Garden

I let my tears fall fast as Charles held me, I feel so safe in his arms and I rest my body against his

Oh Charles you are a wonderful Father I look up at him I believe there is another reason he is so unhappy and he refuses or can not open up to me I will not hear you blame yourself I reach up and gently kiss you on the lips

"Charles felt surprised by her sudden kiss. But he smiled without rejecting her"

That's not your fault. Even if it's almost normal at his age. I promise that I'll spend more time with him...

"He said with calm voice"

Forgive me I whisper as I step back I should not have kissed you I close my eyes and hang my head

Can he come and stay with you, Court is no place for him while he so unhappy

I lift my eyes to look at you

"Charles shook his head"

No...you have no need to apolgize. We share children together...so it's normal we still have affection for each other. And about Charlie, he can come whenever he wishes...

"He smiled tenderly"

I smile My emotions get the better of me, I still desire you but you are once again forbidden fruit I place my hands upon your arms as you smile at me relishing the closeness between us

I shall tell Charlie that you wish to spend time with him and that that he will be made welcome in Suffolk

"Charles took her hands in his and smiled"

Well...this fruit is not so forbidden...since we had five children, actually. But yes...situation between us is complicated. And only a clever woman as you are can understand that. I just wish to see you happy...

"He added almost whispering"

Ah but you are forbidden now we are not intimate I blush And I fully understand how complicated our lives are and just as you wish me happiness I wish you only happiness too

I smile at our joint memories and the warmth of your hands on mine Tis a shame that I can only revisit those moments in my dreams I whisper

"Charles looked at her. And instinctively he cupped her cheek with his hand"

Ehy...don't talk like this. You're the strongest woman that I've ever known. Don't be sad for our past moments together...but be happy because we were blessed that time living them. And I'm also sure...that you'll live many other beautiful moments, Anna. You're young and beautiful...and you're not a grandmother, yet. While I am...

"Ha added in a joking tone"

I placed my hand upon yours against my cheek Oh Charles how can I be sad when we have our children to always remind us of time together and our friendship. I look up at you I have said it before I will never turn against you and I will always be there for you.

As for you being a Grandfather, you are the most handsome one I know and still the only one that I and many other ladies would like to bed I add with a wide smile

"Charles smiled, flattered by her words"

You always know how to flatter me, Anna. I guess that's why there was so much chemistry between us...

"He replied smiling teasingly"

I cast my eyes over your body and gently sigh It seems your figure is not that of an old man just yet I smile I can not help but wonder if you now kiss and love like an old man or are you still as passionate as the young stag I once knew so well

I pout my lips as I look at you and place my hand upon your chest running my fingers up and down the front of your shirt

"Charles looked at her hand running along his chest. Then he grabbed her hand suddenly and smiled"

Is this a challange, Anna?

"He asked with his usual teasing smile"

Do you accept Your Grace? I smile sweetly and try to pull my hand away I remember how you liked the chase when you was a younger man

I teasingly bite my lower lip as I look at you

"Charles smiled again"

But I'm not that man you met anymore, Anna. I grew up...and I learned my lesson from my mistakes...

"He said letting go her hand slowly"

I smiled And long may you be happy Charles, Catherine is a lucky woman to have you completely - treat her well I step back One day I may find some man that I will love and want as much as I do with you but I will never try and come between you.

I turn my back to you and take a few deep breaths Be there always for our children, I pray that Catherine will accept them and in a way love them for they are yours and for that reason we will be part of each others lives

"Charles took her hand in his"

I just don't want to make your life more...complicated, Anna. You know how much I care for you and our children...

"He smiled rubbing softly her hand"

I know Charles and I treasure your care but I feel I am not always welcome in your life I shake my head Which I understand but I am not here to steal you away and I wish to avoid making things more complicated than they are.

I look at you and smile Maybe one day I will not be seen as the enemy or rival but as a friend that is up to Catherine.

"Charles rubbed his chin adding a deep sigh"

You're more than welcome in my life, Anna. You're the mother of my children, and no one can change that. Catherine is very young...and she is jealous sometimes, yes. But she is also an intelligent woman. She knew my situation even before we got married. So...she knows that you're not a threat for our marriage...

"He added, wishing that his last words would be true"

Do you think it would help if I was to speak to Catherine, tell her myself that am not a threat I can see from his eyes that he is doubting his own words being young she may be of some help with the children and make life easier for you Charles

I place my hand upon your arm I too was once jealous of all other women that even looked at you so I know how she feels but you are a changed man and a better one for it

"Charles smiled placing his hand on hers"

Thank you, Anna. But...I don't think that talking with Catherine would help. She is very young...and obviously it's hard for her to accept my children. But it's not your fault. I want you in my life...and no one can change that...

"He added, looking into her eyes"

Charles I will be there for you whenever you need me, it pleases me that you still want me in your life and I want you in mine.....not just for our children's sake but because you are my closest friend

I look away and shake my head slightly You stood by me when no one else wanted to know after my Father's betrayal of the King and I will always be thankful for that. I just want to make life easier for you Charles

"Charles stroked softly her hand and kissed it"

You're not responsible for your father's mistake. I was with you when he was executed. I'll continue being at your side. We're human, Anna. Anyone can commit mistakes...

"He said seriously but still smiling"

I lower my eyes and breath deeply

Was we a mistake? I know you do not regret our Children as you love them dearly but it would be easier for you if we had not been in a relationship.

I brush a tear from my eye as I glance up at you How can you be by my side when it displeases Catherine?

"Charles shook his head drying her tears with his hand"

Oh no...Anna! Our relationship was not a mistake! And I don't regret our children, cause you know that I love them more than anything else. I even fought with Catherine to difend them. I...I was talking about your father's mistakes. But all this belongs to the past...

"He sighed and cupped her cheek"

Don't worry about Catherine, Anna. She can't push you away from my life. I care for you...and this is the only thing who really matters. Come here...

"He said pulling her towards him and hugging her tightly"

I wrap my arms round you and rest my head on your chest

Charles I whisper your loyalty to our Children makes me love you more than ever.... I look up You say my Father's mistakes are in the past, it still leaves its mark I am known as a daughter of a traitor or Brandon's whore and I confess the latter is a title I accept more than the other