A Lily Among Thorns

Guest Writer: Queen Anne Tudor, Jessica Scarlett

Guest Writer: Thomas Cranmer, Mercy Alicea

Queen Anne Tudor: ~The time was growing closer and closer. I knew I did not have much time. It was getting difficult to simply live as I ought to. I had some business that I needed to attend to. I wanted to talk to Thomas Cromwell and my dear friend, Thomas Cranmer. I had to find out how all the rest of the plans were proceeding. I beckoned them both to my chambers. I was as comfortable as I could be. I had no intention of moving at all. As Queen, I needed to talk to them both. My chamberlain announced them.

Thomas Cromwell: Dearest Thomas and I are at the Cat N’ Fiddle, relaxing after a long week at court when a page arrives with a message from the queen. Damn…. this woman is a pest sometimes. I read the parchment and state, ”Thomas, Her Majesty wants to meet with us immediately in her chambers. Don’t be nervous… she does not bite, she just orchestrates the downfall of His Majesty’s ministers. Plus, she loves you… God knows why…” I chuckle so he knows I am joking.

Thomas Cranmer: *I smile* She knows that I will not only protect her marriage and status as Queen of England, I will also work in the success of our reforms with all I have… together, we will change this Kingdom, and perhaps the heart of all Europe my friend.

Thomas Cromwell: I nudge his shoulder. ”We need to leave now. If we are later than she thinks we should be, the woman will be on me, not you.” Thomas nods, and we head back to court. Once we arrive at Her Majesty’s Chambers, Lady Jane Boleyn tugs on my cape and whispers, ”I have something to tell you later.” I nod in acknowledgment, and the chamberlain then announces our arrival. Poor dearest Thomas. He is so nervous he nearly trips over his feet. Upon entry, we both bend a knee. To spare Thomas I state, ”How may we be of assistance to you, Your Majesty?”

Queen Anne Tudor: ~I smile to my loyal subjects. I do trust them. Although, Cromwell has a certain air about him. I shall not think of that now. ”Your Eminence and Mr. Secretary, how fares you?” I smile slightly and give them a nod, but I am too impatient and uncomfortable to put on pleasantries for too long. I get right to the point. ”I have called you today for one purpose only. I need to know how the Act of Succession is proceeding and what of the reformation?”~

Thomas Cromwell: I look over at Her Majesty respectfully. ”Your Majesty, I have the act drafted in full, and it is submitted to Parliament for consideration. The act will easily pass the House of Commons, as I can bribe a few people to get the votes in, but the House of Lords is another matter. His Majesty has strong armed both Suffolk and Norfolk to push the votes there. I expect it will pass by the time our future king is born.”

Thomas Cranmer: “Your Majesty, we are working hard in bring our reforms to the priority level of this Kingdom. With God’s blessing, England will come out of the darkness of the idolatry and superstitions of the Catholic Faith; your majesty will be pleased, as well as the King.” *I smile and nod respectfully to the Queen*

Queen Anne Tudor: ~I spoke carefully, ”I will be very pleased if you will tell me what I want to hear. I ask first about the Act of Succession. Is it certain that the Dowager’s daughter will be illegitimate? Is it sure that my child will reign when the time is right? As well, this act will recognize my King, Lord, and Husband as supreme in all of Christendom? Please tell me quickly…”I could feel my energy draining.

Thomas Cromwell: ”Yes Majesty. Although there is no language in the act that states Lady Mary is a bastard, the inference is clear. Stating such directly in the language of the act would impact it’s ability to pass both houses.” I look to dearest Thomas, ”Why don’t you enlighten Her Majesty on your progress reigning in the clergy, Your Grace?”

Thomas Cranmer: *I smile to my good friend and then I look at the Queen* “I am filling all vacant positions in all Religious Houses with Reformist view clergymen. I am even making use of some of the disbanded abbeys to spread the word and develop our ideas of reform. And of course, increasing the love of the people towards the new monarchy, showing them the advantages and of course, the pious and kind mind of your majesty, in your interests to the Kingdom.”

Queen Anne Tudor: ~I thought for a moment taking the message and reassurance from these men. They are loyal to the King and myself. I smiled. ”You are both right. This pleases me exceedingly. We need to spread the true Word of God. People have been misguided for too long. We shall make it right. Any other reports for me?”~

Thomas Cromwell: ”Of course, Majesty. His Grace and I are working closely in partnership to assure this realm converts swiftly to the true religion. The quicker this is accomplished, the more secure the babe in your belly’s reign shall be.”

