The Dining room.

Giving the babies to the governess I took a glass of ale made from the finest apples in Somerset and seated myself at the end of the table.

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Thomas joined the Dining Room with Alice and Katherina. He looked around. It was very elegant but comfortable at the same time. He smiled at the Princess and took a seat at the table

I placed a napkin over my lap glancing around for Royce. To pass the time I thought I would see how Thomas was.

'How is life at court Thomas did you get a chance to attend the Easter party.'

I hoped my brother did not ignore him publicly he meant well but these were tough times. Seeing the servants bring the food over I stopped them waiting until Royce was here.

'My sister Katherine currently gave birth some months ago but I have yet to here more from her. I am sure Royce won't be to long now.'

Inside I felt sad these past few days it felt like we were growing apart whenever I looked for him he was not at my side.

Thomas was listening the Duke's words with interest. He was going to give him an advice about how to act with thief, when Katherina's words caught his attention. He turned his head towards her

What? Brandon is banished? Are you sure?

He asked shocked, while a servant to filling his dish with food

I had just started to eat my lunch when Lady Prue made her announcement. I firmly grasped my husbands hand I loved Charles he was like a brother to us what had he done to anger her brother. I knew Charles would be ok but that hint in lady Prue voice did not go unnoticed.

'What on earth is that meant to mean that my husband is close to the Brandon's?? I say this and you can go back to the whole court and tell them this Royce never even slept with Victoria Brandon. Frankly I have had enough.'

I stood up and left the room slamming the door on the way out.

Thomas glanced hesitanly at both Alice and Katherina. Then he shrugged

Well...we can't say this is a boring Christening Party, at least..

He said ironically and started to eat

Thomas was almost speechless. But he tried to smile, vause he loved finding good things in everything

Indeed, my lady. Lord Brandon even married King's sister without his permission, in the past. They both were banished from court for that, but the King forgave them lately. I'm sure...His Majesty will grant to the Duke to come back to court soon. Whatever...he did..

He said smiling but still perplexed

Thomas took a bit of his soup with his spoon. Then he looked at Katherina again

I have no problems with you neither, lady Prue. And I'm not a Cromwell's fan as well. But I think that the King wouldn't act in this way if he was not surrounded by...people like Cromwell, indeed. Once...my King was the most illuminated Prince of Christendom. The Pope even granted him the title of "Difensor Fidei". But...everything is different, now..

He added sadly, remembering how proud he was of Henry before Anne Boleyn came in his life

Thomas took a sip from water and looked at her again

Queen Katherine gave him many children. But God wanted to take most of them immediately after birth. She gave birth a boy, once. But he lived twelve days only. I think no one can blame the Queen for that. She did her duty as wife, and it's not her fault. I love the King. But...I admit I'm very disappointed by his choices recently...

He answered and then turned his eyes towards his soup again. But his mind was elsewhere

Thomas smiled and nodded

Yes...this is my first time in Scotland, my lady. I have travelled along Europe, I have been in France..but never in this beautiful land. And I can imagine that you miss Germany...

Then he noticed that she pushed her soup away

Are you not hungry, lady Katherina? Or maybe you don't like scottish soups?

He asked smiling and a bit worried

Thomas took a deep breath and nodded

Indeed, he is. You're right, my lady. English court is now full of foreign people who just wish to be in King's graces...hoping to obtein some advantage. Rather, I wonder what will happen when the King will submit the clergy at his authority. Even clergymen will act in the same way..

He said in low voice. And after blowing softly on his spoon he took another bit of soup

Thomas smiled as he noticed she didn't like the soup. In that moment a servant came to bring some meat, fish and fruit on their table. He cleaned his mouth softly with his napkin and shook his head

No, actually. While Henry VII was on the throne, I was serving John Morton, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellor of England, as an household page. Few time later, I began my studies in Oxford. I'm also a lawyer, as you know..But tell me about yourself, lady Prue. Nobody knows about your life in Germany before you came to England to marry Cranmer. How was your life there?

He asked with kind tone. He raised his hand stopping a servant who wanted to serve him more wine

I don't drink wine, thank you..

He added whispering

Thomas smiled as he noticed she was finally appreciating the food. He took a sip from water and then looked at her after her last sentence

Lavendar..really? That's my favourite scent too. You know, when I lived in the country, I had a big garden filled with lavendar flowers. And I even had enough space for animals. I'm...very interested in animals. Especially monkeys. But well...I couldn't bring a monkey at court. So I gave a little dog to my daughter as gift..

He smiled, a bit embarassed. Very few people knew this side of him. He was usually known for his serious and religious side. But he liked lady Katherina. And he was happy to see she was finally enjoying his company