The king had tired of his mistress. Lady Skipwith, who just last week had been prancing around court in a new gown with a challenging smile on her lips, now carried out her duties with red rimmed eyes and a bowed head. Anne had overheard some of her maids gossiping about the lady's fall from favor. About how there had been some petty argument and how the king had practically thrown the woman out of his chambers half dressed. Anne was genuinely surprised the woman was even still at court after angering the king in such a way, but Lady Rochford (ever pushing herself into her confidences) assured her it was only a matter of finding a minor nobleman willing to take the strumpet to wife-ridding the king of her presence without causing a scandal. Henry could send the woman from court without a formal reason but they all knew he had been trying to keep his affairs out of the public eye. And sending the girl from court without reason would certainly raise some questions. If Anne's brother heard that the king had kept a mistress only months into the marriage, it would not do well for the alliance.

Not that anyone would care that it offended Anne personally-oh no. But it would be an insult to Cleves and the duke would not suffer any ill treatment from England. And while the French king and the Spanish Emperor were still joined at the hip, the German principalities were essential for England's security.

Many whispered that it was the king's growing feelings for his wife that led to the falling out with his mistress, but Anne knew in her heart that it had naught to do with her. While the king had certainly been warmer towards her as of late, he had yet to visit her bed again. While her ladies and her ambassador seemed worried about the lack of attention, Anne herself remained stubbornly positive. The marriage had been consummated and they had the rest of their lives to become closer. Also, Anne herself was still young and had many years before infertility became a factor. She was determined to be a good wife to the king, but also a good queen for his country and a good mother to his children.

She glanced in the mirror at her appearance and smiled slightly at her reflection. She would have been whipped for impropriety in Cleves, but she had to admit that English fashions suited her. The olive fabric was accented by dark gold lace dotted with pearls and the cut left her shoulders and tops of her breasts bare. A thick burnished gold chain wrapped around her neck and a matching tiara rested on her head. She looked young and fresh-perfect for her audience this morning.

When Princess Mary was led into her chambers, Anne felt her heart thud heavily in her chest. The woman was a few years her junior, but compared to Anne's smooth, sunkissed complexion, Mary's strained, waxy face made her look older by far. Her stiff black gown did little to help her and Anne mentally made a note to send her dressmakers to the young princess. Mary was a beautiful girl under her hard eyes and Anne wanted to see her look the part.

Mary had not had an easy life, Anne knew. Raised as a cherished princess only to see her beloved mother tossed aside and repudiated and her own rights denied to her. She knew it was only due to her predecessor, the beloved Queen Jane, that Mary had been brought back into her father's good graces. Anne was determined to follow in Jane's footsteps and welcome the princess with open arms. Mary did not need another mother. But she desperately needed a friend. And it was passed time the girl was wed. She should be a mother herself by now. Cherished and loved with a family of her own.

"Princess" Anne faced the girl with a friendly smile.

"Madam," Mary clipped, a bit shortly. But the girl sank into a quick, elegant curtsey nonetheless-showing her respect towards her father's wife. Anne's smile widened as she gestured to the chairs beside her. Mary hesitated only slightly before sinking into one of them.

As Anne took her own seat, she observed her guest. She knew the princess would be guarded when speaking to her. Afterall, the girl had lost her own beloved mother so soon in life and had already had two step mothers-now on the third. Anne had heard whispers of the animosity between the princess and the Boleyn woman and of the friendship she had shared with Jane Seymour. She did not blame her for facing her newest stepmother with trepidation.

Anne wanted to set her at ease.

"I have received a letter..." she began. "from a cousin of mine. He is Duke Phillip of Bavaria." She could see the effort to remain aloof fading in Mary's eyes as curiosity took over. "Phillip would like to come to England and pay court to you." She smiled as winningly as possible, though Mary remained wary.

Anne had grown knowing her cousin very well. He was a staple at her brother's court and was a gentleman indeed. Young, vibrant, kind...he was everything a girl could wish for in a husband. And when in his letter he had written of Mary with something akin to worship. He had heard reports of her from Cleves and was already enthralled with the idea of having a perfect princess as a potential wife. And for a girl who had been neglected or used for the majority of her life, Anne was certain Mary would flourish under his attention.

"Why?" Came Mary's genuinely confused response. No doubt expecting the same scheming for power that she had grown used to. Expecting to hear that now that she was back in the king's good graces, news of her eligibility had traveled far.

"He has heard many things about you, Princess Mary. Many good things!"

She took a moment to think, and Anne could see her teeth catch her lip. "I suppose he is a Lutheran...like you." She could see a flicker of disdain in Mary's eyes and couldn't help but smile. Mary had been resilient in her faith, unwavering even at the threat of death. It had been a point that Phillip had made in his letter-how someone so strong was a figure to be admired and that it showed true character. That Mary would quote this reason first as an objection was amusing.

"He is charming..." she said, temptingly. "And very good-looking. I think you might like him a little" she all but winked at the princess who had probably been bartered off more than once to men old enough to be her father. Men who had no business taking a lovely, young, accomplished woman to wife. Men who would not appreciate her education, wit, or strength. "What should I tell him?"

It pleased Anne to see Mary at a loss for words. This was clearly not the interaction she had been expecting. Anne Boleyn had sent her from court. Jane Seymour had fought to bring her back. Now Anne would try to secure her future.

After taking a second to collect herself, Mary finally responded. "Tell him he may come if he if the king wishes. But...tell him not to expect anything." Knowing this was as far as she'd get at the moment, Anne smiled and nodded her understanding. Mary rose quickly, still clearly uncomfortable, and dipped her another quick curtsey.

As she watched the princess leave, she inwardly took a deep breath. That went as well as could be expected. Better, maybe.

"Lady Rochford? Please bring me something to write with. I must give my cousin a response."