Thomas Cranmer: “We are even encouraging his majesty in a great proposal; to make every citizen, clergy men, courtiers, noble men and women and servants of your majesties to swear an oath, recognizing the King as Supreme Head of the Church of England, your majesty as his legitimate wife, and all your children as rightful heirs. Those against, will be accused of High Treason, and send to prison.”

Thomas Cromwell: I smile broadly at the thought of this, as it will be my shining moment leading to ultimate knighthood I am sure. ”Majesty, this will take some time. More and Fisher oppose, and I need tread cautiously as they have the support of many. I am working to discredit them, and then will push forward.”

King Henry Tudor: After spending the day with Sir Henry Norris I feel the need to see my Queen. I walk the long corridor from my chambers towards her. The air smells of a fresh brew of ale. ”Boy, fetch me wine and apples.” I command as he sweeps low and scurries away ~tsk~ As I near her door, the guard steps aside. I hear Mister Cromwell speaking of supremacy. I listen at the door before I enter. ”Anne, what is the meaning of this?” I ask her but direct my attention toward Cromwell. He flinches and begins to straighten him self. ”Or is this a meeting that you called BUT YET I WAS NOT INVITED? No matters of my son are to be discussed without my presence . It pleases me none to see you all gathered, holding a secret meeting about the welfare of my children. I command an answer. Who shall give it then?” I look to Anne.

Queen Anne Boleyn: ~I look slightly alarmed when my husband enters. He seems quite angry, but the sight of him warms me and makes me glow. I do love him more than words can describe. ”Sweet husband, come sit by me. I am hearing how everything is progressing. I want to hear how our son shall rule the kingdom when it is time. I want to hear how our faith is becoming so important. I want to hear these glad tidings. As you know, I shall be in confinement soon and I want to hear as much as I can..” I smile sweetly, but I can feel my temperature growing. He has frightened me and I wonder how he shall respond.~

Thomas Cranmer: *The anger of the King is more than obvious; I move closer to Cromwell* ”You said not to worry, well, you failed in that, because I am, now go on and give the King an answer that calms him, I count on you my friend.”*

Thomas Cromwell: What does he think they are deaf? I glare over, and nudge him with my elbow… the message clear. Shut up, dearest Thomas.

King Henry Tudor: ”I have no need for these men to determine how MY SON IS TO rein in my own realm!” The boy has finally returned with the wine and apples I requested. ”Take them back and have the cook feed it all the pig I will feast on tomorrow.” I set my eyes upon Mister Cromwell. ”You, the man with all the words to speak has nothing to say to me?” ~tsk~ ”I am the King of England you fools! Have you forgotten that, for it appears you have.” I walk to where Anne is seated and lower myself to her. ”You and I will discuss the matters of my son at another time.” I turn from her and look the Cromwell and Cranmer. DARE NOT to ever council about my children without my consent ever again.” I take my leave with the thought on my mind. Betrayal.

Queen Anne Tudor: I can feel my anger boiling. I try to hold my tongue, but I cannot be quiet. I am the Queen and I may have an audience with who I like. I am tired and frustrated. I cry out, ”Leave me! Both of you” I glare at them.

Thomas Cranmer: *I am anxious, and I am still thinking that Cromwell went far in please the Queen with an audience without the King’s consent. I look at my friend with the anxiety that overwhealms me, I can not stay here any longer; I respectfully bow before the queen and I retreat*

Thomas Cromwell: I look back over at dearest Thomas, and then over to the queen. ”We shall take our leave, Your Majesty. My deepest apologies. I will insure the King is consulted in the future.” That bitch got me in trouble again. Tomorrow’s meeting with the King will be a nightmare. I bow deeply, and retreat. Once outside her chambers, I hold Thomas’s arm. “Let’s go to my chambers and talk.” He nods in agreement, and we walk swiftly there. I invite him to sit by the fire, and offer him my favorite drink that brings Nicoleen to me… heated water with honey. ”Dearest Thomas, do tell me what ails you so.”

Thomas Cranmer: “I will; we placed the Queen above the King and you already saw the results! You know the King’s temper and more when the subject of his son is part of an audience. We must be more careful from now on; we can not favour queen Anne above the King in matters of state, at least not like this. I hope and pray God that this… meeting has no consequences.”

Thomas Cromwell: I look at my dearest friend, always there for me — never faltering. ”I know he makes you anxious, uncomfortable. Thomas, soon you will have to meet with the King alone. He may pressure you, bellow at you, boss you, belittle you. Damn, he may even banish you from court, as he did Cardinal Wolsey. Collect your courage, dearest Thomas. In these moments, know I am with you.”

~~~~~~~~~~ FADE TO BLACK ~~~~~~~~~~