Courtyard

"I cannot say Royce. Henry might have discussed it with her but I don't know." My smile remains in place as we discuss the topic of my future. It was Henry's decision and his right to choose. Margaret had married Charles without our brother's permission and it took him time to forgive that.

"We shaĺl have to see what his Majesty decides." I float beside my brother-in-law, smiling as I cast my gaze around at the place my sister and her family call home.

Smiling, I sigh gently "Only if you can spare the time... I wouldn't want to keep you from anything important."

Smiling brightly, I take his arm. "I am honoured to be considered so important." One of my ladies picks up the hem of my gown and carries it as I walk beside him. The others in my entourage flutter behind and fawn over my little daughter; who gazes around her, exploring her new surroundings with her eyes.

Walking beside him, I smile with a joyous warm; delighted to be welcomed having arrived unannounced and impromptully. "I am sure I shall adore them." Laughing, I nudge him gently and affectionally. "You will be grateful that my entourage has shrunk since becoming the dowager queen. Your home would have been somewhat over run with women speaking French if I was still queen."

"Thank you." I smile faintly before once again looking over my shoulder. My daughter wriggled in the arms of her governess. Smiling, I return my gaze to him. "How are your family? I don't believe I've ever had the pleasure of meeting them."

"And I truly hope that both of you get that wish." I smile warmly. My ladies chatter away behind us as I turn to face my brother-in-law. "I'll look forward to meeting your brother, I've never got to know our family's 'in-laws' very well, but as we share nephews: I think we should."

"Thank you your Grace." I smile warmly, seeing my travelling trunks placed around my chambers. My Ladies begin to unpack; chattering as they go. "I mustn't keep you any longer; I wouldn't want to disturb your day."

Francis had paid a man to find the whereabouts of his mistress Ursula with his wife away court was dull and he was desperately in need of some spice in his life. Never would, he thought of coming back home to his Gaelic routes. Across the river from here was his mother's hometown Ireland. He did not know if Ursula would wish to see him or not as Francis had neglected her in recent months being torn between her and his wife Joan. A local laird had given him a ride in his cart from the docks now all he had to do was wait for her to come if she did at all.

The boat ride from England had been smooth sailing. The sea could be a cruel mistress at times, but today the boat glided perfectly to the Scottish shores. He saw a woman he presumed waiting for the ship to dock it was like she was the light leading this boat to dry land. On closer inspection, it was Ursula standing there. Had she come to greet him or would she turn him away, refusing to have anything more to do with him. As soon as the boat was docked Francis let his feet carry him to his English Rose. A few spray of sea splashed his face, leaving little spots of water on his leather.

Thank you for meeting me I had thought that you wouldn't come.

Her icy cold exterior was evening more alluring to him than her sweet and gentle side. The situation had changed for Francis he thought about Ursula daily, often dreamed that he had seen her around the court. Where others had failed to capture his attention Ursula infatuated him with intelligence and her outstanding beauty. Francis didn't just want to make her a whore like a brothel like in his teenage years. Apart from Joan he shared his bed with no other not even his blood cousin Mary Howard.

My marriage to Joan is to be annulled she sent me a message giving me permission to marry again. Ursula, If I was to marry anyone else it would be you.

Actually Joan has let me go very easily if she hadn't then I would not be here. I could've gone to any wanton women, but I did not want that I want to be with you.

Francis made a couple of steps forward all he wanted was to hold her in his arms. And run away together.

So I leave here with no hope of us ever being together not even if I spoke to Sir Robert myself.

If this was true then I would indeed be a very happy women, I thought to myself and I looked into his eyes and slowly I let down my defence, he took a couple of steps forward.

"Hold me" I whisper to him.