[ Her hand quickly pulls away, as if burned, and she turns to pace away a bit in thought. Would Henry know how to handle this better? He loved their daughter, but he would not have stood for her behavior, either. Perhaps his punishment would have been even harsher.

Is this a chance? Could Anne even risk letting herself feel regret for banishing her own daughter? No, of course not. It isn't as if she threw her out onto the street, although you would hardly tell for how dirty Elizabeth's feet look now.

Lips quirking, she turns back around to face her daughter, choosing her words carefully. ]

You can explain to me why you were out here asleep without a guard at the ready. Given your recent capture, do you no longer think yourself at risk? You could have been taken again, and perhaps not even returned this time.