Garden

"Charles sighed but tried to smile, noticing how much she was worried about their daughter"

Yes...I heard that he comes from Bavaria. But don't worry, Anna. Catalina is a wise girl. She would do nothing to upset us. And...even if I have been an absent father, you did a great job with her, and with all our children...

"He said rubbing gently her shoulder"

You are a great Father to your children Charles I turn to face him and they in turn adore you so much

I smile Yes you are right about Catalina she is wise sometimes beyond her young years but I know that a girls head can be turned by a handsome man and wisdom is then forgotten I lean my face against his hand on my shoulder

"Charles smiled, looking elsewhere for a moment"

Thank you, Anna...I do my best, as you know. We're not a traditional family...but we're a family. And I love all my children deeply. Catalina grew up having you as exemple. So don't worry about her virtue. I'm sure she won't disappont us...

"He sighed and paused. Then he looked into her eyes"

And how are you, Anna? You always think about our children. You should also think about yourself, sometimes...

I sigh You are right as normal Charles, I knew you would be able to put my mind at rest I lean back and take a deep breath enjoying the clean air of Suffolk

I am well, I have our beautiful children who keep me busy and court life is also heaving but it does lack a certain charm I smile what more could I ask for I whisper half to myself

"Charles shrugged and took a deep breath, before answering"

For exemple...an husband, Anna. You...you're the mother of my children and I love you, you know that. I care for you. But you know that I could never marry a traitor's daughter. Even if it was not your fault...

"He sighed again and took her hand in his"

You can always count on me, Anna. But in spite of all this, you deserve a good man at your side. Someone who respects you and our children...

A daughter of a traitor..... the words struck my heart like a knife and opened up the old wound - I knew I would never be free of that title my Father had also passed onto me. I sat silently for a moment as Charles held my hand

Ah but what man would want to take on the woman who was mistress to the Duke of Suffolk and has born him five children I give a weak smile and I doubt I could ever love a man as much I have loved you

I caress his hand with my fingers I know you are always there for me and our Children Charles and I am thankful for them so I am happy

"Charles watched her caressing his hand and smiled"

Anna...I was King's brother in law. And I still have an high position at court...that's why I'm not allowed marrying you. You're not guilty for your father's mistakes. I was with you at his execution...and I still remember it. But I'm sure...that a man with a lower position, maybe a Knight or someone not related with the Crown, could easily take you as wife...

"He smiled and with his hand hold softly her cheek"

You're a beautiful and amazing woman, Anna. And, besides the rank, every man would fall in love with you...

My dear Charles I sigh as I turn my head and plant a soft kiss upon his hand I know marriage between us would never happen despite the times I may have wished it

I smile and look into his eyes It will be quite a man to follow you and I have yet to see one at Court

"Charles smiled tenderly"

Why are you worried, Anna? You still have so much love to give. I feel blessed having you in my life. You gave me five beautiful children...and I'll be always grateful for that...

"He took her hand and kissed it softly"

I am worried simply because I fear I would not love my future husband as I should

I take a sharp intake of breath as Charles kisses my hand making my skin tingle, his very touch makes me yearn to hold him close but I know I must hold back my feelings for him

For the present at least I am content sharing my love between our children and their Father I smile

"Charles sighed. He knew her feelings for him. But he just wanted her to be happy"

I'm sure that you'll be loved as you deserve, one day. I love you, Anna. I really do. But...you knew about my complicated private life since the beginning. Lady Nan, Princess Margaret...and now Catherine. But you never left my side. That's why it's time for you to live fully your life...

"He said, touching instinctively her cheek"

Instinctively I place my hand upon Charles thigh as he strokes my cheek, my heart beats a little faster as I try to control my feelings for him

I know Charles and I will always be at your side when you need me as a friend or I pause and move a little closer a mistress I swear to you I will never let you down or turn you away. You will be placed above all other men in my life because you have given me the happiness and love in our beautiful children that I will be forever grateful for.

My free hand reaches up to his face and I gently run my fingers along his strong jawline

One day I may find another that I may grow to love but for now I am content

"Charles closed his eyes for a moment as he felt her touch on him. There was a strong passion with Anna, and he had to control himself. She was still a beautiful woman"

I know, Anna...I know. And you're the mother of my children. So you'll always be important in my life...

