23. She Played The Long Game

Although Anne may have indeed been hung up over Percy, some believe her refusals had nothing to do with this. Instead, she was simply playing the long game. Anne wanted to be much more than a mere "mistress"—she wanted Henry to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon and make her queen. And the more hot and bothered Henry was, the more he'd be putty in her hands.

Except before that happened, Henry dealt Anne a cruel blow.

24. She Contracted A Terrifying Disease

In 1528, Henry and Anne almost lost everything they were working towards. That year, Anne nearly perished from the mysterious sweating sickness, whose causes are still unknown. The terrifying ailment could rapidly destroy an otherwise young and healthy victim—and when Henry suspected Boleyn had it, his response was utterly heartless.