89 Chapter 18: Truth

Hello guys! English, it is not my motherly language, I'm French so I apologize if there are some mistakes. Don't hesitate to tell me where they are so that I can improve.

This is my first full length fiction, with chapters, I hope it will please you. It is a AU where Katherine Howard does not marry Henry and where Cromwell is spared. Instead of Katherine, Henry marries a French noble lady, on the advice of Cromwell.

I hope my little story will please you..

Sincerely

Marina Ka-Fai

XXXXXXXXX

The French Bride

Chapter 18 : Truth

At the beginning of March 1543, Katherine was considered as a hero at court. The way she behaved when Marina was poisoned had been told, again and again. Henry kept his promise. He did find a way to thank her. During a lavish ceremony, she was created Duchess of Devonshire. Her husband became the first Duke of Devonshire thanks to her. She was offered several castles, a huge rent, beautiful jewels and dresses. She was also given the nickname of " The Queen faithful's shadow" since she was always with Marina, in the shadow of her queen, but protecting her and following her everywhere. Francis I sent to her magnificent jewels and he assured to her that if she came to his court, she would be treated with the respect she deserved. And finally, Ambroise, Duke of Champagne, along with his brother and heir presumptive offered her one of the earldom greatest jewel: a cross made of silver and diamonds.

In the country, Katherine was celebrated, nicknamed " The Queen's saviour". If she was deeply honoured, Katherine was also very ill-at-ease. In her mind, she did nothing more but her job. It was her duty to help her queen and friend. So, along with Thomas, she decided to give a half of her rent to institutions to help poor people. They both knew how it was to be in need.

It only made her being more and more admired.

XXXXXXXXX

Alas, the month of March was not only made of Katherine's hour of glory. The 15th of March, Ambroise and Eric left court to return to their homeland. The earldom of Champagne needed its earl and heir. Marina knew that this day would arrive but it broke her heart.

' Do not cry dear Marina. We will always be by your side thanks to our hearts. We will write to you very often, like we used to before we came. ' Eric told her in french.

The young queen had a small smile. After a long farewell, she watched them going away in their carriage. She felt as if she had lost the last part of her maiden years. She tried not to cry. But in vain. Being pregnant did not help. Henry knew that this departure would cause sorrow to his wife, so he arranged a small thing for her.

About two hours after the cousins left, he went to her room.

' My sweetheart. '

' Husband. '

' I have arranged for you. '

Marina was getting curious.

' There are three people would would like to see you. '

A few seconds after, her children were brought to her with their nurses. Marina had a laugh of joy and she kissed her husband. He could feel how touched and happy she was.

' My, my, how much they have grown! ' She said looking at them.

Little Henry had red hair and blue eyes. Harmony was almost a twin of her mother. As for Lloyd, he had his mother's hair but with deep chocolate brown eyes. Just like Marina's mother.

' Are they healthy? Do they feed well? ' She asked

' They are all very well. '

Henry looked at them, feeling a wave of love and tenderness. This was going to be a good day.

XXXXXXXXX

24th of March 1543

Lady Jane Rochford was on her death bed. A few days later, she had a fever that drained her strength very quickly. She asked for a written confession and demanded it to be given to the king.

' God made me know this painful death because of the sin I have committed. During the investigation about Queen Anne Boleyn, I have lied to Master Cromwell. My husband, George Boleyn, never slept with his sister. I saw them together very often. If he kissed her, it was on her forehead or on her cheek, like a brother kisses his sister. If he hugged her, it was a brotherly hug. George never thought of his sister in an unholy way. I also know that Anne never cheated on her husband, the king. Sir Henry Norris was the victim of a gossip, created to justify the fact that he was not already married to Madge Shelton, the Queen's cousin. William Bereton was known for being in favour of the old ways, Anne's enemy, he would have never slept with her. As for Mark Smeaton, since he was my husband closest friend, I know that he was innocent as well. I pray God to forgive what I did, even though a traitor deserves nothing but an eternal damnation. '

When Henry red it, he first thought that because of the fever, poor Jane had become delirious. But he could not get rid of the idea that maybe Anne was innocent.