"He smiled placing his hand upn hers"

Our children will always be our main concern, they remind me so much of you I smile as I lean forward and gently kiss his cheek We had fun did we not

"Charles giggled and nodded after she kissed his cheek"

Oh yes...we had. I still remember when your father caught us in your room. I was fully naked...and it was rather embarassing...

"He showed her a naughty smile remembering old times with her. He was one of the worst womanizer of court that time"

I giggled softly at the same memory and gave him a slow smile

You were not the only one embarrassed or fully naked although I do recall part you being covered I lean in close I swear Your Grace I did beg I whisper in your ear and kiss your cheek once more

I knew of your reputation but did not care, you were always the most handsome man in Court Charles and that has not changed

"Charles giggled after her words"

Yes...how could I forget? And you were one of the most beautiful women in court. Oh well...you still are. But tell me...what about Jane and Maggie? I haven't heard about them since ages...

"He asked breathing deeply garden's fresh air"

I gave a nervous giggle You still think I am beautiful? I glance down at my body and then back at you remembering a time when we could not keep our hands off each other

Jane and Maggie are both well and miss you more than ever I smile and reach into my small bag and withdraw a bundle of papers tied with ribbon They have written letters or in Maggie's case done drawings for their dear Papa and I promised them I would deliver them to you with their love I look into your eyes as I place the papers in your hands

"Charles took the papers and looked at them. His little Maggie made a beautiful drawing about him. She was now 15 and she was very talented"

I...I'm very touched, Anna. They're beautiful. Send her my love and tell her that I can't wait to hug again her and Jane. They're my proud. And...yes, I find you still beautiful, Anna. Why are you surprised?

"He said raising his eyes towards her"

Maggie is very creative I smile She spends most of her free time drawing and I admit she has a good eye I just wish she would spend as much time on her other studies.

I glance at Charles and gently bite my lip I am surprised because I no longer have figure that once attracted you to me nor am I the young girl who was so readily seduced by you I give a slow smile

"Charles smiled again, staring at papers in his hands"

Well...it has been a long time since you and I...were intimate. But time never ruined your beauty, Anna. That's why I'm surprised you're still unmarried...

"Then he looked at her after taking a breath"

I guess Edward is making practice with archery, as I suggested him. But what about Charlie? Last time I saw him...well, I admit he made me very worried...

I smiled It has been a long time I hold your gaze and sigh too long but I have my memories and as for getting married I shall if I wish to but as I have said I am happy for now.

My brow furrows at the mention of Charlie Yes he has me worried too Charles, he has your looks but does not seem to use them to his advantage which I am proud of I sit back He does not speak to me much about his problems or worries I am glad that he has come to you but I feel he is holding back for us both and we can not reach him truely

I close my eyes and breath deeply for a moment Charles shall I send him to you so you can spend time with him try and get him to open up to you I glance over at you Or you can come to us, away from Court of course spend time as a family? Edward is doing you proud with his archery I do believe he will be better than you I give a half smile

"Charles smiled patting softly her arm"

I would love to, Anna. But you know that I can't leave Suffolk until the end of my exile from court. And about our Charlie...he looked very depressed last time I saw him. I noticed that he has some wounds on his hands, that's why he wears gloves. Have you ever noticed that?

"He asked frowing deeply"

Of course I have noticed Charles Brandon do you think I pay no attention to our son!!! I scream as I stand and stare at you shaking I have tried to talk to him but he withdraws why do you think I have come here I try and hold back the tears but they start to fall fast

Oh Charles I am so scared for him, I have taken him to physicians but it seems no treatment works I start to sob I can not loose him which I fear I might if we can not find the cause of his unhappiness

"Charles held her arm and pulled her towards him"

Of course I know that, Anna. You're a wonderful mother...and this is not your fault. Rather...it could be my fault, maybe because I have been an absent father. But now the most important thing is to show him our love and support. I think he just feels alone...

"He dried her tears as he noticed that she was shaking in his arms"