Alice More's bedchamber

Alice pursed her lips, not liking the look her husband gave her.

"There is one you serve above the king, a master that we both serve gladly, with our whole hearts and spirits.. God Himself. He cannot fail us as an earthly king can.."

Thomas sighed deeply, before answering

Alice...you have to understand that I have no choice. I...don't approve what the King is doing to our Queen. But I know him since ages. I still love him...after all. Once His Holiness declared him Defensor Fidei. I think...I hope, that this still means something for him...

He added, smiling indulgently at Alice at the end of his sentence

Alice shook her head as she smiled.

"You know I cannot be silent on these matters. Yes, the king is the defender of the faith, but everything he has been given he treats not with respect, because he knows he will obtain more and more because people always indulge him. That, in my humble opinion, is not what a king should be."

She frowned because she hated to disagree with Thomas.

Margaret looked at her father and mother shocked a little and she sighed a little 'Why must the kind be so prude to his wife, she has done nothing but be good and loyal to the King, she is his wife in God's eyes and our eyes' she said whilst looking up at her father and mother with a smile.

Alice nodded and smiled at Margaret, in total agreement with her and proud she has spoken her opinion.

Thomas tried to smile and looked at Margaret

Of course, sweetheart...but I think that the King is just...rather confused, actually. We can just pray that he won't do something...whom he can regret in the future. And you, dear...you have no need to worry about me...

He added, turning smiling to Alice

"you know I always worry about you, you're my husband." Alice gave him a kiss on the cheek. "But if you think the king may come to see his mistakes, perhaps he will."

Thomas showed her a weak smile and nodded, holding his glass of water

Remember, my dear wife...that I'm King's servant. But God's first...I'll do nothing against my conscience...

He said seriously. Then he reassured her with a warm smile and took a sip from water

Alice smiled back.

"Now those are words I love to hear. If the King cannot see your worth.." she shook her head. "I was thinking perhaps a visit to William Roper would take things off our minds and give us something to look forward to. What do you say, husband?"

Thomas nodded and smiled approvingly at her

Of course...it would be a good opportunity for our Margaret. Roper's are very good people. Trustful, and deeply catholic...

He turned to Margaret and shwed her a tender smile

Margaret looked up with a small smile and she took a drink from her Goblet 'If we are to visit, ask if soon as possible..i fear i cannot wait to see him' she said with a smile.

Thomas smiled, amused by Margaret's words

Of course, Margaret. I'm glad to see you're so pleased about our choice. This means that you trust in us...

He squeezed softly her hand and turned towards Alice

Of course I remember, my dear. You were travelling on carriage with your father, and I stopped it with mine, to ask him the way to reach the Palace. I lost myself...and I noticed a young, beautiful lady. I'm not sure if I understood your father's words very well. I was confused...

He added, laughing

[b]Alice smiled at Margaret.

"I know you are eager, my dear. It pleases me that you are so looking forward to this union, as your father and I are."

She returned Thomas's smile.

"Yes, I remember that day as well. I believe my father told you the directions three times! All the better, I thought, because I did not want you to leave my sight. I was entranced.."

Thomas laughed and took her hand in his

Well...thank God, your father invited me at dinner in your house. And after few days, I already asked him to marry you...

Suddenly he saw a servant entering and delivering a message. His smile disappeared. He read it carefully. After that, he crossed himself

Dear wife...dear daughter, let's pray for Princess Margaret's soul. She passed away yesterday...

[b]"I will never forget how happy I was that you asked for my hand. I knew I was truly blessed with the man God chose for me." She smiled fondly at Thomas.

Hearing that Princess Margaret had died, Alice's eyes grew wide and she put her hands to her lips. "God rest her soul," she said sadly as she also crossed herself.

Thomas put the note on table and took a deep breath

I have to attend Funeral, today. Poor Harry...will you come with me, Alice?

He asked,raising his eyes to hers

Thomas took a deep breath and stood up

I think it's better I prepare myself for Funeral, then. It will be a sad event in court. But Harry needs our support, now. See you in the chapel, my dear...

He leaned on Alice and kissed softly her cheek. Then caressed slowly Margaret's head, took his hat and left the room

Margaret sat there and sighed a little 'A Princess of England..Dead..couldn't Henry do anything to stop this?' She asked.

Margaret smiled and nodded 'Mama, i hope never to be deprived of either you or father, as for i would loose my way of living, and my way in this world' she said with a small smile.

Margaret smiled and hugged her mother she sighed a little as she remembered the way she used to sit on her mothers or fathers knee as a baby, she got up and smiled 'It is dawning on me mother, that i am no longer a child' she said.