Kitchen

She led Gwen to the kitchen and put down her cloak on the nearby chair. It was warm and cosy and this time of day, they'd have kitchen for themselves.

Do please, take a seat my lady.

I sighed lightly as I came into the kitchen, it was warm and inviting, a happy alternative to the stables.

"This reminds me of home,"I comment as I sit down, brushing down my gown and noticing the smell of various herbs.

Catherine smiled this place reminded her of her home, too.

Where are you from, if I may ask?

She asked as she put some food on the table and drink for the lady.

"France,"I replied,"I moved to England when I was five though so I suppose this is my home now. And you?"

I suppose it's. Would you like to go to France someday?

She asked, in a very warm and friendly tone. Then took a set at the table as well.

From Lancashire, my lady.

"I go nearly every summer - since the weather is so terrible here,"I said and laughed a little,"We have a small home in Calais."

I rub my hands together as they heat up a bit,"So have you been a lady in waiting for the Queen long?"

I can't believe I'm in the same area as the Queen, it seems incredibly surreal...

Catherine laughed. She couldn't help it.

Ah, yes! The weather here can be terrible sometimes.

She slightly shook her head at Gwen's question, and replied,

No... Just the few months.

"It must be difficult...given the circumstances-especially these past few months,"I replied, not wanting to be too explicit about the Queen's situation. I barely know what the circumstances are - news reaches the country a year after it breaks in court. All I really know of is Anne Boleyn and the King has cast out The Queen because of her.

She took a sip of her drink, then frowned slightly.

It's, but the Queen is doing her best and we manage somehow. This isn't a court, but it's a nice place. At least we have a roof above our heads.

She said carefully, trying not to say too much, after all she wasn't sure if she could trust the lady.

I nodded,"I can confess that it seems...well rather bare for a Queen, although it is pleasant and I no expert..."

I cannot speak for Queen, but I suppose it's difficult for her to be here. In this small and not so glorious place. But for me is perfect and beautiful.

Catherine said in honest voice, and tucked her loose curls behind her ear.

I smiled and glanced around, clearing my throat a little,"Do you ever attend court?"

Catherine gave a small smile to lady and shook her head.

No, my lady. The days where we were at court are past. I don't think we'll ever go back there.

I sigh a little,"So should you intend to stay in her service all your days?"

Catherine sighed and thought for a little while. It was simple question, and she should be able to answer on it, but she couldn't. How could she? When she wanted to be with her love, her sweet Thomas, but there was also her duty for a Queen. How she could abounded her majesty, now in this awful time

I don't know... Honestly i never thought about it. I suppose I'll go back at court someday.

So many thoughts were going through Catherine's head and she barely managed to reply.

I smiled lightly, sensing her troubles,"She won't be queen forever...the way things are going. If you have something that will be in your life forever then why not go after it?"

The lady was right, Catherine knew that, but it was not so easy to decided at least not for her.

She'll always be Queen for me. It's easier thing to say, then done. I do have duty here, to her majesty. I cannot just leave her.

"I'm sure she'll appreciate your loyalty,"I replied. She seems so very kind, I thought to myself...

Closing her eyes, she breathed in slow and deep, then asked, curiously,

What would you do, lady Gwen? If you're me what would you choose? Loyalty and duty or love?

I sighed,"In honesty - I have no loyalty to royalty. It is my opinion that we are all equal - titles and status' impose godlike qualities on mere men...I would chose love - above all else."

She twirled the goblet between her fingers again and then brought it up to her lips and took her first sip.

I do believe we're all equal, too. No matter of title and wealth we've. But we live in world where you and I, are lucky if we can serve Queen and King, or be in their presence, or even at court.

Catherine said thoughtfully.

I think I should choose love. Love is so rare in the world we're living, it's kind of blessing if you find it.

I glanced up with a knowing smile and tucked a tendril of hair behind my ear,"So you are in love?"

She blushed and looked up, hands quiet in her lap, looked across the empty tables in the kitchen and nodded her head.

Yes... or I think I'm. I have never been in love before, but this must be love.

She replied with dreamy smile.

I laughed softly and happily,"Well I am most pleased for you. Is he here, at the castle?"