Out of respect for his late wife, King Henry waited until January before he married Jane Seymour. To her credit, the new queen tried to bond with her stepchildren. With Princess Mary as they are grown women and the latter is certainly not going to hold Jane's relationship with her father against her. With Anne's children it is a little harder. Granted the six month old Jasper doesn't much have an opinion on her. Princess Elizabeth is rather reluctant, suspicious of the woman who is to replace her mother. And while Ambrose and Anne are barely toddlers they can sense their sister's discomfort and follow her lead.

While Jane settles into her new role as queen, the Boleyns and the Howards are closing ranks around their royal relatives. First the Duke of Norfolk petitioned for King Henry to allow the marriage between Margaret Douglas and Charles Howard [1]. Meanwhile, the Duke of Kent suggested his granddaughter, Anne married Henry Brandon, Earl of Lincoln. The Duke of Suffolk was not thrilled by that match, but he knew better than to argue with the grieving king. His other granddaughter, Catherine Carey was married to Gregory Cromwell. Lastly, Mary Howard and Madge Shelton were sent to act as Queen Jane's ladies, keeping an eye on her.

Bad news came from France, Princess Elizabeth's betrothed Prince Charles had tried to swim the river Seine and drowned in the attempt [2]. With two of his sons dying within the last two years, King Francois visited his Spanish wife's bed frequently in hopes of having another heir and also all but commanded his remaining son, Henri to consummate his marriage.

Henry, worried about his own mortality, requested that the betrothal of Prince Ambrose and Princess Joanna be confirmed. He is gladdened when he discovered that Jane is pregnant, declaring that while two sons are good, three are better. After sending his condolences to King Francois, Henry sent his advisors to search for a new groom for Elizabeth. On Cromwell's advice, he turned to Denmark and Sweden, hoping for an alliance for England and a crown for his daughter.

1. Charles Howard is the brother of Kitty Howard.

2. Who was it who said that you can't butterfly away stupid? I just killed Charles off a bit earlier to start off a childhood friend romance between my new found favorite pairing for Elizabeth.

 

[Violet Rose Lily]

King Henry ordered the finest prosthetic leg to be built for him, sparing no expense. He sought out the service of Ambroise Paré, a French surgeon who specialized in amputation. The French physician sent over a metal leg with leather straps. While it did not give Henry as much mobility as he desired, he found he could still ride a horse, allowing him to participate in jousts if he so desired.

For the memory of Queen Anne, Henry had schools and poorhouses built in her name, not wanting England to ever forget the woman who "saved England from misery and destruction". He also doubled down on the religious reforms, beginning his dissolution of the monasteries, placing more Lutheran leaning polices.

In the summer of 1537, the betrothal of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Fredrick of Denmark was announced. In the meantime, Thomas Cromwell was arranging for talks with the Duke of Cleves about a possible marriage between Lady Mary of Wessex and William of Cleves. The imperial ambassador paid a visit to the English court where he was met with the Duke of Kent who took great pleasure in negotiating the terms of the marriage between Joanna of Spain and Prince Ambrose.

Things could not get better for King Henry when in October, Queen Jane gave birth to a living prince. He was named Edward and would be given the Dukedom of Somerset. His birth warmed the relations between Jane and her younger stepchildren as they were delighted at their new sibling.

But the joy of Prince Edward is slightly dampered by an uprising in Lincolnshire, protesting against the dissolution of the monasteries. It gets worse when the rebels openly declare that the Baron Montegue is the rightful king, as Pope Paul had excommunicated the entire Tudor line. And then King Henry learns from the exiled Thomas More that the rebels plan on kidnapping the Lady Mary and forcing her to marry Montegue's son to bolster his claim.

It is said that King Henry's enraged roar nearly shook the walls of Hampton Court Palace and could be heard throughout London.