Sitting Room

Mary led chapguys into the lounge and dismissed all servants out of the room. She smiled and gestured fof chapguys to take a seat.

Chapuys waited gently for her to sit down herself before he sat down. He looked around the lounge.

This is a wonderful castle, your Highness, I hope you like it here, even though it is far from court. he said while he watched her again.

Mary fiddled with her gown:
Please tell me everything that has happened at court. Does the kings favour still lay with that woman
Mary also wanted to hear about her mother aswell.

He tried to smile but could not help frowning.
Your father is doing fine... and so is your mother. He bited his lips, he was a diplomat but held no secrets from her.
He took a deep breath and looked her in the eyes with empathy.

Yes, he is still with the concubine and is determined to marry her. And recently he took the absolute power over the church, so no one has authority on him anymore...

Mary looked at him shocked how could my farther be making such drastic measures to marry such a wanton women.
Then we must pray that the kings senses return to him soon

He noticed the despair in her eyes and gently took her hands in his for a moment.
Yes, let us keep praying and never loose hope, dear Princess. He will come to his senses soon enough, I am sure!

Mary sighed
Will he ever reconise my mother as his rightful wife. If lady anne is his mistress then so be it every man has a mistress but i have never seen a king try to take a second wife while married tell me is this a normal kings behaviour or just that of my farthers.

He sighed too, squeezed her hand gently and let go.
I don't know, I honestly don't know. He has not been the first and will probably not be the last, too... but the Pope still refuses to give him dispensation, so your mother is his rightful wife by all laws. No matter what happens, she is, and you are the righful heir to the throne!

He gave her a determined look to encourage her.

To have the popes help on such important matters as these brings me great comfort and so it will to my mother aswell. But thelis anne boleyn has power over him a great power indeed which could cause alot of damage! My farther is pocessed by lust, lust that must surely go away he always gets the women he wants it is lust
Mary sounded hopefull but she greatly missed her mother even her farther at times. Being subjected to such cruelty by her farther was enough for mary to nearly hate him.

He nodded seriously.

The pope supports your mother tireless and so does the Emperor. I am certain that the concubine will not stay long at court, your father will grow tired of her soon, she is capricious and stubborn, not the gracious appearance as your mother. Don't despair, this all will soon be over. he said, watching her pale face with concern.

I have been told that you were ill, lately. Are you fully recovered? he asked warmly.

Mary felt exhausted and gave of a tiny smile.

People may think that I am weak but I am strong minded. I do how ever feel very tired most of the time. Has my farther asked after me at all.

Mary didn't get her hopes up

He smiled warmly.
I know that you are strong minded, just like your mother and Spanish ancestors.

He paused for a while, he was a diplomat but he could not lie to her.
I have not seen your father lately, he... does not want to see me. Your mother sends you all her love and wants you to know that she is fine and in good spirit.

Mary looked at him and coughed.

Chapguys I know I can trust you I have received a letter from my aunt Katherine and I have yet to respond. It seems to come across that people think that I myself have chosen to be here. Does she favor the lady Anne.

He raised his eyebrows at her question.
Your aunt Katherine? I don't know who she favors, but I will find out as soon as possible. I do know that many people don't agree with your father but don't want to argue with him. Be careful in who you trust, dear Mary, words can be used against you. Most people at court know that you are not here by your own choice but they let themselves to appease for the sake of their own benefits. he said frowning.

Mary sighed

My family write and ask me how I am! Would you chat with my aunt mary about me I trust you and her and please tell me about my mother. I can not converse if she is sided with her. I have no Spanish roots left I pray that the Spanish will uprise and declare a justice war against England in the treatment we have received.

He nodded in agreement.
I will talk with Mary Rose, I promise, and I will let you know what we discuss. Meanwhile I beg you to keep hope, Your Highness. It may seem that no one cares but I assure you that the Spanish keep supporting you and your mother.

He thought for a while, what more could he say? The Emperor had many sorrows besides his family...
'The emperor is fighting the Ottoman Empire in Vienna at the moment, but he, the Pope, and here in England sir Thomas More and Bishop Fisher continue to stride on your behalf. Both More and Fisher were almost killed by poison recently but they survived and will never give up on you!

Mary looked at chapguys bewildered.

No not Thomas poisoned? Let me guess the Boleyns how dare they even think such inpure thoughts? I hear that the duke of Suffolk has remarried please send him my best wishes in his new marriage. I shall send a token to moore and I beseech you to make sure my mother is well please tell her I love her very much.

I stood up trying to muster a smile

He nodded slowly.

The Boleyns names are whispered everywhere, yes, even hers! I beg you to take care and make the servants taste all your food before you eat or drink something, Your Highness!

She stood up and so did he.

I will, don't worry. Your mother is fine as long as she knows that you are fine, I will visit her directly after returning to court. I will visit you again as soon as possible. He bowed deeply and walked towards the door.