A Quiet Spot

I had only arrived at court but felt the need to go to the chapel and say a prayer. My journey wasn't too long although I was tired, my dark eyes ached with fatigue.
I knew I would find comfort here and so I took a seat in a pew and closed my eyes...

Entering alone, I needed peace and quiet to think. My mind was filled with my missing husband and my newborn daughter. With a white veil covering my head and face; I take a seat and whisper a quiet prayer for Francis' safety and the Lord's blessing upon my daughter.
I lifted my head and gaze at the stain glass as the light filtered through it. It cast busts of bright colour across this blissful place; and it made me feel calmer.

I heard feet shuffling to the side of me and saw a tall woman enter the chapel. She carried herself with much grace. I could see by her furrowed brow she was worried and so I ventured to ask,"Madam...are you alright?"

Hearing a voice speak to me, I turn to face her. From behind the veil, everything was softened and dream like. I prayed she didn't recognise me...I had hoped to go unnoticed.
"I am thank you my Lady...." With a sigh, I look at her. "Are you new at court?" I smile faintly, finding myself surprisingly glad to speak to someone.

I shrugged and smiled, remarking on her soft voice,"I visited when I was a child but I'm a new resident,"I chuckled and held my hand lightly over my mouth to muffle the noise a bit,"I suppose I am a courtier now. It sounds quite silly to me...."

I giggle and my smile brighten.
"I was raised in a nunnery and only came here to see my family!" I laugh and then look down;  trying to stop myself. "I suppose that makes me a courtier too." Managing to get myself under control, I lift my head "Do you have any family here my Lady?"

"A nunnery? I know you and I are in a chapel but thats sounds quite difficult-like a bird in a cage. Did you enjoy it there?"

I then added,"No my family are at home but they should hopefully visit me."

I laugh again "A little dove in a cage but I did enjoy most of the time...It was all I had really known! I was raised by my aunt and then sent to Poissy" I smile warmly at the memories of my childhood spent in France.
"What brings you to court?"

I shrugged and replied simply,"Boredom. I can't tell you how monotonous the days at home would be and I have five brothers so it's pleasant to escape them for a while. And yourself, lady...oh dear I haven't even learned your name-do forgive me!"

"I came here to be with my family...I was reunited with them!" Adjusting her veil, she turns and smiles faintly. "Katherine, my name is Katherine."

"Im Guineve-"I changed my mind, I hate my full name,"I'm just Gwen."

With a brighter smile, I lift my veil. "It's a pleasure to meet you Gwen...I'm Katherine but you can call me Katie, if you would like."

I smiled and sighed a little,"You know it's so strange to talk to another girl-I grew up around men...it's a pleasant change."

Laughing, I blush slightly. "I've spent my whole life surrounded by women" Twirling a strand of hair around her finger, she arranges her golden hair. "...except for my brother and his friends, of course!"

I laughed,"I didn't grow up in a tavern, Katie!"

I giggled,"I have five brothers and then of course my father...I was rather outnumbered."

I laugh, beaming happily "I couldn't help being surround by women...First my Aunt, then les Sœurs! and of course my two sisters and Grandmother..." Giggling, I try in vain to control myself; remembering where we were. "You could say my brother was outnumbered too"

I laughed lightly,"So you grew up in France then?"

I nod "Yes, but I am English...my Aunt chose Poissy for certain reasons" I swallow the last part of the sentence.

"I have French origins too, Poissy is in the north is it not?"I asked.

"Yes it is...do you know it?" I smile warmly, folding my hands in my lap.

"I think I may have passed through. My family have a modest home in Calais,"I replied.

"I always loved France! Such a beautiful country"
Gazing up at the window once again. "Have you met the King yet?"

I laughed again,"The King. No I hardly believe he would wish to meet me-I'm of little consequence to a King. Why have you?"

Casting my eyes down, I lower my head slightly. "His Majesty and I have known each other a very long time...." Smiling coyly, I hope the knowledge of who I am will not affect anything.

I raise my brows, rather impressed,"So you are his...friend? A relative?"