' I do not know what to do.' He confessed to Marina

' Make a new investigation. Listen to Anne's former ladies. You have the right to know the truth. England has to know. Elizabeth has to know. '

When Marina mentioned Elizabeth, Henry realized something. His daughter had to know the truth. Innocent or guilty, it did not matter. But Elizabeth did not deserve to remain in doubt.

So, at the beginning of April, Henry's court saw coming back reminiscences of the past, almost a ghostly apparition. Henry summoned Nan Seville and Madge Shelton. They were on their knees before Henry, sitting on his throne.

' I have once witnessed Anne Boleyn kissing Mark Smeaton on the cheek. It was nothing more but a friendly kiss. He often came at night. Anne called for him. He used to play for her, his music comforted her. ' Nan said

' Mark Smeaton was Anne's friend, nothing more. He was always here to listen to her, he comforted her when she learnt that you had an accident during a joust. As for George Boleyn, he acted like a loving brother, concerned with his sister's welfare. He hugged and kissed her the way a brother kisses and hugs his sister.' Madge added

' Lady Shelton. You said during the first investigation that you saw them kissing and that Mark came at night. '

' I was under pressure. Master Cromwell made me say what he wanted to be told When I told the truth, he yelled at me, threatened me. He would not let me go until I told him what he wanted to hear. I said nothing special. I just said that Mark came at night and that I witnessed a kiss between George and Anne. He made his interpretations. '

After a few hours, Henry had to realize the evidence. Anne had been the victim of a plot. She was innocent. He killed an anointed queen. He killed the queen of England. But even worse, he killed the mother of her child. He killed Elizabeth's mother. He shut himself away and screamed, punching the walls and a few minutes after, he broke into tears.

He went then to see Cromwell and the entire court heard him yelling.

' You made me kill my wife! You arranged the answers! Anne was innocent and yet, you made me kill her! '

' Your Majesty, I... '

' Silence, you renegade! I will not kill you, it is thanks to you that I am now married to my dear Marina! But, I cannot bear your presence anymore. You made me make the biggest mistake of my life. Consider yourself lucky! Thomas Cromwell, you are banished from court. I do not want to see you again until I decide otherwise! '

When Marina saw Henry, she knew that something wrong happened. She dismissed her ladies. Henry broke into tears in hers arms.

' Anne was innocent... I put to death an innocent woman... I killed Elizabeth's mother... '

The new shocked Marina. Henry told her what he learnt.

' How Elizabeth will react? What if she hates me? '

' Henry, you forget that our Elizabeth is very wise. She will not hate you. She will understand what happened. You had been deceived. You never meant Anne's death. '

' You are right... I must tell her. It would be a disaster if she learnt the truth by someone else.'

XXXXXXXXX

Henry told Elizabeth the entire story. He could see how much it troubled his little princess. He was ready to hear insults, to hear her cry, to hear her cursing him. It was not the case at all.

' You did not kill Mama. You were not the one who held the sword. And you were wronged by mean people. It is sad but... Now, we know the truth. Mama can rest in peace now. England and the entire world have to know of this. Her name must be cleared. I beg you, Father, do not be to hard on yourself. You are a victim, just like Mama was. '

Henry was stunned by Elizabeth's wiseness. She was only nine, and yet, she spoke like a grown up woman.

' You are a victim of this plot Elizabeth. Because of this, you were deprived from your rightful title and from your mother. You are free to decide what to do with that traitor Cromwell. '

' He should come back to Court. '

Henry looked at his daughter, he did not understand.

' He may be the one who made you sign Mama's death warrant, but it is also thanks to him that I have now a great stepmother. It is not an act of forgiveness. I think I cannot forgive him. But I do not forget that it is thanks to him that we live happily. But he will have to admit his wrongs and do everything to clear Mama's name. The adjective whore does not suit the one who was once the queen of the most beautiful kingdom on Earth. '

XXXXXXXXX

The month of April of the year 1543 was know in History as the month of truth. Anne's innocence was declared. Cromwell was spared, just like Elizabeth asked. In return, Cromwell did all he could to restore Anne Boleyn's name. First, she was reburied in Westminster Abbey in a luxurious grave. Masses were celebrated for the rest of her soul. Throughout Europe, the truth about her was told.

And above all, Henry gave to Elizabeth her title back. And since she was the eldest of the legitimate daughters he had, she was placed above Harmony in the line of succession.